12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 -Recap

Day 1:   Lucy

Day 2:  Born Shoes

Day 3:  Dyson Vacuum

Day 4:  Trader Joe's Organic Peanut Butter

Day 5:  Shop it to Me

Day 6:  PSA Essentials Custom Stamp

Day 7:  Tiny Prints

Day 8:  Lea & Perrins Recipe for Classic Glazed Chicken

Day 9:  Kitchen Aid Artisan 5 Qt Stand Mixer

Day 10:  Pureology

Day 11:  How to Cook Everything

Day 12: Lola, my hypo-allergenic cat... Seriously (Siberian breed)

So there you have it! My 12 favorite things of 2008. Hopefully you found a few things that you liked from the list. I do hope you will continue to stop by Simply Married as I continue to figure things out as a former long time single gal turned newlywed. Make sure to tell your friends to stop by! Until then, have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones and I'll see you in 2009!

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 12

My Little Diva, Lola.... 

(Siberian Cat - Hypo-allergenic... Seriously)

Lola in one of her favorite nap spots, the bathroom sink

Let's hear it, a collective "Awwwwww."  

Do you have allergies to cats or know someone who does?  Would you like to have a cat but because of allergies, you think its impossible?  Listen up, there is a breed of cat, Siberian, that are great for people who have allergies to cats.  Read on...

Lola was an engagement gift from JG and it was a huge surprise!  JG is very allergic to cats and I thought my kitty days were over after I had to put my beloved BaileyCat to sleep.  Unbenounced to me, JG did a little research and discovered that Siberians are a great option for people who have allergies to cats.  Siberians are considered hypoallergenic.  Seriously.  It is hypothesized that Siberians produce little to no Fel d1 protein, the primary allergen in cats.  JG has never even sniffled around her.  He has absolutely no issues!  Now let me bore you with pictures of our cat....

The picture below is the very first night we brought Lola home.  All 3 lbs of her.  Little did we know that later that night (and the next 3 nights) we would be awaken every two hours to little kitten meows. Somebody was really homesick.

Soon enough, Lola started to feel at home and would fall asleep anywhere... She still does this same exact position....  10 pounds heavier... Often at 3AM....

Lola was soon modeling for the camera giving us her best pose. A total pro....

The sink soon became a personal favorite when it came to nap time.  We stocked up on Drano.

Lola never fails to entertain us, whether its playing  "hide and seek", or snuggling during down time, she is a constant joy in our lives and we love every minute with her!

If you are a cat lover but are allergic to cats or know someone who is, check out the Siberian breed.  You just may be able to enjoy a little feline friend of your own!

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 11

How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman

If you have been reading my blog, you know that I am learning to cook.  I want to be as good as my mom who rocks the cooking world.  She has 43 years of marriage, 3 children and 5 grandchildren on me.  The woman has had quite a bit of practice.  Seriously, we both could pour bowls of cereal and milk and somehow her cereal will taste better.  I don't know how she does it!  I hope to be half the cook she is when I am her age!  

In the meantime,  I often rely on the book you see the below.  The name says it all....  How to Cook Everything.  This is the Tenth Anniversary Edition.  I bought the original back in 1998 as an ambitious college student who wanted to cook for her thankless then-boyfriend.  Did that just come out of my mouth?   I mean,  I wanted to learn the basics of cooking.

The original version has served me well over the past 10 years.  I did occasionally cook and the book is dog-eared and has splatter stains to prove it.  Always a sign of great cookbook! 

On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble I was drawn to the new edition like a moth to a flame.  I didn't even open it up, I just grabbed it and took it right to the register.  What I like the most about Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything is the essential recipes are so straightforward and simple.  The latest edition of How To Cook Everything still delivers the basic fundamentals, just like the original, but half the material and recipes are new.   The book has 1044 pages. There has to be something in there that I can't mess up, right?  At the very least I will have great biceps from lugging it around.  

