So I often wonder, why do people whistle while they walk, NOT to be confused with whistling while you work (which the seven dwarfs made perfectly acceptable back in the 30’s). I understand whistling to get attention or whistling in the shower but just casually whistling whilst walking around, I want to ask why. According to Terry, who is an occasional walker who whistles, he says it is either to pass time because he is bored or he is in a good mood. (I am saying it is 99.9% the former of the two)
So what brought this random thought to the forefront of my perceptive mind, well at work TWO people at separate times were walking through the office whistling and I was at the grocery store and someone was pushing their cart while whistling. And so it begins. And the thing is it doesn’t really annoy me, which is a surprise as I seem to get annoyed with people easily, and I am ALL for people preventing boredom and to promote people being in goods moods so if that means a world of walking whistlers I will take that over a bunch of assholes ANY day. HOWEVER, when I hear a person whistle & walk I get easily distracted and my overly active imagination goes in overdrive and I start to think......
First I envision them walking with a little bounce in their step. I just don't think you can whistle and walk without a little skip thrown in. Enter MY mind and imagine with me, if you will, a person most likely wearing something along the lines of a pale colored polo shirt with a stripped matching collared shirt underneath and khaki pants and brown penny loafers walking in a very bouncy way through their suburban neighborhood (or an office) bobbing their head and swinging their arms in tune with whatever they are whistling. You can look into their eyes and see them smiling…you know, exactly what Tyra tells her potential “Top Models” to learn...smile with your eyes, folks. I feel as though you just can’t have one without the other, the whistle, the smiling eyes and the bouncy walk that is.
Plus, what tune would you whistle to while strolling. I feel that this is a very important decision and could make or break the whole walk and affect the mood you are in or trying to go for. (too stressful for me) Would you make up your own or would you whistle to, lets say Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” or maybe “Human” by the Killers or maybe you would go with a good 80’s song like "Build Me Up Buttercup". I mean, for sure you would not try walking and whistle something from the likes of Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd and for sure not Beethoven’s 9th. You whistle something like that you are bound to walk slowly and you would be gloomy and I feel as though it would defeat the entire purpose of whistling while walking. I know I don’t fully support the whistle/walk combo but IF you are going to do it, I say lets do it right. And I often want to ask people who whistle and walk if they will take requests....our office is a bit quiet at times and I am all for a good upbeat song to make the day go by.
I don’t ever see myself, no matter HOW good a mood I am in, whistling while I walk. Partly because it just seems odd to me, partly because I can not sustain a whistle for a long time without an excess amount of spittle coming out of my mouth, and partly because I am fairly certain I CAN NOT whistle and walk at the same time. I can barely walk and look to my right or left without falling down or running into something, so try to add a whistle, a bounce in my step, a head bob, swinging of my arms, smiling with my eyes and oh boy I see my stroll ending ugly……with lots of tears, blood, screaming, and me all curled up in the fetal position shaking. I would hate to find others in the middle of a whistle/walk of mine gone bad.
And yes, in case you were wondering, this IS where my mind went when I heard people whistling and walking.
This has been Random Thoughts by Jenn
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Just Thinking....
I haven't really had anything blog worthy to say the past week, but I have had a few random thoughts/stories, so I thought I would share.
- So this past Friday I met up with my mom in Columbus to spend some quality time together whilst my dad was in a conference. We went to the Nicci Debro Spa, the same Spa we went to for my mom’s 50th Birthday. (P.S. It is a great Spa, I highly recommend it.) When we arrived they asked if we had been there before because we looked really familiar and when we said yes they remembered it was for her birthday. However, I did feel a little concerned about them remembering us so quickly because I wondered if A) We were just THAT awesome that they talked about our pure awesomeness on a daily basis or B) We caused such a ruckus that they had nightmares about us and were a bit scared upon our return. I am thinking the latter as typically where ever my mom, sister and I go – chaos ensues.
- I created a test a couple weeks ago and I believe both my husband and sister failed, tremendously. I went to the restroom and the soap dispenser was empty. I thought to myself, well surly the person before KNEW they used the last of the soap and was just lazy and didn’t refill it. So as I was lazy and also didn’t feel like refilling the soap dispenser I thought I would create an experiment by putting the large, Costco sized bottle of soap out next to the soap dispenser to see if anyone refills it. Outcome: 2 weeks later and NO ONE has refilled the soap dispenser. I know people have used that bathroom, but I imagine they are just squeezing soap out of this tub-o-soap and see nothing wrong with the situation. That, or they are just not washing their hands. It is an interesting experimental observation and I would like to conduct more of these. Next on my list, seeing how high I can stack the dirty dishes in the sink before either they fall or someone washes them. Oh, and one of my favs, how long can we go with a burnt out light bulb in a major room in the house. (Currently, we are going on 5 days in the landing of the basement…who needs light as they walk down the stairs to the basement.) Of course many say, Jenn why don't YOU stop being lazy and do this stuff yourself. And I say to that, if I don't do this they will never learn people, they will never learn. What are they suppose to learn, not sure yet...but I am sure it is something very important.
