Adventures in Cooking -- Holiday Waldorf Fruit Salad

I used to feel like I really needed to make it a goal to not only learn how to cook, but also enjoy it. Lately though, I've come to realize that cooking isn't really for me... and that's okay! You can read about some of my previous adventures on my Recipes page, and I'll still occasionally write about some of my attempts here, but overall I think I'm going to stop putting so much pressure on myself about this whole cooking thing. I have lots of skills, but it seems that being a chef will never be one of them.

 

For Friendsgiving we were asked to bring a "fruit" dish, so I thought a festive, holiday style fruit salad would be yummy and maybe not too hard to make. I found this one on Pinterest and it actually worked out pretty well!

 

Holiday Waldorf Fruit Salad

(original recipe makes 4 servings)

 

Ingredients

1 Red Delicious apple

1 Granny Smith apple

1 Apple Pear

2 stalks celery

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 (8 ounce) container of honey lemon Greek yogurt

 

 

Directions

Core and chop the apples and chop the celery. In a large bowl, combine red apple, green apple, apple pear, celery, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Mix in yogurt. Chill until ready to serve.

 

 

I did alter the original recipe slightly; it originally called for nectarine instead of apple pear, but nectarines aren't in season right now so I had to improvise. It also wanted me to use nonfat lemon yogurt, but I thought the honey lemon Greek yogurt I found sounded better. The chopping was kind of time consuming, especially because I increased the recipe for 20 people, but it was all worth it because I got nothing but compliments on the finished fruit salad.

 

 

I also made a dessert that I brought to Thanksgiving at the Always, and eventually I'll let you know how that one turned out, too.

 

Enjoy, my friends!

 

 
 

Dear Baby... 17 Weeks

Dear Baby,

Well, you're really determined that I experience ALL the possible side effects of this pregnancy, aren't you? The heart palpitations were scary but not necessarily painful, however, wearing the 48 hour heart monitor was extremely uncomfortable and itchy! And not being able to shower the whole time was not necessarily pleasing to your father, I don't think. But it was all worth it to make sure that the episodes aren't putting any stress on you. Palpitations often occur during pregnancy, but we just wanted to be on the safe side and get it checked out.

After also checking for a thyroid problem and anemia, the doctor did discover that my blood count is low, so now I'm taking iron supplements three times a day to help keep us both healthy. My EKG looked fine, but the cardiologist will do an analysis of the heart monitor recordings in the next week or so and we'll keep our fingers crossed that everything is fine there, too.

Also, I thought we were over the whole morning sickness thing? Puking up that chai tea latte earlier this week was just a waste of $4, hon. I've also been feeling quite a bit more tired this week, but the iron deficiency could be the culprit there... we'll see. Oh, and I'm sorry I got so upset the other night and spent a while sobbing in bed, but that SportsCenter documentary on Steve Gleason was just too much for me to handle! 

This week your skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and your umbilical cord is growing stronger and thicker. You weigh about five ounces and are around five inches long from head to bottom and could fit nicely in the palm of my hand... how cute! You're also developing some body fat (join the club) and practicing some survival skills like sucking and swallowing.

Yesterday we spent Thanksgiving at Grandpa's house, and everyone was so excited to hear about our plans for you. I'm not really into the whole Black Friday shopping thing, but I might try to fit in some maternity clothes shopping on Sunday... Momma's gettin' chubby!

Of all the things people have to be thankful for right now, I think me and your Daddy are the most fortunate. Growing you, our teeny tiny human, has been our most amazing accomplishment thus far, and we are so lucky to get to experience it.

Love Always,

Mommy 

Giving Thanks, Alway Style

Happy Turkey Day 

from our family to yours!

I hope your day was filled with friends, family, fun, food and lots of other fabulousness. Ours certainly was. I feel so fortunate that I have TWO wonderful families to celebrate the holidays with. The Always accepted me with open arms from day one, and I am so thankful that I get to make memories with them every year. 

Here are a few tidbits from this time around... 

Russ and Patty hosted an epic 22 guests this year! The table reached all the way from one end of the house to the other.

Stew is very specific about how Thanksgiving dinner should be eaten... a little bit of everything, all mashed together so he gets a little bit with every bite. Me, I prefer to taste all the foods separately. And green bean casserole is my absolute favorite!

This year, in lieu of our traditional Bunco Tournament, everyone gathered in the garage after dinner to test out Mark's custom designed beer pong table. As you can probably guess, it was a hit. 

