Friday, November 28, 2008

Black Friday

I am boycotting Black Friday this year. I know I should be contributing to the economy, but I honestly don't have much to contribute. Besides after working 8 year's of Black Fridays, the mall is the last place I want to be. I think I'm having my own Black Friday anyway. I was up at 5:45am and I have been fighting with my child's frustration to nap. She is working on so many milestones at once, I think her 95% range head might explode.

Really, the only reason to go out and deal with the 4am lunatics is to purchase a laptop, Wii, Guitar Hero and an ipod or anything with an i in the front. I want all of these things of course, but do I really need all of these things. In my other life, yes.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

How to treat Motherhood.

So I went to the doctor to get a checkup last week and as I walked into the waiting room I muttered out loud " Wow, it's empty in here." As I turned the corner, I see one patient sitting in the room. He looked up at me and I nervously smiled and said "Hello". I signed my name in and went straight to a chair wondering, if he had heard me. I sat down and thought did I actually say that out loud. While debating whether I said it out loud or whether he heard me, my name was called into the office. Thank god!

Now later that day, I was at Publix and found myself talking and singing to my daughter as we cruised down the aisles. I spouted off my list to Jameson saying, "we need milk and butter. Where is the butter?" A customer looking at yogurt looked at me like I was crazy. Did she think I was talking to her? I wasn't. I was talking to Jameson or was I just talking it out or was I losing my mind or was I trying not to lose it?

I started paying more attention to saying my thoughts out loud. I realized I talk out loud all the time with or without my daughter around. I guess I'm trying to focus on what I am doing without being distracted, but could it be a sign of something else. So I Googled www.WEBMD.com with this symptom and "Motherhood" kept coming up. After reading the signs and symptoms, I self diagnosed myself. When I first caught symptoms of Motherhood, I had happiness, nausea, hunger pains and sleepless nights. Then after 9 months I really showed signs of being lethargic, cranky yet still happy all at the same time. Then the Momnesia kicked in. I couldn't remember where I put the car keys, my wallet or what I had for breakfast. Now I'm talking to myself. That's the next symptom. It then listed pure joy, starting family traditions, adding to your family, along with denying your husband and Facebook addiction (that is apparently a new one). These symptoms will never go away, but they can be treated with a spa day, a glass of wine, or the husband getting up with the kids. Once I read the treatment, I felt much better.

So I have decided to treat myself, this Sunday at the spa using my gift certificate that is due to expire. At least for 55 minutes, I will be in remission.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, heeheehee hahaha

It's Monday and the anticipation of Twilight is over. I feel as if I have ended a long term relationship that could have been something beautiful, but deadly. I did see him though. Oh yes, my sweet Edward. I felt a little bit like a stalker when I was watching him. Every time he showed those golden eyes on the screen (which was most of the movie), I found myself just staring and picturing myself as his Bella. But then I would come back to realty, interrupted from the screams and woos coming from the peon section of the theater. I am a Muvico snob. I only do Premiere of course. I mean is this whole situation considered statutory since he's only 17. 21 in real life though. Is the whole nation turning into one big Mrs. Robinson? I guess nothing happened and I didn't even get a chance. So, since the relationship is over and there are no more books to read, I won't be writing of Edward again.

I am going to see it one more time though. heeheehee

Thursday, November 20, 2008

2 more days to Edward


It's hard to write anything really important or interesting when all I can think of is:

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

3 days until Twlight!

That's all I have to say. But go on and vote my new poll.

Monday, November 17, 2008

4 days until Twilight Premiere

"I can't believe the Twilight Premiere is Friday." "Oh, I can't believe the Twilight Premiere is Friday." (Picture me skipping around the house like a 13 year old school girl. It scares even me, to picture it.)

If you have not heard of Twilight, then you must have been living under a rock or you are the smartest person on the planet. Twilight is the most exciting and erotic adventure I have been on in a long time. I was transported back to David Cowles, the love that could never be, but the lust that was there. He was beautiful, hot and could kick a soccer ball. "Sigh!" We dated for a brief time, but he was so dumb I had to break up with him. It broke my heart to do it. Now for those of you who have read Twilight, you must be thinking, "WHAT THE HELL IS SHE TALKING ABOUT?" Well, the book has nothing to do with David or kicking a soccer ball. But when I read this story (in one day by the way), my heart was racing through each page like when I would see David at the lockers or in the lunch room. I was transported back to high school and relived all of those awkward feelings of trying to find out who you really are and yearning after the hottest guy. Those of you who have read Twilight know what I am talking about.

It's kind of like going on Facebook. Everyone tells you to do it, but don't. You cannot stop going online to check it out. It's a waist of your time, but a chance to look at someone else life. WARNING: don't read this book, if you are not prepared to lose sleep for the next 3 nights. (Give or take a night or 2 depending on work distractions, your reading comprehension and overall state of mind.) Beacause once you start, you can't stop. You just want More, MORE, MORE! Whew!

So the premiere is this weekend. I am going and I can't wait. Count down to Edward.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Movie Night -How much do you want to spend?

