Lavender Soap

Curry!

2012-01-28T07:43:00.000-08:00

We eat a lot of curry dishes around here, as I've said in previous posts.

It's just so easy and so good! I love that I can come home from work, cook some chicken, add onions, some spices, tomatoes, and some water, serve it over rice, and dinner is done.

I finally found my favorite blend of spices for making a quick yellow curry dish:

(There are no measurements because I just throw stuff in a bowl, sorry)

Garlic powder

Ground ginger

Salt

Pepper

Cinnamon

Coriander

Turmeric

Cumin

Fenugreek

Madras curry powder

Red pepper flakes

I just mix all of these together and add it to the chicken and onions, followed by about 1 cup of water, and let it reduce. Repeat that process three times.

Finish with a little cream and some chopped tomatoes.

Yum.

Lontra canadensis

2012-01-28T07:33:00.000-08:00

Excuse the very blurry picture.

These live in the pond directly behind my house! Our back yard is separated from the water by our fence and about 8 feet of brush and some trees. For the past couple of weeks, Malo has been getting out of the yard (we did finally find his secret escape spot and repaired it) and mucking around back there, getting into the water up to his chest. We had no idea why, it seemed like an odd behavior to suddenly develop.

This is why.

Ricky came home, let the dogs out, and walked through the yard with them. Malo and Maggie started losing their minds at the fence. Ricky looked over, and there were 2 3.5-4 foot long otters up on the bank, making this weird hiss-bark noise at the dogs. They scurried off into the water shortly after.

I'm glad he got a picture! I was at the grocery store. =(

How have we lived here for 2 years and never noticed these guys before?

Sneaky otters.

Books.

2012-01-15T17:12:00.000-08:00

Everyone has their laundry list of books you must read while pregnant.
I for one found the scare tactics in "What to Expect When You're Expecting" a little too much to handle, but that's just me. I know people who swear by that book. I've heard it called "the bible of pregnancy books."
I skimmed over it and hated it. So I bought these!

Silly name. Incredibly useful, practical information.

Also an odd name, but don't be fooled. Really interesting information on the science of pregnancy.

I'm a fan of science.

Salvador

2012-01-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, January 3rd, I came home at noon on my lunch break and found that Salvador, our 1.5 year old male cat, had passed away sometime in the morning. I found him laying on our bedroom floor, next to Ricky's side of the bed.

There were no outward signs as to what the cause was, and I did a thorough check of the house. Nothing was out of place, nothing had been chewed. All the cabinets were closed. Everything was as it always is.He was just... gone.I called Ricky, and as soon as he got home we brought Sal's body to my work so that Dr. Dyson could try to see if there was any reason to be found. Salvador was a healthy, active, energetic cat. He was vaccinated properly and ate a great cat food.She did an ultrasound and found what we had suspected it was. He had a heart attack. Sal had an underlying heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopethy. Some cats have symptoms, and in those cases it can be found and maybe treated. Unfortunately, Salvador had none, so we had no reason to think that there was anything to be found. He was only one year and five months old.That was that, and we had him cremated. I got his ashes back today in a cedar box with his name on it.We put the box in the small window above our front door. Sal was always trying to get up there, and although he only made the very high jump a few times, he never stopped attempting it.We love you Salvador, you were a wonderfully weird cat, and a cherished member of the family. Thank you for sharing your time with us.

♥

Merry Christmas to me...

2012-01-09T18:47:00.000-08:00

Ricky was very proud of himself this year. I love love love my new bag, and I love that the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM is also large enough to use as a diaper bag. Right?!

Ricky also received a snazzy new bag for Christmas. The Petunia Pickle Bottom Rubicon Rucksack. How awesome is this thing? All leather, all sorts of pockets, messenger style, removable bottle/sippy cup holders, and a laptop sleeve. Whenever I see men out with their wives carrying those big, squishy, pink or blue and brown shoulder diaper bags I feel sorry for them.

Ricky will not be one of those men, I just made sure of it.

I still cook, I swear

2012-01-09T18:30:00.000-08:00

I promise I'm not one of those horribly lazy women who stopped just because I'm pregnant.I am, however, really bad at finding the time to blog.

Tofu and vegetables over rice. One of my favorites.

Slow cooker pot roast over egg noodles. Made in the fabulous Cuisinart multi-cooker that Ricky got me for Christmas.

Pasta with peas and mushrooms.

Thanksgiving! Ha! Has it really been that long?

Thanksgiving desserts! Pumpkin bread pudding with pepita caramel sauce and apple blackberry pie. Yessir.

Come on blogger

2011-12-23T06:14:00.001-08:00

My top tabs are broken. When I go to edit them, the addresses are correct, so I don't know what to do.MAYBE if blogger had their shit together I'd be on here more.Also if I weren't so lazy and tired.But still. If anyone wants to look at Powell Sprout, it's powellsprout.blogspot.com

tabbytabby

2011-11-15T14:34:00.001-08:00

I've added a tab at the top of this page, under my header that reads, "The Powell Sprout." From now on I'll be making my pregnancy posts and gripes on that page.=)

Something New ♥

2011-11-11T12:54:00.001-08:00

So... this is happening.

Sprout! We found out in September, but finally made it public the other day. Look at it! Like a little alien teddy bear in there! This is an ultrasound from October.

Here's my most recent. Sprout measured 11 weeks 5 days in this picture. I already love the little polliwog.

Things have been going relatively well. Along with the fetus (it's officially a 'fetus' at this point!) they also found a tumor on my left, and only, ovary. It looks to be calcified in some places, which isn't great, but the doctor isn't worried. At this point in development, even if I end up losing that ovary in a removal surgery, the placenta would take care of the pregnancy and I wouldn't lose it. That was a big worry in the beginning. I was on pelvic rest for a while because of the whole ordeal, but thankfully that's over and I can start working out again. For those of you who don't know, I lost my right ovary in 2003 due to a large tetratoma. It was bigger than a grapefruit when they found it, and it was torsing and nearly killed me. We didn't even know that I could have children, and who knows how long it would have taken to find this other tumor if I hadn't become pregnant. Thanks, universe. ;)

Being pregnant and having lupus wasn't something that I was looking forward to, and for good reason. I'm exhausted, not just "I'm pregnant and I'm tired" exhausted. Debilitating exhaustion. Not very fun. I can't take any medication for the joint pain, as NSAIDs are off limits while you're pregnant. Other than that, no complaints. I've heard some great stories about how the hormone changes that accompany pregnancy can sometimes end lupus symptoms all together, even after you deliver. Here's hopin'!

We're very excited. It seems so legit now that everyone knows about it. I sent out some pretty cute "we're expecting" announcements, because I'll use any excuse I can to buy cute paper products.

We're hoping for a boy, but we get what we get. It's a female until it's a male (yeah, I saw Jurassic Park) so for now it's a she.

♥

Separate Post: Food in NYC

2011-11-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Farrera Bakery in little Italy. No words.

We had to go to Katz's Deli. I had the Matzo Ball Soup and a Spinach Knish and Ricky had the Pastrami on Rye. Amazing. Also where Harry met Sally, did you know that?

We stopped by a little place called Sugar Cafe and had some of the best strawberry rhubarb pie I've ever had. Tiny little place, but the food was delicious, the coffee was great, and the service was fantastic. Definitely worth the stop.

My Birthday in New York

2011-11-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

This is the view from our hotel room. <3

Most of my actual birthday was spent at the Central Park Zoo (Red Pandas!) and at the Museum of Natural History.

Giant Sloth!

The Loch Ness Monster...

My favorite part of any museum is the dioramas. How cool is this guy?

Wall of lobstaaaahs!

Ricky loved the poison dart frogs. These ones were real frogs, not just display frogs.

Three Years ♥

2011-11-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

The day we got married, 10-13-2008, in Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Our 1 year anniversary in Florida.

