I've been a fan of the Smitten Kitchen blog for a few years now; if you've never read it, definitely check it out. Deb, author of Smitten Kitchen blog, just wrote her own Smitten Kitchen cookbook, and I broke down and bought it. And it's amazing. This cookbook is so good that I have been reading it in bed, like a food nerd.
I made apple cider caramels and rosemary, gruyere and sea salt crisps so far, and both were amazing. The rest of the recipes also look great, and I can't wait to try some of them. I brought both items to work and they disappeared in a matter of hours. This cookbook is my new favorite thing.
As it gets closer to Christmas, I feel the need to cook and bake to get myself in the holiday spirit. Last weekend I made mulled wine which was a great way to feel festive; I may have to make more. This weekend I made mashed sweet potatoes and brie en croute for a Christmas dinner party. Later this week I'm baking cookies. I love food, and luckily, it's the time of the year to indulge and forget about calories until January.
My family arrives in Chicago tomorrow! It's the first trip they've made during the winter since I've lived here, and it's also my first Christmas in Chicago, which means it's my first chance for a white Christmas, but I'm not sure the weather will cooperate (and I'm not that sad about it.).
Work has been simply lovely going into the holiday season: lots of festive food in the kitchen, a huge surprise gift basket from the president, an open-bar, fancy food holiday party, and another holiday party tomorrow at a fancy restaurant in the Trump Tower. I feel positively spoiled.
Hoping your holiday season is food-filled and cheery as well!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Resolutions Update #11
Another year almost finished; that makes almost three years of resolution updates. Here's November.
Resolution #1: Be good to my body
Result: 90%, almost perfect
A. Go to the gym once a week: 4/4 (100%!)
B. Stretch once a week: 5/4 (120%!!)
C. Drink a glass of green tea a week: 2/4 (50%)
Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 46%
A. Write in my journal once a week: 2/4 (50%)
B. Meditate once a week: 1/4 (25%)
C. Only spend one hour on the internet every weekday at home: 14/22 (64%)
Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Resounding success!
I took advantage of the long Thanksgiving weekend and went to see two movies: Lincoln and Skyfall. Lincoln was interesting, and definitely looks like Oscar material, but Skyfall really blew me away: it was everything a Bond film should be, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait to own it!
Resolution #4: Buy one piece of clothing per month
Result: Success!
The only thing I bought in November was an infinity scarf. I love how it makes me feel so cozy.
Resolution #5: Read two books per month
Result: Success!
Last month I read M.C. Higgins, the Great, by Virginia Hamilton, a Newbery winner. It took me a few chapters to get into the book; I kept thinking how weird I thought this novel was, and it is a bit weird, but overall I enjoyed it.
I then read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which is my favorite Potter.
Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances via Excel spreadsheet
Result: Success
I duly noted my purchases this month, but to be honest, tracking has lost it's interest for me. I no longer record my receipts daily, and it has gotten to be almost less than once a week. I don't find it as necessary now that I make more money, but that is ridiculous, becuase it's still interesting to see where my money goes.
Resolution #1: Be good to my body
Result: 90%, almost perfect
A. Go to the gym once a week: 4/4 (100%!)
B. Stretch once a week: 5/4 (120%!!)
C. Drink a glass of green tea a week: 2/4 (50%)
Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 46%
A. Write in my journal once a week: 2/4 (50%)
B. Meditate once a week: 1/4 (25%)
C. Only spend one hour on the internet every weekday at home: 14/22 (64%)
Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Resounding success!
I took advantage of the long Thanksgiving weekend and went to see two movies: Lincoln and Skyfall. Lincoln was interesting, and definitely looks like Oscar material, but Skyfall really blew me away: it was everything a Bond film should be, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait to own it!
Resolution #4: Buy one piece of clothing per month
Result: Success!
The only thing I bought in November was an infinity scarf. I love how it makes me feel so cozy.
Resolution #5: Read two books per month
Result: Success!