There was also a lot of football, a few naps (at least on my part) and tons of great conversation with people we don't get to see nearly often enough. I'd say it was a success!

How was your Thanksgiving this year? 

Also, I don't want to forget to mention that I am thankful for YOU, my readers, who think this blog is worth while and interesting enough to visit. Whether you just stop by once or return again and again, thanks for being here, because you're the reason I keep writing. 

Live & Learn -- New Thursday Link Up!

Talk about being thankful.

Recently I have been incredibly fortunate in getting to know some absolutely amazing bloggers, and we've decided to team up for a super fabulous link up, starting NEXT WEEK!

Seriously, try to contain your excitement.

Introducing Live & Learn Thursday!

Starting next week, on Thursday December 5, join the party!
It's easy... just follow your hosts and link up your post! And don't forget to grab our super cute button.

Live & Learn Thursdays are about anything... have you discovered a new skill or recipe? Did you make a mistake at work and it's been haunting you? Would you like to share some juicy celebrity gossip? Or perhaps dish on an embarrassing teenage moment (like the repercussions of over-plucking your eyebrows)?

Or, for example, this week I learned that Starbucks has a SECRET MENU... say what?!

In subsequent weeks I'll be sure to divulge some of my favorite "Live & Learn" lessons that I've gathered over the years. So stay tuned, and link up next week my pretties!

And now, the ladies who brought you "Live & Learn Thursday"

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Of course you already know me, but I'd like to take a moment to introduce the other three ladies I've teamed up with for this exciting weekly link up. Without further ado...

Jamie from You Gotta Have Hart
An an un-typical, un-Southern belle with an attitude who loves tattoos, her fiancé, and an adorable Shih Tzu named Levi. Jamie lives down in Florida, the exact opposite corner of the country from me, but we are so alike in so many ways... except when it comes to cooking, because she's basically a gourmet chef and I can barely boil water. Anyway, Jamie is super fab, so stop by and say hello!

Lindsey from The Crafty Practitioner
A busy wife, momma, nurse practitioner and DIY addict. She loves Penn State football, leopard print (rawr!), statement jewelry, gel manicures and reality TV... but most of all vodka and red wine (so she's obviously a kindred spirit.) I love reading about Lindsey's darling IVF miracle son and the adventures of motherhood. Lindsey is also super crafty and has an Etsy shop to inspire me, since creativity is not my strong suit. Check her out!

Jenni from Flying on a Rainbow
An English girl who loves all the same things as me: traveling, sunshine, lists, books, and dreaming of being rich. Jenni got married about a year before me and she's in the process of making her house a home, just like us. Except I think she's a little bit better at being a domestic goddess than I am. The next time we go back to England I will be sure to hook up with Jenni, but in the meantime head on over and say hi at her adorable blog! 
 

So there you have it... the deets on the most amazing link up you'll hear about this year. Don't miss out... hook up with us next Thursday for LIVE & Learn with Jamie, Lindsey, Jenni and me!

SO WHAT!

Today I'm saying SO WHAT if...
 

 

I've only just started my Christmas shopping. I've totally got time, right?

 

We ate pizza and hot dogs for dinner last night at Costco. It was all delicious.

 

Sometimes I turn up the heat in the evenings. It's freaking freezing and I think the couple extra bucks are worth it.

 

I can't figure out why the new version of Adobe Acrobat functions NOTHING like the previous version. And I'm so frustrated I want to throw my keyboard out the window.

 

My work pants will barely button anymore. It's an excuse to go shopping.

 

Our neighbors have fantastic, perfect Christmas lights all over their house. I'm not jealous. Really.

 

I haven't washed my hair since Sunday. That's why they invented dry shampoo.

 

 Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond are suspended. The Seahawks don't need those stoners, anyway.

 

I haven't had a pedicure since my trip to Denver. It's boot season.

 

I scheduled some stuff to post over the next few days. I can't be expected to write blogs when I should be spending quality time with friends and family for Thanksgiving, right?

 

 

I'm linking up with Shannon at Life After I "Dew" today. Have you seen her blog? It's super cute and kind of reminds me of my own... check her out!

 

Is there anything you're saying SO WHAT to this week?
 

This or That -- Thanksgiving Edition

Today I'm linking up with Kristine for This or That, the Thanksgiving Edition. It seemed appropriate...

 

Stuffing or mashed potatoes?

