Facelift

This Thursday marks the first day of autumn, so I thought it would be appropriate to give my blog a facelift and change the look of it to fit the season.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts!

xoxo
-K

Eat, Pray, Love: A Friday Night Story

Because I just saw Eat, Pray, Love at the theater last weekend with hubby, and because I've been slacking (majorly) on blogging, I thought I would dedicate my post today to the inspiring memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert. Don't get too excited...there's nothing remotely profound in this post, although I'm learning to really enjoy the simple things in life.

Eat.

The power was out at our house last Friday night. There was a wicked storm going on outside...lots of lightening and wind. Which usually means that our power and/or cable will go out right in the middle of a show that I'm enthralled in. I think I was watching "Real Housewives of New Jersey" episodes that I had DVRd.

Combine no power + a panic stricken wife that is wondering if her husband will make it home okay on the Harley before it starts hailing = we needed a night out of the house.

There wasn't much time before the movie started, so we had to eat quickly at the restaurant. I ordered only a small salad, since I knew I would inevitably gorge myself with buttery popcorn in a mere matter of minutes.

What is it about movie theater popcorn that makes it so delicious? And what is in that butter, anyways? Is it real butter? Chemically enhanced to give the same feeling of euphoria as crack?

Stop thinking. Just eat.

Love.

Yeah, I know I'm out of order. But I loved the movie! And I loved spending time with hubby on a Friday night. I loved being on a date with him. I loved that we went out in a torrential downpour to grab dinner and a movie. I loved that our waiter brought our food and bill promptly so we would not be late to the movie. I loved that I didn't really have any worries or cares because we (Hubby and I, not the waiter and I) were having so much fun together. Isn't that what life is about?

Pray.

Hi God, it's me, Kristy. Is there any way that you can ensure that my power will be back on when we get home?

Now, some may disagree, but...I don't see anything wrong with putting both simple and complex requests out in the universe for God to answer. Because in my experience, He listens.

I'm not a holy roller. I don't often visit a church, unless I'm in a different state or in Europe (there's something about old churches that just pull me in). But I know for a fact that He listens. Want to know why? Because for all the pain and loss I've felt in the past several months, it is now slowly being replaced with happiness and peace. I can feel it in my heart. And if that's not powerful, I don't know what else is.

Plus, our power was back on when we got home from the movie.

xoxo
-K

My Version of Coming Full Circle(ish)

I've totally been slacking on this blog lately.

I've also been slacking on my diet. I may or may not have eaten a piece of ricotta cheesecake last night.

Anywho, I thought that today, along with my diet back in full effect, I would tell you about my version of (potentially) coming full circle since my miscarriage 2 months ago.

It doesn't really involve anything profound or philosophical. However, it does involve my wardrobe and the beach.

Huh?

Anyone reading this that does not know me must think I am incredibly shallow. But I can't help it! I don't want to blog about anything depressing! It's sunny outside + The Bachlorette's The Men Tell All is on tonight = pretty good mood for a Monday.

Baby steps, people.

So today I am wearing the top I wore to the doctor on the first day I found out I was pregnant. I remember purposely dressing cute that morning. I have not worn the top since, because it made me a little sad to even look at it hanging in my closet.

I have also stayed clear of a couple of other shirts that have similar sentimental value, i.e. an adorable top I wore this past Mother's Day, when my mom told me that she could see me starting to show. I think I was just extremely bloated at the time, but still...it was fun to pretend.

However, today is different. I don't feel sad wearing the shirt as I sit here and write to you. After all, the top does have a cuteness rating of 9 on a scale of 10. And that's nothing to be teary-eyed about.

This has to mean some sort of progress, right?

On my recent trip to FL, hubby, bro and I found ourselves at shore's edge, saying goodbye to an ill-fated memory as the waves carried it away. Man, it was rough. Remember my "Message in a Bottle" post?

This week, I will be headed back to the same spot in Florida with my hubby, to stay at an over-priced resort on the beach. I have no plans to partake in any sort of memorial tribute, other than to maybe pour some tanning lotion and champagne out in the sand for my homey Lindsey Lohan, who currently has no access to fake-baking or alcohol while incarcerated. This one's for you, LiLo.

I can't help but feel happy about the fact that as I sit ocean side in a couple of days and gorge myself on oysters, the only thing that I really have to say goodbye to will be my worries, and potentially my diet if I break under pressure and eat a hush puppy or two (or 5).

And as for my Mother's Day shirt? It's packed and ready to go in my suitcase.

xoxo
-K

Hog Heaven

I always find it funny how I stumble across new things to write about without even looking for it.

For instance, take this past Saturday.

