Happy Summer

I really don't intend to turn this into a food blog, but since I love to cook and eat...I guess I'll be sharing. I really could do this everyday - get up and think about what I'm going to make today. And since it's summer, I've got the time. My perfect job - somewhere between food blogging, trying out recipes and checking out restaurants...now, if I could only figure out how to get paid since I already do this...I've looked into it. I guess I'm hoping one of my journalist friends will hook me up.

Utilizing some herbs this week:

Super Delish Melon Mint Slush

Honeydew Melon, Ginger Ale, Mint, Sugar, Ice
So Refreshing

Turkey Burgers with Rosemary Mayo & Brie

Mitch topped his with pepper jack instead of brie & loved it

This week's recipes courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis. I can rarely take credit for anything I make (except I that physically prepare the food). Why reinvent the wheel when someone else has got it down perfectly?

So this week I've gotten up way earlier than I intended. I assumed I'd be sleeping in until at least 9 everyday, but I haven't even come close. I'm up by 7 at the latest. I love coming to the computer every morning, looking up recipes and being entertained by the rabbits and squirrels in our neighborhood. All the babies are out and about, so it's kind of hilarious watching them play. They are so not sure of themselves or each other yet.

Friday we're going to an event to support Free & Fair Elections in the Congo. Check out Falling Whistles.

~Ciao

Moan, groan, or grunt?

Tell me that got your attention ;)
I've been watching a lot of tennis lately...So, which one is it?!

I can't decide what to call this loud painful porno sex sound that women tennis players make (and some of the guys too...Nadal). Sharapova is the worst. I realize that it's tough...that's probably why I don't play, but REALLY???? Is it necessary to groan so long & loudly that I can barely hear the ball hit the court? So Mitch called it a grunt, but I say it's a moan/groan because the sound lasts longer than a grunt. What's your take?

I seriously had a hard time naming this blog. There have been so many funny moments over the last couple weeks that I didn't know where to start. Just this Saturday we were walking out of Neimans and Mitch says, "What I like most of all is that it has a rhinestone pearl snap!" This is in reference to a new shirt he got...little did I know my husband was into rhinestones or pearl snaps! Bahahahaha!!! (upon closer inspection, I did not find a rhinestone...just a pearl snap...you should've seen the disappointment on his face). Should the title have been "He Likes Rhinestone Pearl Staps?!"

We celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary this past Saturday. I know it's old to say this, but time really does fly by. We couldn't do much because I've been a little under the weather, but we still went out to dinner. We have this thing for steak places on our anniversary. It's not like we don't eat steak the other 11 months of the year, because we do! This time we tried Ocean Prime. It was pretty good, but I don't agree with its D Magazines' #3 spot in the Steak! issue. I'd put it somewhere past #5. I think we'll do one new place a month so we can put our own Top 10 together (D Magazine did 20...I'm not wasting my time at some of the places on the list). We've conquered about 9 of their 20 already...only two that we won't go back to. Pappas Bros. still ranks #1 in my book. Not sure that anyone can top it. And next time I go somewhere with "ocean" in the name...I'm getting fish.

I felt pretty wretched last week. I'll spare you the details...I promise you don't want to know. Mitch has been my support though. He helped me shop for games for my kids. He got a mani/pedi with me. He came with me shopping (NEVER happens). Because by Sunday I couldn't pull myself off the couch to go anywhere, he even went to a Ann Taylor 40 minutes away to pick up a dress that they didn't have anywhere near us. I LOVE HIM!

School's out for summer. Nuf said!

First Monday off - I have to get up early and go to the doctor. Blah. I guess the positive about that is, she's right by Northpark, so I treated myself for feeling so awful. Now, I've gone to the doctor, Nordstrom, Sephora, Barnes & Noble, & Starbucks, made lunch at home, then started blogging and it's not even noon! What will I do with myself this summer?!
(by the way friends - that's my self invitation to all of you who have a pool)

My lunch - Mini Caprese Salad...this will probably be my lunch everyday! I love mozzarella & basil. Isn't my little herb garden coming out nicely? I guess you can call it a garden. I can't put it outside because not one inch of our gardens see sunlight, but the window box it the kitchen is perfect. The dill & flatleaf parsley may not make it. I can't figure them out. The rosemary, just stays the same. The basil and mint are doing great though!

Another reason to love summer - It's full of fresh. I mean fresh herbs and food specifically. I love cooking in the summer. It's all about straight from the garden, grilling and ingredients that I get at the store the same day. My summer cooking inspirations - Giada and Ina (and sometimes Bobby)...as always.

We just booked our vacation for July. I know we've been going back and forth between Italy and Hawaii, but when it came down to it...we didn't want adventure after all. Relaxation is on the books for us in Turks and Caicos! Airfare isn't booked only because I'm always on the lookout for another deal...which I probably won't find because I'm not one for waiting around at numerous different airports. I want to get to my destination as quickly as possible. Check out our digs...Gansevoort. We weren't feeling the mega resort this time, so boutique hotel it is. Anyone up for a villa rental next year? If you're interested in something like that, let me know...We're serious!

That was really long right?! Hopefully you made it this far down! Yikes.

~Ciao