Coming soon to a mailbox near you!
Edited to add - my card was shown on McMommy's Holiday Spectacular! Check it out here.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Christmas Card
We took the pictures and I posted them here, and now its time to show you our card!
Coming soon to a mailbox near you!
Edited to add - my card was shown on McMommy's Holiday Spectacular! Check it out here.
Coming soon to a mailbox near you!
Edited to add - my card was shown on McMommy's Holiday Spectacular! Check it out here.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Two Years Ago...
Tyler proposed on November 25, 2007. We went to a white tie Debutante Cotillion over Thanksgiving. He'd planned on proposing there, in front of a beautiful Cinderella-esq carriage.
He asked me how I felt about being proposed to in front of people. I'm picturing him grabbing a microphone and telling the whole room how much he loved me. And I figured he was kidding, and told him it was a dumb idea since we didn't even know anyone there. Later, a friend's dad kept taking pictures of us in front of the carriage, and encouraging us to "try a new pose."
He missed the memo that his photography skills were no longer needed for a proposal, since Tyler thought I'd hate his idea! I teased him later that during those photos, he should have proposed, at which point all he could do was stare at me. Classic us - total miscommunication!
So, now I knew it was coming, and his actual proposal was ten times better.
We were 16 when we first started dating, and since 16 year olds don't have much to do at night, we'd hang out at the playground by his house. After dating for two months, I was still waiting for the first kiss, and one night slid down the slide, where he was waiting at the bottom, hand on each side, leaned over...and walked away. Chicken. I've teased him for years about ruining a perfect first kiss. So November 25th, he took me back there to recreate the moment - and he was waiting on one knee. With one hell of a ring!
Of course I said yes! Until our wedding day...it was the best day of my life :)
He asked me how I felt about being proposed to in front of people. I'm picturing him grabbing a microphone and telling the whole room how much he loved me. And I figured he was kidding, and told him it was a dumb idea since we didn't even know anyone there. Later, a friend's dad kept taking pictures of us in front of the carriage, and encouraging us to "try a new pose."
He missed the memo that his photography skills were no longer needed for a proposal, since Tyler thought I'd hate his idea! I teased him later that during those photos, he should have proposed, at which point all he could do was stare at me. Classic us - total miscommunication!
So, now I knew it was coming, and his actual proposal was ten times better.
We were 16 when we first started dating, and since 16 year olds don't have much to do at night, we'd hang out at the playground by his house. After dating for two months, I was still waiting for the first kiss, and one night slid down the slide, where he was waiting at the bottom, hand on each side, leaned over...and walked away. Chicken. I've teased him for years about ruining a perfect first kiss. So November 25th, he took me back there to recreate the moment - and he was waiting on one knee. With one hell of a ring!
Of course I said yes! Until our wedding day...it was the best day of my life :)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Vanilla Slice
I found this recipe at the blog Baking Bites, and I need to make it again. As I made the custard filling, I was tasting it, and it tasted heavenly, and then I burnt the bottom. I thought if I just scooped out what didn't touch the burnt bits it would be okay, but the flavor went all the way through. One friend said it tasted good, like toasted marshmallows, but a few others said the pastry was the best part. I'm probably going to try this again this weekend, watching it more closely this time! I have a feeling it could be one of my new favorites.
Vanilla Slice
2 sheets puff pastry (1 package Pepperidge Farm), defrosted
2 cups milk
1 vanilla bean
2 cups half n’ half
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup custard powder or instant vanilla pudding
3 large egg yolks
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp butter, room temperature
confectioners’ sugar
2 cups milk
1 vanilla bean
2 cups half n’ half
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup custard powder or instant vanilla pudding
3 large egg yolks
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp butter, room temperature
confectioners’ sugar
Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place defrosted puff pastry sheets (use two trays, if necessary) on baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
While pastry is cooling, line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or saran wrap, making sure the foil or wrap comes up over the sides.
