Travel, Fashion, Cookies, Yoga, Writing and Jewlery?!

If you are an avid blogger, like me, you probably follow a ton of different blogs. Ever wondered who some of your friends are following?? Thought I would give you a list of a few bloggers who I tend to follow on a daily/weekly basis depending on the time I have to sit and read!!! I hope that you will follow some of my fellow blogger journey's and see what you can learn from them, too!

1. Adventuras en Espana: This blog is my friend Nicki who I use to work with at AMC Theatres. She is studying abroad this spring in Barcelona, Spain!!! She tries to post a couple times a week about the life she is living as a student and trying to take in the city, food, and sounds of what Spain is. I love reading her postings as she is very down to earth. You will find yourself laughing and thinking, "Wow...I am sure I would have done that too!" Follow Nicki and show her some blogger love!

2. Need some Fashion Advice? Well check out Pick Pocket Molly and Missus Smarty Pants! Both sites are perfect for anyone who needs a little refresher course on help in the fashion department. I went to church with Alice who is Pick Pocket Molly. No one can go wrong with Missus Smarty Pants, especially if you are over the age of 30. My mom introduced my sister and I to Missus Smarty Pants, and I can not thank her enough. Missus Smarty Pants will actually tell you which design shape you are and what to buy to make yourself look great for any occasion!!

3. Love baking creative looking cookies? If so, don't look to Martha Stewart, look at The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle! I just stumbled upon her blog yesterday as she is the niece of one of my birthmom friends. Her post from yesterday was extremely cute. She made cookies, fruit, and fruit dip. You ask, "What is so creative about that?" The cookies were made to look like tortilla chips, fruit was your salsa, and yup you guessed it, the guacamole was the fruit dip. Check out the photo!! I instantly had to start following her!

4. We all want to be fit right, but don't have the time or energy to go to the gym?? Now you can do Yoga at home with Fit2Bmama! My dear friend, Bethany, is the creator behind this blog. Read along with life as she blogs about being a wife, a mom of two, fitness enthusiast, and one who loves to go as organic as possible. You will laugh and see that even fitness people have their days were they just want to sit and consume a whole medium pan crust pizza alone due to a stressful day. You though will also find inspiring little notes to keep you going and pushing forward with your fitness goals and being encouraged to take one day at a time!

5. Want to know what it is like to being a writing student who has a passion for film and television? My high school friend, Megan is just that. She is one who I love reading her thoughts for the latest television show and or movie that she may have watched. She is an aspiring writer who would love to move to Las Angelos one day and be a writer for film or television. Great goals!!  Follow Megan over at Musings from the Farmgirl and see what she has to say! 

6. Lastly, I am sure I have posted about another classmate of mine who make jewelry, but if not, I will post about ~Pamela Susan~ again. Pam is awesome with her creations and I love reading to see what she has made next, espcially now that her Etsy store is open only a couple days a month. In addition to the jewelry that she makes, she is always making little things for her adorable little girls. This week she is doing a necklace give-away so go and check her out! I bet you will not be disappointed!! I wish I had just half of the creativity as she has!! :)

So there you have it, I gave you several different blogs you can follow and share with others as well!! Have a wonder week my friends!

The best Turkey recipe...

I posted earlier that I was thankful for my very first turkey that I made this year. I wanted to share this recipe that I found while I was clipping coupons late last month. Now mind you I didn't use all of what was called for with this recipe and I will tell you that it still turned out amazing. I will be keeping this recipe for a very very long time!! 

Herb Roasted Turkey with Roasted Apples & Root Vegetables
Prep time: 40 mins (and yes...it did take about this long)
Cook time: 3 hours (I cooked mine at 3.5 hours only because I put stuffing in the bird instead of doing the root veggies and apples)
Yield: 10-12 servings (probably small servings!)

Ingredients:
1/2 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I used 1/4 cup of my Italian herbed bread dipping oil)
2 tsp Dried thyme leaves, crushed
3 tsp salt, divided
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp paprika
3 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1" pieces)
4 medium parsnips (about 1 pound, peeled and cut into 1/4" slices)
2 large red cooking apples, cored, sliced and slices halved
3/4 c pecan halves (optional)
6 Tblsps firmly packed brown sugar

Preparation Directions:
1) Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray roasting pan (I just used the typical throw away roasting pan) with a no-stick cooking spray. Rinse, pat dry ans place turkey breast side up in pan. Whisk oil with thyme, 2 tsp. salt, garlic, pepper, and paprika. Reserve 1/4 cup for vegetables and 1 tablespoon to brush roasted turkey with remaining 3 tablespoons herbed oil. Roast turkey as directed on package. 3-3.5 hours until the meat is 165 degrees F.

**Now this is where I stopped...I actually used all the oil on the turkey making sure that the whole turkey was completely covered with the herbed oil. My mother inlaw had rinsed out the turkey and had rubbed salt on the inside of the turkey as she said it would make it taste better as well.**

2). Prepare vegetables about 15 minites before turkey will be done. Place sweet potatoes and parsnips in large glass bowl; cover. Microwave on High for 10 minutes, stiring once. Add applies and pecans. Spray 2 rimmed backing pans with no-stick cooking spray. Stir 1 tsp. salt and brown sugar into reserved 1/4 cup herbed oil; toss with vegetables and spoon into pan.

3) Remove turkey from oven, brush with reserved tablespoon herbed oil; cover loosely. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. and roast vegetables 15-20 mins until tender. Place vegetables round roast turkey on platter and serve.

So there you have it. Try this out and see what you all think as well. If you cook it just like I have typed out here for steps one...the meat on your turkey should be falling off the bone when you try to carve the turkey. I tell you it was the best turkey I have had in many years. I was told by a good family friend of mine that if you want a good juicy turkey breast, cook your turkey with the breast facing down. This allows the white meat to sit in the juices. I didn't do that, but even the white meat was nice and juicy for me. :) I wished I would have taken a picture of what our Thanksgiving feast looked like, but when I remembered I only had a picked over turkey carcass left.

Things to be THANKFUL for...