The day started innocently enough. It's garage sale season, and as you know, I'm running full force ahead with my new antique/junk collecting obsession. I'm picking up little treasures here and there. You know, fun stuff...stuff that you don't need, but somehow, can't live without. Stuff like this:

I can't help myself. I'm drawn to the gaudy and impractical. This summer, I have learned the true meaning of One man's trash is another man's treasure! Not that there's anything at all whatsoever manly about this painting.

Anywho, one garage sale lead to the next, and before I knew it, I was buying a 3 dollar crystal bowl while my hubby talked to the seller about the Harley dealership down the road, and how they were open that day, and how, Hey! He knows the owner! We should stop in!

Huh?

I told my husband that I didn't want to turn this into an all day thing. Famous last words. I grabbed my checkbook on our way to the dealership. After we changed into appropriate clothes to test drive a few bikes. Just had a hunch. Plus, if I would have told hubby that I didn't think it was a good idea to go look at bikes, he prob would have looked at me like I kicked our diva cat, Roxy. And I'm no cat kicker!

This is what happened:

See, told ya I had a hunch. Good thing I brought the checkbook with me, eh?

My husband is in hog heaven. Fine, we both are. Did you know that the term "Nice hog!" came from the fact that Harley Davidson used to use a pig as it's logo, when the bikes first became available for purchase? What can I say. I learn a lot while watching American Pickers. It's my fave show!

I have a few points to this post, trust me.

1). You never know when a day of yard sale shopping will turn into an all-day experience at a Harley dealership.

2). Always carry your checkbook, just in case.

3). 90 degree day + tank top + no sunblock = sunburned shoulders.

Seriously though, there is something so pure and freeing about being on a bike. The smell of wildflowers floating through the country air. The way your skin cools when driving beneath a canopy of trees on a winding road. A thrill, an excitement that no one can touch because it's all your own.

Life can be hard. But feeling bad-ass on a Harley can certainly help.

xoxo

-K

Cutting Out the Fat: The Life Diet

As I mentioned in my previous post that featured a scrumptious, healthy recipe for frittata, I am currently on a diet. Although my initial intention of this health makeover was focused on eating more whole grains and cutting out the fat, it has now taken a new turn. An expansion of horizons, of sorts. Allow me to elaborate.

One of the best things about life, in my opinion, is that you often learn lessons in ways that you least expect it. A part of healthy living is not limited to the food you eat or how long you spend on the treadmill. It's also about the decisions you make. And who you surround yourself with. Birds of a feather flock together...both good birds and bad.

My husband and I hosted a family BBQ this weekend, to celebrate the 4th of July holiday. What began as a fun, summertime party suddenly turned...well...ugly. At my house. After I cooked and cleaned and prepped. For hours.

One thing you should know about me is that I LOVE to entertain and have people at my house. Nothing pleases me more than to have the grill going, the music up, and the sound of laughter floating in the air. I'm a summertime gal, always have been. And I SO prefer to have a patio party vs. a gift exchange around the Christmas tree when it's FREEZING outside! You get the point. I love to have parties. In the summer. It just puts me in a good mood.

The reason I mention this is because I was in a great mood the day of the BBQ. And then the storm broke. Really, the person that started this fight could have come in to my house and peed on my new carpet, because that's what it felt like.

I'm never a fighter unless I have a reason. And when someone pees on my carpet, whether literal or figuratively, I'm probably not gonna let it go.

The details of the argument aren't important. But what I can tell you is that the person yelling at me sounded like Linda Blair in The Exorcist. And ironically, didn't she pee on her mother's carpet at a party, when she first became possessed? Coincidence, I think not!

Admittedly, I'm no angel. I had been waiting for this fight for quite some time. The opportunity presented itself, and I pounced on it with all my best catlike reflexes. Meow!

Sometimes, arguments can leave you with the worst feeling in the world. Awkward. Confused, hurt, sad, stunned. But not this one. It was Independence Day, baby, and I was waving my flag. Let freedom ring! Finally this toxic person would be out of our life. For good. Blessings often come in disguise.

In reflecting over all the drama and chaos that so quickly entered and exited my home this weekend, I realized something.

It's about time that we cut out the bad things in life. I'm talking about that one person that might be driving you mad, might be weighing you down. You know who they are! You typically dread seeing them, and nothing good EVER comes from being around them. They are never there to join you in celebrating a victory, and no where to be found when you need a shoulder to cry on. And so ask yourself this question: What are they to you, really?

Remember that surrounding yourself with those you can count on, those that enjoy your company, home, laughter...those people are the sweetest fruit of your life. If you stick with them, you can't go wrong. And probably will never have to worry about cleaning pee stains on your carpet.

xoxo
-K

The Green Thing, Cheap Sunglasses, and a Whole Lotta Frittata

Remember that antique I told you about in my last post, regarding "firsts"? I thought I would blog about it today, since it has recently taken permanent residency in my kitchen/dining area.

