What is better than walking in your door from working all day and your house smells like you've been cooking all day...
If you have a crock pot or (if you're old school) slow cooker - try this recipe out...
Apple Herb Encrusted Pork Roast
1 1/2 - 3lb Pork Loin/ roast
1 apple - any kind, cored & quartered
2 Tablespoons thyme
2 Tablespoons rosemary
2 Tablespoons basil ** (fresh if you have it)
2 Tablespoons sage
2 Bay Leaves
1/2 cup water
Rub both sides of roast with herbs. Add water to the crock - (should be enough to cover the bottom of the slow cooker - I think I used about 3/4 cup). Put roast in and add apples. Cook for 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Tweaks for next time: I'll use 2 apples (they were yummy) and I think I'll use equal parts apple juice & water for an extra kick and I'll add some red potatoes. I had fresh sage on hand and it was wonderful so if you have fresh herbs use em. Our roast was on the smaller side and I over cooked a bit because I didnt't adjust my cooking time so pay attention to the size of your roast.
We had leftovers so we made BBQ Pulled Pork from the left over meat by adding our favorite Sweet Baby Ray's sauce.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
January update
Monday mornings are my nemesis! I am usually so tired from my Saturday night to be productive during the day on Sunday, which leaves me scrambing on Sunday night to prepare for Monday - eek! But, since we've been following our weekly cleaning schedule my house was clean and organized and I didn't feel stressed to get everything done... which was a good thing because a crazy bachelorette party on Saturday left me "hangin" on Sunday. I slept all day and woke on Monday ready to go (which is still shocking to me). On that note, here's a progress report on my first 2 weeks of 2010's resolutions:
Well, I missed the mark on my Blog promise (my best friend made sure to tell me that I let her down by not blogging)- gotta love friends that tell ya like it is!! Anyway - of all my resolutions, this one was hardest. I usually blog on my lunch hour at work because the thought of going home and sitting at my computer for another hour or more makes me want to jump off a bridge. But last week I was super busy and ended up working thru many lunches so I apologize for missing my blog mark. As a result, I think I am going to change from once a week to twice a month... and go from there. (and yes, this counts as #1 for those of you counting!!) kidding.
New recipe- I broke out the crock pot last week and made beef stew. It was amazing. I've made it before but this one was different because the recipe said to sear the beef first and then make the sauce base with the pan juice. I did it at about 8:30pm the night before and when Anthony walked in from a Blackhawks game he was like, what did you make?! The sauce was very good, much richer than and beefer than I expected. Instead of potatoes, I used whole wheat egg noodles which were pretty good with the sauce. If you're interested in the recipe, email me. This week I am going to try Giada's Roman chicken.
The exercise routine is more difficult to plan for each week than I thought because things come up so I set a goal at 3 times a week and its doable. The best thing is I don't hate it! And its entertaining - I love watching the cougars trolling thru the gym with their faces freshly painted...! So far I've been a cardio girl. The classes aren't working out with my schedule and I need to get up enought nerve to ask to leave 15 min early from work to make the classes. I hate always being the late one in class. All thats left are 10lb weights and the only spot left is up in front by the mirror. Ya, thats what my self esteem needs... to be in close proximity to a mirror! My friend loves swimming laps so I am going to try and join her at least once a week too but I've gotta get the necessities first (a gym bathing suit...don't think the health club pool is a place for the tankini).
The organizing is underway but I fear its a never ending venture. I've been on shredding for a while now... we burned out so many home shredders I vowed never to buy another one so I bring my stuff in to work to shred. We've got lots and its annoying but its better than identity theft or filing all this crap. We're supposed to start work on our basement but my Christmas decorations are still up so I think that has to come first, otherwise it will be Easter before I get the tree down. So far though, the weekly cleaning schedule has been the biggest success and help. We didn't need to do any cleaning this weekend becuase we kept up with it all week. Laundy is still another story but one step at a time I say.