2 years, in Florida.

3 years, still in Florida.

No more anniversaries in Florida, please?

happy furry faces at home

2011-09-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

wrinkles.

2011-09-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

I have wrinkles. Little ones around my eyes, that awesome "11" between my eyes when I frown that I get from my dad's side...I also have a few grey hairs.I'm a baby! I'll only be 25 in October.And I don't give a shit.I actually love my grey hair, and can't wait to get more. That's the truth.Seriously. I'm not sure why I should care.This is old news, I'm sure, but every time I turn on the TV I'm reminded of how bad I should feel about myself."Women! Are you too fat? To skinny? Too flabby? Do you have wrinkles? Freckles? Grey hair? Teeth that aren't blindingly white? Are your breasts sagging? Too little? Too big (because you're too fat)? Does your vagina not smell like a perfumery? Are your eyelashes not 4.6 inches long and the width of scallions? Do you get *gasp* hungry during the day? Are you in any way imperfect?BUY THIS! IT WILL CURE YOU!
Body image misconceptions aggravate me, but not nearly as much as aging ones do.What is so damn wrong with getting old? Do we all really want to look like a Real Housewife of Wherever? Taut fish lips, expressionless foreheads, and bug-eyes? I speak more with my facial muscles than I do with my mouth. I can't imagine what I'd do if I couldn't scrunch my face up when someone makes me confused or pissed off. I'd probably pass out.Is it not better to just be beautiful and look your age? Is it not more attractive to look as though you take care of yourself and have thus aged gracefully rather than look like you are fighting getting old with every dime you make?I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with moisturizing, or using a good night cream. Every night before bed I slather Oil of Olay night cream on my face, neck, chest, and the backs of my hands, just as I remember my mother doing when I was a girl. But when the day comes that I have more wrinkles than I do now, or when my eyelids start to droop in a Rocky Balboa-style fashion, just as my father's and his mother's do, I'm not going to rush to a clinic to get a needle stuck into my face. Age is beautiful. Trying to look 20 when you're 55 is sad, and it just makes me think that you're unhappy with yourself. Whatever toxins you shoot into your face, you can't get your time back. Be happy with where you are, with how far you've come, and who you are today. Not 5, 10, or 20 years ago. And don't go blaming it on men. We blame enough on men. I think we did this to ourselves.

2011-09-18T18:41:00.001-07:00

I posted a link to my blog on Facebook, which my husband saw at work.

He then created this.

I love that man.

My smile does look a little suspicious.

Fourth Grade Memories

2011-09-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning out some "everything" drawers, and found my Fourth Grade Memories book. Everyone in the class made on at the end of the year. Thought I'd share.

Building...something...

For some reason I smiled like that for like 5 years.

The boy in the middle was my first boyfriend. The girl on my right is my friend Devon, we still keep in touch to this day.

Me and Devon again. The note I had written underneath this one read, "I like this, except the subtraction part!"

I loved doing this project. Mine is the yellow one behind me, with the cat on it. Check out that colorblock sweater, I was so on-trend.

Making Christmas ornaments. Apparently something was funny?

Mine's the toucan on the right.

Look at how long my hair was!

That's not bird poop on my lemon leaf

2011-09-18T17:02:00.001-07:00

I thought it was. I looked like bird poop. It kind of felt like bird poop. It was motionless.

Upon further investigation (Why investigate bird poop you ask? I don't know. Call it insatiable curiosity.) it turned out to be a caterpillar.

A freaking bird poop colored and bird poop shaped caterpillar.

Holy weird.

Upon even further investigation, I found that it is the caterpillar of the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly.

Nature is cool.

Autumn=Soup

2011-09-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

I don't care that it's not cold, or the slightest bit fall-feely. I love having a big pot of soup simmering away on the stove, filling the house with delicious savory smells.

This was dinner last night. Hot Italian chicken sausage, cannellini beans, yellow onion, celery, and kale, all simmered in unsalted chicken broth. I topped it off with shavings of Gruyere, which I thought complemented the kale pretty nicely. Nothing else really going on in it, just salt, pepper, olive oil, crushed red pepper, garlic, and fennel seed. You could certainly make this with pork sausage, but I figure why not cut the calories down, since I was going to eat a lot of it.

A lot.

seriously?

2011-09-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

how cute are these?

2011-09-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

Not just for Thanksgiving.

2011-09-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Why don't I eat more turkey? This meal put itself together while grocery shopping. Turkey breast cutlets cooked with onion, jalapeno, and a whole jar of Herdez salsa verde (because sometimes I don't want to make stuff myself, and Herdez is delicious) and topped with queso blanco. Rice and black beans on the side, some chopped tomato, and a little fresh cilantro. This was done in 25 minutes flat. How's that for interesting weeknight cooking.

Cupcakes! For more on these (and some others) go see my dessert blog at nmariep.blogspot.com

The Storm of the Century.

2011-09-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Weekend came with tropical storm Lee. It wasn't really that big of a deal. People were crowding the Wal-Marts, stocking up on supplies as though the next Katrina was upon us.

Dumb.

We got some heavy rain for a few days, and serious winds. You can't see the rain in this picture (obviously) but it gives you an idea of what it looked like here.

We lost some fence posts, and I have no idea where my watering can is, but nothing more than that.

The dogs liked that they could get that "wind in their face" feeling without getting in the car.

I liked all the amphibious visitors to the back porch.

so apparently this exists...

2011-09-05T17:36:00.001-07:00

And it's delicious.

Some dinner recaps and busy Sundays

2011-09-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

Chicken and broccoli stir-fry with green beans, carrots, onions, and cashews over rice.

Pork chops over polenta with apples and onions.

Chicken cacciatore over porcini mushroom and lemon risotto.

Delicious, and incredibly simply. This would make a great crock-pot meal, if I owned a crock pot. Chicken thighs, tomatoes, onions, red peppers, and wine. I made mine a little different by adding a little saffron and smoked paprika. I think the smokey flavors worked really well with the chicken and the earthy mushrooms in the risotto.

Today I'm finishing up a few dozen cupcakes for a friend's daughter's birthday party, then going to Bethany's birthday dinner in Destin.

Which means I have to go get ready.

Which means I have to stop watching Serenity and get off the computer.

Happy Sunday! Hope your Labor Day Weekend weather is better than the crap happening here in Florida!

White Water Rafting on the White Salmon River

2011-08-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

Last November Ricky and I went to Costa Rica for his birthday. We met Kristin and Peter Rubalcava at our hotel, and quickly became friends, spending some time together on the beach, going to dinner in town, and hanging out in the common area of the hotel. We exchanged contact information and have kept in touch over the past year. They are some of the nicest people I've ever had the privilege of meeting. They heard that we were coming to Washington, and invited us to their home near Portland, Oregon and on a rafting trip with their family. People we've only met once! That's just how friendly and open-hearted they are. Of course we agreed, and had a great time visiting with them. Such a small world. Such good people in it, too.
Whatever, nobody looks good in a helmet.

I look worried... I wasn't really, I swear!

We had so much fun!
I miss the Northwest so much already!

random

2011-08-28T21:13:00.001-07:00

This has nothing to do with Washington, it's just a picture I painted of Maggie.

Great Northwest Eats

2011-08-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

A lovely dozen from The Yellow Leaf Cupcake Co. in Seattle.

At Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland, OR. "The Northwest" pizza: Bleu cheese, pears, chipotle sauce, and tri-tip.

I knew that I wanted to eat at Serious Pie before we came back to Florida. It was our last meal in Seattle, and it did not disappoint.

Penn Cove clam pizza with pancetta and lemon thyme.
Shut up.

A delicious carnitas taco at The Stand in Seaside, Oregon. Tiny place, only takes cash... if you're ever in Seaside definitely go here. Best taco I've had in a really long time. Ricky said the same thing, and he's a New Mexican so he knows his tacos.

