I've become even more obsessed with baking/cupcakes in the past few days. There are so many cute baking blogs--- Cakespy, Bakerella, CakeJournal, and Cupcakes Take the Cake. Lots of new ideas to try out, thinking I might actually start decorating beyond icing and sprinkles. Need to see if I still have at home my frosting tips and books from my long-ago cake decorating days. With a little practice I could probably turn out some stars, shells, a little outlining. It would also help with the sugar cookies. The Christmas ones were cute, but definitely sloppy. Don't think I'll take another Wilton class, but if I still have my old supplies then I can at least do some basic decorating. Going to be baking some cupcakes (heart funfetti mix, vanilla frosting, red nonpareils) this afternoon as well as making Pancho's Mom's pasta sauce that takes 5 hours to simmer!! Jesus. But we're having it with bow-tie pasta tonight to use some of it up (I'm halving the recipe and it still makes an insane amount) because it is really being made for the Pasticho, a Venezuelan variation of lasagna that we're making on Saturday. Going to be cooking with leeks for the first time, too. Last night, made a really simple Baked Salmon with Cranberry-Thyme Crust with roasted asparagus (also the first time cooking either of those things.) Came out delicious, though I did overcook the asparagus a little bit. AND, Pancho has nailed down how to make a lemon drop martini at home. :) Oh yeah, my mom is so crazy, she sent me a culinary torch this week so I can caramelize creme brulee. I made pumpkin creme brulee over the holidays but had to stick the ramekins under the broiler to caramelize the sugar on top and it didnt exactly work out (the actual cream part started heating up). But now just need to light up the blowtorch and away I go. Seriously, my mom feeds into my ridiculousness. Homemade creme brulee isn't difficult, but Crate & Barrel makes delicious little kits, too.
I don't know if anyone else has read The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, but I'm reading it now and it is amazing. Talks of Biblical times from the female perspective, how women labored, their relationships with other women, their families, and the gods/goddesses. Its fiction but it is meant to fill in where the Bible leaves women out. Not my typical read, but from my women's history view, very interesting.
Also been watching more of The Biggest Loser lately. Its so inspiring, but also makes me really wish I had my own personal trainer to make me work out and try new routines. Today is finally warm enough for me to head outside.. ehhh. Don't want to but I should, at least walk for 30 minutes to get out of the house.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
A big sigh of relief....
I got into Boston University!! Thank goodness, I am going to graduate school.
Friday, February 20, 2009
McYummy
I've been totally sucked in by the McDonald's ads for the new McCafe, and after reading an article about the battle between it, Starbucks, and peripherally, Dunkin Donuts, well I was more than intrigued. And then to my great delight received a packet of coupons in the mail yesterday which I immediately claimed ownership over. 2 free McCafes. So after our little jaunt to Wal-Mart, (where I picked a cupcake storage container. totally necessary. really.) I stopped and got a Caramel Latte. It was Fantastic. I also happened to notice a sign that all February between 5and 8am, McCafes are free. Now the question is, Can I motivate myself to get up that early in order to feed my espresso habit? (Though to be honest, since I've been in Baltimore I have yet to fire up the ol' espresso machine. Getting up at 10:30 every morning doesn't really inspire the need for caffeine. I'm fairly rested and awake at that point.) Anyways, its tempting.
Also, I am so grateful to have access to Bravo again. Millionaire Matchmaker? My new fave. Patti is freakin hilarious. I was literally smiling at the tv while I was watching it last night. The millionairess was just totally nice and you wanted her to find the right guy.
I also caught some Ace of Cake which I haven't seen in awhile. Now I'm all psyched about the potential of running into any of the people when I'm out and about. A Mary Alice or Geoff sighting would be really awesome.
Also, I am so grateful to have access to Bravo again. Millionaire Matchmaker? My new fave. Patti is freakin hilarious. I was literally smiling at the tv while I was watching it last night. The millionairess was just totally nice and you wanted her to find the right guy.
I also caught some Ace of Cake which I haven't seen in awhile. Now I'm all psyched about the potential of running into any of the people when I'm out and about. A Mary Alice or Geoff sighting would be really awesome.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mousey, Ms., and Martha
Woke up uncharacteristically early today at around 7:30am. Feeling like I need a really productive day-- emptied the dishwasher, did dinner dishes from last night, read (finally finally almost finished with The Feminine Mystique), and am now watching The View. Oh yes, I've become a regular View watcher since I've been off. It's actually quite informative. Martha is also on at the same time so I switch between them. She can get on my nerves a little, her filler commentary is sometimes awkward, but last week for Valentine's there was just the cutest decorations and desserts. Ludacris--shockingly!--is on today, but totally cleaned up wearing a men's v-neck sweater over a button down and he's making sea bass to highlight his new Asian restaurant in Atlanta. hilarious.
