Spring cooking

With the weather starting to get warmer, I really haven't felt much like getting out the crock-pot to cook. Instead, I've been craving lots of fruits and veggies and "fresh" food. Does the same thing happen to you? Well, here's two super easy dishes I made this weekend that just tasted like spring to me. Yum!

Pasta Primavera
I realize this is not a difficult dish to put together-veggies + pasta = pasta primavera. But, I roasted my veggies in the oven versus steaming them, and I think it makes a really good flavor. Plus, roasting the veggies nearly ensures they won't be mushy. There's nothing grosser than mushy veggies. Also, I just used what I had on hand, I think this would be delish with some bell peppers and cherry tomatoes!

Ingredients
2 medium zucchini, cut into thin strips
4-5 carrots, cut into thin strips
1 sweet onion, cut into thin strips
1 head broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz. pasta, I used whole wheat spirals, but this would be good with anything
Salt
Pepper
Italian Seasoning
Olive Oil
Fresh Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Scatter cut veggies on a baking sheet and cover with 1/4 Cup olive oil and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Salt and pepper to taste. Roast for 20 minutes, stopping at the 10 minute mark to give everyone a stir. Meanwhile, boil pasta according to directions on box. Drain pasta and toss with veggies. Top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Yummm.

Homemade Chicken Salad
I love chicken salad. If I had them on hand, I would have added toasted walnuts to this mix for some extra crunch.

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts with bone-in
olive oil
salt
pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise-I always use low-fat Hellman's. It is the best. Never fat free and NEVER EVER MIRACLE WHIP. That stuff is disgusting.
1 cup red seedless grapes cut in half
1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear when you cut into it. Let cool completely.

Once chicken is cool, cut off skin and cut chicken in diced pieces. Combine mayo, mustard, tarragon, Dijon mustard in bowl. Add mayo mixture to chicken, grapes and celery. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Blog suicide.

I don't know what happened to my blog, but all my pictures are gone and instead it was replaced with ads! I've basically had to start over. Bleh.

Irish Dog

I AM tougher than I look!

It's hard work studying Beth Moore! Good thing I have this comfy lap to sit on.
I can never get enough petting! How can you resist this face?!

Whew, being an Irish doggie is a lot of work...must nap.

Ok, well I am not Irish. At least I don't think so. But, Fi is! Cairn terriers originated in the Scottish Highlands, but got their name because they would hunt in Ireland's cairns (large rock piles) for rats and other rodents. Fantastic!

I always love an excuse to post pictures of Fiona. She even has a Gaelic name! Did you know Julia Roberts' middle name is Fiona? Interesting!

Perhaps I did a bit too much wikipedia research this morning...

I couldn't resist.

Aren't these tulips so cheery? (Ok, I used my cell phone, so don't judge the terrible light in this picture!) I couldn't resist picking them up at Kroger yesterday. And a fantastic price! Spring is here! I love it and I love spring flowers.

(And you can kind of make out just the corner of one of Steve's birthday presents...what could it be?!)

Up, up and away

I am crossing my fingers that Up wins for best picture Sunday night. Though, I'm realistic Avatar will probably take home most of the Oscars and further stroke Mr. Cameron's ego. Bleh.

I absolutely loved this movie. Sentimental, but not too mushy. Ellie's last line to Carl in her scrapbook: Thanks for the adventure. Now go have one of your own...awwww!

And funny! I loved how the dogs would yell "SQUIRRELLLL!" (Reminds me of Fi when we are taking walks.) In fact, I saw wedding invitations with a couple in a hot air balloon and I secretly wanted to get them...but, the girl had red hair, so that would not have worked.

Here's to hoping Up takes the little gold statue...and to hoping I can stay awake to watch the Best Picture award category.

On my nightstand

I like to keep the essentials right next to my bed. I have a small nightstand with two small shelves. The bottom one keeps books I've recently read or that I simply treasure and love to have nearby, i.e. Pride and Prejudice!

