My life has been nothing short of hours upon hours of chaos the last few days (late hours at work, LIRR sucking at life, child who's pushing back his bedtime). All of my plans of preparing ahead of time were basically thrown out the window. So here I am, 8:21pm the night before our Irish Day party, and I'm just getting started cooking, baking, decorating.
Serenity now.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Update: Dipes and Edumacation
Dipes = Diapers.
No, not the Goose's dipes. The dog's. The update is that she is potty trained. Just kidding. But the truth, and the update, is that she's out of diapers. I mentioned a short while back that M had been putting dipes on the dog, because she started "leaking"). We just assumed it was because of her getting older, and that we'd have to deal with her peeing all over our carpets, without her even knowing it. Turns out she has urinary incontinence and it's treatable with medication. So Bailey has graduated to peeing outside, rather than on our carpets and all it costs her is taking two pills a day. Our carpets thank you, doggy doctor.
Edumacation = Classes
Tonight marks my second Photoshop class. I'm taking some classes at a nearby university to learn Photoshop and some basic camera skills. I'll be taking photoshop for 6 weeks, once a week. Halfway through that I'll start up with the photography/camera course, also for 6 weeks, once a week. I've tried to teach myself photoshop, years ago, with no success. I'm an extremely good self-teacher, but you can't really teach yourself a program without at least knowing the basics and how to get around it. And the basic camera class is because, though I've been reading the hell out of all different photog books and photog blogs and photog forums, I've always best learned by just "doing" things - hands on. Reading a photog book and practicing has done me a lot of good, but there are questions I still have and things I just can't seem to pickup simply by reading. I need to do it, hands on, with someone more knowledgeable by my side.
Even though it doesn't seem like a big deal, it is. I'm so excited to be on my way to really fulfilling this wish of mine. I had always wished I'd studied photography, or at least taken classes. And now here I am. Doing it. Better late than never, and really...it's never too late (especially at the ripe age of 27).
So there's some little bits of going-on in our house. Aren't you just on the edge of your seat with how thrilling our life is?
No, not the Goose's dipes. The dog's. The update is that she is potty trained. Just kidding. But the truth, and the update, is that she's out of diapers. I mentioned a short while back that M had been putting dipes on the dog, because she started "leaking"). We just assumed it was because of her getting older, and that we'd have to deal with her peeing all over our carpets, without her even knowing it. Turns out she has urinary incontinence and it's treatable with medication. So Bailey has graduated to peeing outside, rather than on our carpets and all it costs her is taking two pills a day. Our carpets thank you, doggy doctor.
Edumacation = Classes
Tonight marks my second Photoshop class. I'm taking some classes at a nearby university to learn Photoshop and some basic camera skills. I'll be taking photoshop for 6 weeks, once a week. Halfway through that I'll start up with the photography/camera course, also for 6 weeks, once a week. I've tried to teach myself photoshop, years ago, with no success. I'm an extremely good self-teacher, but you can't really teach yourself a program without at least knowing the basics and how to get around it. And the basic camera class is because, though I've been reading the hell out of all different photog books and photog blogs and photog forums, I've always best learned by just "doing" things - hands on. Reading a photog book and practicing has done me a lot of good, but there are questions I still have and things I just can't seem to pickup simply by reading. I need to do it, hands on, with someone more knowledgeable by my side.
Even though it doesn't seem like a big deal, it is. I'm so excited to be on my way to really fulfilling this wish of mine. I had always wished I'd studied photography, or at least taken classes. And now here I am. Doing it. Better late than never, and really...it's never too late (especially at the ripe age of 27).
So there's some little bits of going-on in our house. Aren't you just on the edge of your seat with how thrilling our life is?
I Heart Faces Photo Challenge
Just.want.to.SQUEEEEZE.the.CHEEKS!!! Oh, and I can't wait to learn photoshop (more on that later today) so that I can emphasize those deep blue eyes of his!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Fill in the Blank Friday
Friday is here and I'm stoked. The Goose is feeling better (fever and rash gone from the Roseola he had), we've got a busy weekend full of birthday parties, Tunnel to Towers run, and lots of cleaning and preparing for the next two weekends of parties.
Friday also means fillin' in some blanks. Join Lauren over at The Little Things We Do.
6. Something that's on my "wish list" right now is a new camera lense. I need it desperately, and someone’s birthday is around the corner (cough, cough, mine, cough).