- I am reading Russell Brands new Book, entitled “My Booky Wook: A Memoir of Sex, Drugs, and Stand-Up”. I know, *gasp* I am reading….a book! Crazy, huh?! Don’t get too excited, the book DOES contain a few pics as well. Anywho, I just started reading it and will write a review when I am done (4-6 months), but I would just like to say I really love this man....seriously. He recently did a special on Comedy Central (Russell Brand in New York). Hilarious. Watch it.
- I crocheted this scarf. I LOVE it! I picked out the colors and wanted something colorful but also a bit more earthy. Once mom and my sister pick out their favorite colors, I am going to make one for them as well. I know it is nearly summer and I am crocheting scarves, but I have a cold neck so it makes sense. And the best thing about this scarf, besides how cool it is, it is longer then I am tall! Brilliant. (My sister the beautiful model)
- A Little Caesars opened in BG. A $5 large pizza is da bomb and will be our dinner for tonight. Can't wait!
- After 5 hours in the car Friday I have determined I am actually a REALLY great singer....... In the car......... With the music turned up loud..........And the windows down. I am just say’n, I have some mad skillz.
Get The GIST
Ok, so it has been awhile since I have done my GIST List but I missed doing this, so here we go!
3-15-09 (Kristen’s B-Day)
1. That my sister was born!!!
2. Seeing my sister drink her margarita….she should stick with rum
3. That K. can FINALLY go out with us and drink. Seriously, sometimes I forget how much younger she is then me.
4. That my sister actually wanted to spend time with us on her birthday (not that the following weekend she didn’t have a party planned with her friends) but the fact that she wanted to be with family was very special.
5. How excited she was with her Nintendo cake!
3-16-09
1. Taking the day off work
2. My parents staying an extra day so we could spend time together
3. Sitting on the couch after mom and dad left and watching a movie and crocheting my scarf.
4. Not going into work.
5. Enjoying a day at my house and not having to be at my place of employment.
3-17-09
1. St. Patrick’s Day!! Though I didn’t get my drink on, it is still a fun day.
2. The color green, it is my fav.
3. Staying home watching The Real Housewives of New York while Terry goes and gets his drink on with some friends. (I wish I could stop this show because it annoys me….but I can’t)
4. Being content with where my life is right now.
5. Good timing. Pulled up to Tim Hortons with 1 car in front of me. Left with 8 cars behind me. LUCKY
3-18-09
1. Finishing my scarf…it is awesome.
2. Having plenty of stuff at work to keep my busy so the day goes by fast but not too much that it is stressful
3. Reading my horoscope and deciding that I was going to take Friday off as well to spend with my mom
4. Dove Deodorant and how well it smells and works
5. My husband bringing out his “Dad Tone” when he got home with Chinese after work and I was playing on the computer (he doesn’t do it that often and it is usually ME who says this kind of stuff and it cracks me up when he does because he is usually just a big kid and laid back.) “Jenn, get off the computer. You have had all evening to mess around online. Dinner is getting cold.” Awesome.
3-19-09
1. Oreo’s and milk
2. Snuggling with my hubby.
3. Thursday night TV
4. Wireless Internet in our house, finally!
5. Apples with Peanut Butter.
3-20-09
1. Taking the day off AGAIN (yes two days off in the same week).
2. Being able to spend the day with my mom in Columbus
3. My extra soft hands after having a Spa manicure
4. Laughing. ALL. DAY.
5. Having these kind of special days with family members/friends. You never know how many you are going to get and you need to take the opportunities whenever you are able.
3-21-09
1. Going to the movie
2. Movie theater popcorn…it tastes so good it hurts.
3. Reading my new Russell Brand book…I love him.
4. Surprises from my husband. He got me a Nora Jones Record.
5. Seeing our friends kids.
3-15-09 (Kristen’s B-Day)
1. That my sister was born!!!
2. Seeing my sister drink her margarita….she should stick with rum
3. That K. can FINALLY go out with us and drink. Seriously, sometimes I forget how much younger she is then me.
4. That my sister actually wanted to spend time with us on her birthday (not that the following weekend she didn’t have a party planned with her friends) but the fact that she wanted to be with family was very special.