Trust me, How to Cook Everything is a terrific addition to any cook's library, regardless of skill level.  You can purchase your copy of How to Cook Everything at Amazon.  Oh - and for you vegetarians out there, make sure to check out How to Cook Everything Vegetarian.  Enjoy!

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 10

I am not a natural blond...... But I drop some serious cash every 4 weeks to look like one.

I've been a "blond" since I was 15. My mother took me for highlights on my 15th birthday and I've never looked back. Here's the problem, my natural hair color is actually dark brown and with hair as dark as mine, I tend to get plagued with brassiness, an orange tinge, to my color.

Ugh.

Did I mention that my hair is very fine too?  No?  Well, it is and its been a constant battle my entire life.  I want long hair and my hair just doesn't work that way.  Anything past my shoulders and it looks like its trying waaaaaay to hard.  A conundrum with color treated, fine hair is thickening shampoos are not color safe and color safe shampoos never added volume. That is until I discovered Pureology earlier this year.....

A color safe shampoo and conditioner that also adds volume???  Yes, it does exist!  Its the pink one pictured above.  Its part of the Volume System.  In addition, Pureology also carries Super Straight Smoothing System (blue),  Hydrate System (lilac), Essentials System (green), and NanoWorks System (silver).  Pureology offers a different "system" based on your needs - all for color treated hair!

Here's what you can expect from Pureology:

-100% Vegan

-Sulfate Free

-Certified Organic Botanicals

-No Animal Testing  

Pureology products are not cheap...  I'm just being honest.  I will let you know they are worth every penny.....  To find a salon that carries Pureology near you, click here

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 9

Kitchen Aid Artisan 5 Qt Stand Mixer

Its almost a right of passage.  You get engaged, you register, you register for a Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer.  I can see why there is such a following for this fine piece of equipment.  I registered for one in yellow and I keep it out all the time because it looks so good!  

Prior to receiving the Cadillac of stand mixers, I used a hand mixer that an old college roommate had left behind in one of our apartments (don't worry AM and JJ - it wasn't yours....).  I'm pretty sure the hand mixer was bought the same year I was born and it had only a 1/3 of its power.  Needless to say, I tried to avoid any recipe that required electric mixing.  The first time I used the Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer, I was beside myself.  Remember the first time you ever saw a microwave and watched how it worked with your nose pressed up against it?  That's kinda how I was the first time I used my new Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer, except without all the radiation exposure.  It was part being in awe and part amusement!  It is so efficient and quiet (as quiet as a stand mixer can be).  It definitely lives up to the hype!  You'll also be pleased to hear that Kitchen Aid offers a 1 year full replacement warranty.  

I received my Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer from Macy's.  

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 8

Recipe for Classic Glazed Chicken

For those of you that have read my blog, you know that I am new when it comes to cooking for two.  In the past I only had to worry about myself which meant popcorn for dinner, cereal for dinner, takeout or......  If I was feeling fancy, Lean Cuisine.

Since moving in with JG, I have been the main cook.  Its a challenge that I readily accept as long as JG knows that there may be some days where we need to throw dinner out and order pizza.  

I recently found this marinade recipe from Lea & Perrins and it never fails to please!  Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

CLASSIC GLAZED CHICKEN

This is a classic chicken dish with a sweet marinade that grills to perfection. Goes well with your favorite grilled fish too.

1/4 cup Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

In a medium bowl, mix together Worcestershire Sauce, lemon juice, sugar, mustard and pepper. Place chicken in marinade and turn until well coated. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for one hour, or overnight if desired, turning occasionally.
Remove chicken from refrigerator, reserving marinade. Grill chicken over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through, basting frequently for first 5 minutes. Discard any remaining marinade.
Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour - *I usually like to marinate for at least 4 hours
Cook Time: 12 minutes

TIP: If preferred, use a resealable plastic bag for marinating. Discard bag after use.

TIP: For stovetop method, use large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray over medium high heat. Cook chicken for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through, basting frequently for first 5 minutes. Discard any remaining marinade.

