A Glimpse Back to 2012

As 2012 wraps up and my favorite holiday (new years eve) approaches, I'm taking the chance to look back and highlight some fun times and words to sum up the year.

I must be honest, my main word to describe 2012 would have to be fast!  I can barely believe that a year has gone by from our last NYE.  I don't know if its the nonstop work activity or the fun filled wine tasting weekends, but I don't feel like I was truly in each moment this year, and therefore this year is a blur.

Some highlights of the year:

1.  Kayaking to the waterfall in Kauai.  I had always wanted to kayak, and standing under that cold waterfall, I couldn't imagine a better feeling.

2.  Mine and G$'s joint birthday celebration.  Even thought I wasn't super jazzed about my birthday like I normally am, I was SO excited to have our good friends around us with good wine.

3.  Even though some friendships changed for the worse, some new friendships were made and some old friendships became stronger.

4.  Impromptu date nights/walks/wine meetups with Miss N.  I continue to be amazed at how close we are in distance, and how easy these things can be!

5.  Seeing good friends have little ones and adding to their family.  This has been the year of the baby boys, with a girl sprinkled in there!  It's been great to see my friends start/add to their families.

Even though I can't add it to the list since it hasn't happened yet, I'm truly looking forward to our getaway to Santa Barbara with some good friends!

Happy New Year!  Until 2013.
xoxo
R

N's Friday Food Porn

Peppermint Affogato

R's Friday Food Porn

Lately, all I crave is tandoori and pappadum.  I've been making two pappadum to snack on while I work from home.

Yum...tandoori shrimp

Tandoori Prawns

N's Friday Food Porn

Uova al Pomodoro

N's Friday Food Porn

Santa Strawberries

N's Friday Food Porn: Thanksgiving Edition

Poblano Cornbread Stuffing

Thankful with R's Twist

I was inspired by N's last post, so I decided to do my own.  Like she mentions, health, family, friends, will not be a part of this post.  Rather this will focus on the small things that I'm really grateful for.  I will also not copy N's style and use any of her's (even if she got some of the good ones):

1.  Gluten free soy sauce (also known as Tamari) means I don't have to stop eating my favorite cuisine.

2.  Buying toileteries online means I don't go into Target and spend an hour and $100 without the soap I needed in the first place.

3. Wine clubs - Wine shipped to G's work, meaning I don't have to carry it in and we always have some aging in the wine cellar (aka scary closet, aka shoe closet, aka harry potter closet).  

4.  SoapNet allows me to watch old episodes of 90210 while I work from home and on weekend mornings.

5.  Spanx - enough said.

Happy Turkey Day!

Thankful with a Twist

The Today Show did a piece this morning on random things from this past year to be thankful for - besides, as always, family, friends, health, etc.  Of course I decided to make my own list.

• Backup cameras:  I don't know how my short, can-barely-see-over-the-steering-wheel self survived before I had one.
• The phrase "first world problems:"  It's incredibly descriptive and so useful.
• An increase in mobile technology:  Less need for me to pick up a phone to get things done and to carry a bunch of cards in my wallet?  Yes please.
• Other people's family members who cheer for them on the sidelines of a 5K run:  I act like they're cheering for me too.
• The Olympics and the election:  They allowed me to pull out many "Did you hear...?" facts in order to break lulls in conversation.  I got to sound fake smart, and the other people in the conversation had to feign interest because, well, you're not allowed to be disinterested in the Olympics or the race for president.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

On that note...

Here is a snippet of today's gchat-a-roni (which, btw, is pretty typical).

 R:  did u know our donuts are hostess?

 me:  NO, i just saw your post

mmmmm

donut

 R:  yummm

 me:  OMG

so no more coconut mini donuts

now i'm officially sad

like really

oh wait

little debbie has them

whew

 R:  phew

u never eat them anyway!

 me:  i like to know they're there

just like twinkies

 R:  yup

i would agree with that

i now want a swiss cake roll

me:  ME TOO

RIP Hostess Donettes

Chocolate Donettes

N's Friday Food Porn

RIP, Hostess

Ode to Miss N on her Birthday

If I was more talented, I'd write a poem or a song...but I'm not.  I'm a better dancer than I am singer :)  My lovely friend N is the singer.