This weeks organizing goal is pictures. I need to get all my photos from the last few months downloaded. I've promised someone special that I'd get some pictures to her so I've got to make some time and sit at my dreaded home computer and get it done!
Thats all for now...
Well, I missed the mark on my Blog promise (my best friend made sure to tell me that I let her down by not blogging)- gotta love friends that tell ya like it is!! Anyway - of all my resolutions, this one was hardest. I usually blog on my lunch hour at work because the thought of going home and sitting at my computer for another hour or more makes me want to jump off a bridge. But last week I was super busy and ended up working thru many lunches so I apologize for missing my blog mark. As a result, I think I am going to change from once a week to twice a month... and go from there. (and yes, this counts as #1 for those of you counting!!) kidding.
New recipe- I broke out the crock pot last week and made beef stew. It was amazing. I've made it before but this one was different because the recipe said to sear the beef first and then make the sauce base with the pan juice. I did it at about 8:30pm the night before and when Anthony walked in from a Blackhawks game he was like, what did you make?! The sauce was very good, much richer than and beefer than I expected. Instead of potatoes, I used whole wheat egg noodles which were pretty good with the sauce. If you're interested in the recipe, email me. This week I am going to try Giada's Roman chicken.
The exercise routine is more difficult to plan for each week than I thought because things come up so I set a goal at 3 times a week and its doable. The best thing is I don't hate it! And its entertaining - I love watching the cougars trolling thru the gym with their faces freshly painted...! So far I've been a cardio girl. The classes aren't working out with my schedule and I need to get up enought nerve to ask to leave 15 min early from work to make the classes. I hate always being the late one in class. All thats left are 10lb weights and the only spot left is up in front by the mirror. Ya, thats what my self esteem needs... to be in close proximity to a mirror! My friend loves swimming laps so I am going to try and join her at least once a week too but I've gotta get the necessities first (a gym bathing suit...don't think the health club pool is a place for the tankini).
The organizing is underway but I fear its a never ending venture. I've been on shredding for a while now... we burned out so many home shredders I vowed never to buy another one so I bring my stuff in to work to shred. We've got lots and its annoying but its better than identity theft or filing all this crap. We're supposed to start work on our basement but my Christmas decorations are still up so I think that has to come first, otherwise it will be Easter before I get the tree down. So far though, the weekly cleaning schedule has been the biggest success and help. We didn't need to do any cleaning this weekend becuase we kept up with it all week. Laundy is still another story but one step at a time I say.
This weeks organizing goal is pictures. I need to get all my photos from the last few months downloaded. I've promised someone special that I'd get some pictures to her so I've got to make some time and sit at my dreaded home computer and get it done!
Thats all for now...
Monday, January 4, 2010
Welcome 2010!
Happy New Year to the 7 people that check in to this blog! Its been a while since I've posted. The holiday season had me otherwise engaged in shopping, buying, wrapping, eating, drinking... shopping...did I say eating??
The holidays were nice, hectic but before one complains about all the running around and parties, I have to say that I consider myself to be one of the luckiest people in the world...I have a wonderful husband and doggie, 2 amazing families that live close by and most of my friends came in to town to visit for the holidays. Life is good!
But now, its 2010 - my third decade of life and I must say I am pretty freaked out about turning 30. Why you ask? Gosh, I can't seem to put my finger on it. So I thought about what would possibly make my turning 30 not seem so bad and I came up with a LIST ... things that if I incorporate them into my life, I'll be a happier, healthier, more organized and less stressed human being which will in turn make turning 30 no big deal.
1. Post at least once a week
I started this blog because I was (and am forever more)anti-facebook and I didn't want to keep paying for our website. This was free, a place that I could add pictures and silly posts about whats up, whats down and whatever else I felt like. But my friend (thanks Dan) motivated me to use the blog as a way to keep myself in check -accountable if you will, for doing things I say I am going to do. It feels like if I post that I am going to do something, well, I better darn well do it. So post at least once a week is key.
