Merry Christmas!!!
One great thing about working retail is that you get a pass for being late on anything Christmas related. There's so much media attention on crazed shoppers and frenzied crowds you can just totally say, "Hey, sorry I didn't get these Christmas card out in time. Work, you know how it is around this time..." and they're like, "Oh, yeah, totally, how are you holding up?"
Lately Michael and I have been rather concerned about our finances. Well, concerned isn't the right word, reflective maybe... Is there a word that means reflective+regretful? Income wise, this was the best year for us. With all my over time and bonus, I made much more than we had originally planned last year. Plus, there was our super sweet tax refund... However, this was our worst year for savings.
I would be okay with out of control spending if we had something to show for it; you know, like a fully furnished house or something. But no, lots of new things here and there but nothing big like, yes, this is what we did with all that money! Well, we paid off Michael's car, that's something, right?
Well, this year is going to be different! I don't anticipating making as much this year as last. I could be wrong but I really think last year was a fluke. I also imagine that sooner, rather than later, the company will stop being so generous with over time. At the same time, of course, bills are going up. Augh. Michael disagrees but I like this feeling of "WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY!" It's stressful (and depressing) but it keeps me focused. Michael's goal is to have the house "done" (still not sure what that means) by this time next year. My goal is have a shit ton of money saved up by this time next year. Two opposing goals; we'll see how it goes.
As a step towards a new direction, we used all the money we got during the holidays to pay off some of our bills. This is a three paycheck month for us and we already paid off December's bill so we should be able to make one last decent contribution to our savings this year. I don't even miss the stuff I could have bought with that money. Okay, I do, but just a little.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
BLT Creamy Mac' n' Cheese
This is the pasta dish that inspired Michael to start eating healthier.
He dubbed it "heart attack pasta". After eating it he realized that if he continues to eat this way he will die of a heart attack.
It's actually not that bad but Michael isn't used to cooking so he doesn't realize how much fat, sugar, and cream goes into most meals. It's kind of like how I would totally be a vegetarian, in a heart beat, if I had to kill for meat.
I'm starting to cook a little bit more often now and it's fun to discover new ingredients that seems to be common, yet so foreign. For example, a not too long ago I discovered shallots and have been using it regularly now. With this dish, I discovered leeks! It's not crucial to the ingredient but when I'm making something this heavy vegetables help me rationalize it as health food....
And, with a nickname like heart attack pasta you figure it must be good, and oh it is!
BLT Creamy Mac' n' Cheese
serves 4
Salt
1 lb ziti rigati pasta
extra-virgin olive oil
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 leeks- trimmed, halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 TBSP tomato paste
6 oz cream cheese
1.5 shredded asiago, grana padano or parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 cup arugula (I already had some spinach in the fridge so I just used that and sprinkled on a bit of pepper)
1 cup basil leaves, torn
juice of 1/2 lemon
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water.
While the pasta is working, in a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the leeks and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Stir in the cream cheese until melted. Stir in half of the shredded cheese, then the reserved pasta cooking water.
Add the pasta to the sauce and toss. Pile into a casserole and top with the tomatoes and remaining shredded cheese. Bake until browned on top, 7 to 8 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss the arugula and basil with the lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve on top of the pasta.
He dubbed it "heart attack pasta". After eating it he realized that if he continues to eat this way he will die of a heart attack.
It's actually not that bad but Michael isn't used to cooking so he doesn't realize how much fat, sugar, and cream goes into most meals. It's kind of like how I would totally be a vegetarian, in a heart beat, if I had to kill for meat.
I'm starting to cook a little bit more often now and it's fun to discover new ingredients that seems to be common, yet so foreign. For example, a not too long ago I discovered shallots and have been using it regularly now. With this dish, I discovered leeks! It's not crucial to the ingredient but when I'm making something this heavy vegetables help me rationalize it as health food....
And, with a nickname like heart attack pasta you figure it must be good, and oh it is!