Have a great weekend everyone!
Friday also means fillin' in some blanks. Join Lauren over at The Little Things We Do.
1. The best thing I did all week was get sick snuggles from the Goose. I hate that he’s been sick, but snuggling and watching movies is just the sweetest best thing ever.
2. Chocolate makes me super happy.
3. Pets are entertaining .
4. My boys are the best thing about my life.
5. With the cooler weather I am looking forward to hoodies and sweatpants. And football Sundays!
6. Something that's on my "wish list" right now is a new camera lense. I need it desperately, and someone’s birthday is around the corner (cough, cough, mine, cough).
7. This weekend I am going to find an hour to upload and share pics with the family/friends who’ve been asking for them (and maybe another hour to share them with you).
Have a great weekend everyone!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Pinterest for the Win
Look down. See my last post? Read the part where I tell you how I want Chick-fil-a nuggets for my Irish Day party (because I'm obsessed - and I didn't even go into just how obsessed I am).
Then read the part where I tell you Chick-fil-a is scarce around these parts so my party might be nuggetless. Sad face.
Now come back here. And read this sentence about how much I love Pinterest and all that it brings to my life. Like this recipe for Chick-fil-a knock-off nuggets. Oh sweet baby jebus, thank you Pinterest and Amy at My Name is Snickerdoodle.
Sweet Chicky Nuggets
-2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
-1 cup milk
-1 egg
-1 1/4 cups flour
-2 TBSP powdered sugar
-2 tsp salt
-1 tsp pepper
-peanut oil (is best) or canola oil
In a medium bowl whisk the egg and stir in the milk. Trim any fat away from chicken. Cube chicken into bite size pieces. Place chicken in milk mixture,and cover. Let it 'marinate' for 2-4 hours in the fridge. This will make the chicken very nice and tender. In a gallon size resealable baggie combine flour, powdered sugar, salt and pepper. Seal and shake to combine. Place about 2 inches of oil in a medium deep pot. Over medium high heat (more towards the high side) heat oil until hot. If using a thermometer let the temperature reach 375°. If you don't have a fancy gadget like most people, I always test my oil by dropping a few drops of water into it. You want it to sizzle and not pop too much. Adjust your heat if necessary. Using a fork or tongs remove cut chicken from milk mixture and place in the flour mixture. Seal and shake until nuggets are completely coated. Place about a 6-8 nuggets into hot oil and let them cook until golden brown, turning half way through once the edge of your chicken starts to turn white. About 1 minute each side. Always double check to see if any chicken you make is cooked through. I always just make a tiny cut to see if it's pink. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Repeat until all nuggets are cooked. Serve with your favorite sauce!
I'm way more excited about these nuggets than should be allowed for a person over the age of 9. But looking at the comment section of Amy's post, looks like I'm not the only one. Hope to make these and enjoy way too many of them prior to the party to "try 'em out". You should too. And send them to me to eat. Your welcome!
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| this shirt wouldn't even do my love justice via |
Then read the part where I tell you Chick-fil-a is scarce around these parts so my party might be nuggetless. Sad face.
Now come back here. And read this sentence about how much I love Pinterest and all that it brings to my life. Like this recipe for Chick-fil-a knock-off nuggets. Oh sweet baby jebus, thank you Pinterest and Amy at My Name is Snickerdoodle.
-2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
-1 cup milk
-1 egg
-1 1/4 cups flour
-2 TBSP powdered sugar
-2 tsp salt
-1 tsp pepper
-peanut oil (is best) or canola oil
In a medium bowl whisk the egg and stir in the milk. Trim any fat away from chicken. Cube chicken into bite size pieces. Place chicken in milk mixture,and cover. Let it 'marinate' for 2-4 hours in the fridge. This will make the chicken very nice and tender. In a gallon size resealable baggie combine flour, powdered sugar, salt and pepper. Seal and shake to combine. Place about 2 inches of oil in a medium deep pot. Over medium high heat (more towards the high side) heat oil until hot. If using a thermometer let the temperature reach 375°. If you don't have a fancy gadget like most people, I always test my oil by dropping a few drops of water into it. You want it to sizzle and not pop too much. Adjust your heat if necessary. Using a fork or tongs remove cut chicken from milk mixture and place in the flour mixture. Seal and shake until nuggets are completely coated. Place about a 6-8 nuggets into hot oil and let them cook until golden brown, turning half way through once the edge of your chicken starts to turn white. About 1 minute each side. Always double check to see if any chicken you make is cooked through. I always just make a tiny cut to see if it's pink. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Repeat until all nuggets are cooked. Serve with your favorite sauce!
