T h e U r b a n W h i s k

Holiday Eats & Treats

2011-12-17T11:11:00.004-05:00

Baby Boy is a month old today. One Month. Time is flying already and veteran moms I'm sure you'll tell me it will only go faster from here on out...

We've got family coming to town next weekend to visit and see TV3. So excited. Our already tiny NYC apt will be bursting at the seams. To make things easier we'll be ordering in some platters of food or using the slow cooker for our holiday meals. Even with baby brain I think ordering in is the best idea I've had in a while!

Perhaps ordering in is not in the cards for you and you're searching for some new recipes to compliment your tried and true family holiday favorites. A great resource fell into my lap this morning by way of Facebook. Side note - is there nothing better than the booking of the face on a lazy Saturday morning??? Anyway, My First Playhouse linked to the flickr account for some great recipes. There's a delicious looking strawberry smoothie in glasses edged with crushed candy canes. YUM.

Hope this helps add some new ideas to your holiday meals!

xo,

Michelle

Myself - Plus 1

2011-12-09T12:04:00.003-05:00

TV3 heard something about food and showed up here...

I had a great experience during our hospital stay, but we were at the #1 hospital here in NYC. I was discharged after 3 nights but little man had to spend some extra time getting bigger and if you can believe it, learning to eat. I can assure you now at 3weeks old he's got the eating thing down.
After being discharged I went to visit TV3 and was promptly told by one particular nurse to go home, put my feet up, drink some wine and get some rest. Amazing advice is amazing.
I really disliked cooking during my pregnancy so getting back in the kitchen has really felt good this last week. Somewhere in between all things baby and mommy nap time, cooking has made me feel like myself again.

Yumma eggs over well

I love little tomatoes- makes cutting so manageable and they are a quick snack to munch on too

Grilled chicken - I know we had a bit of a long break there, glad to see you back on my grill pan

I did not cook this. Oh my no. This is a plate of take-out from Dinosaur BBQ. Friends came to meet baby boy and came bearing gifts in the form of pulled pork, ribs, chicken, mac & cheese and cornbread. Delicious. THANK YOU!!!

xo,

Michelle

Thankful

2011-11-27T13:00:00.005-05:00

Look who decided to join us 6 weeks early?!

I think he just wanted some Turkey.

Thomas Vincent the Third, TV3, was born 11/17/11. 5lbs6oz. 17.7 inches
1 week in the NICU helped him learn to eat properly. Considering how much mom and dad like to eat we find this a little funny.
He came home on Thanksgiving and we couldn't be happier with our new little family.
We may have had a plan, but God obviously had a better one that included TV3's arrival in November!! We are so blessed.

Twitter friends thank you for all your love & friendship.
Your support, prayers and laughs have helped us so so much.

Here's to an amazing holiday season for you and yours...

xo,

Michelle

Pickles

2011-11-09T21:01:00.005-05:00

Oh.

Yes it would seem I've become the cliche pregnant girl eating pickles.
When paired with a little low-fat cheese it is a low carb snack that is on my approved list of foods to help manage my gestational diabetes. Pickles, olives, nuts & seeds: more please!

"Pancakes" is NOT the size of a Pickle, but, according to my what to expect when you're expecting app, a Pineapple. Grow baby grow!!

Be well friends.

xo,

Michelle

Oh October

2011-10-30T19:40:00.005-04:00

So many sweet things in October.

Apples, tomatoes and spun maple sugar from the Columbia Univ Greenmarket
where we like to spend our Sundays after brunch

Somebody had a birthday - pink & blue candles on the daddy to be's cake

Hot apple cider & pumpkin muffin from DD. Delicious.

More Greenmarket goodies. This time in Inwood. Apple Cider donuts, apples & granola.

Hope you Fall has been full of sweet things!

xo,

Michelle

Auntie Anne's - At Home

2011-09-30T10:31:00.002-04:00

How long has this been around? My favorite mall food available at home?! Yes please!

xo,

Michelle

What Pancakes Wants

2011-09-16T20:07:00.005-04:00

Pancakes wanted us to have pizza tonite for dinner.

Just like the Friday before Hurricane Irene hit (or didn't depending on how you viewed the storm here in NYC) when Pancakes wanted us to have cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery.

$20 worth of cupcakes folks...worth every penny

I really am eating healthy - craving fruit and veggies!! - but when these moments of "omg I want pizza and/or cupcakes" I wouldn't dare deny Pancakes :)

Today feels like Fall here in NYC...beautiful. You'll be here soon little one!!

xo,

Michelle

Feasting on Apps

2011-09-05T17:15:00.005-04:00

Sorry to those of you looking for something along the lines of pigs in a blanket, this is not the post for you. We're talking about iPhone Apps here my friends.

Finally said buh-bye to my BlackBerry and got in iPhone this summer. I'm in love. A month later I've finally got the hang of the touchscreen and what not.

Getting fun, free/nearly free apps is the highlight of the phone for me. I love them. Here are some food related apps I think you'll enjoy. While I've linked to the iTunes store many of these apps have a Droid app which you can find on their main website, also linked here.

UrbanSpoon
Cost: Free! Category: Travel
Web: UrbanSpoon.com
Pick the neighborhood, cuisine and price point you'd like, shake your iPhone and ta-da UrbanSpoon has found you a restaurant

Open Table
Cost: Free! Category: Travel
Web: OpenTable.com
Make instant reservations at over 15,000 OpenTable-enabled restaurants in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. Earn points each time you make a res. which can be redeemed for a dining coupon.

Epicurious Recipes & Shopping List
Cost: Free! Category: Lifestyle
Web: Epicurious.com
Browse through the extensive list of recipes. Sort by meal, cuisine, main ingredient as well as other choices. Create a shopping list based on the recipe. Save favorite recipes from app and website.

Grocery Store IQ
Cost: Free! Category: Lifestyle
Web: GroceryStoreIQ.com
This amazes me. Scan the barcode of grocery store items and this app will find it in their system and add it to a shopping list. You can email the shopping list to yourself or I don't know, your husband perhaps :) ? I want to go all around my kitchen and scan everything! No more forgotten items because I left my list on the coffee table.

Fooducate
Cost: Free! Category: Lifestyle & Fitness
Web: Fooducate.com
Just downloaded this today and I can tell it will be Life.Changing.
Fooducate uses the same barcode scanning technology (amazing!) as Grocery Store IQ but goes a step further. It gives you a letter rating of the item (A, B+, C-, etc) and calorie information. Then, the best part!!!, alternatives and an option to compare items. So for example my regular box of pasta got a B+ rating so my alternatives were whole wheat options rated As. Reminds me of the book Eat This, Not That...

Grocery IQ & Fooducate obviously require a little bit of time to get started and while you're grocery shopping. For me, the scanning part is so fun I don't mind the added time. I think I'll love grocery shopping even more with these 2 apps.

Got any favorite apps to share?

xo,

Michelle

Oh hi September

2011-09-01T22:30:00.004-04:00

Did today sneak up on you? Summer flew by and here we are. I say that every year, but really it FLEW this year.
So here we are September.

These leaves wont be green for long!

I'm excited for...leaves changing color, wearing my awesome maternity jeans, cooler air in the mornings, school supplies & the routine of the 8-3 job returning, college football,
cider donuts - we have to go apple picking again if for no other reason then to get donuts,
and Little Sister's wedding in late November in Fort Worth. Yaaay!

Happy back to school to my fellow teachers! And thank you for all your congrats.

xo,

Michelle

Announcement: Pancakes

2011-08-25T13:35:00.004-04:00

Oh Hi.
Family & dear friends have been told the good news.
I've been offered a seat on the subway.
So now it's finally time for a blog post.

love

So I'm pregnant! "Pancakes" is due 12/26. For those of you good with the calendar you've figured out that I'm around 22 weeks. It's great to watch the days click away on Christmas countdowns and know that's also a countdown for Pancakes.

As someone who loves food and cooking so much my first trimester was a pain. I hated food, mostly dinner. In fact for most of June my dinner was Pinkberry. My doctor is amazing and easy going so this didn't bother her one bit. I've craved some foods I've always loved (like BLTs) and had aversions to some of my typically favorite foods (chicken and just about everything Italian). Water and Odwalla protein shakes are my beverages of choice and I love them so so so much. Almost as much as Diet Coke & Coffee which, I am proud to say, I have not had since early May. It can be done!!

Oh...why Pancakes? Any OC fans out there? A character on the show,Summer Roberts, names her rabbit Pancakes and since I love all things Summer Roberts...well Pancakes is my baby's name for now. When Summer first gets Pancakes she doesn't know if it's a boy or a girl and neither do we. You don't get too many surprises in life and this is probably the best one to keep.

Aside from feeling tired I'm doing great and am very excited to add "Mommy" to my list of titles alongside Daughter, Sister and Wife.

Those of you who have known and supported me thus far...Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

xo,

Michelle

Gone Fishin'

2011-07-13T17:07:00.002-04:00

lake brantley

More like "Gone to my parents, who have a pool and AC" but you get the idea.

I hope to be back to blogging soon mes choux!! Happy Summer.

xo,

Michelle

Spring and Summer Salads

2011-05-31T18:23:00.005-04:00

We've gotten to that point in NYC. That point when Spring and its cool, comfortable, rainy days end abruptly and BOOM it's 85degrees and humid. This is also the time where I try to avoid using my stove. Pots and Pans it's been real, I'll see you in September.