BLT Creamy Mac' n' Cheese
serves 4
Salt
1 lb ziti rigati pasta
extra-virgin olive oil
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 leeks- trimmed, halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 TBSP tomato paste
6 oz cream cheese
1.5 shredded asiago, grana padano or parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 cup arugula (I already had some spinach in the fridge so I just used that and sprinkled on a bit of pepper)
1 cup basil leaves, torn
juice of 1/2 lemon
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water.
While the pasta is working, in a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the leeks and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Stir in the cream cheese until melted. Stir in half of the shredded cheese, then the reserved pasta cooking water.
Add the pasta to the sauce and toss. Pile into a casserole and top with the tomatoes and remaining shredded cheese. Bake until browned on top, 7 to 8 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss the arugula and basil with the lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve on top of the pasta.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Creepy or Cool?
I think it's cool.
I found this at a thrift store the other day for just $1.67 (random amount, right?)! There's a sticker on the bottom that says:
Hand PaintedPapier Mache Craft
Copyright By
Pride Creations, Inc.
156 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
Product of Japan
A quick Google search showed that Pride Creations was a company that made adorable paper mache stuff in the 60's. They seem to be best known for their piggy banks (like this super cute owl one) and something called pop up dolls.
I'm not sure how much they are actually worth but people on eBay seems to think you can get anywhere from $20-$50 for them. Not a bad deal at $1.67!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Fair is Fair?
Yesterday, one of my associate, "Jane" told me about a problem she's having at her full time job.
Jane had signed up for health insurance and was told that that a little over $50 will be taken out of her pay check going forward. No problem. Well, now it's the end of the year and her HR Manager tells her that a mistake has been made and that they hadn't been taking money out of her paycheck so now she owes the company over $1300.
Yikes!
Jane argued that she should not have to repay any of the money since she didn't do anything wrong. She authorized them to take money out of her pay check to pay for insurance and if they didn't do that then it's not her fault. The company is arguing that she should pay it back since it's her responsibility to check her pay stub and she should have noticed, and reported, the discrepancy.
I don't know what the law requires but I think the fairest thing to do would be to split the cost since both are liable. Her company made the mistake in not taking money out of her paycheck for insurance. However, Jane should be checking her paycheck. Since both is at fault, the fairest thing to do would be to split.
It's really poor practice for a company to expect someone to fork over $1300 on such a short notice, especially this time of the year. I don't know what Jane's finance looks like but there are a lot of people out there who don't have that kind of a saving. If they do expect her to pay for the full amount the least they can do is work out a payment plan. Maybe suggest that for the next coming year they will take out $100 vs the $50 to make up for this year?
Jane is pretty amendment about not paying and is considering maybe agreeing to pay for part of it. Personally, if it were me, I would just pay back the $1300. For one, it's something that I should have been paying all along and it's something that I used and benefited from. But, most importantly, I would do it just to guarantee job security. Even if I have the law on my side (and I'm not saying that I do) the worst thing you can do for yourself is lose your boss's trust. If your manager thinks you're unethical then your career at that company is pretty much over. She works for a small company and maybe that $1300 means a lot to that company. If her boss thinks that she is stealing from the company by not paying back the money then they're just going to start wondering if she is stealing by other means as well. I just wouldn't want my boss harboring anything "Must get this person out of here!" feeling about me. Next thing you know I'm getting written up for job performance, hostile work environment, and all kinds of other vague things. No thank you, not worth the $1300.
Jane had signed up for health insurance and was told that that a little over $50 will be taken out of her pay check going forward. No problem. Well, now it's the end of the year and her HR Manager tells her that a mistake has been made and that they hadn't been taking money out of her paycheck so now she owes the company over $1300.
Yikes!
Jane argued that she should not have to repay any of the money since she didn't do anything wrong. She authorized them to take money out of her pay check to pay for insurance and if they didn't do that then it's not her fault. The company is arguing that she should pay it back since it's her responsibility to check her pay stub and she should have noticed, and reported, the discrepancy.