Happy Thanksgiving!!! I hope that you all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family. I had a pretty good Thanksgiving. I normally feel pretty homesick when the holidays come around, but this year I didn't have those feelings. I am thankful for that! Throughout the day I have thought about different things that I am thankful for. Thought I would share them with you in no particular order.

1. TURKEY
Ok...you are probably thinking, "Why on earth are you thankful for this?" Well, this year I made my first turkey!! I was really scared that it would turn out bad, but needless to say I will be keeping the recipe that I found one day while clipping the coupons out of the weekly paper. The meat was falling off the bones, it was that juicy! Even the white meat was pretty good!! This recipe called for a 10-13 pound turkey and so it only took 3.5 hours to cook.

2. JOB EMPLOYMENT
I am thankful for now having a job! I am really enjoying my Member Services job at Universal American (UAM). For those of you who do not know, UAM is a Medicare Part D provider, which is the prescription drug assistance side. Lots of things to learn, but I am really enjoying most of it. My training group was placed on the phones this week, and I was really scared once I started taking calls. I got through it though and my shift on Wednesday went a lot smoother. Then tomorrow is considered a "Floating Holiday", which means I will get holiday pay plus my regular pay!! Thank you!!! :)  I am also thankful that Rob found a teaching position at Cleveland State for the time being!

3. FAMILY & FRIENDS
I am always thankful for the family and friends that I have. I realize that I am one who really tends to lean on my family and friends for support. I don't know where I would be with out having the support system like the that I have!! This holiday I am thankful for a few things though. Thankful for my brand new niece who is just 2 days told today!! Madigan Ellen Nation finally graced us with her presence on Tuesday the 23rd. I am also thankful for the time I was able to spend with my Grandpa Morse. Earlier this fall he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Even though it was a bittersweet visit to Nebraska earlier this month, I knew I had to go. I am thankful for my best friends who I have been able to keep in touch with, even if I am two time zones away. Oh some days how I wish I was living in Oregon, again.

There are other things that I am sure that I could list...but I am just going to stick with these. I really do hope that you had a wonderful day, even if you ended up spending it alone!!

You know you are eating out too much when...

• You know you are eating out too much when you get annoyed at the server who is trying to do their job.
• You know you are eating out too much when you feel like you are constantly being seated in the screaming child section of the dining room. 
• You know you are eating out too much when you have the local pizza place on speed dial of your cell phone. 

I am sure I am not the only who has had these thoughts!! Anyone else brave enough to raise their hands?? Well since Rob and I have moved to Ohio, we have realized that we need to cut back on eating out. When we lived in Connecticut we would average eating out (fast food, take out, or sit down restaurant) about 5 times a week for either lunch or dinner. This didn't count my "breaks" that I had at work where I would spend money on my 30 minute break for a snack. So yes we did eat out A LOT. We will both admit that, too. So now that we are in a new place we are going to work on eating at home A LOT more. :) 

So far we have done pretty good. This past weekend was a bit rough since he went to Connecticut with his dad to pack up the rest of the house where there is literally no food or cooking items left at the house. This last week though we did good. We had went to the store and purchased quite a bit of meat that could be frozen and then thawed out when needed. It has been nice cooking at home again. I may not be the greatest cook, but I am at least willing to try, though. Since his mom has been staying with me for the weekend, we did good about trying eat at home as well! Since Saturday, she and I have only ate out twice. Once for lunch on Saturday and then tonight for dinner. The other nights I have been creative on trying to fix meals here at the house for her and I. I was able to make a meal that she and I would enjoy that I would not normally be able to make when Rob is around since he does not like shrimp. 

But Rob and I have decided that we can not just completely cut the whole eating out thing. I see it as kind of like going on a diet or budgeting. While on a diet or a strict budget you still have to leave some give room or some reward room so that you do not fail. If you are use to eating out all of the time then trying to quit cold turkey it will fail every time. We have decided that we will eat out twice a week. Once a week we will treat the dogs to a car ride and dinner at a fast food place like Sonic and then once a week he and I will go out and have a meal at a sit down place. This way it feel more special than, "well where do you want to go tonight?" I know it is easy right now, but the real test will be when both of us start working. I am hoping that we can have a routine down before then, but it will be a struggle for awhile, I am sure. 

So for all of you lovely friends who cook...send me your favorite EASY meals that you like to cook. I am a picky eater, but I am trying to broaden my palate a bit. Rob and I tend to cook on a weekly basis: Chicken, Pork, and Beef. So feel free to send me anything with these meats in it. I would love to try some of your dishes!! 

21 with 9 years of Experience

Sunday was my birthday and I am finally finding some time to sit down and blog about it. I wanted to blog it yesterday but well life got in the way, and I had to upload the pictures from the camera to the computer. *I must say that I do love the digital era where you have pictures instantly!!*


Anyways...I turned the big dreaded 3-0 on Sunday. Happy Birthday to me, right?! So how does it feel to be this number?? Well it's just a number right? At least that is what us women say when it comes to a dress size. Buy what feels comfortable and if you don't like the number then rip it out. So that is what I am doing with my age. I don't like the number so I am just ripping it out until well next year. People have told me (who are well into their 30's) that my life is just beginning now that I am turning 30. What does that mean? Does it mean that I will become more wise and have the knowledge that people wished they could have?? Or is it just that I will stop caring about what people think and just be myself. I think it is the last one of all of those. Well it would be nice to be wiser and have the knowledge that most people will want, but I think that I will just be gaining the wisdom and knowledge of mindless stuff that people will say, "How do you know what?!"


My birthday was a lot of fun though. It started out a bit crappy to say the least since I came home from work after midnight to find a Cindy-dog poo surprise for Rob and I to clean up. *sigh when will she learn?!* We didn't get to bed until about 2:30am. The alarm clock on my phone rang about 5 hours later and I was wondering why I agreed to go an early breakfast. So I got up and pulled some clothes on to myself decent for the whole world could see. Andrew and Mike were going to be at the house around 9am so that we could head out to Chip's diner. Remember that old post about pancakes well that is where we were going again for breakfast. Rob was going to go but since it looked like Cindy was still not feeling well he stayed home so that we didn't come home again to a mess.