Tonite I got a take out Greek Pasta Salad. Penne with tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, feta and onions tossed with a little olive oil, vinegar and black pepper. Delicious and refreshing.

and look at that...toss out the container or wash and reuse - love it!

Some of my favorite food blogs have great recipes for salad. I've linked to them below.

Cool Summer Salad - from Southern Living

Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad - from PW

Spring Salad with new Potatoes - from Smitten Kitchen

Enjoy!

xo,

Michelle

Dinner at Disney

2011-05-02T16:30:00.006-04:00

It's never a good sign when you take a picture of this on the way to dinner...

That would be the beloved family mini-van (aka The Colonel) stopped on the side of I-4 outside of Orlando :(
How'd we get to Florida?
Let me back up.
Spent Spring Break at home with my parents. Huzzah!
Many menus checked while researching a fun place for T, mom, dad & I to enjoy dinner our first weekend in town. I started looking for a place at Disney World so we'd feel like we did a typical Central Florida vacation with just the right amount of touristy theme park time. And in case you are wondering the right amount of theme park time around Spring Break & Easter is ZERO. Not how these 4 adults wanted to spend the day. Dinner was just enough for us.
Then The Colonel almost didn't make it. We had to stop twice to add transmission fluid. Getting to and from dinner was quite an adventure!
But finally we DID make it to the Disney exit and found The Boardwalk area . Situated on Cresent Lake the property is not only a hotel but has shops & restaurants. And of course a boardwalk reminiscent of the "old " Jersey Shore. No GTL here!

The fish really look like they are flying on the sign outside!

And inside? Fish para-sailing from the ceiling! So funny.
It's a busy restaurant. Couples, families, everyone was comfortable there.
The kitchen is open and there is seating available around it. We chose to have a regular table but it would be fun to sit so close to the action.

Let's get to the good stuff.
My dinner...

Citrus, Sesame and Szechuan Pepper-crusted Tuna.
Bok Choy and other veggies in a broth of coconut, lemongrass, lime & ginger broth.
I'm always torn when we eat out for a special occasion. Do I get something I always order like steak, chicken or salmon? Or go for something a little daring? Tuna was daring for me and I'm glad I took the risk. I loved it!

If you leave room...desserts are amazing!
Trio of Sinful Chocolate Indulgences
A Creme Brulee, Flourless Chocolate Torta and Chocolate Bread Pudding.
The celebrate today at the corner of the plate? Chocolate!

My Dessert...
Margarita Key Lime Pie
I love the way citrus cleans the palate after a meal. So refreshing.
You're probably wondering what the strawberry is dipped in. :) It looks like chocolate shavings right? I thought this too...but it's salt. So different, so good.

After such a delicious big meal it was great to enjoy the boardwalk. At night Disney street performers come out to entertain the crowds. We saw a magic show!

If either a Disney vacation or just a stay in Central Florida are in your future I'd highly recommend a stop at the Flying Fish!

xo,

Michelle

Easter at Publix

2011-04-25T00:25:00.002-04:00

This is a basket, made of bread, with rolls shaped & dyed to be the Easter Eggs. What even!?

Thanks for the giggle Publix!

Hope you had a blessed Easter <3

xo,

Michelle

Dinner Dishes

2011-04-12T19:43:00.002-04:00

A delicious dinner of fish, rice pilaf & green beans

Most delicious salad ever! Spinach blend with tomato, mushroom, olive and shredded cheese. Love the olives, they add great flavor.

What's your dinner dish these days?

xo,

Michelle

Dinner at Palma

2011-03-20T17:30:00.000-04:00

BB camera you always disappoint. iPhone...someday you will be mine.

Stumbled into Palma on a Sunday Funday last summer with the girls. We were a 'few' drinks in and needed food asap. Palma did not disappoint. We laughed up a storm & ate up plates of pasta, cheese, salads...you name it.

A few weeks ago a made a reservation for dinner at Palma this past Friday. Luck would have it, the weather was beyond beautiful and we walked around the neighborhood for a while before dinner. I love to explore the streets off the grid of midtown and get a little lost in the process.

Take a look at the photos of the restaurant from the Gallery I love the the beautiful farmhouse feel. The white walls, window baskets flowers and the wooden tables & chairs. Clean & crisp. Can my kitchen of the future look like this place? Please & Thanks.

The food was as delicious as I remembered- melt in your mouth Burrata cheese as an appetizer, a salad with fresh parm and a main dish of Pappardelle pasta with lamb. It was a lot of food but in the right portions so I didn't leave feeling stuffed, just full. Our waiter, who is a dancer by day and totally sweet, said he use to work for a guy making Gelato. Ummm what a resume!

Palma really is a neighborhood gem and I hope to come back again soon. What are your new favorite places to eat?

xo,

Michelle

Time for Spring, Time for Rita's

2011-03-20T16:30:00.003-04:00

2010

I don't think we're making it to Rita's today for their First Day of Spring Free Ice promotion but YOU should! So good.

Bon Printemps!

xo,

Michelle

Cherry Blossoms

2011-03-12T23:57:00.007-05:00

"The intense beauty and short survival span have associated Cherry Blossom with spiritual and philosophical ideas such as the beauty and fragility of human life. "
The Flower Expert

In 2009 we got to see the blossoms in Brooklyn at the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival right around my birthday. Last year they had all fallen before the Festival weekend.

Life is beautiful and indeed so precious. Sometimes it really does pass by quicker than we had hoped. Savor each moment, each blossom.

Click here to donate to the Red Cross and help relief efforts in Japan.

xo,

Michelle

Popcorn, Peanuts, Hot Dogs

2011-03-11T15:40:00.005-05:00

"It's great to be young and a Yankee." - Hall of Fame Pitcher Waite Hoyt

You either love the Yankees or you hate the Yankees. There is no in between.

Tickets went on sale today. I snatched up a pair with a "Calendar Day" promotion in early April. Cannot wait.

xo,

Michelle

Who Are You When I'm Not Looking

2011-03-04T22:18:00.006-05:00

Bet you didn't take me for a Country girl?
Oh but I am.
Sunday = Church music & Country music. The. Best.

This one, Who Are You When I'm Not Looking by Blake Shelton, is a new fast favorite.

I love the words. And I love the video.
I love the girl drinking juice from the counter, burning the toast & bacon in her robe & pjs.
I love the girl in the over-sized shirt & knee socks dancing to music.
I love the bubble bath. I love time in the tub.
And oh how I love the woman at her desk dealing with a rough day. We have all been there. Sometimes not just in our professional life but in our personal life as well.

Chocolate, a call to mom and a good song can make all the difference.

xo,

Michelle

ps- this post is a little bittersweet - now all the holiday posts are off my main page :( how can that be?!?!

March On

2011-03-01T17:31:00.004-05:00

I am perfectly happy to have February in the books.
As you can tell it was a very busy month. I blogged ONCE the entire month.
Busy doesn't even begin to cover it..stressful, exhausting...getting closer. I'm glad it's over.

Today in class we discussed the changes associated with a new month. Needing a new weather graph and starting the calendar over again. I love it. It's a new beginning and who doesn't love beginnings.

When discussing the calendar we talked about the special days coming up - St. Patrick's Day and the arrival of Spring.

Clover is one of my favorite symbols of Spring. I can think of nothing better than sprawling out on my belly searching for 4 leaf clovers in the lawn, my barefoot feet up in the air. Oh to be young again.

Here's to the new month and all kinds of new beginnings.

xo,

Michelle

Oh Saturday

2011-02-05T10:49:00.001-05:00

Coffee & a Bagel. Is there anything better on a Saturday? I think not.

xo,

Michelle

Saturday Night Is Alright

2011-01-22T22:00:00.005-05:00

Cold cold weekend. Brings out the hermit in me. I'm perfectly happy at home all weekend under the covers reading or playing on the internet. Cold weather also brings out the home organizer in me. I love doing this at the beginning of the year to refresh & recharge.

Refilled some Tupperware containers with goodies for side dishes at dinner. From top to bottom it's Quinoa, CousCous and Brown Rice. So nice to get rid of the boxes and have everything in a container behind a closed cabinet door.

Calendar stickers! OMG my inner child is in love. Who doesn't love a sticker?

Thanks to the Fam for this belated Christmas gift. A new Kitty pic every month?! Love.

Also did a little fridge organizing. Behold my favorite side of the lower shelf. That's Horizon Chocolate Milks and Honest Kids Pink Leemonad chilling out. Yummm. You're never too old for a juice box my friends!

Kinda loving that this was at the grocery store tonite. Donut day isn't till March this year!

Yes...Saturday night at the grocery store. It was basically empty and perfect if you ask me.

Saturday Night is Alright

xo,

Michelle

What To Whisk in 2011

2011-01-01T20:57:00.006-05:00

via

A few recipes I've bookmarked for the year ahead...my New Year's Resolution in food!

Risotto

either mushroom or butternut squash or both

Granola

I think homemade Granola, in a glass jar with a pretty bit of ribbon & a label would be a great hostess gift

Chocolate Stout Cupcakes

Difficult since I have oven issues.

Pretzels

made them in '09, I have a bag of themix already purchased and ready to go!

Waffles

Requires a purchase of a waffle maker. No recipe just yet, think I'll call my mom for hers.

