Gift for My Husband

Many days go by, and I don't think about my husband.  That sounds harsh, but I feel that life is so crazy and we are so busy, that by the time I get home from work, I have just enough energy to plop on the couch and pass out.  

I miss our dates. I miss doing stuff with just him.  For his birthday, I decided to make something that we could enjoy together.  We often like to eat out - but seem to pick the same 5 places (all of which we love!), but there are so many interesting places we mean to try and forget about!

(Drum roll please!) I made him a Food Passport :)

I cut white paper in fourths, and then stapled them together like a book. I didn't count the pages, so basically I shoved as many pages I could without having the staples bust. On my lunch breaks, I drew many many lines on each page - so each page would house two restaurants. 

After asking everyone under the sun to list their favorite restaurants, and then looking up menus online - I compiled a lengthy list of 100-plus places to dine.  Some focus on a specific cuisine, others I picked because of its location or beautiful views.

Just like a passport, we stamp each restaurant square after visiting, leaving comments on our experience.

Let's Take a Stroll

 On July 10, 2009 I married my best friend. On our first anniversary, we went to Maine (beautiful!), but I don't honestly remember if we did anything at all 2nd and 3rd year.  This year, we rang in our day of wedded bliss under the bright lights of New York City. Our first night we went to see Annie on Broadway (absolutely loved it!) The song "Maybe" has been stuck in my head ever since :)

 The next day, after eating at the SaraBeth's by Central Park, and indulging in the best eggs benedict. we navigated the curvy paths of Central Park. We had no set plan, but decided we would go wherever the roads took us. Half way through the day both of our cell phones died, which was kind of nice because it was just us.   Anything we wanted to do, we had to search :)  It was an adventure. And I love adventures!

We stumbled upon tables for chess and checkers, and after declaring myself Queen of Checkers, Mr. and I played about 6 games to test my title.  Needless to say, I still have my invisible crown :)

  As we walked through the beautiful paths of Central Park, we stopped at a vendor table - Michelle Han.  Her hand cut stamps and prints were simple and fantastic. We found a pretty sweet Christmas gift for my brother-in-law, and then decided to get something to mark our trip.  The one we picked was the 8x10 adventure print.

  

As we drove home, Mr. and I debated on what it was she made a stamp of - a cliff or ship? I think it's interesting that we both immediately saw a completely different image.  I saw this and thought "A boat! An Adventure across the seas! Love it!" Mr. saw it and thought, "A Cliff. " Please note the lack of exclamation marks because something has to be REALLY sock-knocking to have him be super pumped. He is pretty mellow, which balances out my excitement for everything. I still say it's the tip of a ship, with a rock on it (okay - when I saw that out loud, it doesn't make sense - but does life?).

What a wonderful day with a wonderful guy!

Last Summer's Conquest

I find myself obsessed with Pinterest - so much in fact, I have only allowed myself the hour before bed to look through the countless pages of recipes, crafts, home decor because I could literally waste away my entire day.
I saw a  fantastic piece of furniture - a cable spool table that I HAD TO HAVE.  It was my personal quest last summer. After researching how to obtain one without stealing it from a cable company, I posted my plea on Facebook, and a friend had in their garage, just taking up space :) They, too, had plans to make furniture out of it but life got in the way. She was happy to see it going to someone who would make it into a piece of love. Success! Who said social media was a waste of time? Not me! I picked it up, free of charge, and hauled it home.

It was a bit taller than I expected, but I didn't care - soon I would have my own spool table to organize some of my books.

We sanded the table top down, and I painted it white.  

After painting, Mr. screwed on caster wheels on the bottom.  Though I don't have any intentions of pushing it around, it added a little industrial flair (or made it easier if I wanted to push it around:) 

We had our security dog sit watch, or sit and sleep. Wherever we told P NOT to sit, that's exactly where she planted herself. Crafty lil dog. 

I hemmed and hawed over whether the table was too high. Before putting the spindles on, we put it in the spot in the dining room. It was actually above the chair - not really good for a side table, as it came up to your chest in the chair.   But Mr. said it wouldn't be a big deal to disassemble it, and cut the middle planks. Well, I think if he realizes it would take three people to hold the sides together , I don't think he would have volunteered. He took apart the boards and cut off about six inches.    The biggest challenge was putting it back together! After a few grunts and curses, we were able to place the top back on.    

