Sometimes the stars align and T and I have the time and energy to put up new shelves. The result is usually wonderful and I am so very pleased.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
New shelves!
Sometimes the stars align and T and I have the time and energy to put up new shelves. The result is usually wonderful and I am so very pleased.
Stick of butter...mmmm
This recipe for frosting is SO DELICIOUS. I got it from Sarah B, who got it from Sprinkles Cupcakes. Try not to let the obscene amounts of butter put you off. Totally worth it. I added frozen raspberries to this batch.
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
1 cup softened butter
3.5 cups confectioners sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
Beat butter, sugar, salt until smooth.
Add milk, vanilla and beat 3-5 minutes until creamy.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Audacious Cook
I don't usually have the patience to cook. I hate things with a million ingredients and hours of chopping. Our dinners usually consist of tortilla + filling + microwave. Anything that takes longer better include the crock pot.
But I kinda have the desire to bake. I like the idea of perfecting some wonderful dish, then making it for special occasions to the delight of all my sophisticated friends. Problem is, I don't have natural talent, and I am going to have to work for it. A recent attempt at cherry turnovers didn't end so great. It tasted OK, but looked pretty wimpy and a little soggy.
I'm tempted to buy the Julia Child book, since all of the NPR interviews with director Nora Ephron have said that taught her how to cook. And I do love things made with butter and cream. I'm not suggesting I try my own version of "Julie and Julia," where I blog my way through it, but I like the idea that maybe I could try some of the recipes and make something delicious.
One thing I have learned was that homemade whipped cream can cover up a lot of worries. And I know how to make that. So that's a start.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Blog on blogging
I know. Bad title.
Just read one of my favorite bloggers, Girl in a Party Hat, and was inspired to write. She wears her heart on her screen, and doesn't seem to fear revealing too much, as I often do.
I don't blog about work - that's a gimme. But I could probably share a little more. I guess I'm torn about publishing that kind of information -- what if no one reads it? Or worse, what if they do?
I'm usually prompted to write when something bad has happened. For instance, this morning I managed to dump a whole pan full of muffin batter onto the hot oven door. I spent 20 minutes mopping up the goop instead of watching them brown into apple cinnamon delights. And was left with no reward; just a cat hoping for a little taste off the floor.
Or like now, when T and I have been stressed out - both for good and bad reasons. But I can't share that. It has more implications than a pan of muffins.
If I was a better cook, I'd share recipes. If I was crafty, I'd share photos of my latest homemade tote bag. If I had kids, I'd share photos. You get the picture.
I guess until I do acquire all of those things, you (and I) are stuck with muffin stories and gripes about free movie screenings. :)
Just read one of my favorite bloggers, Girl in a Party Hat, and was inspired to write. She wears her heart on her screen, and doesn't seem to fear revealing too much, as I often do.
I don't blog about work - that's a gimme. But I could probably share a little more. I guess I'm torn about publishing that kind of information -- what if no one reads it? Or worse, what if they do?
I'm usually prompted to write when something bad has happened. For instance, this morning I managed to dump a whole pan full of muffin batter onto the hot oven door. I spent 20 minutes mopping up the goop instead of watching them brown into apple cinnamon delights. And was left with no reward; just a cat hoping for a little taste off the floor.
Or like now, when T and I have been stressed out - both for good and bad reasons. But I can't share that. It has more implications than a pan of muffins.
If I was a better cook, I'd share recipes. If I was crafty, I'd share photos of my latest homemade tote bag. If I had kids, I'd share photos. You get the picture.
I guess until I do acquire all of those things, you (and I) are stuck with muffin stories and gripes about free movie screenings. :)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Acceptance
Today I made a huge leap toward full acceptance into the Latino community. Or at least half.
A Hispanic co-worker at the hospital asked me today if my husband is Mexican. I said yes, well, he's half. Then she asked me if I wanted to buy some tamales. I have worked there a year and never been offered the inside track on tamales.
Wonder what sweet Mexican hookup is next...
A Hispanic co-worker at the hospital asked me today if my husband is Mexican. I said yes, well, he's half. Then she asked me if I wanted to buy some tamales. I have worked there a year and never been offered the inside track on tamales.
Wonder what sweet Mexican hookup is next...