 

This is a tough choice, considering that I am a total carbohydrate junkie. Give me both of these items over turkey any day of the year. But judging by my plate last year, I think mashed potatoes get a slight edge. Must have lots of butter and gravy, of course...

 

 

Homemade cranberry sauce or store bought?   No. Ew. That being said, I think I've only ever had the kind that comes out of a can in one big, slimy lump. So maybe homemade is better? Who knows...   Pumpkin pie or pecan pie?   Pecan, all the way. I really, really dislike pumpkin or anything remotely pumpkin flavored. I don't think pumpkins were ever meant to be consumed by anything other than maybe cows. But definitely not humans. Pecan pie with lots of whipped cream (or vanilla ice cream, preferably), is pretty delish though. And lucky for me Stew loves pumpkin pie, so he can have my share.   Cooking all day or cleaning all night?   Cleaning all night, definitely. I don't mind clearing the table and doing the dishes at all, but everyone knows that I am no chef, and the idea of preparing Thanksgiving dinner absolutely gives me anxiety. I hope I will NEVER be in a position where I have to host this holiday. I can barely even enjoy going to someone else's house for Thanksgiving, because I stress so much about what I'm going to bring to contribute to the meal. I think I should start a new tradition where Stew and I just bring cash. Or wine. That being said, check out this apron Patty bought me last year to help in the kitchen. I don't mind HELPING (I do take direction well), I just don't want to be responsible for anything on my own.  

  Thanksgiving Day Parade or a football game?   Have we met? FOOTBALL! But the Seahawks aren't playing until December 2 for Monday Night Football, so I guess I'll have to find something else to watch next weekend. Last year it was the Civil War (U of O vs. OSU) and that was pretty fun. I don't follow college football though, so in these situations I usually just root for the team with the best uniforms. Or mascot.  

    How about you? What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving foods or traditions? Whatever they may be, I hope you get to spend the holiday with lots of friends and family members, with countless things to be thankful for.  

 

Weekend Shenanigans

Okay, so my weekend activities might not technically count as "shenanigans" but I wanted to link up with Sami today, mmmmkay?

My little bro and sis came over on Saturday night, and after an exciting trip to IKEA we settled in for an epic showing of one of our childhood favorites: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles II: The Secret of the Ooze. If you are unaware of my obsession with TMNT, you must be new here.

On Sunday we grabbed breakfast at Mabel's and then helped my brother pack up his truck with the last of our old condo furniture. (Tear!) But I'm glad it will all be going to a good home.

Then later that afternoon Stew and I headed over to Tony and Nikki's for something I've really been looking forward to: Friendsgiving!

Multiple opportunities to celebrate Thanksgiving are the best, and last night was an absolute freaking blast. Our friends are quite the gourmet cooks, and it was good eatin' plus good friends and lots of fun. There was even some Christmas cookie decorating at the end! PS I am the least artistic person ever. 

It was one of those nights where I just wanted to enjoy the evening, rather than photograph every single detail, so unfortunately you will have to make do with these few snapshots.

 The evening was such a great preview to all the great Thanksgiving fun to come later this week! Tony and Nikki's family tradition is to frost sugar cookies after dinner. At the Alway's, we play Bunco. In my family, we do puzzles and draw names for Christmas.

What are some traditions in your family? 

Sunday Social -- I'm Thankful

Do I gush about my husband a lot here?
Even if I do, it's not enough.



 

When Neely posted the question for this week's Sunday Social, Stewart was the first thing to come to mind. Seriously, that kid puts up with a lot from me. And I'm so incredibly grateful for everything that he does, but I probably don't tell him enough. So here are just a few of the many things Stewart does that I am so, so thankful for...

{exhibit a}

He gives me no grief about having clothes, laundry and shoes all over the house, all the time.
It's honestly such a ridiculous habit, but I just can't seem to get it under control.

That's not even a closet you see there at the bottom left. It's the shower in the guest bathroom.
And those clothes have been hanging there "drying" for over a week.

{exhibit b}

He deals with all the finances for our household and lives. The mortgage, bills, automatic payments, insurance, retirement, credit cards, air miles, you name it... he's got it covered. Literally my only job is to collect my receipts throughout the month and put them in a folder for him to reconcile. It's kind of amazing.

Look at that nightmare... No thank you. Math isn't really my thing.