While waiting for the boys to arrive I opened my presents that were sent by my mom. Mom made the majority of the gifts which gave it the extra touch of home. Thanks mom for your thoughtfulness!! She made me some greeting cards while using some of my little brother's photography, a little note pad with the same picture on it as the cards, then she sent some fun and bright socks to wear, a fun solar powered key chain that blinks my name, one of those stainless steel canteens that people all have now with a hand cut out template of a flower and a message on it, then to top it off she sent me some new fun body wash by Philosophy. 

Breakfast was fun and entertaining with Andrew and Mike. They told the server that it was my birthday and so that lead to the server bringing out my breakfast with a lit candle and a happy birthday song. It was fun as I have not had people sing happy birthday to me at an eating place for a long time. 

After breakfast we went to the grocery store so that I could pick out my birthday cake (I was going to make my own but since I didn't get much sleep the night before I really didn't have the energy to bake one) and a few other things that were needed. I was just going to have the bakery put "Happy 30th, Amy" on the cake but the boys didn't think that was sufficient. So with that being said the final quote that was decided on was, "21 with 9 years experience". Hey why not?! :) While shopping for the other items, Andrew went off and bought me Happy Birthday Balloons and put them on my car before I got back out the car. I laughed at the whole ordeal. Hey at least the balloons didn't end up in my hair! 

 My mom called me later in the afternoon and I caught her up briefly on everything since I hadn't spoken to her in a week or so. I thanked her for the yummy smelling body wash and rest of the gifts that she sent. She asked what Rob had got me and I told her that he gave me some quirky items. One was a set of post-it notes that are in the shape of the 10 Commandments, then a cookbook that is titled 101 ideas to cook with canned biscuits, then a little book that is about everything that a woman should know about, a menu planner pad (which will come in handy!), and then a pick me up type of pad that says, "ways to make me happy" and you check off the little boxes for people to read. 

 Around 5pm the rest of my friends started showing up for dinner. We were going over to Kobis Japanese Steakhouse for some Hibachi! Rob and I went there once before on a date and I knew exactly from that moment that is where I wanted to celebrate my birthday at. My two other friends arrived and away we went for dinner. What a fun experience to have with some friends who are not afraid to have some fun and a little bit of crazy at dinner. I had steak and shrimp for my meats. Everything is good and so it was hard to choose what to do. I had a strawberry margarita with my dinner in celebration for this new maturity I was suppose to be gaining. 

 After dinner we went back to my house and pretty much hung out. We had cake and played a board game called "Would you Rather...". We didn't really use the actual board game but more passed around the cards and read the questions to one another. I found that to be more fun than trying to play some game of it. :)

So overall I had a good birthday and birthday party. Thank you for all who came out for my party and I will remember this birthday for a long time!!

Cheers to the 3-0!

Future Food - on Planet Green

I came across a very cool channel while I was at my mom's house last month. The channel is called Planet Green. Now I am one who has not fully embraced the whole "greeness" like some of you, but I like the thought of what people are trying to do. While I was at my mom's though...I found a couple shows on this channel that I wanted to watch. One was a show that I had already been familiar with which is called "30 Days" which is hosted by the same guy who did the documentary film, "Supersize Me", and the other show that I wanted to see was called "Future Food".

When I got home to Connecticut, I asked Rob if we had this channel. He had hidden this channel from the guide as he thought it was some nonsense channel. Which it might have been if I would not have found a couple shows! So he added it back to our Windows Media Center Guide, and I got busy adding the shows to record.

I have came to love this show called Future Food. It is by the two Chicago chefs who run the restaurant MOTO. Basically Moto creates dishes that are innovative using Molecular Gastronomy. Molecular Gastronomy is basically cooking with science. Like it says on wikipedia, molecular chefs investigate and explain the chemical reasons behind the transformation of ingredients, as well as the social, artistic and technical components of culinary and gastronomic phenomena in general. This show is very cool. I just watched one today (it was an old one) where the chefs made food for kids. The kids were asked what their favorite foods were and then asked to use their imagination on what they would like to see their favorite food made into. What a great way to get kids to eat food, by changing it into something fun. Some of the food that they made was turned into bars of soap, a decapitated deer with brains, some kids wanted eye balls, dirty socks. Now some of the dishes did turn sour and not do too well with the kids, but it was still fun to watch. The episode that I am talking about is Kids Gone Wild. 


If you have some time to kill...sit down and watch this show...I think you will find it just as interesting as me!

Mexican Food, anyone?

Salsa, fresh home made chips, Fajitas, Tacos, Mexican Rice, Burritos, Nachos, and Sopapillas....these are the things I love when it comes to mexican food! Ok...so I am obsessed with food, I will admit it. I love food...and I love Mexican food! In my house...this is one of the staples for meals.  

Last night was no exception! I had a huge craving for Mexican food, so Rob, Andrew, and I all went out to On The Border. Now I know what you are thinking..."Amy...this is a chain restaurant!" Let me remind you all that I live in New England where you can not find proper good Mexican food unless you go to the chain places! Now if I was still living in Tucson, then please feel free to kick me in the butt, because the chain stuff is not as good as the hole in the wall places! Up in New England though...stay away from the hole in the wall places and stick with some of the chain places! 

I didn't know what to have last night for dinner, but settled with ground beef tacos with extra rice as I am not a fan for beans. (It is a texture thing...and I have had it for ever since I was little.) Of course we were getting our fill on the chips and salsa. I kind of wished that On the Border had more than one level of spiciness in the salsa...but that is ok. Dinner was amazing and I happen to have a coupon for either a free appetizer or a free dessert. Since the chips and salsa pretty much serve as the appetizer we used the coupon on dessert. The free dessert that we were able to get with the coupon were the Sopapillas. 

What are Sopapillas, you ask? Well think of 3 inch squares of fried dough and then rolled in cinnamon and sugar! Then they are served with honey for a dipping sauce and also some chocolate syrup for dipping as well. I am glad that there was three of us at dinner, because if it was just me, I would have ate all 5 with in just a couple of minutes! hahaha! They were just to die for. The next time I go to the store I will have to pick up some premade dough so that I can make them on my own at home! 