While I was reading in bed, I happened to look up and spot a little mousey running along the floorboard under the desk. Though this was the first time I've seen a live mouse in the house, I didn't scream or make a single noise. Saw it, thought hmm wait, is that? and then it scurried and I knew it was a little mousey. Now I'm mostly wondering where the heck it went to. We haven't caught any in awhile, I think they got wise to the traps, but there is less evidence in the kitchen so maybe only a few are left. Nice thought, I know.
Finally feeling better, got so much sleep though that I would have been really concerned if I hadn't gotten better soon. Read an interesting article in Ms. yesterday about the importance of early learning. By the time a child is 4, a child of higher-educated, professional parents will hear 32 million more words than a child of lesser-educated, lower-income parents. In addition to the complexity of the sentences and wider vocabularly. It's sort of crazy. The article also talked about how people think of the achievement gap between higher and lower income kids as being evident in elementary school, but it can be detected as early as 18 months. Entering Kindergarten isn't some magical new entry into being able to learn, that it starts much much earlier. Essentially the article was highlighting Obama's campaign platform and commitment to early education and funding, more federal money needs to go to programs like Head Start that get low income children ready for school.
While I was reading in bed, I happened to look up and spot a little mousey running along the floorboard under the desk. Though this was the first time I've seen a live mouse in the house, I didn't scream or make a single noise. Saw it, thought hmm wait, is that? and then it scurried and I knew it was a little mousey. Now I'm mostly wondering where the heck it went to. We haven't caught any in awhile, I think they got wise to the traps, but there is less evidence in the kitchen so maybe only a few are left. Nice thought, I know.
Finally feeling better, got so much sleep though that I would have been really concerned if I hadn't gotten better soon. Read an interesting article in Ms. yesterday about the importance of early learning. By the time a child is 4, a child of higher-educated, professional parents will hear 32 million more words than a child of lesser-educated, lower-income parents. In addition to the complexity of the sentences and wider vocabularly. It's sort of crazy. The article also talked about how people think of the achievement gap between higher and lower income kids as being evident in elementary school, but it can be detected as early as 18 months. Entering Kindergarten isn't some magical new entry into being able to learn, that it starts much much earlier. Essentially the article was highlighting Obama's campaign platform and commitment to early education and funding, more federal money needs to go to programs like Head Start that get low income children ready for school.
Monday, February 16, 2009
sickies
Finally caught the cold bug that has been going around. The rest of the house has been sick for a week, Pancho has bronchitis, but I thought since I wasn't sick by now then maybe I wasn't going to be. Wrong. Woke up with a sore throat and stuffy nose today. Oh well, I've got the time to rest so hopefully won't keep me down for too long.
Went to a Whole Foods Chocolate Lovers' Class last week. Basically a quick 20-minute presentation on how cacao creates chocolate and about the different percentages. Lots of samples! I love dark chocolate and they had these fantastic sugar cookies with a chocolate orange filling. Got the recipe, going to play with it a little to make chocolate-dipped sugar cookies. Learned how to double boil chocolate, too, which is something I've never really understood but it sounds easy as long as you keep attention to the water level. There are other classes and things, like about different cheeses and how to make soup. Might check it out. Picked up an organic sourdough round to go with our dinner that night and it was deeelicious. Sort of far (and expensive) to go there a lot but for certain things like special chocolate, bread, tea, cheese, or nuts I think I can convince myself.
Made cheesecake on Friday for the first time. It's amazing. Not too difficult, either, but the 3 packages of cream cheese that went in it still gross me out a little. But the graham cracker crust came out nice and firm and the cheesecake is rich. I decorated with little valentine's nonpareils.
Valentine's Day was low-key but nice. Pancho made me jambalaya, all by himself. Just spicy enough and the sausage and shrimp were fantastic. (An Emeril recipe, too!) Mostly just hung out, I watched The Secret Life of Bees. Queen Latifah was great, as usual. I've liked her in the last like 4 movies she's been in.
Not too much is going on around here. I finally ventured down to the basement by myself to do laundry. It's dark and dirty and mice are probably lurking in every corner but I sucked it up. Those little miceies can't stop me from having clean towels. Otherwise, starting to wonder if I'm making the most of my time off. I'm suprisingly not bored but am amazed at how fast the time is going. I certainly feel relaxed and not stressed out so I guess its working as a vacation. Maybe feeling slightly guilty about it though, like is it wrong of me to have done nothing for 2 months?
Went to a Whole Foods Chocolate Lovers' Class last week. Basically a quick 20-minute presentation on how cacao creates chocolate and about the different percentages. Lots of samples! I love dark chocolate and they had these fantastic sugar cookies with a chocolate orange filling. Got the recipe, going to play with it a little to make chocolate-dipped sugar cookies. Learned how to double boil chocolate, too, which is something I've never really understood but it sounds easy as long as you keep attention to the water level. There are other classes and things, like about different cheeses and how to make soup. Might check it out. Picked up an organic sourdough round to go with our dinner that night and it was deeelicious. Sort of far (and expensive) to go there a lot but for certain things like special chocolate, bread, tea, cheese, or nuts I think I can convince myself.