5. How excited she was with her Nintendo cake!
3-16-09
1. Taking the day off work
2. My parents staying an extra day so we could spend time together
3. Sitting on the couch after mom and dad left and watching a movie and crocheting my scarf.
4. Not going into work.
5. Enjoying a day at my house and not having to be at my place of employment.
3-17-09
1. St. Patrick’s Day!! Though I didn’t get my drink on, it is still a fun day.
2. The color green, it is my fav.
3. Staying home watching The Real Housewives of New York while Terry goes and gets his drink on with some friends. (I wish I could stop this show because it annoys me….but I can’t)
4. Being content with where my life is right now.
5. Good timing. Pulled up to Tim Hortons with 1 car in front of me. Left with 8 cars behind me. LUCKY
3-18-09
1. Finishing my scarf…it is awesome.
2. Having plenty of stuff at work to keep my busy so the day goes by fast but not too much that it is stressful
3. Reading my horoscope and deciding that I was going to take Friday off as well to spend with my mom
4. Dove Deodorant and how well it smells and works
5. My husband bringing out his “Dad Tone” when he got home with Chinese after work and I was playing on the computer (he doesn’t do it that often and it is usually ME who says this kind of stuff and it cracks me up when he does because he is usually just a big kid and laid back.) “Jenn, get off the computer. You have had all evening to mess around online. Dinner is getting cold.” Awesome.
3-19-09
1. Oreo’s and milk
2. Snuggling with my hubby.
3. Thursday night TV
4. Wireless Internet in our house, finally!
5. Apples with Peanut Butter.
3-20-09
1. Taking the day off AGAIN (yes two days off in the same week).
2. Being able to spend the day with my mom in Columbus
3. My extra soft hands after having a Spa manicure
4. Laughing. ALL. DAY.
5. Having these kind of special days with family members/friends. You never know how many you are going to get and you need to take the opportunities whenever you are able.
3-21-09
1. Going to the movie
2. Movie theater popcorn…it tastes so good it hurts.
3. Reading my new Russell Brand book…I love him.
4. Surprises from my husband. He got me a Nora Jones Record.
5. Seeing our friends kids.
Monday, March 16, 2009
What a Weekend!!!
So this weekend was my sisters 21st birthday! So first I think I owe my sister a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out on the blog. I hope you had a wonderful weekend, I know I did! I love you and am excited that we can finally go out and get a drink together...you young pup. :)
Here are a few of my favorite things from this weekend:
- Our parents came into town, which was SO much fun!
- TONS of laughter over the weekend!
- PF Changs dinner Saturday.
- The Top 10 Reasons Why Turning 21 is AWESOME, list I made for her.
- The Nintendo cake I made for my sister and seeing HOW MUCH she loved it! (Side note: I had to RUSH after work to get this done in a limited amount of time because I had to finish it before K. got home from work. I think it is good, but it was really rushed. At least it is not bad enough to be on cake wrecks...or at least that is what I think.)
- Us trying to stay awake between dinner Saturday and going out for drinks with everyone at midnight. I am not as young as I use to be, and midnight is late!
- Drinks and snacks at BW3's...once we got there we woke up a bit :)
- Seeing my sister after one margarita...lets just say tequila should not be her drink of choice.
(Oh yes, she is HOT!)
- The VERY cute gloves and hat my mom crocheted for me and just chill’n and crocheting with my mom.
- Taking Monday off to hang out with my family a little longer before they had to leave.
- And finally, the practical joke my parents played on me. Here is the story. My birthday is next month so K & I both ordered custom shoes from converse.com for our birthdays. So Kristen opened hers and then Mom and Dad told me I could open mine. As I am NOT someone who turns down an early birthday gift I proceeded to tear into my gift. Now I knew what it was so I open the box and pull the shoes out of the bag and then my face goes from pure excitement to complete confusion. I look at the shoes and they were not anything like I ordered. I first say “These are not my shoes” in a high pitch squeal that would make a dog bark but of course trying not to sound ungrateful, just confused. At first I wasn’t sure if they had got me a second pair. I then look at the shoes closer and then of course see my parents loosing it and realize that these shoes were actually colored BY my parents. Yes, my parents went out and got a cheap $5 pair of white shoes and then colored on the shoes to make them “look” like the shoes I ordered. They even went so far as to misspell my name on the back of the shoes and spelled JEBB instead of JENN like I ordered on my converse. I have seriously not laughed THIS hard in a long time. It was such a great trick. See the shoes below, I know it may be hard to see which ones my parents created and which ones were real. And yes they finally did give me the real one. I love my parents SO much and now I can’t wait to come up with a way to get them back and trick them!! Oh, you better believe it, it is on!