Last year, On the Border had something called "Build your own Burrito". Rob and I loved that!! You picked everything for your burrito! We normally would have the piece of paper filled out before our server came to the table to ask us what we wanted to drink. But On the Border has changed their menu and discontinued this item! We were upset, but I have not now really look at the menu to see what I want. It was too easy with this old item. *sigh*

Anyways...what is your favorite thing to order when you go for Mexican food? Also where do you like to go when you get that huge craving for mexican food? 

Back from North Dakota!

Rob and I had a nice 4 days up in Minot, North Dakota. Where is Minot? When looking at a map of North Dakota...look way up north about 40-60 miles south of Canada and you will find a dot labeled Minot (My-Not). It is a town of about 36,000 people and is the fourth largest city in the state.

Rob and I flew in on Tuesday afternoon and found that their international airport to be only two gates, but only one is used. Good times! We both laughed at each other and said, "Well we wanted an adventure!" I got the rental car while Rob went over to the only baggage claim and picked up our checked luggage. Yes we pay for checked luggage because I hate having to scramble for the correct ounces of liquids to get through security. Just easier for me to check the bag and see it at the final destination. Anyways...we went out and tried to find some lunch. Drove around for a bit and ended up at the mall hoping that they had some type of food court. They did and we had a few choices. I should have went with the Chinese place rather than the Japanese place that I went to. Oh well...I didn't matter. I knew we were having dinner later on with the hiring committee. We drove around for a little bit more and then headed over to the hotel.

The hotel room was nice and we both ended up taking an hour nap, as the day was really catching up to us since the alarm went off at 3:30am. An hour after sleeping and getting ready for dinner we were downstairs waiting for the hiring committee. We met the three gals who were there for dinner and were seated at our table. Now I am always a bit leary eating at a hotel restaurant, unless I at at a Hilton or some place like that. We were told though that everything on the menu is good. I went with a dish that was kind of like a Chicken Parm. Rob chose a salad where some of the other ladies went with a Chicken Stir-fry or Shrimp pasta. We were first given bread with some garlic infused olive oil for dipping the bread in. Let me just say that I am craving this again!! So yummy! Dinner went well and when we walked back to the hotel room I told Rob that I am feeling real good about this interview process for this school. He agreed!

Wednesday morning came around and the department head picked Rob up at the hotel so that I would have the rental car to explore and get to know more of Minot. Well I kind of just hung out at the hotel to relax and just be me for a while. I had lunch down at the hotel restaurant just because I didn't feel like driving out to find something. Around 245pm or so, I met Rob down on campus and we had a campus tour of Minot State. Such a lovely campus. I was able to meet up with one of the Social Work professors and get some general information about their program. I will talk more with whatever school we end up at as the time gets closer. After the campus tour, the department head took us over to a real-estate agent. the real-estate agent showed us around town and the different houses that may be up for rent or even for sale. She told us more about the city and made us just feel like we could really live there. :) We then had another dinner with the department head at a place that did Italian and American food. Good food, but just kind of odd that they market the place for more Italian food, but yet you could order steak and ribs if wanted. After dinner, Rob and I drove over past the state fairground and saw the dirt track where they race sprint cars on. One of the drivers that my dad tends follow on the World of Outlaws circuit was born in Minot and made his start there. The family still lives there where the driver resides in Fargo.

Thursday, Rob had only a couple hours at the school and was back at the hotel by 11am. We went and found some lunch (at Hardee's) and after a couple more trips back to the hotel we were on the road for the rest of the day. We drove over to Bainville, MT which is one of the closest eastern towns in Montana that is near the Western North Dakota state line. Rob had never been to Montana before and so we thought a 3 hour drive one way would be fun. It allowed us to see what else was on the northern western part of North Dakota. Not much except for tons and tons of Oil digging machines!  North Dakota right now is on a boom for work! If you are looking for work, North Dakota is the place to be!! Oil companies are buying up hotels just to house their workers! I kid you not! Also you better be good about peeing on the side of the road if needed because there are not any rest areas available and only a handful of gas stations. One with a weak bladder, I had contemplated a couple of times on that three hour trip one way. You all laugh now...but you would do the same if you were in my situation. We ended the day with dinner at a no so bad Mexican restaurant back in Minot. The service was poor, but the food was pretty good for being that far north!

Friday morning we woke up early and packed everything up. Our flight didn't leave until 115pm, but we wanted to get breakfast, drive up passes the Air Force base and see some of the other areas of Minot before leaving. Breakfast was at Perkin's. Oh how I have missed Perkin's! If we move to Cleveland or Minot I would have Perkin's around. Perkins is kind of like a Denny's or an Ihop, but I think it is better than any of those! Well not as good as Chip's here in Connecticut, but no one could compete with them! After exploring a little bit more and wasting off some more gas in the rental car we headed back to the airport. Rob and I were both sad that we were leaving and said, "I would come back here, even though there is hardly anything around!" So call me crazy...but it is true! Next time we come back we will bring the passports so that we can go up into Canada. :)

Our flights were less than desirable...but hey who said that flying would be the best thing in the world back in economy! When we got to Minneapolis we did try to pay for a first class upgrade but since there were already so many Delta Elites waiting for an upgrade we were turned down. We were back in economy both squeezing in middle seats. Bleck! Why make a middle seat?! I mean really! And if you are going to have a middle seat...can you make it just as big as the window and aisle seat with the arm rests down?! I always realize how "big" I am when I fly and have to sit in the middle seat. *sigh* I know...it is a sign...I should get back down to a weight that is more desirable to the US standard. That will be for another blog posting! We arrived back at JFK International airport and pulled up to the driveway of our Connecticut house pretty late. The dogs were excited to see us but so tired as they had been sound asleep with Andrew. The two girls ended up staying downstairs with Andrew where the "old man" Sparky went upstairs to his own bed with us.

Today, Rob and I are taking it easy. I will get some pictures posted in a day or so. I have pictures posted over on my facebook page that some of you have seen already. Anyways...it is good to be home to sleep in my own bed, wear my comfy sweats and not have to worry about impressing anyone. ;)

Salt Water Taffy

Growing up in Oregon, I had the privilege of going to the beach a couple times a year. At best my family would go about once a year. I knew though that a trip to the beach would consist at stopping for some salt water taffy in Lincoln City, Oregon.