I wanted to wish Miss N a lovely birthday.  If any of you are lucky to call her a friend, then you already know how amazing she is.

I feel incredibly lucky because most people have different best friends in different phases of their lives, different friends they go to for different things - but I'm so lucky, because Miss N has been my lifelong friend to share experiences with.  We may not always be in the same place physically or in our lives - but our friendship stays strong and is one of the constants in my life.

Thank you for being born, and thank you for being my friend.  Enough goobiness now - your birthday card will be filled with mean things :)  xoxo

N's Friday Food Porn

Ginger Soy Glazed Edamame

N's Friday Food Porn

Homemade Veggie Burger

R's Thoughts on My 31st Birthday

With today being my birthday, I've been reflecting on this past year.  Up until Saturday, I was approaching my birthday with zero excitement.  Those of you who know me are probably in shock.  In fact, I was so unexcited that I shared the month of October with G$, which I never do either.

I had two great conversations this weekend - one with N and one with G$ regarding why I had so much anxiety about turning 31.  Both made me feel so much better, followed by a fantastic joint birthday celebration - I feel much better today.

So with that - here's what I've learned this year:

• Just because wine country is 50 miles away, it will take 2+ hours in the summer.
• It's okay to say goodbye to old friendships if they're not healthy.
• Getting platinum on Delta isn't as glamorous as one thinks - it just means you're gone a lot
• Carefully read the advil label to guarantee it is not advil pm.
• It is important to make 10 minutes of time to sit in the steam room post workout.
• Spanx are a girl's best friend - they do smooth out lines under dresses and pencil skirts.

And something I have always known and continuously reminded of is that I have the most amazing friends.

Spotted: On R's Birthday

Birthday treats just for you.

xoxo,
N

N's Friday Food Porn: Halloween Edition

Caramel Apples

Fun with YouTube

Buzz can break it down:

An important PSA:

N's Friday Food Porn

Pumpkin French Toast Bake

Saviors for Fat Days

In the past few years, I've found that my preferences for the way my clothes are cut completely changed.  I used to lean towards loose-fitting pants with relatively more fitted tops.  Now, as my curves keep expanding, I can't live without fitted pants (or leggings) paired with flowy or boxy tops.  The challenge is finding those great bottoms that suck everything in and hold it all in place without creating a muffin top or other unfortunate phenomena.

Enter two of my newest faves, both coincidentally purchased because they were on super sale online and allowed me to get free shipping on the other random things I was ordering.

Hue "Skimmer" Leggings.  I refuse to refer to them as jeggings, but they do look exactly like skinny jeans.  They're comfy, have actual back pockets, and will be great with boots since they don't do that weird baggy thing at the knees like some denim does.  A stealth way to wear leggings without looking like you're wearing leggings.

Note:  I'm uber short, so these are actually the perfect ankle-length on me and not pedal-pushers.  

Athleta Quickstep Capri II.  I have the previous version of these, but I assume they're the same.  Ah, the compression.  They feel secure without feeling tight, and they haven't lost their elasticity like some of my Old Navy pants have.  Plus, whoever figured out that adding random seams down the sides will make your legs appear shapely is a genius.  Next time they go on sale, I'm stocking up.

If anyone else has must-haves for fat days, I'm all ears!

N's Friday Food Porn

Farmstead's Arborio Rice + Egg

R's Friday Food Porn

Crispy Corn Fritters with Tomato Salad

Happy Birthday to G$

I wanted to take a moment and wish a happy birthday to my amazing husband.  I am so grateful to have you in my life and can't wait to celebrate more birthdays with you.

In pictures, I've included the birthday events.

Happy birthday my love!

N's Friday Food Porn

Tomato Corn Chowder

On a serious note...

The recent events in Libya are tragic.  I feel for those who were targeted and attacked, those who lost family members, those who have to live among violence every day, and those who have to figure out how to clean up this mess.  One of the main things that disturbs me is that it's another reminder of the prevalence of religious persecution.  Do we really still have to face this issue that's existed for centuries plus all of the new issues introduced by modern society?