Seriously, just a great weekend!!!
Here are a few of my favorite things from this weekend:
- Our parents came into town, which was SO much fun!
- TONS of laughter over the weekend!
- PF Changs dinner Saturday.
- The Top 10 Reasons Why Turning 21 is AWESOME, list I made for her.
- The Nintendo cake I made for my sister and seeing HOW MUCH she loved it! (Side note: I had to RUSH after work to get this done in a limited amount of time because I had to finish it before K. got home from work. I think it is good, but it was really rushed. At least it is not bad enough to be on cake wrecks...or at least that is what I think.)
- Us trying to stay awake between dinner Saturday and going out for drinks with everyone at midnight. I am not as young as I use to be, and midnight is late!
- Drinks and snacks at BW3's...once we got there we woke up a bit :)
- Seeing my sister after one margarita...lets just say tequila should not be her drink of choice.
(Oh yes, she is HOT!)
- The VERY cute gloves and hat my mom crocheted for me and just chill’n and crocheting with my mom.
- Taking Monday off to hang out with my family a little longer before they had to leave.
- And finally, the practical joke my parents played on me. Here is the story. My birthday is next month so K & I both ordered custom shoes from converse.com for our birthdays. So Kristen opened hers and then Mom and Dad told me I could open mine. As I am NOT someone who turns down an early birthday gift I proceeded to tear into my gift. Now I knew what it was so I open the box and pull the shoes out of the bag and then my face goes from pure excitement to complete confusion. I look at the shoes and they were not anything like I ordered. I first say “These are not my shoes” in a high pitch squeal that would make a dog bark but of course trying not to sound ungrateful, just confused. At first I wasn’t sure if they had got me a second pair. I then look at the shoes closer and then of course see my parents loosing it and realize that these shoes were actually colored BY my parents. Yes, my parents went out and got a cheap $5 pair of white shoes and then colored on the shoes to make them “look” like the shoes I ordered. They even went so far as to misspell my name on the back of the shoes and spelled JEBB instead of JENN like I ordered on my converse. I have seriously not laughed THIS hard in a long time. It was such a great trick. See the shoes below, I know it may be hard to see which ones my parents created and which ones were real. And yes they finally did give me the real one. I love my parents SO much and now I can’t wait to come up with a way to get them back and trick them!! Oh, you better believe it, it is on!
Seriously, just a great weekend!!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
I Have Come to the Conclusion That Celebrities Just Stink
Yep, celebrities must smell something awful! Why do I say that, because so many of them have their own perfume. Everywhere you look a celebrity is creating a perfume.....an Eau De Themselves to share with the world.
I have compiled a list of some celebrities who sell their scents and what I imagine their perfumes smell like.
Kate Moss – Crack and Cigarettes
Donald Trump – Old Spice & Hair Growth Cream
Hilary Duff – Not sure why this perfume is even as popular as it is.
Reese Witherspoon – Sweet Flowers. It would be a bit too much at times but overall it is a very pleasant smell
Avril Lavigne – It would try to smell like it was punk and a badass but it wouldn’t be anything of the sort
Sarah Jessica Parker – Smelled it; Didn’t like it
Kylie Minogue – Peaches & Cream (I really like her)
David Beckham – Sweat, Grass, and Pure Hotness
Britney Spears – Cheetos and Bubble Gum
Jennifer Lopez – Bitch with a hint of lilac
Christina Aguilera – At first it would smell a bit raunchy, but eventually it would mellow out and be more tolerable
Paris Hilton – Skank
Mariah Carey – Cherries, vanilla, flowers, peaches, sweetness, spiciness, gold, diamonds, chocolate cake, shrimp, caviar….basically everything out there
Gwen Stefani - Bananas
Celine Dion – Moth balls, espresso & Icy Hot
P.Diddy – What does a tool smell like?!?!
I would like to create my own perfume. I think mine would be generally sweet but every so often you would just get a whiff of tartness.
I have compiled a list of some celebrities who sell their scents and what I imagine their perfumes smell like.
Kate Moss – Crack and Cigarettes
Donald Trump – Old Spice & Hair Growth Cream
Hilary Duff – Not sure why this perfume is even as popular as it is.