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 7

Tiny Prints

Did the holidays sneak up on you and you just realized you still haven't sent out cards?  No worries!  Send out a New Year's Photo Card from Tiny Prints!  Check out their great selection of New Year's cards by clicking here!

It was love at first sight when I stumbled upon this gem!  Tiny Prints takes pride in offering a unique selection of exclusive card designs for those seeking social stationary that is contemporary and distinctly different.  JG and I chose one of their holiday photo cards to send to all our friends and family.  The design process?  So incredibly simple.  Honest!

Once you pick a design you like, you can use Tiny Prints suggested wording and layout, or you can create a card entirely from scratch in the font types, sizes and colors of your choice!  Either way you'll be able to preview your card and approve the exact look prior to ordering.  That's it!  I was so impressed with the entire process from start to finish!  I think Tiny Prints has a customer for life!

Tiny prints offers a vast selection of holiday cards, birth announcements, and invitations.  FYI,  Wedding Paper Divas recently joined the Tiny Prints family for those of you who are looking for wedding invitations and stationary.   

Make sure to sign up for Tiny Prints email newsletter and get 15% off your next order!

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 6

PSA Essentials Custom Stamps

JG and I invited nearly 400 people to our wedding.... Yes, FOUR HUNDRED.....  Not really a simple little wedding is it?  We would have been thrilled to have every single person there... But our final RSVP count of 25o was perfect (phew)!  It was large enough that it provided a lively wedding, but at the same time we could actually get around and talk to most of the people there.  When you invite that many people, there are a heck of alot of thank-you notes to write.  Anyone else thinking writer's cramp?  

I knew our work was cut out for us in writing the massive amount of thank-you notes.  I wanted to handwrite each note but I also knew where I could save some time... The only place on our thank-you note for that?  The return address.  Fortunately I found PSA Essentials Custom Stamps and just stamped away!  I love the unique design of their stamps, its a nice change of pace from your traditional adhesive address labels (although, the site I bought my stamp from has great adhesive designs too...)

There are so many designs to suit your personality.  I chose the one pictured above.  Its called "Wallace".  I bought mine at Expressionary.  

Hope you find one that you like!  

Congratulations Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design!

Valarie and I right before I walked down the aisle.  Valarie and her team ensured that JG and I had the most fabulous wedding.  Thanks for all your help Valarie!  We will never forget a single detail!
I just had to give my fab wedding planner, Valarie Kirkbride of Kirbrides Wedding Planning & Design a shout out.....  She was just named 2008 Best Wedding Planner by Fox 8 Hot List!  Congratulations Valarie, you know that you always had our vote!

Thanks to Valarie's genius ideas (and super human patience) we had a wedding that still gets compliments to this day! 

Make sure to check out her website and blog to see pictures of the recent weddings she has worked on.  You'll see why she was voted #1!  

Editor's Update:  here's her post on our wedding 

Again, congrats Val!!!

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 5

Shop It To Me

I know what you're thinking....  "But Simply Married, what about your Secret Past Addiction?"  I hear you.  I do.  Believe me, I no longer go on marathon power shopping sprees, but I do still have the occasional splurge and thanks to Shop It To Me, I can get those splurges before anyone else......  in my size and on sale!

Ladies and Gents (they have men selections too), listen up.......  My good friend, NH, sent me an email to join Shop It To Me about 6 months ago. I'm not going to lie to you, I was skeptical at first.  On their website I read how Shop It To Me works  and thought I would give it a try.  After all, have you ever found an item online that you really liked only to find your size is gone?  Happens to me all the time.  Shop It To Me alerts you as soon as an item goes on sale that matches your brand preference and size selection.  I became a huge fan after my first Shop It To Me Salemail.  

Here's how this all works:

 Think of Shop It To Me as your personal online shopper.  When you sign up with Shop It To Me, you fill out a profile where you select your favorite brands and sizes.  You then decide when you want to receive your Salemail -  daily, weekly, semi-weekly, or monthly, whatever appeals to you!  The best part about Shop It To Me????  ITS FREE!