What is salt water taffy? Does it really contain salt water? Well I had to go look it up on wikipedia because I didn't know myself. haha. I just knew that it tasted good and that was good enough for me. According to Wiki...salt water taffy first originated in Atlantic City, NJ. A taffy store was flooded with salt water after a big storm in the late 1880s. A customer came in and asked if they had any taffy, and the store owner said, "no...but I have some salt water taffy." the customer bought some and the name has stuck ever since.

In Lincoln City, Oregon there is a candy shop on HWY 101 that has the best salt water taffy. It is on the right hand side if you are headed south on 101 and you can not miss this place. It is a white building with red stripes. This is the place that my family has stopped for years to pick up a bag of taffy for our ride home. The place is called Read's Homemade Candies. They make the candy right there on location, but are known for their taffy. I have been in there at times to watch the taffy machine working with pulling the taffy back and forth and wrapping the mixture over and over each other.

So what are my favorite flavors?? This place has lots of different flavors ranging from vanilla to root beer to watermelon. I grew up liking BUTTER CREAM, VANILLA, CHOCOLATE, MINT CHOCOLATE, and PEPPERMINT. When I was in Oregon last month, I stopped at this taffy shop and picked up a bag of taffy. It was just as good as what I had remembered it!

Busy day in the City...

Yesterday, Rob and I took an adventure down to the City (aka NYC). I was able to check off a couple things from my New England Bucket List, which I thought was pretty cool. Yesterday it was such awesome weather, so why not spend it outside?!

The morning started out pretty rough, though. I am not going to lie. I took too long getting ready, and so we left the house a little bit later than I had planned. I had thought about catching the 850am train, but since we left the house late, I figured we could catch the 930am train. We hit massive traffic trying to get into New Haven for some reason. So by the time we got over to the train station and attempted three times to find parking we both were just stressed. Rob was to the point that he just didn't want to go...but it was what I had planned and I was not going to let the morning get the best of me. We hiked up to the train station (had to park about 10 blocks from the station), purchased our tickets and Rob thought we would still be able to catch the 930am train. Just as we neared the steps to the 930am train platform, we heard the train pull away, so we caught the next one which left at 1010am. No worries...we just had to wait.

Just before noon the train arrived at Grand Central Terminal. Rob asked if we could go find some lunch at like a McDonald's. So we purchased our subway tickets and caught the shuttle train to Times Square. I knew of two McDonald's there in Times Square and so I went to the one that was the closest. After lunch we went back to Grand Central and took a different train down to Wall Street. Now for my fellow friends who know the subway, you are thinking, "well why didn't you take this # train down to Wall Street from Times Square?" Well we would have but I forgot my handy-dandy laminated subway map at home (it is packed and I need to really find it!) and so I was going off the hand written directions I had from the night before provided from Google Maps. We made it down to Wall Street and we were able to see the outside of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). I am pretty sure there was formal enterance, but we didn't bother looking for it. Just seeing the building was enough for Rob and we also saw Trump Tower.

After walking down Wall Street we took another subway up to Central Park. I wanted to see a few things there as I had never been to Central Park. Items I wanted to see yesterday were, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and the Boathouse. We got into the park and I was trying to follow yet again the hand written directions that I wrote down from the night before. Well...once you are in the park though...there are no street signs! Oh ya...and no maps available to pick up and know where you are. After wandering around we did find a map on a pole and found which we needed to go. It was pretty hot...and wanted to find something cold to drink, as well. We first saw Bow Bridge. Bow Bridge is one of the famous bridges that you seen in a lot of the movies that are filmed in Central Park. It is near the Boathouse and so you tend to see people in row boats rowing under the bridge. After that we walked over to the Bethesda Terrace. Yet another famous area that you tend to see in movies as well. Remember the scene in the movie 27 Dresses  where Tess tells Jane that she wants to get married at the Boat house? Well that is Bethesda Terrace!! The fountain was not turned on yet, but the whole area was just so pretty. We did see a bum sleeping in the underpass of Bethesda Terrace...but the tile work on the ceiling is just gorgeous!!! After that we went and sat on a park bench for awhile. We actually found a slightly shaded bench! We sat and talked about what we should do next and decided to walk over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rob had never been there and so it was perfect to go, too. I just loved Central Park! There were quite a few people there since it was such a nice day. I would love to see more of the park!!

The MET was, well the MET. They did have a new Modern Art exhibit, which was cool to look at. Some of the stuff I could go with out seeing again if I went back to the MET (like the Egyptian stuff). After strolling through the MET we decided to go find some dinner. Since Rob chose where we ate for lunch, he let me choose where to eat for dinner. I chose to eat at ESPN Zone down in Times Square. I kind of thought about eating at the Boat house, but 1) we were not dressed for a place like that and 2) I didn't want to spend tons and tons of money for dinner! ESPN Zone had awful service and I will probably never eat at one again. We waited close to 10 minutes after being seated at our table before our server came over to ask us for our drink order. Now yes they were a little busy, but not slammed! It just seemed one thing after another with dinner. I am glad we ate there...but after dinner I kept thinking of other places that we could have ate at. *sigh* I guess I need to ask some friends where to eat next time. hahaha.

After dinner we walked through Times Square, saw where the New Years Ball drops from, and walked through part of the Fashion District. I was able to see where Parson's was since I am a fan of Project Runway. I can not sew to save my life...but I love that show. By the time we were done with that we walked up to Grand Central. We walked past Bryant Park (which was cool too!) on our way up to Grand Central. Bryant Park is smaller than what I had imagined it...but can see why it is used for Fashion week.

Once we got to Grand Central, we bought our tickets and caught the 804pm train back home. It was a pretty full train as it was the first non-peak train from the City. All in all it was a good day. I am glad that we went and I hope to get down there one more time or so before I leave!

Relaxed and Refreshed...

So it has been a couple days since I have been home from Oregon. Figure I should fill you all in on how the rest of my trip went. Normally when I am in Oregon I am running from one place to another then stop at my mom's to sleep for a few hours and then back up and run again. This trip was very different. I am sure I upset people because I was not calling everyone to set up meetings and get together's with them. I figured...people knew I was in the state since I had posted it on facebook and they all had my number. So if they wanted to see me...then they knew how to get a hold of me.