Voodoo Doughnut! I finally got to try my long awaited...
...maple bacon bar! It was delicious, like a sweet, salty, yummy breakfast dessert. Voodoo is great, although the tourists and less than friendly staff I didn't care for. Ah well, the doughnut was worth it.

Friday Harbor at San Juan Island.

2011-08-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

On our second day in Washington we drove to Anacortes to take the ferry to San Juan Island. We did some sea kayaking, with no Orca luck. Ricky was a little sad that we didn't get to see the whales, but there will be plenty of opportunity the next time we're up that way.

In front of Cattle Point Lighthouse.

Cattle Point Road.

On the ferry.

The ferry trip over. So beautiful, and it's nice going to San Juan because you get to see all the islands on the way. This was just past Lopez, I think.

A table with a view, at Downriggers.

Cattle Point again.

........

The lavender farm on the island. It smelled amazing!

A black-phase red fox. Didn't know that they went through a "black phase?"
Me neither.

Thank you Washington for taking my breath away.
=)

snapshots from Seattle, Ocean Shores, and Seaside, Oregon.

2011-08-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

old friends ♥

2011-08-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Gracie and I. I've missed this girl, she was one of my very first and very best friends in Granite Falls. I think we were trying to look pretty?

That's better.

TJ, also trying to look pretty, haha.

Me and my friend Nathan. It was really nice to see him and TJ, and to meet Nathan's great girlfriend Laura.

Gracie's dog Vincent. When I met her, he was a tiny puppy. How the time flies.
Especially in dog years.

Mariners v. Red Sox.

2011-08-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

My sister turned 23 on the 15th, so on the 14th we all went to a Mariners game to celebrate, since the 15th was a Monday and she had to work.
This is pretty much how we always look.

Safeco Field! I love this place.

Almost as much as my sister loves this guy. It wasn't a coincidence that we were sitting right behind right field. ;)

Finally a good picture.
I love these faces.
♥

Day 1: Hiking Pilchuck.

2011-08-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Ricky and I spent August 10-19th in the wonderful Northwest. It was good to be home, to see my sister, and to get to do some outdoor activities, as Florida is a hell hole and I never want to go outside here. First on our agenda was to drive from Seattle to Granite Falls, where I spent my junior and senior year of high school, to hike up to Lake 22 on Mt. Pilchuck. I knew Ricky would enjoy it, and it would be nice and nostalgic for me. Here are entirely too many photos from the hike.

That's me doing my best Sasquatch walk.
It's not very good.

This is a Pika. I had no idea they inhabited the mountain, but they were all over the place. Cute right?

Friendly, too.

Beautiful Lake 22 at the top. Well worth the sweat.

I was happy.

Extremely happy.

Domenica in NOLA.

2011-08-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

A little while ago Ricky's father came to visit us. He flew into New Orleans, so after we picked him up I wanted to eat somewhere fun. Being in Northwest Florida doesn't really give you the restaurant options that I so very much like to have.
I decided that I wanted to eat at one of John Besh's restaurants, and between the three of us we chose Domenica. It was outstanding, and here's the proof!

My oxtail ragu over house made pasta with fried chicken livers.
Yes. Chicken livers.
Don't knock it 'till you try it.

Ricky's pizza with prosciutto and arugula. I love that the arugula was just piled on after the pizza was cooked.

The lovely dining room.

This tasted like Christmas. They called it "the velvet fig," it had fig vodka, orange juice, and something else wonderful... it was spicy and sweet and delicious. It honestly did taste like Christmas, almost like a mulled wine. It is now my lifelong mission to recreate this drink.

Dessert was a pistachio semifreddo in chocolate sauce with cherry compote.
More please!
If you're ever in NOLA, I highly recommend Domenica. It's upscale dining in a casual environment with reasonable prices. Who doesn't love that?
Read more about Domenica and the other John Besh restaurants here.

in case any of you forgot, I love my job

2011-08-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

These are all the same little guy, an orphaned raccoon that I ended up fostering for a little longer than anticipated. He screamed in the middle of the night, pooped everywhere, attacked my dogs and cats, ruined countless towels, and was the pickiest eater I've ever met.

And I miss him very much. I'm so glad that he ended up getting a good home, he was taken in by some people who had the outdoor space and the time to give him constant care. Special needs raccoons are no joke.

River otter. They smell weird and are squeeky.

Sulfer-crested cockatoo. Weird.
PS- Blogging in IE sucks.

omg

2011-08-23T19:00:00.001-07:00

Seriously. Tomorrow. I swear I'll post SO much crap. GOSH!

I suck

2011-08-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

Seriously. I haven't actually posted something in forever.

FOREVER. (you have to say it like the kid in The Sandlot)

Maybe it's because I work later into the day now. I'm not home until 5:45 pm and turning on the computer is the last thing on my mind.

Whatever the reason, I hate it and it's lame. I have so many posts I want to make! I promise, things have been going on in my life!

Soon I'll sit down and post like 15 things and it's going to be pretty annoying, but at least I'll be caught up. Right now I'm in Washington (SQUEEE!) visiting my sister and doing some state travel with Ricky. Once I get back there will be quite the photo montage indeed!

2011-07-09T19:20:00.001-07:00

hungry?

2011-06-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

Dinner tonight: Pork roast with mashed sweet potatoes and a quick black been, corn, and jalapeno salad. I marinated the pork overnight in a mixture of bitter orange juice, olive oil, cumin seed, oregano, annatto seed, minced garlic, and black peppercorns. Roasted it at 425 degrees for 30 minutes, then reduced the oven temperature to 350 and cooked it 25 minutes longer. It was perfect, and I was happy. The sweet potatoes got mashed up with butter, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper. The salad is black beans, fresh corn, jalapeno and red chiles, and cilantro.

The night before: Andouille sausage with white beans, celery, onions, and peppers. Seasoned with thyme, paprika, and bay leaf. Served on rice.

Chicken cutlets in a poblano-mushroom cream sauce over polenta.

♥

another post where I just give pictures of food with captions!

2011-06-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

Lasagna, and my best one to date, too. It only takes a few minutes to make a bechamel sauce, and it really makes all the difference in a lasagna. To anyone who think that it's just meat, jarred sauce, and noodles layered with cheese: Just stop.

Chicken cutlets with porcini mushrooms, roasted fingerling potatoes, sauteed green beans. Simple and fabulous.

Farfalle and chicken in a spicy tomato sauce with capers.

Salmon and asparagus. On the salmon is a... sauce? I guess? Not really a sauce, I think it could be considered a salad of sorts? I don't know. It's diced red, yellow, and orange bell peppers along with eggplant. It was delicious, but yeah, I have no idea what to call it.

Crispy chicken thighs with a lemon-thyme pan sauce served with arugula and risotto with fresh peas.

i have awesome friends who make me smile ♥

2011-06-11T17:41:00.001-07:00

2011-06-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Call you up in the middle of the night,
like a fire flower miles away,
you were there like a blow torch burnin',
I was a key that could use a little turnin'

So tired that I couldn't even sleep,
so many secrets I couldn't keep,
promised myself I wouldn't weep,
one more promise I couldn't keep

It seems no one can help me now,
I'm in too deep theres no way out,
this time I have really let myself pull stray

Runaway train never goin' back,
wrong way on a one way track
seems like I should be getting somewhere,
somehow I'm neither here nor there

Can you help me remember how to smile,
make it somehow seem all worth while,
how on earth did I get so jaded,
last mystery seemed so naked

I can go where no one else can go,
I know what no one else has known,
here I am just a drowning in the brain,
with a ticket for a runaway train

Everything seems judded inside,
day and night earth and sky,
somehow I just don't believe it

Runaway train never goin' back,
wrong way on a one way track
seems like I should be getting somewhere,
somehow I'm neither here nor there

Want a ticket for a runaway train?,
like a madman laughin' at the rain,
a little out of touch little in the brain,
its just easier to deal with the pain

Runaway train never goin' back,
wrong way on a one way track
seems like I should be getting somewhere,
somehow I'm neither here nor there

Runaway train never comin' back,
runaway train tearin' up the track,
runaway train burnin' in my veins,
run away but it always seems the same

potato

2011-06-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

I miss my sister. She's my best friend and I love her, and I hate living so far away from her. I wish we could hang out every day!