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Movie Magic
I recently took a flight to Los Angeles from Phoenix. These flights really should be easy. They last about an hour and they leave something like every 15 minutes. Yet every time I fly, thanks to heightened regulation, security and the removal of one's shoes, I can't help but repeat to myself this phrase, "Ah, the indignity of flight."
Well, that's nothing compared to the indignity of seeing a free movie.
My friends scored free tickets to see "Julie and Julia," the latest Meryl Streep flisk, dedicated to Julia Child. Thinking it would only appeal to a certain audience, I was unprepared for the huge crowd lined up at Arizona Mills, our sorta ghetto outlet mall. But I guess people will pretty much see anything for free.
The Harkins folks did their best to control the crowd, which was way bigger than the capacity of the theater. We three managed to slip into the last wave of people, high-fiving all the way down the hall. Until we got to the second line.
This line featured three security guards and a man yelling at people to "limit your ins and outs." In other words, don't plan to save your seat and then go to the bathroom. This line was dedicated to searching purses for cell phones or recording devices. Now, that is perfectly fair. It was a sneak preview. But they waited until people had been waiting for an hour before telling them they could not bring a cell phone.
And if they didn't happen to find your cell phone in your very messy purse (which, luckily happened for me), the security guards then used a wand to screen your body for hidden devices.
I totally understand the desire to keep out the riff raff. But the demeanor of these guards and the great lengths they achieved to anger their viewers made the experience a little less than magical.
It was supposed to be fun! Sneak preview of a cutesy movie about cooking and blogging! But instead of eagerly talking and reviewing the movie, all we could talk about was feeling like we had just visited a prison. My friend Catharyn was kicked out of line at one point because they discovered her old cell phone -- which did not have video capability, mind you -- and told her to put it in her car. Instead, she put her phone back in her wallet and got back in line. Made it seem like the security was all for show.
Bottom line, I don't think I'll be returning to Arizona Mills any time soon. And I am extremely disappointed in the Harkins brand, a local treasure here. Bon Appetit!
Well, that's nothing compared to the indignity of seeing a free movie.
My friends scored free tickets to see "Julie and Julia," the latest Meryl Streep flisk, dedicated to Julia Child. Thinking it would only appeal to a certain audience, I was unprepared for the huge crowd lined up at Arizona Mills, our sorta ghetto outlet mall. But I guess people will pretty much see anything for free.
The Harkins folks did their best to control the crowd, which was way bigger than the capacity of the theater. We three managed to slip into the last wave of people, high-fiving all the way down the hall. Until we got to the second line.
This line featured three security guards and a man yelling at people to "limit your ins and outs." In other words, don't plan to save your seat and then go to the bathroom. This line was dedicated to searching purses for cell phones or recording devices. Now, that is perfectly fair. It was a sneak preview. But they waited until people had been waiting for an hour before telling them they could not bring a cell phone.
And if they didn't happen to find your cell phone in your very messy purse (which, luckily happened for me), the security guards then used a wand to screen your body for hidden devices.
I totally understand the desire to keep out the riff raff. But the demeanor of these guards and the great lengths they achieved to anger their viewers made the experience a little less than magical.
It was supposed to be fun! Sneak preview of a cutesy movie about cooking and blogging! But instead of eagerly talking and reviewing the movie, all we could talk about was feeling like we had just visited a prison. My friend Catharyn was kicked out of line at one point because they discovered her old cell phone -- which did not have video capability, mind you -- and told her to put it in her car. Instead, she put her phone back in her wallet and got back in line. Made it seem like the security was all for show.
Bottom line, I don't think I'll be returning to Arizona Mills any time soon. And I am extremely disappointed in the Harkins brand, a local treasure here. Bon Appetit!
Monday, July 06, 2009
Lindsay, Unplugged
T and I went up to the woods last weekend. It wasn't easy. And it wasn't pretty. But it was incredible.
Lately our schedules have been so packed that we can't find time to think. So even though we had to miss three (count 'em) different parties to hit the road, it was a critical move.
Lately I have become way too connected -- Facebook, Twitter, my Blackberry -- and I check them constantly. It's almost become a tic. It had to stop.
So Saturday morning we set out to the Blue Ridge Reservoir, which has a very nice camping area overlooking a canyon/reservoir.
I optimistically did not bring any kind of mattress, so we got horrible sleep. But we got some great rest. We sat in the shade and read books, enjoying the quiet and the 70-degree weather.
