Wednesday, April 30, 2008

He He He

What are you doing Saturday?

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Free stuff

Register to win a $100 Land's End Gift Card over here at Hormone Colored Days.

AND...

Curls

This product is a god send to anyone with curls. Seriously. I've tried to live without it but I cannot. I had to break down and buy some today b/c my hair is screaming for it. Silly I know, but I can't think of another hair product that I love more.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Rested and Relaxed



This was my view this weekend. I had a much needed weekend away where I was able to sleep, relax, eat good food, sit/walk on the beach, sleep, sit in the jacuzzi, swim in the pool, sleep, and read a good book. It was needed and I actually felt great this morning and managed to make it through the entire day at work with a smile on my face.



This was taken at Buddha Lounge and Grill on Saturday night. The food was fabulous and the waitress was on spot. I'm also very shocked that there is actually a decent picture of me out there now. Normally my face morphs into that of a crone with only one eye when a camera is turned my way. It must have been the relaxing...

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Mmmm...cookies

I made these tonight and they were unbelievably good. They have peanut butter in them so that means they are full of protein, right? They aren't full of calories, they are full of love. Yeah...love.
So the buy nothing month is almost at and end and I've been just a little more naughty. I bought all of the decorations for Monkeyface's birthday party b/c the party shop was having a buy one get one free sale. Granted, his party is not until June 7th, but how could I pass up a sale on things that I know I'm going to have to purchase. I could not justify paying full price for things next month that were half price now. I also bought some clothes for Monkeyface (Thomas the Train)and a broom. The clothes were completely spur of the moment and we could have lived w/o them but I don't get over to that side of the county very often and I knew it would be a while before I went back. The broom was just a good investment b/c he loves using it and I love having him help me clean. I still feel that I've made a good effort this month and have really watched where our money has gone. It has definitely made me more conscious of my spending habits and I plan to continue this after the month is up.
This weekend I'll be traveling to Myrtle Beach for a much needed girls weekend. I got us an upgrade to a 2BR condo for the occasion free of charge b/c I am good like that. The room looks amazing so fingers crossed that it is. I plan on sleeping late, enjoying a good glass of wine, taking a long walk, and sitting in the jacuzzi. I have even shaved my legs for the event which is a huge undertaking for a hippie like me.
Speaking of hippies...last night Monkeyface was looking at one of my yoga books full of pictures. He would point to the pictures and in his funny gibberish that sounds like a cross between German, English, and Japanese, he would say "hippie" every time he pointed to one. And I gave my usual reply, "yes baby, hippie."

Friday, April 18, 2008

Western Dream

Bob Sinclair is playing on Pandora today in the office. It makes me happy. After years of bringing in my ipod or burning cds to bring in, we've finally been allowed to use the "unused" computer and play music. The right music makes all the difference and that album cover makes me want to run away today to nap in the sun. How fantastic is it that it's going to be 82 today? I'm a little jealous that Monkeyface gets to play outside all day while I work inside and he gets to nap. When I went to lunch on Wednesday I made a comment to my co-worker that if we were with Monkeyface right now then we would be napping. Oh how I miss naps. I think this weekend you'll find me on the couch with the windows open napping while he naps.
So my "Buy Nothing" month has been doing rather well. The only extra things I've bought have been clothes, but in my defense they were on sale and they were exactly what I've been looking for. I bought 2 pair of plaid cargo shorts for Monkeyface and some fantasic chocolate linen pants and a black shirt for myself. The pants fit perfectly in the waist and hips and after I get them altered to fit my apparently short legs then they will be the best pants ever. I don't know why stores think that plus size women are 7 ft tall. Sometimes I wished that I could draw/sew so that I could design some decent clothes for the fairer sex.
I did visit Linens and Things and was tempted by all the gadgets but walked away with only the sandwich cutter I needed for the cucumber sandwiches that I made for the shower of my sister in law that I love and all that jazz. (how's that for a run-on?) I love gadgets. They always seem so promising but I reminded myself of the larger picture this month and stopped the impulse to purchase. Oh yeah..I also bought some new washcloths which were needed for when my house guests arrive in June. They are darling little monkey washcloths so how could I not get them? The kids are going to love them.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Dinner tonight

Chicken is grilling marinated in Allegro and Orzo is sitting on the stove waiting to be eaten. This is a really good recipe for kids and adults :) I don't remember where this recipe came from b/c it was saved in my inbox.

Orzo

1 pound orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped (I use onion)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, juices drained
1 1/4 cups whipping cream
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Bring a heavy large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the cream and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Parmesan to the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Stir the pasta mixture until the sauce coats the pasta thickly, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to maintain a creamy consistency. Season the orzo with salt and pepper, and serve.