Last month I read M.C. Higgins, the Great, by Virginia Hamilton, a Newbery winner. It took me a few chapters to get into the book; I kept thinking how weird I thought this novel was, and it is a bit weird, but overall I enjoyed it.
I then read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which is my favorite Potter.
Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances via Excel spreadsheet
Result: Success
I duly noted my purchases this month, but to be honest, tracking has lost it's interest for me. I no longer record my receipts daily, and it has gotten to be almost less than once a week. I don't find it as necessary now that I make more money, but that is ridiculous, becuase it's still interesting to see where my money goes.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Unimaginative Title
Ack! Where has November gone? Before I knew it, I had only blogged once this entire month, and it is now November 27. Haven't been up to much, but a few updates...
1. I have a mouse. A cute little gray mouse that likes to pop out when I'm sitting at my computer, nice and quiet. I find this cute, but also ballsy. Little mouse just wants to say hello, but now I have seen it, and can't let it go: it will have to die.
2. Thanksgiving was good, I went to my family in the suburbs. Decent food, but the weekend was memorable because I saw Lincoln, which was good, but more memorable because I saw Skyfall, which was awesome. If you haven't seen it, do. Plus, it's also nice to have four straight days off from work.
3. I detoxed for a week this month! No dairy, meat, caffeine, gluten, or packaged foods, and to be honest, it wasn't so hard. I got a migraine on Tuesday from lack of caffeine I think, and felt slightly sickly early in the week, but otherwise felt great. I ate a lot of salads, but some hot food too. I may try to do it once a month, because it made me feel really good. Focusing on my health and body like that made me feel strong. I also went to the gym once more per week than usual, and stretched for half an hour on the days I didn't go to the gym. I also did a media fast and didn't want any TV, listen to NPR, or waste time online. And I didn't miss any of it, which was the interesting part.
4. It's chilly in Chicago, 38 degrees and I write this. Bah humbug to winter.
5. My family arrives in less than a month, for Christmas! I'm excited.
1. I have a mouse. A cute little gray mouse that likes to pop out when I'm sitting at my computer, nice and quiet. I find this cute, but also ballsy. Little mouse just wants to say hello, but now I have seen it, and can't let it go: it will have to die.
2. Thanksgiving was good, I went to my family in the suburbs. Decent food, but the weekend was memorable because I saw Lincoln, which was good, but more memorable because I saw Skyfall, which was awesome. If you haven't seen it, do. Plus, it's also nice to have four straight days off from work.
3. I detoxed for a week this month! No dairy, meat, caffeine, gluten, or packaged foods, and to be honest, it wasn't so hard. I got a migraine on Tuesday from lack of caffeine I think, and felt slightly sickly early in the week, but otherwise felt great. I ate a lot of salads, but some hot food too. I may try to do it once a month, because it made me feel really good. Focusing on my health and body like that made me feel strong. I also went to the gym once more per week than usual, and stretched for half an hour on the days I didn't go to the gym. I also did a media fast and didn't want any TV, listen to NPR, or waste time online. And I didn't miss any of it, which was the interesting part.
4. It's chilly in Chicago, 38 degrees and I write this. Bah humbug to winter.
5. My family arrives in less than a month, for Christmas! I'm excited.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Resolution Update #10
A much better month!
Resolution #1: Be good to my body
Result: 67%
A. Go to the gym once a week: 3/4 (75%)
B. Stretch once a week: 2/4 (50%)
C. Drink a glass of green tea per week: 3/4 (75%)
Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 101%!!!
A. Write in my journal once a week: 6/4 (150%)
B. Meditate once a week: 3/4 (75%)
C. Only spend one hour on the internet every weekday at home: 18/23 (78%)
Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Success!!
This month I saw TWO movies in theater!! The first was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I never read the book, but was pleasantly surprised by the movie. My girl crush, Emma Watson, was in the movie, and unfortunately she was the weakest link; however, the male actors were spot on and super cute to boot.