I'm hoping as the summer wears on, and 115 degree heat sets in, that we will get even better at dropping everything and leaving town.
Facebook will still be there when we get back.
Lately our schedules have been so packed that we can't find time to think. So even though we had to miss three (count 'em) different parties to hit the road, it was a critical move.
Lately I have become way too connected -- Facebook, Twitter, my Blackberry -- and I check them constantly. It's almost become a tic. It had to stop.
So Saturday morning we set out to the Blue Ridge Reservoir, which has a very nice camping area overlooking a canyon/reservoir.
I optimistically did not bring any kind of mattress, so we got horrible sleep. But we got some great rest. We sat in the shade and read books, enjoying the quiet and the 70-degree weather.
I'm hoping as the summer wears on, and 115 degree heat sets in, that we will get even better at dropping everything and leaving town.
Facebook will still be there when we get back.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Summer Doldrums
I think I have officially hit my first summer doldrums. This starts when the AC in the car can no longer compete with the outside heat, and you will do anything in your power to avoid driving somewhere.
Usually my remedy for this problem is to escape the Valley of the Sun and head north. Definitely itching to go this weekend. Not sure we can.
The break would also be nice just to clear my head. I feel like I've been running on all engines since we got back from the honeymoon. Never got a chance to recover from the wedding/honeymoon chaos!
Still haven't sent out any thank you notes. Still haven't put away the gifts stacked in our living room. Maybe I could kill two birds and write some thank you notes in the mountains? Hmmmm.
Usually my remedy for this problem is to escape the Valley of the Sun and head north. Definitely itching to go this weekend. Not sure we can.
The break would also be nice just to clear my head. I feel like I've been running on all engines since we got back from the honeymoon. Never got a chance to recover from the wedding/honeymoon chaos!
Still haven't sent out any thank you notes. Still haven't put away the gifts stacked in our living room. Maybe I could kill two birds and write some thank you notes in the mountains? Hmmmm.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
26 at 26
Today is my birthday. I'm 26. Last year Arizona revealed its new quarters. This year they're just raising gas prices.
26 things that have happened since last year
26. I got married less than a month ago. I love it.
25. I started learning Shaolin kung fu and now I am a green belt. I will be a brown belt in less than two months.
24. I moved into a real live house with a fireplace, vaulted ceilings and laundry nook.
23. I am considering going to grad school. For real this time.
22. For the first time, I voted for a winning president.
21. I got a passport and took a cruise. It was fun. Still have never traveled across an ocean or continent.
20. I decided I really don't want a dog.
19. I am really enjoying my group of friends and have added a few new ones.
18. I think about babies a lot, but only in the abstract. Real thinking is a couple years away.
17. Birthdays don't really faze me too much. 30 still seems far away, but I am happy with who I am at all ages, so I'm not too worried about it.
16. I really love living in Arizona but would consider California if T pursues a career in show biz writing.
15. I am learning to love people more and judge them less. (Emphasis on learning - as in not perfect.)
14. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that came from the woodwork at our wedding. It has taught me to be more community-oriented and rethink how I treat others during special/important times.
13. I still haven't learned to sew on my Hello Kitty sewing machine.
12. I didn't get to run a marathon. Turns out my feet completely give out after 15 miles. It would still be nice to do someday.
11. I'd like to do more camping. T and I have tried a couple times with disastrous results.
10. I'm not sure I want any pets, which will probably come as bad news to my cats.
9. My first choice of foreign country to visit would still be Italy, though we may end up going to China first (not a bad thing!).
8. I don't really watch TV anymore, aside from a couple shows we Tivo and then never watch.
7. I have a new baby niece who I adore.
6. I can do 40 pushups. Real ones.
5. I am considering laser eye surgery. It would be nice to say goodbye to glasses, which I've had since 4th grade.
4. I enjoy cooking and baking more than I ever have before. Possibly connected to all the new toys we got for the wedding.
