Even though this temporary promotion has gotten me a sweet bonus and lots of over time money has been kind of tight lately. Not tight as in, oh crap, we have to cut back, but tight as in our cushion amount in our checking account hasn't been looking too cushy lately. Even though we have an emergency fund I always get a little panicky if our checking account gets too close/dips below a certain amount. Oh no! What if there's a fire! What if our water heater breaks! What if our car dies! What if?!?!?!?!
Part of it is because we've been spending more money on food. I'm always too tired to make anything and Michael has always been too tired to make anything so we've been eating out/ordering in a lot more than we have in the past. Bad, I know. Aside from that I drive an extra 42 miles every day (ugh) and gas is near $4 a gallon right now. Oh, and if that wasn't bad enough, I have to pay around $14 a day just to park. Ridiculous!
Well, it's a good thing I get reimbursed for miles and parking. I finally got my first reimbursement check and it is sweet! I know it's not free money since it's reimbursement for money spent but it can't help but feel like a windfall. It is, of course, going straight into our savings account.
You know, I'm proud of us. We may have spent more money this month than I would've like but even with this massive work expense we've managed to not cut into our savings. And now we have this large amount to add to our emergency fund! After my temporary promotion is over and I'm back to my normal commute (and free parking!) I'm going to increase our weekly savings rate.
Of course, my bonus helped absorb all of my commuting expense... Hmmm... We definitely didn't put my bonus into savings as I had originally planned...
Okay, so the goal for this month is to:
1) Continue saving our normal amount.
2) Put all of my bonus into savings.
3) Put all of my June reimbursement into savings.
4) Put all of my over time into savings.
I guess we need to get used to the feeling of being (near) broke...
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Panna Cotta!!! Yeah!
I made panna cotta yesterday!!!
It's another one of those "looks like it would be really hard to make but is in fact super easy" kind of recipe. Honestly, it's just cream jello and the hardest part is waiting six hours for it to jell. There are many recipes floating around but I used this one. Since it was my first time I halved it because I wasn't sure if it would turn out well. It did and I wish I made the full six serving because it tastes amazing. If you're wondering what it tastes like, it tastes like milk and honey jello. Oooh, milk and honey... mmmmm... milk and honey... It reminded me a lot of the honey ice cream I made last year. Mmm... honey ice cream...
Wait, what was I talking about? Oh right, panna cotta. So if you like jello-y dessert, heck, even if you don't, it's a must try. It's super easy to make and it tastes like it's food from God. Well, I guess technically one can argue that all foods are from God, but you get what I'm trying to say.
I wonder if flan is this easy to make... They're kind of jello-y too, right?
It's another one of those "looks like it would be really hard to make but is in fact super easy" kind of recipe. Honestly, it's just cream jello and the hardest part is waiting six hours for it to jell. There are many recipes floating around but I used this one. Since it was my first time I halved it because I wasn't sure if it would turn out well. It did and I wish I made the full six serving because it tastes amazing. If you're wondering what it tastes like, it tastes like milk and honey jello. Oooh, milk and honey... mmmmm... milk and honey... It reminded me a lot of the honey ice cream I made last year. Mmm... honey ice cream...
Wait, what was I talking about? Oh right, panna cotta. So if you like jello-y dessert, heck, even if you don't, it's a must try. It's super easy to make and it tastes like it's food from God. Well, I guess technically one can argue that all foods are from God, but you get what I'm trying to say.
I wonder if flan is this easy to make... They're kind of jello-y too, right?
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thanks Blogger
Oh, what's up Blogger. I'm sorry, what was that? Oh, it's cool not for me to start leaving comments and blogging again now? Yeah, what was all that about, anyway? I mean, I know you're letting me do all this stuff for free so I guess it's not like I have any right to complain. 'Cause, you know, man isn't it annoying when people complain about a free service or goods? I say, if you didn't pay, you don't get a say. But you know, just saying, it was kind of annoying. I mean, I appreciate you fixing it and all but...
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Too Much Red?
As an early birthday present my sister bought me a KitchenAid Mixer!
Now there's a whole new world of recipes that are open to me. I'm all for going old school and mixing and beating things by hand but when it comes to things like meringues and angel food cakes it's just better to have a mixer.
Unfortunately I've been too sickly and coughy to make anything. I'm not super into pastries and sweets but I can buy attachments to make my own pasta, sausages, ice cream, etc. I don't think I'll really be making my own sausage but I am very interested in making my own pasta.
Now all I need is a good food processor and I am set; there shouldn't be anything I can't make (in theory).
Now there's a whole new world of recipes that are open to me. I'm all for going old school and mixing and beating things by hand but when it comes to things like meringues and angel food cakes it's just better to have a mixer.