  We wheeled it in the dining room and Voolah! I couldn't fill it with books faster!

It looked better than I could imagine!

I placed my aloe plant (yes, it's still alive!), one of my favorite games- Mancala, and a picture of Little. An afternoon of sawing and painting, and I couldn't be happier! 

Total cost: $16

We got the spool for free and used old white paint from trim.

At Home Depot, we bought 4 caster wheels for $12 and two 6 foot long dowels for $4.

Thank you

I am not someone who fears their birthday - in fact, I welcome it.  I love the idea of getting together with family, I adore balloons, and deeply enjoy cake. ANY cake. 

Yet every year, I have this irrational fear that my husband will forget. Forget my day. Days leading up to it, I literally am an annoying fly buzzing around, reminding him. Every year, he reassures me that he's not Last minute Larry with this. I don't really care about the gifts, but I just want effort, and forethought.  

This year, we celebrated with my family the weekend before and mother made my favorite pie - Strawberry Dream. YUM. I can not say enough good things.  I literally do the title - dream of this pie. Therefore, even though we were going out to a restaurant for my actual day, no homemade cake would be had - which I was completely fine with.  However, when I arrived home after work on my day, there in the fridge laid not one, but two cakes for my birthday. Made by Mr.  Let me state this: He is not a baker. He does not have sweet tooth, so the fact that he went through the trouble and then actually cleaned up the kitchen afterwards and before I got home was enough for me.  

(I had to post these because these Toms are my FAVORITE pair I own - given to me by A.) If you don't own a pair, these are the ones to get! They are crochet and lime green.  They fit like a glove, and the best part about Toms - every pair you buy, a pair gets donated. You buy they give!

Thank you B for always making me feel special. Thank you for remembering my day.  Thank you for whipping up your version of Strawberry Dream pie, and then a WONDERFULLY delicious coconut cake.  I loved it almost as much as I love you. 

Christmas gift comes out of the closet

Months ago I listed on my blog what I wanted for Christmas, in hopes that Mr. would read it and take the hint. Lucky for me, he did.  I scored BIG for Christmas.  One item I lusted after, intimidates me and delights me.  The Cricut. It was the talk of the town on Christmas day. My aunt also has one, and it is my uncle who uses it to make stars for my cousin's girl scout troups, hearts for the Valentine's Day dance.  I think with this new news, Mr. wanted to join in on the fun.  After watching the new Cricut sit on our couch for a month after Christmas, I decided to take it out of the box.  That was the first step.  A week later, I plugged it in...I wasn't sure what to do.  Mr. and I spent an entire afternoon playing with it - printing out signs and words.  I created a monster.  When I went updstairs, Mr. continued to print out COFFEE font.  He then discovered Modge POdge - and modge podged the words everywhere in our house, on every blank jar or canister.   Between the newly labeled "Flour" container, and the "Coffee" jar - I think if anyone is unclear where our loose pantry items are housed, they will have a clue now.

Fast forward five months......
After our initial Cricut party, we haven't used it since then.  I have deduced it is for two reasons: no space to keep it permanently. Every time I want to use it, I have to dig through a VERY cluttered closet for it, and then in a completely different area for paper.  My second reason, and probably main reason is I truly don't know what to do with it.

   If you are like me, too intimidated to use this machine, here are some ideas! Hopefully my summer will consist of some fun Cricut projects!

from Craftypod.com

found on hgtv.com

Found on Sewwoodsy.com

Hope you found some inspiration! I can't wait to dig up my machine and start something great! I don't know who is more excited about using it soon - me or Mr  :)



 

Thank you on a sour note

Thank you husband for the breakfast in bed. Thank you for waking me up with my favorite egg meal - "Eggy in a hole" (heart-shaped), and saying Happy Mother's Day, though I have not carried a child for nine months. Thank you for recognizing that this holiday isn't just about the actual mother, but also those that care for the child day to day.

Thank you for the one good part of my day......because after I snarfed down my breakfast, my day turned from good to crap.....so thank you for the one and only highlight. (I will not get into my sour moments and will resist the urge to be Debbie Downer).

Happy Mother's Day to all  -but I am glad it is over. Let's get back to real life.