3. I wish my sisters all lived here.
2. I'm glad my parents live here.
1. I'm very thankful for my health, my husband, my family and my friends.
26 things that have happened since last year
26. I got married less than a month ago. I love it.
25. I started learning Shaolin kung fu and now I am a green belt. I will be a brown belt in less than two months.
24. I moved into a real live house with a fireplace, vaulted ceilings and laundry nook.
23. I am considering going to grad school. For real this time.
22. For the first time, I voted for a winning president.
21. I got a passport and took a cruise. It was fun. Still have never traveled across an ocean or continent.
20. I decided I really don't want a dog.
19. I am really enjoying my group of friends and have added a few new ones.
18. I think about babies a lot, but only in the abstract. Real thinking is a couple years away.
17. Birthdays don't really faze me too much. 30 still seems far away, but I am happy with who I am at all ages, so I'm not too worried about it.
16. I really love living in Arizona but would consider California if T pursues a career in show biz writing.
15. I am learning to love people more and judge them less. (Emphasis on learning - as in not perfect.)
14. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that came from the woodwork at our wedding. It has taught me to be more community-oriented and rethink how I treat others during special/important times.
13. I still haven't learned to sew on my Hello Kitty sewing machine.
12. I didn't get to run a marathon. Turns out my feet completely give out after 15 miles. It would still be nice to do someday.
11. I'd like to do more camping. T and I have tried a couple times with disastrous results.
10. I'm not sure I want any pets, which will probably come as bad news to my cats.
9. My first choice of foreign country to visit would still be Italy, though we may end up going to China first (not a bad thing!).
8. I don't really watch TV anymore, aside from a couple shows we Tivo and then never watch.
7. I have a new baby niece who I adore.
6. I can do 40 pushups. Real ones.
5. I am considering laser eye surgery. It would be nice to say goodbye to glasses, which I've had since 4th grade.
4. I enjoy cooking and baking more than I ever have before. Possibly connected to all the new toys we got for the wedding.
3. I wish my sisters all lived here.
2. I'm glad my parents live here.
1. I'm very thankful for my health, my husband, my family and my friends.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Filling the Void
Apparently I am replacing wedding stress with....just about everything else. Stupid stuff. Shower curtains.
Do I really miss the planning and stressing that bad, that I'm replacing it with anxiety over which night stand table to buy?
I always thought this post-wedding depression came from girls who miss being in the spotlight. I guess I miss being in the headlights.
Hopefully I will replace this fake stress with real stress (school perhaps?) so I can stop worrying about the fact that I have nothing good to worry about.
Do I really miss the planning and stressing that bad, that I'm replacing it with anxiety over which night stand table to buy?
I always thought this post-wedding depression came from girls who miss being in the spotlight. I guess I miss being in the headlights.
Hopefully I will replace this fake stress with real stress (school perhaps?) so I can stop worrying about the fact that I have nothing good to worry about.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Oh it's SIR-rat-cha
The New York Times has published a very interesting story discussing the origins of Sriracha, the red sauce people know by many different names (my friend calls it Death Sauce).
Very informative and kinda funny story about a sauce we discovered at Pita Jungle, but have seen in several different places since. The article mentions that big-name restaurants are now incorporating it into their sauces.
Read about it here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/dining/20united.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=style
Very informative and kinda funny story about a sauce we discovered at Pita Jungle, but have seen in several different places since. The article mentions that big-name restaurants are now incorporating it into their sauces.
Read about it here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/dining/20united.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=style
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Home Alone
I am so rarely alone that it's hard to know what to do with myself.
T is at the Flight of the Conchords concert. Cam only had one ticket, and I figured he would enjoy it immensely. But that lives me at home alone with no car and suddenly all the chores I need to do (thank you notes, dishes) or exercising I could do seem very unappetizing.
Between T and sharing an office at work, the only time I am alone is in the car, and I usually like to be on the phone or have the radio blasting.
It leaves me wondering if I'm shallow or just uninteresting on my own. I already watched a movie and posted on FB. Now I'm tempted to shower and put on my jams, and it's not even 10 pm!
I feel like I should be doing some deep thinking or introspection. Instead I'm bored. And writing boring blog posts. Lucky you!
T is at the Flight of the Conchords concert. Cam only had one ticket, and I figured he would enjoy it immensely. But that lives me at home alone with no car and suddenly all the chores I need to do (thank you notes, dishes) or exercising I could do seem very unappetizing.
Between T and sharing an office at work, the only time I am alone is in the car, and I usually like to be on the phone or have the radio blasting.
It leaves me wondering if I'm shallow or just uninteresting on my own. I already watched a movie and posted on FB. Now I'm tempted to shower and put on my jams, and it's not even 10 pm!
