Are The Holidays Happy?

To be honest, the holidays prior to meeting the love of my life were hard...and lonely.  It was hard to "get into the Christmas spirit," but I would put on my best face and "get through" the season; secretly relieved once January 2nd came to pass.

This year however, I couldn't be more excited.  Once Andy and I got back from visiting my folks in Texas, buying a Christmas tree was the first thing on my "to do" list.

We have huge windows that our neighbors pass as they enter our apartment complex...I can see the smiles on their faces when they see our tree.  But I wonder how many of them are struggling through the holidays too?  Most of our neighbors are single...Andy and I have felt convicted to open up our home and spend time with many of them over dinner or coffee.  It's amazing how many people live in silent solitude...and how much of a difference a genuine conversation can make in their day.

Have you noticed if any of your neighbors live alone?  What are ways you spread holiday cheer? 

Detox

My mother's love language is FOOD.  She does not comprehend the words "no" or "I'm full."  I'm not kidding.  She does not let us make up our own plates...she piles on the food for us.  There is no point in trying to fight her on this even though we're all adults.  She decides how much is enough and when 1/10 of the food is cleared from the plate she eagerly piles on more while we throw our hands in the air protesting, "no...more...food."

She hears or sees none of it.  It's almost as if she imagined us begging and pleading for more.

And then she forces dessert upon us.

Needless to say Andy and I are in serious detox mode.  I'm still full from last week.

Flying

Got in Sunday night from San Diego at 9pm...only to repack and be back at the airport for a 6am flight this morning.  So assuming there are no delays, Andy and I should be in the air flying to Austin to visit my parents for Thanksgiving.  Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!!

Snail Mail

The last time I sent a hand written card or note was after our wedding (sending Thank You cards).  

I love getting cards or letters--or really anything that isn't junk mail or bills!

I wrote out a few cards to some friends and family.  I hope it puts a smile on their face.  

When did you last write or receive snail mail?

Oh Christmas Tree...

It dawned on me a few days a go that this is going to be the first Christmas Andy and I spend together as a married couple--just us.  (Unfortunately we won't be able to fly out to visit family).  I thought about the blank wall we still have yet to decorate and thought, "A Christmas tree would look great there!"  I got so excited about decorating our first tree together that I went to Goodwill to pick up some decorations.  Surprisingly they have a TON of Christmas stuff out for super duper cheap. 

I picked up some ornaments, lights and a tree stand for about $12.00.

I want to go buy a tree NOW.  I'm normally one of those people that get annoyed seeing Christmas stuff out before it's even Thanksgiving, but I'm all about it now!!  Hurry up Thanksgiving so I can go buy my tree!

Have you purchased Christmas stuff yet?

Mentos & Diet Coke

Did you know that if you dropped Mint Mentos into a bottle of Diet Coke that it erupts?  Neither did I.  My husband and I babysat for some friends of ours--two little boys.  I have to admit, I'm terrible with kids.  Being an only child I didn't really "play."  I hung out with adults all the time.  Lucky for me Andy is the ultimate big "kid." 

These boys had an absolute blast.

Andy teaching the boys about static electricity--which later turned into a balloon/toilet paper fight. 

It was so fun watching Andy play with these boys...have I mentioned how great of a father he's going to be some day? 

Variety

Learning to live with someone is a process.  Andy and I are still learning things about each other that are comical/frustrating/fun/interesting/sweet/etc.  For example, in general, I find peace in routine or "sameness."  Don't get me wrong, I love adventure and spontaneity, but I really enjoy certain aspects about life that are predictable like starting my morning with coffee or going the gym certain days of the week.  Also, for the most part, I'm an eggs and toast, coffee and water for breakfast kind of gal.  Apparently Andy loves eggs and toast, but he doesn't want them every day.  He like variety. 

So now every week at the grocery store I'm looking for a different juice.  I'm looking beyond eggs and toast, or even oatmeal and cereal.  How can I spice these things up so it doesn't get "boring."  This is what I came up with this morning.

Eggs, with spinach, mushrooms, black beans and corn with some spices. 

I love that he brings adventure and variety to my life...I'm not sure he's as fond of me bringing order and routine to his, but marriage is fun to figure out. 

Doughnuts and Salad

After making a doughnut run to Krispy Kreme the other night and falling into a deep sugar coma, Andy and I recommitted yet again to eating healthier.  Which means more salad.  California Pizza Kitchen has one of my most favorite salads ever.  The BBQ chicken salad.  I tried to duplicate it--and it was super tasty!!