I'm way more excited about these nuggets than should be allowed for a person over the age of 9. But looking at the comment section of Amy's post, looks like I'm not the only one. Hope to make these and enjoy way too many of them prior to the party to "try 'em out". You should too. And send them to me to eat. Your welcome!
Party Planning
And by party, I mean partIES. We have two of them coming up that we're hosting.
There will also (hopefully, according to plan) be corned beef, stuffed cabbage, pizza puffs and possibly 2 chick-fil-a party platters (but Chick-fil-a is scarce in NY so it's really me dreaming - oh, yeah, I'm obsessed with chick-fil-a). If not, something else for the kiddos. And since it's an all day party, we'll also have bagels...green bagels. Our town is NO JOKE with Irish day. We take it seriously.
Our town's "halfway to St. Patty's Day" parade is coming up and it's a big day around here. Irish day, it's called, brings out all the crazies that go nuts for St. Patty's, and then some. Our town is overflowing with blond haired-blue eyed Irish lads and lasses and most of our friends/family have at least a little Irish in them (I'm 100%, thankyouverymuch). We're planning an open house of sorts, where some will stop by and booze/eat then head out to the local bars and pubs, and others will stay with their kids and be losers with us (aka, parents). I haven't done a damn thing yet but order a bunch of decorations and stuff online, but I'm showing you some Pinspiration (that's Pinterest inspiration, if you're wondering) and things that I may or may not have ordered (it may or may not be all of the below) and things that I plan on doing.
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| Blarney Stone Cookies via |
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| Car Bomb Cake Balls via |
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| Green Layer Cake via |
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| Green Poms via |
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| Lentils via |
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| DIY Shamrock Chips via |
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| Green Cupcake liners via |
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| Shamrock Confetti via |
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| love this, but a bit too pricey for me. Will try to DIY via |
I'll do simple decorating: white linens and burlap runners with the confetti, our white or glass platters and then plain old shamrocks everwhere, with some balloon strings in green and white.
Oh, and Beer. Lot's of it. Shitton.
So that's party numero uno.
The second is going to be bittersweet. It's the Gooses first birthday. Gulp. How on earth has a whole year gone by? Seriously, I can tell you every detail of Thursday October 7th 2010, and yet it's going to be one year ago. Having a baby is like a time-suck. One day you're pregnant, the next your kid is off to college. I mean I'm not quite at college yet, but at this rate, I imagine it won't be long.
Back to the party... We're keeping it super small, just immediate family. We're also keeping it simple, no big themes or crazy amounts of food and treats. But there's a few select things I'm taking very, very seriously. One: balloons. Goose loves balloons...obsessed in fact. So I did a little internet stalking and found some extra large balloons. 72 of 'em. I'm either gonna spend a bajillion hours blowing them up or find a local place to do the job, but only if it's cheapo. Two: streamers. Everywhere. 'Nuff said. Three: cake. My little boy has inherited his parents addiction for all things chocolate and cakey, so his cake is muy importante. I wanted to do balloons and streamers in rainbow colors and do a rainbow layer cake, but M said rainbows are "too girly" and that our little guy should have a more boyish party. So, being that our two parties are a mere week apart, I decided to be smart and go with a green and blue color scheme for the balloons and streamers. That way anything that can be repurposed or is leftover from the Irish Day party (it comes first) can be used the following week for his b-day party. Genius, no? So here's some of my ideas, plans and purchases.
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| via (but in blue and green) |
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| He actually loves blueberries, so this could work via |
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| the banner via |
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| in blue and green via |
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| all those balloons! via |
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| via |
His favorite food is lasagna so that will be the main course, along with other bites here and there. And my homemade chocolate chip cookies are his favorite, so I'll be making those (plus they're a hit with his cousins...and everyone for that matter).
What I'm absolutely most excited about, and the initial reason I bought the jumbo balloons I already mentioned is just to get this pic:
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| via |
I have a very similar basket and I'm so excited to head down to the beach on his actual birthday (I took the day off of work) and take this pic. I'm obsessed and I don't care how stupid we will look walking down to the beach and taking this pic. It's happening.