Reese Witherspoon – Sweet Flowers. It would be a bit too much at times but overall it is a very pleasant smell
Avril Lavigne – It would try to smell like it was punk and a badass but it wouldn’t be anything of the sort
Sarah Jessica Parker – Smelled it; Didn’t like it
Kylie Minogue – Peaches & Cream (I really like her)
David Beckham – Sweat, Grass, and Pure Hotness
Britney Spears – Cheetos and Bubble Gum
Jennifer Lopez – Bitch with a hint of lilac
Christina Aguilera – At first it would smell a bit raunchy, but eventually it would mellow out and be more tolerable
Paris Hilton – Skank
Mariah Carey – Cherries, vanilla, flowers, peaches, sweetness, spiciness, gold, diamonds, chocolate cake, shrimp, caviar….basically everything out there
Gwen Stefani - Bananas
Celine Dion – Moth balls, espresso & Icy Hot
P.Diddy – What does a tool smell like?!?!
I would like to create my own perfume. I think mine would be generally sweet but every so often you would just get a whiff of tartness.
"Reunited And It Feels So Good."
Have you ever had a movie, music, food, beverage, clothing item, whatever, that it has been years since you actually enjoyed and then one day out of the blue you find it and try it again and remember how much you loved said item?! Well this is what this post is about, a few things that I have recently re-discovered and that I forgot how much I LOVED. (I am a very "phasey" type person, meaning I go through phases where I just love something then forget about it for years. Weird, I know)
1) While I was looking for a snack in our house, I recently rediscovered apples and peanut butter. YUM. I know it is nothing really exciting but it has been at least 8 years or more since I have had this tasty snack. Now I can’t stop, for the past 4 evenings I have had an apple with peanut butter.
2) Dirty Dancing, the movie. I have had more time alone recently and so I have been watching a lot of movies. I have started making my way through the free on demand movies. Well I came across the movie Dirty Dancing. The last time I watched this movie was in 2002. I decided to watch it last week and then I watched it again two days later and I could watch it again. I enjoy it and it makes me smile.
3) I recently found a sweatshirt that I forgot I had. I think it got lost in the move - 2 years ago. It is comfy and I can't believe I forgot about it. I love it.
Anything you have recently re-discovered that you LOVE after years of being away from?
1) While I was looking for a snack in our house, I recently rediscovered apples and peanut butter. YUM. I know it is nothing really exciting but it has been at least 8 years or more since I have had this tasty snack. Now I can’t stop, for the past 4 evenings I have had an apple with peanut butter.
2) Dirty Dancing, the movie. I have had more time alone recently and so I have been watching a lot of movies. I have started making my way through the free on demand movies. Well I came across the movie Dirty Dancing. The last time I watched this movie was in 2002. I decided to watch it last week and then I watched it again two days later and I could watch it again. I enjoy it and it makes me smile.
3) I recently found a sweatshirt that I forgot I had. I think it got lost in the move - 2 years ago. It is comfy and I can't believe I forgot about it. I love it.
Anything you have recently re-discovered that you LOVE after years of being away from?
Thursday, March 05, 2009
News That Really Isn’t News
This is great......Story AND actual 911 calls HERE. I do agree they should have refunded her, but to call 911 because you didn't get your 10 piece Chicken McNugget...well I don't know what to say about that.
.......
"A Florida woman called 911 three times after she paid for a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets at a McDonald's but the fast-food restaurant ran out of them and refused to give her a refund.
Latreasa L. Goodman, 27, made the calls after she tried to get her money back from a Fort Pierce McDonald's and the cashier told her all sales were final. Police released the 911 tapes.
"This is an emergency. If I would have known they didn't have McNuggets, I wouldn't have given my money, and now she wants to give me a McDouble, but I don't want one," police quoted her as saying. "This is an emergency."
The cashier suggested she choose something else off the menu of equal value to the McNuggets, and offered the restaurant's cheeseburger called the McDouble.
"She's trying to force me to eat something off the menu and I don't want it," Goodman told 911.
The first dispatcher, a woman, asks if there's a manager there, but listens to Goodman's complaints and says she's sending someone.
The second, male dispatcher tells her he's aware of the incident and "we've got an officer coming out there to talk to you."
Police say Goodman was cited on a misuse of 911 charge. A current phone listing for Goodman couldn't be found.
A McDonald's spokesman said Goodman should have been given a refund, and she's being sent a gift card for a free meal."
.......
"A Florida woman called 911 three times after she paid for a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets at a McDonald's but the fast-food restaurant ran out of them and refused to give her a refund.
Latreasa L. Goodman, 27, made the calls after she tried to get her money back from a Fort Pierce McDonald's and the cashier told her all sales were final. Police released the 911 tapes.