I feel like I should be doing some deep thinking or introspection. Instead I'm bored. And writing boring blog posts. Lucky you!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Back to business
Back at work. It's not all bad, actually. I've been struggling to have a semblance of a normal life, and work really helps me get back in the motions. And it really helps that I'm not having to plan my wedding in between meetings!
It is always hard to come back from vacation. It's like trying to ice skate when you haven't done it for five years. Little sloppy. Can't remember all your moves.
Wedding, in short, was amazing. Longer post on learning your lessons and acknowledging life events still to come.
It is always hard to come back from vacation. It's like trying to ice skate when you haven't done it for five years. Little sloppy. Can't remember all your moves.
Wedding, in short, was amazing. Longer post on learning your lessons and acknowledging life events still to come.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
No caffeine required but I had some anyway
I am a ball of nervous energy. I could barely sleep. I've already worked out, read the paper, done some banking and now blogged.
I'm not really worried, per se. There is a lot to remember to do (hit my parents' house, the bank, the mall, get some sun, pick up the cakes, rehearsal, family dinner sleepover) but I'm sure it will all get done.
Can't believe it's here.
I'm not really worried, per se. There is a lot to remember to do (hit my parents' house, the bank, the mall, get some sun, pick up the cakes, rehearsal, family dinner sleepover) but I'm sure it will all get done.
Can't believe it's here.
Friday, May 01, 2009
My last Friday
Today is my last Friday as a single gal. By the end of next Friday, I will be married.
Feeling OK. Really excited to see my sisters (honestly one of the biggest perks of this whole thing is that we will have a few days together).
The moment I am anticipating most is the first dance. Not sure why, but I keep picturing that as The Moment.
Should be fun. Can't believe it's already here. The last seven months feel like they flew by, and yet I've aged five years in the meantime.
Excited for it to come. Excited for it to go. :)
Feeling OK. Really excited to see my sisters (honestly one of the biggest perks of this whole thing is that we will have a few days together).
The moment I am anticipating most is the first dance. Not sure why, but I keep picturing that as The Moment.
Should be fun. Can't believe it's already here. The last seven months feel like they flew by, and yet I've aged five years in the meantime.
Excited for it to come. Excited for it to go. :)
You're fired!
I fired my doctor today after the last in a long string of rudeness and poor care. I also wrote a scathing review on Angie's List, which is now posting info on doctors.
Honestly, what doctor's office answers the phone with a simple, "Hello" ? I thought I had the wrong number. And that's just the beginning.
The problem is that I now need a new doctor! Hoping a referral from a friend works out.
Honestly, what doctor's office answers the phone with a simple, "Hello" ? I thought I had the wrong number. And that's just the beginning.
The problem is that I now need a new doctor! Hoping a referral from a friend works out.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sure the recession's no biggie, but this?
So at first I thought having a wedding during a recession was one of the most extreme cases of bad timing.
Now there's a pandemic.
Maybe we should just elope and send everyone the pics. Either that or hold it in an isolation room. Maybe the flower girls could pass out gas masks!
Now there's a pandemic.
Maybe we should just elope and send everyone the pics. Either that or hold it in an isolation room. Maybe the flower girls could pass out gas masks!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Three weeks and counting
Wow. What an overwhelmingly wonderful couple weeks I have had. Two showers, both amazing in their own right. Everyone has been so generous and thoughtful. It truly makes me question whether I am showing enough support and love to those around me when they have special times.
Until now I have been fairly calm, but I can tell a storm is brewing. Things I have put off will come due and I expect the stress to build exponentially.
The one thing keeping me sane is the thought of being on a cruise ship with no Blackberry access and nothing more to glue, order, taste, nag or forget.
In the meantime, my mantra will be this: "I will not freak out. I will not freak out. I will not freak out."
Sunday, March 15, 2009
and then everybody totally wigged
So the aforementioned wig party went off like Uncle Jim's toupee.All the friends got way into it, and everyone brought a wig or chose from the collection of 7 I had on display.
Seriously had no idea everyone would support this theme! I always thought my little wig hobby was weird at best.
But Wig Party II is already in the works. I would highly recommend this as a very cheap theme party.
Oh, and I went with some super fun hair-themed items to serve: bell peppers stuffed with angel hair pasta, braided bread sticks and beehive hair do cupcakes.
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