And that's the lineup, or at least how I hope everything will play out. The parties are 2 and 3 weeks away, so I'll be doing some prep in the meantime and hope to keep you updated. If you have any ideas or advice, feel free to share...I'd love your input!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I Heart Faces Photo Challenge
It's been way too long, sorry folks. We've got a very sick kiddo on board (like, super high fever, take cold baths and wake-him-up-for-medicine-so-he-won't-dehydrate type of sick). His fever should break by tomorrow or we're back to the doctors to do more tests. In the meantime, snuggles and kisses are helping.
I saw this week's photo challenge over at I Heart Faces and it was right on target for pictures I've been trying to capture. The theme is "a touch of light". I've been "practicing" and playing around with sun flare in some of my pictures and was so excited for this theme. Again, I'm still learning, so of course this picture isn't all it could be (in fact, there's not nearly as much sun flare as I'd hoped), but I'm pretty damn proud and I absolutely love it. AAAnnnd, remember how I told you in my last photo challenge entry that our dog Bailey was near impossible to capture, let alone capture in a good picture? Well, here she is! Finally.
I love this pic because Bailey is pretty old, and we're not too sure how much longer she'll be with us. I'm always trying to take as many pics as I can with her and the Goose so that he'll have plenty of pictures with her, the best dog in the world. And I'm pretty sure this is frameworthy around these parts, so we'll truly cherish it.
Words over. Picture starts:
I saw this week's photo challenge over at I Heart Faces and it was right on target for pictures I've been trying to capture. The theme is "a touch of light". I've been "practicing" and playing around with sun flare in some of my pictures and was so excited for this theme. Again, I'm still learning, so of course this picture isn't all it could be (in fact, there's not nearly as much sun flare as I'd hoped), but I'm pretty damn proud and I absolutely love it. AAAnnnd, remember how I told you in my last photo challenge entry that our dog Bailey was near impossible to capture, let alone capture in a good picture? Well, here she is! Finally.
I love this pic because Bailey is pretty old, and we're not too sure how much longer she'll be with us. I'm always trying to take as many pics as I can with her and the Goose so that he'll have plenty of pictures with her, the best dog in the world. And I'm pretty sure this is frameworthy around these parts, so we'll truly cherish it.
Words over. Picture starts:
Sunday, September 11, 2011
ALWAYS REMEMBER
Some gave all. All gave some.
And to those serving to protect our freedom - Thank you. With all of my heart. THANK YOU.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Fill in the Blank Friday
Friday...again. Where does the time go? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy it's here, but seriously...weeks fly by like the minutes of an hour. Just like I've turned around and my baby boy is almost one. For eff's sake, where does it all go? Time, come back!
And on a more serious note it's been 10, yes TEN, years since the day that changed so many people's lives. Such a horrible, tragic day that tore open so many hearts and families, and it's somehow a whole ten years later. I don't mean to get sad, but there's something about the mere mention of 9/11 that brings raw emotion to my heart and tears to my eyes. I know I'm not the only one. I don't want to get into it too much here, because today's not the day (not for me, atleast - though I imagine every day is "the day" for some people). My heart goes out to you all as the anniversary approaches.
And for my lame attempt at brightening things up around here...Blanks! Link up with Lauren!
6. If I could have anything I wanted I would want to be able to stay at home full time with the Goose.
Have a good weekend all!
And on a more serious note it's been 10, yes TEN, years since the day that changed so many people's lives. Such a horrible, tragic day that tore open so many hearts and families, and it's somehow a whole ten years later. I don't mean to get sad, but there's something about the mere mention of 9/11 that brings raw emotion to my heart and tears to my eyes. I know I'm not the only one. I don't want to get into it too much here, because today's not the day (not for me, atleast - though I imagine every day is "the day" for some people). My heart goes out to you all as the anniversary approaches.
And for my lame attempt at brightening things up around here...Blanks! Link up with Lauren!
{Why is there a little dinosaur telling you it's Fill in the Blank Friday? Well, no reason really. I just like to keep you guys guessing.}
1. Somewhere someone is having a cocktail .
2. My boys is/are my muse.
3. It would suck if my favorite Belgian milk chocolate gelato was no more because, I’m addicted and it’s already too hard to find and too damn expensive ($5.99 for a pint! – but I buy it anyway). I already hoard that ish, can’t imagine what would happen if it was gone!