The top shelf contains the following:

• small lamp
• glasses-completely blind when I take off my contacts
• hand cream-I am convinced I have the driest hands in Ohio this winter.
• two pictures-one of Steve and me and another of my immediate family circa 1988 in bathing suit attire (hot!)
• The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
• The Sickness by Steve Fuller
  

Wait a second...yep! My fiance has written a real book..one that you can hold in your hand, and dog-ear the pages. And, it's a great story! I keep glancing at it and think "hey I know that guy pictured on the back cover!" You can purchase it here. You should buy it. Then, you should review it. And if you don't give it 5 stars, I'll sue you. Kidding! (kind of)

I've mentioned to Steve several times since he began undertaking this whole "writing a book" thing how impressed I am by not only his writing (I was surprised by his first draft at how good the writing was..he he!), but also at courage it took for him to pursue his ambition to write. Most of us are employed in careers we may like, but don't necessarily make us come alive with excitement. I think pursuing writing this book has done that for Steve.

More importantly, it takes a lot of guts to write about a topic that is essentially taboo in our culture, and even more so amongst Christians. And now, he's got something he can physically hold to show for all his work.

And in 108 days, this man will be my husband. Lucky me!!!

Wow

Have you heard about the new TigerText app for smart phones? You can read about it here.

Looking the Part is Half the Battle

Note to self: do not run diamond engagement ring across pantyhose*. Even an accidental brush will result in you spending the afternoon looking like a 10 cent hooker.

Not exactly the look I was going for as an attorney......

Lesson learned.

You know, I really hate pantyhose. Even cheap ones cost about $8/pair and they last maybe 3 wears before they are full of runs or little nicks. What a waste!

Self-Diagnosis

I have seasonal affective disorder. I just know it! I nearly cried when hearing the prediction for potentially more snow this Saturday. I haven't been able to run outside in well over a week. Heck, I couldn't even drive to the gym the past three days and have had to improvise with Jillian Michaels' DVDs (h-e-double hockey sticks).

Since I can't exactly jet off on a beach vacation, pictures are the next best thing, right?

My cure for S.A.D. would involve:

1. A run through Wildwood Metropark. Toledo has the absolute best park system, complete with very run-able trails. Cincinnati has nothing in comparison. If I weren't getting married in the Outer Banks, I'd be getting married at Wildwood. It's beautiful and a fresh-air run without the need for hats/gloves and running tights would feel amazing.

2. A glass of vinho verde on my parents' deck (or any deck for that matter). Yes please. My favorite wine is my favorite because it screams summer. Light, crisp and uncomplicated. It pairs deliciously with one of my Dad's homegrown tomatoes. Too bad the best brand is nowhere to be found on store shelves until usually May.

3. Reading a good book on the beach while soaking up some sun at the Outer Banks. Oh, I know-the sun is harmful to my skin. Well, the snow is harmful to my soul! (At least I'm not dramatic...) I'll wear sunscreen, I promise.

4. Grilling out on Steve's balcony. Hmm, well Steve would be doing the grilling out while I relax and read a book and sip on some wine! That balcony is one of a kind, and even provides shelter from the hot sun or a summer rain shower. I bet you'll miss it, Steve!

5. A 7 night cruise in the Caribbean. Ok, now I'm getting greedy. But, it's been 7 years since I went on my first cruise. That trip was fantastic. There is something incredibly relaxing about traveling via boat. You unpack once, but you still get to visit several cities. The day at the Bahamas was unreal. It felt completely like paradise.

6. Island hopping in Greece. Fine, if I'm being greedy I might as well go all out. My trip to Greece in 2004 was limited to Athens and Rhodes. To complete a tour of Greece, I believe some island hopping to Mykonos, Santorini, and of course a return to Rhodes would be a must!

7. NO WORK.

Discipline

How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent? How can I rejoice fully in your Resurrection when I have avoided participating in your death? Yes, Lord, I have to die—with you, through you, and in you—and thus become ready to recognize you when you appear to me in your Resurrection. There is so much in me that needs to die: false attachments, greed and anger, impatience and stinginess.... I see clearly now how little I have died with you, really gone your way and been faithful to it. O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.

-Henri Nouwen

I can't believe Lent is already here. Well, tomorrow anyway. Easter is just around the corner (and Spring, yay!). Lent always feels kind of like a "spiritual" new year. It's a chance to reflect on the areas of my life that are focused in the wrong direction and get rid of those things I'm treating like idols.

