Adam and I spent a great weekend in Chicago! We stayed with my sister, and we hung out in her neighborhood (Lakeview/Lincoln Park)and relaxed. We shopped a bit and ate out a lot...it was a nice change of scenery, and it was fantastic to spend time with Lindsay. She is doing so well, and her apartment is fixed up sooo cute. City living is something that Adam and I both talk about a lot, and we could really see ourselves doing it. Maybe someday when the housing market is better? There's so much to see and do in Chicago, and we love the variety. I can see Kiki being a city cat!
On Sunday, we were able to visit my friend Mary (who also lives in Chicago) and her new baby boy James! What an adorable little guy...and what an adorable mom! Mary is doing so well, and it's evident that she is already a wonderful mother to James. Everyone is having babies around us, it seems...we're just "that age," I suppose!
This looks to be an extremely busy week for me, with some extra responsibilities at work, book club meetings, professional group/networking meetings in the evening, and then finally a grad class on Saturday. Less than 6 weeks until spring break!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
New Baby and Valentine's Day Recap!
First, congratulations to my wonderful friend Kelly and her husband Bob, on the arrival of their beautiful daughter Chloe Elizabeth! She was a Valentine baby, born on February 14. She is just beautiful, and we had the chance to see her in the hospital on Sunday. See pictures below.
On Saturday, Adam and I enjoyed a relaxing Valentine's Day! We exchanged our gifts (I received some gorgeous flowers and a charm for my Pandora bracelet - he received two ties) and had a lovely dinner at Reds on the River. We watched The Godfather when we got home, and enjoyed our house. We took some random pictures of ourselves before dinner, which I felt the need to post. :)
On Saturday, Adam and I enjoyed a relaxing Valentine's Day! We exchanged our gifts (I received some gorgeous flowers and a charm for my Pandora bracelet - he received two ties) and had a lovely dinner at Reds on the River. We watched The Godfather when we got home, and enjoyed our house. We took some random pictures of ourselves before dinner, which I felt the need to post. :)
Friday, February 13, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day! (a day early)
Happy Valentine's Day! I still love this "Hallmark holiday," even though I'm apparently supposed to boycott it and not buy anything or do anything for it. I'm a hopeless romantic, and I love a chance to buy my significant other a present, write him a love note, and go on a date! What girl wouldn't love flowers or a card?
I'm sure my love for Valentine's Day exists because I teach fifth grade - and the kids still have a Valentine's Day Party, they exchange the Valentine cards, and they wear pink and red to school. It brings me back to the days when you could not WAIT to see what kind of Valentine you received from your "crush" - and the kids still do it. They read and examine every card, and comment on the messages. Nowadays, valentines all come with candy and a lot of them come with temporary tattoos...too funny.
I hope everyone has a great weekend, and I hope you use the 14th as an excuse to do something romantic and sweet. :)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
February Update
Hi Everyone!
It has been awhile since I've posted...life is good! Adam is enjoying his new job, and is getting used to the different hours it requires. I'm enjoying work as well, and still (8.5 years later) loving my job. I've been putting in a lot more hours lately, and I feel caught up and on top of things. It's a wonderful feeling, and it makes me look forward to going to work every day!
We have been LOVING the warmer weather this week - I wore capris to work today, and we opened the windows yesterday! Ok, those may be extreme moves for 60 degrees, but nevertheless, we were inspired! Adam and I have been focusing a lot on working out and being healthy - we have been committed to solid workouts every day, and are working hard to eat healthy. We have 7 weeks until our trip, and we want to be in shape!
I've recently "re-done" our upstairs guest bathroom - It's not perfect, but I am in love with the paint color....see pic below. Also, our wonderful friends Garett and Janelle gave us the ultimate wedding present...a BEAUTIFUL Pottery Barn-inspired bench for our kitchen, which Garett MADE!! It's absolutely beautiful, and is perfect for our home. We can't stop looking at it! We ordered the baskets and seat cushion from PB and the whole ensemble is now complete. Miss Kiki has decided that she needs to sit on the bench while we eat dinner every night...not surprising!
Tomorrow night I'm going to dinner and a movie with my friends from work, and I'm really looking forward to it. I work with amazing friends, and I love to have the chance to get together outside of school. Have a good night, everyone!
It has been awhile since I've posted...life is good! Adam is enjoying his new job, and is getting used to the different hours it requires. I'm enjoying work as well, and still (8.5 years later) loving my job. I've been putting in a lot more hours lately, and I feel caught up and on top of things. It's a wonderful feeling, and it makes me look forward to going to work every day!
We have been LOVING the warmer weather this week - I wore capris to work today, and we opened the windows yesterday! Ok, those may be extreme moves for 60 degrees, but nevertheless, we were inspired! Adam and I have been focusing a lot on working out and being healthy - we have been committed to solid workouts every day, and are working hard to eat healthy. We have 7 weeks until our trip, and we want to be in shape!