Made cheesecake on Friday for the first time. It's amazing. Not too difficult, either, but the 3 packages of cream cheese that went in it still gross me out a little. But the graham cracker crust came out nice and firm and the cheesecake is rich. I decorated with little valentine's nonpareils.
Valentine's Day was low-key but nice. Pancho made me jambalaya, all by himself. Just spicy enough and the sausage and shrimp were fantastic. (An Emeril recipe, too!) Mostly just hung out, I watched The Secret Life of Bees. Queen Latifah was great, as usual. I've liked her in the last like 4 movies she's been in.
Not too much is going on around here. I finally ventured down to the basement by myself to do laundry. It's dark and dirty and mice are probably lurking in every corner but I sucked it up. Those little miceies can't stop me from having clean towels. Otherwise, starting to wonder if I'm making the most of my time off. I'm suprisingly not bored but am amazed at how fast the time is going. I certainly feel relaxed and not stressed out so I guess its working as a vacation. Maybe feeling slightly guilty about it though, like is it wrong of me to have done nothing for 2 months?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Best former roomies ever. period.
To my complete surprise and utter delight I received a Valentine's care package from my old roomies. The most fantastic little goodies and Paige-specific things. I think the card alone would have made me happy. (Good work on the envelope, Ali. You really do have a way with puffy paint. I'm jealous of your skills :) Naturally, I almost immediately inhaled about 3/4 of the pink(!) M&Ms and now subsequently am feeling a mix of self-loathing and sugar high. The chore magnets are ridiculous!!!! I don't know how well it would go over with the guys if I actually put them on the fridge next to name tags, but it is certainly tempting! They are very true though, Feed the Animals, Take out Trash, Do the Dishes, Clean the Bathroom (these are the most vexing chores that are always needing to be done.) and the heart cupcake liners. Shockingly, I dont have any, so these are perfect to go along with the hearts funfetti mix I have. and some sticky notes and those Alligator and Lovebug magnets, so appropriate! lovelovelove.
Anyways, all of it was absolutely amazing and I <3 The Al(l)isons.
So I made Pillsbury pizza for the first time on Tuesday. Ham and Pineapple as toppings. It looked super fancy ( I think the other Roommates are getting jealous about all the "real" dinners I've been whipping up every night) but I think I slightly overcooked it or maybe used too large a baking sheet because it was thin crust and not at all like I remember Walfy's or Stella's pizza being like, so if you have tips on that, I'd appreciate it. Also thinking about trying a garlic butter crust next time, a la Satchel's.
The other day on campus I was looking at one of those flier walls to see if there was cool stuff to do and came across a lab test participant thing. I went for the first half last night at the Mind/Brain Institute. Basically I had my arm in this seriously homemade-looking box with my index finger receiving pulses from some sort of device. I had to differentiate between 2 versions which had a higher frequency based on that touch, I had headphones on at the same time giving me distractor pitch noises. Anyways, its a total of 10 rounds of 98(!) trials each of these 2 versions. But $10/hr, so I'd say its worth my time. I'm going in Monday to finish it up, only did 5 rounds last night but it took over an hour so thank you easy money.
Working on an internship application right now for the Office of the Curator at the Supreme Court. It's during the summer, and I guess you like get to lead tours and work on exhibits dealing with the history and architecture of the Supreme Court. Hey, I think its cool, and sort of perfectly in line with what I want to eventually do, so cross your fingers. (I need the moolah AND it would be pretty awesome to have that on my resume). Also, I did not get into Yale for grad school. Not surprised but now I feel like I need all the 11:11 wishes and prayers I can get, so think positive thoughts for me.
Anyways, all of it was absolutely amazing and I <3 The Al(l)isons.
So I made Pillsbury pizza for the first time on Tuesday. Ham and Pineapple as toppings. It looked super fancy ( I think the other Roommates are getting jealous about all the "real" dinners I've been whipping up every night) but I think I slightly overcooked it or maybe used too large a baking sheet because it was thin crust and not at all like I remember Walfy's or Stella's pizza being like, so if you have tips on that, I'd appreciate it. Also thinking about trying a garlic butter crust next time, a la Satchel's.
The other day on campus I was looking at one of those flier walls to see if there was cool stuff to do and came across a lab test participant thing. I went for the first half last night at the Mind/Brain Institute. Basically I had my arm in this seriously homemade-looking box with my index finger receiving pulses from some sort of device. I had to differentiate between 2 versions which had a higher frequency based on that touch, I had headphones on at the same time giving me distractor pitch noises. Anyways, its a total of 10 rounds of 98(!) trials each of these 2 versions. But $10/hr, so I'd say its worth my time. I'm going in Monday to finish it up, only did 5 rounds last night but it took over an hour so thank you easy money.