Unfortunately I've been too sickly and coughy to make anything. I'm not super into pastries and sweets but I can buy attachments to make my own pasta, sausages, ice cream, etc. I don't think I'll really be making my own sausage but I am very interested in making my own pasta.
Now all I need is a good food processor and I am set; there shouldn't be anything I can't make (in theory).
Saturday, May 21, 2011
My Very Own Rock Wall
Want to know what I did on my day off in between all the coughing and coughing and more coughing?
Ta da!!!
I got a few free portrait frames from work. I have a stack of t-shirts that I still really like but don't want to wear anymore. I always knew I wanted to frame them. It was just a matter of finding four that fit into a theme and wasn't so... dark. The latter was the real challenge. I knew I wanted to go with music but most of my band t-shirts were so dark and black I feared they would look very out of place in my happy bright living room. I picked the three brightest band shirts I owned and threw in one of Michael's so he wouldn't feel left out.
I really love the way it looks and can't wait to put up some more artwork! Best of all the whole thing was free!
Ta da!!!
I got a few free portrait frames from work. I have a stack of t-shirts that I still really like but don't want to wear anymore. I always knew I wanted to frame them. It was just a matter of finding four that fit into a theme and wasn't so... dark. The latter was the real challenge. I knew I wanted to go with music but most of my band t-shirts were so dark and black I feared they would look very out of place in my happy bright living room. I picked the three brightest band shirts I owned and threw in one of Michael's so he wouldn't feel left out.
I really love the way it looks and can't wait to put up some more artwork! Best of all the whole thing was free!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Ford's Fish Shack
Have you ever seen that Seinfield episode about the guy who opens a restaurant in the same location where a million restaurants before have failed? The location is a revolving door of failed eatery? There's a location like that in Ashburn, VA, in the Cameron Chase shopping plaza. Every year it's a different restaurant and Michael and I will always go, "Huh, let's see how long they last." Regardless of what restaurant went in there we've always referred to the place as Beef O'Brady because that was the most memorable restaurant we've seen to date. Not memorable as in the food was good. We never at there because, I mean, Beef O'Brady doesn't exactly sound appetizing. But memorable as in the name: Beef O'Brady. It does roll off your tongue.
Recently Michael was in the mood for some seafood and and a quick internet search showed that Beef O'Brady is now Ford's Fish Shack and it has a pretty good Yelp rating. Beef O'Brady, Ford's Fish Shack... What is up with these names? What's next? Wang's Dang Fine Chinese? Well, judging by the crowd, Wang's Dang Fine Chinese might not get the chance because I think Ford's Fish Shack might be around for awhile... Or not.
For starters, the hostess was kind of a bitch. Maybe she thought she worked at some exclusive hot spot and not a place called Fish Shack? She was the only rude staff member though. The wait staff weren't particularly charming or friendly but they were amiable enough.
Reading the menu I found out that Tom Seitsema rated the place. Tom Seitsema!!! Not sure why but I really like the guy. He said the place was okay and if it's okay for Tom it's okay for me!
No! Maybe after they got their soundbite from Seitsema they all went, "Okay guys! We can stop trying now!"
The meal started off great with some corn muffins.
They were, by far, the most excellent corn muffin/bread I've ever had. It was super crumbly, warm, buttery and slightly sweet. It even had real corn!
The honey butter was just a tad too sweet for the already sweet corn muffin... kind of reminded me of Country Crock. Oh Country Crock... It's what my mom used to buy. Why did we even have Country Crock in the house? I don't recall us eating a lot of bread.
Michael ordered the special, which was the red snapper with mango salsa on basmati rice.
The snapper was a bit over cooked and over seasoned, the salsa was too... herbed and spiced and the rice was very bland.
I ordered what I thought was going to be similar to a po' boy. Instead I got fried and battered popcorn shrimp on a fried hot dog bun.
I wasn't quite sure how to eat it. Am I supposed to eat it like a sub? There's no way that can be done. Am I supposed to just ignore the bread? I started to eat it with a knife and fork but decided to give up on the bread; it was too greasy.
The shrimp was far too salty, the coleslaw had an odd taste, and the dip was way too... Well, basically everything was just over salted and over seasoned. I felt like I was eating at Applebees or The Cheesecake Factory or Uno's or any other massively popular chain restaurants. It was kind of like eating Chinese food. And you know, there are times when I want something that just taste like sauce but if I'm paying for seafood I would like to actually taste the seafood.
The fries, the fries were good... And did I mention the corn muffins?
Oh! Their bathroom was amazing! It was, by far, the coolest bathroom I've ever been to. If it wasn't weird to take a camera into the bathroom I so would've taken a picture. At the bottom of the door there was this small textured ledge thing so that you can pull the door open with your feet! Why don't more places have those? I think they should be required by law for all public bathrooms.