Now for you runners out there......  Shop It To Me recently added running apparel, accessories and shoes to its selection.  If you know what brand and style of shoe you already wear, pick your options (all the major brands and style numbers are listed) and Shop It To Me will alert you when your favorite running shoe is on sale.... In your size!  You can also choose to receive updates on when your favorite running apparel brands go on sale too!  So neat!
When you sign up for Shop It To Me, you have the option to extend an invitation to your friends to join Shop It To Me.  For every 10 friends that sign up, you'll receive a $10 gift card to your choice of Banana Republic, J. Crew, or Starbucks.  Now, those were my options, they may have different options at this point.  

Shop It To Me - check it out!

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 4

Trader Joe's Organic Peanut Butter

Nearly every morning I start my day with an Einstein Brothers Power Bagel (I buy them in bulk) with peanut butter.  I tried Trader Joe's Organic Peanut Butter on a whim and became hooked.  In the past, I've tried other organic peanut butters and found them either messy (that whole oil separation thing) or lacked flavor.  Trader Joe's Organic Peanut Butter still has the oil separation that one expects from organic/natural peanut butter but I promise its not messy (no spillage over the sides) and its easy to mix.  And the taste?.....  You would think you were eating Jif, "America's favorite peanut butter".  Those are their words, not mine.  I don't want any hate mail from you  Skippy radicals. 

Trader Joe's does not sell their products online.  Here is a link that will show you all the Trader Joe's locations!  

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 Day 3

Dyson Vacuums

JG and I received a Dyson vacuum as an engagement gift from Janie G., JG's fab sister.  We (and when I say "we", I mean "me") were so giddy to receive this gift! Our previous vacuums had seen better days so Janie's timing couldn't have been more perfect.   Have you heard how wonderful Dyson vacuums are?  Up until I registered for our Dyson all I knew about this brand was that Dyson had the commercial in which the inventor, in that great accent, describes his quest to build a better vacuum.  If that has been the extent of your exposure to a Dyson let me share with you in three steps why you should consider one of the many Dyson models for your next vacuum.

#1 Performance: Dyson's cyclone technology was invented 30 years ago.  Dyson's engineers continually improve upon their technology and to date have filed 820 patents on their technology.  A Dyson cyclone generates centrifugal forces of 150,000G.  What I'm trying to say people is that the suction power reaches the deepest darkest depths of your carpet/floors.  I thought our previous vacuums did a decent job at vacuuming...... I was so wrong.  I promise you will be amazed (and a little disgusted) at what is sucked up.  Or maybe that's just our carpet.....  

#2 Award Winning Customer Support: I had a little trouble with one of the steps to assemble my Dyson (there are only a few steps), but fortunately they had a helpline for people like me.  My customer service experience was frustration free.  You get to talk to an actual human being and not have to wait 25 minutes to do so!  Dyson's award winning customer service is open 7 days a week. Very convenient.  For those who need help after hours, Dyson offers easy to follow step by step troubleshooting instructions online.

 

#3  A Risk Free Investment:  Yes, Dyson vacuums are pricey.  JG and I are so fortunate that Janie purchased one for us.  If the price is the only obstacle holding you back from purchasing a Dyson, I say you need to bite the bullet and purchase one.  All Dyson vacuums have a 5 year warranty which provides, at no extra cost to you, all labor and parts during the warranty period.  Now that description is very brief, please read all the literature that comes with your vacuum to get all the nitty gritty details.  Its really very reasonable and generous....

A little tidbit for you...  My good buddy, JE, recently shared with me how she got the deal of the century when she purchased her Dyson from Bed Bath & Beyond.  Now I will not get into too many details because I don't want the feds to come knocking on her door..... But I will tell you that she used her Bed Bath & Beyond 20% off coupon that are so abundant as part of her scam, er.... I mean deal!  Think about it.... 20% off $495 is nice a chunk of change!