Working on an internship application right now for the Office of the Curator at the Supreme Court. It's during the summer, and I guess you like get to lead tours and work on exhibits dealing with the history and architecture of the Supreme Court. Hey, I think its cool, and sort of perfectly in line with what I want to eventually do, so cross your fingers. (I need the moolah AND it would be pretty awesome to have that on my resume). Also, I did not get into Yale for grad school. Not surprised but now I feel like I need all the 11:11 wishes and prayers I can get, so think positive thoughts for me.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Pastries & Trivia
Last night Pancho and I went to Little Italy downtown for Vaccaro's All-You-Can-Eat Coffee and Dessert night. I'd been looking forward to it for days because the thought of gorging myself on cannolis was just too tempting. It's basically THE place to go for Italian pastries in Baltimore and we've been once before, a few years ago. The portions are indescribably huge, to the point of ridiculousness. So for Round 1 we started off with a latte, chai tea, chocolate hazelnut cake, and a sampler (two mini cannolis, 3 cookies, 2 cream puffs). The rule is you have to finish at least half before you can order something else. We polished off the cake and all of the sampler except one of the cream puffs. I was thoroughly enjoying myself until it came time to order Round 2. Decided I would take it easy and get an eclair, Pancho got a Belgian waffle with Baci gelato, hot fudge, and whipped cream. I was visibly in eating distress when the waitress brought out a BRICK of an eclair. Got through maybe 4 bites and it was lights out. Pancho, for his part, did do a number on his. I certainly got my sweet tooth satisfied, slightly disappointed I couldn't eat more, but it was just sheer sugar overload. I had read some other forum postings about Vaccaro's before we went, seeing what other people thought, and I have to agree with many people that maybe it used to be a great place but now is perhaps resting on its reputation and history in the area. I mean, the cannolis really were fantastic, the filling was some of the best I've ever had, but the prices are exorbitant ($6 for a latte?!) and there really is no reason to get dessert in the portions they serve, unless you're sharing with like 3 people. And other people had mentioned that there is a focus on quantity over quality and I think that is probably true as well, it was all yummy in the way that dessert is always yummy but nothing that I would absolutely rave over (except maybe the almond cookies. delightful). Either way, it was a fun thing to try and it has now pushed me to eat in moderation.
But we were sitting at the table there, uncomfortably shifting to find positions to sit to accommodate the dessert, and Pancho's friends called to see if we wanted to stop by Trivia Night on the way home. Its become the Monday night tradition, usually a good-sized group goes down to James Joyce, an Irish pub downtown for Trivia Night. Basically, 6 rounds of questions, very random, and you're in teams with the people you come in with. The winners get a $40 tab. Pancho went last week but I hadnt gone yet, so we went, and it was so much fun. I single-handedly contributed the answers to identifying a picture of Emma Roberts, knowing Jean Claude Van Damm was Belgian, that Gone With the Wind was released in 1939 in Atlanta, and that Rochester is Jane Eyre's love interest. It was all insanely random knowledge (which of New Zealand's islands is larger? Can you see the Great Wall with your naked eye from space? -- the Southern island and No) Between rounds you can answer individual questions for free beer, Pancho won a Blue Moon pilsner glass on one. And our Team-- Looks Are a Bonus-- ended up winning! So I got a free glass of Magners hard cider out of it and the satisfaction of being a winner at pub trivia, not bad!
But we were sitting at the table there, uncomfortably shifting to find positions to sit to accommodate the dessert, and Pancho's friends called to see if we wanted to stop by Trivia Night on the way home. Its become the Monday night tradition, usually a good-sized group goes down to James Joyce, an Irish pub downtown for Trivia Night. Basically, 6 rounds of questions, very random, and you're in teams with the people you come in with. The winners get a $40 tab. Pancho went last week but I hadnt gone yet, so we went, and it was so much fun. I single-handedly contributed the answers to identifying a picture of Emma Roberts, knowing Jean Claude Van Damm was Belgian, that Gone With the Wind was released in 1939 in Atlanta, and that Rochester is Jane Eyre's love interest. It was all insanely random knowledge (which of New Zealand's islands is larger? Can you see the Great Wall with your naked eye from space? -- the Southern island and No) Between rounds you can answer individual questions for free beer, Pancho won a Blue Moon pilsner glass on one. And our Team-- Looks Are a Bonus-- ended up winning! So I got a free glass of Magners hard cider out of it and the satisfaction of being a winner at pub trivia, not bad!
