Hot Shotties

1. Microwave two cups of water until warm (not too hot)
2. Add four scoops of hot chocolate, stir
3. Top off with 8-16 oz of Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka (the best thing ever invented)
4. Serve into shot glasses for guests

They’re not Hot Toddy‘s – they’re Hot Shotties! Guaranteed to bring smiles and fun to your holiday party.

Currently Feeling: Snuggly and warm inside from the cold – I love living in apartments and having the option to blast the heat for cheap!
Currently Anticipating: Keeping it low-key the next four days for Thanksgiving, family time and resting. And catching up on Season Three of True Blood!
Currently Loving: That the owner of Marshmerries sent me a box of samples in thank you for my blog post about them – isn’t that sweet! Now I can try the other flavors too.

Japonessa Sushi Connoisseur

This is the best sushi I’ve ever had. No really. In.my.life.

I’m a sushi connoisseur – and I would eat this roll for the rest of my life and never order another.

It’s the Tres Deiblo from a new restaurant in Seattle – Japonessa Sushi Cocina - spicy tuna, cucumber, cilantro, topped with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, drizzled with strawberry habenero sauce.

Not that I’ve been to this restaurant 10 times in the last month or anything… but still.

Currently Feeling: Glad this week is over – a wee bit stressful, this one was!
Currently Anticipating: The Winter Formal party at Matthew’s Estate Winery tomorrow.
Currently Loving: Real friends – like the ones that know everything about you and you can tell everything to.

Fried Peanut Butter and jelly and Jelly

I recently went to breakfast with my roommate and a group of friends at a great Seattle neighborhood sports bar and restaurant, Buckley’s on Queen Anne. I had actually already eaten breakfast before everyone had woken up, so I more or less went along for the ride and fun of a Saturday breakfast with Bloody Mary’s served with a beer back.

Because I wasn’t really into ordering to actually eat (otherwise my meal would have most definitely included eggs and bacon since I’m a savory breakfast type), I ordered for the sake of trying something new. Much to my delight, I found a fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the menu. FRIED PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY?! What does it mean?!

So gross… but so good at the same time. Obvs I had to try one.

I didn’t actually expect to love this as much as I did. It was a warm, oozing sweet fried confection goodness, dipped in whipped cream, that felt disgusting and amazing all at the same time. Go get the to Buckley’s to try one immediately.

I feel like there’s some weird obsession with different friend foods lately (probably cause we’re fat Americans) – fried pickles, fried Twinkies and more. What is it about fried food?!

What’s the weirdest/best fried concoction you’ve ever tried?

Currently Feeling: A little overwhelmed by all that’s on my plate, as of recent. I always do this to myself!
Currently Anticipating: LUNAFest tomorrow with the Girl Power Hour girls!
Currently Loving: My new pretty MacBook for work. Ahhhh Macs, how I forgot my love for thee.

Pasta is not the devil I repeat Pasta is not the devil

Recently I was reading Shape magazine, and an article caught my eye – “Eat Pasta, Lose Weight.” Um, what? Yes, please.

The article explained how there’s a common idea in the “watching their figure” subset of people in this world that pasta and carbs are the devil. But if this really is the case, then why are top of the top spas and nutritionists in the nation serving linguine, ravioli and lasagna recipes to their guests who are striving to eat healthier? Totally a question I’d like answered…So Shape provided healthy pasta recipes from some of these leading spas.

I’ve been the girl who’s on the healthy eating, low-carb (or complex carbs only, ie: brown rice) kick for years now, so they totally had me nailed when they described those who avoid pasta. I usually only eat spaghetti when at home, served via my mom, or at a guilt-inducing trip to one of Seattle’s most famous and oldest restaurants, The Old Spaghetti Factory (which is a personal, longtime fav of mine that I have to hit up at least twice a year to gorge myself to the point of literal “roll me out the door” state).

I decided to give this recipe a go from Solage Calistoga Resort in Calistoga, CA – Farfalle with Speedy Tomato Sauce, Cannellini Beans and Broccoli Rabe.