Dyson Vacuums.  A wonderful investment!

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 2

Born Shoes

Oh... My... Goodness... Words cannot express my sheer love for the following brand of shoes....

Born Shoes

I looooooove them! I purchased the following shoes prior to our honeymoon. In red. They are called Codder



The perfect shoe for running errands. I have never, ever, ever had a pair of shoes as comfortable as the pair above. I wore these EVERY SINGLE DAY while we were in San Francisco on our honeymoon. Remember all those hills I mentioned?  Yeah... No problem in these babies! What makes these shoes stand out, in my eyes, is the way these shoes actually wick away sweat and keep your feet cool with some really sweet technology that I have no idea how it works, but trust me it works! No soggy, sweaty feeling. Fashion tip? These shoes look great with wide leg pants.

I completely and totally realize that there is nothing sexy about these shoes. Nothing. BUT, I am waaaaaay passed the sexy, come hither heels. I say that bitterly because my feet are a size 10W on a good day and its pretty tough to find anything cute and dainty when your shoe size is the same as your husband's. Oh sure, I have my Jimmy Choos but those are worn only on the days where there will be minimal walking involved. Born also has more "fashionable" shoes with heels. I need a comfy shoe because as a sales rep there is a ton of walking involved. If you have to navigate a large hospital you would want to slit your wrists if you were navigating the parking garage, walkways, and main hospital in 3 inch heels. Just an experience I had once or twice. Let's just say I learned quickly to wear comfortable shoes as a rep! You can buy Born shoes on the Born website or on any of the popular shoes sites.

12 Days of Christmas- Favorite Things 2008 - Day 1

With Christmas right around the corner, I thought I would share with you 12 of my favorite things, one item for each of the 12 Days of Christmas!  I'm a few days behind.  I get it.  I'll do my best to catch up!

Okay.... I get it. I'm no Oprah.  As you read this post you are not going to find "elves" popping out of your closet handing out the item you are reading about.  BUT these are items that I have discovered this past year that I have absolutely fallen in love with or has made my life easier in one way or another.  Take it for what its worth.  I would love to know what you have discovered this past year that you now love!  Enjoy!

When JG and I first met, it was in the Gatorade aisle at a local grocery store.  I made the first move, by asking him to explain the difference between all the different types of Gatorade.  After all there is Gatorade Ice, Gatorade Endurance, Gatorade All Star, Gatorade Rain, not to mention regular Gatorade.  Was it cheesy?  Of course.  Did it work?  Oh yeah, but we didn't start dating after that initial meeting.  We left the grocery store with no numbers.  I thought I struck out, but we ran into each other just a few days later at a meeting for a local running group.  We trained for a race together and over the next few months got to know each other.  He finally asked me out 4 months after our initial meeting!  Been together ever since!  

I wish I would have known about Lucy back then.  Its hard to look good while logging miles and dripping sweat.  I know there are some people who frown down on the thought of "fashionable" workout clothing.  And that's just fine.  They don't have to wear it.  But for those of you who are open to fashion and function in your clothing you must check out Lucy!

I first became aware of Lucy when I was traveling to Michigan for work.  I walked into one of their stores and became an instant fan!  Unfortunately there are no stores in Ohio. No worries-you can shop on the Lucy website! 

Their clothes are modern, stylish and on top of that, they are so comfortable!  Of course the clothing does all that cool techy stuff as well like wick away sweat and all that good stuff! 

Make sure to sign up on Lucy's email list to receive updates and special offers. Once you are signed up, Lucy will send you a $20 coupon off your next order over $80!  So if your frustrated with the lack of stylish running clothing, give Lucy a try!  Lucy also carries Yoga and general workout clothing.  So cool!  Give Lucy a try - you'll become a fan too!

I Love Cleveland II

This town really loves its Christmas Ale... And I love watching the hysteria of it!

