Catch-Up

I have skipped over some things that have gone down in the last month, so we will do the readers digest version of things I have glossed over.

Lindsey and Dan came to visit me at the end of October, and we had a great weekend catching up (and getting to know each other (me and Dan))

And then there was the Redskins game. I have wanted to go to a pro-football game for years and this was such a great game! The weather was amazing, the Redskins won, we had a fabulous time tailgating and best part...freeeeee tickets!

Sam, Ryan and Nicholas enjoying the good seats.Beautiful sunny day!
Final score!

This weekend I had a great and relaxing few days off. I had a minor (*cough* Major *cough*) roach issue in the kitchen that caused some serious tears and almost hyperventilation, but was remedied and Thanksgiving still went off without a hitch! Most notorious of my cooking feats: Brined my first bird, first time making mashed potatoes, learned how to roast beets AND made two pies completely from scratch!!

I was also pet sitting for a friend this weekend and I got to spend some quality time with this furry, fuzzy, goofball. Meet Puck the Husky (haha yes, my WSU friend thinks he is SOO smart...yea well who won APPLE CUP!!!)

Puck and I enjoyed some walks, dogparks and a lot of shedding together this weekend! Puck's pet comes home tomorrow and I will be back to being dogless!

So back to Apple Cup. I met up with Brooke, Keene and a friend of theirs who was in town visiting at a bar in Crystal City to watch the game. It was packed with Husky fans! Luckily we had an awesome game and defeated the Cougars and showed them to bow down to Washington. Bark for Sark people...

Sadly, in upcoming news, my New York trip has been postponed until 2010 (probably feb), which will be fine, and hopefully cheaper. Hotels were costing a fortune for this upcoming weekend!! But plans for Feb will happen and as long as I get to go I am a happy camper. Perhaps I will venture to NC to check out Furbish . I love Jamie's blog and have wanted to go see her store and hopefully meet Rowdy! Maybe squeak in a quick dinner with Mallory who is prepping for finals too!

Idaho is just around the corner and I can not wait to go home (with a different sentiment at heart time year). I can not believe how a year things looked so different. Not only has my life changed a lot...there are now FIVE in the family clan! (and if we want to go crazy...which I dare say we might...there are SIX...including Jon!!!) So crazy! I can't wait to experience Wyatt's first Christmas!!

Well I hope you all had a fabulous weekend like me!

PS Brooke may be helping me to re-vamp my blog...perhaps a leap from old to new? It seems fitting in light of all that has happened.

Oh and I must not forget...to follow blogging form for Thanksgiving...
Things I am Thankful For:
1) Family and Friends. And most importantly we are all Happy, Healthy and Loved. My family and friends are such amazing people and I can't imagine my life without them!
2) A roof over my head a job that provides and clothes on my back. I have an awesome job, with awesome people and in turn I can provide a great place for me to live (minus the roaches) and clothe myself in something besides a burlap sack.
3) Who I was, Who I am, and Who I am going to be. Cliche...yes. But this year has taught me that who I am is fabulous, life is one crazy adventure and where I am going, while I don't know where that is...is going to be great.
And some less serious things:
1) Chai Lattes
2) Fuzzy blankets
3) oversized sweats
4) winning apple cup

5) Christmas lights and holiday displays at the stores

6) good books

7) lint rollers (dog hair and fuzzy blankets shed like no other)

8) poodles (1 in particular)

9) my awesome car (I don't care if it is like 15 years old and looks like a mom-wagon..it is my mom-wagon)

10) and many other random things that bring a smile to my face!

PX

This weekend was packed. To illustrated my level of activity....





exhibit A.



I feel asleep on the couch tonight with a fork in my hand while eating dinner...



But I had an amazing weekend!!



Friday night I went out to celebrate a co-workers birthday at a bar just up the street from my office. Came home and went to sleep in preparation for my early morning on Saturday.