So, Ford's Fish Shack, I hope you stick around for awhile. Your food may taste like I licked the bottom of my spice cabinet but I appreciate your dedication towards public health!
Recently Michael was in the mood for some seafood and and a quick internet search showed that Beef O'Brady is now Ford's Fish Shack and it has a pretty good Yelp rating. Beef O'Brady, Ford's Fish Shack... What is up with these names? What's next? Wang's Dang Fine Chinese? Well, judging by the crowd, Wang's Dang Fine Chinese might not get the chance because I think Ford's Fish Shack might be around for awhile... Or not.
For starters, the hostess was kind of a bitch. Maybe she thought she worked at some exclusive hot spot and not a place called Fish Shack? She was the only rude staff member though. The wait staff weren't particularly charming or friendly but they were amiable enough.
Reading the menu I found out that Tom Seitsema rated the place. Tom Seitsema!!! Not sure why but I really like the guy. He said the place was okay and if it's okay for Tom it's okay for me!
No! Maybe after they got their soundbite from Seitsema they all went, "Okay guys! We can stop trying now!"
The meal started off great with some corn muffins.
They were, by far, the most excellent corn muffin/bread I've ever had. It was super crumbly, warm, buttery and slightly sweet. It even had real corn!
The honey butter was just a tad too sweet for the already sweet corn muffin... kind of reminded me of Country Crock. Oh Country Crock... It's what my mom used to buy. Why did we even have Country Crock in the house? I don't recall us eating a lot of bread.
Michael ordered the special, which was the red snapper with mango salsa on basmati rice.
The snapper was a bit over cooked and over seasoned, the salsa was too... herbed and spiced and the rice was very bland.
I ordered what I thought was going to be similar to a po' boy. Instead I got fried and battered popcorn shrimp on a fried hot dog bun.
I wasn't quite sure how to eat it. Am I supposed to eat it like a sub? There's no way that can be done. Am I supposed to just ignore the bread? I started to eat it with a knife and fork but decided to give up on the bread; it was too greasy.
The shrimp was far too salty, the coleslaw had an odd taste, and the dip was way too... Well, basically everything was just over salted and over seasoned. I felt like I was eating at Applebees or The Cheesecake Factory or Uno's or any other massively popular chain restaurants. It was kind of like eating Chinese food. And you know, there are times when I want something that just taste like sauce but if I'm paying for seafood I would like to actually taste the seafood.
The fries, the fries were good... And did I mention the corn muffins?
Oh! Their bathroom was amazing! It was, by far, the coolest bathroom I've ever been to. If it wasn't weird to take a camera into the bathroom I so would've taken a picture. At the bottom of the door there was this small textured ledge thing so that you can pull the door open with your feet! Why don't more places have those? I think they should be required by law for all public bathrooms.
So, Ford's Fish Shack, I hope you stick around for awhile. Your food may taste like I licked the bottom of my spice cabinet but I appreciate your dedication towards public health!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Bookmark Clean Out
I'm sick!
I've actually been sick since Sunday. I'm at the contagious coughing stage which is annoying but means it's almost over. I believe in the theory that germs are into self preservation like every other living things. When they know the battle is lost they like to trigger a contagious stage (coughing, nose blowing, sneezing, etc) in hopes of escaping the recovering body and trying to make it unto a new host. This theory was brought to my attention in one of the chapters in Hot Zone where it says that during the last stage of Ebola, while the victim's inside is just liquidfying, they will go into this violent seizure and all the liquidy bloody mess will just go everywhere. It's the Ebola's last attempt to infect others.
While researching Ebola for a science class in high school I also learned that there are those who believe that epidemics and pandemics are Mother Nature's way of protecting the earth from over population and deforestation. The theory is that Nature intentionally planted like a virus bomb within the deep depths of nature, like the rain forest, set to detonate and infect when Humans get too close- the prime example being AIDS. Some things are just sacred. You know how God planted a giant flaming sword swinging angel to guard the Garden of Eden from exiled humans. It's kind of the same thing instead of seraphs think chimpanzee with a deadly virus.
I do think there is some merit to that theory. I don't think "Mother Nature" is an actual entity but disease is a scary effective means of population control. We've all heard of the Black Plague, right? Killed 1/3 of the European population! Not only is it effective, but it's also efficient and very Darwinian. Only the strongest (or the richest) will survive.
But yeah, going back to me being sick... So hopefully this coughing stage will end today and by tomorrow I will have graduated to the sneezing stage. I'm just ready to get over this thing. While I suck on cough drops and drink plenty of warm fluids here are some articles you can read!
How to Accessorize the Pottery Barn Way- Nothing against the Pottery Barn aesthetics, it's very nice, but it's not really my thing. Regardless, it offers some nice, basic designing tips.
