Things I love Thursday.

1.  I am obsessed with nail polish.  Most people know this already.  But I have been a die hard OPI fan my whole life.  But, thanks to a nudge from a friend (check her out! http://cheekydid.blogspot.com/)  I purchased Butter Nailpolish.  Their colors are soooo deep and beautiful!  Friday night I went to Ulta and bought 3 more (buy 2 get 1 free, how could I not?) and I added these beauties to my ever expanding collection of Butter

2.  My new Ninja Cooking System is amazing.  I mean, there are really no other words to describe it.  It cuts down cooking time, steam cooks and bakes, and is the greatest slow cooker alive.  Being able to sear meats and then just add everything to the same pot is outstanding.  No more extra pots and pans to clean!  If you have seen it, this is a must watch video.



3.  Our Christmas Tree.  I know that sounds odd to say in October, but we went this past weekend to Tag a Tree.  I know this concept makes no sense to others around the country, but the gist of it is this: Go to a tree farm, walk around with hot chocolate in hand, find the most perfect tree, and tag it!  Some families will even add garland and such to make it easier to spot when they come back to cut it down.  It's fun to walk "through the christmas tree woods" and see trees decorated.  The best part of these farms, is that every tree that is cut down, a new one is planted.  The trees also tend to stay healthier through the season.  Our tree for 2 years in a row has lost zero needles while on display.  We will go back on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (because Friday is reserved for shopping, duh!) and have it cut down and bring that baby home to be decorated! :) As you can see from the photo, I'm pretty excited.

4.  The Chew. If you have yet to watch this show, set your DVRs.  They have cooking, crafts, baking, health tips, and games.  Really, it's just a fun hour of TV!  And Michael Symon is on my "list".  He can cook me bacon any day of the week.  And really who is more fab than Clinton Kelly?  The answer is no one.

5.  I am loving my new phone to death.  I got the HTC One S for T-mobile and couldn't be happier.  You can just do so much with it.  So much stuff, that I don't even know all of it yet!  The best part is that it takes great photos.  My last phone was sucktastic at photos so this makes me sooo happy.

Wacky Wednesday

Wacky Wednesday posts are going to be reserved for random posts.  It may be about current events, about myself, about something I want to know your opinion on, or really just a rambling post!

This week's Wacky Wednesday is going to be like Story Time for adults.  In college, I vowed I would write a book called "My roommate is dead and other crazy antics from EC".  Yes you read that correctly.  I started to collect funny and odd real life stories of stuff that happened to us while at Emmanuel College.  We always seemed to find the weirdos.  But I guess living in Boston can do that.   I'm going to share the story of the "dead roommate" since it was the reason this whole idea came around.

We start this story at the beginning of Jr. year.  My roommate Melissa gets a letter from the financial aid office that her aid was denied because she was.....deceased?!  Obviously, she's not dead.  I was looking at her, unless this was "Weekend at Bernie's" (which is an awesome movie btw).  As we start to figure out what the hell was going on we find out that instead of marking Melissa's father as deceased in the Social Security books, they made her deceased.

Whats's even more strange?  His passing was now almost 3 years ago, and she had attended this school for 2 full years already, so she wasn't dead then?  She had credit cards that she applied for after this death and such and nothing EVER came up.  To change this mistake we are told we have to go to the Social Security office.  I told her I would go with her, because she needed a witness that she wasn't dead....???.....Seeing her in front of them apparently wasn't enough.  This is the type of shit you can't make up.

Boston's population basically consists of college students or the very....interesting....let's go with that word. When we arrived at the office we got exactly what we thought we would.  WEIRDOS.  Actually, we met OTHER dead people.  Yes, that's right, a whole group of dead people.  Where else but the SS office can you find a group of these people.  Instead of people complaining about the inconvenience this whole process was causing them, they were complaining they didn't even get to see their funeral, or as Melissa's stated "I didn't even get to pick out my casket, I want to make sure it was nice"  After a few hours, Melissa finally gets called to the window, and tells the lady, I'm here cause I'm dead.  The lady didn't even bat an eye.  She handed Melissa paperwork that she needed to fill out to prove she was, indeed, alive.  It went something like this "My name is Melissa and I am indeed alive.  I go to school, I have a job, I have a mother and brother, and I am not dead.  The end"  Apparently that was enough for them.

As we left the office, I witnessed the miracle of watching someone come back from the dead.  Who else can say that?!