Place one sheet of pasty at the bottom of the pan, trimming the corners if necessary to make it fit. Press down gently until pastry is relatively flat.
Pour the milk into a medium saucepan. Cut the vanilla bean in half and add it to the milk. Bring milk up to a simmer, then remove from heat. Scrap the seeds from the vanilla bean into the milk.
In a medium bowl, whisk together half n’ half, sugar, cornstarch, custard powder or instant pudding and egg yolks until very smooth. Pour into the saucepan with vanilla milk, whisking to combine.
Turn up heat to medium and, whisking frequently, cook until mixture comes to a boil and is very thick. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and butter. Pour into prepared pan on top of the sheet of pastry and smooth into an even layer.
Gently press remaining sheet of pastry - corners trimmed if necessary - on top of the custard layer.
Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
Slice in the pan with a sharp knife, then use the overhanging foil or saran wrap to easily lift the dessert from the pan.
Dust generously with confectioners sugar before serving.
While pastry is cooling, line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or saran wrap, making sure the foil or wrap comes up over the sides.
Place one sheet of pasty at the bottom of the pan, trimming the corners if necessary to make it fit. Press down gently until pastry is relatively flat.
Pour the milk into a medium saucepan. Cut the vanilla bean in half and add it to the milk. Bring milk up to a simmer, then remove from heat. Scrap the seeds from the vanilla bean into the milk.
In a medium bowl, whisk together half n’ half, sugar, cornstarch, custard powder or instant pudding and egg yolks until very smooth. Pour into the saucepan with vanilla milk, whisking to combine.
Turn up heat to medium and, whisking frequently, cook until mixture comes to a boil and is very thick. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and butter. Pour into prepared pan on top of the sheet of pastry and smooth into an even layer.
Gently press remaining sheet of pastry - corners trimmed if necessary - on top of the custard layer.
Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
Slice in the pan with a sharp knife, then use the overhanging foil or saran wrap to easily lift the dessert from the pan.
Dust generously with confectioners sugar before serving.
Serves 12
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
I found this recipe at the blog How to Eat a Cupcake, and could not wait to make it.
The author was not kidding - this was hands down, the most amazing pie that I've ever had. It was moist and creamy. The crust was absolutely perfect. The filling was to die for. I will never make a regular pumpkin pie again!
The author was not kidding - this was hands down, the most amazing pie that I've ever had. It was moist and creamy. The crust was absolutely perfect. The filling was to die for. I will never make a regular pumpkin pie again!
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
1 baked 9-inch pie shell
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
3 egg yolks, beaten
1/2 teaspoon each ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 egg whites
1 cup chilled heavy cream, stiffly beaten (I used only 3/4 cup of cream and added 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla)
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
3 egg yolks, beaten
1/2 teaspoon each ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 egg whites
1 cup chilled heavy cream, stiffly beaten (I used only 3/4 cup of cream and added 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla)
Soften gelatin in the cold water and set aside.
Combine pumpkin, sugar, milk, egg yolks, spices, and salt in the top of a double boiler. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes. Stir in softened gelatin and cook 5 minutes more. Cool.
Beat the egg whites (I added 3 tablespoons of sugar to the egg whites) until soft peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into thoroughly cooled pumpkin filling. Pour mixture into pie shell. Chill until set. Top with whipped cream.
Combine pumpkin, sugar, milk, egg yolks, spices, and salt in the top of a double boiler. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes. Stir in softened gelatin and cook 5 minutes more. Cool.
Beat the egg whites (I added 3 tablespoons of sugar to the egg whites) until soft peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into thoroughly cooled pumpkin filling. Pour mixture into pie shell. Chill until set. Top with whipped cream.
Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cupcakes
I found this recipe at Annie's Eats, and they were too cute to not make for our party. I don't really like raspberry, so these only tasted okay to me, but I'm hoping everyone else loved them!
Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
9 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup strong coffee (or water)
1/2 cup whole or low-fat milk
For the cupcakes:
9 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup strong coffee (or water)
1/2 cup whole or low-fat milk
For the filling:
Seedless raspberry jam
Seedless raspberry jam
For the raspberry truffles:
2 pints fresh raspberries
5 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 pints fresh raspberries
5 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/3 cup heavy cream
For the frosting:
16 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
Pink icing color (optional)
16 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
Pink icing color (optional)
Directions:
To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350° F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners. In a small bowl sift together the cocoa powder, cake flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Mix in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl between additions.
To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350° F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners. In a small bowl sift together the cocoa powder, cake flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Mix in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl between additions.
In a liquid measuring cup, combine the coffee and milk. Add half of the dry ingredients to the mixer and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Stir in the coffee-milk mixture and mix until combined. Add in the remaining dry ingredients, again mixing just until incorporated. Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling the cups about 3/4 full. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, heat some raspberry jam just enough to allow for easy stirring and smooth texture (I do about 20-30 seconds). Transfer the jam to a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip, poke into each cupcake and pipe a small amount inside.
To make the raspberry truffles, rinse fresh raspberries and transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Gently shake the berries around to remove excess water. Place the chocolate and jam in a small heatproof bowl. Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate and jam. Let stand for about 3 minutes. Whisk together gently until smooth. If any unmelted lumps remain, microwave a few seconds and whisk again. Let the ganache cool a bit until it has thickened slightly (enough to be piped through a pastry bag). Once it has reached the right consistency, transfer the ganache to a pastry bag and pipe into the center of the clean raspberries. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes to set.
To make the frosting, place the butter and jam in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream on medium-high speed until well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Sift in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Tint with icing color as desired.
To finish the cupcakes, frost with the raspberry jam buttercream and top with a few of the raspberry truffles.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Shrimp Monterey
One of the dishes that we made at our Friendship Feast was Shrimp Monterey. I found this recipe at the Cheat Day Cafe blog, and it was a huge hit. I personally dislike shrimp, but I will keep this recipe on file since it was so popular with our friends.
Shrimp Monterey
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 tablespoons of butter
2 lbs. uncooked shrimp*
1/2 white wine or chicken broth
2 c. (8 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons minced parsley
Saute garlic and butter in skillet for one minute. Add shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes. Transfer shrimp to 11x7x2 in pan and keep warm. Add wine or chicken broth to skillet and boil. Cook and stir for 5 minutes until sauce is reduced. Pour over shrimp and top with cheese and parsley. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Serve over pasta or over grilled chicken breast for a delicious dinner.
*You can used frozen, cooked shrimp. Thaw shrimp in water and then pat dry. Put in the garlic butter and only cook for 2 minutes. Proceed as above.
2-3 tablespoons of butter
2 lbs. uncooked shrimp*
1/2 white wine or chicken broth
2 c. (8 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons minced parsley
Saute garlic and butter in skillet for one minute. Add shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes. Transfer shrimp to 11x7x2 in pan and keep warm. Add wine or chicken broth to skillet and boil. Cook and stir for 5 minutes until sauce is reduced. Pour over shrimp and top with cheese and parsley. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Serve over pasta or over grilled chicken breast for a delicious dinner.
*You can used frozen, cooked shrimp. Thaw shrimp in water and then pat dry. Put in the garlic butter and only cook for 2 minutes. Proceed as above.
Friendship Feast, take two
Okay, back to the Friendship Feast!
So you saw how much food goes into this thing - crazy! I was going to cater it this year, and then I thought I'd save some money and make everything myself. But, when I added it all up - it actually still would have been cheaper to cater, so there goes that!
We've always kept this to just our couple friends, and I'm not sure why. I was asked one of my best friends wasn't there, and I realized I hadn't thought to invite her - which is a terrible reason. But, even with limiting it to very close friends in a serious relationship, we invited 20 people. If money and space weren't an issue, I easily could have invited 10 more couples that we are close with. Tyler and I often joke that we have too many friends. We love to entertain, we love to go out, and there are just not enough days in the week to spend time with the people we love! I really need to figure out a better way to do this next year. Even though I love the "feast" aspect, perhaps a large open house with appetizers and desserts might be a way to go?