How to Remove White Heat Marks on Furniture- Well, the good thing about having pressed wood/fake wood furniture is that you don't have to worry about things like this. However, good to know for when I get some "real" furniture.
If You Got It, Flaunt It- I am fascinated by people's shoes collection, namely, those of women who only wear heels... What do they wear to the grocery store?
Spinach and Mushroom Quesadilla- Overall I'm not a big fan of goat cheese but it's growing on me. I am always a fan of mushrooms and spinach.
Intergalactic Space Decor- Want want want! Those prints would look so good in my living room. $30 for a 8x11 though...? Yeah... I don't think I want them that much.
The World's Most Expensive Bed- I wonder who bought it.
Breakfast Hash Brown Pizza- It's from a blog called Slimming Eats and it has fried potatoes and bacon? Hmmm...
When to Trench- Men's fashion is extremely fascinating. Since guys are kind of limited in what they can do every detail matters so freaking much. Very very interesting. I have a few co-workers who take style very seriously and they can go on and on about pant breaks and cuffs.
Living With Less: Linen Closet- Oh hey! How timely!
The Top 3 Money-Saving Cleaning Must Haves- You know, lemon really isn't that cheap; they're like a dollar each. It adds up. I guess the idea is that you're supposed to use used lemon halves, like maybe the ones you've already juiced and zested? Who uses that much lemon in their cooking?
Whole Wheat Goldfish Crackers- If it didn't require me paying $8 + SH for a tiny cookie cutter I would totally try this. Well, I guess there's no reason why it has to be shaped like a fish... Or tiny for that matter...
Shrimp Creole- Oh shrimp... I love you so... I wish they weren't so expensive. Is it me or has the price of shrimp gone up? Is it the whole oil spill thing? Damn you BP!!!
Chefs are Masochists, Culinary School is a Scam- Anyone who has ever seen any episodes of any of Chef Ramsey's shows could probably tell you the same thing as this article.
The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread- So cool (and surprisingly affordable)! If I were the more crafty type I would totally steal that idea and DIY it. I mean, all you need is some cork board, right?
Master Closet Phase 5: The Big Reveal- I love looking at other people's closets! And, just because I'm totally jealous I will like to point out that knits should be folded and all jackets and shirts should be fully zipped/buttoned to prevent weird sagging.
Shoe Year Resolution- This post made me sad. Poor girl forcing herself to suffer through the day in ugly shoes and for what?
Troll Dolls Get Sassy Makeover, For Some Reason- I never understood why the originals were popular to begin with. I once had a frenemy in high school that looked like a troll doll. Oh frenemies... high school is such a vicious time.
The 10 Worst Lyrics From the 10 Richest Rappers- Stupid lyrics aside I was surprised at home much (or little) some of these rappers were worth.
I've actually been sick since Sunday. I'm at the contagious coughing stage which is annoying but means it's almost over. I believe in the theory that germs are into self preservation like every other living things. When they know the battle is lost they like to trigger a contagious stage (coughing, nose blowing, sneezing, etc) in hopes of escaping the recovering body and trying to make it unto a new host. This theory was brought to my attention in one of the chapters in Hot Zone where it says that during the last stage of Ebola, while the victim's inside is just liquidfying, they will go into this violent seizure and all the liquidy bloody mess will just go everywhere. It's the Ebola's last attempt to infect others.
While researching Ebola for a science class in high school I also learned that there are those who believe that epidemics and pandemics are Mother Nature's way of protecting the earth from over population and deforestation. The theory is that Nature intentionally planted like a virus bomb within the deep depths of nature, like the rain forest, set to detonate and infect when Humans get too close- the prime example being AIDS. Some things are just sacred. You know how God planted a giant flaming sword swinging angel to guard the Garden of Eden from exiled humans. It's kind of the same thing instead of seraphs think chimpanzee with a deadly virus.
I do think there is some merit to that theory. I don't think "Mother Nature" is an actual entity but disease is a scary effective means of population control. We've all heard of the Black Plague, right? Killed 1/3 of the European population! Not only is it effective, but it's also efficient and very Darwinian. Only the strongest (or the richest) will survive.
But yeah, going back to me being sick... So hopefully this coughing stage will end today and by tomorrow I will have graduated to the sneezing stage. I'm just ready to get over this thing. While I suck on cough drops and drink plenty of warm fluids here are some articles you can read!
How to Accessorize the Pottery Barn Way- Nothing against the Pottery Barn aesthetics, it's very nice, but it's not really my thing. Regardless, it offers some nice, basic designing tips.
How to Remove White Heat Marks on Furniture- Well, the good thing about having pressed wood/fake wood furniture is that you don't have to worry about things like this. However, good to know for when I get some "real" furniture.