♥

I see you!

2011-06-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

SLE

2011-06-04T06:16:00.000-07:00

I know that I posted something on here about my alopeica areata, so you all know about that. Along with the hair loss, I've been having some pretty bad joint pain in my wrists, ankles, and elbows, a very strange rash on my face that looked like patches of shiny, dry skin, and the worse fatigue I've ever had. The fatigue and joint pain have been going on for years, off and on. I always attributed the joint pain to working in a coffee shop, and anyone who's operated a manual espresso machine for a week straight can attest to that.

Long story short, I finally had some (read: a lot) of blood work done and had an appoitment on Wednesday to get my results, and it looks like I have systemic lupus.

Awesome.

A co-worker of mine heard the news when I got back to work on Wednesday, and on Thursday morning I had this note at my computer. It made my day. =)
I've had all of my tests plus a few more re-done, and I'm waiting to see if these show the same things, then it's off to a lupus specialist.

If you don't know what lupus is, read about it here.

As if your day wasn't already exciting enough!

Another reason why my new job is awesomespice

2011-06-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

OMG

My new favorite

2011-05-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

I know people who don't like to bake because it's messy, it dirties too many dishes, and so on. This chocolate cupcake recipe only uses one bowl. One bowl! It's like one of those terrible boxes mixes, only less...terrible. Right?

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups AP flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp sea salt

2 organic eggs

3/4 cup very warm water

3/4 cup buttermilk

3 tbsp safflower oil

1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

1 tbsp instant coffee powder (I use Starbucks VIA Italian Roast)

I wish I had more to write about this recipe, but I don't. Just sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda & powder, and salt. Then add the eggs, water, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and coffee. Now you have cupcake batter! Fill your liners 1/2 way full, and bake for 19 minutes at 350. They're very soft, but take well to being filled. I've topped these with ganache frosting and swiss meringue butter cream so far, and both were delicious.

Happy cupcaking!

Chicken or Beef?

2011-05-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't been on a plane in a while...

I love stir fry. I came home, looked in the fridge, pulled out some vegetables (thankfully Ricky had pulled out some chicken earlier in the day), and twenty minutes later there was food on the table. Easy Peasy.

Just a basic Thai curry with chicken, broccoli, carrots, coconut milk, red curry paste, and fish sauce over jasmine rice.

The next night I wanted to make beef. I rarely have a craving or urge to make beef, but this time I did. Filet Mignon (cooked perfectly, if I may say), boiled yellow potatoes tossed with salt, pepper, and butter, and some haricot vert. I sauteed some mixed mushrooms with a little cream, salt, and German-style seasoning mix to top the steaks. I once went to a Christmas market/festival in Maastricht, The Netherlands and ate these mushrooms on toast. They were the best things ever. These reminded me of those.

Go me.

deliciousness♥

2011-05-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Tart. My swirls look funny, but whatever, it was delicious.

Oh, and go to your grocery store and try to find "chocolate wafer cookies."

Go ahead. Go ahead and try not to spend 30 minutes pacing the cookie aisle.

Oh hiiiiiii! My name is passion fruit pastry cream and I was made to go inside of....

....these! Chocolate cupcakes (one bowl chocolate cupcakes) filled with said pastry cream and topped with a chocolate ganache frosting and sprinkles. They're for someone's birthday, and all birthday cupcakes get sprinkles. It's a law.

Look it up.

Bed time!

Wedding

2011-05-22T19:07:00.001-07:00

I went to a wedding today. It was for the son of a good friend of mine, and it was lovely.

I wasn't able to find a good picture of my dress online, the one on Dillard's was a .gif and wouldn't upload to blogger. Dumb.

My dress was a bright yellow Antonio Melani (just a brand at Dillard's) sleeveless number, it was a gift from Ricky. Loud, yes, but a good cut and an appropriate style for a wedding. It's hard for me to find dresses that fit well, especially after my surgery! I had to get the saleswoman to take the size 4 off of the mannequin! I hate it when women dress they're going clubbing or something. It's a wedding. If you wore a J.Lo wannabe dress to my wedding I'd kick your butt out. Also, there is a right and wrong way to get out of a car wearing a skirt. Just so we're all clear.

These are the shoes I wore! Also from Dillard's, they're Jessica Simpson (hate her music, love her shoes) and the color really worked with the yellow dress. They're about 4.5 inches high, but the covered platform makes them very comfortable for their height. And less than $100! My mani and pedi matched them, and I also had a heather grey shrug to wear when I got chilly. My very talented friend Brittany did my eye makeup. All in all it was a pretty dandy outfit if I do say so myself.

Sabor

2011-05-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Ricky took me to this Mexican place called Sabor. It's a hole in the wall, but the people are so so nice and the food is to die for! It's the only place I've found that has goat on the menu. My favorite are the beef tongue tacos. Don't you say yuck! They're so good. So. Flarking. Good. A tongue is a muscle, just like any other piece of meat. Don't think about it, just eat it.

Bethany and I went there last week, along with baby B. I had the... I don't know. 29? A chile relleno, tamale, and enchilada. B ate my rice.

Before...

After.

Time for a siesta.

Odds and Ends

2011-05-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

First of all, I have more of these! Four or five I think. I love them! Their cute little faces and bright yellow mouths. Too bad bluebirds are mean little shits and these sweeties are going to grow up into war machines like their papa. It's true, he's a beast. I've seen him fight another bird out of the sky. Honest.

I'm pretty sure I make chicken tikka masala more than a normal white person does. It's so easy and so delicious! I seem to be making it better and better each time, too, so that's promising.

Lastly, here's one of the reasons that I love my new job! This is Toby, he's a grumpy old lion cat and he's awesome. He sleeps behind my computer. Awwww.

so...

2011-05-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have a new job and I love it, but more on that later.

On Friday I'm making chocolate cupcakes with a chocolate-passion fruit ganache frosting.

I'm so excited that I can hardly contain myself.

That is all for now.

♥beach

2011-05-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

I have a habit of getting really down and thinking about all the things I loathe about living in the south. Humidity (bad hair!!), heat, evil giant bugs from outer space... but being able to wake up and go to the beach at 9 am is pretty awesome. I'll take the bugs I suppose.

What more does a girl need? iPod, Martha, coconut water, and a good book.

Oh! And an alarm so that she won't doze off and get a nasty burn like she always does. ;)

I picked this up at B&N the other day, it's a collection of short stories by Lorrie Moore called "Birds of America." It's pretty hilarious so far.

Finally! A before and after photo.

2011-05-14T10:00:00.001-07:00

Okay, so please forgive the bikini photos.

Here I am on March 20th, 1 day before my surgery, a 34G.

This is me today, before heading out to the beach, wearing the same bikini top as in the above picture. I'm currently a 34D. I don't know if you can see them very well, but my scars are visible. They don't look too bad. It feels so nice to not have the strap pulling on my neck. Today was a "this was such a good decision" day.

♥ my little boobs!

RIP testicles

2011-05-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Malo (nearly 6 years old, in the front) got the big snip the other day.

He's being a total jerk about it. Seriously.

He's doing fine, but I swear that he knows that he's supposed to be in pain and mopey, and the little sot is really milking this! He'll lay in the chair (much like this) and whine and fuss, not get up, lay around like he's dying... then the minute I open the treat jar he leaps off the chair and comes bounding into the kitchen.