2. Try 1 new recipe a week
So I love food - and love eating. I am just lazy when it comes to preparing it. My mother is a phenomenal cook (always has been) and she gave me her "bible" cookbook when I moved out... bascially full of all her recipes that she makes all the time without referring to a measuring cup or a written recipe. I've gotten good at some of them too. But the problem is- thats all we make! Pasta, Fajhitas, Meatloaf, Stroggie...we don't experiement and we don't really have fun cooking. I'd like to change that. We aren't big grocery shoppers either- its on my list of LOATHES right there next to laundry! We usually wait until we have no butter, no eggs, milk or bread before venturing to Jewel for essentials. So, I vow to get to the grocery store armed with a new recipe to try each week and have fun with it.
3. Commit to an exercise routine
So I mentioned I loved food and loved eating but did I mention that I loved sweating like a pig? Nope, sure didn't. Yeah, thats cuz I'm not a huge fan which explains why I rarely work out. It never seems convenient or super important to me - but this year I got sick 3 times this fall and trust me, the swine wasnt the blame. Failure to exercise regularly plays a big part in that I am afraid! So, I've made it a priorty, got a workout buddy (or 2 counting my husband), a gym pass and a loaded iPod. I am hoping to find a few classes that I love or atleast a hot spin instructor to motivate me...(just kidding)!
4. Organize our life (translation: declutter)
So my house is maybe 1100 sq feet and it feels like keeping it tidy is the biggest hassle ever. We aren't even talking CLEAN - keeping clutter to a minimum is super hard for us. My mother-in-law told me once that everything should "have a home" and if you are having trouble keeping things tidy, its cuz too many things don't have homes. All I have to say is Mom's are so right!!! We have junk drawers and cubbies and baskets and bags and just stuff everywhere. My husband calls me a bag lady because I literally have 500 tote bags and whenever I de-clutter, I just put all the crap in a tote and throw it upstairs. I know - horrible. So, first things first, I will find a home for everything that needs one... and if I can't find a home then its not important and it needs to be donated or pitched.
5. Follow a daily cleaning schedule
Every Saturday is "cleaning day"... how horrible is that. I use the term "every" loosely because our house does NOT get cleaned EVERY saturday but the intention is for "every saturday". But really - how depressing is it to spend half your Saturday cleaning, scrubbing, vacuuming, dusting blah blah... My husband hates it although he really is a tremendous help. I can't help but think if we deep cleaned one room a day then the house would not need to be cleaned each Saturday. And if I have a home for everything and my clutter is minimized then this shouldn't be too difficult.
So thats my plan. I think that if I can fit these 5 things into my life by the time I turn 30 - I'll be okay with it. I know they won't all happen over night, but they all play a part in me evolving. Its a worthy cause and here it goes. Stay tuned for my WEEKLY (lol) update to find out how things are going... and if you have any suggestions on how to help me along the way, please let me know.
The holidays were nice, hectic but before one complains about all the running around and parties, I have to say that I consider myself to be one of the luckiest people in the world...I have a wonderful husband and doggie, 2 amazing families that live close by and most of my friends came in to town to visit for the holidays. Life is good!
But now, its 2010 - my third decade of life and I must say I am pretty freaked out about turning 30. Why you ask? Gosh, I can't seem to put my finger on it. So I thought about what would possibly make my turning 30 not seem so bad and I came up with a LIST ... things that if I incorporate them into my life, I'll be a happier, healthier, more organized and less stressed human being which will in turn make turning 30 no big deal.
1. Post at least once a week
I started this blog because I was (and am forever more)anti-facebook and I didn't want to keep paying for our website. This was free, a place that I could add pictures and silly posts about whats up, whats down and whatever else I felt like. But my friend (thanks Dan) motivated me to use the blog as a way to keep myself in check -accountable if you will, for doing things I say I am going to do. It feels like if I post that I am going to do something, well, I better darn well do it. So post at least once a week is key.