Date Night Rejuvenated

How predictable am I? My first few posts of the year are typically about what I would like to accomplish....lose...create...find...restore..read..so on and so on.
If I was to list all of my 2011 goals, it would be overwhelming not only for me to type but for the reader (you my little darlings) as well! And since I am not here to torture you, I decided to spare you the nitty gritty and get on with my life/year.

One goal I  WOULD like to mention is  Date Night (and I definitely  am not referring to the movie..thought it was good).  Before the vow exchange, Mr. and I would go on "dates" every month.  Not just your movie and dinner date (we had those too), but like an actual planned out date - whether it was to a bed and breakfast, musuem, scavenger hunt, bird watching - we had actual legit dates.  It was fantastic and romantic.  Then we got married....dunt dunt dun.  That seriously seemed like the end all and be all of our fun times. Who knew?!

2011. Let that be our year to reconnect (Are you there B? It's me, your wife).  I would like to bring back the inventive date nights/days/weekends.  If that means we will have to say no to some other plans, or not attend every practice or game, or not tutor as much - then so be it!  I can handle that - and I think the people around us can handle it too.

According to a recent study, just the plain ole' dinner and a movie isn't enough anymore to keep marriages sparkling.    According to NY Times, "Rather than visiting the same familiar haunts and dining with the same old friends, couples need to tailor their date nights around new and different activities that they both enjoy, says Arthur Aron, a professor of social psychology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. The goal is to find ways to keep injecting novelty into the relationship. The activity can be as simple as trying a new restaurant or something a little more unusual or thrilling — like taking an art class or going to an amusement park."

I think we can handle that....I'm going to put my thinking  headband on (I like to wear it like Rambo), and brainstorm neat-o things to do in January....and Mr. can plan for February !! (hint hint!)

Thank you Mister

Since I don't get to talk to my husband till we both get home from work, and sometimes that isn't until 7p.m. or later - I thought I would tell him thanks on my blog.

I had the BEST sandwich for lunch today. Yes - it is only 8:26a.m. and I already scarfed down my sandwich, but a girl's gotta eat!   I find that with my schedule, I can eat either at 8:15  or 2pm.  Doesn't leave me with any options....so I usually opt to have a lunchy breakfast. 

Last night, Mr. was taking requests of what he should make for lunch today. I was craving tuna on whole wheat toasted.  However, early this morning, he realized we didn't have tuna OR whole wheat.  What's a man to do?  That's right! He took  matters into his own hands and created the best wrap I have ever had this side of the river (mmm...what river? idk but its a phrase I think).

Cranberry Chicken Lettuce Wrap

He took chunks of chicken and mixed crasins,  mayo and celery.   Then he spread it over leaves of lettuce and wrapped it up like a gift.  It was delicious!!!

So the picture doesn't really do the sandwich justice, as now that I look at it, it resembles cat food...gross. I will wag my finger at my phone, because it doesn't take the best pictures...or maybe its the fabulous lighting at my work....But regardless you will have to trust me that it was delicious!!  

Please Read Family and Husband

This is slightly a selfish blog entry...but an informative one at that.

Dear Husband, 

Because I care about your well-being and always thinking of ways to make your life easier, I have attached an abbreviated version of my Christmas would-likes for this year for your perusal. I restrained myself from buying ANYTHING and decided to wait for birthdays and holidays.  I know how much you like to plan ahead, so I thought I would take this time to give you some ideas for the upcoming holiday season.  My abbreviated Christmas list below will help me get ideas and creative juices flowing for my blog and assist me in the bloggy world. 

1. Blog to Print idea. 

Awesome.

You can print out my blog and make it into a book.  I would love this.  Just sayin! 

2. Cricut Expression Machine

This would expand my crafting that much more....how wonderful, right?!

3.  Book Lover's AND Cupcake Daily Page a Day Calendar.
A girl's gotta have some inspiration!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I know you will rush right out and purchase my 3 (technically 4) items because you are that diligent.  

To My Husband

Today is a random day - September 22nd. It  holds no special meaning to me, no one's birthday, no anniversary, no holiday, nothing. Well - actually, it's the last day of summer - so that is somewhat disappointing.  But I wanted to say today, on some random day  that I love you Bryan.  Though some days, I completely dislike you - there isn't a day that I don't miss you or a day that I don't wish you home sooner. I know you don't hear it enough, or I don't say it enough, but  it's there (sometimes buried very deep ) but I love you. And I am glad we have each other to lean on when we need it. 

