Wednesday, March 30, 2011

A Fabulous Baby Shower

I had the pleasure of going to a friends Baby Shower this weekend. The shower was held at a Tea House that closed for the private party for the afternoon. Kim is someone who I consider to be one of the most positive and outgoing people that I know. I was so excited about this shower from the moment the shower invite arrived. Below you can some some of the details, including a menu, the 3 tier cake, centerpieces and a picture of me with the Mom to Be.

The food was delicious and conversation was fun. I met some new women and was able to learn more about a few that I have met in the past. It was my first time having Coconut Truffle Tea and it will not be the last!






 As part of my present, I made Kim and her little-one a pink and black Crochet blanket to match the theme of the baby's room. The blanket measures 34" square. I loved it so much that I am making my self one also!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Friend Making Monday!


Come and join Kenz over at All The Weigh for Friend Making Monday! Answer the questions on your blog and link your blog to hers! 

FMM: A Few More Gender-Friendly Questions

1) What is your favorite physical feature? 
I love my eyes, hair and smile. Working on the rest ;)
2) List three adjectives that describe you
Smart, Creative, Funny
3) How old were you when you had your first kiss?
First real Kiss: I think about 14 :) I was a Freshman in High School
4) Do you believe in God? 
Yes I do! I do not post about it on the blog that often, but it is there if you want to read about it.

5) How often do you watch the news? 
Not often enough! I can honestly say that I get most of my new through Twitter! I have recently started reading "The Daily" on my iPad. I do not enjoy nightly news on the regular new channel. I think that the broad casted shows like 20/20, 48 hours etc.... are really insightful. 

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Kim in the Kitchen

Keeping up with my goal of cooking more at home and using cook books on hand, I made Ina Garten's book Family Style to make her Mac n' Cheese. You can see the recipe below. Along with this dish I made country style ribs BBQ ribs in the cock pot! There was plenty of leftovers for the week and even enough to send some to my Grandparents.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
  • 1 quart milk
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 12 ounces Gruyere, grated (4 cups)
  • 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 pound fresh tomatoes (4 small)
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish. (I used a 13x9 glass pyrex)
Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.
If you give you give it a try let me know. I think it is basic enough for family parties where everyone will like it. But if you wanted to turn up the heat with some spices you could do that too.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

You're my Obsession

Thanks to my friend Michelle over at My American Dream for the inspiration for this post. Michelle posted about what she is obsessing with right now- or rather whats trending with her.
This got me thinking what am I obsessing over lately?

1. Knitting & Crocheting-  I am still taking classes at Rumpelstiltskin Yarns, in Sayville, NY. I think after taken the Wilton Classes for Cake decorating, my crafty urge has increased.

2. Essie Nail polish and doing my nails- I have been either doing my own nails or getting a manicure since the beginning of the year and love trying new colors.

3. Reading The Daily - it's an online newspaper made only for the iPad. I love it! I have never been someone to read the paper everyday.

4. Paying bills- What a great thing to obsess over! I just want to get them all cleared up and we really don't have any debt at this point at all!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Friend Making Monday!



Kenz over at All The Weigh has posted the Friends Making Monday question. Feel free to copy and paste to your own blog and link it on hers. Take time to look at some other blogs while you are there!

1. Who is your pick for the Final Four? 
 I have never watched a whole Basket Ball game. I know of some players but not enough to know what teams they are on. Hockey and Baseball are my favorite sports. 

2. What is your favorite workout/fitness activity? 
It used to be Yoga but I haven't been there in so long (thanks for the reminder! lol) But in the past month I have been walking on the treadmill and working out in the gym. 

3. Do you have a favorite healthy snack? Something that REALLY hits the
spot? 
I love carrots and celery with hummus. Also Wasabi green peas!

4. What is your dream car? 
My dream car used to be a Cadillac SUV, however after getting my Jeep last July I think I own it! How cool is that!?!

5. Have you set any goals for yourself this month? What are they? 
On my blog I post monthly goals.

  • Read 3 books

  • 6 visits to my Gym

  • Finish 2 knitting projects & 2 Crochet projects

  • Roast my first chicken or turkey

  • Bring lunch from home 3 days a week

  • Print pics for frames at home (last months goal)

  • Bake 75-100 cookies


  • Saturday, March 19, 2011

    I Love Shopping

    Here is a couple of the recent purchases that I have made. Nothing too crazy, but some great buys!

    Essie Chincilly nail polish
    Hair pins from Old Hollywood at Limelight Market

    Coach Madison Embossed Python Wristlet 

    Thursday, March 17, 2011

    Bloggers Day of Silence


    While reading some of my favorite blogs today I saw that many were participating in a "Bloggers Day of Silence" and I also will be doing so. I won't be posting any blogs tomorrow, but instead making a donation to SHELTER BOX.  You can check out UtterlyEngaged.com for more details and information to their link for this great cause.

    Some of the first bloggers that I read are participating were EatDrinkPretty and  Stilettos and Diaper bags. Please participate and donate a what you can and get the word out.

    See Utterly Engaged's blog for all the information.

    Wednesday, March 16, 2011

    A Girl Never Forgets Her First

    Her first roasted Turkey! I did it! I made a roast! Wahoo! I am proud. I was nervous about cooking something like this. I put it on my 30 while 30 list and now I can check it off.

    Monday, March 14, 2011

    Friend Making Monday!