Crispy Baked "Fried" Chicken

Just the best comfort food everrr

Breakfast Pizza

Their pictures makes it look so pretty!

Cinnamon Rolls

either these from The PW or the ones from a tube.

And on that note...ending this post with a Gilmore-ism.

"I can cook anything that comes in a tube!"

Happy New Year!

xo,

Michelle

Christmas Traditions

2010-12-27T16:02:00.004-05:00

At our wedding we got 2 Christmas ornaments which started a great Christmas tradition.

Since then we've added ornaments to our tree bought from wherever we are on Christmas.

While in Paris for the holidays in 2008 I thought it would be great to bring home some ornaments. Luckily they made it across the Atlantic in one piece. We roamed the mostly empty streets on Christmas day...and it snowed on the final day of our visit. What a dream!

Mexico & it's warm temps is not exactly what comes to mind when you think of Christmas. Our trip last year was filled with sweet people and quality time together. What great memories we have from there! I love these ornaments because the large ball shows a family all together celebrating and playing piñata and having a great time.

This year, staying home here in NYC still means adding ornaments to our tree. The heart is from a shop at the Shops at Bryant Park. I love that it's a heart. Christmas is the season for love after all. The gift box is a Hallmark ornament that T picked out (well done swettie). There's a small tag at the top with 2010 on it.

I'm really excited to see where we'll be for the years to come and to add more ornaments on our tree.

I hope it is along the lines of this sweet tradition...

Hope you are enjoying the holidays. What are some of your traditions?

xo,

Michelle

Silver Bells

2010-12-22T18:26:00.002-05:00

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks

Dressed in Holiday Style

In the air there's a feeling of

CHRISTMAS

Children Laughing, People Passing

Meeting Smile after Smile

And on every street corner you hear

Silver Bells, Silver Bells

It's Christmastime in the City

Ring-a-ling, Hear them Ring.

Soon it will be Christmas Day!

These pics are some I've snapped over the years here in the city along 5th & 6th Avenues. My favorite is the star above 57th street. Song lyrics to Silver Bells by Livingston & Evans

The Star, an important part of the Christmas story.

"They went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him."

Matthew 2:9-11

May your holiday be filled with Silver Bells & Bright Stars!

xo,

Michelle

Joyeux Noël

2010-12-16T07:29:00.003-05:00

Flipping thru some pics from our Paris trip over Christmas in 2008...

Street decorations in the 7th Arrondissement where we stayed. It was like coming 'home' every night seeing all the streets with the lights on.

Notre Dame with the pretty tree!

Nativity at St. Sulpice

Bookstore Christmas window...oh hey Breaking Dawn! Emily was still trying to get me to read the books when I took this.

Shop window selling perfume with a moose! I'm sold.

Day trip to Reims. Town ice skating rink. Had too much champagne at Mumm to skate. Just kidding. Not really. :)

The amaaaazing tree at Galeries Lafayette. Snapped this on our last day. It was snowing and we were enjoying walking & shopping.

"We'll always have Paris..."

xo,

Michelle

Signs of the Season

2010-12-12T18:08:00.004-05:00

We put up our tree over Thanksgiving weekend. Completed the Christmas corner with bows on the wall candle holder. Our tree has no topper. Saaads.

Sent presents off to the family in Florida this weekend. Minus one for Amanda which I decided to keep for myself. Sorry Ace!

There is a great display of different gingerbread scenes at Le Parker Meridien. This one is West Side Story themed.

Today was a stormy Sunday. I baked! Yums. I want to make some gingerbread of my own too.

This is post #300...wow!

xo,

Michelle

December 1st!

2010-12-01T17:32:00.003-05:00

I am so excited that it is finally December. I wait all year for this month! HAHA

The Christmas tree is up, holiday playlist is loaded on the iPod, presents are being purchased...it really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Silve Bells is one of my favorite holiday songs. Enjoy it here with some sites from the City!

xo,

Michelle

Thanks and Giving

2010-11-25T22:00:00.008-05:00

I came across a blog entry this morning that really made me think about what it means to be thankful. Thanks To Write Love on Her Arms. for the Thanksgiving dose of perspective.

"If you're reading this, you're probably reading it on a computer, which means you probably have a lot to be thankful for. "

Very true. So many things to be thankful for this year. Life is very good.

I'm thankful for silly things like Converse sneakers, comfy sweats and Khiel's lip balm.

Lychee Martinis, M&Ms and Greek Yogurt.

For BlackBerryMessenger, DVDs and iPods.

Here are some not so silly things that I'm so very thankful for

New York

For nights like this...with a walk across 19th street after dinner. For the energy & excitement of places like Times Square but the quiet spaces like our local park. Life here is amazing!

Friends

For life long friends and the friends I've just made. The ones in NYC and the friends far away.

Sorority sisters and coworkers. Blogger friends & Twitter friends. For friends found in the most unlikely places. Thank you all for the laughs, the tears and the laughs that became tears!

Family

Mom & Dad, amazing, supportive, loving parents. A& E, not just my sisters but my best friends.

"I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart."

And T..it's cheesy but I can't really put into words how thankful I am for you. And not just because you do the dishes & take out the trash. For our Thanksgiving for 2 and many more to come...<3

In Inwood, following a big Columbia win a few weeks ago. Roar Lion Roar.

Hope you had a blessed day. Thank you for reading!

xo,

Michelle

A Toast

2010-11-22T16:16:00.005-05:00

I bought the December VF for a "little" exert from a book about Prince William.

Little being umm almost a dozen pages. A very interesting read for all your Royal Watchers.

and Cher is back! Wait what?!

OK Moving on...

Really great ad on pages 82 & 83 from Grey Goose called "A Toast" that I had to share!

A TOAST

to nearest * to dearest

to the crew * to cahoots

to the ones who've been there *to the ones who'll be there

to dropping everything *to saying anything

to no judgements * to no doubts

to loyalty * to trust

to favore * to lifelongs

to been too long * to nothing's changed

to having history * to having your back

to moving away * to never too far

to growing up * to settling down

to your second family * to friends

to celebrating the holidays with those who matter most

I love it. Well done Grey Goose!!!

Send a toast to a friend thru their website, here.

Today I am so thankful for friends, old and new. Cheers darlings.

What are you toasting to these days?

xo,

Michelle

Thankful

2010-11-20T00:49:00.003-05:00

I have been meaning all month to post a few "Thankful" posts. I saw the idea on Mama Loves Papa to post every day with something I'm thankful for. Clearly life has gotten in the way of that grand plan.

Mama Loves Papa

It's the 20th, November is almost over...here's a few less than 20 things that I'm thankful for.

- My current location - the couch. I had nothing in the way of furniture when I moved to this apt. So thankful a guy with a couch came along and decided to move in ;)

- Little Sister who always seems to know the cool new blogs (like Mama Loves Papa) & shares this info with me. Love you Ace.

- Baby Sister who says "good bye" in the same tone as she did when she was 5! It's a sweet reminder of days gone by when we were all little girls.

- Chucks. Seriously, where have Converse Sneakers been all my life? Best work shoe ever.

- Greg and Steve - Kindergarten would not be the same without you guys!

- Fergie and her song "Big Girls Don't Cry" which oddly enough found it's way into Kindergarten this week

- Mustard - my favorite sandwich spread. Just say no to Mayo.

- High Class Cabs - for getting me to work a few days this week after I hit snooze too many times

- Tekserve geeks down on 23rd! Holla! Busted laptop fixed in just a few days.

- Sweet guy at the UWS Apple store who helped us buy a new MacBookPro. Yay!

- TransitChek it's been over a year since I finally signed up for this amazing service. I suppose I should put it to better use and stop taking cabs eh?

- Delivery, delivery delivery...when we leave NYC I don't know what I'll do! You can get everything delivered here.

- OpenTable.com Thanksgiving dinner? Done.

- Gossip Mags. Just the perfect fluff to read on the way to work.

- Crossing off something from the NYC Bucket List - a Columbia home football game. So fun. Your ticket gets you into a pre-game tailgate with 4 free beers. Nice.

- Jimmy Fallon's Thank You Notes segment. Only on Fridays, which is the only day I can watch. Win!

- Weekend subway track work. Even though our line has been down every weekend since the end of Sept, which is a huge hassle, it's also been a relief. No clanking noises overhead as you walk along Broadway? Amazing.

More Thankful lists to come I hope! Enjoy the weekend.

xo,

Michelle

Fall Back

2010-11-07T16:54:00.005-05:00

Time to Fall Back the clock...new fall look on the blog. Which took about an hour since I'm an idiot and deleted my template, went back to 2 columns and had to fix it all. Awesome.

Happy November!

xo,

Michelle

Under The Apple Tree

2010-10-31T18:57:00.006-04:00

A few Saturdays ago we headed across the Hudson to Warwick, NY for some Apple Picking!

What a beautiful view! I could have stayed allll day.

Tons of trees

Even this late in the Fall there were baby apples growing! Look how tiny.

This one freaked me out a little when I picked it...

After an hour or so picking we rewarded ourselves with some goodies from their shop

Cider donuts...for the win! Nom noms.

Thank you to CC for the great rec. We loved Ochs.

Then we headed back to our side of the Hudson and North to President FDR's house & library.

Springwood. Beautiful. This was his mother's house.

Chilling on the back lawn...not a bad view.