I don't know what the law requires but I think the fairest thing to do would be to split the cost since both are liable. Her company made the mistake in not taking money out of her paycheck for insurance. However, Jane should be checking her paycheck. Since both is at fault, the fairest thing to do would be to split.
It's really poor practice for a company to expect someone to fork over $1300 on such a short notice, especially this time of the year. I don't know what Jane's finance looks like but there are a lot of people out there who don't have that kind of a saving. If they do expect her to pay for the full amount the least they can do is work out a payment plan. Maybe suggest that for the next coming year they will take out $100 vs the $50 to make up for this year?
Jane is pretty amendment about not paying and is considering maybe agreeing to pay for part of it. Personally, if it were me, I would just pay back the $1300. For one, it's something that I should have been paying all along and it's something that I used and benefited from. But, most importantly, I would do it just to guarantee job security. Even if I have the law on my side (and I'm not saying that I do) the worst thing you can do for yourself is lose your boss's trust. If your manager thinks you're unethical then your career at that company is pretty much over. She works for a small company and maybe that $1300 means a lot to that company. If her boss thinks that she is stealing from the company by not paying back the money then they're just going to start wondering if she is stealing by other means as well. I just wouldn't want my boss harboring anything "Must get this person out of here!" feeling about me. Next thing you know I'm getting written up for job performance, hostile work environment, and all kinds of other vague things. No thank you, not worth the $1300.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Mediterranean
For awhile I was pretty addicted to Trader Joe's single serving Greek Yogurt with honey. Mmmmm... But then I sort of stopped going there because I moved and it was too far away. Every once in awhile I would buy some Fage but man, those little things are kind of pricey. Michael suggested I just buy a big tub of the stuff and make my own. Sounds like an obvious plan but I don't like big tubs of anything dairy. Growing up, our family was not into dairy (unless it's ice cream!) so tubs of anything- sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, ricotta, etc- that I bought to use in a recipe would sit in the back of the fridge forever until whatever inside turned stinky and gross.
But, Fage's are expensive and those Greek Yogurt with honey and granola at Starbucks are really overpriced so I decided to start buying bulk. Now, when I have time, this is my breakfast:
The fruits are frozen, the granola are from the Natural/Organic section of Wegmans, and I throw a few almonds in there to keep me feeling full longer.
That bowl, by the way, is the nut bowl from the Missoni for Target collection. I was pretty lucky that day and managed to score a few pieces. You can still get some Missoni for Target at target.com and I'm considering picking up this crib blanket.
I'm thinking about framing it and using it as art. I need a big piece of art to go over one of my couch. You know what, maybe I won't even frame it, just hang it up like a tapestry. Hmmm... is that too college dorm-ish looking? Do college kids still hang hippy dippy sheets on their wall?
Maybe I'll get this one instead?
That might be too much red for my living room...
$50 isn't too much to pay for a big piece of wall hanging, right?
But, Fage's are expensive and those Greek Yogurt with honey and granola at Starbucks are really overpriced so I decided to start buying bulk. Now, when I have time, this is my breakfast:
The fruits are frozen, the granola are from the Natural/Organic section of Wegmans, and I throw a few almonds in there to keep me feeling full longer.
That bowl, by the way, is the nut bowl from the Missoni for Target collection. I was pretty lucky that day and managed to score a few pieces. You can still get some Missoni for Target at target.com and I'm considering picking up this crib blanket.
I'm thinking about framing it and using it as art. I need a big piece of art to go over one of my couch. You know what, maybe I won't even frame it, just hang it up like a tapestry. Hmmm... is that too college dorm-ish looking? Do college kids still hang hippy dippy sheets on their wall?
Maybe I'll get this one instead?
That might be too much red for my living room...
$50 isn't too much to pay for a big piece of wall hanging, right?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Chicken with Mustard Sauce
My favorite time of the year is approaching! Christmas time is nice and all but, the best time of the year is that week long period between Christmas and New Years. I just love how society just tries to wrap up and reflect on the past year. I am a sucker for lists and the year's end is full of all those Best Of lists, which I really love. It's also resolution time so there's this strong sense of a Can Do, positive attitude. Awesome! It really is the best time of the year.