"This is an emergency. If I would have known they didn't have McNuggets, I wouldn't have given my money, and now she wants to give me a McDouble, but I don't want one," police quoted her as saying. "This is an emergency."
The cashier suggested she choose something else off the menu of equal value to the McNuggets, and offered the restaurant's cheeseburger called the McDouble.
"She's trying to force me to eat something off the menu and I don't want it," Goodman told 911.
The first dispatcher, a woman, asks if there's a manager there, but listens to Goodman's complaints and says she's sending someone.
The second, male dispatcher tells her he's aware of the incident and "we've got an officer coming out there to talk to you."
Police say Goodman was cited on a misuse of 911 charge. A current phone listing for Goodman couldn't be found.
A McDonald's spokesman said Goodman should have been given a refund, and she's being sent a gift card for a free meal."
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Savory Additives
This post is all about "Simply Delicious".
So for the first recipes I thought I would go with one of my favorite combinations out there: tomato, basil & mozzarella. Seriously, I could eat this combination every day. The great thing about this combo is that meals are very simple to make but are NOT simple in flavor. So I am giving you Caprese THREE ways. A bite sized party food, a perfect side, and a meal.
1) Mini Caprese Bites - I made these for our Christmas Party this last year and they were a HUGE hit. These are a perfect bite sized snack for any party any time of year!
Ingredients
-1-2 pts. cherry tomatoes, halved
-1 8oz container of fresh small mozzarella cheese balls, cut into thirds*
-Toothpicks
-1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
-Fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
-Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Thread 1 tomato half, 1 piece of cheese, and another tomato half onto each toothpick. Place toothpicks in a shallow serving dish. Whisk together oil, balsamic vinegar and some salt and pepper. Drizzle oil mixture over toothpicks then sprinkle with basil.
Recipe from Rachael Ray
*1 (8-oz.) package fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, may be substituted.
Flavor Tip: You can serve immediately but you can also make these ahead of time and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes and it actually allows the flavors to combine.
Serving Tip: Don't know what to serve these in, try serving these in red wine glasses! They will be easy for people to grab plus they will add height to your party table.
Cooking Level: 1
Quickness: 1
Cost: 2
Ingredients: 1
2) Bruschetta - This is a staple in our house. I make this all the time. It is great as a "side dish" to any meal.
Ingredients
-6-8 Roma tomatoes
-1 pound Fresh mozzarella cheese
-1 bunch of Basil
-1 French baguette
-Olive Oil (one that tastes good and is made for dressings)
-Balsamic Vinegar
-Salt & Pepper
Directions
Turn your broiler on. Then dice up the tomatoes and cheese into fairly small pieces. Remember this is going on bread so you don't want large pieces but not so tiny you loose the flavor of the ingredients. Slice up the basil and place all three ingredients in a bowl. Salt and pepper to taste then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic. Go a little light at first and add more as you go. I tend to add more balsamic because I like the taste. Let the mixture sit so the flavors can combine and start cutting your bread.
Cut the bread on an angle about a 1/4" thick. Place the bread on a baking sheet and lightly drizzle with olive oil on one side (you don't really need to do both sides as it will soak through a bit). Put under the broiler until the first side is golden brown. Flip the bread and toast the other side until it is a LIGHT golden brown. Then place the mixture evenly on all the pieces of bread and put back under the broiler until the cheese starts to melt. Serve immediately.
Recipe by Jenn
Cooking Tip: Don't brown the bread as much on the second side because you will put that side back under the broiler and you don't want the bread to get to dark. Plus if Roma tomatoes don't look good that day, get regular ones but slightly squeeze out some of the excess seeds and liquid while chopping. Roma tomatoes tend to have less juices.
Cooking Level: 1
Quickness: 1
Cost: 2
Ingredients: 1
3) Caprese Pasta - Kristen and I had this last night for dinner and though this probably should be enough for 4 normal people, the two of us managed to eat the entire thing with only moderate discomfort. Seriously, addicting.
Ingredients
-1 pound spiral pasta *Angel hair is also really good
-3 tablespoons olive oil
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-3 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (about 2 pints)
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn or cut*
-8 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta into a large bowl and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
In a medium skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. As the tomatoes cook and soften, smash them with a fork. Continue to cook until the tomatoes make a chunky style sauce, about 4 minutes. Transfer the tomato sauce to the bowl with the pasta. Toss to combine. Add the basil leaves and mozzarella. Stir to combine. Add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the pasta is moist. Serve.