Couple notes – I had to suck up being okay with white pasta (which I haven’t eaten in FOREVER). I couldn’t find whole wheat farfalle, which stressed me out cause even when making spaghetti at home or ordering at restaurants (ie: The Old Spag), I can order whole wheat pasta. Also, both stores I stopped off at didn’t have broccoli rabe, so I just used regular broccoli, which I’m unsure how this does or does not effect the end result…

Diced onions with olive oil, red pepper flakes and minced garlic

Chopped broccoli (rabe)

Onions, broccoli, beans, oregano, tomatoes tossed with farfalle

Pasta served with more "sauce" on top with shaved Romano cheese

The verdict – totally worth a go. It was a fresh, veggie-rich dish that was quick and easy to make. However, it was lacking a bit in flavor and or salt to me, so I’d probably add some more spice next time. Also – I was hungry again two hours later, so it could use some protein to make it stick a bit more, ie: chicken.

If you want to give it a go, here’s a printable recipe card for you:

Enjoy friends!

Currently Feeling: Great after a three-hour girl dinner sesh. I have some of the smartest, most awesome females in my life!
Currently Anticipating: Sun in Seattle again tomorrow (it was 70+ degrees today!), and an art walk with friends.
Currently Loving: That I rocked a very challenging day today – and ended up on top!

The Last of the Summericans

This last weekend *officially* marks the end of Seattle’s summer… we’ve been toying with Fall a little earlier this year, which has meant a wetter, grayer August than usual. I’ve pulled out my jeans a little earlier…shut my window and turned on my heat a little earlier…drooled over Fall clothes a little earlier.  It looks as if an Indian summer is not in the cards for us this year. What I think about that has to do with a lot of bleep bleeping bleeps, but, I digress.

In my final farewell to summer, I donned my bathing suit and drove straight out of the rainy day forecast to spend a four-day weekend with best friends at a cabin three hours east of Seattle. Hello, Lake Chelan (for the third time this summer)!

I sunbathed enough to finish an entire 400-page book (awesome) and probably drank enough wine to fill up the lake with wine instead of water (awesome squared).

Chelan is a well-known wine country in Washington State – home to more than a dozen estate wineries with sprawling green hills and views of the water. If you live outside of Washington and ever decide to take a trip to Seattle, you have to schedule in some wine tasting – in Woodinville, Yakima, Walla Walla, Chelan – or wherever you can make it out to. We’re famous for our wine, yo!

As for me, I’m starting to realize there’s nothing I’d rather be doing in life than wine tasting in the sunshine. Call me a product of my environment, if you will.

My goal of the weekend was to slow down, take it all in, turn off work e-mail and laugh with friends, soaking up every minute of sun possible – hopefully enough to last me until next summer. That’s what we do around here parts – tick the minutes away in dark bars and on mountain slopes until the sun cracks through eight months later. It might leave us Vitamin D deficient and desperate for beach vacations, but that’s Seattle for you.

What else we do – fill our time up with tons of fun plans to get us through the gray and rain. I have a full plate coming up these next couple months and into 2011…a trip to San Fran, Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, a bacon cooking class, a Girl Power Hour anniversary party, the return of trivia nights, a BIG out-of-the-country vacation (Australia and New Zealand) in January/February to save for, and a goal to get back into snowboarding with the purchase of a new board and my first season’s pass.

Lots of exciting things on the horizon – and that always makes me okay with the end of summer.

Currently Feeling: So glad to be back at hot yoga now that the weather has cooled down.
Currently Anticipating: Finally seeing “Eat, Pray, Love” tomorrow with a group of gals I don’t get to see very often. Judge me if you will – but it’s one of my all-time fav books!
Currently Loving: Red grapes. I can’t get enough these days!

In the limelight

Two weekends ago, I had planned Sunday dinner at my parent’s house. Turns out their neighbors were having a wedding shower for their niece, whom I grew up with as a child in the neighborhood. The wedding shower was set in their backyard – an overgrown, garden oasis in full bloom with a European touch – a shabby chic chandelier hanging in a tree, lights strewn throughout each bush, candles hanging from each post in a white-picket fence, beads and bobbles glittering on the tables and pictures of the bride and groom clipped in branches of the trees. It was a perfect summer night for a glass of white wine and a neighborhood gathering.