Monday, February 9, 2009
It's a love story/ Baby just say yes
Recap of the weekend: Friday night we went for Happy Hour to Charles Village Pub (CVP) where I proceeded to get hammered off of two measly Vodka Collins. pathetic. but they were delightful. Then Pancho and I went for our weekly dinner out to Holy Frijoles in Hampden (a cute artsy neighborhood on the other side of Hopkins campus). They had fantastic sounding margaritas and martinis, but given my already imbibed status they would have really done me in. So I had water. :( but with really good chips and salsa and enchiladas. The rice and beans were so-so, but I was craving Mexican food and it hit the spot. We think going there just for drinks and chips would be fantastic.
Saturday morning we walked over to the Waverly Farmer's Market that is literally at the end of our street, about a minute walk (you can see it if you stand in front of the house) with a friend I made over the summer at that history scholars week in NYC who also goes to JHU. Since its winter I wasn't totally impressed by the offerings, but did pick up some orange peppers and an amazing round loaf of fresh-baked bread. We've been cutting off slices since then for sandwiches, toast, bread with dinner. Tres yummy.
The usual round of weekend chores--grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning. We've become amazing at printing coupons online, checking sale fliers for deals. We went to two grocery stores to maximize savings this week. lol. I just love a good deal.
The weather was simply incredible, too. In the 50s!!! and sunny. I knew I couldn't ask for any better conditions to go running in so I sucked it up and put on the UnderArmour. Was actually quite pleasant going around the border of campus and through the quads. Lots more hills/inclines than I am used to and the wind picked up on Sunday, but I got two really great workouts in. Now, I'm paying for it with sore muscles, barely making it up and down the stairs. Might also be from the stadiums I so mistakenly thought I was in shape for. I do miss having a gym though because when the weather doesn't cooperate I'm pretty much stuck indoors even if I do want to workout.
Hung out with some of Pancho's friends on Saturday night, had Firefly which is as close as I'm getting here to sweet tea. I've also started preparing for learning how to make cocktails (1 of my 5 plans for my sabbatical. The others being to read, cook and bake, work on French and Spanish, and scrapbook.) Now that I have my bar set, I used the jigger and shaker to make Crantinis last week (vodka, cranberry juice, and the juice from a fresh lime) which were delightful. I need to buy Peach Schnapps and then I have a few more to try (Sex on the Beach, Fuzzy Navel).
I made Allison's Chili for dinner last night with some Trader Joe's cornbread mix. Absolutely, insanely good. And so much leftover! I'll be having it for lunch all week. Pancho loved it, Roommate S had it, and we invited a friend of Pancho's for dinner. She was having a rough day and I spontaneously offered chili and cornbread because I know nothing cures a bad day like good food. (Says my inner fatty)
I'm so excited for Valentine's Day. I mailed both of my parents little packages of Berger cookies, cards, and graduation pictures I had printed out. Already got a box from my mom. She knows me too well--Big heart and kissy lip cookie cutters, Girl Scout cookies, sugared fruit slices, and a Hallmark mailer. Pancho and I aren't going out on Saturday, I didn't want to deal with making reservations and the cost, and we're not exchanging gifts, but we are going out tonight for our 4.5 year anniversary / sorta Valentine's Day meal (I dont think its silly we mark it. He thinks its a little embarassing to tell other people. pssh) and then giving cards on VDay itself and making a nice dinner and maybe out for coffee. I just think its important to make it a nice day, spend some quality time.
Saturday morning we walked over to the Waverly Farmer's Market that is literally at the end of our street, about a minute walk (you can see it if you stand in front of the house) with a friend I made over the summer at that history scholars week in NYC who also goes to JHU. Since its winter I wasn't totally impressed by the offerings, but did pick up some orange peppers and an amazing round loaf of fresh-baked bread. We've been cutting off slices since then for sandwiches, toast, bread with dinner. Tres yummy.
The usual round of weekend chores--grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning. We've become amazing at printing coupons online, checking sale fliers for deals. We went to two grocery stores to maximize savings this week. lol. I just love a good deal.
The weather was simply incredible, too. In the 50s!!! and sunny. I knew I couldn't ask for any better conditions to go running in so I sucked it up and put on the UnderArmour. Was actually quite pleasant going around the border of campus and through the quads. Lots more hills/inclines than I am used to and the wind picked up on Sunday, but I got two really great workouts in. Now, I'm paying for it with sore muscles, barely making it up and down the stairs. Might also be from the stadiums I so mistakenly thought I was in shape for. I do miss having a gym though because when the weather doesn't cooperate I'm pretty much stuck indoors even if I do want to workout.
Hung out with some of Pancho's friends on Saturday night, had Firefly which is as close as I'm getting here to sweet tea. I've also started preparing for learning how to make cocktails (1 of my 5 plans for my sabbatical. The others being to read, cook and bake, work on French and Spanish, and scrapbook.) Now that I have my bar set, I used the jigger and shaker to make Crantinis last week (vodka, cranberry juice, and the juice from a fresh lime) which were delightful. I need to buy Peach Schnapps and then I have a few more to try (Sex on the Beach, Fuzzy Navel).