2. Try 1 new recipe a week
So I love food - and love eating. I am just lazy when it comes to preparing it. My mother is a phenomenal cook (always has been) and she gave me her "bible" cookbook when I moved out... bascially full of all her recipes that she makes all the time without referring to a measuring cup or a written recipe. I've gotten good at some of them too. But the problem is- thats all we make! Pasta, Fajhitas, Meatloaf, Stroggie...we don't experiement and we don't really have fun cooking. I'd like to change that. We aren't big grocery shoppers either- its on my list of LOATHES right there next to laundry! We usually wait until we have no butter, no eggs, milk or bread before venturing to Jewel for essentials. So, I vow to get to the grocery store armed with a new recipe to try each week and have fun with it.
3. Commit to an exercise routine
So I mentioned I loved food and loved eating but did I mention that I loved sweating like a pig? Nope, sure didn't. Yeah, thats cuz I'm not a huge fan which explains why I rarely work out. It never seems convenient or super important to me - but this year I got sick 3 times this fall and trust me, the swine wasnt the blame. Failure to exercise regularly plays a big part in that I am afraid! So, I've made it a priorty, got a workout buddy (or 2 counting my husband), a gym pass and a loaded iPod. I am hoping to find a few classes that I love or atleast a hot spin instructor to motivate me...(just kidding)!
4. Organize our life (translation: declutter)
So my house is maybe 1100 sq feet and it feels like keeping it tidy is the biggest hassle ever. We aren't even talking CLEAN - keeping clutter to a minimum is super hard for us. My mother-in-law told me once that everything should "have a home" and if you are having trouble keeping things tidy, its cuz too many things don't have homes. All I have to say is Mom's are so right!!! We have junk drawers and cubbies and baskets and bags and just stuff everywhere. My husband calls me a bag lady because I literally have 500 tote bags and whenever I de-clutter, I just put all the crap in a tote and throw it upstairs. I know - horrible. So, first things first, I will find a home for everything that needs one... and if I can't find a home then its not important and it needs to be donated or pitched.
5. Follow a daily cleaning schedule
Every Saturday is "cleaning day"... how horrible is that. I use the term "every" loosely because our house does NOT get cleaned EVERY saturday but the intention is for "every saturday". But really - how depressing is it to spend half your Saturday cleaning, scrubbing, vacuuming, dusting blah blah... My husband hates it although he really is a tremendous help. I can't help but think if we deep cleaned one room a day then the house would not need to be cleaned each Saturday. And if I have a home for everything and my clutter is minimized then this shouldn't be too difficult.
So thats my plan. I think that if I can fit these 5 things into my life by the time I turn 30 - I'll be okay with it. I know they won't all happen over night, but they all play a part in me evolving. Its a worthy cause and here it goes. Stay tuned for my WEEKLY (lol) update to find out how things are going... and if you have any suggestions on how to help me along the way, please let me know.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Duh Bears...oops, I mean Da Bears!
So frustrated with the Bears right now! Last nights performance was as pathetic as ever. I know my husband gets annoyed with me and my oppinion of our beloved boys in blue and orange - but too bad! Here's a womans perspective -
Cutler: Ya, he's good... he's got an arm and a pretty good bullet... doesn't help much when he has 4 interceptions in 1 friggen game. Everyone thought in the beginning of the season he'd be Gods gift. I heard so many people say, "we r going to the Superbowl"... blah blah. Not so much! I will say this, I feel bad for the guy. Boy did he jump the gun leaving Denver, probably kicking his own ass right now. Here's what I know, it doesn't matter how good the quarterback is - if he has no friggen protection and no time to throw the ball - what good is he. This brings me to my second point...