Saturday morning I walked the Help the Homeless walkathon that starts on the mall, circles the tidal basis and finishes up back near the Smithsonian metro stop. As we all know being anywhere at 8am is not one of my strong points, but I managed to make it! After the walk we headed to Lauriol Plaza which is just a hop and skip around the corner from my apartment to have lunch. After lunch since Scott came and brought Puck his Husky/German Shepherd we decided to check out the small dog park a few blocks from my apartment. I could have sat there all day and watched the dogs play! There was a puppy chow that look like a teddy bear! We wore Puck out and then walked back to put him in the car.



For the rest of the day I took a power nap and then started getting ready for an evening I have been looking forward to for a long time! Sam, a co-worker that I took to a a Caps game and then to the Redskins game last weekend (yes, needing a post) wanted to thank me for the tickets (totally unnessary, but very nice) by taking me to get drinks with him and his friends at PX in Alexandria.



We started out with dinner at Rustico where I started with the Beet salad once again, and then tried the fig and prosciutto pizza which was delish! I also got to have a glass of my Smuttynose brown dog ale...so good.



After dinner we headed over to PX, which gave me a fabulous excuse to wear my dress from graduation again which I adore. (ps someone finally lost 15 pounds! only 10-15 more to go!) They have a dress code so we all looked pretty spiffy and cleanup which I always enjoy. PX lounge is a speakeasy marked with a blue light, requires super advanced reservations and you ring a doorbell when you arrive...can we say beyond classy and fabulous?

I had three of the most amazing cocktails that I will probably ever taste in my life. The first was one with basil which was light and refreshing and a surprise for the taste buds. The second was my favorite, The Bellevue (yes I ordered it because it reminded me of Seattle!) but it had an amazing foam and a unique spoonstraw to sip and scoop! My last drink was the most "manly" one the evening for me with tequila and an unusual ice chunk. Honestly, this experience changed my perception of cocktails and the craft of mixology! I only hope and pray I can frequent this amazing establishment again. You should read up and gush! After a fabulous night of drinks, meeting Sam's fabulous friends and good food I crawled into bed and collapsed. Thanks for an awesome evening Sam!

Today was running some domestic errands and then meeting up with Scott and Puck to get the run down of how to take care of Puck since he is going to be my dog for thanksgiving weekend! (Yay!) and then taking a nap (aka sleeping while trying to eat dinner).

All in all I had a great weekend and am in shock that we are already nearing the end of November!!

Two weeks until NY!!! And before I know it i will be in Idaho with the family! AND I just got word that get to take care of Wyatt for a whole day while my sister takes her architecture exam...basically I am never giving him back to her!!

Hope everyone else had a great weekend! Any good stories?

BrushumBrushumBrushum

As some of you know I am very....particular about my toothbrushes and teeth hygiene in general. I use toothbrushes like it is my job, since I tend to brush regularly, and also can't stand the feeling of a worn out toothbrush. Granted I feel a bit bad about the nine hundred toothbrushes I have placed in a landfill somewhere but to my sheer joy I stumbled on a green alternative that makes my OCD tooth brushing habit a bit healthier for the environment. And it comes in fun colors too! (Husky Purple anyone?)

Made by Preserve, their toothbrushes are made from recycled yogurt cups! The bristles are new, and then brush has a neat angled design to get into the hard-to-reach places. And to top it all off...once you are done with it...mail it back to be recycled again!!

Checking out the Preserve website today (go ahead...I know you want to order your recycled toothbrush right now) I also found a toothbrush subscription....A-mazing!!!

Curling

Yea thats right, I am half way to be an Olympian! (2010 Vancouver here I come!)

One of my co-workers is a seriously awesome curler (not sure if that is what you call them) but she hosts an open house event each year where clients, co-workers and friends come to learn how to curl and play a few games. I had had an introduction to curling in college with some ADPis and it was more fun than I can describe, so I was excited to try again.

I definitely didn't retain my skills from college but we all seemed to get the hang of it by the end of the evening. And I think it would be fair to say, we would all jump at the opportunity to do it again!

Some team photos of "The Haters"

Some Notes of Awesome.

Some awesome things I have come across lately as well as some awesome news.

1) Gummy Bear Chandelier. Dusting this would be a nightmare, and I am sure bug and flies could be an issue...but I still think this is unbelievably fabulous.