And the spread- Oh the spread! Halibut with mango salsa, sweet potato mash, strawberries and candied walnuts tossed in spinach and balsamic, Brie cheese baked in puff pastry with raspberry jam and two jugs of iced tea. While everything was amazing, there was one salad in particular that tempted me back for scoop after scoop – a recipe I immediately picked up and then brought my own version to the bachelorette party I was at last weekend. I’m telling you – this salad is amazing, and the only thing you’ll need to bring along this summer to barbecues with friends (well, that and some sangria, perhaps).

The secret ingredient? Newman’s Own Light Lime Vinaigrette – a rare salad dressing that I scoured FIVE grocery stores to find. But it’s the peanut butter to this salad’s jelly! You have to try this:

Just right click and save to print for your records!

By the way – did you know quinoa is pronounced KEEN-WAAH, and it’s a “grain” that was cultivated more than 5,000 years ago by the Incas. Here’s why you should eat it: compared to other grains, quinoa is higher in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc than wheat, barley, or corn, and it’s been linked to preventing and treating diabetes, breast cancer and more. (It’s also gluten free). Hello superfood!

</dorkyhealthrant>

I’m in love with quinoa – but I’m absolutely obsessed with this lime vinaigrette! Next stop – a recipe I found on the site for the dressing – Scallop Ceviche w/Watermelon & Cucumber.

I love summer cooking!

Do you have a quinoa go-to recipe? Share it with me, lovelies!

Currently Feeling: Excited for a desk/space change at work – I love event the slightest bit of change.
Currently Anticipating: A cooking party at a new friend’s house tonight and Girl Power Hour on the patio at Joey Lake Union tomorrow!
Currently Needing: To ditch the book I’m reading and get a new one – I haven’t been reading cause it’s too slow-paced!

OMG. Totes hun-cal froyo

Last week I purchased a Cuisinart ice cream and sorbet maker from one of my online shopping obsessions RueLaLa.com. (If you’re not a member, hit me up, and I’ll send you an invite. The deals are amazing!)

No, I totally did not need an ice cream machine. This is obviously up there with one of my most frivolous purchases ever. Although, I’m pretty sure my onion saver takes the cake in that category. However, I did have a purchase credit, and the ice cream maker was significantly cheaper than the original price, so I paid approximately $30 for it after shipping. (Not bad, right?)

Anywhoosit, it came in the mail this week, and I can’t stop searching for ice cream (more specifically, frozen yogurt) recipes to try out. The recipes at the top of my list:

Purple Sweet Potato Ice Cream // SeasaltwithFood.com

Champagne Sorbet // SimplyRecipes.com

Strawberry Frozen Yogurt // DavidLebovitz.com (author of The Perfect Scoop)

Macha Frozen Yogurt // CreativeLoafing.com

Coconut Banana Frozen Yogurt //RecipeZaar.com

And because absolutely nothing great can exist without the addition of bacon:

Candied Bacon Ice Cream (!!!) // DavidLebovitz.com

Now…which one to try first?! I’ll keep you all posted on my ice cream progress! (Oh, and send me your recipes or ideas if you have any!)

Purchase your own Cuisinart ice cream maker here. And view the hilarious video I’m referencing in my title here.

Currently Feeling: Tired from a busy week. I think I’m going to stay in Friday night this week – and really mean it this time!
Currently Anticipating: Heading with a girl friend tonight to the opening-night gala party tonight of Seattle International Film Festival.
Currently Worried About: My little tomato plant – it’s cold as H in Seattle this week!

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

How does your garden grow?

Yesterday I went to the Ballard Sunday Farmer’s Market with my family as part of our Mother’s Day adventures. Usually, we’re partial to the Fremont Sunday Market, which is a regular agenda for our family days. However, we decided to mix it up, and thank God for that. The Ballard market is amazing - full of organic fruit, homemade pies, ice cream bars, soaps, chocolate sauces and salsa, cheese and meat from local, grass-fed animals, funky jewelry, scarves, hats and more. It was a feast for all senses.