But, its a really great group, and I love that most of our friends have now become friends with each other - it really makes this event something that everyone can look forward to!
Since Tyler had my camera for most of the party, I didn't get very many pictures after he came back, but here's what I do have:
Tyler and I -
Joe and Joel -
Tyler and Holly -
Joe and Holly -
And all the babies worn out from all of the excitement all night!
After dinner, we served dessert! My absolute favorite part :) And I will post recipes for them, yummm. When they are linked to a post, you'll know they are up!
I served:
- Vanilla Slice
- Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
- Apple Pie made by our friend and guest, Aly.
Two of the couples left shortly after dessert - the wives are pregnant (and SO cute!) and it was getting late. The rest of us played some board games for a little bit, and then three more couples left. We were left with a small group of friends who were sleeping over that night, and I went up to have girl talk in one of the spare rooms with two of my best friends while the boys played Guitar Hero. It was so fun to just lay in the bed and catch up. Our lives get so busy that we rarely get to get together anymore, so I savor any time we do get to spend together :)
All in all...a perfect night!
Friendship Feast
This year was our 4th annual Friendship Feast. We always have our closest couple friends over for a large dinner the Saturday before Thanksgiving. True holidays were always very stressful on Tyler and I - we have a large family, and it was a lot of driving, someone would be sad we left early, someone else would be sad we arrived late - so this is our big, fun, de-stresser each year!
This year, I tried to incorporate slow cookers as much as possible, to help all of the food be ready at the same time. Unfortunately, Tyler got called into the office right as guests were arriving, and after he left, I realized he took my car, which had my camera! So all of these were taken on my cell phone.
I set up our formal dining room as a buffet, but in order to keep the cords out of tripping range, I brought in a console table to hold plates and one of the pastas so that everyone couldn't walk all the way around. I wish I'd had my camera handy for a better view!
This year, I tried to incorporate slow cookers as much as possible, to help all of the food be ready at the same time. Unfortunately, Tyler got called into the office right as guests were arriving, and after he left, I realized he took my car, which had my camera! So all of these were taken on my cell phone.
I set up our formal dining room as a buffet, but in order to keep the cords out of tripping range, I brought in a console table to hold plates and one of the pastas so that everyone couldn't walk all the way around. I wish I'd had my camera handy for a better view!
The menu:
Pick your own pasta - angel hair or rotini.
Pick your own sauce - Alfredo, Marinara, or Shrimp Monterey
Pick a meat to go on top - meatballs, or crispy fried chicken
Steamed Broccoli and Garlic Bread
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, and different cheeses for the pasta/broccoli/whatever you'd like!
There was also a massive Ceasar Salad and baked chicken breasts that I forgot to take pictures of.
Lessons learned? I made WAY TOO MUCH food! I don't know what I was thinking, there are enough leftovers for a whole another party! I'll do a follow up post with recipes and dessert, but I leave you with this...
How to Throw a Party and not lose your cool:
Three miscellaneous Crock Pots
And lots of the very best friends a girl could ask for :)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Christmas Card Time...
I love sending out Christmas cards, and especially, receiving them from all of our friends and family! However, getting Tyler to pose for a picture with me is incredibly difficult. I often joke that our wedding was the worst day of his life, for the sole reason of being forced to be in so many pictures.
Luckily, our friend Joe (www.shootjoec.com) offered to take some pictures, so we headed over there yesterday. Last night, he blogged about it here.
He sent us these three, and what perfect captures of Tyler and I! I ended up incorporating all three into our card - pic to come!
Luckily, our friend Joe (www.shootjoec.com) offered to take some pictures, so we headed over there yesterday. Last night, he blogged about it here.
He sent us these three, and what perfect captures of Tyler and I! I ended up incorporating all three into our card - pic to come!