I'm on to you dog. I'm on to you.

the best meal I've made in a while.

2011-05-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Fresh Market, for having fabulous things like celery root and big fat pork chops.

The pork was just seared in a hot hot pan and then finished in the oven. I like to pull mine when it hits 135-138 degrees, as it continues to cook even after it's out, and pulling it right at 145 seems to always result in slightly over pork. And this girl doesn't like her pork over. Not even slightly. On the side I just did some sauteed broccolini and a green apple and celery root slaw. Have you ever had celery root? Run, do not walk, to your local not-lame grocery store and get a celery root, then eat it like a pear.

After you wash it because they're dirty.

This meal paired beautifully with Lazy Magnolia Souther Pecan. Though I'm beginning to think that this beer is great with most anything.

Pork.

Ice cream.

When Harry Met Sally.

Yup. Pretty versatile.

This...is... DINNER!

2011-05-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

My foot is asleep and it's driving me crazy. Uuugggghhhhhhh.

That being said, let's talk about chow baby!

Sometimes I like to roast a whole chicken. I'd like to get in the habit of doing one a week, as they are delicious and provide nice little chicky carcasses for the making of stock.

This one was done pretty simply, just salt, pepper, and stuffed with a meyer lemon. I served it with a garlic baguette and leeks cooked with bacon. Mmmm bacon.

Bhindi Masala! Okra, tomatoes, garam masala, and other tasty spices all cooked down in vegetable stock. People who don't like okra confuse me.

This is pork belly!

I felt like this when I said that:

I'll bet Spartans like pork belly.

I braised it in a mixture of soy, yuzu, ginger, garlic, sriracha, and red chile, served it on jasmine rice, and topped it with scallions. It was amazing. The fat on the pork belly keeps the meat so soft, though I wouldn't dream of eating all of the fat! I just cut mine off, enjoyed the yummy pork, and thanked the fat for keeping everything so happy.

So this is new...

2011-05-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

Let me first say that this post is extremely uncomfortable for me, but blogging about this sort of stuff is rather cathartic, and really does help me figure out my feelings.

This is (according to my doctor, I have a second opinion appt. this afternoon) alopecia areata. It's a spot about the size of a half-dollar coin on the back left side of my head. They think it's caused by an auto-immune disorder and it is aggravated by stress. I found it last night, and I've had no shortage of anxiety over this.

Am I going bald? When did this start happening and why didn't I notice? Will it grow back and then fall out again? Is it going to fall out somewhere else next time?

And on and on and on...

The spot is covered in super fine, short, white hairs. The hair surrounding the spot is firmly rooted and seems perfectly fine. This is the only spot I have that is hairless, and it can't even be seen unless I flip up my hair and show it to you.

But I know its there, and it's driving me crazy.

I have a huge scar on my lower abdomen that stretches way past my bikini line, my breasts are now scarred (worth it, but still), and now my hair is gone in this spot and I don't know what's going on. I feel like all the areas on my body that made me feel womanly are under attack. It's really disheartening and terrifying. There's something so personal about losing your hair, even from one little spot. Yes, there are lots of women who are bald, be it from chemo, by choice, or for whatever reason. Unless you decide that you like the idea of being bald (Sinead), it's a scary thing. It makes me feel ugly and weird. Like a dog with mange. I know that people can't see it, but I have this newfound fear, and I found myself checking it often while I was out today, to make sure it wasn't showing.

Hopefully (probably) this is the treatable kind and it will grow back and I can forget about it.

Cupcakes, Vindaloo, and Cashew Chicken.

2011-05-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Vanilla bean cupcakes with chocolate buttercream that I made for a co-worker's birthday. Cuteness in a paper liner. =)

Lamb Vindaloo! Is there anything better than spicy lamb over rice?

Nope.

Vindaloo is a tricky flavor to nail, I've found that apple cider vinegar is a good start. Then cumin, garam masala, fenugreek, lots of onions, garlic, and I add tomatoes. I want to make something Indian with okra next, we'll see how it goes.

One of my favorite things to make is cashew chicken. It's fast, delicious, healthy, and pretty to look at, to boot!

Ugh!

2011-04-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is currently kicking my ass. Love it!

Cacio E Pepe and the mother of all sides.

2011-04-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get away from all chicken without a bone. We'll see how it goes. This was a pretty good example, however, of how keeping the meat on the bone helps it stay moist and tender.

Chicken leg quarters (leg and thigh still connected) that I seared in a cast iron skillet and then finished in the oven. I served it simply with a green salad and casarecci cacio e pepe. I eat so much spicy food, jalapenos are laughable to me, and I put chilis in so many dishes that I forgot about the punch that fresh cracked black pepper can pack. This pasta reminded me.

Pork, my best friend. Seared pork chops over creamy polenta topped with some delicious mushrooms cooked in garlic and cream. I also roasted some asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Pretty, no?

...all of the balls

2011-04-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

are belong to Malo.

Mange!

2011-04-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Pan seared cod with crispy fingerling potatoes and roasted broccoli. If you've never roasted broccoli, you should. It's really easy. I just toss mine in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and some red chili flakes. Then roast it in the oven at 400 degrees for 20(ish) minutes. If you rotate through the same vegetables a lot, like we do, then it pays to have a few preparation variations up your sleeve. This is also a delicious way to prepare asparagus.

Taco...Wednesday! Perfect.

I go back to work tomorrow. Excited? Meh. Looking forward to getting out of the house?

Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.

Something New

2011-04-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

I make curry dishes a lot. A lot.

Tonight I made something familiar yet different. Chicken with hot madras curry powder, chili powder, red onion, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, and lots of fresh Thai basil.

Oh! A habanero pepper.

On rice.

That's all.

It was pretty much amazing and you should make this or something like it.

Pygmy Goatopolis 2011: An Update.

2011-04-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

So last night was interesting. Sadly, Charlie the adorable pygmy goat is no longer living with us. What happened was (I realize that I didn't really explain how the goat ended up in our suburban back yard) that Ricky had something about wanting to get me a baby chicken (!!) to his boss. His boss said, "No way! Get a goat!" and Ricky, knowing about my love of all things tiny and adorable and hooved, agreed. Knowing that our awesome HOA wouldn't let us keep him, Ricky and his boss agreed that we'd keep him for as long as we could, but probably for just a week, until I go back to work. He wanted me to have something to play with while I'm still stuck at home. How sweet!! While we were at an even that Ricky was working (a weird Jimmy Buffet show, live-streaming from Tampa to a huge screen at this massive party at Margartiaville on the beach here) his boss came by and dropped off Charlie the pygmy goat along with a bag of goat feed. When we got home, he wasn't actually in the yard, he had somehow escaped the Alcatraz of a backyard that we have dog-proofed and was two yards down. The women living at that house found him, and decided to put him in our neighbor's yard, because she had a fence. Weird, I know. Anyway, they were in their yard and yelled, "Do you have a little goat?" to which Ricky replied, "Yes."I was confused. We don't have a goat.Is there a goat on the loose in the neighborhood? Have they mistaken a dog or cat for a goat? I don't know, people are stupid.Is this some magical moment where I've somehow used my mind powers to will a goat into my life?Either way, it was awesome. For about three hours.As it turns out, we're not really set up for a goat. He alternated between head butting our dogs (hard), head butting our glass door (also very, very hard), and standing in the yard bleating as loud as his little lungs would allow. Adorable, yes. Practical? No. The only way he would be quiet was if I sat on the porch and he laid in my lap. Again, cuter than anything I've ever seen before, but I wasn't about to sleep sitting up on my porch.Actually, I was about to, but after a little thought I decided not to. Ricky called his boss and he came and took him back to the farm. I'm happy that he's with all the other goats, and he has a little goat house to live in, free of vicious Westies that want to eat him. I cried! I had him for three hours and it was like forever.Now I really want one. And that is the end of the goat story.

