Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Ambitions!







I would like to be able to make these cakes and cupcakes. The pics are from and I think they are fantastic!

The Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakery made these.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Course 1 - Class 3



I am surprised on how much I have enjoyed going to the cake class weekly. It is interesting! I learned to make some clowns and a new flower today. I have some practicing to do this week on the base of the "wilton rose". I have been utilizing all the coupons in the newspaper over the past 3 weeks for either 40% or 50% all the items I have purchased for the class. I also signed up for Course 2 which starts in April, and last 4 weeks.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Blog Envy!

I have blog envy! I have to learn how to do some of the things that these other blogs have! I am jealous of the links, pics and information on them!

Friday, March 13, 2009

B.L.O.N.D.E

It is a task that takes about 3 hours, and a bit of cash... but I leave and am set for 3 months. I had my hair done at my favorite salon today. I stay off my phone, and read and relax while it is being done. I get to chat with my stylist/colorist and enjoy the beautiful salon. I am back to bright blonde, and had a trim. Great way to start the weekend.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Spinach & Artichoke Braid































1 can (14oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped
1 pkg (10oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 cup (4oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 pkg (4oz) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, pressed
2 T (1/2 oz) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
2 8 oz cans refrigerated crescent rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In classic batter bowl combine
all but Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
2. Scoop filling evenly over desired shape; finish shape as directed below.
Sprinkle w/grated Parmesan cheese Bake 25-30
minutes or until golden brown. Serves 8

To make the braid:
Unroll 2 8 oz pkgs refrigerated crescent rolls - separate into 16
triangles. Arrange triangles, slightly overlapping, in a Christmas tree shape on large bar pan. (Points will extend off the edge of the baking stone). Press the seams together using your hand or roller. Using large scoop, scoop the filling evenly over dough in continuous circle. Bring points of triangles up over filling cross over to make a braid design. If you have an extra piece of crescent roll left over (or two) that’s okay.

Book Signing


I went to Barnes & Nobles in Lake Grove last night for a book signing with Adriana Trigiani. I only heard of her when I saw her on The Today Show a few weeks back. She was intelligent and funny, Adriana caught my attention and I picked up her first new book, "Very Valentine". I have reviewed this book on my other Book List Blog. I found her style of writing and wording entertaining. I then read another of her books "Lucia, Lucia" (mainly because it is mentioned in Very Valentine).
So with them both in hand I went to her book signing. I was lucky enough to get a seat in the front row. I had a great time. She told stories about her family, and the characters who are based on people she knows. Adriana answered questions from the crowd (which seemed to be over 150 people). I really enjoyed my night. It was great to meet the author and talk to other woman about what they read and recommend.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Not a dream after all-

Last night I woke up in the middle of the night and Greg was sleeping. I was so content knowing that we are married and this is my life. I am a lucky girl. We are a lucky couple. A lot of people think they are in love..but it doesn't last or is lust instead of love. I hope they can one day have what I have with Greg.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

A busy Weekend




I had a great weekend! Friday night I stayed home and Greg and I had a couple of our good friends over. While Greg hung out and played some video games, I made the cake I needed for my cake decorating class.
Saturday, Greg and I cleaned up the house in the morning. Then we went to a birthday party for Greg's Grandma. I let him stay over there, while I came home and got ready for my Pampered Chef party. I had 14 girls over and we had a bunch of snack food, and wine.
Sunday, besides grocery shopping.. I went to my second cake decorating class at Michael's. I am learning basic cake decorating with icing. There are 2 more classes in this course. I have 4 other women in my class and the instructor. So here is a picture of me and my first cake. I have a lot to learn, but I have learned some great tips and tricks already.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Quiche


Who would have thought, that one of the easiest dishes, would be received so well by my husband. I tried something new and he loved it! It is great to have some one who appreciates what I do and loves trying new things. It really is making me want to expand my knowledge of recipes.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Trial Run..





I did a trial run for my Wilton Cake Decorating Class that I signed up for. Here is my first attempt.

Blogs...

Uh-ho... with wedding planning done, I have a lot of free time at work. I have subscribed to so many blogs in the past month. But they are fun to read! I really wish I would have gotten into blogging sooner.. But HEY no time like the present.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

My new favorite-


Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers

1 lb Lean ground beef
10 oz package Chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 medium Zucchini, coarsly grated
1 small onion, minced
1 egg, lightly beated
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fresh Ground pepper
3 Red Bell Peppers, halved lengthwise, cleaned and cored
2 - 14oz cans low sodium stewed tomatoes
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Pre heat oven to 350
In bowl combine the beef, spinach, zucchini, onion, egg, oregano, salt and a few grinds of pepper. Mix until throughly combined

Fill peppers with the meat mixture, place halved side up in a 9x13 baking dish. Pour the tomatoes over the peppers and sprinkle with the feta cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and and bake until meat fully cooked (about 25 minutes longer).

Goals.

These were my Goals for 2009, as stated in a previous post in January.

1. Become more in control of my Finances
2. Be accountable for having my own savings
3. Cook at home more, prepare food for lunches for Greg and I
4. Manage my time better
5. Become healthier, both physically and mentally
6. Take classes in things that interest me
7. Do more Charitable things, donate my time
8. Plan a vacation for Greg and I (not the wedding in Fl for October)

I am happy to say that I am really keeping up on all but the last 2, (so far)! I have not planned a vacation because we decided to use that money to pay off some bills and we are going to wait till we have more in our savings. I have not been as charitable as I can. However, instead of giving up something for lent- I will be making a donation to an charity. I think it is a better solution. Also I am looking into working my Chuch Soup Kitchen when it resumes.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Leave a Message

It is lovely not hearing the sound of a phone ringing or someone trying to get my attention. It is nice not to hate it when I hear my phone go off. I think i might leave it off more often.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Rangers Game!






We went to the Rangers vs. Panthers game on Thursday. Greg bought seats in section 101. We had a former MTV VJ sitting the row in front of us. Her name is Karen Duff, she went by Duffy on MTV in the early 90's. He son was the kid who rode the Zamboni in during the 2nd intermission. Unfortunately the Rangers did lose.

Dinner for 2






I made dinner for Greg and I tonight. I know that he is planning on being on his diet again starting this week, so I made a few not so healthy things that he would enjoy. While Greg took a nap I got started. Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Black Forest Brussels Sprouts and a London Broil. It took a while for me to get it all prepared and ready to cook, but it was all done on time and ready together. I also made a special Bunt cake that Greg's Aunt Edyie makes for special occasions. When he woke up he took out the camera and snapped a few shots of me in action.