Michael and I are not into making New Year Resolutions but recently, we couldn't help but reflect on the past year and think about the new. We both got pretty bummed out thinking about how, income wise, this was the best year we've had, but, savings wise, it was the worst. What did we spend all that money one? I don't want to really think about it because it's kind of depressing. This year was a good year for me, income wise, and I actually think I'll be making slightly less this year. Something to think about.
One decision Michael recently made was that he wants to start eating healthier. It's all fine and well except that we often make and eat dinner together. This means that if he wants to eat healthier, I have to start eating healthier and I don't really know how to do healthy.
We probably eat better than most people. This year we cut out a lot of processed food from our diet, most of our meals are made from scratch, we try to eat organic if it's affordable, we eat a lot of salads, and we don't eat a lot of fast food. On the other hand, portion control is not in our vocabulary and we both love cheese and butter and red meat and fried stuff and bacon... Mmmmm...
Well, an easy start is proper portion and lean protein so I made Chicken with Mustard Sauce and served it with roasted broccoli.
Look at that tiny thing of chicken; it's the size of a deck of card, just like they recommend.
It wasn't my favorite dish but I like it, would eat it again. Michael, on the other hand, hated the sauce. I'm learning that he's not a big fan of citrus-y tart, slightly briny sauce, like piccata or anything with capers. Shame, I love piccata.
Chicken with Mustard Sauce
Serves: 4
1lb boneless skinless chicken breast halves
salt and pepper
2 TBSP unsalted butter
2 TBSP olive oil
6 TBSP chopped fresh parsley
6 TBSP chopped scallions
3 TBSP Dijon Mustard
3 TBSP lime juice
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Warm 1 TBSP each of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken until cooked through, turning once, 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add parsley, scallions, mustard and lime juice to skillet and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until well blended and heated through, taking care to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of pan. Increase heat to medium. Add broth and remaining oil and butter and cook, whisking, until butter has melted and sauce is hot.
Divide chicken among four plates, spoon sauce on top and serve.
Michael and I are not into making New Year Resolutions but recently, we couldn't help but reflect on the past year and think about the new. We both got pretty bummed out thinking about how, income wise, this was the best year we've had, but, savings wise, it was the worst. What did we spend all that money one? I don't want to really think about it because it's kind of depressing. This year was a good year for me, income wise, and I actually think I'll be making slightly less this year. Something to think about.
One decision Michael recently made was that he wants to start eating healthier. It's all fine and well except that we often make and eat dinner together. This means that if he wants to eat healthier, I have to start eating healthier and I don't really know how to do healthy.
We probably eat better than most people. This year we cut out a lot of processed food from our diet, most of our meals are made from scratch, we try to eat organic if it's affordable, we eat a lot of salads, and we don't eat a lot of fast food. On the other hand, portion control is not in our vocabulary and we both love cheese and butter and red meat and fried stuff and bacon... Mmmmm...
Well, an easy start is proper portion and lean protein so I made Chicken with Mustard Sauce and served it with roasted broccoli.
Look at that tiny thing of chicken; it's the size of a deck of card, just like they recommend.
It wasn't my favorite dish but I like it, would eat it again. Michael, on the other hand, hated the sauce. I'm learning that he's not a big fan of citrus-y tart, slightly briny sauce, like piccata or anything with capers. Shame, I love piccata.
Chicken with Mustard Sauce
Serves: 4
1lb boneless skinless chicken breast halves
salt and pepper
2 TBSP unsalted butter
2 TBSP olive oil
6 TBSP chopped fresh parsley
6 TBSP chopped scallions
3 TBSP Dijon Mustard
3 TBSP lime juice
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Warm 1 TBSP each of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken until cooked through, turning once, 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add parsley, scallions, mustard and lime juice to skillet and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until well blended and heated through, taking care to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of pan. Increase heat to medium. Add broth and remaining oil and butter and cook, whisking, until butter has melted and sauce is hot.