I've recently "re-done" our upstairs guest bathroom - It's not perfect, but I am in love with the paint color....see pic below. Also, our wonderful friends Garett and Janelle gave us the ultimate wedding present...a BEAUTIFUL Pottery Barn-inspired bench for our kitchen, which Garett MADE!! It's absolutely beautiful, and is perfect for our home. We can't stop looking at it! We ordered the baskets and seat cushion from PB and the whole ensemble is now complete. Miss Kiki has decided that she needs to sit on the bench while we eat dinner every night...not surprising!
Tomorrow night I'm going to dinner and a movie with my friends from work, and I'm really looking forward to it. I work with amazing friends, and I love to have the chance to get together outside of school. Have a good night, everyone!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Dinner Tonight!
I haven't posted a recipe in awhile, and this one was too good NOT to share! I messed with it a little, and had to make it on the stovetop/oven in order to avoid the snow-covered deck/grill. I cut the recipe in half for Adam and I. Enjoy!
Steak Bruschetta Salad
Dressing: 6 Tbsp. ranch dressing
1 1/2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish (opt.)
Steaks:
1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground coffee
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. ancho chile powder (I used regular chili powder)
4 (4 oz.) beef tenderloin steaks, trimmed (1 inch thick)
Bruschetta:
1/4 c. chopped shallots or finely chopped red onion
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil
1/4 c. chopped red bell pepper
1-3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (I used half of a lemon)
balsamic vinegar to taste (I used 1-2 Tbsp?)
12 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
romaine and arugula lettuce (enough for an entree-sized portion per person)
1. To prepare salad dressing, combine ranch and horseradish in a sm. bowl. Chill.
2. To prepare steaks, combine black pepper, ground coffee, ground cumin, and chili powder. Rub sides of steak with mixture. Let stand 10 minutes.
3. Heat oven to 400.
4. Combine shallots or onion, fresh basil, bell pepper, juice, vinegar, and tomatoes in a small bowl. Toss well.
5. Heat a nonstick pan over high heat, with approx. 1 tsp. olive oil. Add steaks to pan. Sear all sides. Cook approx. 5 minutes on each side, turning heat down a bit. Cover and keep on med. heat for 5-10 more minutes, turning regularly.
6. If you like the steak med-rare, it should be fine at this point. If not, place on a baking sheet and bake in oven to desired temperature, approx. 8 minutes for medium, depending on the thickness of the steak.
7. Toss lettuce with desired amount of dressing - place on plate. Remove steak from oven and let sit for 7 minutes on cutting board before slicing.
8. Top lettuce with desired amount of bruschetta mixture.
9. Cut each steak diagonally across the grain into thin slices. Place steak slices over salad. Serve immediately, with garlic bread!
*Recipe courtesy Cooking Light and me!
Steak Bruschetta Salad
Dressing: 6 Tbsp. ranch dressing
1 1/2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish (opt.)
Steaks:
1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground coffee
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. ancho chile powder (I used regular chili powder)
4 (4 oz.) beef tenderloin steaks, trimmed (1 inch thick)
Bruschetta:
1/4 c. chopped shallots or finely chopped red onion
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil
1/4 c. chopped red bell pepper
1-3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (I used half of a lemon)
balsamic vinegar to taste (I used 1-2 Tbsp?)
12 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
romaine and arugula lettuce (enough for an entree-sized portion per person)
1. To prepare salad dressing, combine ranch and horseradish in a sm. bowl. Chill.
2. To prepare steaks, combine black pepper, ground coffee, ground cumin, and chili powder. Rub sides of steak with mixture. Let stand 10 minutes.
3. Heat oven to 400.
4. Combine shallots or onion, fresh basil, bell pepper, juice, vinegar, and tomatoes in a small bowl. Toss well.
5. Heat a nonstick pan over high heat, with approx. 1 tsp. olive oil. Add steaks to pan. Sear all sides. Cook approx. 5 minutes on each side, turning heat down a bit. Cover and keep on med. heat for 5-10 more minutes, turning regularly.
6. If you like the steak med-rare, it should be fine at this point. If not, place on a baking sheet and bake in oven to desired temperature, approx. 8 minutes for medium, depending on the thickness of the steak.
7. Toss lettuce with desired amount of dressing - place on plate. Remove steak from oven and let sit for 7 minutes on cutting board before slicing.
8. Top lettuce with desired amount of bruschetta mixture.
9. Cut each steak diagonally across the grain into thin slices. Place steak slices over salad. Serve immediately, with garlic bread!
*Recipe courtesy Cooking Light and me!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A New President!
I'm very excited today, as President Obama will be sworn in! I have high hopes for his presidency, and I can't wait to watch the Inauguration ceremony at lunch today. May God bless Barack!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Spring Break!