The many booths of organic herb and vegetable plants inspired me to finally start that urban garden that’s been on my bucket list, and all the veggies available to buy were my oyster. I decided on lettuce, chives, green peppers, jalapenos, tomatoes, basil, strawberries and a Stevia plan (natural sweetener – like Splenda, but better). I handpicked each of my plants and packed them up with love, excited to give them a home in planters on my patio.

And then it became a family affair – my mom helped me select pots, soil and such (being the gardener of the family), my dad lugged up the 10-pound sacks of soil and filled the pots, and my mom and I planted them together. It was a veggie growing party with a side of wine and cheese. (I didn’t realize my little urban veggie garden was going to cost $100 after all the plant purchasing, soil purchasing and pots purchasing was said and done with. Whoopsie. That’s where the wine came in).

Even my curious little kitty, Stella, wanted to get involved… I think she approves. I’m just kicking myself for not picking up a catnip plant (I think I’ll have to make a quick trip back to the store).

And finally… what I’m most excited for – new recipes and dinners made with my fresh herbs and veggies, paired with a glass of wine.

Ahhhh – welcome spring.

How did you spend your Mother’s Day?

Currently Feeling: Healthy! Last week was full of great salads, fresh dinners and lots of working out. Glad to be back on track.
Currently Anticipating: A week full of fun exercise classes, and events, including the Girls in Tech launch party this Thursday and a kickball double header!
Currently Reading: “The Little Stranger” by Sarah Walters.

STORE UNDER REFIRGERATION

This weekend, I…

…Bought one of those skirts that can be found in droves at Nordstrom and every other store. Basically, you throw them over a tucked in T-shirt or blouse, and wear it with leggings and boots. I’m in love and want to head back and buy 14 more of them.

…Hit up the newish Blush Lounge for happy hour with some girls. The entire place was a bit dead, but their $3 and $4 Asian fusion appetizers are totally worth a trip.

…Discovered my new favorite martini at Tini Bigs – a mixture of vanilla moonshine, grapefruit juice, mint and white wine. Not too sweet, basically heaven.

…Shook my booty for at least two hours at a very popular bar with the early 20-somethings. My current motto of 2010 is “bringing it back to 24.” So that was every bit of a success.

…Read about 200 pages of Stolen Lives. I’m absolutely mesmerized by it. Highly recommend.

…Went to the new Wink Cupcakes on Queen Anne for a mini red velvet (my latest obsession) before heading to West Seattle for a coworker’s baby shower, featuring cupcakes from The Sugar Rush Baking Company. (A cupcake company I’ve yet to try, so I had to eat six mini ones to get a full idea of their tastiness. Duh). Followed by another trip to Wink with my parents the next day for another red velvet (I had to let them try it.) By the way, I DID skip the Cupcake Convention that was actually happening downtown on Saturday. Mostly because I couldn’t find a cupcake partner. It’s raining cupcakes in Seattle. I think I might be cutoff from them for awhile.

…Discovered avocado fries! That’s right – fried avocados. Totally fatty. Pretty tasty. You can find em at my new favorite bar, The Shelter in Ballard.

…Finally tried Cougar Gold. I’ve heard about this dang cheese for years now. For those of you not in the know – it’s a cheese made by students at a creamery on Washington State University’s campus (where my sis’ goes to school). It’s pretty good. But it comes in a large can like the biggest can of tuna you’ve ever seen. Cheese in a can? Even better when it’s imprinted with “STORE UNDER REFIRGERATION.”

…Made a pseudo plan for the triathlon I’m planning on completing this year. The parents of a friend of mine built a house on Beaver Lake, which has a triathlon in August. I think we’re planning to gather a group to compete together then have a party afterward at their house. Time to start training.

…Hit up Greenlake to burn off all the food & alcohol calories I accumulated this weekend – spring is officially here, and while it’s still a bit chilly, the bright pink Magnolia trees and sunshine were enough to make me smile and declare the weekend a total freakin’ success.