{exhibit c}

The cat. Or mainly, the cat litter. Not only does he deal with making sure Jasmine always has food and fresh water, but shortly after we moved in together he also took over the responsibility of cleaning out the litter box. I feel that there is no adequate way of repaying him for shouldering this disgusting chore. I don't even know if growing him his own mini me is enough.

You were terrified I was going to post a pic of the litter box, weren't you?

I could go through the alphabet three times and still never list all the things that I am thankful for about my husband, but it's all these types of little things compounded together that make him such an amazing person. I am such a cliché, lovesick girl for saying this, but I honestly think about my marriage quite often and wonder at how fortunate I am.

And I thank my lucky stars.

 

  Have a great rest of your weekend, everyone!  

If I only had the nerve.

I actually consider myself a fairly brave person.

I've tried indoor sky diving, regular sky diving, zip lining, and scuba diving. I enjoy what some people might think of as risky sports, like snowboarding, snowmobiling, wake boarding, and wake surfing. I'll also try pretty much any food or drink you could put in front of me.

But this week my friend Jamie pointed me in the direction of Jenni's super cute blog, Flying on a Rainbow, where she did a post highlighting six things that she wishes she was brave enough to do. I really liked the idea, so I thought I'd do a post of my own!
I hope she doesn't mind...

I also thought it was a good opportunity to try my hand at designing blog graphics. This one doesn't really look much different than Jenni's, but I'm not very creative, and I also just wanted to see what I was capable of.
What do you think?
 

 

stand up for myself

 

I'm terrible at telling people when they've done something to hurt my feelings. Especially if that person is a close friend. Instead, I just hide my bruised heart and my tears, because the thought of admitting that the person hurt me is embarrassing... or something. Even worse, sometimes I will simply begin avoiding the person without an explanation, rather than risk opening a huge can of worms. I'm not much for confrontation, but I know these are terrible habits.

 

get a tattoo

 

I've wanted a tattoo for years and years, but I can never settle on THE ONE that I want most. And I'm absolutely terrified that I'll get something I end up hating later on, so I chicken out every time. I've pretty much got the location picked out (left side on my ribs) and I've got a few ideas of what I'd like to get, but I never pull the trigger. Maybe someday...

 

discuss religion and politics

 

These are two subjects I'm pretty careful not to touch here, or pretty much anywhere else in my life. Have you guys ever seen Raven's blog? If you haven't, you're living under a rock. This girl is freaking fantastic, and I love how she speaks freely and bluntly about all of her beliefs, including religion, politics, how she's raising her boys, etc. My values tend to lean somewhat conservatively, but I'm afraid that if I admit stuff like that on this blog, the negative feedback will kill me.

 

drastically change my hair

 

I've always wanted to try a radically different hair style, but I never get the balls to actually go through with it. I'd love to go super dark with red highlights, or try a rich auburn, or get some crazy ombre thing going on, but... Well, hair is so expensive, and what if I hate it? The one time I tried to go back to my natural color I was back to blonde within a week. Plus Stewart likes me best as a blonde. Go figure.

 

bungee jump

 

This is something that's always been on my bucket list, and I meant to get to it over the past couple years. In fact, one time when Stew and I were in Vegas we sought it out specifically, but the bungee place had closed down. And then the last time we were in Whistler I said I wanted to save my money... but really I was afraid. And now that my eggo is preggo I probably won't be doing this one until my children are old enough to take care of themselves if I perish. So this one will have to wait.

 

What are some things you wish YOU were brave enough to do? 

 

Dear Baby... 16 Weeks

Dear Baby,

I haven't thrown up at all this week, so I think you are finally settling in and are going to let me have a bit of a break. I've felt more like myself these past few days than I have in a long time. My energy is back up and I've been sleeping really well... my only complaint is that it's mostly been alone, because your Daddy has been working so much, helping us save for your arrival.

My skin has cleared up, too, and my only real pregnancy complaint is this weird new hairline I still seem to be growing. At least I don't seem to be growing strange hairs in other odd places... yet. Honestly, I'm feeling a little disconnected from you this week. I'm feeling better, but I can't really feel you moving much yet, so sometimes it feels like this whole "being knocked up" situation is a big joke. I'm chubby and my clothes are getting uncomfortable, but I don't have a real "baby bump" yet, so it seems silly to shop for maternity clothes. Keep growing in there!

Can you believe we are 16 weeks (four months!) along already?!
The time is flying by, and we're almost halfway there!