Manolo love..
A blog that I love reading is Slynnro, and she has a separate blog where she does daily outfit posts. I love looking at her for work-related style inspiration.
Last Tuesday she posted a casual outfit, showcasing a pair of Manolo Blahniks:
And I did a double take! I have a pair of shoes that look almost the exact same!
I debated getting rid of these shoes (mine are Anne Klein) because they hurt my feet, but now seeing how closely they resemble a pair of designer kicks (especially since I bought these with my sister in 2004), I now am thinking up ways to incorporate them back into my wardrobe.
I feel like that makes me a crappy person - I only remember these shoes again since they look 6 times more expensive. Does that make me really shallow?
Don't answer those questions, I think I'm wearing them tomorrow, styled similarly to Slynnro :)
P.S., this would now make my third pair of shoes I bought because I liked them, and later discovered they are knock offs of designers - see here, here and here.
Last Tuesday she posted a casual outfit, showcasing a pair of Manolo Blahniks:
And I did a double take! I have a pair of shoes that look almost the exact same!
I debated getting rid of these shoes (mine are Anne Klein) because they hurt my feet, but now seeing how closely they resemble a pair of designer kicks (especially since I bought these with my sister in 2004), I now am thinking up ways to incorporate them back into my wardrobe.
I feel like that makes me a crappy person - I only remember these shoes again since they look 6 times more expensive. Does that make me really shallow?
Don't answer those questions, I think I'm wearing them tomorrow, styled similarly to Slynnro :)
P.S., this would now make my third pair of shoes I bought because I liked them, and later discovered they are knock offs of designers - see here, here and here.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Picture Messaging
I remember the days before cell phones were commonplace. Payphones and landlines. Then come middle school, kids started getting pagers. Tyler actually bought me my first pager back in 2000 - its crazy to think that so many of my first memories are involving the man I married :) When I first started driving, my parents got a cell phone and let me borrow theirs. Finally, senior year, I got my own phone - a Nokia. Everyone had them, did you? The only difference was I had different crazy face plates - I remember a yellow flowered one, and a green glitter one.
Through the years I upgraded to new features that were so exciting, and are so normal now. For example, I often text with both my parents and my mother in law. The latest excitement is picture messaging.
Last weekend, when we went out of town, we had my parents watch Missy, and our friends Joel and Jessy took Holly and Kimchi. Everyone knows that I am a worried momma when I leave my babies and go out of town, and we got three very thoughtful text messages of our babies while we were gone.
My sister texted me a picture of Missy sleeping on the futon:
Then my daddy texted me a picture of her hanging out on a chair:
Then, Joel and Jessy texted us a picture of Holly and Kimchi saying "We miss you, Mommy!"
Picture messaging is such a thoughtful use of such a neat new technology, and I'm so grateful that our friends and family know that the dogs were heavily on our mind all weekend, and shared snapshots of our babies while we were away :)
Last night was our big annual friendship feast...recipes and pictures to come!
Last weekend, when we went out of town, we had my parents watch Missy, and our friends Joel and Jessy took Holly and Kimchi. Everyone knows that I am a worried momma when I leave my babies and go out of town, and we got three very thoughtful text messages of our babies while we were gone.
My sister texted me a picture of Missy sleeping on the futon:
Then my daddy texted me a picture of her hanging out on a chair:
Then, Joel and Jessy texted us a picture of Holly and Kimchi saying "We miss you, Mommy!"
Picture messaging is such a thoughtful use of such a neat new technology, and I'm so grateful that our friends and family know that the dogs were heavily on our mind all weekend, and shared snapshots of our babies while we were away :)
Last night was our big annual friendship feast...recipes and pictures to come!
Friday, November 20, 2009
There were five in the bed, and the little one said...
The dogs sleep in our bed. I hate this. Holly always sleeps right in between my legs, Missy wants to be little spoon, and no matter how many times I shove her away, Kimchi sleeps on my pillow, curled around my head.