Currently Feeling: Ready for the work week – only five more days until I leave for sunny and warm Miami
Currently Anticipating: Back on the fitness wagon tomorrow with Sassy Fit. I love me some boot camp.
Currently Needing: A good savings plan to get me to Thailand in October with my best friends.

Spam (the edible kind), charity and mini celebrations

It’s been a little quiet here for the last week – September has been a busy, busy month. So much for slowing down after summer… I have a fall that’s looking like it might be just, if not twice, as busy as summer. I can only imagine how exhausting it is for the BF to date me. Poor guy thought he was going to catch his breath after our summer of a million camp trips and plans.

But, I digress.

After tomorrow, I will have attended four networking/industry related events in five days. I’m signing up for everything to network my little butt off. If you don’t network professionally (in person), I’m telling you – GO. Do it now. You’ll reap huge benefits from it. In fact, every time you go to a networking event, an angel gets it’s wings, clouds turn into marshmallows, and rainbows, kitties and unicorns rain down on you from the sky. True story.

Thursday I went to a fun scavenger hunt/networking event around Seattle, put on by a local, fancy hotel, a theatre and a mobile food truck where I tried SPAM for the first time. That’s right, I said SPAM. I’m slightly embarrassed that it was actually super good, and I went back for seconds on my Spam slider. I guess I won’t be able to tease the Bestie anymore when she goes to pick up Spam for her dad’s Christmas stocking. Who would have known ham in a can would be so tasty? I guess that’s just a testament to my love for all things pig. I know what I’m getting my dad for Christmas!

Friday I went to a charity meet-up put on by Q-13 Fox for the Washington Burn Foundation, and why yes, the firefighter calendar models were there. I try to rarely miss events where male calendar models are in attendance charity is involved.

And finally, Saturday night was the accumulation of an event I helped plan for the last couple months – Twestival Seattle – a “social media for the social good” event put on through Twitter to raise money for a local charity. We chose YouthCare, a Seattle nonprofit that supports homeless youth, and we raised more than $6,000 for them. How exciting is that! Twestivals are happening in cities all across the globe this month, so if you can, find out when and where one is in your city and go support your local cause!

I’m also in full swing with my digital photography class that started two weeks ago. It is SO awesome. Words cannot describe how excited I am to get to know my Nikon P90 (on loan from the Nikon COOLPIX Circle) a little bit better and learn about all sorts of things like lighting and composition. AND I’m doing an awesome job slacking on my training for the first 5K I have schedule to run NEXT WEEKEND. Yikes!

Anyway, it feels pretty great to be creative, focused on knocking off some of my goals for 2009 and involved in such awesome events around my community. Lately I’ve CHOSEN my time, my path and where to spend my energy, and I’ve become happier than I’ve been in a long time.

In other news – remember that bottle of wine I was saving since last Memorial Day when the BF and I picked it up on our first camping trip of the summer? We were able to pop that open in celebration this past week. After six months of LOTS of hard work, the BF finished the guest bathroom that he had gutted, re-tiled, painted, installed fixtures in, etc. It was something he had to finish before he could get a roommate, and it was hard for him to find time between working, The Mini and the million plans I always had for us on the calendar. It strained our relationship at times – the lack of time spent together, the stress, the length of time it took to finish. And now he has a roommate in, so the first thing we did was crack the bottle and salute to all the hard work being over!

I don’t know if it was because we’d been saving it for four plus months, or because it was actually an expensive, quality bottle of wine over $10 – but it was the tastiest wine I’ve had in a long time, and turned out to be the best way for us to celebrate.

Huh, maybe there’s something to this whole “late 20-something” stuff, after all.

Currently Feeling: Happy to have a family dinner with my sister tonight while she’s home from college. Barbecue ribs… mmm.
Currently Anticipating: This week! More super exciting stuff going on in Je-ville!
Currently Loving: All the great fall TV that has started – Project Runway, Top Chef, America’s Next Top Model – I’m in TV heaven!