You are now the size of an avocado, measuring about four and a half inches and weighing roughly three ounces. Tiny bones are forming in your ears, which means you can pick up voices now, and I'll have to tell your Daddy that it's time to start singing to you! You also have eyebrows, lashes, and your hair is starting to fill in (assuming you don't take after your father these days).

Your uncle AJ is coming up this weekend to clear his stuff out of the nursery, which I guess means it's time for me to start thinking about decorating! I know I want to do predominantly grey and white in there, but I can't decide on the accent color until I know if you're a boy or a girl... We can't wait to find out!

I'm sure I'll regret saying this a few months from now, but go ahead and start kicking a little harder, because I want to feel you movin' and groovin' in there!

Love Always,
Mommy

You Oughta Know

I've had about eleventy billion post ideas this week, but haven't been able to complete a single one of them. My brain has been all over the place and even my boss commented on how absent minded I've been. Don't worry, she was laughing at the time.

 

Anyway, I've decided to totally punk out on writing anything deep today, and instead I'm linking up with Kenzie for "We Want to Know Wednesday."

 

Ready? Set? GO.

 

 

{one}

What were you doing the last time you had a really good laugh?

 

Actually, I was sitting on the table in my obstetrician's office. Stewart was making fun of a bump on my foot, calling it disgusting (it's a Ganglion cyst, no big deal), and for some reason the comments he was making were totally cracking me up. We were laughing so hard by the time the doctor came in that I almost couldn't calm myself down for the appointment. Then I kept trying to talk to the doc about serious stuff, like how you shouldn't get foot massages during pedicures while you're pregnant, and Stew just could not focus. Of course he had to wonder aloud why anyone would willingly touch my disgusting foot, anyway. This brought on a new round of hysterical laughter. I don't know why I think it's so funny when my husband makes fun of me, but honestly if you can't find humor in your flaws, you're not gonna make it.

 

{two}

What song always makes you happy when you hear it?

 

Oh, what a perfect opportunity to share one of my very favorite songs/videos from the past year! Dumb Ways to Die is a public service announcement campaign by Metro Trains in Australia to promote rail safety. It's hilarious, and almost immediately went viral at the end of last year. Sometimes when I'm in a bad mood I put it on and immediately cheer up. Come on, tell me this doesn't make you giggle. And if it doesn't, I fear you might be dead inside...  

 

 

{three}

What is your favorite room in your house and why?

 

I think I'd have to say our den/library. I love my book collection so much, and I'm seriously so proud of it (it's been a work in progress since kindergarten!) Sometimes I just wander in there to look at the books, organize them, straighten them, plan what I'm going to read next... I'm kind of book nerd if you haven't heard. This is the only picture I have with me at the moment, but we also have a beautiful corner desk in that room and an awesome vintage world map on the wall. Now all I need is an awesome leather chair and I think it will be complete!

 

 

{four}

Share something you are currently looking forward to:

 

Is it too cliché to say Thanksgiving? We always spend Thanksgiving with Stewart's family in Vancouver, and I look forward to it every year. Family, friends, food, fun... BUNCO! It's pretty amazing. Except last year my weekend was ruined by a stomach bug, but this time I feel healthy as a horse and my morning sickness seems to be mostly gone, so I plan to enjoy the holiday vomit-free! It doesn't take much to make me happy...

 

{five}

What never fails to put you in a good mood?

 

Knowing that Stewart will be there when I get home from work. He's been taking a lot of overtime shifts lately, and coming home to a dark, empty house just isn't the same as opening the door and knowing he's there waiting for me. I love the evenings when we make dinner together and have time to hang out before bed. Plus I hate sleeping in our house alone, alarm system or not. So on days I know Stew is not on shift, you'll usually find me in a pretty chipper mood.

 

 

Well, happy hump day my lovelies. I hope your week has been wonderful so far!  

 

 

Never Ever Ever...

Never Ever Ever...

 

Will I be okay with leaving for work in the dark, and then returning home in the dark, for months on end. Thanks, Pacific Northwest.

Have I understood the obsession with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, or other holiday drinks from Starbucks. I stick with my regulars, no matter what the season. And I hate pumpkin.

Will I be able to repay my parents for all that they have given and taught me. I think about this a lot now that I'm about to become a parent.

Will I get sick of watching reruns of Friends before bed. I'm going to be inconsolable if they ever take that show off TV.

Did I think I'd be the type of person to hire a housekeeper. But now that I have one, it's totally changed my life.