This was in my back yard when I got home tonight.

2011-04-16T21:21:00.003-07:00

He is a pygmy goat and apparently his name is Charlie. Sadly, my home owner's association sucks at life and we cannot keep this AWESOME FREAKING ANIMAL. He's like a dog, and he's super affectionate and oh, did I mention, a tiny tiny goat.

At the end of the week he'll go back to his home on a farm belonging to Ricky's boss.

I'm sad because by then I'll be attached to him, but I'm more happy that I got to hang out with him for a few days.

...and that's good enough for me.

2011-04-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

I love cookies. Most food, actually. These are my delicious no-roll vanilla bean sugar cookies with royal icing. And sprinkles...because it's always better with sprinkles. LIFE. Life is better with sprinkles.

There was actual food to be had as well. Arugula and spinach salad with red pepper, shaved Pecorino Romano, and a warm Meyer lemon and bacon vinaigrette.

Simple, delicious, quick. Strip steaks topped with sauteed mushrooms served with baked potatoes and that lovely salad. I could probably just eat bowls of sauteed mushrooms forever and be okay with it. I like fungi. A lot.

On an unrelated side note, why does Fox Ten News feel the need to interrupt Wheel of Fortune with updates on a thunderstorm? A thunderstorm. Seriously.

I take my game shows pretty darn seriously, and not my thunderstorms.

photo update

2011-04-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

Smiling, happy, with brand new tatas!

(and a lovely new sweater from Loft)

♥

2011-04-13T10:40:00.001-07:00

The joys of being coastal

2011-04-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

My husband likes to fish, as does my neighbor, so pretty often we're having it for dinner. Last week Ricky brought home a pretty good-sized striped bass. Fish that fresh doesn't really need much, so I just rubbed it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little paprika. I served it with zucchini and yellow squash and rice pilaf with bell peppers.

Beautiful little organic bell peppers. I love these things, they make the best snacks too!

Then our neighbor brought us back some king mackerel from his latest fishing trip. I had never had mackerel, so coming up with something was tricky. I decided on tacos! This was also my first beer batter, and it was amazing! Bob (neighbor) said that they were the second best fish tacos he'd ever had, the first being his brother in law who has been making them for years. Quite the compliment, if I do say so myself.

Beer battered fried fish, crema (Cacique is a good brand), cabbage, jalapenos, radishes, all in a flour tortilla that I charred in a grill pan. So good that I want to have them every night.

I made up the beer batter, and was pretty pleased with the result

-Beer Batter-

1 cup All Purpose flour

2 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

salt

Chipotle chile powder (to taste)

Garlic powder (to taste)

12 oz Mexican beer (I recommend Tecate or Negra Modelo)

-Combine all the dry ingredients with a whisk. Slowly add the beer, then let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes. Dip in your fish and fry it in canola oil heated to about 350 degrees for 5-6 minutes.

Yup!

It's not just about the bra straps and the back pain.

2011-04-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'm still not working. I'm still stuck at home banging my little head against a wall out of boredom.

By banging my head against a wall I, sadly, mean watching reruns of America's Next Top model and meandering around my home doing random chores. Today I'm reorganizing my pantry.

I think I'm doing relatively well. My left breast is just dandy, healed up, no longer swollen, and from what I can tell right now it won't be scarring too badly. The right one, however, is a different story. Where two of my incisions met, I ended up with a hole. Hole! It's about the size of my little fingernail, and I don't have small fingers. You can see my (interior) stitches... no bueno. It's gross and I don't like looking at it, so of course I can't stop. I was the kid that would salt slugs and stand and watch them. I need therapy.

Soooooo I went to my Dr. and all he did was give me some Silver Sulfadiazine to slather on the (still open!) wound and told me to cover it with gauze. Thanks. Since the wound was infected he couldn't sew me up, much to my chagrin. My right breast is still swollen, the sulfadiazine burns, and I still hurt all the way into my upper arm on that side. Not cool. I feel much better though.

Before my surgery I was having a really hard time. I've had large breasts as long as I've had breasts, I went from my training bra to a 34C when I was 10. I've never owned an A or B cup bra. It was a strange transition. As I got older, they just kept getting bigger. I was up to a 34G, which is a 34DDDD. Absurd. Painful. Cartoon-ish. A year and a half ago I lost over 30 pounds in 3 months, and they didn't budge. I was up to nearly 160 lbs, and even after I was down to 127, they were still a G. I was so proud of my weight loss, but because of my breasts I still had to wear larger clothes than what the rest of my body needed. It was frustrating and depressing.

Aside from the physical detriment of having such a large chest, which I've talked about before, they were psychologically harmful. I cried nearly every time I got dressed in the morning. I would try on 4 or five tops, then just sit on my bed and cry. I felt fat, ugly, and trapped because of them. Men would stare at them, women too. I hated going to the beach because they looked ridiculous in a bathing suit. I hadn't worn a crew neck shirt in years...but I digress.

I'm so much happier. I can just put on any shirt that I want. I can finally wear a size 2-4 dress instead of buying a 2-8 and having it tailored. It's refreshing, and no matter what I'm dealing with right now, while I'm healing, I'm glad I made the decision and took control over something that was hurting me in so many ways.

happy pictures

2011-04-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

My MaggieDoo! Isn't she the sweetest? How can I ever resist this face?

This is my mother, sister, and I at Disneyland, circa 199...3? My stepfather emailed this to me the other day, and I can't stop looking at it! Me being a ham, Potato being a ginger, and my mother looking chic as ever. Even on a spinning teacup.

Tasties

2011-04-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Chicken cordon bleu with green beans and potatoes mashed with mascarpone cheese. I used rosemary ham...it was fabulous.

Dismal day comfort food! Italian sausage, cannellini beans, tomatoes, red bell pepper, and spinach stewed away in a French oven, topped with toasted garlicky bread crumbs.

♥

Remover of Obstacles

2011-04-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Anthropologie, yes please.

2011-04-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

serendipity.

2011-04-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for this soda for months. Dry Soda Co. Lavender soda. Sure, maybe it would be gross, or taste like potpourri or soap, but I still really wanted to find it. After calling every store that the website listed as retailers (none of which had ever sold it) I decided I would just have to buy it online, which meant paying for shipping and hoping that it all got here undamaged. Until today! The TJMaxx in Pensacola is my lucky store. I never go in looking for anything specific, but every time I go in I find something that I've been looking everywhere for. It's magical.

Oh, and this soda doesn't taste like soap, it tastes like happy. Happy Lavender Joy-O Love in a bottle.

Check out Dry Soda h ere!

♥

BORED!

2011-03-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

A~Age: 24. Just a baby!

B~ Bed Size: Full. We sleep close! It's too small and needs to be upgraded, since all of the animals insist on sleeping up there with us. Sheesh.

C~Chore you hate: Putting away laundry and dishes. Just the putting away, not any of the other parts.

D~Dogs: Uhhhh only the two most adorable Westies in the world!

E~Essential Start your Day Item: Water.

F~Favorite Color: Green.

G~Gold or Silver: White gold. though I've been finding that my coloring lends itself to yellow gold quite nicely.

H~Height: Short. 5'3-5'4.

I~Instruments you play: Cello!

J~Job Title: Barista and housewife extraordinaire!

K~Kids: None, and not any time soon!

L~Live: free or die hard!

M~Mom’s Name: Donna Donna Do Donna Bananafana Fo Fonna.

N~Nicknames: My parents call me Bink.

O~Overnight Hospital Stays: One, but it was many nights.

P~Pet Peeve: This is a post in and of itself. I have more pet peeves than any one person should have. Heading up the list are people who misuse apostrophes and use the wrong versions of 'you're' and 'there.'