2) Urns and floral/feather arrangements:

While doing my usual wedding/event blog surfing I came across this posting on FeteFanatic about elegant displays of urns. My favorite below, but check out the post for full photos and details.

I would do this one with a some very long stemmed white roses with silver whisps and some sort of crystal bling.

3) I hope Brooke does a post on this. But this house in Sun Valley has been a love affair of mine since I first laid eyes on it about three years ago.

4) And in awesome news: Congrats Ben on your job offer!!! So excited for you and am so glad this keeps you in DC (since I selfishly would be very sad if you left me here!)

Top Chef Worthy

I joke about winning Top Chef (after I complete culinary school of course!) with the world's best cupcake but the other night I might have made something that would seal the deal, so cupcake is out...Asparagus in a brown butter, red wine vinegar, soy reduction....my new winning dish.

The Delish Dish:

A bundle of fresh (or frozen) asparagus
Red Wine Vinegar
Soy Sauce
Kosher Salt
Olive Oil
Butter

lightly oil the bottom of a pan and place the asparagus side by side. Season generously with salt. Bake in an over at 375-400 for 8ish minutes.

While asparagus is doing its thing in the oven. In a small sauce pan, melt 2 tbs of butter, let it slightly brown (This is key!!) right at the brown turning point, add 1 tsp of soy and 1 tbs of the red wine vinegar. Stir and over low-medium heat allow the sauce to reduce. Take asparagus out, and immediately pour reduction over the spears. Let stand just a few minutes. Serve. Enjoy!

Three Clicks of my Ruby Red Mouse

With just a few clicks I confirmed I will be home in Idaho in 37 (hopefully quick) days!

I can not wait for:
Wyatt
the Poodle
Snow
Family
The Festival of trees
Drinks and dinner with friends
Guido's Pizza
Yen Ching Egg Rolls
Cookie making
Popcorn balls
Tree decorating (this is a HUGE deal in my family)
Playing the Piano and Violin
Ramey Rolls on Christmas morning
Christmas Eve at Aunt Dixie and Uncle Blaine's and with that green bean casserole and fruit salad
Christmas Eve church
Driving down Harrison Blvd and seeing the Christmas lights
Bogus
Sun Valley
Trans Siberian Orchestra
Parents Cooking
Lottery Tickets
Table Rock
My mom's out of control Christmas decorations
Cheese from the
Market
Sunday morning pancakes
Shaw Mountain Road (Driving like speed racer)
Fires and cheese and crackers
My down comforter and Christmas movies
Driving aimlessly with Kim
Pumpkin Milkshakes
Barbara Barbara (fingers crossed for a new dress)
Gingerbread Housing Developments

I am sure many more things will come to me, but that is a start!

Dinner with Michelle

This happened quite awhile ago, and I really should have blogged about it in real time, but my waves of blogging motivation did not bode well when this happened. But here is the story now...be prepared to be jealous. (Ok not really).

A few weekends ago I was meeting up with some close friends at a restaurant I have wanted to try for a long time. Oyamel, is by the same peeps who do Jaleo, which I have been to and LOVED. Anyways, back to the point. Meeting up with my friends for dinner/dessert (I had already eaten dinner sadly), but I show up the Oyamel and am greeted in the breeze way to the restaurant by a secret service agent (ear piece and all) asking if he can search my coat and bag because there is a "VIP" in the house. I agree (who would I to be like "umm no, I am above you snooping through my bag"). I asked who the VIP was, and he coyly smiles and says "enjoy your dinner". I saddle up at the bar waiting for my friends to arrive, grab a drink, crane my neck around to see who could possibly be here (I doubted I would recognize one, since politics are the last thing on my mind). Friend arrive, we get seated. And before we know it, there are paparazzi like flashes and we finally find out that it was MICHELLE!! O-YES, OBAMA.

So I dinned with Michelle. Yes I am honored. Oh and while we are taking about all things fabulous--the Café de Olla, DELISH. A must try if you are here.

The Man in My Life

For those of you who haven't spent time with Creamsicle, (1) you are missing out, and (2) let me introduce you to the Man in my life who has been there for years and years!