You make me happier than I ever thought I could be and if you let me I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way. 

- Friends

One Woman's Quest to prove her husband wrong

My husband thinks I am a slow poke reader (he really doesn't think that, because it would be a big fat lie), but he is under the impression that it will take me 2 years to read 100 books. I dare to take on this challenge. After looking through Amazon (my most favorite of all websites because I have countless wish lists with thousands of books), and am welcomed with open arms back to the library (because yes, indeed, I had a hefty fine to pay again. yes. again), I decided that I need to read with a purpose. My purpose is to tackle all the books on the NY Times Best Seller's List of 2009. As quoted by Amazon, "The editors of The New York Times Book Review have announced their choices for the 100 Notable Books of the year. "

After reading this, I said enthusiastically,"Gee I wonder how long it will take." To which my husband, looking pessimistic, said it will take me over two years. HA. That is all I have to say to that.

He is sitting next to me as I type this, upset that I am even bothering to type out our very short conversation. He worries that it will appear he doesn't support me in my goal -which couldn't be farther from the truth. Two years, however, seems so long! I don't really see it taking me that long. So to disprove his time table, I am making sure I start soon.

So tomorrow, I am marching to the library, and taking out my first book.

Amateur Barbarians by Robert Cohen.

Any thoughts?

I love solid and liquid cupcakes

Today is my 3rd favorite day of the week. Simply because I have a little time to myself, and I sample wines for the good of the blog....or the good of me.

After jetting out of my work, and throwing my belongings in the car at a record speed, I nearly crushed the pastry gift my husband had left for me while I was at work. Strategically in the driver's seat. I almost had an accident. Not the kind that you would want to explain to anyone why you have icing in the cracks of your pants. What made it all better was the note attached, "Sweets for my sweetie." **sigh**

However, cupcakes and mini cannolis were my passengers for the ride home. Perfect side dish to my liquid dinner later. Cupcakes and wine.

I discovered Cupcake vineyards a few weeks ago after stopping at a bakery, then a liquor store (probably my two favorite places next to my parent's house and Target). I thought to myself "How clever to eat AND drink cupcakes!" But alas, I only ate cupcakes that evening. So a few weeks later (today), I decided my husband gave me the perfect opportunity to match my two favorite things.

I went home and cozied myself next to drafty window (how poetic), and opened up my bottle of wine for one. Then I peeled a cupcake, and voila! Heaven!

I tried the Cupcake Riesling - which was smooth and citrusy. I loved it. I checked out the website just moments ago, and it perhaps made my love grow. They have cupcake recipes to match with their wines. Seriously. I have attached the recipe from the website, and just as they stated, it "pairs perfectly". **deep sigh**

~ Pairs Perfectly with Cupcake Vineyards Riesling ~

Click here for printable recipe

1 ½ cups all purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup finely chopped toasted hazelnuts ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon minced fresh or dried rosemary leaves 1 large egg 1 egg yolk ¾ cup sugar ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ cup sour cream Candied flowers or fresh rosemary leaves (garnish)

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners, if using. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a small bowl. Add the hazelnuts, Parmesan, lemon zest and rosemary; toss to combine.

2. In a large mixing bowl beat the egg and egg yolk and the sugar until very light and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add the olive oil in a thin stream beating constantly until blended. Blend in the sour cream.

3. Using a rubber spatula or the slowest speed on electric mixture add the flour mixture. Mix just until blended.

4. Fill each cup ¾ full with batter. Bake mini cupcakes 18 to 20 minutes and full size cupcakes 25 to 30 minutes, or until pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.

5. Spread or pipe icing (1 cup of very cold sour cream) on the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with candied flowers or rosemary leaves.

Makes 12 to 14 standard cupcakes and 48 mini cupcakes

I may have to try this recipe this weekend, and perhaps stop at the store for a fresh bottle of Riesling - and put their cupcakes to the test. Here's to the letter C!

Reason #103 and beyond - TV moments

As Mr. and I were watching TV the other night, a character on our favorite show, Gossip Girl, did something really stupid (I can't remember the ACTUAL act - but nonetheless - I do remember it was something "Chuck" said to a girl). It was a really unwise statement, so as we watched, we both feel the need to shout at the TV when something doesn't go the way WE think it should.