I often pick something to "fast" from during Lent. And to be honest, this year I was particularly inclined to pick something edible (or drinkable) from which to refrain. But, if I'm honest with myself, the reason behind that isn't so much to engage in sacrifice so I can recall Christ's sacrifice for me as it is to not look like a cow at my wedding in June.

So, this year, my focus during Lent is going to be on discipline, specifically discipline in prayer. I have set aside time to be used solely for prayer or prayer-journaling. It's not that I never pray, but I don't think my relationship with God is going to get stronger and more personal without discipline in this area. It doesn't feel natural to me-I don't like being still, and usually, if I am still-I'm falling asleep! I can't tell you how many times I've fallen asleep after just beginning to pray. Maybe praying with the lights off tucked in my bed isn't the best plan? Plus, I want that prayer time to be deeper-more confession and thanks, rather than feeling like I need to rattle off my list of requests.

Anyway, disciplined prayer-that'll be my focus this Lenten season. I have a feeling I won't regret it.

candy gram

When you were in school, did you have candy grams around Valentine's Day? We had those and also had carnations for sale that you could buy to have delivered to someone. It was always very nerve wracking in homeroom while you waited for your flower. I mean, what if you didn't get one? Total loser, right? Whew...glad those days are over. ;-)

The candy grams always came with candy hearts. I am not a big fan of conversation hearts. They taste like chalk. They are cute, though...

I just wasted 10 minutes making my very own conversation hearts. Fantastic, no?

You can even set it to "goth" mode if you have a negative disposition towards this weekend's holiday. (I have a negative disposition towards winter...so... yeah.)

Snow day pays off!

Usually I'm filled with jealousy when my teacher-roommate has a snow day. But, today I am filled with gratitude! My car was stuck in my snow covered driveway due to the little hill on it, and Jana came to the rescue and drove me to work. Good thing, too, because I was about to try to use a rake to shovel my driveway so I could get out. Maybe a shovel would be a good investment?

I cannot wait for spring.

I am so over this snow.

I'm LOST

LOST is the perfect name for the show because I feel completely lost once I'm done watching an episode. But, it's so exciting...and also confusing.

I found myself liking Sawyer better than Jack, what could that possibly mean?! (Except for his sick long hair, of course.)

Best line of the night: "I'm sorry you had to see me like that."

What'd you think? Sometimes I think I have a love/hate relationship with LOST. If only Penny and Desmond were back...

I'll take two please

Seriously, how cute are these? They are laptop covers that look like books! Not only are they super protective, but they would be so adorable on your nightstand, right? Of course, I'd choose the vibrant red! And it has the cutest name, the "BookBook."

Love it. Want it.

Too bad it is nearly $80. :-(

Tuesday.

I am not loving the return of winter. Last week's 50 degree Saturday was fabulous. Is it too early to start a countdown to vacation? I'm ready for some sunshine, some waves, and some sand in my toes.

Jimmy Buffet's "I gotta go where it's warm" is playing on repeat in my office today. Ok, it's not really because it's not really appropriate for a law office, but it's definitely on repeat in my mind.

Ah well. We've got a ways to go before it's warm here in Ohio! In the meantime, why don't you enjoy these pictures of me and my sister back in the old days? Lovely, no? To this day I wonder why our mailman used to call us boys...oh wait. Pretty sure I am rocking a sweet mullet in that first pic. And, yes, those sunglasses made the outfit. Duh.Here we are in 1992 at the beach!!! Once again, hair is amazing-including my mother's. Seriously, who cut our hair? Yikes.

Amen.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.
-Irish proverb

Is it bad that I look forward to crawling into bed each night? I absolutely adore those moments before I fall asleep, reading a book...looking through a magazine...all comfy with Fi* curled up next to me.

It's no wonder I go to bed so early!

*It should be noted that said canine almost lost her life at the hands of her master this morning after I had to carry her back to the house in the pouring down rain. Apparently, "the princess" (as she will now be known) detests going #2 in the rain, and once she has (after being walked all the way up the street) refuses to walk back to the house and must be carried there!

Sunday is for Soup

I love my crock pot. I use it all the time. Yesterday, I decided to make some soup to have for lunches this week and came up with this recipe. Super easy. Nutritious and very filling!