Q~Quote from a Movie: "Why do you wanna fight?" '"'Cause I can't sing or dance."

Greatest movie ever made!

R~Right or Left Handed: Right.

S~Siblings: Big sister, little sister.

T~Time you wake up: It depends on what time I have to go to work, but since I've been on medical leave it's been around 9 am.

U~Underwear: Yes?

V~Vegetable you Dislike: I can't think of a single one.

W~What Makes You Late: My damn hair. The cat running outside. Traffic. Hitting every one of the 11 lights between here and my job. ELEVEN!

X~X-rays You’ve had Done: Knees, chest, dental, abdomen...that's all I can think of.

Y~Yummy Food you Make: Please! Everything I make is yummy.

Z~Zoo Animal Favorite: I love spider monkeys and elephants, and they like me too. =)

Drool

2011-03-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

The Ellis Hobo in Tiffany Blue$895Tiffany.comI think this would really speed up my healing process.

things that are making me happy while I'm stuck at home.

2011-03-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

2011-03-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Dear people of Lancome,

Please stop discontinuing all of the products that I love and have used for years. It's really starting to piss me off.

On an unrelated side note, does Ralph Macchio not age? He's 49 and still looks like Daniel LaRusso. It's a little creepy.

Bir-duh!

2011-03-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Seriously, how awesome is my back yard?

In flight!

I miss my kitchen. Blah.

2011-03-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Beef shanks braised in red wine, crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, along with the most amazing risotto I've ever made. Basic risotto (white wine, onion, arborio rice, chicken stock) with asparagus, peas, and truffle oil. I want to make a giant pot of this and eat it for days. OH WAIT I can't hold my arms up that long. Lame.

Chipotle rubbed pork tenderloin with yellow rice and a black bean avocado salad. Best black beans ever.

Poultry burgers (a mix of ground chicken and turkey) with mushrooms, avocados, heirloom tomatoes, and red onions on an onion bun.

Rice noodles with grated carrots and zucchini in peanut sauce.

My day home from surgery food! Ricky made green chile stew. I love this, this time he made it with pork instead of beef, and it was delicious!

My apologies

2011-03-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

This blog was not started with the intention of being one of "those" blogs.Since my lovely older sister is only responding to me through blog comments from "anonymous" (either that or it's her husband, interchangeable really) I figured it would be appropriate to write this here.Melynda, how many people do you think actually read this? Seriously, less than 50, and I know them all, and only receive comments from a few. You're being a crazy person. This is my personal space, and I am allowed to say whatever I feel about whatever I want. If I don't want to publish your childish, desperate comments, I won't. That's my right. I have not once posted anything about you as a person, I simply wrote about how what you said made me feel. BECAUSE IT'S MY BLOG AND I CAN DO THAT. If you don't like it, go back to World of Warcraft or whatever you're busy doing instead of going to a job or being a mother to your son.For those of you reading who aren't insane anonymous internet stalkers that I call my family, here is her latest comment.[Guess I just need to stop reading your posts here. The way you keep stabbing at your sister kinda makes you the bitch. You are the only one who thought that, the others are just into the drama like you apparently are. Apparently you are one of those people who cant let go. Just want to keep digging into her publicly. Well, I guess its one-sided. Don't get to see what she has to say. Looks like you have issues]Melynda, you are 30 years old. You have a child and you should have a job and other responsibilities, why are you being such a child? If you say something negative to someone, there will most likely be a response, especially if that someone is your little sister. I want so badly to say something mean, I really really do, but that's not what this blog is for. Trust me, I could. I could call you out on lots of things here, but I'm a better person than that, and obviously you aren't.I'm not stabbing at you, grow up. You said something that hurt me in the midst of what was a very difficult decision for me, and I talked about it on my personal blog. You are my sister and I love you, no amount of bullshit on your part will change that, but please stop being an idiot. An inarticulate idiot, might I add.*exhale*End of BS everyone, honest. ♥

Day 4

2011-03-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

So far so good I suppose. Every time I look at them I focus on one tiny imperfection (because I'm a crazy person) and it drives me nuts. Truth is, they weren't perfect before and they won't be perfect now, but if something really bothers me I can take it up with my Dr. They're still so swollen that I don't even know how they'll look in a week anyway. I do know that my shoulders feel better already, and that is a good thing.On to yucky things. I'm officially off percocet (yes, after four days. Like I said, crazy person) because apparently it makes you more constipated than a... hell I don't know, something that doesn't poo. It was making me insane! So yesterday I buckled down, bought some laxatives and some low calorie prune juice, and took my last percocet. I think I'll be okay, the pain isn't too bad, nothing a ton of Motrin won't dull. Needless to say, I already feel way better. Seriously, I told my husband that it was this or I eat nothing but Taco Bell and spicy Chinese take out for the next few days. I don't like percocet, by the way. Constipation, dry mouth, ugh... the only thing that sucks about stopping is the headaches. And my teeth feel cold, if that makes sense, but I'm sure it's unrelated to the narcotic and just my body being weird. Thank you to everyone for your nice words regarding my sister being a snarky bitch. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who thought, "What the crap?!"Ricky is back with Chinese food! Don't worry, it's just sesame chicken!;)

post-surgical feelings.

2011-03-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

I've been home from surgery for about 27 hours now. I'm bored, so I guess it's time to blog.
The surgery went well. I don't remember much, other than getting dressed in my gown (I'm pretty sure it was a linen snuggy) and being asked to take off my mascara. I got drawn on by the surgeon, which was a strange moment. I remember being wheeled into the operating room by a very hilarious black man. I remember being shifted all around by very awkward "momma bird" type female nurses, and that's it. I remember waking up once and seeing Ricky, then doing that again and again. Then I remember vomiting several times. After being sat up in bed, they moved me in a wheelchair to a room full of big recliner-type chairs, and waited until I could go pee. Or, "go potty" as one older nurse put it. I wanted to punch her in her baby-talking mouth. I eventually did, if just by sheer will, because I hate catheters. Then I got to go home. Surgery lasted about 2.5 hours, recovery was about 5. Then I got home and went to sleep. Thanks percocet.Everyone has been pretty supportive. My family and friends, along with pretty much everyone on my Facebook and Ricky's. It's nice to hear people wishing you well. Unfortunately, the one person who said, "I think you're doing something stupid" was my older sister. My older sister who hasn't spoken to me in months chooses now to speak out, in a negative way of course. Really? I don't understand people. It was hurtful and not necessary, but consider the source, as I've been told. This was not an easy decision to come to. I've had a large bust since I was in the 6th grade, and however uncomfortable, it's been a part of my life and of my physical identity. This surgery has been on my mind for more than 10 years. I dunno, I guess it aggravated me that someone would pass judgement. Who are we to tell people what they should or should not do? If someone wants to feel better about the way they look, who are we to say that it's wrong? May I also add that if my reduction wasn't deemed medically necessary my insurance wouldn't have covered it 100%, since Tricare doesn't cover cosmetic surgery.I saw them today for the first time, it was surreal. Like looking at someone else in the mirror. I can't wait for the swelling to go down so I can go bra shopping!

So long girls

2011-03-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

On Monday I'm having breast reduction surgery. I'm nervous.
I've had a large chest for as long as I can remember. I currently wear a 34G, when I was 10 years old I wore a 34C. 10! Middle school was stressful, to say the least. Last year I lost over 30 pounds, and they didn't change at all! I've been wanting to have this procedure done for years now, and I was shocked at how simple it was to get going. My military (Tricare) insurance is footing the whole bill, and from first appointment (for something completely unrelated) to surgery date was less than 6 weeks. Really.I'm very sure that I want this done, but now I'm getting freaked out! They've been big my whole life, I wonder how it's going to feel to have them be...I don't know... different. I only want to go down to a D or so, but still.Scary!

Spring...and February...