Recipe from Giada De Laurentiis
*TIP: I prefer to cut my basil, though some foodies may argue that this can bruise your basil a bit I have never had much of a problem. I will stack up my basil in a pile, roll it up long ways like a basil cigar and cut it into little basil strips. Perfecto!
Cooking Level: 1
Quickness: 1
Cost: 2
Ingredients: 1
So for the first recipes I thought I would go with one of my favorite combinations out there: tomato, basil & mozzarella. Seriously, I could eat this combination every day. The great thing about this combo is that meals are very simple to make but are NOT simple in flavor. So I am giving you Caprese THREE ways. A bite sized party food, a perfect side, and a meal.
1) Mini Caprese Bites - I made these for our Christmas Party this last year and they were a HUGE hit. These are a perfect bite sized snack for any party any time of year!
Ingredients
-1-2 pts. cherry tomatoes, halved
-1 8oz container of fresh small mozzarella cheese balls, cut into thirds*
-Toothpicks
-1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
-Fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
-Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Thread 1 tomato half, 1 piece of cheese, and another tomato half onto each toothpick. Place toothpicks in a shallow serving dish. Whisk together oil, balsamic vinegar and some salt and pepper. Drizzle oil mixture over toothpicks then sprinkle with basil.
Recipe from Rachael Ray
*1 (8-oz.) package fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, may be substituted.
Flavor Tip: You can serve immediately but you can also make these ahead of time and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes and it actually allows the flavors to combine.
Serving Tip: Don't know what to serve these in, try serving these in red wine glasses! They will be easy for people to grab plus they will add height to your party table.
Cooking Level: 1
Quickness: 1
Cost: 2
Ingredients: 1
2) Bruschetta - This is a staple in our house. I make this all the time. It is great as a "side dish" to any meal.
Ingredients
-6-8 Roma tomatoes
-1 pound Fresh mozzarella cheese
-1 bunch of Basil
-1 French baguette
-Olive Oil (one that tastes good and is made for dressings)
-Balsamic Vinegar
-Salt & Pepper
Directions
Turn your broiler on. Then dice up the tomatoes and cheese into fairly small pieces. Remember this is going on bread so you don't want large pieces but not so tiny you loose the flavor of the ingredients. Slice up the basil and place all three ingredients in a bowl. Salt and pepper to taste then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic. Go a little light at first and add more as you go. I tend to add more balsamic because I like the taste. Let the mixture sit so the flavors can combine and start cutting your bread.
Cut the bread on an angle about a 1/4" thick. Place the bread on a baking sheet and lightly drizzle with olive oil on one side (you don't really need to do both sides as it will soak through a bit). Put under the broiler until the first side is golden brown. Flip the bread and toast the other side until it is a LIGHT golden brown. Then place the mixture evenly on all the pieces of bread and put back under the broiler until the cheese starts to melt. Serve immediately.
Recipe by Jenn
Cooking Tip: Don't brown the bread as much on the second side because you will put that side back under the broiler and you don't want the bread to get to dark. Plus if Roma tomatoes don't look good that day, get regular ones but slightly squeeze out some of the excess seeds and liquid while chopping. Roma tomatoes tend to have less juices.
Cooking Level: 1
Quickness: 1
Cost: 2
Ingredients: 1
3) Caprese Pasta - Kristen and I had this last night for dinner and though this probably should be enough for 4 normal people, the two of us managed to eat the entire thing with only moderate discomfort. Seriously, addicting.
Ingredients
-1 pound spiral pasta *Angel hair is also really good
-3 tablespoons olive oil
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-3 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (about 2 pints)
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn or cut*
-8 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta into a large bowl and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
In a medium skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. As the tomatoes cook and soften, smash them with a fork. Continue to cook until the tomatoes make a chunky style sauce, about 4 minutes. Transfer the tomato sauce to the bowl with the pasta. Toss to combine. Add the basil leaves and mozzarella. Stir to combine. Add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the pasta is moist. Serve.
Recipe from Giada De Laurentiis
*TIP: I prefer to cut my basil, though some foodies may argue that this can bruise your basil a bit I have never had much of a problem. I will stack up my basil in a pile, roll it up long ways like a basil cigar and cut it into little basil strips. Perfecto!
Cooking Level: 1
Quickness: 1
Cost: 2
Ingredients: 1
For Your Next Book Club Meeting
Yep, 16 year old Miley Cyrus has an autobiography out...because that makes sense.
Also, Lauren (LC) Conrad has a book.