Creamscicle, Creamy, or the Creamster (whichever category you falling to: readers, friend or family might know him by something different) was purchase by my hard earned childhood dollars from a store in downtown Boise after seeing him with my mom and lusting after him and his fuzzy glory for weeks on end. If I remember correctly he set me back a whopping $12 (in children's dollars that was like $103,487,099.04). He was the fluffiest, softest thing I had ever laid my hands on. He was so fuzzy you could hardly find his little eyes.

He originally looked something like this little guy:

Now after many travels (I think he has only missed one rafting trip in our relationship due to the fact that the chance of flipping our raft and losing a bag was a real possibility), auditions, recitals, break-ups, ski races, and any other life events he started to loose some of his fluff and pristine cream color. My dad used to give "creamster" (dads name) baths in a big glass bowl in our kitchen and then would dry him and take the time to "re-fluff" him with a comb. (And we wonder why I have daddy-daughter complex). Well after all these years, Creamy is still the man in my life, even if a little battered and de-fluffed:

I am sure you are wondering what spurred this gem of a post. Well I have been thinking of meaningful things to get Wyatt since I feel so absent and like the Aunt he will never know. But I was hoping to pick him up his own Creamy to go through his life adventures with. When I was looking online I ran across this photo on Flickr by millerburmilla of her trusty Creamsicle and her belly. Remind me to take a photo like this when I am starting my family, because I am sure that Creamsicle will be around for that event as well.

C-A-P-S CAPS CAPS CAPS

Thanks to our awesome new brokers Jessica and I were given four front row tickets to the friday night Caps game. Jessica brought her husband and I took Ben to take advantage of the $295 face value tickets ( I love networking!).

The game was really fun, always helps when your team wins (Go Caps!). Yes that is right, I am actually cheering for a DC team these days. Ut-o you may say, I can't think about it. I am on overload with my new found DC residency, license plates, and now sports teams!

I rather enjoyed the chance to bang on the glass and get super into the game. Best part, on all the replays on TV today, you can see the four of us sitting in the background. Love it!

We are sitting right behind the Geico sign:

Jessica and I:

After the game Ben and I grabbed some drinks at Clyde's and then called it an end to an awesome evening.

Falling in Love

So I am not a J. Crew groupie like some might think. Yes, I like it. Yes, I think they have some great pieces. No, I can't afford it. But I may have to start bringing my lunch to work a few more times a week and cutting back on eating out just to afford some of the items in this seasons collection. The headbands alone have me salivating!

This silk sash is delectable!

These headbands are so perfectly me...

And can't you all see me in this Miss. Ribbons and Bows dress??

I can.

And I want this for my Holiday Party in Dec.

Perhaps I will win the lottery??

Table for One

I had some extra time the other night to actually whip up something other than a frozen meal or mac and cheese (don't get me wrong...I love me some mac and cheese) but this is one of my favorite pasta meals to make. Erin who stayed with me almost exactly a year ago gave me this delish recipe. I really suggest you give it a try!

1/4 cups butter
1/2 cups oil
1 tbs flour
1 clove garlic (pressed or minced) (I use like 3-4 cloves but I am a HUGE fan of the garlic)
1 (14 oz.) can of artichoke hearts in water
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbs minced parsley (fresh or dried)
3 tsp lemon juice (better if straight from a lemon and not the bottled stuff, about 2 lemons)
2 tbs parmesan cheese
2 tsp capers
salt and pepper (to taste)
linguine noodles

To cook:
1.) In a large pan, melt butter with oil, add flour, and stir (3 minutes, on about high medium heat. Just don't let the butter burn!)
2.) Stir in broth (1 minute), reduce heat and add garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and salt and pepper
3.) Stir constantly for 5 minutes
4.) Mix in artichoke (with water from can), cheese, and capers. I like to break apart the artichoke hearts with a spoon if they are maintaining their shape in the pan.
5.) Cover and simmer (8 minutes) You can simmer longer, it gets thicker the longer you simmer.
6.) While simmering, boil up the noodles.