Next I saw Pom Poko, a Studio Ghibli film, in it's original Japanese at Doc Films, the student-run film club at the University of Chicago. It's about vigilante raccoons trying to rescue their forest from development. Not my favorite Studio Ghibli, but cute with an environmental message.
Resolution #4: Buy one piece of clothing per month
Result: Success!
This month I bought two skirts, a cardigan, three shirts, a jacket, and tights. Eek, when will my shopping spree be over?!
Resolution #5: Read two books per month
Result: Success!!
This month I read five books: the first three in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, which are always great to re-read; Hitty, Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field, a Newbery Award winner which was fine; and ...and Now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold, another Newbery, which I disliked.
Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances via Excel spreadsheet
Result: Lacking
Hmm, especially towards the end of the month I stopped tracking my expenses, though I still have the receipts. Now that I make more money in my new job, I feel it's not as necessary for me to track my expenses, but that's bad thinking. I'm still spending way to much on eating out.
Resolution #1: Be good to my body
Result: 67%
A. Go to the gym once a week: 3/4 (75%)
B. Stretch once a week: 2/4 (50%)
C. Drink a glass of green tea per week: 3/4 (75%)
Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 101%!!!
A. Write in my journal once a week: 6/4 (150%)
B. Meditate once a week: 3/4 (75%)
C. Only spend one hour on the internet every weekday at home: 18/23 (78%)
Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Success!!
This month I saw TWO movies in theater!! The first was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I never read the book, but was pleasantly surprised by the movie. My girl crush, Emma Watson, was in the movie, and unfortunately she was the weakest link; however, the male actors were spot on and super cute to boot.
Next I saw Pom Poko, a Studio Ghibli film, in it's original Japanese at Doc Films, the student-run film club at the University of Chicago. It's about vigilante raccoons trying to rescue their forest from development. Not my favorite Studio Ghibli, but cute with an environmental message.
Resolution #4: Buy one piece of clothing per month
Result: Success!
This month I bought two skirts, a cardigan, three shirts, a jacket, and tights. Eek, when will my shopping spree be over?!
Resolution #5: Read two books per month
Result: Success!!
This month I read five books: the first three in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, which are always great to re-read; Hitty, Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field, a Newbery Award winner which was fine; and ...and Now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold, another Newbery, which I disliked.
Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances via Excel spreadsheet
Result: Lacking
Hmm, especially towards the end of the month I stopped tracking my expenses, though I still have the receipts. Now that I make more money in my new job, I feel it's not as necessary for me to track my expenses, but that's bad thinking. I'm still spending way to much on eating out.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
This and That
Lately I haven't been up to much, just a bit of this and that, including making this gem amongst Halloween decorations:
But there are men who shoot at things, like that:
Sharpie and milk jug
I took this picture from my balcony:
Full moon over Chicago
I took a trip to the country, which looks like that:
Western Illinois panorama
And where the cemetaries are so old they are being eaten by trees, like this:
Mmm, tombstone.
There are covered bridges in the country, like that:
That's me standing proudly in front
Also: horses! like this:
Baby horsey!
And the country is where I got my first glimpse of the mighty Mississippi, which looks like that:
Where are Huck and Jim?
It's also kind of pretty in the country, and looks like this:
It gets cold in the country when the sun sets
But there are men who shoot at things, like that:
Scared the shit out of me
Mostly, however, I've been working, shopping, hanging out with friends, and enjoying some of this:
Monday, October 1, 2012
Resolution Update #8
Resolution #1: Be good to my body
Result: 42%
A. Go to the gym once a week: 2/4 (50%!)
B. Stretch once a week: 3/4 (75%)
C. Drink a glass of green tea once a week: 0/4 (0%)
Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 63%
A. Write in my journal once a week: 4/4 (100%)
B. Meditate once a week: 2/4 (50%)
C. Only spend one hour on the internet every weekday at home: 8/20 (40%)
Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Fail...again
Resolution #4: Buy one piece of clothing per month
Result: Success!
This month I bought two very pretty shirts from Anthropologie; I can wear both to work, which is a plus. I also bought a dress and a pair of wedges when I was in Portland on my work vacation (no sales tax!).