I am SURE both these books will be just riveting. ugh
I am SURE both these books will be just riveting. ugh
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Changing Things Up....Just A Bit
So I have been in a blogging slump. Partly due to the stresses of every day life but partly because I just haven’t had the same passion in my blog when I started out a few years ago. In an attempt to freshen up my blog and make it more fun for me (and hopefully you as well) I wanted to share something that truly interests me and that I enjoy talking about.
So what do I have an interest in and a passion for…..cooking and entertaining. I seriously LOVE IT and get such joy out of cooking a romantic meal for just my husband, a big lasagna dinner for my family, cooking with my sister & family, or hosting a party for my friends with a great theme and lots of fun food!!! I think recently I realized how much I miss event planning, and I think this would be a good compromise and outlet for my ideas.
I know we have a food blog (see link to right) but I am thinking of putting down some of my favorite things about cooking & entertaining on my blog on a weekly basis. I may feature fun tips, budget friendly recipes, quick recipes, family-style recipes, recipes for parties, or even some of my favorite serving dishes, utensils or party ideas.....this is something that I REALLY adore and want to share with you on my blog. Hopefully you will enjoy it as well! By the way, this isn’t going to be ALL my blog is about, just another part of what I want to share and who I am.
Besides posting about the things above, I will also rate the recipes I post in different categories with 1 being the lowest/least and 5 being the highest/most for those categories.
Examples:
Cooking Level: 1 = anyone can do it; 5 = may need a helper
Quickness: 1 = quicker then a box of mac and cheese; 5 = get comfy, this may take awhile
Cost: 1 = very budget conscious; 5 = a bit of a splurge
Ingredients: 1 = you just need a basket; 5 = may need a couple carts
So you get the idea. The first post will officially come tomorrow and I will post whenever I get new ideas or something fun to talk about!! Also, look for new food related features on my blog. I hope you will enjoy this new feature and PLEASE let me know if there are any topics you would like to read about!!
So what do I have an interest in and a passion for…..cooking and entertaining. I seriously LOVE IT and get such joy out of cooking a romantic meal for just my husband, a big lasagna dinner for my family, cooking with my sister & family, or hosting a party for my friends with a great theme and lots of fun food!!! I think recently I realized how much I miss event planning, and I think this would be a good compromise and outlet for my ideas.
I know we have a food blog (see link to right) but I am thinking of putting down some of my favorite things about cooking & entertaining on my blog on a weekly basis. I may feature fun tips, budget friendly recipes, quick recipes, family-style recipes, recipes for parties, or even some of my favorite serving dishes, utensils or party ideas.....this is something that I REALLY adore and want to share with you on my blog. Hopefully you will enjoy it as well! By the way, this isn’t going to be ALL my blog is about, just another part of what I want to share and who I am.
Besides posting about the things above, I will also rate the recipes I post in different categories with 1 being the lowest/least and 5 being the highest/most for those categories.
Examples:
Cooking Level: 1 = anyone can do it; 5 = may need a helper
Quickness: 1 = quicker then a box of mac and cheese; 5 = get comfy, this may take awhile
Cost: 1 = very budget conscious; 5 = a bit of a splurge
Ingredients: 1 = you just need a basket; 5 = may need a couple carts
So you get the idea. The first post will officially come tomorrow and I will post whenever I get new ideas or something fun to talk about!! Also, look for new food related features on my blog. I hope you will enjoy this new feature and PLEASE let me know if there are any topics you would like to read about!!
I Love....
Giada De Laurentiis! (click here)
I will try to not be too stalker-ish in this post, though I can not promise anything.
I seriously love her cooking shows, food, style, attitude and just think she is fun and adorable. She is currently my favorite celebrity chef (gasp, I know...I use to feel this way about Rachael Ray. Still like her but she is everywhere these days and it can be a bit annoying.) I don't own any of her cook books *cough cough* but I get her recipes offline and love her food. I also tried to ask her a question today on a live online chat, but my question didn't get there in time...I was sad :( Seriously, I love her!
I will try to not be too stalker-ish in this post, though I can not promise anything.
I seriously love her cooking shows, food, style, attitude and just think she is fun and adorable. She is currently my favorite celebrity chef (gasp, I know...I use to feel this way about Rachael Ray. Still like her but she is everywhere these days and it can be a bit annoying.) I don't own any of her cook books *cough cough* but I get her recipes offline and love her food. I also tried to ask her a question today on a live online chat, but my question didn't get there in time...I was sad :( Seriously, I love her!
I posted this today because she has kind inspired me to start something new on my blog. Something I am passionate about and want to share. Post to come later today!!!
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