If You Got It, Flaunt It- I am fascinated by people's shoes collection, namely, those of women who only wear heels... What do they wear to the grocery store?
Spinach and Mushroom Quesadilla- Overall I'm not a big fan of goat cheese but it's growing on me. I am always a fan of mushrooms and spinach.
Intergalactic Space Decor- Want want want! Those prints would look so good in my living room. $30 for a 8x11 though...? Yeah... I don't think I want them that much.
The World's Most Expensive Bed- I wonder who bought it.
Breakfast Hash Brown Pizza- It's from a blog called Slimming Eats and it has fried potatoes and bacon? Hmmm...
When to Trench- Men's fashion is extremely fascinating. Since guys are kind of limited in what they can do every detail matters so freaking much. Very very interesting. I have a few co-workers who take style very seriously and they can go on and on about pant breaks and cuffs.
Living With Less: Linen Closet- Oh hey! How timely!
The Top 3 Money-Saving Cleaning Must Haves- You know, lemon really isn't that cheap; they're like a dollar each. It adds up. I guess the idea is that you're supposed to use used lemon halves, like maybe the ones you've already juiced and zested? Who uses that much lemon in their cooking?
Whole Wheat Goldfish Crackers- If it didn't require me paying $8 + SH for a tiny cookie cutter I would totally try this. Well, I guess there's no reason why it has to be shaped like a fish... Or tiny for that matter...
Shrimp Creole- Oh shrimp... I love you so... I wish they weren't so expensive. Is it me or has the price of shrimp gone up? Is it the whole oil spill thing? Damn you BP!!!
Chefs are Masochists, Culinary School is a Scam- Anyone who has ever seen any episodes of any of Chef Ramsey's shows could probably tell you the same thing as this article.
The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread- So cool (and surprisingly affordable)! If I were the more crafty type I would totally steal that idea and DIY it. I mean, all you need is some cork board, right?
Master Closet Phase 5: The Big Reveal- I love looking at other people's closets! And, just because I'm totally jealous I will like to point out that knits should be folded and all jackets and shirts should be fully zipped/buttoned to prevent weird sagging.
Shoe Year Resolution- This post made me sad. Poor girl forcing herself to suffer through the day in ugly shoes and for what?
Troll Dolls Get Sassy Makeover, For Some Reason- I never understood why the originals were popular to begin with. I once had a frenemy in high school that looked like a troll doll. Oh frenemies... high school is such a vicious time.
The 10 Worst Lyrics From the 10 Richest Rappers- Stupid lyrics aside I was surprised at home much (or little) some of these rappers were worth.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Linen Closet: Before
Being a closet organizing freak I've always liked the idea of having my own linen closet. In my mind I pictured a linen closet neatly stacked with fluffy towels, soft sheets, crisp table clothes, and perfectly lined products. Instead, I have this:
So shameful, so so shameful...
Since I'm off tomorrow I'm going to see if I can reign all that mess in, get rid of some weird linens, and make sense out of the chaos. In my defense, if it was just me it would look much nicer if it was me but Michael doesn't believe in folding apparently.
You know, I googled pictures of linen closets and where do people store toilet paper? I know lots of people buy them in those giant packs of like bazillion rolls. Target was had a few on clearance and Michael saw fit to stack up. One is in the linen closet, as you can see, the other is in closet inside Michael's "office" and the third is in his car.
So shameful, so so shameful...
Since I'm off tomorrow I'm going to see if I can reign all that mess in, get rid of some weird linens, and make sense out of the chaos. In my defense, if it was just me it would look much nicer if it was me but Michael doesn't believe in folding apparently.
You know, I googled pictures of linen closets and where do people store toilet paper? I know lots of people buy them in those giant packs of like bazillion rolls. Target was had a few on clearance and Michael saw fit to stack up. One is in the linen closet, as you can see, the other is in closet inside Michael's "office" and the third is in his car.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Free Table!!!
I got a free table!!!
My boss stopped by to help clear out the back room with our stock guy. I came into work and saw this AWESOME table kind of skootched over to the crap pile with some more crap piled on top. It was love at first sight.
It has a mid century look about and looks like it belongs in a brightly colored living room with a sunburst clock. Hey! I have a sunburst clock!
Doesn't it look like a Star Trek com badge? So cool!
Now the question is, what to do with it. It's too small to be a coffee table and too big to be a side table (at least for our space). Hmmmm...
My boss stopped by to help clear out the back room with our stock guy. I came into work and saw this AWESOME table kind of skootched over to the crap pile with some more crap piled on top. It was love at first sight.
It has a mid century look about and looks like it belongs in a brightly colored living room with a sunburst clock. Hey! I have a sunburst clock!