Tyler finds all of this hilarious, especially since Kimchi insists on big spooning my skull.
I, on the other hand, am not amused.
Tyler thinks that its cruel and mean to keep the girls downstairs at night, and all I do is complain (we have to wash the sheets ALL THE TIME since, hello, dirty doggy feet and I can't ever move with my wall of dogs blocking me in!). But, no matter how many alligator tears I shed, he has put his foot down - the dogs sleep in our bed.
Yesterday, we had the carpet cleaners come out and do a deep steam cleaning. They threw in a deoderizer treatment for free.
I called Tyler to tell him about the free treatment, for being repeat customers. "But, um, because of the chemicals in the treatment, the dogs aren't allowed upstairs for a week - it'll take about that long for all the toxins to fully evaporate."
(This was, of course, a lie. I thought that if he saw how glorious one week without dogs in our bed was, he'd come around and see things my way.)
Damn him, if he didn't miss a beat "Oh, word? Alright, we'll just sleep on the couch downstairs this week."
Insert a vision of me stomping and pouting and throwing a temper tantrum. Seriously. And then I promptly fessed up to my scheme, and he could only laugh. You know what though? In spite of my frustration - its moments like that, that make me love my husband so much for his kind spirit and loving heart.
So, guess where the dogs slept last night? I think Kimchi took pity on me though - I only had to remove her from my head four times.
They're lucky they're cute.
Tyler finds all of this hilarious, especially since Kimchi insists on big spooning my skull.
I, on the other hand, am not amused.
Tyler thinks that its cruel and mean to keep the girls downstairs at night, and all I do is complain (we have to wash the sheets ALL THE TIME since, hello, dirty doggy feet and I can't ever move with my wall of dogs blocking me in!). But, no matter how many alligator tears I shed, he has put his foot down - the dogs sleep in our bed.
Yesterday, we had the carpet cleaners come out and do a deep steam cleaning. They threw in a deoderizer treatment for free.
I called Tyler to tell him about the free treatment, for being repeat customers. "But, um, because of the chemicals in the treatment, the dogs aren't allowed upstairs for a week - it'll take about that long for all the toxins to fully evaporate."
(This was, of course, a lie. I thought that if he saw how glorious one week without dogs in our bed was, he'd come around and see things my way.)
Damn him, if he didn't miss a beat "Oh, word? Alright, we'll just sleep on the couch downstairs this week."
Insert a vision of me stomping and pouting and throwing a temper tantrum. Seriously. And then I promptly fessed up to my scheme, and he could only laugh. You know what though? In spite of my frustration - its moments like that, that make me love my husband so much for his kind spirit and loving heart.
So, guess where the dogs slept last night? I think Kimchi took pity on me though - I only had to remove her from my head four times.
They're lucky they're cute.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
NYC, Sunday
We woke up Sunday morning to the MOST beautiful day! It was warm and sunny outside - hard to believe its so close to Christmas!
We were in the tailgating lot for the Jets game by 10am, and promptly set up the table and the grills.
I borrowed a jersey from Donna to rock Green and White:
On the way to the bathroom, I discovered that the Jets have (had?) a player named K. Johnson. Hey! That's me!!
And, in spite of the rest, I had to pull out more 5 Hour Energy Shots. I'm addicted to this thing, I think they work fabulously well, and its true, I never crash! That might as well be a PSA - "This weekend brought to you courtesy of 5 Hour Energy". I have Tyler hooked now as well.
As for the game, well, we lost. It was a fun time, although I did almost get in a fight. Our whole section kept sitting, and this one dude refused to sit down, blocking the view for a LOT of people. People were mad, asking him to sit, and he wouldn't, just being a jerk about it. After one touchdown, the stands were celebrating, and he turned around to cheer towards us behind him. I quickly informed him to look for camaraderie elsewhere, since we all thought he was a jerk, and wanted nothing to do with him. Tyler shakes his head, because he is used to me running my mouth pretty much all the time, and Michael seemed surprised. I thought I might have offended him, but luckily I didn't! I really need to work on keeping my mouth shut, but he was so incredibly rude. Tyler said that apparently he made a rude comment about me to his friends, and I wish I'd heard - I would have climbed down in his row. So, well, maybe its for the best that I didn't hear it :) But, right afterwards, he moved down a few seats, and stayed seated the rest of the game!
