a beautiful day in the neighborhood

It never ceases to amaze me how I can multi-task at the level in which I do. For instance, right now I’m sitting at my desk (scratch that) cubicle waiting on one last piece of business to come in so I can cross it off my to do list (and go home). In the meantime, I’m also writing this little blurb, making my grocery list, AND coming up with a menu for what’s left of this week.

Man I’m tired.

And not in one of those I stayed up too late kind of ways. I’m tired in one of those I have mononucleosis (but I don’t) kind of ways. Exhausted tired. I get plenty of rest. Trust me. A mack truck could drive into my bedroom at midnight and I’d never be the wiser. I’m just drained from work. I guess that’s a good thing. Means I’m accomplishing stuff, right?

Yeah, I hope so.
Otherwise, all this multi-tasking madness is making me look mighty rough for no good reason.

reality bites

Yesterday we had another showing. Not bad for a house that’s only been on the market a little over a week right? Especially in this crappy housing market. I mean, don’t worry, they’re only showings, I get it. No one’s offering to buy this place yet.

Yet.

So since people were coming to look at the house, we had to leave it. Figured we would check out the potential ‘hoods out in the ‘burbs. And it was fun and new and exciting.

And did you know the ‘burbs have a Fresh Market? And Starbucks’sssss? And Banana Republic? and JCrew?? And I could keep going??
It’s as if you never have to leave the burbs again. Everything’s right there for you.

And the houses are nice. The neighborhoods are quiet, tree-lined streets. The houses have lovely yards. And the houses aren’t on top of each other.

The problem in this whole quest is that I’ve realized…we’re not rich. And we won’t be buying a beautiful colonial estate. I’m starting to think that my route to work has really warped my sense of housing reality. Unfortunately, this route is flanked by houses that look like this…

and this

and this

Not exactly what we’re in the market for.

Should be an interesting house hunt.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to play the lottery.

red velvet whoopie pies

There’s no doubt that I come from the Sandra Lee school of cooking as opposed to the Ina Garten school. Since I’ve got that little thing called a day job, I don’t have as much time as I’d like to create things from scratch. Sometimes I want need to take a few shortcuts. So when I made red velvet whoopie pies yesterday, that’s exactly what I did.

If you’re up for making these from scratch, there are some great recipes out there. If you’re up for using a box of cake mix like me, then this is the place for you.

Ingredients for the red velvet whoopie pies:
1 box red velvet cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup oil
(all of which are listed on the cake mix box)

For the Filling
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 1/3 cups Marshmallow Fluff (marshmallo creme)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Line cookie sheet with parchment paper
In mixing bowl beat all pie ingredients on medium low speed until well combined
Drop by 2 tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart
Bake 8-10 minutes, until puffed and toothpick, fork, sharp pointy object inserted in center comes out clean
Cool on rack until completely cool

Meanwhile….
In a mixing bowl, add butter, marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and salt…
Beat until smooth
Put 1/2 of pies, flat side up, on a cool baking sheet
Drop about 1 1/2 tbsp. filling in the center of each
Top with remaining pies, rounded side up and press gently so filling spreads to the edges.

Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Friends & photos

Always make for an interesting combination. Because unless you have one of those friends who is perfectly content having his/her photo taken, you’re going to receive quite a bit of pushback.

Which is exactly what happened to me last night when I dragged out the camera during my hair appointment.

Is it normal that someone would show up with a camera for their hair appointment?
No.

Is it normal that I would show up with a camera for my hair appointment?
Absolutely.

So, like I always do, I took pictures. Last night, I took pictures of my hair guy, Michael.

And it went exactly as I figured it would.
Met with total resistance.

But why would that stop me?

I mean, eventually,

everyone caves.

family

This is my dad (left) with his sister and brother.  I’m not exactly sure of the timing of this photo, but I know they were young and seemingly happy. 

I came across this photo today on Facebook.  My cousin Peter, who is serving in Iraq, posted this photo on my dad’s wall.  And in that split second I saw the picture, I had a moment of “awe”.  I’ve never seen this photo before.  And it seems there are so few photos of my dad and his siblings as young ones, that I forget what they looked like.  And looking at this one I realize, I look exactly like my aunt Mary Elizabeth.  Forever, everyone has said I was the spitting image of my mom.  It never dawned on me that there was such a striking resemblance to my father’s sister. And I think it would make my dad happy.  It makes me happy.

I couldn’t tell you where they were in this photo or what they’re plans were for that day.  But what I do know is that they look like they are posing for the Kennedy family portrait.

As for striking resemblances, I’m pretty sure my uncle Peter and Teddy Kennedy were separated at birth.

beef and bean chili verde

While scouring for new recipes the other night, I found this one on-line…but now I’m not exactly sure where.
Helpful, aren’t I?

This one’s easy. And it’s yet another chili recipe. Apparently I really, really like chili.

Beef and Bean Chili Verde
1 pound 93%-lean ground beef
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 16-ounce jar green salsa, green enchilada sauce or taco sauce
1/4 cup water
1 15-ounce can pinto or kidney beans, rinsed

To make:
Cook beef, bell pepper and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat, crumbling the meat, until the meat is browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add garlic, chili powder, cumin and cayenne; cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
Stir in salsa and water; bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir in beans and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

Then enjoy.

how to live with a cat: 101

Learn to live with crazy.

The end.

White Trash Wednesday – Microwave Brownies

As I mentioned yesterday, I’m going to start going back and actually making some of the White Trash recipes I’ve posted over the past few months.  I can assure you that this recipe just moved to the top of the list.  As for the bologna pate, you’ll have to forgive me if that never sees the light of day. 

Microwave Brownies:

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or chips
* Nonstick cooking spray

Directions

Put the butter and chocolate into a microwave safe bowl and heat on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to melt the chocolate. Set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar.

In a large bowl sift the flour with the baking powder and salt. Add the egg and chocolate mixtures along with the vanilla and stir well to combine.

Spray an 8 by 8 by-2-inch microwave safe glass pan with cooking spray. Pour the batter into the pan, spread it out evenly, and scatter the chocolate chunks on top. Cook on high for 5 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 minutes before cutting and eating.

You can find the original recipe here.

the making of a wtw meal

It has been brought to my attention {ahem shutterboo} that I have never actually made one of the White Trash recipes I’ve posted. So I decided that it’s time to stop talking about ‘em and start making ‘em.

Last night I made Swiss Cheese Chicken.

And it was never my belief that this dinner qualified as true White Trash as it was probably something I would have eaten anyway. Or maybe, I’m just totally white trash and I never really knew it.

Either way, it was good. And easy. And I like good and easy.

So if you’re in the mood to feel all white trashy, then I say go for it. Make this meal.

It’s only Monday

If there was a punctuation mark that would fit on the end of today, it would look like this

and be followed with this

And it’s only Monday kids.