When I first spotted this beauty, I knew it belonged in my house. I thought, "It will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine." (*see additional Wayne's World reference later in this post). While I didn't intend to buy anything over 5 bucks that afternoon when my friend and I went out searching for garage sale treasures, I reminded myself that this predicament of Should I Buy It/Shouldn't I Buy It could be easily solved with an impromptu visit to the ATM. Note: Please do not follow my advice when it comes to spending money and/or shopping. Thank you.

The owners lovingly called it The Green Thing. I, potentially color blind and also biased towards anything that could hint at turquoise (my fave color) found the paint to be perfection, chips and imperfections included. I knew if I passed up this gem, I would always regret it, and maybe would occasionally shed a tear or two, staring at the bare space in my kitchen where The Green Thing could have lived. Sniff sniff.

Ok, I'm sure I would have moved on. But still! I HAD to have it!!!

How much I bought it for doesn't matter. I don't need to tell you about how one of the owners is a psychic, and probably already knew I would buy it when I walked into her yard. You probably don't want to hear about the gigantic Great Dane that these people have, and how it was so huge you could ride it like a horse...but his name is Baby! Or that we had to rent a flat bed truck at 7 am to go pick The Green Thing up, because it wouldn't fit in my husband's Jeep.

But what I WILL tell you is that I cleaned all the nooks and crannies with a toothbrush. I fixed (eh, sort of) the broken drawer pull, and gave one of the doors a new piece of glass. I washed it...twice...with soapy water and an old, white t-shirt. My grandma gave me all her beautiful china as my wedding gift, and I never had anywhere to put it...until now. All I know is that The Green Thing has magical powers to put a smile on your face when you see it...and for that, it will always be priceless to me.



And now, on to a different topic.

Wayne: So, do you come to Milwaukee often?
Alice Cooper: Well, I'm a regular visitor here, but Milwaukee has certainly had its share of visitors. The French missionaries and explorers began visiting here in the late 16th century. Pete: Hey, isn't "Milwaukee" an Indian name?
Alice Cooper: Yes, Pete, it is. In fact , it's pronounced "mill-e-wah-que" which is Algonquin for "the good land."
Wayne: I was not aware of that.

Wayne's World is one of my favorite movies. Of all time. I can not tell a lie.

My favorite pair of sunglasses broke on Friday, approx. 3 minutes before my sunny, 2 hour road trip to Milwaukee to go see ZZ Top and Tom Petty in concert. I am not making this up.

Now go out and get yourself some big black frames
With the glass so dark thay won't even know your name
And the choice is up to you cause they come in two classes:
Rhinestone shades or cheap sunglasses
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah


Coincidence, I think not! ZZ Top rocks in concert. Seriously.

I will close this post out with a recipe that I made up, after reading about how to make a frittata, which is basically the Italian version of an omelet. According to Giada on Everyday Italian. Man, she is so pretty and TINY for being a chef, don't you think? Sorry, back on track. I will be making MANY variations of frittatas in the weeks to come, because A) I'm on a diet B) You virtually can not screw them up C) You can use pretty much anything in your fridge and/or pantry to create your own masterpiece. Note: I did not take a photo of the end product because we were real hungry and ate it up too quickly. I will perhaps take a pic when I try my hand at a Mexican Frittata this week!

This picture illustrates that you can fit A LOT of stuff in your skillet before even adding the egg, which allows for you to be very creative and play with different ingredients. You can add more or less of virtually anything, depending on your taste. By the way, I hate the cameras on cell phones, they take crappy pics like these! I will use my big girl camera next time.

Make This Tonight Frittata

Ingredients

• 7 eggs; I use 4 egg whites and 3 whole eggs
  
• 1/2-1 lb. asparagus


• 1 bag mushrooms, any variety


• 1 green pepper, diced


• 1 clove garlic, crushed


• 1/2 white onion, diced


• 1/2 red onion, diced


• 3 baby red-skinned potatoes, sliced finely


• 1/2 cup parm cheese


• 1/2 cup sour cream, half/half, or milk (whichever you have lying around!)


• 2-3 stems of fresh rosemary, finely chopped


• Olive Oil, as needed (follow prep instructions)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375. Prep a deep dish, like a casserole dish, with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Set this aside for later.