Doesn't it look like a Star Trek com badge? So cool!
Now the question is, what to do with it. It's too small to be a coffee table and too big to be a side table (at least for our space). Hmmmm...
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Leesburg Court of Shoppes
During a late night googling I found out that there is a big antique mall I've never heard of just 15 minutes from my house!
What?!?!?
Of course I had to check it out. It's called Leesburg Court of Shoppes and it's a former motel in the middle of nowhere converted to an antique mall.
They took down the walls between each rooms and made it into a big long corridor. Even the hall way connecting all the rooms to the central check in rooms were crammed with antiques.
Sometimes I find the history of the building more interesting than the antiques inside. Why was there a motel in the middle of no-where part of Leesburg? Was it a nice classy motel or a seedy one?
As always it was nice to be around so many old stuff; I like old. However, I don't know, didn't really find anything that caught my eye. The place was full of knick knacks and that's not what I'm really looking for. I wanted something big and substantial and old and cheap. Most of what they had was small and not cheap, and made of glass.
Lots of glass. Lots and lots of vases and plates and cups and saucers and glass and porcelain and china and breakable stuff just everywhere.
I did find a pair of wall hangings that I really liked.
They would have been perfect for my living room! But, at $75 each... Yeah... Way overpriced.
So, I didn't find anything I liked but since it's so close to my house I'll give it a regular go. It's a huge place, there's a lot to take in, I probably missed a lot.
What?!?!?
Of course I had to check it out. It's called Leesburg Court of Shoppes and it's a former motel in the middle of nowhere converted to an antique mall.
They took down the walls between each rooms and made it into a big long corridor. Even the hall way connecting all the rooms to the central check in rooms were crammed with antiques.
Sometimes I find the history of the building more interesting than the antiques inside. Why was there a motel in the middle of no-where part of Leesburg? Was it a nice classy motel or a seedy one?
As always it was nice to be around so many old stuff; I like old. However, I don't know, didn't really find anything that caught my eye. The place was full of knick knacks and that's not what I'm really looking for. I wanted something big and substantial and old and cheap. Most of what they had was small and not cheap, and made of glass.
Lots of glass. Lots and lots of vases and plates and cups and saucers and glass and porcelain and china and breakable stuff just everywhere.
I did find a pair of wall hangings that I really liked.
They would have been perfect for my living room! But, at $75 each... Yeah... Way overpriced.
So, I didn't find anything I liked but since it's so close to my house I'll give it a regular go. It's a huge place, there's a lot to take in, I probably missed a lot.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Second Best
I bought Michael a black cap toe oxfords because every man needs a pair of dress shoes and his last pair was this thick soled square toed monstrosity that looked more like construction work shoes then dress shoes. I'm a big fan of cap toes. Wing tips, kilts, tassels, medallions, bits- they're all nice but sometimes you just need your shoes to hush and play support without looking too boring.
This was the pair that I wanted to get him.
But they were out of his size so I got him this pair.
Hmmm... It's okay. The outer sole sticks out too far and the toe line looks a little too squared and clunky.
Michael thinks they're fine but he also thought his last pair were fine (they weren't). Hmmm... I don't know, I might return them... Maybe get him a brown pair. Did you know that according to Italian tradition you're only supposed to wear black shoes to weddings and funerals? Michael is Italian and we don't anticipate too many weddings and funerals in our lives. Of course, he's not one for sartorial traditions but I think it's fun to take details into consideration.
I used to think men had it easy when it came to fashion but it's quite the opposite. There are so many "rules" and traditions, very fascinating. I guess when you're limited in methods to express yourself even the tiniest little details matter.
This was the pair that I wanted to get him.
But they were out of his size so I got him this pair.
Hmmm... It's okay. The outer sole sticks out too far and the toe line looks a little too squared and clunky.
Michael thinks they're fine but he also thought his last pair were fine (they weren't). Hmmm... I don't know, I might return them... Maybe get him a brown pair. Did you know that according to Italian tradition you're only supposed to wear black shoes to weddings and funerals? Michael is Italian and we don't anticipate too many weddings and funerals in our lives. Of course, he's not one for sartorial traditions but I think it's fun to take details into consideration.
I used to think men had it easy when it came to fashion but it's quite the opposite. There are so many "rules" and traditions, very fascinating. I guess when you're limited in methods to express yourself even the tiniest little details matter.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Chard
Michael came back from the farmer's market with this:
Me: What is it?
Him: I don't know.
Me: Why did you buy it then?
Him: They say you should try new things at a farmer's market.
Me: Well yeah... but you didn't think to ask what it is?
Him: We'll figure it out.
As I looked it at it a word came to mind: chard. I didn't know if chard was even a thing but that word just came to me.