Hope you are enjoying the Fall! What have you been up to?

H a p p y H a l l o w e e n !

xo,

Michelle

On Celebrations

2010-10-26T22:48:00.004-04:00

Have been a busy blogger lately...no time for blogging! Apparently, teaching Kindergarten makes you tired?!?! Who knew! Also we've had a celebration or two...

Earlier this month it was T's birthday. So I went out and got an ice cream cake, from the New York favorite, Carvel Not 3 steps out of the store I remember that blue & yellow are the colors of a major college football rival. I went to a college where football wasn't a big deal so I have never really been good at avoiding certain colors in the Fall!

Sooooo happy the pack of candles I picked up had HIS colors - green & white!! Crisis averted.

side note, green & white played blue & yellow a few days later and WON.

After tons of cake, it was time for presents!

Wins, all around.

That same weekend we went out for our 3rd wedding anniversary to 11 Madison Park.

I got the reservation at the end of the summer and was so excited when Saturday finally rolled around! Dinner did not disappoint.

First of all the space is so beautiful. This is a shot from the bar but you can see the windows off in the distance. We sat by one and had a great view of the street & the park.

There's no menu. You get a card with a list of ingredients (crab, beef, chocolate, etc ) and can choose a 4 or 5 course dinner. You chat with the waitstaff (who are all super attentive) about your likes and dislikes and the chefs go from there. I took some food risks and chose 2 ingredients I had never had before. And now I can cross Foie Gras and Venison off my bucket list. I'd have them again, very good.

From our seats at the bar I saw the coolest wine list ever.

It's like a big scrabble board! Whites on the left, spelled out with wooden tiles, reds on the right. Never seen this before and I love it.

Not pictured...the cart that came when we ordered a glass of champagne. Yes - cart. So fun! Every restaurant...heck every home... should have a cart of champagne.

October babies & anniversaries...cheers to you!

xo,

Michelle

Know Your Girls

2010-10-13T20:50:00.004-04:00

What girls?

I'm referring to breasts of course. Save the Ta-Tas. I heart Boobies. Know your Girls. There are so many funny sayings but the topic is very serious.

October is, as you probably know, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I hate that it's a month. Cancer f-ing sucks (pardon my language). We should celebrate survivors and in honor of those who were taken from us, do all we can to find a cure all year long.

My grandma lost friends to breast cancer. There were no pink ribbons in canisters at the beauty counters then, you just didn't talk about it. As I grew up, my mom lost friends. We learned what it was and that it targets anyone and everyone. Now? It is only a matter of time until I have a friend who is diagnosed. Scary and sad but true. The good news? YOU have the power to detect it early ladies! Self exams are key.

pink is pretty, cancer my friends is not

Ok no more heavy. My mom had her "Save the Ta-Ta's" car magnet stolen off her mini-van. Maybe that's kinda sad but I find it funny. I mean who does that? I hope the Ta-Ta's are enjoying their new life on someone else's car! Mom, so sorry you had your Ta-Tas stolen! hahahahaha

As a college girl I was drawn to the sorority I ended up joining due to their philanthropy, Breast Cancer Awareness. Have you been watching the NFL this month? Of course you have! Tons of Zeta Tau Alpha ladies are out and about at the games handing out pink ribbons. Rock on sisters!

How does this all pertain to a blog about food? Simple. Save lids, save lives.

I love Yogurt. I'll eat whatever brand and try almost all flavors. Not Blueberry Vanilla and Strawberry are my favorite. This month I buy Yoplait and save my lids. Then I send them in Yoplait. For every lid they receive until December 31st 2010 they donate 10 cents to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Don't like Komen? That's fine, not everyone does. Stick to your beliefs, own what you own. I love you and respect you for your opinions. There are lots more places you can send your money! Including....

The National Breast Cancer Fund

Breast Cancer Research Fund

and

The Libby Ross Foundation

Also...please check out Why I Wore Lipstick for the story of a younger, awesome survivor who also happens to be my sorority sister. Read her book - you'll laugh and you'll cry. But most importantly? I hope you'll see just how important it is to know your girls.

xo,

Michelle

Cheetos

2010-10-08T17:44:00.004-04:00

I really hate spicy food. No Curry for me, red pepper flakes on my pizza and can't stand BBQ potato chips or pizza goldfish. Which is why when one of my little darlings brought the Red Hot Cheetos to school for snack I freaked. out.

Dear KStew, You said during New Moon promotion in Munich that you love RHC. Come to my classroom & have some with A & I at snacktime.

Apparently, there's always been a little elementary school drama over Red Hot Cheetos. Check out this interview from NPR back in '06. Kids really say the darndest things, including this gem:

"What would happen to me if I ate this whole bag?

Unidentified Child #5: Your booty might be burning."

How do I even try to continue writing after a booty comment?

Do you love any foods that most people can't stand?

Happy Weekend!!

xo,

Michelle

On French Fries & Board Games

2010-10-05T19:43:00.005-04:00

It's like Christmas has come early!

I love Monopoly. One of my favorite board games. I love that it's based on Atlantic City. I love being the banker. I love collecting the Rail Roads. I love building houses and trading them in for hotels. Bring. It. On.

I love McDonald's. Nuggets (fun to eat, fun to say!). Fries. The REAL playground, none of this ball-pit shenanigans kids have today.

Do you remember this? I hated it. Climbing up INSIDE the hamburger scared the living daylights out of me. As did most things when I was the target age for eating happy meals.

Thus, Monopoly at McDonald's is the combo of 2 of my favorite things.

I love collecting the game pieces. I love that you can win an instant prize (toady I won an angus beef snack wrap). I love it all!

My mom - growing up she made Monopoly at McDonald's so fun. We went every Friday for dinner. We'd lay our game pieces out and see if we won anything cool. We never did but it was fun to imagine what it'd be like if we did.

Fountain Diet Coke. It just tastes better than regular bottled coke. And at the risk of getting Super Sized, that may be all I buy to get game pieces from now on.

Will you be playing Monopoly at McDonald's? Any other board games you like?

xo,

Michelle

Wine Wednesday

2010-09-29T18:24:00.002-04:00

"Michelle...this is beer, not wine"

I know I know...humor me.

How can you not love Corona Light? The best summer beer. It's officially Fall but I'm savoring summer one cool sip at a time. BYOL - bring your own lime.

BUT sadly, I'm down to the last bottle in the six-pack. Time to switch to Fall drinks.

Cheers darlings!

xo,

Michelle

a few things...

2010-09-26T21:04:00.005-04:00

1. Blog redesign. Free templates are love. Thank you BTemplates.com This is more "country whisk" than "urban whisk" but it's so pretty I'll take it. Love the cups of juice that are sprinkled throughout the design!

2. The Hunger Games Series

"On bad mornings...that's when I make a list in my head of every act of goodness I've seen someone do."

All 3 done and done in 2 weekends. Today was all Mockingjay and it was time well spent.

These books were heavy on the suspense, real page turners. Also, very thought provoking. For those of you who have read them...Katniss & Peeta forever! "Real"

and lastly

3. YouTube. To get you ready for the week ahead, here is the adorable Jessica doing her daily affirmations in the bathroom mirror. Oh to be little enough to stand on the bathroom counter and be silly! This girl has the motivational speaker thing down pat - the voice volume, fist pumps... love it!!

Have a great week!

xo,

Michelle

Just Desserts

2010-09-25T20:13:00.002-04:00

Guess I'm using FourSquare more than I realized...and guess I'm getting Pinkberry more than I realized too. Hello Desserts Badge. But um a knife as the badge picture? Weird.

Have you had the watermelon flavor at Pinkberry yet? Go run now while it is still in stores. Cool, sweet and so refreshing. Nom noms for everyone!

What's your favorite dessert?

"Be sweet!" - my mommy

xo,

Michelle

Dear Target

2010-09-21T17:06:00.004-04:00

so much for having coffee only on Wednesdays....

Dear Target,

So excited to see the sign that read "Fresh Groceries Coming October 17th" at your entrance today!!! I can't wait for 1 stop shopping.

HOWEVER....the current state of your 225th Street Store? Awful.

I know you are renovating and will be back more beautiful than ever but I just can't deal with the disorganization.

No love till then. Or as long as I can stay away.

Will Miss You,

Michelle

Despite all this, I still managed to go to Target for one thing (tank tops for layering) and walked out spending over $50. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this!

What did I get?

Thermal shirt for T, t-shirt for me,

a candle ,

Autumn Festival...how great are the Yankee Candle scents for Target?

and 2 reed diffuser sets (1 for home, 1 for the classroom I hope).

I'm trying Island Getaway & Beach Party

Do you see tank tops on that list? Yeah me either. Great, I have to go back to that mess!

Who else loves Target? Duh, we all do. What goodies do I have to look forward to now that we're getting a fresh food section?

xo,

Michelle

Precious Cargo

2010-09-19T19:02:00.002-04:00

Check out that sweet set of wheels in the pic...it's Huffy. Remember your first bike? I do!

Very important purchases got their own (illegal) seat on the half empty A train this afternoon.

Cinnabon is mall food. You know mall food - anything in the food court that you probably only eat at the Mall. Panda Express, Sbarro (uhhh you can buy their sauce now?! who knew!), Auntie Anne's Pretzels, and Cinnabon. Mall food is right up there at the top of my favorites along with Fair/Carnival Food. Amazing, delicious stuff. Funny tho this was actually purchased at Penn Station. Which is pretty much as close as we NYC folks get to a food court since the malls are few and far between.