Ingredients:  (Serves 2-3)
2 chicken breasts
8 oz frozen corn
1 can black beans
1-2 tomatoes chopped
2-3 cups  chopped romaine lettuce
equal parts Ranch dressing and BBQ sauce
avocado (optional)

Recipe:
Warm beans and corn in frying pan.  Add salt and pepper to taste.
Chop chicken and mix with BBQ sauce.  Grill until done.

For dressing mix equal parts ranch and BBQ sauce.  (I'm a fan of mixing salad in a big bowl with dressing instead of pouring the dressing on top...but do what you like best!)

In large bowl mix salad, tomatoes, beans and corn, and dressing together.

Add chicken on top and garnish with avocado slices. 

Some fresh cilantro would have been super tasty mixed in...but I didn't have any on hand.  Do you have a super yummy salad recipe to share?

Cider Time!

Last weekend Andy and I got together with some friends who have an old school cider press.  We picked buckets of apples and pressed away!  Nothing like fresh cider...or heating it up on a cold winter's night!

Kelly and Darren loading in the apples!

Our fridge is packed with fresh cider!

Do you have a hot cider recipe?  Please share!

Choosing

Andy and I were planning on staying in Tacoma for the holidays.  Both our parents live in cities that aren't near a major airport, which means traveling there is long and expensive!  The fact that we weren't working made the decision a lot easier to choose to stay in Tacoma for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.  But, since yesterday's good news we decided to visit my parents this Thanksgiving--we haven't seen them since our wedding day.  It's hard to choose which family to spend time with over the holidays...and to choose which holiday, especially being newlyweds.  I think this is when airlines should make flights affordable to everyone instead of jacking up prices.  It just plain stinks that the cost of a flight is what prevents people from being with loved ones over the holidays.

Where are you spending the holidays? 

The Decision...And Great News

Monday I posted about struggling with an upcoming decision.  Well, the decision has been made and I feel a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  Only two months ago I accepted a job working as an independent contractor for somewhat of a start up company.  It wasn't going well at all.  Normally I wouldn't think twice about walking away from a job that wasn't working out...but a really good friend was the one who recommended me and got me the job.  That really good friend is still a consultant for that company and I felt awful about walking away.  I hate feeling like I'm letting people down. 

The great news, is after I made that decision I got an interview with LivingSocial.  You may have heard of them....they are Groupon's biggest competitor.  I flew to D.C. for an interview and after a few days of waiting...I GOT THE JOB!!!  

What helps you make big decisions in your life?  

Taco Tuesday

Taco Tuesday's are infamous in San Diego (specifically fish Tacos).  You can pretty much find dollar fish tacos during happy hour anywhere in the city...and they are amazing.  I was having a craving and decided I would make my own!

I grilled up some cod, made some yummy jalapeno white sauce, chopped up some veggies and made a corn and black bean salad.  It was almost like being back in sunny San Diego!

Have you tried fish tacos?

Can't Sleep

Does anyone else lose sleep over making decisions?  I've got a big one to make soon. 

I've written the pros and cons list.  

I've prayed about it.  

I know what I should do...but I also know I'd be letting people down if I go with my gut. 

Totally vague I know...details and the decision to come soon.  

Have you lost sleep over a decision you've had to make lately?

A Shopping Experience

Both my husband and I are a fan of thrift store shopping.  However, the only thing Andy has ever bought in an actual store are his tried and true Levi's jeans.  We needed to spruce up his wardrobe a bit (I finally convinced him that flannel, shirts with missing buttons and pants with holes in them aren't always appropriate.) 

We visited the outlet mall nearby and scored some awesome deals at Banana Republic and Nordstrom Rack...Andy was quite the sport with trying on clothes he didn't think would suit him (but they totally did!)

After about an hour he was over it--men have no shopping threshold.  

It's fun to watch him get dressed in the morning now...I think he's a fan of his new look. 

Foodie Fall Favorite

Breakfast is most definitely my favorite meal of the day.  Now that the mornings are cooler, I decided to mix it up a bit in the kitchen and pull out an old favorite.  Have you ever had steel cut oats?  I highly recommend them over normal oatmeal.  The one pain is that they take about 30 minutes to make unless you have a Trader Joe's  near by.  They carry "quick" steel cut oats so you can whip up a tasty bowl in less than 10 minutes.

I add honey and cinnamon while it's cooking and then top it off with bananas and chopped walnuts.  Some other tasty varieties include chopped apples, raisins and brown sugar, or blueberries...you can't really go wrong with fresh fruit and nuts!

 Have you tried steel cut oats?  What did you think?