Divide chicken among four plates, spoon sauce on top and serve.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Everyone Needs a pair They Can Hose Off
Is it just me or does it not seem very Holiday-ish this year? I don't know, I'm just not feeling the Holiday Spirit this time around. Even Michael, who is normally all over Christmas doesn't want to decorate this year.
I think the weather is partly to blame. Don't get me wrong, I am loving the fact that it's been consistently above 50 degrees but that's not Christmas weather, at least not around here. Instead of snow we have rain. And, when the skies are looking like this
which it has been a lot, I'm glad I have this shoes.
It's completely waterproof and very comfortable. Not the best looking shoes, I know, but sometimes, function trumps form.
So, if you haven't finished your shopping, and for some reason, it seems like everyone is already done with their shopping, I suggest you get someone a pair of waterproof shoes. Shoes are normally a tricky thing to get someone but this has a generous instep and hidden gores so it's a very forgiving fit.
I think the weather is partly to blame. Don't get me wrong, I am loving the fact that it's been consistently above 50 degrees but that's not Christmas weather, at least not around here. Instead of snow we have rain. And, when the skies are looking like this
which it has been a lot, I'm glad I have this shoes.
It's completely waterproof and very comfortable. Not the best looking shoes, I know, but sometimes, function trumps form.
So, if you haven't finished your shopping, and for some reason, it seems like everyone is already done with their shopping, I suggest you get someone a pair of waterproof shoes. Shoes are normally a tricky thing to get someone but this has a generous instep and hidden gores so it's a very forgiving fit.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Yeah, I'm Jelous!
We've been in this house for over a year now and... Well, it still looks like we moved in maybe a month ago. It's sad, very sad and depressing. We bicker a lot about the house and I can see why. This place just doesn't feel settled. Constantly living in an unfinished house is kind of stressful and a bit of a downer. We're not ashamed of our house, but we're not exactly proud of it either. We definitely do not give this house the respect it deserves.
Recently Michael and I promised each other that we will finish the house by this time next year. Sounded like a plan at the time but... I don't know, there's a lot to be done. We still need new floors for most of the house, there are still some parts that needs to be painted, and oh yeah, we still need lots of furniture. Sigh. Oh, and let's not forget about how much all this will cost...
You know, this is why I hate decorating bloggers out there who manages to accomplish these monumental projects in a week and whose house is so perfect and decorated they have nothing to do but renovate their laundry room.
It's like they're saying "My house is so perfect and I am so rich that I have nothing more to do than to pay for custom made cabinets, granite counter tops, crystal chandeliers, and flooring for a room that I don't even use because I have a maid who takes care of all that for me!" Bitch.
But, you know, I'm inspired! These things have a way of going at a fast clip, if you can build up the momentum. Michael is motivated and has that "If I watch a how-to video on YouTube I can do it" kind of mentality when it comes to DIY projects so... Here we go! I think we'll start at the main floor since that's the easiest.
Recently Michael and I promised each other that we will finish the house by this time next year. Sounded like a plan at the time but... I don't know, there's a lot to be done. We still need new floors for most of the house, there are still some parts that needs to be painted, and oh yeah, we still need lots of furniture. Sigh. Oh, and let's not forget about how much all this will cost...
You know, this is why I hate decorating bloggers out there who manages to accomplish these monumental projects in a week and whose house is so perfect and decorated they have nothing to do but renovate their laundry room.
It's like they're saying "My house is so perfect and I am so rich that I have nothing more to do than to pay for custom made cabinets, granite counter tops, crystal chandeliers, and flooring for a room that I don't even use because I have a maid who takes care of all that for me!" Bitch.
But, you know, I'm inspired! These things have a way of going at a fast clip, if you can build up the momentum. Michael is motivated and has that "If I watch a how-to video on YouTube I can do it" kind of mentality when it comes to DIY projects so... Here we go! I think we'll start at the main floor since that's the easiest.
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