*Now there have been no scientific studies to confirm this.....But I swear the above image is just as recognized in Cleveland as you would find the Coca-Cola logo, McDonald's arches, and Nike swoosh are recognized worldwide*

If you're not from Cleveland you simply do not understand the mass hysteria that occurs in this town this time of year. Christmas Ale, a robust ale brewed with honey and spiced with ginger and cinnamon, has become a recent legend since its launch in the late 90's. It's only available November - December. Every year the mad, frantic, dash to get Great Lakes Christmas Ale before it goes out of stock is common. Throw in a honey shortage this year and you have hysteria similar to the Cabbage Patch Kids riot of '83. Okay..... so I'm exaggerating just a little bit, but you would think prohibition was right around the corner the way people are stockpiling Christmas Ale in their homes. I recently learned that there is a hierarchy among the local bars and restaurants with who can receive Christmas Ale and who can't. Meaning if your the new guy on the block, chances are you won't be pouring the stuff this year.

What? You never heard of Christmas Ale? Well let me educate you on what Christmas Ale by Great Lakes Brewing Company is all about. Better yet, I'll share a song with you:

*Warning* This is the uncensored version (contains a few bad words...) CLICK HERE

Now, this stuff isn't for the faint of heart...... I don't drink Christmas Ale mainly because the 7.5% alcohol content would have me face down on the floor faster than you could say "Merry Christmas". I'm more of a Michelob Ultra-Light or Amstel Light type of girl. In my opinion, the more a beer tastes like water the better. However, JG definitely likes to imbibe in "The Ale" this time of year. In fact, right now, I have a hard time fitting the milk in our fridge because 2 six packs of Christmas Ale are in the way. I think JG is just warming up for the big Christmas Ale party that occurs every year around this time. Yes, JG and his friends have an annual Christmas Ale Party. It is debauchery at its finest followed by several days of a wicked hangover, but in these guys' eyes it is the highlight of the year. Just like a certain recent get together, people fly in for this.....

So now you know all about the hype of Christmas Ale. With that said, GO! HURRY! Get to the closest store! Its gonna be out of stock soon!

The Proverbial Baby Question.....

You want to ask, don't you?.......  

Well, let me start this post with no, we are not expecting right now.  

JG and I definitely want children.....  We do.  Even if for some reason we cannot have them ourselves, we'll take someone else's!  Legally of course, don't go calling the authorities.....  And I hope these future kids will always be as happy as the kid on the left.  But let's be honest.... If there are any of my genes in this future kid it will be colic city....  And my mother will love every minute of it.  She did always say (if i got mouthy or whiny) "Someday I hope you have a daughter just like you".  In most cases when this statement was uttered it wasn't meant in a complimentary way......

I don't mind "the baby question" as much as I did, "Why are you still single?", "Are you dating anyone serious?", "Are you bringing a date to my wedding?", "Are you bringing anyone to our 10 year class reunion?", or sometimes they would answer for me, "I'll tell you why you are still single, you're too picky", and so on it went....  Let me just say those questions (and statements) got old because I was single for years.  

I knew the baby questions would come (veteran marrieds warned me) once JG and I were hitched, but I wasn't expecting them so soon. Like just had the ring on my finger 4 hours and now you want to know when we are having kids soon.  I get asked at least once a week.  Throw in there are few not able to drink b/c I'm on anti-inflammatories and that number just shot up to 25 a week.  I really don't mind it because it is exciting to think there will be a little one that's part JG and part me.  I can't wait to experience it all....  The good, the bad, and the ugly that comes with motherhood.  It will happen when it's supposed to happen.  But not this month and probably not next month and.....  Well, I promise when it does happen, you will be the 4th to know. Gotta tell JG (#1), and then my parents (#2 & #3) - they would revoke free babysitting privileges if they weren't in the top 3.  

Any Other Newbie Cooks Out There???

If there are any other newbie cooks.... and even if you have been married 43 years, have raised 3 children, have 5 Grandchildren and have made more meals than hairs on your head (sound familiar mom???)...... You can appreciate the site I'm about to mention....