O-Line: All useless! Seriously - they couldn't stop a one car parade. The other teams defense is all over Cutler all the time. Someone once told me that Orlando Pace doesn't cover short guys well... thats the stupidest thing I've ever heard and another way of saying Pace is slow and sucks and can't get off the ground fast enough to do some good. Can't cover short guys. Makes me laugh! Bottom line for the O-line is they all need to go! Too bad we gave up all our draft picks worth a darn for Cutler...
Forte: He looks like a totally different running back this year. Last year he was on fire - this year he is disappointing. I know the offensive line can't make any holes for him cuz they are worthless but why does he continually run head on into a pile up of men. Would it kill him to manuever around the pile?? Hello.
Defense: What the hell happened there? I mean when the guys that are supposed to protect our team from the opposing offense can't even tackle properly - you know we are in trouble. L.Briggs is the only one I don't want to strangle. And Hunter - my God, the only thing he does well is wear that uniform. Absolutely no substitute for Urlacher. So disappointed in T.Harris too-getting fined for punching a player. What an idiot. Way to punch someone wearing a friggen helmet - obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed. Everyone says the D-Fense went down hill the second they dumped R.Rivera and I totally agree.
All of these problems are magnified by the incredibly dispicable coaching staff. Lovie looks so confused on the sidelines that I just want to reach thru the screen and slap him awake. He is always 2 steps behind the game. The play calling is horrific (and I'm a girl and I can tell you that). Yikes!!!!!!!
The last thing I will leave you with after this rant is some comic relief...
A picture of Devin Hester at the gas station filling up his car. Picture him in Lake Forest with all the soccer moms.... bet he sticks out like a sore thumb!!! (Gee ya think he likes Louis Vitton??)
Cutler: Ya, he's good... he's got an arm and a pretty good bullet... doesn't help much when he has 4 interceptions in 1 friggen game. Everyone thought in the beginning of the season he'd be Gods gift. I heard so many people say, "we r going to the Superbowl"... blah blah. Not so much! I will say this, I feel bad for the guy. Boy did he jump the gun leaving Denver, probably kicking his own ass right now. Here's what I know, it doesn't matter how good the quarterback is - if he has no friggen protection and no time to throw the ball - what good is he. This brings me to my second point...
O-Line: All useless! Seriously - they couldn't stop a one car parade. The other teams defense is all over Cutler all the time. Someone once told me that Orlando Pace doesn't cover short guys well... thats the stupidest thing I've ever heard and another way of saying Pace is slow and sucks and can't get off the ground fast enough to do some good. Can't cover short guys. Makes me laugh! Bottom line for the O-line is they all need to go! Too bad we gave up all our draft picks worth a darn for Cutler...
Forte: He looks like a totally different running back this year. Last year he was on fire - this year he is disappointing. I know the offensive line can't make any holes for him cuz they are worthless but why does he continually run head on into a pile up of men. Would it kill him to manuever around the pile?? Hello.
Defense: What the hell happened there? I mean when the guys that are supposed to protect our team from the opposing offense can't even tackle properly - you know we are in trouble. L.Briggs is the only one I don't want to strangle. And Hunter - my God, the only thing he does well is wear that uniform. Absolutely no substitute for Urlacher. So disappointed in T.Harris too-getting fined for punching a player. What an idiot. Way to punch someone wearing a friggen helmet - obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed. Everyone says the D-Fense went down hill the second they dumped R.Rivera and I totally agree.
All of these problems are magnified by the incredibly dispicable coaching staff. Lovie looks so confused on the sidelines that I just want to reach thru the screen and slap him awake. He is always 2 steps behind the game. The play calling is horrific (and I'm a girl and I can tell you that). Yikes!!!!!!!
The last thing I will leave you with after this rant is some comic relief...
A picture of Devin Hester at the gas station filling up his car. Picture him in Lake Forest with all the soccer moms.... bet he sticks out like a sore thumb!!! (Gee ya think he likes Louis Vitton??)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
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