    It is Monday! Kenz over at All The Weigh has posted the Friends Making Monday question. Feel free to copy and paste to your own blog and link it on hers. Take a look at some other people's answers. What a great way to see some new blogs and make friends!


    1) What's your favorite brand of make-up? Are you loyal to one brand?  
    I have a few: Benefit, Sephora (their own line), Maybeline Mascara and ELF lip gloss. 
    2) What is the last thing you drank? 
    Diet Peach Snapple
    3) What's your favorite Girl Scout cookie? 
    I love Do-si-dos and Tagalongs.  I have been good so far this cookie season and have not purchased any yet. LOL

    4) French Fries or Onion Rings? 
    French Fries! wait no Onion Rings.. ok if they are beer battered then Onion Rings. If they are homemade.. then French Fries

    5) Share something you've done in the last week that makes you proud of yourself. 
    I have been to the gym more this month than all of the past 1/2 year! SO proud!

    6) What is your favorite inexpensive indulgence?
    Starbucks. Although it can be expensive ... Maybe my monthly magazines that come to my house. 
    7) Are you currently reading a book? If so, which one? 
    I am reading "Are You There Vodka? It's me, Chelsea" By Chelsea Handler.

    8) 
    Do you prefer to text or talk? 

    I like talking, I find myself texting my friends all the time though. Maybe they like texting more.

    9)
     Have you ever performed on stage?

    Yes, I was in a Symphony Orchestra playing the cello from Grade School through High School.

    10) 
    Are you more likely to pick truth or dare? 

    Truth. 

    Wednesday, March 9, 2011

    Keeping a Holy Lent

    I do not talk about my faith that often on this blog but wanted to give mention that today starts Lent. I belong to Bay Shore United Methodist Church and have been a member since I am 8. As many people sacrafice many things for Lent they do not know the reasons why we do this. I have found a very "youthful" explanation of what Lent is at Lent 101 .

    Here is what I am giving up planning for Lent:

    1. Give up cursing (really something I should and need to do)
    2. Cultivate a life of gratitude- show and tell people what they mean to me
    3. Make a weekly donation to some of my favorite charities.
    4. Start a prayer rhythm & Create a daily quiet time

    Hope that everyone has a peaceful and thoughtful Lent!
    

    Monday, March 7, 2011

    Friend Making Monday!


    This is my second time posting as part of Kenlie from All The Weigh Friend Making Monday. Check out her blog and feel free to participate! Answer the question on your blog, link it to Kenlie's and read some other responses. What a great way to make friends and read new blogs!
    Below is this weeks question. 


    What do you do to entertain yourself when you have free time?

    • Reading ( I have a second blog HERE )
    • Crochet - started over the summer. Trying knitting too
    • Shopping! Luckily I window shop more than actual shopping or we would be in trouble! 
    • Rides out East. I love driving out East to the Hamptons, Montauk and both forks of LI. 
    • Baking and decorating cakes and cookies.

    Thursday, March 3, 2011

    Wishful Shopping!

    Someone quick give me $500.- to spend as I choose, because these items are calling my name!


    Tarina Tarantino Hate - Love Braclet
    Tarina Tarantino Lucite Braclet - I want them in all colors and multiples of them!


    Michael Kors white watch

    Coach Kristen Leather Yellow Wristlet
    Essie - Smokin' Hot nail polish
    Steampunk Owl Necklace from Etsy

    It's on a 30" chain to hang low

    Wednesday, March 2, 2011

    March Goals


    Planned on posting these last night, but didn't get to it. Here are my goals for March. Safe to say that these are very ambitious.

    1. Read 3 books
    2. 6 visits to my Gym
    3. Finish 2 knitting projects & 2 Crochet projects
    4. Roast my first chicken or turkey
    5. Bring lunch from home 3 days a week
    6. Print pics for frames at home (last months goal)
    7. Bake 75-100 cookies
    Wohaa wish me luck! What are some of your goals?

    Tuesday, March 1, 2011

    Friend Making Monday

    I saw this on a blog that I have recently started to read called All The Weigh . It is Friend Making Monday... on Tuesday! lol I am a little late on the fun, but Hey! Who says we can't catch up! Thanks to Kenlie for having this idea!


    1) What is your favorite movie?
    I have a few favorites:  Dirty Dancing, Dazed & Confused, Ratatouille, SATC (1)... and a more LOL

    2) If you could trade lives with an actor or actress for one day, who would you choose?  And why?
    Sarah Jessica Parker! She lives in beautiful NYC condo, she must have a fabulous closet and shoes! I want to check it all out!

    3) Who is your favorite actor/actress?
    For the actors: Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Vince Vaughn and also Mark Wahlberg. I love to be entertained and they always do if for me. The Jennifer Aniston, Queen Latifa and Anne Hataway are some of my favorite actress.

    Goal Recap for February

    1. Read 3 books Giving myself credit for this (shh, don't tell) I read 2, Don't Sing at The Table and Queen of Babble
    2. Make 4 meatless meals  FAIL! I don't think I made any meatless meals... to be continued
    3. Keep to monthly Budget  This was thrown out the window when the Dr bills came rolling in
    4. Print pictures for frames around house FAIL! I will do this in March!
    5. Make 2 crochet projects I made 3 hats and 1 cowl! Also started a blanket. Go me!
    6. Plan something for Mom's Birthday Done! Made plans and they were switched around, but she had a good day!
    Goals for March should be ready by the end of the day. What are some of your goals for the month?