I made Allison's Chili for dinner last night with some Trader Joe's cornbread mix. Absolutely, insanely good. And so much leftover! I'll be having it for lunch all week. Pancho loved it, Roommate S had it, and we invited a friend of Pancho's for dinner. She was having a rough day and I spontaneously offered chili and cornbread because I know nothing cures a bad day like good food. (Says my inner fatty)
I'm so excited for Valentine's Day. I mailed both of my parents little packages of Berger cookies, cards, and graduation pictures I had printed out. Already got a box from my mom. She knows me too well--Big heart and kissy lip cookie cutters, Girl Scout cookies, sugared fruit slices, and a Hallmark mailer. Pancho and I aren't going out on Saturday, I didn't want to deal with making reservations and the cost, and we're not exchanging gifts, but we are going out tonight for our 4.5 year anniversary / sorta Valentine's Day meal (I dont think its silly we mark it. He thinks its a little embarassing to tell other people. pssh) and then giving cards on VDay itself and making a nice dinner and maybe out for coffee. I just think its important to make it a nice day, spend some quality time.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Yay, Thursday!
This has been quite a good day and its not even half over! Woke up early to go with Pancho to finally get everything with the car and parking decals sorted out. Having had horrible and painful experiences at home with the DMV, the Maryland Vehicles Auth. was a breeze. Competant workers, hardly any wait, nice nice nice. Then back downtown to switch the temporary card to a permanent decal. Yay, now I can park in Oakenshawe, District 1 until December without worrying about a ticket. Ha, except after I dropped Pancho back off at school, I'm still looking for shortcuts on parallel parking. I've been lucky to week to have been able to just drive into a wide enough gap normally and then just correct it. Eventually I will learn. eventually.
I will be in Boca from Thursday, March 12 through Tuesday, March 24. Airfare surprisingly normal considering its Spring Break time. Pancho is going to Europe with his parents and I really didnt want to stay here alone for over a week, I get freaked out enough by all the noises on a regular night if no one is home. Since the rowhouses are all connected and share walls, a lot of times I can't tell if a noise is our house or the neighbors. Then, given the area, there really is no way I would stay here alone. Dog or no dog. Pops does look menacing even though he's just a cute furry ball of energy (You should see him attack his stuffed duck. well, it used to be stuffed until one of the boys put a treat inside and Pops tore all the stuffing out to get the treat. sigh.)
Gossip Girl was so deliciously scandalous at the end. Although I'm worried about no upcoming sneak previews... 24 was also good. And now that Bravo is available to me again, I can soak up the awfulness of OC Housewives. Although I will confess (for him) that Pancho is looking forward to the Millionaire Matchmaker next week. I just love the advice that Patti tells these guys. Some people just don't deserve their money if they are going to act completely self-centered and pretty much ridiculous.
Some great recipes to share. We made tilapia with roasted red potatoes on Monday, stromboli with a hodge podge salad of lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, mushrooms, gorgonzola crumbly cheese, and balsalmic viniagrette dressing (so yummy!) on Tuesday, did a Trader Joe's frozen penne mix yesterday with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and green peppers drizzled with balsalmic, and tonight is beef burgundy soup. All of these were new dishes for me and I have to say that the tilapia and stromboli were absolutely fantastic. Warm, flavorful, and filling. I discovered Pillsbury's online recipes and coupons (!) early this week and got the stromboli and beef burgundy recipes. Its also nice because they have a cooking for two section so I dont have to make monstrous portions that we end up having all week for leftovers.
And! For my afternoon project, I'm going to make red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting from this cute mix I got for Christmas. Trying to get this house into a festive Valentinesy spirit. Last week I put up the gel heart window clings, most on our 3 bedroom windows but I did put some on the front door to which Housemate S declared they had to go (they are still up.) But I more excited about the fact that I have a banister to work with now. That cheesy red sequin and hearts garland? Wrapped around the handrail. It's so cute!! Then I had the leftover paper cutouts from last year and those are on the bedroom door. So today is the start to Valentines baking. Attempting cheesecake next week with red and pink sprinkles. I also picked up (on sale for $1!!) a funfetti hearts version.
I will be in Boca from Thursday, March 12 through Tuesday, March 24. Airfare surprisingly normal considering its Spring Break time. Pancho is going to Europe with his parents and I really didnt want to stay here alone for over a week, I get freaked out enough by all the noises on a regular night if no one is home. Since the rowhouses are all connected and share walls, a lot of times I can't tell if a noise is our house or the neighbors. Then, given the area, there really is no way I would stay here alone. Dog or no dog. Pops does look menacing even though he's just a cute furry ball of energy (You should see him attack his stuffed duck. well, it used to be stuffed until one of the boys put a treat inside and Pops tore all the stuffing out to get the treat. sigh.)