So Wednesday like I had said, I had one of the most amazing hour full body massages with a focus on my upper back. I really did need that. I didn't realize how much tension I had built up in my muscles. I think I will be scheduling another one out here. I have just a little bit of money left on a gift card that I was given a couple years ago. :)

Thursday was spent with one of my best friends, Renee. She and I went to lunch, did some shopping, and then spent a couple hours sitting at Starbucks. I always know when I am around a true best friend. How?? Well, two friends or even a group of close friends...they can be separated for a year or even more, but then once they are back together in person things pick up as if no one was apart. That is how Renee and my other best friends are with me. I miss that...and I love it! Thursday evening I went to dinner with my parents and brother.

Friday was spent with my Grandma Schneider. We ate lunch at Old Spaghetti Factory, and yes I had meat sauce with Mizithra cheese over spaghetti. Grandma even tried it and thought it was good. Rob is a bit upset that he can not find this type of cheese at Whole Foods. I just laugh at him. Friday evening was spent over at my other best friend's house. Christy and I ordered a pizza and watched a couple movies. Before that Friday, she had never seen the movie "The Hangover". *GASP, I know!* She laughed through it just like I thought she would. We then watched "Zombie Land". What a dumb movie!! I don't get it...how was this movie suppose to be drop dead funny? (No pun intended?) After that we just at and talked and talked...I kept looking at the clock and finally at 3:45am I asked Christy if I could just sleep at her house. I know the back roads to Canby, but it was late and I was tired. So I slept a couple hours at her house before I headed back to my mom's house. I hated to leave so quick from Christy's in the morning...but I had to run home and get ready to see Kaylee!

Saturday afternoon was spent down in Albany having a visit with NaeDean, Kaylee, and my mom. Kaylee is getting so big, and she is very creative. She had made me a poster that said, "I love Amy" and it had two hearts on it because she loves me a lot she said. We had a good visit. She is still very much into Barbi, princess stuff, but she enjoys playing soccer as well. Saturday evening, I went to church with my parents. It had been awhile since I have been to church. I can not wait to get into a new area and get connected with a church that I actually like or feel connected, too.

Sunday was spent at the beach!!! Yes it was cool, a bit rainy and windy...but that is the Oregon Coast. We had lunch at Mo's, went shopping at the outlet mall, and then get some taffy at the taffy shop that my family always stopped growing up. I went in and grabbed a couple handfuls of each flavor. Well not every flavor, just the flavors that I grew up enjoying. We took the long way home from the beach as traffic was pretty hectic going the way that we would normally would drive. So we drove down through Corvallis and then up I-5.

Monday I spent several hours up at the mall with my friend Sarah who just got back in the states. She spent the past five months in Vietnam. She looks great, and we had some awesome conversation over lunch and then coffee. It was a perfect setting since it was a typical Oregon spring rainy day. I was thinking that I was going to hang out with another friend for dinner, but she never called and so I drove back to my parent's house.

Tuesday was spent doing absolutely nothing. What an odd feeling it was, but yet something that was needed. I caught up on some of my shows that had been posted online and just sat at home doing nothing. When my mom got home, she asked if I wanted to run with her over to Grandma's house and then go pick up my dad from the bus stop. So I got my shoes on and we were off. After we picked up dad we decided to go get some dinner and ended up at The Ram. The Ram is a brewery that is in Portland as well as just a couple other locations through out Washington and a few out east. Well Indiana is the most east they get, so far. They have good beers and very yummy ribs!

Wednesday I spent sleeping in late and then having lunch with my mom. For dinner we went downtown to my dad's office. We went to dinner at this place that was a block over from his office. He thought it was just some bar and grill...well it was more of a uppity bar and grill. You know one of those places that has one sheet for the menu and you just really want a burger but there is no burger on the menu. Ya it was one of those places. It was good to try something new, but would probably not go back to that place. We then walked down to Voodoo Donuts, but they were too busy. I really just wanted to get a tshirt...but realized I could get a donut and a tshirt on my next trip to Portland. :)

Thursday, I had to fly back to Connecticut. I finished my Confessions of a Shopaholic book and wished that I would had another book to start, but it was ok to just sit and do nothing. If I would have had Rob's Sony Reader, then I could have had several books to read, but that is ok. I am one who likes to hold the actual book rather than a device and "turn the page" on the screen.

So now I am home and back to the same old busyness. Work is not as busy as what I thought it would be with it being Easter weekend...but maybe that is because it is almost eighty degrees outside and sunny. I am not complaining!!

So there ya have it. Once I get the pictures off loaded from the camera I will share them with you!!

The Old Spaghetti Factory

I grew up eating at this place and I miss it dearly! (The picture above is the Minneapolis, MN location) One may look at the menu at this place and say, "Well it is just another Italian place...what's the big deal?" Well the big deal is that this place first opened in Portland, Oregon in 1969 within an old warehouse. The decor was old antique mixed matched items. It had just a certain look for it. The owners wife helped set up the decor by picking up stuff from garage sales to give the restaurant a unique look.  I was never able to go to the original location as it closed down before my family went to it. I grew up going to the one that was in Portland and the building had a purplely-blue roof. It was always a big deal to go as it was just fun to sit in these different types of tables where the seat backs are old headboards, and footboards, old high back chairs.

Old Spaghetti Factory has low and reasonable prices for a meal that comes with bread, salad, a main course, beverage, and a scoop of icecream!! I grew up having spaghetti with meat sauce. Now that I am older I have been a little bit more adventurous. Since we were in Minneapolis this weekend, I was able to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory location there. I was extremely excited, as I have not ate at an Old Spaghetti Factor since I lived in Oregon. I got to looking at the table mat while waiting for dinner, and realized I have ate at many of the locations listed o the table mat. I even worked at one of the locations in Oregon when I was twenty-one years old.

Some people would think it is strange...but I think I want to try and visit each location. There are a ton in California...but I still think it would be fun. My sister does this with Hard Rock Cafe's and so I am going to do this for Old Spaghetti Factory.

To see if there is a location near you, or near a place that you are visiting please click on locations.