Add more of any ingredient to soothe your desires. I usually add more garlic and lemon than what is called for. This also re-heats for days later which is awesome left-overs!!

Anyone else have any good recipes they want to swap??

These are some of my favorite things...

These are some things that are making me happy. (However this is a simplified list that I am sure all of you can use your imaginations to add to)

• Starbucks finally has the holiday season red cups! (Yes I know they also have their holiday drinks out too, but I tend to stick to my staple chai)

• Google today was amazing:
  

• These darling note cards from Papersource

• The care package my wonderful mom sent to me. She mailed me a beautiful scarf, pen and pencil set and a great journal! My parents really are awesome.

But yes....I am happy. Very happy.

Rustico

I have wanted to go to this restaurant for a very long time, and for some reason or another it just never really happened. But at last, I finally made to Rustico in Alexandria! It is right across the street from my coffee house (well my old coffee house) and had a great little outside sitting area which we were able to get a table on. The beer offerings were awesome and I tried out a Smuttynose browndog ale (we are totally guessing if that was the right name) but it was dark, nutty and completely delish!

We ordered three of their "small dishes":


PEI MUSSELS
white wine broth & creamy chorizo polenta

CREAMY ACORN POLENTA
orange braised pork shoulder,
sweet and spicy pumpkin seeds


SALT ROASTED BEET SALAD
goat cheese fondue, blood orange vinaigrette,
pistachio dust

The polenta was amazing. I seriously have dreams about eating it. It is an experience for one's mouth that is blissful. After dinner we headed to get a sweet treat at the Dairy Godmother. This place will keep me coming back to Alexandria for sure!

Edible bliss was the theme for the evening for sure!

Elevate your Burger

Through co-workers I learned about Elevation Burger, which was started by a few ex-employees from my company. The concept seems simple: great ingredients thus creating amazing burgers. The meat is top quality, healthy and delish. I was also very impressed with the toppings! My pickles were thin sliced to perfect, my raw onions were crisp and obviously had not been wilting all day, and the cheese was generous in quantity.

It was fun to eat some place that I knew a little bit about the behind the scenes and I wish the people I do know involved with Elevation Burger all the best wishes (I encourage all in the area to give it a try) because they really did elevate my burger experience.

Halloween 2009

I must say for Halloween (not exactly my favorite holiday as I get older) this one was pretty fun and at the same time, low key.

Friday my office had a in-office happy hour (yes I know you are jealous that we drink beer at 3pm in the office, on the offices wallet too!). My boss and I actually stepped it up, compared to our loser (i say that with sarcasm) co-workers and dressed up. When Lindsey and Dan were visiting me the weekend before (blog on that weekend coming soon) Lindsey came up with the brilliant idea for me to go as a "Hot" Potato. I wore brown leggings, an over sized brown shirt that I belted. And to create the inside of the potato, I attached curled ribbon to me (sour cream/potato insides), with orange and green pipe cleaners ( chives and cheese) and a sponge that was my butter. Add a Grown in Idaho logo and a Idaho Potato pin...swirl, spin and viola! Insta-potato. It thought it was good.

Idaho....No.. UDaho!

Where in the world is Carmen SanDiego?

Anyways...that night I headed to a house party than Erin threw to celebrate Halloween AND her Birthday. This year I didn't make her a banner, but I did take her cupcakes from Hello Cupcake during her lunch. Erin and her bf Paul rocked some amazing "Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego" (which brought some discussion with people about who was the host and the phrase "Let's go to the Map!").

The next day I lulled around in bed which was amazing ( I have been exhausted lately!), took care of some laundry and cleaning issues and then headed to elevation burger (there will need to be a follow up post to this since this has been a long time in the coming), and then to Dairy Godmother for some PUMPKIN custard...ohmygod, Thanksgiving in a cup!

Later in the evening I found myself drinking some beer, making fun of other people's costumes and participating in a pastime I haven't had a lot of time to do: Buck Hunting.

Nothing like shooting some animated animals to get me all riled up!

Back in Idaho, Wyatt wins the prize for cutest baby and cutest costume. He was a BEE!!!

Flying bee!! (Look how happy he is!) Love it!

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!!