While the oven is heating up, smash and chop one clove of garlic and toss it into a skillet on med.-low heat with some olive oil. Heat until garlic starts to sizzle a bit, then remove garlic from the pan. Keep the oil in the pan because you will use that to heat up your veggies. Add your sliced potato and onion into the skillet, along with your rosemary. Cook on med. heat for about 8 minutes; make sure that potato isn't still raw. While that is heating, snap off the bottom of the asparagus stems (where they naturally break when you bend) and cut asparagus tips and stems into 2-3 inch pieces. By this time, you should be ready to throw the mushrooms and asparagus, along with the green pepper, into the skillet. Let everything cook nicely and blend well together.

While the veggies are getting well acquainted with each other, prep your eggs. I whisk mine in a large bowl with some sour cream, but you can sub whatever you wish. Make sure you blend well, and throw in some black pepper. Note that I use 4 egg whites because I am on a diet, but you can use 7 whole eggs if that tickles your fancy. There are no rules when it comes to the Kingdom of Frittata (well, at least not in my kitchen!). Now, I realize traditional frittatas call to put the skillet into the oven and under the broiler. However, I don't have an oven-safe skillet at the moment, so just know that any deep dish (preferably glass) will do the trick!

Transfer the cooked veggies from the skillet into your dish. Pat them down so everything is even on all sides. Then, pour your egg mixture in. It may feel odd if you've never made this before, but trust me! Stir the egg evenly in so that it reaches the bottom of the dish, and everything should be pretty much coated. Here's where the cheese comes in: sprinkle, with a heavy hand, the 1/2 cup of shredded parm cheese over the top of your veggie/egg mixture before sliding it into the oven.

My frittata took about 1/2 hour to cook all the way through, but I used a very deep dish. Make sure to keep an eye on it; a good way to check is to put a knife in the middle and if it pulls out clean, it's cooked through. Also, right as the dish is ready, the top sort of browns and bubbles and looks so yummy you can't wait to try it.

Enjoy!
xoxo -K

First Time for Everything

This past weekend was full of firsts.

On Friday, I held my friend's baby boy for the first time since my miscarriage. I was so nervous that I wouldn't feel right holding him...that I would feel sadness or envy or anxiety or all of the above. But when I looked at his darling face, all I saw was a little cherub, and all I felt was peace.

That afternoon, I also bought my first antique piece of furniture, from the first psychic I'd ever met, from the first garage sale I'd been to that didn't have just crap for sale. Ok, there was some crap...but it was good crap.

On Saturday, my husband and I met 3 of his cousins for the first time, from a side of his family that had essentially been forgotten. Long story behind that one. I sat directly across from said cousin's wife at the dinner table. She's 4 months pregnant. With twins. One boy and one girl, to be exact. Her long silver necklace danced off her perfectly prego belly. It was hard not to notice. I wasn't in the waiting room at the doctor's office where I could bury my nose in a magazine (although I tried to do that with my menu, but it only lasted an awkward 3 minutes or so). There she was, right in front of me. After some polite banter regarding their due date, etc., the cousin asked us, "So, do you guys have kids?"And there It was. The Dreaded Question. A moment so highly anticipated (not in a good way) that it caused me anxiety of epic proportions. I had really thought that when it came down to this, all I would be able to mutter were mere sentence fragments:
"Uh...kids, nope. Can I..the...uh...menu...hmmm...Caesar. Salad". Everyone else that was normally around us knew what had happened and wouldn't even bring it up. But how could I fault someone we'd never met, that had no clue? Instead of launching into a short bio of my life and/or inappropriate pig latinesque speak, hubby and I just smiled, with a "No kids yet, but definitely in the future!" Admittedly, those words stung like the time I had chicken pox, and no amount of Calamine lotion or Aveeno baths could provide any relief. I have a scar on my forehead to prove it. I had to scratch, I couldn't stop myself!

Ok maybe that's a little dramatic. It wasn't that bad.

Firsts, firsts, firsts.

They sometimes can be pretty rough, producing those stomach-churning feelings of anxiety. First day of work at a new job. First day of school. First date. First kiss. First time you miss your seat at a Cubs game and fall down, spilling your drink on the 3 guys sitting next to you, one of which is a guy you really like and have only known a few weeks (and would later turn out to be my husband). Wait...you mean that's never happened to you before? I guess some firsts aren't universal.

One thing that I do know to be true, for the most part, about firsts is this: There's only one of them. Once you get through whatever it is, it generally gets a bit easier. It's the unknown that can make us panic. But once we've lived it, there will never be a first for it again.

The first day with new coworkers turns into weeks of regular routine. The first day of school leads you to knowing the combination on your hallway locker so well that you couldn't forget it if you tried. First dates sometimes lead to a second and third, maybe a lifetime, maybe never again. You won't likely ever get chicken pox again after you've had them once. And in my case, if I ever fall down at a Cubs game again, I probably will just laugh. After all, it wouldn't be the first time.

xoxo
K