Adam and I have booked our spring break trip!! After many, many hours of research, we've found what we feel is the perfect place. April can't come soon enough!! We'll be going to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Holiday Pics
Here are a few pictures over the holidays, thanks to Suzanne! I have made a vow (to myself) that I will be a LOT better about taking my camera along with me and trying to photograph things more often. I need to be better.
Last night, Adam and I went to dinner with my parents, and then we headed downtown to one of my favorite places, One Trick Pony...we saw the band Mid-Life Crisis, which happens to be the band that Mr. Paul is in (vocals, piano/keyboards) - the Paul family is who I nannied for for 8 years! We had a great time - there were literally dozens of people there that we knew, and we lasted as long as the band played. They are wonderful! Today we're doing laundry and cleaning, and Adam is preparing for his job training - I am preparing to FREEZE with the cold temps that are coming. Winter is not my favorite.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Good For You
I learned a great relationship "tool" at a work conference, and it has been useful to Adam and I, as well as many friends whom I've shared it with - it's a simple question to ask your spouse/significant other. It provides insight into what's bothering your spouse, and what makes your spouse happy...here it is:
1. Ask, "What is one thing I do that harms our relationship?"
2. Wait for your spouse to answer...listen to his response, and do NOT argue. Let him talk. He may only say ONE answer - not more - his answer should be fairly concise.
3. Wait 30 seconds - think about what your spouse has told you. Then, respond with "Thank you" in a pleasant voice (not an annoyed or angry voice.) Don't ask questions, don't ask for clarification, and don't argue/defend yourself. Just take it in.
Now, switch roles...do the same thing.
4. Next, ask each other this question, in the same manner: "What is one thing I do that is good for our relationship?" Answer each other with a "Thank you" as you did previously.
Adam and I have done this periodically, and it is so good - it's simple, yet it allows us to see what we are doing that is frustrating, and what we are doing that is positive. It's not giving a list of frustrations, and it's done in a calm way...very useful and eye-opening. Something to try!
1. Ask, "What is one thing I do that harms our relationship?"
2. Wait for your spouse to answer...listen to his response, and do NOT argue. Let him talk. He may only say ONE answer - not more - his answer should be fairly concise.
3. Wait 30 seconds - think about what your spouse has told you. Then, respond with "Thank you" in a pleasant voice (not an annoyed or angry voice.) Don't ask questions, don't ask for clarification, and don't argue/defend yourself. Just take it in.
Now, switch roles...do the same thing.
4. Next, ask each other this question, in the same manner: "What is one thing I do that is good for our relationship?" Answer each other with a "Thank you" as you did previously.
Adam and I have done this periodically, and it is so good - it's simple, yet it allows us to see what we are doing that is frustrating, and what we are doing that is positive. It's not giving a list of frustrations, and it's done in a calm way...very useful and eye-opening. Something to try!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy New Year!
Adam and I had a wonderful New Year's Eve...we went to a superb dinner at Louis Benton, and got all dressed up...I had on the red dress from our first trip to NYC, the night we saw Phantom. Adam looked wonderful in his new suit and the tie I bought him on my girls weekend in Chicago. Notice that I am describing our outfits...yeah, that's because we left our camera in the car. :( After dinner, we planned on hanging out downtown GR and watching the ball drop, however that was the plan of over 20,000 others! Packed streets, packed bars and restaurants...lines galore. I was in the red strapless dress with heels, and just didn't feel like standing outside. So, we came home, popped our champagne, and sat in front of the fire and watched the ball drop on tv! At 12:02, Adam gave me a Pandora charm - the wedding cake - to celebrate the one year anniversary of our engagement. He asked me last year on New Year's Day, when I went out for a few minutes to get pizza. It was a total and complete surprise when he asked me to marry him, as was the wedding cake charm. :) What a romantic, sweet husband I have. I am reminded of it often, and am so grateful.
We spent Friday in Detroit with my grandma, aunt & uncle, and their 3 kids. We had a great trip, and it was so nice to catch up with everyone. Adam is now not feeling well, so we are relaxing at home tonight. We both have to go back to work on Monday, so we are just enjoying our house and laying low until reality sets back in. January looks pretty quiet for us...Adam is going to Chicago for job training for a couple weeks, and I am excited to visit him on his off weekend!
I hope everyone has a good week!
We spent Friday in Detroit with my grandma, aunt & uncle, and their 3 kids. We had a great trip, and it was so nice to catch up with everyone. Adam is now not feeling well, so we are relaxing at home tonight. We both have to go back to work on Monday, so we are just enjoying our house and laying low until reality sets back in. January looks pretty quiet for us...Adam is going to Chicago for job training for a couple weeks, and I am excited to visit him on his off weekend!
I hope everyone has a good week!
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