2011-02-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's February and this is happening. Yes, they're pretty. Yes, I still hate Florida.

Remember these little guys?

Well, here is mama bird getting started on yet another nest in the same bird house. How exciting!

Yay for Spring ♥

Tasty Little Cakes

2011-02-24T14:56:00.000-08:00

Mmmmm.....

Dark chocolate cupcakes with a vanilla and orange blossom swiss meringue buttercream and little fondant orange blossoms.

I ♥ cute little food.

Pesce!

2011-02-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

Kingklip (nothing fancy or exciting going on with the fish) with dilled baby potatoes and green beans with almonds.

Ginger shrimp stir fry with bell peppers, carrots, sesame seeds, snow peas, and broccoli. Tasty and fast!

Swordfish on couscous with a bell peppers, tomato, and caper sauce.

We've been eating a lot of fish lately, it would seem...

Holy Weird!

2011-02-19T15:42:00.000-08:00

I'm so buying these.

Fire

2011-02-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Ricky surprised me on Valentine's day with reservations at my favorite restaurant, Fire. We've only been once before, but we both loved it so much, and here's why.

(all photos courtesy of the Fire website)

Our starters

Duck nachos with orange, jalapeño, Apricot crema, Cotija guacamole in wontons with a hoisin glaze.

Mushroom Fontina beignets with truffled aioli, parmesan dust, and herbes de provence.

We both had the mixed lettuce salad with candied pecans, Laura Chenel goat cheese, and a sweet chile vinaigrette.

Ricky had the pecan crusted red snapper with Caribbean mash, apple jicama relish and brown butter vinaigrette.

I had the rock lobster carbonara made with house made fettuccine, pea puree, a crispy poached egg, and tomato oil.

For dessert Ricky ordered the citrus mascarpone cannolis served with champagne macerated berries, pistachios, and white chocolate.

I had the warm apple tart with vanilla pastry cream, vanilla ice cream, and balsamic glaze.

♥

Drunken Waxwings

2011-02-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

So today at work we had birds flying into our front windows and dying. It was horrible. Some wouldn't die right away, some did, and another one was pretty stunned and I just held it until it closed it's mouth and flew out of my hands. That part wasn't so bad. I remembered that last year this same thing was happening, so I called the Pensacola Wildlife Rescue and asked them about it. The birds (the woman knew right away what they were from my vague description) are Cedar Waxwings, a migratory songbird that passes through this area every winter. They eat overripe berries and get a little drunk off of the alcohol in them. Weird, right?

Anyway, I think I'm going to get some special decals to put on our windows to make sure the birds see them, we have huge windows and it's no wonder the birds just think it's open space. The woman at the rescue also told me that we can bring any injured birds to them, and told me how to take care of them until we can bring them by. That made me feel better.Poor things.

Source

What an odd day.

Chili!

2011-02-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

I've never made chili before, but I was having people over for dinner and did that thing where I make something completely new to me because it somehow...eases?... the stress of having house guests. I don't know why I do this, it's dumb and I should stop.

Homemade fried tortilla strips, thanks for the idea Grandma!

My chili was the bomb dot com. Cubed chuck, jalapeno, poblano, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a homemade chili spice blend with chipotle, ancho, New Mexico red chile, Mexican oregano, cumin, and coriander seed. I set up a toppings bar so people could just dress their own. Mine has raw onion, green onion, jalapenos, black olives, cilantro, and queso fresco.

Dessert was simple chocolate souffles with orange blossom whipped cream.
Just cream, sugar, orange blossom water, and orange zest.
How good is orange and chocolate? I want a chocolate orange milk shake. Someone make that happen.

Dan is here!

2011-02-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

Ricky and I were friends with Dan Heise when we lived in Germany. We left and came to Florida (hooray.) and he got stationed in Turkey. Now he's here too, and he came over for dinner last week.
Snack board!

I cook a lot. A lot. I'm afraid of very little in the kitchen, but there are still things I just haven't done. Live lobsters, to name one, but I've also never broken down a whole chicken.
I know, shameful. Lazy me would rather just buy the sucker already cut up.
Not this day! This day I was feeling squirrely.

Thank you Shun, for making knives sharp enough to hack through chicken bones. Not to self: invest in a good pair of kitchen shears. The backbone was tricky. I'm open to shear suggestions.

I felt such pride! Watch out lobsters, you're next.

I stewed my dismembered chicken with tomatoes, roasted red peppers, cippolini onions, garlic, parsely, and prosciutto, then served it over saffron rice.
So wonderfully comforting on these oddly chilly Florida days.

Haircut.

2011-01-25T19:37:00.000-08:00

My hair hasn't been this short since I was...five maybe? I really love it, especially the bangs. It's so strange to not recognize myself in the mirror!

Your barista may hate you...

2011-01-25T18:47:00.000-08:00

-If you come through the drive-through and order 10 drinks.
-If you come inside between 7 and 9 am and order 10 drinks.
-If you argue over what Starbucks sizes are called. Seriously, I don't care if you don't want to say grande. Just say medium if you want, I promise that my fragile mind will still be able to grasp what you mean.
-If I call out your latte, it has your name on it, it's the only drink on the counter, and you still ask me, "IS THIS MINE?!?!"
-If you stand and stare as I make your drink. There's nothing I love more than feeling like a zoo animal. Love it.
-If you say "expresso." Get out.

-If you start out your order (which takes you 5 minutes to complete, of course) by saying, "Hehehe, I've never been to Starbucks, so I don't know!" How have you never been to a Starbucks? How on earth is that possible?
-If you ask me for a caramel macchiato with no foam. Uuuuuggggggghhhhhhh.
-If you finally get to the pay window in DT and say, "Oh, did I not say iced? And decaf? And soy?"
-If you bring in your own cup, hand it to me, and say, "I'm gonna need you to wash that out for me." Is your dishwasher broken? Hows about I break your thumbs too, jackass.

Apparently I'm feeling snarky.

Lavender & Vanilla

2011-01-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

No words. Just cute pictures of cute cupcakes.

PS- If I bring cupcakes to an event and you don't like lavender, don't eat the flarking cupcakes.

Sheesh.

happy things

2011-01-20T20:20:00.000-08:00

Today I bought new pasta bowls, and so pasta had to be made. I didn't want to go to the store, as I had been out of the house all day, so I just made a quick pantry dinner. A tomato sauce with red bell peppers, Italian sausage, and fresh basil over linguine. Done.

Why is fresh thyme so awesome? So versatile, so pretty. Especially when tied in a little bundle with twine.

Spicy Caribbean-style stewed chicken with coconut rice! I've made this before, only this time I used fewer habaneros and added green pigeon peas to my rice. Weird looking little things, but delicious.

Now for two random awesome things:

I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with this handsome man! Baby B! It's been a while, it was so nice to see him.

Aaaaand I'm now the happy owner of this fabulous and oh-so-soft Kate Spade Westbury Bess handbag.

Yay♥

Hodgepodge.

2011-01-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

I very often make dishes that require a lot of ingredients and spices. I don't know why, it's just what I've always done. I've always used spices without caution. My Moroccan chicken dish is a great example of my spice philosophy: more is more!

Chicken thighs stewed in a mixture of fire roasted tomatoes, hot green chili, chickpeas, garlic, diced zucchini, and chicken stock.

The seasonings- Cinnamon, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, pomegranate molasses (ooooh yes), and coriander.

Served over couscous.

This is so delicious, and it's only better the next day. Try it!

A nice lunch for one! Linguine with artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, red pepper flakes, parsley, and anchovy paste topped with a little parmigiano reggiano.

Awesome.

Dear Blogger

2011-01-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you for being a bunch of raging morons who can't just allow people to have things look the way they want to. I changed to the new "template" thing, which sucks, and went to change back, but everything I've ever put on here to make this my own is gone.
You fucking suck.Love,