I've been stuck in all week with a sick child and a husband who is getting impatient for some attention. The loving and thoughtful wife that I am decided to create a date night. Instead of: getting a sitter for $12.00 an hour, paying $24.00? for 2 movie tickets, $20 for popcorn, coke and candy, dealing with the obnoxious public around here and sitting in an uncomfortable seat, I decided to have movie night in.

Our movie time was 7:30pm. So, I put my child to bed by 7:00pm. I cooked a really easy dinner: Chicken sausage in diced tomatoes over zucchini ribbons, roasted eggplant and onions, and a bottle of Pinot Noir. We sat on the couch in our comfy clothes and ordered an On Demand movie for $4.99. I finally saw Iron Man and I might have a little crush on Robert Downy Jr. Gwyneth Paltrow I could live without. So I spent $20.00 on dinner and wine and $4.99 on a movie. You can't beat that in this economy.

The movie ended at 9:30pm and I strolled into the bathroom, washed my face and went to bed. A perfect night for me, not so sure about my husband.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Saturdays are for me!

As the CEO of my house and owner of my own business called "The Family", I decided after a few weeks now that Saturdays are for me. On Friday, I make sure that my job expectations are fulfilled so that Saturday I can play. When it's naptime, I find my shows from Monday that I have DVR'd, fix myself some lunch and relax. (Maybe some Facebook time). No errands, no bill writing, no worrying about schedules, just letting things slide for a day.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Macaroni and Cheese made sneaky style!

I found a great recipe for homemade Mac and Cheese off the Food Network. It's made with frozen pureed squash and it's delicious. It comes out really creamy and you can sneak a veggie in there for your little ones. Personally, I needed to add just a little more salt for taste. Definitely buy the extra sharp cheddar for that kick. Depending on the size of your family, I was able to freeze and make 2 more meals out of this dish. We have our mac and cheese as a side dish. I just grill some chicken to go along. Enjoy!

* Cooking spray
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen pureed winter squash
* 2 cups 1 percent low fat milk
* 4 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/3 cups)
* 2 ounces Monterrey jack cheese, grated (about 2/3 cup)
* 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon powdered mustard
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 2 tablespoons unseasoned bread crumbs
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
* 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but firm, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk into a large saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until it is defrosted. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Cheddar, jack cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper. Pour cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish.

Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.

From Freezer
Place in a preheated 450 degree oven for 25 minutes.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Cottonwood should go back where it came from?

I had the chance to have a CNO (Couple's Night Out) last night. I had been telling my husband what he was doing wrong all day, so I thought it would be a nice treat to go out and sort of apologize. Well, I was excited to try this new restaurant called Cottonwood Restaurant and Cafe located in Royal Palm Plaza in Boca Raton. I had a girlfriend tell me about it. She said it was delicious and the restaurant is a chain from Boston. So when I got my Clipper coupon Magazine in the mail, I saw the Cottonwood ad with a coupon for dinner. (By the way, I am a coupon whore now that I am a stay-at-home mom) So the ad stated "reservations required". I was really nervous we might not get a table, so I made a 7:30 reservation for two.
We pulled up to the restaurant and noticed the outside seating. Nice, but no customers. We walked inside. I looked up at the vaulted ceilings and as my head lowered I noticed 1 couple in the restaurant. Yes, 1. There must be 25 tables on the first floor and upstairs were another 25. The hostess bounced over with delight and asked, "how many?". I told her somewhat laughing that we had a reservation. She actually started to check the computer. Hello! It doesn't really matter at this point now does it. She seated us at our table and the couple behind us gets up and leaves. Now we are the only patrons in this restaurant. It was so bright, the music was cheesy and the only people to people watch were us. So we made the best of it. The menu was interesting. It was a southwestern/tex mex/shrimp/not really sure type of restaurant. We ordered 2 Dos Equis and the chips and dips. The dips tasted like they were from a jar: green salsa, red salsa, cheese dip and guac. Andy ordered the Chicken Diablo. It was chicken tenders mixed with beans and it was too spicey. I had a taste and my throat was on fire. I had the Steak Enchiladas. It had a strange flavor. Maybe it was cooked in wine, I'm not sure. It was wrapped in a soggy red tortilla. The beans and rice had a strange flavor too. They smelled like nutmeg or cinnamon Let's put it this way, for $73 bucks, I think I should have loved it. I mean how can you screw up an enchilada?

Monday, November 10, 2008

My favorite boutique in Boca!

In this economy, I am all about supporting the small businesses. They are the back bone of this nation. One small business in particular is an adorable boutique located in Boca Raton called Vintage June. This boutique has unique and interesting items for women and children. The store carries the most amazing handbags from oversized quilted patent bags to woven baskets trimmed with ribbon. She has a beautiful assortment of unique jewelry and candles. For children, the owner features a collection of different books about manners for ages 3 and old. Start them young moms. She also has dolls, puzzles and games. The other great thing about this boutique is I can walk to it from my house.

Well, Vintage June has been open for a year and they are throwing a first anniversary party this week serving cocktails, hors d'oeurvres and shopping. It's Thursday, November 13th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. To RSVP or for more information call 561.338.7735.