Do you love Cinnabon as much as I do? What's your favorite Food Court treat?

Have a sweet week!

xo,

Michelle

Some Signs of Fall

2010-09-12T21:13:00.006-04:00

Football is in full swing, it's getting chillier out, and today I ordered my first hot latte in ages at Starbucks. Time to dig out my jeans & plaid shirts for casual Friday & fun weekends.

Here are some other signs of Fall..

First for the classroom...

A fresh stack of pocket folders for Kindergarten. Please note the pink one in the middle of the pile por moi.

Awesome find at Borders in the sale bins! $1.99 say what?! This will make lesson planning, Kindergarten team meetings & Special Ed meetings so much more fun.

Some crafting goodies I found in the seasonal section at Rite Aid. These are foam doorknob tags and cool foam shapes to use for decorating. Foam isn't the most environmentally friendly craft material so we only use it once in a while.

Next at Michael's

Beautiful leaf garland...

Who doesn't love a sparkly pumpkin?! Had to really hold back & not buy this.

Never too early to think about Christmas! I got a HUGE smile on my face when I saw these!

What signs of fall are you seeing?

xo,

Michelle

Directions

2010-09-11T02:21:00.003-04:00

Looking south from The Empire State Building

Usually I hate when there is a timestamp on a photo, but this time? Love it.

6 -25-99 the day after Senior Prom. I'll spare you a pic from Senior Prom, you're welcome.

I don't think I have to point out what I'm looking at down there in Lower Manhattan.

The Towers are so far off in the distance they almost look like shadows, dust, not real buildings.

And this?

Looking North from 107th floor of the South Tower, 2 World Trade Center.

That's the North Tower to the left. Summer 2000 I believe.

In the blink of an eye, the direction of your life can change so quickly. Be good to yourself and your loved ones today my dear friends. And always.

I Love New York...more than ever.

xo,

Michelle

"Then Labor Day Came and Went..."

2010-09-07T19:03:00.009-04:00

Post title thanks to the Death Cab for Cutie song "Summer Skin"

Love it!

Let's take a look at Labor Day Weekend before I start being Ms. Maiden Name, Kindergarten teacher to 12 little gems tomorrow. Have I ever mentioned I love this job?!

(3yrs married and I still haven't changed my name at work...whatever...moving on...)

Friday I cleaned, did a few things for work. Was great to enjoy some quiet time with just me and my Dunkin Dounuts iced coffee. 8 years working and I'm finally realizing the importance of taking time for ME. To center, refocus, find balance. A must do during these hectic beginning of the school year days.

Saturday - trip to the school supply store, Barclay, in Brooklyn.

To get to Brooklyn we went down to the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge & crossed the bridge. It was super crowded but so fun. I love this bridge.

The American Flag on top gives me patriotic goosebumps!

Once in BK, we got ice cream from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory under the bridge.

Yup, line out the door! So worth it.

Sunday I slept in...it was wonderful. I love sleeping & generally just chilling in bed. T calls me a Sloth.

We finally got down to Le Monde for brunch around 2. It was lovely eating late. We got a prime seat outside. We people watched, drank mimosas and I had a meal that was more like dessert.

Behold - chocolate french toast.

Basically, chocolate cake. I die. I balanced out the sugar with a side of bacon.

All the Columbia & Barnard kids were back. Made me nostalgic for my MoCo days!

We walked afterwards. Alllll the way down to Columbus Circle. Over 50 blocks. Exhausting but tons of fun. And very necessary after all that sugar at brunch.

Monday we finally went to the Bronx Ale House in our 'hood.

Long Island Pride!

A sweet friend came up to the Bronx to join us. Thank you D! The menu includes these fried beauties...

PICKLES. Nom Nom Nom. Spicy dijon sauce on the side. Everything is better fried.

Such a lovely weekend.

While this may have been the last weekend of summer fun, I'm so excited for the Fall weekends ahead. MSU football watch parties, walks in the Park to see the leaves changing color, a fancy shmancy dinner out for our Anniversary, wedding gift purchases for dear friends tying the knot, wearing hoodies, jeans & my chucks again, drinking apple cider, new adventures at work... so pumped!

Hope you had a great weekend.

xo,

Michelle

Pretty Flower

2010-09-03T15:45:00.004-04:00

I have always loved flowers. My dad gardens. My grandpa went fishing with the owner of our local florist so we always had an 'in' there. I love just about every kind. The NY Botanical Gardens? One of my favorite places in the city. The Conservatory is, I think, one of the most romantic places ever! What can I say I love it there.

having a little party with some Chihuly

How about a little video from shmootube?

"He can call me Flower if he wants to, I don't mind"

One of the cutest moments in animated movie history? Yes I think so.

Delis here in the city always have these buckets of flowers out front. There is nothing like a fresh arrangement to spruce up a room!

Last week I ordered a Wild Flowers Bouquet from Peapod. Had no idea what flowers would be in the bouquet. I was pleasantly surprised when this was delivered along with my weekly staples of chocolate milk, frosted mini-wheats and such. Roses, sunflowers, and lilies oh my!

Sadly, after a day or so I had to part with the lilies. Just could not stand all the sneezes they caused. Luckily, I ran into a neighbor on my way to our trash alley & gave them to her. She is always so sweet and accepts mail & ups deliveries when we aren't home I was so happy to do something nice for her. Next time I'll think of her first before I throw unwanted flowers away.

What's your favorite flower?

xo,

Michelle

No Flavor

2010-09-02T22:08:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I saw an adorable fluffy dog while on a home visit for work & then a beautiful kitty while picking up a package from UPS at a neighbors. In honor of all things cat & dog I give you an adorable LOL Cat. I love this site :)

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

xo,

Michelle

September!!!

2010-09-01T15:41:00.006-04:00

The sun is setting on Summer

Sunset...Commerce Lake, Michigan

As sad as I am to see Summer go, I'm SO excited for Fall.

I love Fall.

I'm sure as a teacher it's assumed I love Summer more but I could not be happier that cooler temps are on their way! Along with football, our anniversary, pumpkins, crunchy leaves...my list goes on.

Yesterday I met some of my new little ones, today I worked in our classroom (with my amazing co-teacher and are equally awesome co-workers/friends) and tomorrow the little ones come to visit.

One great part of going back to school is bringing lunch! Here are some yummies I'm trying out.

Arnold Sandwich Thins.

So freaking good. This means I'm also MAKING a sandwich for lunch. I have tried in past years to bring lunch every day and have failed. This year is the year for success, I feel it!

Grapes. A chilled, refreshing delicious snack.

Dannon's Light & Fit. I mean if it's good enough for Heidi Klum...

What are you loving for lunch these days?

xo,

Michelle

I've Still Got Mail

2010-08-26T18:41:00.006-04:00

A few posts ago I talked about cutting out the junk in my inbox. Feels so good! Every day there seems to be something else to unsubscribe from. It's annoying but also freeing.

I thought I'd share what I AM reading every day. 1 food related, 2 for inspiration & 1 final guilty pleasure.

For Yummies...

Hungry Girl

fun & helpful reviews written by fun people, daily trips & tricks

My favorite: the supermarket list their essentials & new finds, all in one easy to find place

For Inspiration...

The Daily Love

"a free daily e-multivitamin for your soul!" -directly from their website

Really great quotes and affirmations. Love it.

Part of today's email included this: "I am grateful for change because I know it always brings new energy into my life." wow.

The Universe.

Wow. Yeah pretty awesome to see "A note from The Universe" in my inbox

"short, personalized, and sometimes humorous reminders of life's magic"

Today's email included this little bit: "and there have been surprises, Michelle, that suddenly changed your entire life for the better, and there will be many more. Jumanji, baby."

For My Guilty Pleasure...

Twilighters Anonymous.com

I got rid of the people.com & enews.com gossip emails so this is as close as I get to good dish.

Team Edward, Team Emmett, Team Kristen Stewart...I get all I need.

Any gems in your inbox? Sharing is Caring!

xo,

Michelle

Chillin' and Grillin'

2010-08-25T15:27:00.005-04:00

Grilling is such a great summer way to cook and we hardly ever get the chance to do it in the city. While we were in Michigan we took advantage of the outdoor space and grilled every single day. Chicken, kabobs, corn - you name it we grilled it. And ate it. Nom Nom.

legit - us on icanhascheezburger!

Back at home, we had a taco nite last week. Enter leftover ground beef. What to do what to do?

Hamburgers!

Making them free form? Eeek I'm awful. Oh how I wish I had this little gem of a cooks tool from Tupperware.

Hamburger Press - makes beautiful burgers!

I want. I need. Once we have a grill.

For not having a press I didn't do so bad.

Seasoned the burger with salt, pepper and a blend of dried italian spices. YUM

While we are on the subject of grilling...Sweet Baby Ray's.

Delicious sauce. YUM.

What do you love to grill? What are your favorite sides? Leave some love!

xo,

Michelle

Chicken Soup With Rice

2010-08-23T10:15:00.002-04:00

Alternate Post Title: Rainy Monday

current radar over the tri-state area. gross.

Getting caught in the rain...no the huge downpours of rain...with some great girl friends yesterday too freaking funny. Good times ladies, good times.