The Pioneer Woman

*Image obtained from The Pioneer Woman website

I stumbled upon this site from another blog and became instantly smitten with it!  The Pioneer Woman is an autobiographical chronicle of Ree Drummond's life as wife of a cattle rancher and mom of 4 living in Oklahoma.  Before Ree met and fell in love with Marlboro Man, she was a woman on the go living in Los Angeles who wore black pumps, ate sushi, Thai, and Mediterranean food and had never ending access to her beloved Starbucks.  On a fateful trip back to her hometown she met and fell in love with hunky Marlboro Man and moved to the country.  I promise after visiting her site you will have an entirely new appreciation (and maybe fascination???) with chaps.  Hubba-hubba.  

*snapping back to reality (and wiping drool off the side of my mouth)*

Okay!  Back to the point of this post....  One of her sections is on cooking.  What I like about her recipes is that she uses simple, easy to find ingredients mainly because, In her own words, "The country market near our home has never even thought about carrying yellow fin tuna, star anise, or wasabi paste."  Sounds good to me because, at this point, I wouldn't even know what to do with those items anyways.  I especially love how she breaks down each step in pictures. So helpful!  Its the next best thing to having my own mom right there with me showing me how to make the recipe!  

Let me warn you though...  Many of Ree's recipes contain butter, butter, and oh - butter.  Its not exactly waist friendly and since JG and I live in a densely populated western suburb of Cleveland, drive all day as sales reps and not herding cattle on an Oklahoma cattle ranch, I substitute some of the ingredients with lower fat alternatives.  Still absolutely delicious!  And just so Ree knows how good her recipes are, We've never had to throw out one of her dishes and order pizza!  Its an honor, Ree, I promise!  We have loved everything we have made from her site!  I hope you find her site just as enjoyable and helpful as I do!

I Love Cleveland Reason I

Even though JG and I are homebodies, we do love to go out to eat.  For those times when we feel like staying close to home we are so fortunate to have two of the best restaurants in town so close to us!  

Have you ever tried the Lobster Bisque at Cabin Club or Salmon Dave's?

No?

Stop what you are doing right now, get in your car and drive to Cabin Club or Salmon Dave's. Drive I tell you!  You need to taste the absolute deliciousness of this heavenly concoction.  It is so good you may just want to get an IV drip of it.  Seriously.... It is that good.  I have taken so many people who hail from different parts of the country to try the lobster bisque.  I might add that many of these guests are quite the epicureans.  I call them food snobs.  They even say - as they try not to lick the bowl - how good it is!  JG and I cannot not (is that proper English?) get it when we dine at one of these locations.  Cabin Club and Salmon Dave's are both owned by Hospitality Restaurants.  A third restaurant under the Hospitality Restaurants umbrella, Blue Point Grille, serves the lobster bisque only on Fridays.  The lobster bisque at all locations is the same recipe.

You can order the lobster bisque during lunch and dinner hours at the following locations:

Cabin Club

30651 Detroit Rd

Westlake, OH 44145

440-899-7111

Salmon Dave's

19015 Old Lake Rd

Rocky River, OH 44116

440-331-2739

27 Dresses in Cleveland

Being single can be tough, especially when it feels like everyone around you is getting married faster than you can say "I Do".  

Always a Bridesmaid has started a blog on her adventures in finding love in Cleveland.  You can read it by clicking here.  Gotta love the name, 27 Dresses in Cleveland.  A play on the title of the popular, recent movie 27 Dresses.  I can relate to Always a Bridesmaid's journey in so many ways.   The noxious blind dates, reaching the point where people start suggesting religious rituals, the acute awareness that you are the only single person in the room, and the well meaning friends' and family's analysis of why one is still single. Been there. 

 An interesting twist on her quest to find love is her offer of a Finder's Fee.  Genius!  If you know any good looking, career minded, looking for a serious relationship type of man stop by 27 Dresses in Cleveland and drop Always a Bridesmaid a line!