Best place to eat?

Oh how I have missed this place!!! I will miss it tomorrow when I leave Minneapolis.

Tucson - Where to and not to eat....

Before I moved away from Tucson, I posted a blog (back when I was using Myspace) about the good and bad places to eat in Tucson. I had just read a blog from one of my favorite band's blog about how they like to eat at different places when they are on the road or on vacation. It got me thinking to the places that I ate at in Tucson. Rob and I had made a list of places to try and said yes or no after. He and I agreed on some and others we were torn. I thought it would be fun to recount some of those places. I encourage you to try the "good" places and stay far away from the "bad" ones if you travel through or to Tucson. Hey...spring training will be starting up next month and some you just may be in Tucson for a game if anyone still practices down there. ;) So here is my list.

GOOD PLACES

EL MOLILTO (Mexican Food) Location: Ina/Thornydale
This place had awesome food no matter what time we went there. The food was reasonably priced with pretty fast service. *How I miss this place!!!*

R&R PIZZA EXPRESS (Pizza) Location: River/La Cholla
If you ever get sick of Pizza Hut try this place!

EL CORRAL STEAKHOUSE (BBQ) Location: River/Campbell
This place is good if you go early before the dinner rush. otherwise you may have bad service and not so great food. If the entire party at the table asks for the house salad dressing, your server will make the dressing right at your table.

MIMI'S CAFE (american) Location: Oracle/Wetmore
This was a place that I liked but our server was slow. We only ate here once, but it would be a place that I would try again. I know that Mimi's Cafe is a chain, so for you who do not live in Tucson, you may have one near you.

CLAIM JUMPER (american) Location: Broadway/Alvernon
Oh yet another place that I wish would be nationwide. I kept hoping that NYC would get one of these and it would be worth the train ride down to the city to eat at. *sigh* Maybe I will move to a state that has a Claim Jumper. Oregon has a couple and so I tend to eat here at least once while visiting friends and family.

FAMOUS DAVES (BBQ) Location: Oracle/Wetmore
This place knows how to make good BBQ. If you go in with more than one person get their FAMOUS FEAST!! the large one can feed between 4-5 people. It is worth the money as you get a little bit of everything. Unfortunately I would have to drive to Springfield, Mass or take the train down to NYC to eat here. I may just have to do that though as we are getting low on BBQ sauce. ;)

MAGPIE PIZZA (pizza) Location: various locations in Tucson
They offer gormet style pizzas that are excellent. Magpie's has been voted number one for their pizza for many years in a row.

HARVEST MOON (chinese) Location: Oracle/Rancho Vistoso (Oro Valley)
Amazing good food for a good price. A place that is worth the extra drive. I would post a link but Harvest Moon does not have an official website.

PINNACLE PEAK @ TRAIL DUST TOWN (BBQ) Location: Tanque Verde/ Grant
If you are a visitor you MUST go here!! Pinnacle Peak is a steakhouse inside a cool little western oasis in the dessert. The food and service is great. After eating dinner take a stroll through the rest of Trail Dust Town. Try your shootin' skills at the shooting arcade and buy an ice cream for your date at the ice cream parlor.

PLACES NOT RECOMMENDED

CARUSO'S (Italian) Location: 4th Ave/7th Street
This place is one of the oldest places in tucson, and it is family owned. Several people had told Rob and I to go there and so we did. We regreted every minute of it. The food was awful and service.

KETTLE RESTAURANT (american) Location: 22nd/ I-10
Yes, it is a hokey place to eat, but the food is not that great and they didn't like it that we tried to use a coupon that was in the newspaper.

OLD FATHER INN (bar food) Location: Ina/Thornydale
We have figured out if a place has off track betting then the food is awful. Once again this fact is true on this place. Awful food and service.

WHATABURGER (aka WHATABADBURGER) (american/fast food)
lets just say if the dogs make faces while eating a burger, it should never be eaten by a human! Enough said!

Super Bowl Sunday

So here we are once again...it is the time of year where two professional football teams come together to beat the crap out of each other for the Super Bowl Champion title. I am one who does tend to watch the game every year and it has been where the commercials get more of a light than the actual game. In years past though the commercials for the Super Bowl have been less than favorable. Five years ago I could have told you what the funniest commercial was from the prior year. This year though...none of the commercials from last year stand out. So what is on the menu tonight?? Most people have lots of friends and family over to watch the big game. Rob and I will only have our friend Andrew over. I will make nachos and it will be just how we like it.

Here is a recipe for the nachos that I use. I watched a friend make them and thought I would try it. :) I have never been a nacho fan but this recipe turned me to be a fan!!

2 bags of Tostitos MULTI-GRAIN tortilla chips
1 bag Mozzarella cheese
1 bag of Chedder
1 bag of Mexican blend cheese
1/2 pound of meat, cooked (ground beef, diced steak, diced chicken, shredded pork)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
spread a layer of chips on a 11x13 cookie sheet (one that has a small edge to help the chips stay on the pan)
sprinkle all three cheeses onto the layer of chips.
spread remainder chips to create another layer of chips on the pan.
sprinkle remainder of the cheeses onto the chips.
sprinkle the cooked meat on top of the chips.
place cookie sheet in oven until cheese is melted.
(keep an eye on this as the cheese will burn)

serve with sour cream, guacamole, black beans or refried beans, shredded lettuce.

Best candy?

When one is asked what the best candy is, they may sit and think for a bit. I know that I would The best candy all depends on the type of mood you are in. Sometimes the best candy is something salty, or chocolaty, or sour, or sweet.

Right now I have an obsession of the Sour Patch Kids. I would tell you that I do not like super sour candies so you may ask why I like these then? My answer is, "I don't know...they are just good." Such a great response, I know. I am one though who eats these little sour things differently than probably most. Rob will take a handful and just pop them all in his mouth. Someone else may eat them one by one. I on the other hand may eat them one by one...but I have to roll the candy around in my fingers first. I like some of the sourness on the candy but not too much. I take the candy, squish it into a little ball and then just roll it around. Odd, I know. I am sure it is part of some autistic thing in my personality. A friend of mine saw me doing this the other day at work in the break room. She asked, "Amy what are you doing?" I laughed and said, "This is how I eat these yummy little candies." When she walked away I laughed at myself, and realized that everyone has their own way in eating candy. My friend, Karyn, has a specific way in how she eats Hot Tamales. I can not tell you the specific way but she has said it is the best way in eating them.