We then hit the road for home. We were home by 10pm, and I read and slept most of the way. It was good to be home, but it was definitely one of the best weekends away that I've ever had :)
We were in the tailgating lot for the Jets game by 10am, and promptly set up the table and the grills.
I borrowed a jersey from Donna to rock Green and White:
On the way to the bathroom, I discovered that the Jets have (had?) a player named K. Johnson. Hey! That's me!!
And, in spite of the rest, I had to pull out more 5 Hour Energy Shots. I'm addicted to this thing, I think they work fabulously well, and its true, I never crash! That might as well be a PSA - "This weekend brought to you courtesy of 5 Hour Energy". I have Tyler hooked now as well.
As for the game, well, we lost. It was a fun time, although I did almost get in a fight. Our whole section kept sitting, and this one dude refused to sit down, blocking the view for a LOT of people. People were mad, asking him to sit, and he wouldn't, just being a jerk about it. After one touchdown, the stands were celebrating, and he turned around to cheer towards us behind him. I quickly informed him to look for camaraderie elsewhere, since we all thought he was a jerk, and wanted nothing to do with him. Tyler shakes his head, because he is used to me running my mouth pretty much all the time, and Michael seemed surprised. I thought I might have offended him, but luckily I didn't! I really need to work on keeping my mouth shut, but he was so incredibly rude. Tyler said that apparently he made a rude comment about me to his friends, and I wish I'd heard - I would have climbed down in his row. So, well, maybe its for the best that I didn't hear it :) But, right afterwards, he moved down a few seats, and stayed seated the rest of the game!
We then hit the road for home. We were home by 10pm, and I read and slept most of the way. It was good to be home, but it was definitely one of the best weekends away that I've ever had :)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NYC, Saturday Night
Donna and I spent a little more time out and about in the city than intended - I'd hoped to have time to read a bit and unwind, but instead only had about half an hour to get ready! The misty dampness in the city made nice hair pretty much impossible, so I pulled it all up into a french twist, and added a Bump It to give some height. Yep, I have a Bump It, and I love it!
I ended up wearing a black sheath dress that I often wear to work (seen here) with black pumps (seen here) and a taupe colored wool coat that I just bought from Old Navy and am in LOVE with.
Tyler finds it hilarious that I take pictures of my outfit, and decided to jump in. Can you guess which one of us was ready on time, and which one wasn't?
A little bit closer. Again with the shit camera. Black clutch is also Old Navy, bracelet is David Yurman, ring is Target, and I forgot to pack earrings. Doh.
So, we headed off to the show. It was in this adorable theatre, and they really do go all out on the sets! I managed to snap one picture before getting yelled at for photographing the stage.
I cannot say enough about Rock of Ages - it was beyond my wildest dreams! I loved every minute of it, and even Tyler was really into it! At one point, Tyler stepped out to use the restroom, and one of the characters, the sexy lead singer of a band, came and sat in Tyler's chair, 12 pack of rippled abs, spandex pants and all. He was QUITE enjoyable to sit next to :) Anyone that goes up to the city must see this show! It will blow you away, especially if you love 80s music!
After the show, we headed over to Blue Fin for drinks, and then went to the Red Eye Grill for dinner.
Donna and I at Blue Fin:
Donna and Michael at Blue Fin:
Tyler and I at Blue Fin: (you can see my hair is still being attacked by the weather! ugh.
Tyler had a steak and said it was decent, although not the best he's ever had. I had sushi and a crabcake, and I thought the sushi was to die for - it just melted in my mouth, exactly the way it should. For dessert, we ordered a creme brulee/cheesecake combo. It was pretty much the most amazing thing I've ever eaten in my life.