4. It should be a quiet work day is/are my favorite thing about today.
5. Life is kind of like school. You can always look back and realize how far you’ve come, and yet it feels like you still have so far to go. But every moment is a chance to change and learn something new.
6. If I could have anything I wanted I would want to be able to stay at home full time with the Goose.
7. A funny thing happened the other day... M started putting a diaper on the dog. I know, you’re thinking, “no, that’s sad”. And it is. But looking at it, it’s funny. She looks so pissed off, like we pasted her fur with glitter and bows, when really, we’re just trying to help her out. Girl is gettin’ old, but we love her so much. She’s not in pain so we’re just making do. Thank god she’s the same size as the Goose!
Have a good weekend all!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Commuter Chronicles
For some background...here.
Literally, I could copy and paste this past Commuter Chronicle entry, word.for.word.
For today's journey, I would simply add this:
Please do not wear a perfume that smells like the combination of death locked in a potpurri closet, and an untamed cat litter box.
I literally gagged in my mouth. Coincidentally, I had absolutely no appetite for breakfast this morning.
Literally, I could copy and paste this past Commuter Chronicle entry, word.for.word.
For today's journey, I would simply add this:
Please do not wear a perfume that smells like the combination of death locked in a potpurri closet, and an untamed cat litter box.
I literally gagged in my mouth. Coincidentally, I had absolutely no appetite for breakfast this morning.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Fill in the Blank Friday
Here we are again...Friday. Sorry I haven't updated. No worries, we're alive and stuff. Irene ended up not being as catastrophic as expected for us downstate and coastal folks. Not that there wasn't damage, but I think it's safe to say that overall, Irene took it easier on us than we were prepared for. Unfortunately, she didn't take it so easy on residents of upstate NY, Vermont and CT. There's a lot of flooding, last minute evacuation refugees, and major blackouts. We're thinking of all those affected and feel so lucky that the only damage we suffered was some water in the basement and lost power. Even with all that, the week has been crazy trying to catch up with work (I missed two days b/c of Irene's aftermath) and cleaning up leftover damage. But I've started my loooong weekend, so all is right in the world.
My loooong weekend consists of having off today and Monday, and then I always have off Tuesdays and Wednesdays...so we're looking at a return of Thursday...score! And the best part about that long weekend -- no plans! Okay, so tomorrow we'll be visiting with Mike's sister again (we were there this past weekend as refugees) for the day, but from Sunday through Wednesday, we've got squat to do, and I'm so excited. Bring on the laziness and squeezing out a few last beach days!
And to kick off the long weekend - it's Blanks time! Link up over at The Little Things We Do and join the fun!
6. If at first you don't succeed , dont be like me and give up, haha. Just kidding. I always try again, it's just usually at a much, much later time .
What are you guys up to this weekend? Is anyone else looking forward to doing nothing like me? Or are you stoked because your weekend is stacked full of fun? Either way, enjoy!
My loooong weekend consists of having off today and Monday, and then I always have off Tuesdays and Wednesdays...so we're looking at a return of Thursday...score! And the best part about that long weekend -- no plans! Okay, so tomorrow we'll be visiting with Mike's sister again (we were there this past weekend as refugees) for the day, but from Sunday through Wednesday, we've got squat to do, and I'm so excited. Bring on the laziness and squeezing out a few last beach days!
And to kick off the long weekend - it's Blanks time! Link up over at The Little Things We Do and join the fun!
1. One thing that is completely superfluous, but that I could never give up is my favorite chocolate chip cookies. I find myself making them at least every other week. One batch makes 16 huge-ish cookies. Here's the problem: All 16 don't usually last more than 2 days. It's downright disgusting how many we eat.
2. Being put on the spot makes me feel awkward.
3. I can't go a day without, the Goose's funny faces .
4. Goldfish is my favorite snack.
5. Lately I've been reminiscing being pregnant. I miss it .
6. If at first you don't succeed , dont be like me and give up, haha. Just kidding. I always try again, it's just usually at a much, much later time .
7. Fall is nice and all, but I'm a summer girl and it just reminds me that I have to wait three more seasons for the return of summer. I know, I know, debbie downer. I'd enjoy fall much, much more if spring immediately followed and we skipped winter alltogether .
What are you guys up to this weekend? Is anyone else looking forward to doing nothing like me? Or are you stoked because your weekend is stacked full of fun? Either way, enjoy!
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