Gossip Girl was so deliciously scandalous at the end. Although I'm worried about no upcoming sneak previews... 24 was also good. And now that Bravo is available to me again, I can soak up the awfulness of OC Housewives. Although I will confess (for him) that Pancho is looking forward to the Millionaire Matchmaker next week. I just love the advice that Patti tells these guys. Some people just don't deserve their money if they are going to act completely self-centered and pretty much ridiculous.
Some great recipes to share. We made tilapia with roasted red potatoes on Monday, stromboli with a hodge podge salad of lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, mushrooms, gorgonzola crumbly cheese, and balsalmic viniagrette dressing (so yummy!) on Tuesday, did a Trader Joe's frozen penne mix yesterday with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and green peppers drizzled with balsalmic, and tonight is beef burgundy soup. All of these were new dishes for me and I have to say that the tilapia and stromboli were absolutely fantastic. Warm, flavorful, and filling. I discovered Pillsbury's online recipes and coupons (!) early this week and got the stromboli and beef burgundy recipes. Its also nice because they have a cooking for two section so I dont have to make monstrous portions that we end up having all week for leftovers.
And! For my afternoon project, I'm going to make red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting from this cute mix I got for Christmas. Trying to get this house into a festive Valentinesy spirit. Last week I put up the gel heart window clings, most on our 3 bedroom windows but I did put some on the front door to which Housemate S declared they had to go (they are still up.) But I more excited about the fact that I have a banister to work with now. That cheesy red sequin and hearts garland? Wrapped around the handrail. It's so cute!! Then I had the leftover paper cutouts from last year and those are on the bedroom door. So today is the start to Valentines baking. Attempting cheesecake next week with red and pink sprinkles. I also picked up (on sale for $1!!) a funfetti hearts version.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Princeton & the Superbowl
Pancho and I drove Eddie back to Princeton on Friday. Not a bad 2.5 hour drive. Added Delaware and New Jersey to new states that I have now kinda been to. Princeton is a cute little town. Quiet streets and those classic Northeast-looking frame houses. Weather took a cold nosedive so couldn't fully appreciate the long walk of shops across from campus while hunting for a dinner place, mostly just focused on finding anywhere to get inside.
Took the Little One around to get groceries and run errands (always nice to have someone visit that has a car). Stayed overnight in the dorms. Definitely have not missed the twin-size beds. Went for breakfast at PJ's Pancake House. I was intent on doing things that were "Princetonian" while we were there. It certainly had that local place charm to it, handwriting all over the walls, cramped and packed with people, but delicious food. Absolutely fantastic chocolate chip pancakes. We all had them. Pancho of course had to do the chocolate chip and peanut butter ones. too too much if you ask me. but we all know how I dont like chocolate and PB mixed together anyways. And we ate until we were positively disgustingly full.
Walked around most of campus. Very pretty and impressive-looking buildings. Pictures on facebook at some point this week. And then Pancho and I were back on the road to Baltimore. Drive was going perfectly fine until we were about 25 minutes from home. I was driving, we were going to make a quick stop at Superfresh to get groceries for the week and it was going to all work out fine to be home to make an early dinner. UNTIL we see a road caution sign that there is an accident blocking the 3 left lanes (of 4 total) in 7 miles. There are no more exits coming up so we have to drive through it. Right when the cars start to slow down, my gas light comes on. No big deal, I have like 4 gallons when it goes on. Its 5:09pm and Freddie had calculated we would get to Baltimore at 5:35pm. So we're inching along and it gets to be an hour later, we've gone 1.7 miles (I always make immediate note of mileage and time when traffic slows, precisely so I can torment myself in situations like these to know just how bad it is.) And the gas ticker is creeping lower and lower. Normally, you figure that when the gas light comes on you have like 50 miles or whatever which would have been more than fine. Except we had been sitting in traffic for an hour. No idea what to do because it looks like there is no end in sight to the cars. We decide to drive on the shoulder to at least try to get ahead and hopefully get to an exit to look for gas before the car dies. Freddie still said we were like 3.5 miles from an exit and we figure that a cop would understand driving on the shoulder if it meant we wouldnt die on the side of the road. Anyways, so we're doing this and other cars are trying to block the shoulder. So we try to get back into the lane, no one lets us. Its not a good situation. I'm cringing, praying that we dont rub up on another car as Pancho has to just force our way into the lane. We're still in traffic, no real way to ride the shoulder anymore. So I call AAA and I'm like uhh we're not sure how much gas we have left and traffic is basically stopped what should we do? They put us in priority to have someone come deliver gas in case we do run out. This goes on for awhile, we're anxiously watching the gas ticker mark. And then traffic starts moving, we get to the exit, I'm still begging the car to make it to the gas station, AAA calls literally 3 times to see if we still need the gas. We made it and everything ends well. lol. It was much more nerve-wracking at the time, especially when we had gone 1.7 miles in an hour. Anyways, AAA and Freddie really got us through that one.