Thrifty Tuesday

If there is one thing you should know about me, it's that I REFUSE to pay full price for anything.  I hate it.  So on Tuesdays I've decided to post sales and deals that have I've found while surfing the net.

1.  A clothing store with the best coupon codes has to be New York and Company (http://www.nyandcompany.com).  I practically get emailed everyday with deals and sales.  Sign up for their emails and save every single time you shop there.  Currently the promo is BOGO 50% off everything and use coupon codes 3680 to save $60 off of $125 purchase or 3881 to save $25 off of a $60 purchase.  Combine the sale, the coupons, and the free shipping, and you can get a ton of pieces for your fall and winter wardrobe!   Want to shop in the store?  Here is the link to print the coupon and take it with you http://bit.ly/PSwWTw

2.  Looking for a great deal for the man in your life?  What about a great Cigar sampler containing a variety of flavors and that comes from renowned cigar-rolling regions from around the globe.  Groupon Goods brings you this deal for only $29.
http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-famous-smoke-october-bundle?c=all&p=7

3.  If you haven't tried Microdermabrasion yet, DO IT.  Your skin will thank you.  But for the price of a session at the spa you could get your machcine to do it at home!  LivingSocial Shopping section has this deal for $145.  This could also make a great Christmas Gift for the woman in your life!
https://www.livingsocial.com/products/us/8924-microdermabrasion-system

4.  The season of scarves is upon us.  Why not treat yourself to the ultimate luxury and get a Valentino Scarf  for $89.  You can get a designer scarf that will never go out of style and a fraction of the price, thanks to LivingSocial Shopping.  I'll say it again, GREAT gift idea!  They will think you spent hundreds!  ($300 to be exact!)
https://www.livingsocial.com/products/us/8702-valentino-scarves

5.  Are you an instagram junkie?  Do you have a photo you are dying to print?  Why not take advantage of Canvas On Demand (http://www.canvasondemand.com) and their current promotion that ends on 10/31/12.  50% off!!!  The coupon code is INSTAGRAM50.  I'm pretty sure you can use it on any kind of photo you want to get printed too.

Menu Monday-October 8th-October 12th

In the attempt to get back on track with the blogging, I am going to give every day a theme so that I have some sort of direction.  Will I keep up with it?  Let's hope!  Will it happen everyday?  Probably not.  :)

This week is our "Financial Fast"
We vow to not spend any money on ANYTHING except gas to get to and from work.  It's hard, but so worth it.  Once our pantry is a mess and our freezer is full we decide to just "do it" and not spend that week. It forces you out of your comfort zone and makes you be creative with dinner.

What do you do to cut down on spending for the week and clean out the fridge/freezer/pantry?

Here is our plan for the week, with recipes below for each.

Monday-Sloppy Joes and Mac-n-cheese (the mac-n-cheese is in a bag from velveeta.  go ahead and judge, I don't care.  Something you need to be able to make things quickly!)
Tuesday-Chicken Piccata
Wednesday-Whiskey Glazed Pork Loin
Thursday-Savory Steak Tips
Friday-BBQ Pork Chops


Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
3/4 cup ketchup
3 teaspoons brown sugar
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, onion, and green pepper; drain off liquids.
2. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar; mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Chicken Piccata
The recipe from this one is in a video form.  Why?   Because i'm using my new Ninja Cooking System (which by the way is awesome!  and i big pink puffy heart love it!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0Qa_ziSiOM

Whiskey-Glazed Pork Loin
Ingredients:
1 2 1/2-pound pork loin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons Tennessee whiskey
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
Instructions:
1.  Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a roasting pan with foil. Season the pork with salt and pepper; place in the prepared pan.
2.  In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, whiskey, and mustard powder. Brush the pork with half of the glaze. Roast about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until internal temperature of pork reaches 150°F, brushing with the remaining glaze after 45 minutes. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Savory Steak Tips
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
2 teaspoons garlic pepper seasoning
1 cup barbeque sauce
2 pounds beef sirloin tip steaks
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix the Worcestershire sauce, Italian-style salad dressing, garlic pepper seasoning, and barbeque sauce. Place the meat in the marinade, and turn to coat. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat grill for high heat.
3. Brush grill lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place steaks on the grill, and discard marinade. Grill steaks 10 minutes on each side, or to desired doneness.

BBQ Pork Chops
**I may try to do these in the ninja cooking system to cut down on the time.**
Ingredients:
6 pork chops, 3/4 to 1-inch thick
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 cup vinegar
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
dash cayenne, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Place pork chops in bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Place sliced onion over the pork chops. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over pork chops. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until chops are tender.