HS friend had this posted on her FB today...too cute. Remember this poem?

Perfect day for Chicken Soup with Rice

xo,

Michelle

Thinning out Emails

2010-08-17T12:40:00.005-04:00

Take THAT inbox

Somewhere over the last few years since I started using gmail I have signed up for quite a few newsletters. Daily deals ($), motivational quotes (love these!), sample sale updates ($$), travel specials (still $$$) etc etc. One problem? They clog up my inbox & BlackBerry like whoa. I usually spend a good part of the commute to work deleting via the BB when I could be reading or just getting in the 'zone' for the day ahead.

In a new effort to unclutter my mind, inbox and apt I spent some time over the summer unsubscribing from all the useless junk. All the shopping and travel stuff? GONE. The motivational quotes? Filed into a folder (gosh I love gmail!) for future viewing when I need a pick me up. Tons of work emails from the previous school years? Archived, out of site, out of mind. I'm down to less than 10 non human emails a day and it. is. amazing.

Now if only de-cluttering the apt could be so easy.

xo,

Michelle

Home and Dry

2010-08-16T17:30:00.007-04:00

Thumbs up to Pet Shop Boys for this song...I love it so so much.

"There's a plane at JFK
to fly you back from far away
all those dark and frantic
transatlantic miles"

last flight of the summer...on the tram at OIA headed for my gate...

It is GREAT to be home, with at least one more week of an NYC staycation left. Florida, Michigan, more Florida and NJ Shore - so many miles. I got back on Saturday at 5pm (on 4 hours of sleep), briefly saw T(sorry honey) before heading to a bachelorette party for my dear co-worker. So I am proud to say that so far I have done NOTHING else since being home. Nadda. Zip.

Well...I've uploaded pics, gone out for sushi and surfed the net (hi RPattz & KStew making the kissy face in MapleLeafLand). #Priorities

I spent almost 6 weeks away from home. Only 1 week was spent with my husband! T I've missed you so so so much. And blogger friends I've missed you too! Looking forward to catching up. And unpacking.

xo,

Michelle

Gone to the Beach

2010-07-05T22:50:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for summer? #LetsDoThis !!!

The official start of summer was over a week ago but for me it didn't really begin until I saw this on June 28th.

My classroom all packed up, furniture pushed to one side, ready to sit untouched for 2 months. HUZZAH

Summer 2010 means this...

the beach & such in Florida

and...

and a certain lake in Michigan...a few days after I snapped this photo we were engaged!

I'm heading out to see family at these two places and will be taking a little blogging break.

I'll see you again in August!

xo,

Michelle

A Happy Fourth

2010-07-04T22:40:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

Spent this holiday weekend up in the Finger Lakes region of NY.

Celebrated at the wedding of a sweet friend & saw some family.

Here are some visuals...

Ice Cream at Long Pier in Geneva...that's Seneca Lake!

Belhurst Castle - cocktail hour on the lawn!

What a great wedding! And lucky lucky, free fireworks at 10 for the 4th of July!

not too bad for a crackberry photo

On our way out of town this morning, we stopped at Taughannock Falls State Park.

We met up with 2 of my uncles for some fried yummies at Doug's Fish Fry. They only have oysters on the weekend so I'll give you 1 guess what I chowed down on. So good!

The NY Jet's train in the same town so they like to show their support. How cute are those fishies???

Ohh...a little pressie from the uncles. Black Caps aka Black Raspberries - yum yum yum!!

I hope you had a happy & safe weekend! God Bless America Land That I Love....

xo,

Michelle

Wine Wednesday

2010-06-23T19:27:00.003-04:00

Please excuse the crooked photo - I'm trying to distract you from my messy kitchen table

This isn't wine. But it says Wine Wednesday. Trust. Read on...

I love when grown-ups go back to school. For whatever, a GED, BA, MS, JD, certificate to perm hair, license to drive a tractor - it's all kinds of awesomeness. I remember from Family & Consumer Sciences (read Home Ec) that we'll change our careers 3-5 times, on average. Woa...

It is rough going back to school- whether you do it full time or part time (as yours truly did) to go back & crack open the books. But so so worth it in the end!

Know what I also love? Sparkles. Yes the kind on my finger, but also the kind in my drink. I'm talking about you Champagne & Prosecco.

Luckily, when a little thing for us adults called GRADUATION rolls around - the Champers usually follows (i also love british words...just.so.you.know)

A few weeks ago we went to a grad party in Jersey. Not wanting to go empty handed, we brought some of the above pictured Prosecco. Prosecco, if you've never had it, is an Italian sparkling wine. It's very light & fresh and meant to be enjoyed RIGHT away. No saving old bottles like you do with Veuve Clicquot.

Not only did T buy a bottle for us to bring to the party...he brought 3!!!!! more!!!!! bottles!!!!

"I thought we could have some of our own"

3 bottles? Seriously? High fives & kisses to my husband for that.

I tried to open bottle #2 the other night when I was home alone (yup I drink alone & am proud of it!) and realized I have NO idea how to pop open a cork. Perhaps I should go back to school for that. Cheers friends!

xo,

Michelle

Father's Day

2010-06-20T22:33:00.004-04:00

Lucky Daddy has his birthday right around Father's Day. As a kid I thought that was so cool! Double presents! hehe Friday was the big 60! Yaaay Daddy!

Here are some pics of Daddy & I. He's a man of a few words so this post isn't very wordy, as a tribute.

At a little pond in our hometown, on a Fall Saturday feeding the most insane ducks in America.

I loved to go feed the ducks but they were ruthless. Like chase you into the car when you ran out of bread ruthless. Look at Daddy with his arm around baby girl.

The parking lot here fit 4 - 6 cars so three cheers to Daddy for getting a spot!

That yellow coat I had was the bomb.

Fast forward to another Fall over 20 years later. Daddy surrounded by wedding madness. My mom & 2 sisters, the other girls in my bridal party, hair & make-up chicas...what is a man to do? Stare out the window. All morning. Probably trying to figure out how in the world I grew up so fast. It's ok Dad, I don't know where the time has gone either.

Dad doesn't really like a big show. He's a quiet type. But he's fun. I mean he's been the Daddy to 3 daughters, how could he NOT be fun. He's sat thru tea parties, Barbies, countless cries of "I have nothing to wear" and has managed to come out alive.

So I sent him fun. A huge Edible Arrangements, complete with pineapple sliced in the shape of 60 and a bunch of balloons.

I know...the folding chairs in the background, a little white trashy no? I can't really explain. You'd have to know my Grandma.

And that is an entirely different post. :)

So dad - on your 60th birthday and 30th Father's Day let me be simple and to the point - I love you. Thank you for everything. It's great being your little girl.

xo,

Michelle

Around Town

2010-06-13T18:05:00.004-04:00

A few pics from Sunday shopping...

from Garden Gourmet in Kingsbridge...i finally got the guts to sneak a pic

when did they get a website? looks great!

a 'few' olive buckets

barrels of whole bean coffee. the smell is awesomesauce...

Up the hill... Riverdale Vintner

just a peak thru the windows today..

that is a carrying case of sorts for 2 flutes & a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. I'd die. Love the bubbly, love the iconic yellow, love anything served in a flute. And mostly, love the book about the lady behind it all. Cheers to women in business!

The flutes in the front on the left? Yeah really love them.

think pink - even with your wine

charles & charles - hope to try this soon!

further surfing around on their website - based in Washington State - I'd heart a little time in the Pacific NW, just saying...

Happy Shopping!

xo,

Michelle

Drug Store Woes

2010-06-10T17:36:00.005-04:00

What is it about the Drug Store? I go in for 1 thing - a greeting card, a new tooth brush, or a pack of gum and come out having spent $50? Never fails. Target is even worse. $100 gone as soon as the thought of going enters my mind.

Have you noticed all the products that are locked up behind glass with bells and whistles that go off if you even touch them? One of my biggest pet peeves. All the candy & gum is behind the counter at our local delis & bodegas. That I get tho - kids can have super sticky fingers when it comes to gum. And given my love of chocolate maybe it's best too :) Kidding...

Let me bring you down my local Aisle 2. That's where some of my favorite things are. Travel sized health & beauty items & hair accessories. Also down this aisle - the locked up razors. AND? Deodorant.

Why deodorant is locked up I have no idea. If you can educate me, please do so.

I hate this because you have to find an employee, with KEYS, to open up the case so you can buy what you want. And I hate being treated like I'm going to steal...

True Story - growing up there were 2 malls close to us on the Island. We always went to the one closest to home. The one time we went to the other mall, mom got freaked out because there were security guards EVERYWHERE. "I don't want to be watched while I shop. We are never coming here again". I have no other memory of any other trips to that mall.

So thank you to Peapod for being my savior and delivering my razors up 5 flights of stairs to my apt. No bells and whistles going off except for the door bell.

xo,

Michelle

Goodies for June 2

2010-06-02T18:17:00.005-04:00

My typical Tuesday waiting for Peapod to deliver groceries happened today due to the 3 day weekend & forgetting to submit the order. Ooops.

Here are some goodies.

Peaches. So so good. Not from GA but it'll do.

I mean what's better than a Blue Moon??!

(ummm why is there a trick or treat pumpkin in the background of this picture?)

Am really enjoying coming home and having a beer after work. So much.

Kashi & Clif Bars.