So now as you go and eat your favorite candy, maybe you will think about how you eat it. :)

Party Food!

I have spent the last couple of hours making food for tonight's AMC Employee Appreciation Rockband Party! I made a Chicken Pasta Salad that has green bell peppers, cucumbers, parm. cheese, feta cheese! The dressing is olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. It looks delicious!! A friend of mine back in Oregon use to make a pasta salad like this about once a week for dinner. It is pretty low cal as long as you do not add any type of creamy dressings to it. In addition to the pasta salad, I will be taking Monkey bread. What is monkey bread?? Well basically it is pieces of dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar baked in a bunt pan with a brown sugar & butter sauce. So yummy!! Here are the two recipes that I used. :) I hope that you enjoy!!

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD **I added 1 pound of grilled chicken pieces**

Printed from COOKS.COM

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□   2/3 c. oil
□   3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
□   1/4 c. chopped fresh basil
□   2 tbsp. chopped green onion
□   2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
□   1 1/4 tsp. salt
□   1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
□   12 oz. any type of pasta, cooked and drained
□   1 med. size tomato, cut in thin wedges
□   1 each, small red, green and yellow bell pepper, halved lengthwise and cut in thin crosswise strips
□   1/4 c. greek style or pitted black olives
□   8 oz. Feta or mozzarella cheese, crumbled
□   1/4 tsp. crumbled dried oregano

Process oil, vinegar, 2 tbsp. basil, the green onion, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in blender or food processor until smooth. Put pasta, bell pepper strips, tomato wedges in a large bowl. Pour in dressing; toss to mix. Roll cheese cubes in remaining 2 tbsp. basil to coat. Add to salad; sprinkle with oregano. Toss lightly. Serve at room temperature.

 

MONKEY BREAD

Printed from COOKS.COM

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□   4 cans refrigerator biscuits (about 40)
□   1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
□   1/2 cup butter
□   1 cup white sugar
□   1 cup brown sugar, packed
□   1/2 cup pecans, raisins and/or coconut, if desired

Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. Pour sugar and cinnamon into a plastic bag and mix.Add biscuit pieces, several at a time; shake to coat well.
Place pieces in a buttered tube or Bundt pan until all are used.
Sprinkle layers with nuts, raisins or coconut.
Bring brown sugar and butter to a boil in saucepan. Cool 10 minutes, then pour over top of biscuits.
Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Allow to cool 15 minutes before removing from pan. Turn upside down to serve.
 

Best place to hang out late night - Denny's!

With a group of friends where the majority of age is under 21 where does one go after work at 1am? Denny's (or in my Grandpa Schneider's words: Lenny's)!! This is where I spent two and a half hours with five other friends from work. Iit was the best way on how to unwind from a crappy night at work. I worked the backbar which means I was in charge of keeping the popcorn and candy and everything going. This is only successful if the backbar person prior to the closer can keep the stand running smoothly. Well this was not the case last night. I came into the stand with an hour before the busy of the evening to find no popcorn at all in any of the three warmers in addition to no candy pretty much left in the stand and or pretzel bites in the oven. I went in and tried to get popcorn going but once the busyness hit...I just wanted to cry. I did have help from a supervisor...which was awesome. It did finally settle down and three of us started to close down the stand. We started closing down the stand around 1030pm which was two hours before doors locked. By 1am myself and the rest of the crew were clocking off and saying good night.

Next stop, Denny's! My friends and I try to do this at least once a month. You tend to see some very interesting people at Denny's around 1-2am. Free entertainment if you ask me. haha. Last night was not an exception to this. When we walked in we could smell alcohol on someone's breath and all wondered which drunk it was. A friend went in to the rest room and when she was opening the door to come back to our table when she met the drunk girl who shoved open the door, did a back head flip and said, "hi". My friend said, "uh hi" and continued her way back to our table. Oh what a night. Good comfort fatty food (i.e. pancakes, hash browns, bacon, mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings, and a turkey club sandwich are all items you could have found at our table last night) with the combination of  conversations that go on this late at night are the best!! These conversations are like ones at a slumber party should never be repeated to anyone outside the circle of friends at the party. I will miss these precious nights come this summer, but know that I will meet new co-workers to hang out with late after work.

Pancakes

I will have to say that I think that pancakes are probably the best type of breakfast item on any given day of the week. I am one who could eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Pancakes can be eaten any season of the year and you can add your favorite seasonal fruit for a different look and taste. Seen here in the picture was breakfast at a Bed & Breakfast up in Northern Vermont over Rob and my one year wedding anniversary in 2008. These pancakes were amazing!

This morning, Rob, my father-in-law, and I went out for breakfast. We went out to Chips Family Restaurant which is know for their amazing pancakes.  This place has close to 40 different flavors of pancakes ranging from your normal plain buttermilk pancakes to exotic flavors of Coconut Crunch pancakes that consist of chocolate chips, cocunuts, and almonds all mixed into the buttermilk pancake batter. Rob and I tend to eat at this place once every couple of months. There is normally a line on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but the food is worth the wait. The line moves pretty fast, too. My favorite are the Birthday Pancakes. It comes with sugar colored sprinkles inside the pancakes along with whipped creme and a cherry. I normally ask for no whipped creme and cherry though. Other flavors I have had are the chocolate chip pancakes, and today I tried the M&M pancakes. These are good...but I almost find that the chocolate is too much. Now those who know me, I can not get enough chocolate..but there is something where I can't have too much chocolate within my pancakes. Rob has had the German Apple Pancakes which consist of fresh sliced apples cooked inside five buttermilk pancakes, topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar and is served with a raspberry purée sauce. Yes....a diabetic shock waiting to happen!

I know that this is a place that Rob and I will miss when we move away from Connecticut this summer. If you are ever in the Orange, Connecticut area on vacation, Chips is definite stop for any person for a good meal!! You will not be sorry if you stop!