10 things you may not know about me......

10.   I always have to look up how to spell Cincinnati...... or is it Cinncinati? Or maybe its Cincinatti?

9.   Clowns scare the bejeezus out of me.

8.   In third grade I tried out for my elementary school's talent show competition by doing a baton routine to "Let's Go All The Way" by Slyfox.  

7.   My mom and I were lectured by the elementary school's principal on the importance of choosing "appropriate" songs for an elementary school's talent show.  I now know the importance of listening to lyrics.

6.   When I was a teenager I used to work at McDonald's (and liked it), Boston Mills Ski Resort, lifeguarded at Country Lakes, was a beauty consultant at Estee Lauder and waitressed.  Sometimes I did 2 or 3 of those at the same time.

5.   I once discretely spat in someone's coffee when I was a waitress.  I served it to him.  He drank it.  He deserved it.

4.   In high school I switched from A.P. History to the regular history class so I could have the same lunch period as my friends.  I was bored out of my mind.  Big mistake.  

3.   When I was 6 I had a crush on Fred from Scooby Doo, Shaun Cassidy from the Hardy Boys and Ozzy Osbourne. 

2.   I sang Alto in the BGSU Women's Choir.

1.   A psychic told me when and how I would meet my now husband.  She was spot on.  

The simply understated "I Love You"

In the past, I dated a few guys who gave gifts to show their affection.   There was the one guy who would buy gawdy, but expensive, glass figurines that did not match my decor (I have no idea why he thought I would like those..... random).  And then there was my ex, the one I almost married.  He bought me jewlery, he bought me clothes, he took me on nice vacations (we fought on every single one), and he bought flowers.  Sounds good, right?  What girl wouldn't like that?  Here's the problem....  None of that improved our relationship and they felt more like empty gestures than really showing any kind of "love".   Some girls may like to be doted on and love the trips and gifts and I did too at first, but after a while, you could feel the hollowness of these gestures. We would get into a fight and then the next thing I know there would be a gift or flowers.  It got old after a while.  All I wanted was a stable, loving relationship.  Can't Buy Me Love... I agree with the Beatles on this one.

JG is not a card guy.  He's not much of a flower guy and he's been known to panic on Christmas Eve and spend hours trying to find gifts last minute for people (a sales person's dream).  What I'm trying to say people is that in the eyes of a few die hard romantics, JG would not be considered "romantic".  In my single days I learned over time that romance doesn't mean a nice expensive gift,  jewelry, or flowers. Its how the person shows his love for you in little ways everyday. It truly is the little simple things that count. 

You wanna know the one thing that JG does do that makes my heart do flip flops every single time?..........

  He locks the door on days he leaves early in the morning.   

JG has a very large territory and if he has an early morning appointment he sometimes has to leave really early in the morning.  I mean early, I mean not going to be light for another hour or two early. 

That's it....  He locks the door.

Now you might be saying to your self, "Huh?"  What is she talking about?"  Let me give you a little background on JG and why this is so significant in my eyes...  When we first started dating he never locked the door.  Ever.  We would go out to dinner and he would just shut the door, not locked.  He would go to sleep with it unlocked.  Now don't get any ideas...  Our door is now always locked in the evening and plus there are more expensive homes on the other side of the road that you would probably find better goods to steal.  Don't waste your time on us. 

Anyways,   His locking the door while I am still asleep shows me that he wants me (and our little diva of a kitty) to be safe and in his own little way, he's protecting us.  It makes me feel loved and isn't that more important than having the latest designer purse, a trip to the caribbean (although right now I wouldn't mind that....), or a beautiful flower arrangement?  Those "things" are only temporary in life and don't provide a stable, loving relationship. 

 JG, you can keep lacking on the flowers, cards and shop last minute for gifts.... Just keep doing what your already doing.  Oh, and if you want to surprise me the with occasional trip to the caribbean in the dead of winter that might be nice every now and then..........