A new family favorite

When Buca Di Beppo opened in a neighboring town, my husband and I had to check it out.  We heard nothing but fave reviews, so how could we not go!?  It was amazing.  Every dish was better than the next.  The food just kept coming!  I swear I ate my weight in tomato sauce that night.
Fast forward about 1 year.
We drove by the other night....IT'S CLOSED.  WHAT?!  How is that amazing place closed?!  While I silently cried in the car, I knew I had a secret in my back pocket.  I had one of their recipes. hehehehehe
I've made it so many times now and no one get sick of it.  Its the number one most request meal in the house.  Every week, it seems, this meal ends up on the menu.
I guess I can share it with you, but consider yourself lucky!!  Make it and enjoy :)

Spicy Chicken Rigatoni from Buca Di Beppo

INGREDIENTS
 1/4 cup oil
1/2 Tbs crushed red pepper
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1 Tbs chopped garlic
6 oz chicken, sliced
3/4 cup. Marinara sauce
1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
2 tsp butter
1/4 cup peas
1 lb Rigatoni pasta, cooked according to package directions additional
1/2 t crushed red pepper (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS
 1 In a sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper, salt, black pepper and garlic and sauté just long enough for garlic to caramelize and red pepper to release flavor into the oil. Add sliced chicken and sauté briefly to coat in spices and garlic.
2 Add Marinara Sauce first and then Alfredo Sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook until sauce thickens slightly and chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°. Turn off flame, add butter and peas and incorporate into sauce.
3 Drop cooked pasta in boiling water for 3 seconds. Let drain for 15 seconds. Toss with the sauce. Place pasta and sauce in pasta bowl, reserving the majority of the chicken to be placed on top of the pasta. Using a rubber spatula, scrape any remaining sauce from the pan to the pasta. Garnish with crushed red pepper and serve.

Well, hello there...

HI!
I know, I know, long time no see.  It's been crazy around this neck of the woods.
It was brought to my attention that people actual read this, so I guess I should write on it??

I have seriously slacked in the cooking area of life.  Adjusting to having a teenager has been difficult, but I think we are all finally in a groove.  I even meal planned this week, which hasn't happened in a LONG time.

Meal planning, I think, will also get me back into the groove with blogging.

So I'm back and hopefully will be better than ever :)

Will it all ever be normal?

It's been some time since my last post to you all, and I sort of rushed the last few because life just got in the way.

In February, we lost my husband's mother.  It was sudden and unexpected.  Her husband had passed away in 2003.  she leaves behind 3 boys.  2 in their 30s, and 1 who just turned 14.  He is now with us, and we are his parental guardians (thanks to the courts).  That's right.  I went from no children to a moody teenager.  Want to talk about a complete 180 of how you live your life?
With a pregnancy you at least have 9 months to prepare for your life to be turned upside down.  We were thrown to the wolves.

Things are finally starting to get back to "normal".  But really, will it ever been normal again?  I guess I just have to take it as, this is the new normal.

My 2 bedroom apartment that was plenty of room for me, my husband, and the dogs is now busting at the seams.  And will be until we can really get back on our feet.

My brain is all over the place right now, and I knew I shouldn't have started a post for the blog, but I can't help it.  I need to "say" it outloud.  This is my new normal.

ANYWAY...
Can we just discuss this new recipe I tried the other day?  I mean really?  SO GOOD.

 Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; cut into bite sized pieces,
10-12 ounces sliced mushrooms ( i used canned mushrooms because I had them in the pantry)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup Marsala cooking wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pound dry pasta + water for cooking (whatever kind you'd like is fine)
1 cup Parmesan cheese + more for serving
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
salt and pepper to taste
minced, chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet until foaming. Cook chicken until lightly browned. Transfer to plate when done.

Boil water and cook pasta according to the directions.

Melt additional 1 tablespoon of butter in skillet, add garlic, mushrooms and onion and cook for about 6 minutes. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet. Add the Marsala, chicken broth and cream and bring to a boil. Simmer until sauce is is slightly thickened.

Drain pasta and reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the mushrooms and chicken mixture and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and cook until the pasta has absorbed some of the sauce, about 1 minute, adding the reserved cooking water as needed.

Season with salt and pepper and serve with additional Parmesan cheese and a garnish of chopped parsley.