Will I understand the rudeness of bus commuters. Every day I watch able bodied people ignore elderly and disabled riders so they don't have to give up their precious seats. Jerks.

Did I read the Harry Potter series, or see the movies. I realize I'm the minority here, but I just couldn't get into it!

Will I think I looked better as a brunette than as a blonde. I don't know if I'll ever go back...

Have I owned a dog, although I'd really like to someday. Maybe when our kids are older.

Will I get to experience this pregnancy again, so I'm trying to enjoy and appreciate every moment of it!

Hawk Yeah!

FINALLY the Seattle Seahawks seem to have hit their stride!

 

Now, everyone say it with me...

 

10 AND 1!

 

That's #1 in the entire league, bitches!

 

It's official. That is all.

 

Oh yeah... it's Movember. I'm all for supporting men's health and all, but... ugh.

 

Today I'm linking up with fellow Seahawks fan Kristine at Living Barefoot and Crazy... Please stop by and show her some love!

 

 

 

As for the rest of my weekend, it was pretty uneventful. Stew and I literally spent most of the day on Saturday in the garage, putting together shelving and cabinets until my highly organizational, controlling, type A personality was pleased with the results.

 

I can't exactly remember what we did Saturday night, but I'm pretty sure it involved takeout and our big screen TV. Don't be jealous...

 

Football and tailgating takes up the entire day on Sundays when the Hawks play at home, so I needed my rest on Saturday, yo!

 

I hope everyone had themselves a fantastic weekend... Happy Monday!

 

Sunday Social

Hey kiddos! What are y'all up to today on this fine Sunday? I'm off to watch the Seahawks smash the Vikings (hopefully), but first, for a fun little change, I thought I'd link up with Ashley and Neely for their Sunday Social.

This Week's Questions

1. Name 4 jobs you’ve had in your life.

I got my very first job when I was in high school, as a part time receptionist in a dental clinic. I've also been a hostess (Olive Garden... Black Angus), a newspaper reporter (city government & health beat), and Cold Stone crew member in Waikiki. Yes, I remember all the tip songs, and no, I won't sing them for you.

2. Name 4 movies you would watch over and over.

Honestly, I am a chronic movie re-watcher. My mom thinks I'm absolutely nuts to waste time watching stuff I've already seen, but I just love it. Stewart constantly finds me watching random old movies on TV. Here are some of my faves:

Titanic - I'll never be able to pass this one up, no matter how many times I've seen it (and it was FOUR times in the theater, if you're wondering). "You jump, I jump, right?"

Dirty Dancing - I just caught the end of this one the other day on ABC Family or something like that. Oh my goodness, "No one puts Baby in the corner..." the lift at the end... Patrick Swayze's hot bod... CHILLS!

A Christmas Story - 'Tis the season, so I thought I would throw this one in. Honestly, "24 hours of A Christmas Story" is a bit much... but somehow I end up watching this movie at least two or three times every year. Never gets old...

Newsies - This '90s Disney movie is kind of a cult classic, and it doesn't get near the amount of recognition it deserves. It's rarely shown on TV, but I own the DVD and I pop it in any time I feel like I need a little cheering up (hello, Christian Bale). Carryin' the Banner...

3. Name 4 places you have lived.

Lacey, Washington - Toddler until I left for college in 2000. Hometown represent!

Bellingham, Washington - WWU until 2004! Oh, the college years, what a blur...

Waikiki, Hawaii - Three months in 2003. A brief period during which I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.

Seattle, Washington - 2005 to 2013... I call these my "single and fabulous" years. Until I met Stew, of course.

4. Name 4 of your favorite foods.

Macaroni and Cheese (any kind, from anywhere, at any time)

Pad Thai (Veggie w/ tofu from Wild Ginger if I get to choose, but I'll eat it from pretty much anywhere)

Big Mac (Don't judge! I know this thing is literally poison in the form of a hamburger, but it's one my absolute, all-time favorite things. I eat about two a year and never regret them)

Sushi (Wasabi Bistro is my fave, and I already have big plans for Stew to bring it to me in the hospital after I deliver)

5. Name 4 things you always carry with you.

iPhone, lip gloss, hand sanitizer, and these days, a tiny human.

6. Name 4 places you have been on vacation.

I just had this conversation with someone the other day... is a trip the same as a vacation? In any case, here are some I've been to quite a few times:

Eventually, my plan is to post about all the places we went on our 2010 European tour, but that's something for another day.

  Have a great rest of your weekend, everyone!