After dinner, we were all pretty exhausted, and debating the rest of the evening. Donna decided to retire, and I decided to as well, and then the boys decided not to go out, and stayed in with us. Tyler and I crawled in bed by 8:30pm. He watched Mythbusters, and I read the Sookie Stackhouse books, and it was pretty much the perfect end to a wonderful day. Since Tyler works nights, we don't get to have quiet evenings in bed, so this was a nice treat for us. We debated napping for a bit then going out later, but the bed was so comfy, we skipped that idea, and I'm really glad we did.
We woke up to hysterical screaming at 6am. It was in waves, and I was baffled as to what was going on. I went over to the window, and looked down (we were on the 17th floor) and saw in the building across the way, there was a red carpet on the sidewalk, people everywhere with signs and cameras, and town cars in a row. After the last assumed-celebrity went inside, the fans all began sprinting to the other side of the building. I was told they tape the Today Show there, so I'd assume it was a guest, but a quick Google search didn't tell me who the celebs were - anyone have any idea?
We were up at 9am, and on the road at 9:30am to head off to the Jets game! Goodbye, NYC :(
I ended up wearing a black sheath dress that I often wear to work (seen here) with black pumps (seen here) and a taupe colored wool coat that I just bought from Old Navy and am in LOVE with.
Tyler finds it hilarious that I take pictures of my outfit, and decided to jump in. Can you guess which one of us was ready on time, and which one wasn't?
A little bit closer. Again with the shit camera. Black clutch is also Old Navy, bracelet is David Yurman, ring is Target, and I forgot to pack earrings. Doh.
So, we headed off to the show. It was in this adorable theatre, and they really do go all out on the sets! I managed to snap one picture before getting yelled at for photographing the stage.
I cannot say enough about Rock of Ages - it was beyond my wildest dreams! I loved every minute of it, and even Tyler was really into it! At one point, Tyler stepped out to use the restroom, and one of the characters, the sexy lead singer of a band, came and sat in Tyler's chair, 12 pack of rippled abs, spandex pants and all. He was QUITE enjoyable to sit next to :) Anyone that goes up to the city must see this show! It will blow you away, especially if you love 80s music!
After the show, we headed over to Blue Fin for drinks, and then went to the Red Eye Grill for dinner.
Donna and I at Blue Fin:
Donna and Michael at Blue Fin:
Tyler and I at Blue Fin: (you can see my hair is still being attacked by the weather! ugh.
Tyler had a steak and said it was decent, although not the best he's ever had. I had sushi and a crabcake, and I thought the sushi was to die for - it just melted in my mouth, exactly the way it should. For dessert, we ordered a creme brulee/cheesecake combo. It was pretty much the most amazing thing I've ever eaten in my life.
After dinner, we were all pretty exhausted, and debating the rest of the evening. Donna decided to retire, and I decided to as well, and then the boys decided not to go out, and stayed in with us. Tyler and I crawled in bed by 8:30pm. He watched Mythbusters, and I read the Sookie Stackhouse books, and it was pretty much the perfect end to a wonderful day. Since Tyler works nights, we don't get to have quiet evenings in bed, so this was a nice treat for us. We debated napping for a bit then going out later, but the bed was so comfy, we skipped that idea, and I'm really glad we did.
We woke up to hysterical screaming at 6am. It was in waves, and I was baffled as to what was going on. I went over to the window, and looked down (we were on the 17th floor) and saw in the building across the way, there was a red carpet on the sidewalk, people everywhere with signs and cameras, and town cars in a row. After the last assumed-celebrity went inside, the fans all began sprinting to the other side of the building. I was told they tape the Today Show there, so I'd assume it was a guest, but a quick Google search didn't tell me who the celebs were - anyone have any idea?
We were up at 9am, and on the road at 9:30am to head off to the Jets game! Goodbye, NYC :(
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