A bunch of the boys' friends came over to watch the game yesterday. I had originally made a list to do a potluck and have everyone bring something. But one of the guys thinks it won't work, the others won't bring stuff, whatever. So it's just bring your own everything. I was a little bummed, had been thinking I might try a spinach dip recipe for the first time. Everyone in the house decides we're going to order wings to split and Pancho and I get our own beer and chips. It's all good until the second half of the people arrive (of 12 people total) and they've got artichoke AND bean dip AND a nachos dish for everyone. Apparently word hadnt quite gotten back around that the potluck was off. Meanwhile, I'm mentally scanning our cupboards, thinking if there is anything that I can whip together to save myself. Of course there isnt. So now I have to do something to redeem my baking and hostess reputation (although I still maintain that it isnt really my fault. I would certainly have made something had I known) I mentioned doing a potluck for the final game of March Madness, next major sporting event I could think of. Sigh. But I've been baking stuff every week for the house at least. They know what the deal is. :)
Took the Little One around to get groceries and run errands (always nice to have someone visit that has a car). Stayed overnight in the dorms. Definitely have not missed the twin-size beds. Went for breakfast at PJ's Pancake House. I was intent on doing things that were "Princetonian" while we were there. It certainly had that local place charm to it, handwriting all over the walls, cramped and packed with people, but delicious food. Absolutely fantastic chocolate chip pancakes. We all had them. Pancho of course had to do the chocolate chip and peanut butter ones. too too much if you ask me. but we all know how I dont like chocolate and PB mixed together anyways. And we ate until we were positively disgustingly full.
Walked around most of campus. Very pretty and impressive-looking buildings. Pictures on facebook at some point this week. And then Pancho and I were back on the road to Baltimore. Drive was going perfectly fine until we were about 25 minutes from home. I was driving, we were going to make a quick stop at Superfresh to get groceries for the week and it was going to all work out fine to be home to make an early dinner. UNTIL we see a road caution sign that there is an accident blocking the 3 left lanes (of 4 total) in 7 miles. There are no more exits coming up so we have to drive through it. Right when the cars start to slow down, my gas light comes on. No big deal, I have like 4 gallons when it goes on. Its 5:09pm and Freddie had calculated we would get to Baltimore at 5:35pm. So we're inching along and it gets to be an hour later, we've gone 1.7 miles (I always make immediate note of mileage and time when traffic slows, precisely so I can torment myself in situations like these to know just how bad it is.) And the gas ticker is creeping lower and lower. Normally, you figure that when the gas light comes on you have like 50 miles or whatever which would have been more than fine. Except we had been sitting in traffic for an hour. No idea what to do because it looks like there is no end in sight to the cars. We decide to drive on the shoulder to at least try to get ahead and hopefully get to an exit to look for gas before the car dies. Freddie still said we were like 3.5 miles from an exit and we figure that a cop would understand driving on the shoulder if it meant we wouldnt die on the side of the road. Anyways, so we're doing this and other cars are trying to block the shoulder. So we try to get back into the lane, no one lets us. Its not a good situation. I'm cringing, praying that we dont rub up on another car as Pancho has to just force our way into the lane. We're still in traffic, no real way to ride the shoulder anymore. So I call AAA and I'm like uhh we're not sure how much gas we have left and traffic is basically stopped what should we do? They put us in priority to have someone come deliver gas in case we do run out. This goes on for awhile, we're anxiously watching the gas ticker mark. And then traffic starts moving, we get to the exit, I'm still begging the car to make it to the gas station, AAA calls literally 3 times to see if we still need the gas. We made it and everything ends well. lol. It was much more nerve-wracking at the time, especially when we had gone 1.7 miles in an hour. Anyways, AAA and Freddie really got us through that one.
A bunch of the boys' friends came over to watch the game yesterday. I had originally made a list to do a potluck and have everyone bring something. But one of the guys thinks it won't work, the others won't bring stuff, whatever. So it's just bring your own everything. I was a little bummed, had been thinking I might try a spinach dip recipe for the first time. Everyone in the house decides we're going to order wings to split and Pancho and I get our own beer and chips. It's all good until the second half of the people arrive (of 12 people total) and they've got artichoke AND bean dip AND a nachos dish for everyone. Apparently word hadnt quite gotten back around that the potluck was off. Meanwhile, I'm mentally scanning our cupboards, thinking if there is anything that I can whip together to save myself. Of course there isnt. So now I have to do something to redeem my baking and hostess reputation (although I still maintain that it isnt really my fault. I would certainly have made something had I known) I mentioned doing a potluck for the final game of March Madness, next major sporting event I could think of. Sigh. But I've been baking stuff every week for the house at least. They know what the deal is. :)
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