Now - the Kashi bars and I have been in a relationship for some time now. I ship them. They are soo so good. When I remember, I take one to work and instead of eating a fatty muffin on my prep period I'll eat a Kashi bar and be good to go until lunch. It is a great filling snack. It tastes good and it's healthy. High five to Kashi.

Now on to the Clif Bars.

Yes - you see the label correctly - it's the kids bar. I am a forever 5 year old. I mean really kids get the best packaging & marketing when it comes to food and well just about everything. What grown up doesn't need a Happy Meal every so often? We totally get the short end of the stick ordering an Extra Value Meal. Just saying. Back to Clif. I just tried the chocolate bar on Monday and it was so so good. Filling and yummy. Overall a great snack food. Embrace your inner child and try a Clif Kids Bar.

xo,

Michelle

Dinner in the Park

2010-05-25T20:16:00.002-04:00

Long over due post...from a fabulous dinner in the park!

Is there anything better than dining al fresco? I love it. I love that first weekend of Spring when the sidewalk tables suddenly appear. I love when you no longer need the cozy red fleece blankets that Serafina on B-way keeps on their chairs, just in case. I love when Spring finally hits and you can sleep with the windows open, snuggled up like a taco in blankets.

THIS post, however, is NOT about cool awesome Spring weather.

It's about hot, sticky, humid weather and what that does to my top floor apt.

The word sauna comes to mind. This apt becomes a sauna.

A few weeks ago, during our first taste of summer, we had enough. We went outside and up the block to the park, where it was at least 10 degrees cooler. Nothing like laying out on a blanket and watching the sunset, listening to the jingle of the ice cream man, seeing all the families enjoying the playground...

Here's our rather eclectic dinner of small bites...

brown rice california roll, humus and crispy bread, olives & a fruit salad for dessert

I love olives. Love them. Green or brown I do not care. The market here has them in giant buckets for you to scoop out. At least 6 different kinds. Without fail there is always a little old lady standing at the olive buckets helping herself to a quick taste. These beauties are kalamata olives. So salty, so good. Watch the pits!

And a great fruit salad for dessert. Kiwi, blueberry, strawberry & mango. Delicious.

Stay cool friends...

xo,

Michelle

Grocery Surprises

2010-05-24T21:37:00.005-04:00

I was tweeting with some new friends today about the grocery store. Despite the fact that I get delivery now I really do love going to the market.

But not in my neighborhood.

Everyone is pushy, loud and usually on their bluetooth.

Space is a novel thing in the city so even though I have a 'normal' looking grocery store with a parking lot and all, it's crowded. Always.

There's self-serve check out - which I usually love. But I'm always behind slow people. I can't deal. So I delivery.

Last week the poor guys from Peapod carried up 3 bags worth of beverages. My bad. I usually try to space the heavy stuff out. And why am I even buying bottled water?!? Oh well.

I know I know...everything comes in plastic bags! I hate it too. I'd much rather a reusable bag.

As with any delivery there's the chance for errors. Sometimes you get the wrong stuff or items are missing. Usually it's stuff I don't want (I'm looking at you frozen bag of gnocchi in the freezer). But this week....ummm we hit the jackpot! Strawberry ice cream & pizza!

Can you think of a sweeter mistake? I can't.

Hope to be back again soon this week with another post...

xo,

Michelle

On Chinese and Diners

2010-05-13T23:37:00.004-04:00

I'm still here promise! This special carton has been my life the past few weeks. T working late = Chinese food. It's hard to plan and cook a meal and then have only myself to eat it with.

T - I know you read this - I've been missing you & can't wait to have you back. For real.

And when it's not been Chinese, it's been pizza or chips & guac...you know great, girly comfort food. Nothing good for me but whatever.

This week T has been home at a decent hour but I'm not holding my breath.

Tonight I thought I'd cook but nothing in the fridge was edible. Note to self - clean out the fridge asap.

Plan B - THE DINER!

(not my pic, duh)

I love the diner. Grew up with 2, maybe 3 in my town. The Diner has everything - mozzarella sticks, burgers, breakfast 24/7 and amazing desserts.

I'm not a huge fan of our local Diner...but it will do. Maybe because there's no amazing funny memories in it like the ones from my teens & child years. Tonite there were college kids having dinner at a big booth and I got very nostalgic for days gone by. Heading to Paradise Diner in Hometown for sundaes after a concert at the local HS. Or drunky in college going for fries and cherry pie. Ohhhh memories!

But it's a good diner. The staff is friendly, the grub is good.

The minute my food came I was mad I hadn't ordered something else tho. Does that happen to you? My burger was great but I immediately really really wanted pancakes. So a giant piece of cheesecake was consumed to...well deal with my indecision. Because nothing makes you feel better about decisions, good or bad, than cheesecake.

Next week I hope to get back to real blogging. Possibly a post about my birthday last week...we shall see.

Stay full & happy friends!

xo,

Michelle

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T15:14:00.004-04:00

The NY Times has a great little slide show where people talk about the food they associate with their mother.

The Dish on Mom

I can't talk about my mom and not mention food. She cooked because her mother did.

I got to stand on a chair turned around backwards so I could watch and see everything she did in the kitchen.

So what food do I associate with my mother?

Cake.

When I was young my mom took the Wilton cake classes with a friend. She made some beautiful creations! The book with the great recipes for cake & frosting are still in with the kit we take out at birthdays. She learned how to make roses, clowns and the basket weaves. And luckily for us girls she made...the doll cake.

Now a days there are fancy molds to make this an easier task but mom did it old school like in the video.

Every year I got to choose the color of my doll cake. Shades of pink, purple or yellow. It was so awesome. I was and still am a huge girly girl so having a birthday cake of a doll in a big frilly dress fit me to a T. I always wanted my doll cake to be a bride. "No" mom would say "you have to wait till YOU are a bride. You are little girl still. But someday..."

August 2007, my bridal shower

So mom, this Mother's Day thanks for those slices of cake. The best things DO come to those who wait.

xo,

Michelle

Wine Wednesday

2010-05-05T18:45:00.003-04:00

This week's Wine Wednesday includes a dinner review! Yay!

Saturday night was hot. Enter table on the sidewalk at Campo.

True story: a year or so ago, we were in this neighborhood, arguing over where to eat. I was hungry & had a headache, never a good combo. I believe even stomped my foot like a 5yr old. Ooops. We went to Campo on a whim and made up over the good wine & good food.

Saturday, luckily no arguments. Just really happy to be enjoying the beautiful night together.

The wine list is not on their website but I believe this links to the bottle we had. I love Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. I don't usually love red wine but for this, and with good italian food, I say yes for red.

Watching tons of Barnard & Columbia kids walk by. The Cocktails are named for them! Love the pretty flower box.

Menu wise there is something for everyone. A lot of local and organic ingredients. Delicious bread, cheese, veggies...and lamb chops.

Clean Plate Club!

Everything was so good. Can't wait to go back!

xo,

Michelle

Saturday Brunch

2010-05-03T18:20:00.003-04:00

It's no secret. love Brunch.

Saturday, after a trip out to Brooklyn for the Cherry Blossoms that were all gone (sad panda) but luckily there were some beautiful Peonies, we headed back to Manhattan and stopped off at an old favorite for brunch: Little Frankie's.

Little Frankie's is responsible for the cute chalkboard pic on the upper right corner of this blog. I really do love this place that much.

Husband use to live in this neighborhood and on weekends I'd hike down via 3 different subways and over 200 blocks!!, and we'd brunch here. There are some amazing spots for brunch but this is clearly a favorite of mine.

I could have sat there alllll day with my 2 friends - English Breakfast Tea & a Bellini.

We got there super early so we were seated in the back room, which also includes a little outdoor space, as close to a garden as some in NYC will ever get. A bunch of girls were seated there, chowing down post-workout so we let them have their space. My seat was by the french doors that separate the room so I had a little lovely breeze. Above our table, the giant skylight and some really great plants & hanging lanterns.

Lanterns are my most favorite was to light a space or to just decorate a space. Used them at our wedding instead of floral arrangements.

There are tons of old photographs on the walls as well as mirrors, a great way to open up a small space.

The food here is so so so good. I've had dinners before, everything from the pasta to the pizzas. Ingredients are fresh, wine is stellar and the staff is helpful, sweet and, at this brunch, left us alone to linger and enjoy.

What did I get?

Baked Eggs, italian style.

I know I know I know, it looks like a mess.

A delicious mess.

It's just 2 eggs, well done, sauce and cheese. And a thick crusty slice of bread.

So simple, but so good. That is what makes good food great: simple, fresh ingredients. Because sometimes, simple is better than fancy.

Loved it back then in the dating says, loved it Saturday. Will dream about it until our next trip downtown.

My 3 photos don't do the place justice so check out more here.

And check out Lil'Frankie's when you're in town, or one of their sister restaurants. We LIVED on delivery from Frank during the winter of the broken ankle.

What do you love to have for brunch?

xo,

Michelle

Weekend Review!

2010-05-02T19:30:00.004-04:00

A few posts to come about the great brunch & dinner we had Saturday.

So in the mean time...picture post!

peonies at the brooklyn botanical gardens

the mighty hudson, as seen from inwood (the very top of the island of manhattan)

i'm on a bridge!

xo,

Michelle

3 Little Girls

2010-04-30T18:20:00.003-04:00

This afternoon while getting a mani/pedi, a mom came in with her 3 daughters. Teen-ish daughter Daisy, tween-ish Milly and small fry Lulu. Cutest names for the 2nd cutest trio of sisters. My sisters and I being the first.