Resolution #5: Read two books per month
Result: Resounding success!
I read five books this month! Yay! I read A Conspiracy of Friends, by Alexander McCall Smith. I love his books, they feel like home: comfortable and warm, reassuring, and I always look forward to them. I very much enjoy him as a writer, and love many of his series.
Next I read The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones. I read a review in a magazine, and it sounded like something I wanted to read (I very rarely take recommendations from magazines.) I finally got it from the library, and it was good, though took a weird turn along the way into the supernatural. I won't say more in case anyone else is interested, and the twist wasn't terrible, just unexpected.
Last I read three Newbery Award winners: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, Missing May by Cynthia Rylant, and The White Stag by Kate Seredy. I had high hopes for Westing, since it was billed as a murder mystery cum fortune hunt; overall, there were things that didn't add up, and it just wasn't completely solid enough for me. It did make me cry, but still not on my top list of Newbery winners.
Missing May was the gem of this grouping: it's about a young teenager who recently lost a surrogate parent. It was sassy and quick and emotional, with good insights for a younger audience about losing a loved one. White Stag was randomly about Attila the Hun, and a fictionalized tale of his ancestry. It was well-written, but I wasn't crazy about it.
Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances via Excel spreadsheet
Result: Success!
It's there to remind me how much money I spend each month...This month my "Misc." column won for most expensive.
Result: 42%
A. Go to the gym once a week: 2/4 (50%!)
B. Stretch once a week: 3/4 (75%)
C. Drink a glass of green tea once a week: 0/4 (0%)
Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 63%
A. Write in my journal once a week: 4/4 (100%)
B. Meditate once a week: 2/4 (50%)
C. Only spend one hour on the internet every weekday at home: 8/20 (40%)
Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Fail...again
Resolution #4: Buy one piece of clothing per month
Result: Success!
This month I bought two very pretty shirts from Anthropologie; I can wear both to work, which is a plus. I also bought a dress and a pair of wedges when I was in Portland on my work vacation (no sales tax!).
Resolution #5: Read two books per month
Result: Resounding success!
I read five books this month! Yay! I read A Conspiracy of Friends, by Alexander McCall Smith. I love his books, they feel like home: comfortable and warm, reassuring, and I always look forward to them. I very much enjoy him as a writer, and love many of his series.
Next I read The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones. I read a review in a magazine, and it sounded like something I wanted to read (I very rarely take recommendations from magazines.) I finally got it from the library, and it was good, though took a weird turn along the way into the supernatural. I won't say more in case anyone else is interested, and the twist wasn't terrible, just unexpected.
Last I read three Newbery Award winners: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, Missing May by Cynthia Rylant, and The White Stag by Kate Seredy. I had high hopes for Westing, since it was billed as a murder mystery cum fortune hunt; overall, there were things that didn't add up, and it just wasn't completely solid enough for me. It did make me cry, but still not on my top list of Newbery winners.
Missing May was the gem of this grouping: it's about a young teenager who recently lost a surrogate parent. It was sassy and quick and emotional, with good insights for a younger audience about losing a loved one. White Stag was randomly about Attila the Hun, and a fictionalized tale of his ancestry. It was well-written, but I wasn't crazy about it.
Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances via Excel spreadsheet
Result: Success!
It's there to remind me how much money I spend each month...This month my "Misc." column won for most expensive.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Emmy Awards 2012
On the whole, I was underwhelmed with Emmys fashion this year: in my opinion, there was nothing jaw-droppingly amazing or horrible, but lots of run-of-the-mill nice looks. Are the celebrities already trying to save their best for the Oscars?? See below for my picks.
Hayden Panettiere
Kind of a random pick, but I like the blue gauzy parts with gold, though I think it might look better with one less gauzy/drapey part
Jessica Pave
Simple and lovely
Leslie Mann
The best part of her outfit are the turquoise earrings and bracelet, which you can barely see in this photo. Fun and bright!
Tina Fey
Easy and flattering
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