Call me naive, but I just don't get it.  I don't get why people care about the religious affiliations of their neighbors or politicians or strangers on the other side of the world, as long as they aren't harming anyone.  If someone is an upstanding citizen who tries to do good for others, does motivation really matter?  Why should we care if his/her actions are induced by a desire to go to heaven, a desire to become a liberated soul through reincarnation, a desire to please ancient ancestors, or simply by upbringing and personal choices?

It's really difficult to separate religion from culture from moral code.  I really couldn't tell you which of those factors dictates individual decisions I make in my life.  I have a religion, but I don't live by each and every one of its principles, and I like to keep whatever I do or don't do private.  Unless asked, of course.  It's unfortunate when religious stereotypes prevent us from learning.  In fourth grade, a boy in my class asked if I attended church on Sundays.  When I said no, he announced to everyone that I was a devil worshiper.  They all agreed with him.  My 10-year-old self kept quiet but was furious.  Apparently, being well-behaved and doing volunteer work didn't count for anything - simply not going to a Christian church was enough to make me the devil's friend.  The sad part is that I can't blame this boy's comment on childhood ignorance.  I'm pretty sure he would think the same thing today.

Here's hoping for some change by the year 3012.

N's Friday Food Porn

White Peach, Rose, & Basil Hand Pies

Election 2012

Disclaimer:  I typically don't post anything political or religous on my social networks.  However, this being our blog, I feel like I should be able to. Also, this isn't to start an argument, more simply to speak about how this election is different for me.

So this year is a different election year for me.  In the past, I didn't really pay as much attention to the difference conferences or battles.  But this year, 2012 is my FIRST election year.  And as a citizen and a type-A personality, I feel like I need to make a well informed decisions - one that's based on issues that I care about, rather than who I like better.  I will also try to forget that the first thing I heard out of Mitt Romney's mouth was about how women should stay home rather than work - but that's a different discussion for a different day.

I just took a quiz to factor different issues and see where I stand for the election.  Here are some thoughts.  It also sparked an interesting discussion with myself.

I believe in strict gun control.  I don't believe that the general population should have access to AK47s and other fighting rifles.  

I believe that it's a woman's right to choose.  Granted, I would like to see some framework around clinics being safe and clean, as well as rights for the girl.

I support stem cell research, and think it's a great way to cure/treat certain illnesses.  

Climate change - do we need more proof?  With the droughts, extreme rains causing flooding, high temperatures, low temperatures - the climate has been all over the place!  And the polar bears may become extinct - that makes me sad.

The Arizona immigration law makes me angry.  Being an immigrant, it really angers me that people can be taken to jail if they don't have their papers on them.  I have a friend who looks like an immigrant and her husband looks like an American - and it's the opposite of who would get arrested.

Healthcare - My dad is self-employed and my mom doesn't work.  Health insurance wasn't high on their priority list when they first moved to America and had a family/house/business to run.  It's barely a priority now.  It's crazy to think that we don't have a national plan in place for self employed families to take advantage of.  Besides, wasn't the American Dream part of people coming to the US and having options available to help build the country.  

Like everyone, it pains me to see 60% of some of my income go towards taxes.  When I was young, I thought we should just not have to pay those.  As I've gotten older, I realize that taxes provide the nice roads I like driving on, maintain the state parks I like hiking in,  ensure that teachers have the funds necessary to educate kids and that public officials have better benefits as they are putting their lives on the line for me each day.  In the past, I was fiscally very conservative, but I am growing up and starting to understand the benefits.

Enough seriousness.  I'm excited to see the events of the next few months and voting!

N's Friday Food Porn

The Ultimate Veggie Sandwich

N's Friday Food Porn

Vegetable Bi Bim Bap

R's Friday Food Porn

Crab Avocado Tower

12 Things that Make R Happy

I was with my favorite client today and like our other meetings, the last 30 minutes ended up catching up on our lives.  Today the topic was centered around recently read books.  My client mentioned "The Happiness Project" which is written by a woman who has "first world problems" and centers each month around one thing that makes her happy.  It got me to thinking - I'd like to focus on 12 things that make me happy.