Me: I think it's chard.
Him: What's chard?
Me: I don't know. But I think it's chard.
Google image confirmed it! Rainbow chard! It's interesting how I knew it was chard without knowing that there is a thing called chard. It makes me wonder what else I don't know that I know... Does that make sense?
It's a gorgeous piece of vegetable but kind of disturbing as well. Look at it:
Doesn't it kind of look like blood veins? Ewe.
Wasn't sure how to cook it so I cooked it like I would any leafy green vegetables. Toss it in with some onions, some garlic, some tomatoes and olive oil... BAM!
Much like spinach, the volume dwindles after applying some heat.
In case you were wondering, it kind of tastes like spinach. We had it with some Japanese style pork chop. Yay for food!
Me: What is it?
Him: I don't know.
Me: Why did you buy it then?
Him: They say you should try new things at a farmer's market.
Me: Well yeah... but you didn't think to ask what it is?
Him: We'll figure it out.
As I looked it at it a word came to mind: chard. I didn't know if chard was even a thing but that word just came to me.
Me: I think it's chard.
Him: What's chard?
Me: I don't know. But I think it's chard.
Google image confirmed it! Rainbow chard! It's interesting how I knew it was chard without knowing that there is a thing called chard. It makes me wonder what else I don't know that I know... Does that make sense?
It's a gorgeous piece of vegetable but kind of disturbing as well. Look at it:
Doesn't it kind of look like blood veins? Ewe.
Wasn't sure how to cook it so I cooked it like I would any leafy green vegetables. Toss it in with some onions, some garlic, some tomatoes and olive oil... BAM!
Much like spinach, the volume dwindles after applying some heat.
In case you were wondering, it kind of tastes like spinach. We had it with some Japanese style pork chop. Yay for food!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
All Natural Pig
Michael has been trying to eat healthy for awhile now; he just didn't know how. So, I got him to read this book:
Which not only breaks it down for you in super easy to understand, short, short explanations but also gives the reasons behind it (if you don't care about the detailed explanation and history, just get this book). So, in an effort to eat "food" Michael went to a farmer's market and came back with this:
Pork. Raised locally not fed crap pork.
As much as I like (love) bacon, I'm not much of a pork person and the only way I like them is Japanese pork chop (donkatsu) style, which is how I decided to prepare them.
Now, I don't know how much Michael paid for this pork, and I'm not sure that I want to know, but I was a bit disappointed. It was a pound of meat but it had quite a bit of the bone in there, so you know that added to the weight. It also had a lot of fat.
That's just off one chop. Now, if you're roasting it or grilling it I guess the fat could be a good thing. It'll melt and make the ends all nice and crispy, like bacon! However, when you're planning on pounding it flat and battering it up... not awesome.
Oh, and what about this fatty chunk of meat?
I saved it and froze it figuring there's something I could do with it later on. Maybe baked bean?
I wish there was more meat and less fat but, can't argue... Best. Pork. EVER!
Which not only breaks it down for you in super easy to understand, short, short explanations but also gives the reasons behind it (if you don't care about the detailed explanation and history, just get this book). So, in an effort to eat "food" Michael went to a farmer's market and came back with this:
Pork. Raised locally not fed crap pork.
As much as I like (love) bacon, I'm not much of a pork person and the only way I like them is Japanese pork chop (donkatsu) style, which is how I decided to prepare them.
Now, I don't know how much Michael paid for this pork, and I'm not sure that I want to know, but I was a bit disappointed. It was a pound of meat but it had quite a bit of the bone in there, so you know that added to the weight. It also had a lot of fat.
That's just off one chop. Now, if you're roasting it or grilling it I guess the fat could be a good thing. It'll melt and make the ends all nice and crispy, like bacon! However, when you're planning on pounding it flat and battering it up... not awesome.
Oh, and what about this fatty chunk of meat?
I saved it and froze it figuring there's something I could do with it later on. Maybe baked bean?
I wish there was more meat and less fat but, can't argue... Best. Pork. EVER!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tax Deduction!
A few weeks ago I was driving to work when, close to home, I saw the world "THRIFT" on a building.
OMG!!! A brand new thrift store!!! How exciting!!!
Michael and I recently checked it out. We also brought along four bags of donation. Being home owners now we, of course, made sure we got a receipt for those donations. I should have researched the value of before hand but I didn't. The lady there just eye-balled it and said, "...$200?" I'll take it! At first $200 seemed generous for all that crap but thinking about it now it might be worth more. Let's see... I donated:
9 pairs of shoes
1 purse
1 house hold item (a salt and pepper shaker set)
3 jackets
2 hats
1 necklace
4 pants
5 tank tops
8 shirts
5 blouses
11 sweaters
Maybe it's worth less than $200, maybe more. I guess I don't really care. I got rid of some stuff, got a $200 tax deduction, and I get to help the community.