Vegetable Tortellini Soup

Ingredients
1 Green Pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 Cup (2 stalks) celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 Cup frozen green beans
1 can diced tomatoes w/ basil and oregano
1 can canellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 palmful dried basil
2 cans fat free, reduced sodium chicken broth (14 oz cans, each)
9 oz. package refrigerated cheese tortellini

Directions
Heat olive oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium high heat. Add green pepper, onion, celery and garlic and saute until onions are translucent-about 5 minutes. Add mixture to crock pot. Add remaining ingredients, except the tortellini. Cook on LOW for 7 hours. When cooking is complete, add in tortellini and heat on low for 20-25 minutes, until tortellini is tender.

Top with some Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

The name game.

I haven't decided whether to change my name after Steve and I get married in June. I know, I'm terrible, right? While I wouldn't go as far as this author and say my name is my identity, it is rather strange to think of myself as no longer Liz B. I mean, this is the name I've had for nearly 30 years. I have a smattering of published case opinions with this name. More importantly, there's that 4x800 meter relay junior varsity league record still lingering out there from my freshman year in high school...

I kid. But, I kind of don't. I just don't know. I'm leaning towards changing it. I mean, it makes sense. We will be joined together as one (that phrase kind of makes me nauseous). We will be a new "family" for all intents and purposes. It's easier when dealing with joint accounts and things of that nature.

But, does it really mean I'm less of a wife if I don't take my husband's name? Everybody seems to have an opinion on it. My mother just assumed I'd change my name and when I mentioned I wasn't sure, she seemed thrilled. (Remember-my mother is a big feminist!). And then I have friends who seemed shocked that I'd even consider not taking Steve's name. At work it's a much higher percentage of women who keep their name professionally. So, I don't know what to do.

Either way I go, I'll tell you this much-it is just a name. Whether I'm Elizabeth Brashear or Elizabeth Fuller, come June, I'll still be me.

And it must be nice to be a man and never even have to consider this type of dilemma!

Grey.

It's so grey outside. These next few months are so hard, right? There's little to get excited about with all the lack of sunshine, frigid temperatures, end of football, and long string of 5-day work weeks ahead.

BUT...there's some things to be cheery about...

1. LOST returns Feb. 2 and I could not be more excited. I hope Penny and Desmond make a big return-they are my favorites.

2. Girl Scout cookies. Yes. I placed my order yesterday and come mid-February I will have 2 boxes of thin mints, a box of Samoas (aka caramel delites) and a box of shortbread (aka trefoil). Delightful. And they will come at just the time I am tired of trying to "eat healthy". He he.

3. Triple pay. I get paid 3 times in January since I get paid every other Friday. Sweeeeeeet. (Although I think there is some big upcoming event where most of that money is going...)

4. 12 whole hours of vacation to use before May when they expire. What to do, what to do! I'm thinking 1/2 day on Good Friday and the Friday before President's Day to give my self a 4 day weekend. That'd be nice in February!

5. My new steam mop. Yes, one of my favorite presents this Christmas is a cleaning device! I haven't tried it out yet and I think this weekend will be a perfect time to debut this fancy new toy.

Hmm. That's all I've got. Spring will be here before we know it, right?

Let's hope.

Did you know...

The average wedding costs $27,800-not counting the honeymoon or engagement ring!? (Source: the knot)

That made me laugh (read: choke) a little while I was eating my lunch and browsing the "budget" section on the knot's website. They categorize "budget" weddings as anything less than $20,000. Ummmm, right.

Weddings are funny. Attach the word "wedding" to any service or product and all of a sudden there's a huge mark up in cost. "Wedding" cakes are way more expensive than a custom birthday cake, for example.

And, of course, wedding dresses. Fun to look at and try on, but scary to look at the price! I'm already quite anxious about going to a bridal store to try on dresses and having to tell the consultant my budget is actually not 4 (or 5) figures. (I tried going the JCrew route with my wedding dress and avoiding the bridal boutiques all together, but the dress I ordered proved to be a bit "brides gone wild" as it was completely see through. Not exactly the theme I had in mind...)

It is fun, though... :) And, there's hope-this lovely ensemble is in my price range (hat-veil included)! Yes!