To me - being happy is completely relaxed without a worry in that moment.  I know living without worries is unrealistic, but for me these small moments of happiness make my day brighter and bring an overall sense of relaxation.

12.  Steam room:   There is nothing more I love after a workout (or even without a workout) than camping out in the steam room - no phone, no clock, complete silence.  And it makes me skin glow :)

11.  A good glass of wine:  Need I say more?  There is nothing that brings a smile to my face and pure relaxation than the first sniff of an amazing glass of wine.  Wines that have a sentimental value to them bring an extra warmness to me :)

10.  Pajamas:  elastic waistbands in pants or FLOOFY chemises - both are good with me.

9.  Having my hair washed by someone else.

8.  Laughing with friends - that good belly, fat man laugh - the kind that moms teach you not to do because its unladylike.

7.  A good homecooked meal - whether its by my mom, hubby, me, friends, in-laws - doesn't matter.

6.  Dance parties - this one is so fun, because you can be sober dancing in the mirror as you are getting ready, in a u-jam class, or enjoying a few drinks with friends dancing :)

5.  Champagne always makes me happy.  Especially champagne til 2:00 am on a school night giggling at the same jokes for the past 20 years....

4.  Ice cream cones - even though I can't eat them in "normal" places, nothing makes me happier than seeing an ice cream cone.

3.  Baby clothes - so many good friends are pregnant or have small children so I've become a regular in the baby departments - how cute are these little people clothing!

2.  Beach - the smell, the sound, the feel of the sand - its all amazing.

1.  G$ - well, he read this and requested to make it on the list ;)  

What I love most is sharing most of these things with good friends and family - they make these happy moments even better :)

What makes you happy?

N's First World Problems

I'm treating this as a game now by trying to see how often my conversations involve first world problems.  It's slightly embarrassing to admit some of the things I've said.  Recently...

• coworkers and I:  "Ugh, sometimes it's SO hard to type/draw on our smartphones."
• me, in my head:  "Happy hour or gym?  Such a conundrum."
• me, to R and Ree:  "I can no longer watch BH 90210 because SoapNet is gone.  I may cry."
• a conversation I've had with quite a few people lately:  "Doesn't it suck when people want to go to bars that only have well liquor and crappy wine?  We can't drink there, so it's annoying."
• R, to me:  "My toenail polish clashes with my Gucci peep-toes!"  Me, in response:  "HATE when that happens!"

R's Photo Project - Week 18

August 12 (Sunday):  View of sailboats from Angel Island.

August 13 (Monday):  Impressed with how long my shellac lasted!

August 14 (Tuesday):  The massive packet our financial planner is making us fill out....surprise - i'I'm a conservative saver!

August 15 (Wednesday);  Grilled artichoke with a Hawaiian marinated pork!

August 16 (Thursday):  Gluten free rice krispies - JUST THE SAME!

August 17 (Friday):  Possibly one of my favorite glasses of wine. This was extremely delish. Happiness in a glass!

August 18 (Saturday):  The view from hiking Castle Rock.

N's Friday Food Porn

Owl Birthday Cake - whether you're turning 1 week, 1 month, or 50 years old

R's Photo Project - Week 17

August 5 (Sunday):  Ingredients for chai - that's lactose free milk!

August 6 (Monday):  G$ likes living life on the edge!

August 7 (Tuesday):  N and I found these at the Indian store - not bad.

August 8 (Wednesday):  Ingredients for chicken lettuce wraps!

August 9 (Thursday):  is there anything better than grilled corn on a hot day?

August 10 (Friday):  White or red pants - I went with red.

August 11 (Saturday):  Yummy!  Wine tasting!

R's Photo Project - Week 16

July 29 (Sunday):  Yummy gluten free spot in Kauai.

July 30 (Monday):  24 hour hibiscus flower

July 31 (Tuesday);  Convinced N to take the day off and hike and lunch.

August 1 (Wednesday):  Ingredients for pizza soup.  Recipe to come in a separate blog post.

August 2 (Thursday):  This license plate made me chuckle.

August 3 (Friday);  OOOOPS

August 4 (Saturday):  It was chilly enough on Saturday night to warrant sweats, a hoodi e and Christmas socks!