The thrift store itself wasn't too awesome. Oh wait, I take that back. It was totally awesome because they had these:
GIANT vintage posters of trains.
They were amazing I mean, talk about a conversational piece! Best of all the lady was willing to sell them for just $5 each!!! I wanted them, I really really did, however I had no idea where I would hang them and neither us are into trains.
OMG!!! A brand new thrift store!!! How exciting!!!
Michael and I recently checked it out. We also brought along four bags of donation. Being home owners now we, of course, made sure we got a receipt for those donations. I should have researched the value of before hand but I didn't. The lady there just eye-balled it and said, "...$200?" I'll take it! At first $200 seemed generous for all that crap but thinking about it now it might be worth more. Let's see... I donated:
9 pairs of shoes
1 purse
1 house hold item (a salt and pepper shaker set)
3 jackets
2 hats
1 necklace
4 pants
5 tank tops
8 shirts
5 blouses
11 sweaters
Maybe it's worth less than $200, maybe more. I guess I don't really care. I got rid of some stuff, got a $200 tax deduction, and I get to help the community.
The thrift store itself wasn't too awesome. Oh wait, I take that back. It was totally awesome because they had these:
GIANT vintage posters of trains.
They were amazing I mean, talk about a conversational piece! Best of all the lady was willing to sell them for just $5 each!!! I wanted them, I really really did, however I had no idea where I would hang them and neither us are into trains.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Snap Decision
It's odd, it really is.
I agonized over if and how many rice bowls I should purchase. They were three dollars each! Should I get them? They're so cute! But do I really need bowls specifically for rice? I have cereal bowls, why not just use those? How often would I use them? Etc. Seriously. I'm sure the Crate and Barrel Outlet folks thought I was either very poor or really indecisive. Every once in awhile Michael, instead of being helpful, would try to slink away and I would call him back with, "Wait, come back! What if...?"
Spring has finally sprung (yay!) and low and behold, we discover we need a new lawnmower. Young McCain left one behind but supposedly there's something wrong with it, I don't know.
Michael: I think we need a new lawnmower 'cause that thing is old and it kind of works but I don't like it.
Me: Okay, try to keep it under $300.
Twenty minutes later Michael is back with a brand new lawn mower ($250).
Now, logically, I knew that it was probably a frivolous purchase.
1) The old lawnmower did technically work. I'm not too clear on what was wrong with it but he never said it didn't work. He just said it didn't work right.
2) My dad probably could have fixed it.
3) Even if he couldn't both our parents live about 6 miles away and Michael mows the lawn about twice a week. He could've just driven over their and borrowed either dad's mower, especially since we drive by them to and from work.
4) I'm pretty sure Michael said his dad is thinking about signing up for a lawn service so he might've let us borrow it indefinitely.
5) We could've done our research and gotten one for less than $250.
And so on and so on and so on...
But, you know, it was a snap decision. We "need" a mower? Well go buy one! I don't regret it. Michael loves his mower. We're not financially impacted. Easy. So why was that rice bowl decision so hard?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Shaved Asparagus Pizza
It's a pizza face off!!!
On one side we have my shaved asparagus pizza!
On the other side we have Michael's traditional Hawaiian style pizza!!!
Which pizza will come out on top?!?!?!
I guess it depends on who you ask. Me, personally, I'm not a big fan of white pizza. As far as I'm concerned a pizza without marinara sauce isn't a pizza, it's a tart. Oh, and the asparagus are a pain in the butt to shave. Overall it was delicious though, being a huge asparagus fan, I wish the asparagus taste was a bit stronger.
Michael's pizza was delicious as well and I was quite envious of all the marinara sauce on his. But, you know, it's a been there, done that kind of pizza. I say take a little risk now and then and try something new.
If anyone is looking for a fun way to use up left over ingredients (other than fried rice) I highly recommend make your own pizza night.
On one side we have my shaved asparagus pizza!
On the other side we have Michael's traditional Hawaiian style pizza!!!
Which pizza will come out on top?!?!?!
I guess it depends on who you ask. Me, personally, I'm not a big fan of white pizza. As far as I'm concerned a pizza without marinara sauce isn't a pizza, it's a tart. Oh, and the asparagus are a pain in the butt to shave. Overall it was delicious though, being a huge asparagus fan, I wish the asparagus taste was a bit stronger.
Michael's pizza was delicious as well and I was quite envious of all the marinara sauce on his. But, you know, it's a been there, done that kind of pizza. I say take a little risk now and then and try something new.
If anyone is looking for a fun way to use up left over ingredients (other than fried rice) I highly recommend make your own pizza night.
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