So on this very night, after the character "Chuck" insulted another character, instead of calling him a typical rude insult- Mr. instead called him a "dumbbell." I just melted. It was an insult that you would use when you were in 1st grade (and maybe in the 1950s because I think 1st graders are really harsh in modern times). Mr. was cute about it, as he was so involved with the show - that his one small comment reaffirmed a hundred times over the many reasons why I love him.
To add to that fact, at the end of the show, the "villian" character's parent died - and being a 17 year old, the character did not handle it well. He would drink excessively and just had a complete meltdown. The last scene he was sitting on the bed of the girl he goes back and forth with, and he looked so pitiful. I looked over at Mr, and he was in fact, crying. And in a cracked voice, he tells me that he just feels so bad for him....again.

I don't know who my future husband is turning into - but every day he surprises me and amazes me....

9 months and change

I am marrying a man who....

- leaves work to bring my class hot wings because he knows its a student's birthday
- is adorable when he first wakes up...the mop of hair is too much
- loves me so much that I can't imagine how much he will love our children
- forgets what he did at work that day, but will remember the first time he knew I was everything for him, first kiss, my birthday, our engagement date.....
-treats my friends and family as his own...and better
- tells me I'm beautiful even when I'm feeling anything but...
- has a million nicknames for me, but saves "Kara Marie" for when he is serious....
- is incredibley smart and has no idea
- still makes my heart race when he pulls into the driveway
- combs my hair with his fingers as I'm falling asleep
- is my best friend in the entire world.

Tuesday. What to say about that. History Lesson

Themes. They rule my life. I am sad to report that Tuesday is yet to have a theme. So this week's Tuesday I shall report on history. History you might ask - What could I possibly say about that? It happened. That's that. Whatever I would report on, already took place - it's in the past. Anyone that knows me, knows I don't care much for dates or facts about generals or wars. I don't care to think about a time that was, and is no longer.
Except of course, when it comes to my life. Selfish, maybe. But I do love sitting around, talking about my own childhood. things that were. the toys I played with. the stuffed animals I cherished. the games I made up while trying to go to sleep. I love thinking about my own history. And how I got here. How I grew into the person that sits behind this dated laptop. Even if I carry on the conversation with myself, it's always good to think how far you've come.

Last night, while trying to go to sleep, Mr. and I reminisced on the start of our bloomed relationship. Another mark in history. We both thought about our "firsts". The first time we hung out. The first time we knew we liked one another. The first time Mr. realized he was in big trouble because his heart was no longer his. The first time we kissed. The firsts went on and on. And I thought - I love history! I love thinking about what was, and talking about it with someone that went through it. Hearing their side.

Throughout that time in my life, I kept another blog. A online journal of my feelings. My life was changing and I needed an outlet. However, without realizing it, I captured the exact emotions I was going through at that time. I wrote about the tortured secret of liking Mr. I recalled the first time I thought the feelings were mutual. I even quoted him a few times....I think now - How magical! How simply wonderful to have my own insight on what was. Not on how I remember it, or think it went. Not with my current feelings mixed in. But with the raw open emotion that was so new and fresh to both of us - happening right at that time. THe good and the bad. Every feeling that I forgot or let go, was written down. It was saved to be part of our history. For that I am thankful.

Cheers to history. and all in the making.
With that I leave you with a piece of who I was. Who I am. and who I will always be. Thanks Mr for just being you and allowing me to see who I am. and for loving me for all I am not.

Dated Feb 3rd 2005
"gosh. i havent been this happy with someone in a long long long time. I almost forgot what it felt like to be looked deeply and appreciated for all that I already am, not for what they want me to be - or what they would to create in me - but for someone beautiful as is.
I look at my life in five years - and where do I want to be? I want to still love my job as much as I do now. I want to be out of debt - I want to have experienced the US for all its worth on countless trips. I want to have lived with my best friend - a fine example of someone I admire and love. I want to be happy. I want to be in love. I want to feel appreciated and valued. I can see all that. And I see it including someone a lil different...
I know I will find the direction I need to take - and that something will not lead me astray. I know that my heart will go on the right path and eventually I will find the courage inside me to say "no. im not going to take this sh** anymore" and break away. Its a small voice now - maybe even a whisper - but im working slowly to developing it into a loud roar. i want the world to know im back and Im not taking anyone's crap anymore.
im worth more than what im valued now. im worth the world. the only people in my life now should be people that feel and see that as well."

always - with all my heart to my future