Today is Baby Sister's last day on campus as a Freshmen! Huzzah! I feel like I was just snapping this pic out of the window of The Colonel, the family mini-van, as we drove around campus during move in day.

Take that back, I feel like you, sweet Emily, were just born. During the hurricane of 1991.

It was a quite the storm, you were quite the baby, and are nothing short of fabulous now!

Someone's food from our dinner on move in day/your 18th birthday at Crispers.

I miss Crispers. I miss home. So so much.

And I miss laughing so hard we cry and the time we cry so much we laugh. Like in this picture.

Dinner was over, it was time to go! Who cried more mom or the sisters?

This picture and our 'college road trip' is a memory that will always always make me smile.

This summer, middle sister is staying in Texas. Hope to visit both her and E back in Florida.

As sad as it is to not all be together this summer, it is amazing, scary & wonderful to dream and pray about where our lives are headed. I think we are going to do great things.

"I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)"

ee cummings

xo,

Michelle

Mystery

2010-04-29T20:29:00.007-04:00

This is a dinner that almost wasn't.

I must have found this recipe last weekend while I was home alone. And I must have gone thru the list of ingredients (mostly all stuff you'd have already in a well stocked kitchen) and ordered what I didn't have to be delivered from Peapod.

Then, this week happened. Stress. Wanting to cry. Feeling like it's my 1st year all over again things are so hard. I forgot all about my planned out dinner.

So when THIS showed up in my grocery bags yesterday I had no clue what it was for.

Fennel seed? What did I buy THAT for?

Quick search thru my internet history and viola, here I am eating now!

What are fennel seeds? Stay with me, you'll see.

Sidetrack - back in day I use to eat fresh, delicious fennel, the taste twin of everyone's favorite candy licorice. LOVE FENNEL!

On to Giada's Grilled Chicken with Basil

Food Network allows you the option of printing the recipe in card format. Clearly I did not do that. Note to self: fix printer.

I also really didn't follow the recipe all that much aside from which ingredients to use. Most measurements I eyeballed.

There my friends are fennel seeds. The smell took me back to muddy feet & ladybug days.

The recipe said "coarsely crushed". I laid the knife ontop of the seeds and rocked the knife back and forth. I feel like I learned that somewhere fancy!

Like I said, this recipe is great because it has only a few ingredients and aside from the fennel seed you probably have everything in your kitchen now. Wait, well you may need the basil too. BUT remember last week's recipe? Yup, the basil was still edible so I used the leftovers!

There's a marinade for the chicken which is basically lemon juice, olive oil & the fennel seeds. So simple!

Ah lemon. I love this picture, really. I used the juice from one lemon for the marinade & fake juice for the sauce. Whatever. Also the sauce calls for grated lemon peel. You can slice a thin piece of peel off, just try not to get any bitter white from the fruit. I know I heard that somewhere fancy!!

Here's the second part of the recipe, the basil sauce in the works. Pink Cuisinart I love you long time. I made this while the marinade was doing it's thing.

Here's the finished product on a a pretty plate, ready to be eaten. I added raw baby carrots (please if I ate fresh fennel as a kid you know I love raw veggies) and some slices of Pecorino Romano cheese. This recipe could very easily become a favorite. It's simple to make and tastes SO refreshing.

I have plenty of leftover basil sauce. I think it would be great on pasta with freshly cut tomatoes and some sliced cheese on top. Or possibly as it's own marinade.

One more thing, since all this talk of fennel makes me think of being a little girl, I must point out this beautiful song little sister added to a recent blog post.

I was a little girl alone in my little world who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees, and fed my houseguests bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green.
I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest swing.
I had a dream ~ Priscilla Ahn, Dream

Happy Thursday!

xo,

Michelle

ps- For my husband Tommy, If you could only flip the bird to the corporate world and come home for dinner. Thank you for working so hard for us today & for our future. Don't forget I want a ginormous, amazeballs kitchen in our dream house :) Love you to the moon and back, Your Little Wife

Deep Breaths

2010-04-26T18:33:00.006-04:00

Today was a hard day. Could feel it by 10am. Sigh.

I ate a bag of chips with lunch, with each bite I knew I was stress eating. Tomorrow I'll be better about that.

Since it's pouring out, I'm not out for a run, which would be perfect right about now. And I am by no means a runner. I love to run but I grow bored. I miss the gym, perhaps I should get back into a routine there but right now there's too much to do at work.

I know I needed to de-stress so I turned to some relaxation when I got home.

I found a free download of an Exercise TV Yoga routine on iTunes. Search for "Anytime Yoga" and the PM Yoga is what I found free today. It's only 10 minutes but it's relaxing for the new to yoga types like me. Meaghan Townsend is the 'host' of the video and she's my favorite trainer from their site.

Exercise TV has some great videos, not just yoga ones either...check them out!

Namaste, sweet readers.

xo,

Michelle

Sunday Supermarket

2010-04-25T17:46:00.003-04:00

More like STUPIDmarket.

As a kid, I loved the Supermarket. Really. As a teen I hated it because I realized that in our small town everyone recognized us being related to my grandparents and would come up to chat. No joke. They were super involved in the church they attended before moving to Florida and were still like The Mayors of the church & our local Main St years after they left. My dad loved to make runs to the store after 10pm and I wonder if this had something to do with it.

Now, as a city girl I admit that I have become accustomed to the joy that is delivery.

You can get EVERYTHING delivered here. Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond and of course groceries. I have been using Peapod for our groceries for a loooong time and will continue to sing the praises of it, because it rocks. As annoying as it is to make the minimum total some weeks and wait for the delivery it beats dealing with long lines & stupid people.

I went to the real grocery store today and let me tell you I deserve another bottle of bubbly for dealing with it all.

distributed by a company out on Strong Island. I less than 3 the homeland.

Seriously most random purchases ever. I went for the French Bread pizza. But seriously C-Monster, Lemonade and Vita-Tops?!?! How'd you get in my house? It's all good, been hearing about Vita Tops from Hungry Girl for ages now, finally found them up here in the Bx. Expect a review on them soon!

Suburbs and a big roomy supermarket will someday sooner than later be a reality but for now, I'll see you in another month or so Stop & Shop!

xo,

Michelle

Fun Friday

2010-04-23T21:41:00.003-04:00

My day in food included a really hot cheesy NY Slice from up here in the Bronx

Work bestie and I sat in the Pizzeria for half our lunch, which we never do since there's usually so much to do in our classroom, but today we stayed, attempted to chat about grown up things and not our 13 crazy 1st graders and got some well deserved peace during lunch.

Tonight, after our sushi dinner (in a neighborhood that is a complete 180 from where I had lunch) Husby & I were about to buy a bottle of wine when I realized I got champagne last weekend at Best Cellars. NICE. Nothing like realizing you have the best drink EVER already chilling at home. Bubbly makes everything better. And then, lucky girl that I am, I was treated to such a sweet toast...

"Here's to teamwork" clink, clink

awwww, love him

Pizza for lunch, champagne for a bedtime snack...may you all be as full and happy as me today

xo,

Michelle

Not my mama's pasta night

2010-04-22T20:28:00.005-04:00

I grew up on jar sauce. Ragu, Prego, you name we, we ate it. Usually on Wednesdays. With really good store brand italian bread. And a salad with good also store bought dressing. Most of my friends growing up were from big Italian families and I always pigged out on the pasta when I was over for dinner, not realizing it was the 1st course, not the main dish. Oooops.

Over Spring Break, I found this fun looking pasta at Target, made by Giada!

and on the back, a recipe for her simple bolognese. Hmm sounds so good - chopped meat, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, basil...Let's do this!!!!

found here...

Ok, guess not everyone loves Giada. But I do. So deal.

So as not to run into another pizza problem from earlier in the week, I laid out ALL the ingredients before I started chopping & cutting & sauteing & ....yeah. No more rookie mistakes!

Ah Basil. I have a love hate relationship with Basil. It's so good but treats me so bad. When I cook with it I have to be very very careful. I touch my face or neck accidently and wham - self-diagnosed allergic reaction. So I was really really careful during the prep work.

There's a lot of chopping to be done, made easier with my mini pink food chopper.

Lots of chops & 20 minutes later everything was in the saucepan, making the apt smell amaaaazing. I got full just breathing it all in.

Fast forward to last few steps...I feel like I'm doing a TV food segment and thru the magic of TV the meal is finished!

So pretty. I love to use a 'fancy' looking noodle. It just makes the meal, well fancier!

(still rocking the gunmetal nail polish...loving it, I must say)

Sauced all mixed in and ready to eat.

Verdict - total hit. Had for left overs today. Realized I forgot to put any cheese in the sauce at all. Woops. I would, however, add some extra spices. It was a little on the eh side in the spice dept. Jar sauce must have left quite an impression on me :)

xo,

Michelle

Wine Wednesday

2010-04-21T20:08:00.004-04:00

Cotes Du Rhone is quickly becoming my favorite red wine. I first had it in Paris, where, well everything is better in Paris. I grabbed this bottle at Best Cellars over the weekend.

My gunmetal nailpolish - yay or nay?

Hope to do more Wine Wednesdays - so fun!

xo,

Michelle