Book Club Friday: The Great Gatsby

This week I'm sharing:

Synopsis:

"In 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald announced his decision to write "somethingnew--something extraordinary and beautiful and simple and intricately patterned." That extraordinary, beautiful, intricately patterned, and above all, simple novel became The Great Gatsby, arguably Fitzgerald's finest work and certainly the book for which he is best known. A portrait of the Jazz Age in all of its decadence and excess, Gatsby captured the spirit of the author's generation and earned itself a permanent place in American mythology. Self-made, self-invented millionaire Jay Gatsby embodies some of Fitzgerald's--and his country's--most abiding obsessions: money, ambition, greed, and the promise of new beginnings. Gatsby's rise to glory and eventual fall from grace becomes a kind of cautionary tale about the American Dream."

via

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed that this book was written from an outside perspective- someone who was not bound to or infatuated with the lavish lifestyles of the rich on East coast (specifically Long Island). It was written in an almost diary style.

I hated Tom Buchanan, and I wasn't too fond of Daisy, who at first seemed almost unearthly in her beauty, voice, and poise, and then turned into a whiny, hysterical little girl who couldn't even choose who she ultimately wanted to be with- she seemed to have just gone with the loudest one. She wouldn't even stand up for herself knowing that her husband was cheating... for years! 

I fell in love with Gatsby and Daisy's love affair before she got married, as fleeting as it was. It seemed to be the least superficial time in Daisy's privileged life, and definitely the happiest time in Gatsby's life, and probably what pushed him the most in attaining his dream. 

I liked Gatsby in that he was a believer- in himself and in the American Dream. Yes he came from humble beginnings, but he became a man-made millionaire- maybe not in the "cleanest" of ways, but man-made nonetheless. And he fought for what he believed in, until the very end. 

Have you read this? Are you planning on watching the movie? [Out this December, directed by the same guy who did Moulin Rouge!] What did you think?

K's 30th Beach Bash, or Weekend Recap

Last weekend we had a BLAST. It was my girl K's 30th birthday- and she decided to have a Jersey Shore Extravaganza!

The party started at 11AM in Asbury Park Beach. Between friends and family, she must have had about 20 people there. C and I weren't sure how security/lifeguards would be about bringing coolers on the beach, so we didn't bring any, but K sure did! Between her and other friends, they had to have at least 7 coolers with sandwiches, snacks, sodas/waters, and drinks... so many beers and a bottle or two of harder stuff. We went in the ocean, played some volleyball, ate, drank, and were generally very merry!

After that we freshened up at the hotel before heading to Kelly's Tavern. We had a private room in the basement, and K's lovely hubby took care of all the food! 

After that, we walked a few blocks over to the famed Headliners. I say famed because it was featured in more than one episode of "The Jersey Shore." And it was guido/guidettes/gorilla/juicehead central. I seriously have not been out clubbing in so long, so it was kind of weird, and I did feel a little bit older (no idea how some of those kids even got in!), but overall we had an amazing time! I even got  K a shout-out on the mic!

[I may have also gotten up in some dumb drunk girl's face. Seriously, her hair was all over me, and she kept knocking into me, and after a few elbow jabs, I had enough and turned around and politely told her to get the eff off me. I may have also been nicknamed the "Enforcer," which is funny because I'm the smallest in our group. But we had our all-girl dance circle, and every so often, a daring guy would try to dance with one (or all) of us. However, we're all taken, and not interested. I was very good at pulling my friends away, or straight up tripping the guys. They were not happy. Oh wells! Gotta protect my girls!]

We stayed until almost closing, and then took shuttles back to the hotel. And as R. Kelly sang 

"after the party its the (hotel lobby)!"

Though we were able to keep it in the hotel room! 

Sunday was a day of straight recovery. Started at the diner, ended on my couch watching True Blood. Perfect ending to a perfect party weekend!

How was your weekend?

The Blog Connection

One of the things I love most about blogging is being able to connect with so many different people. I love hearing their stories and experiences, or sharing something funny, or just hearing a rant (especially where I'm like "me TOO!" on a lot of the points). But one of the things I'm most excited about now is being a part of a meet-up! I've only been on one "blate", and that was by accident! But now, thanks to Nikki, Jamie, and Sarah, I'll get to meet a bunch of bloggers at...

I am so freakin excited it's not even funny. Of course C thinks I'm a total weirdo but whatevs, that's nothing new! (If you're from NJ or the surrounding area, check out the bloggers above from more info!)

Also, 

I just came across this tonight and wanted to share. In addition to those I know from NJ, I've been looking for a place to find local bloggers in the area and thought this was a pretty awesome way to get connected.

Check it out:

If you go to Shane's page, she even has an interactive map- so cool! So from those from Coast to Coast, have fun making new friends!

Sunday Night Dinner: Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

You ever see a food Pin and think "Hey, I could totally make that!"? It happens to me all the time (usually at work. And when I was printing out this recipe, I forgot and left it on the office printer... but the person who picked it up was so grateful for a new recipe she made a copy and didn't say anything- phew!)

Or have you ever gotten a new food toy (like, say, a crockpot) but not enough recipes to use it?
Also, I am not one of those people who can put in a "dash" of this and a "pinch" of that. I need actual instructions.

Enter this recipe!
Ok, so maybe I didn't make this today. Or at all, since really, I can't cook for -ish, but we had this the other night and it was so easy and delicious I just had to share! And it's one of those recipes that most likely, you have all the ingredients already in the fridge- even more convenient!
My comments are in pink.

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Servings: 8
  

The goods, in the crockpot, and on the plate!

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs, with the bone, skin removed (we had 5 pieces, so that's what we made. We also left the skin on.)
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (we used about half of this)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1/2 large onion, sliced
• 1 tsp dried oregano 
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for topping

Directions:

Quick method: Season chicken with salt and black pepper and place in the slow cooker. Pour tomatoes over the chicken, top with onions and peppers, add oregano, bay leaf, salt and pepper, give it a quick stir and cover. Set crock pot to LOW 8 hours or HIGH 4 hours. When the timer beeps, remove lid and keep the crock pot on HIGH one hour to help it thicken.

[We did the one below]
Better method but requires more prep:  Heat a large skillet over medium-high, lightly spray with oil (I use my Misto) and brown chicken on both sides a few minutes, season with salt and pepper. Add to the slow cooker. To the skillet, spray with a little more oil and add onions and peppers. Sauté until juices release and the vegetables become golden, a few minutes.

Add to the slow cooker. Pour tomatoes over the chicken and vegetables, add oregano, bay leaf, salt and pepper, give it a quick stir and cover. Set crock pot to LOW 8 hours or HIGH 4 hours.

Remove bay leaf, adjust salt and pepper and enjoy! 


For more info (like nutrional info), more recipes, and much better foodie pics, check out SkinnyTaste!

* This is NOT a sponsored post. I did not receive any compensation for this, just a tummy full of goodness :)

Book Club Friday: The Happiness Project

This week I'm sharing: 

Synopsis:

"This relatable, inspiring project is the result of the author's 12-month adventure in becoming a happier person. Written with a wicked sense of humor and sharp insight, her story will inspire readers to embrace the pleasure in their lives and remind them how to have fun."

via

My Thoughts:

I only finished this book because it was our first book for our new book club. Though I agree that she was trying to help others (and it seems she has succeeded in that, from reading reviews, and with the success of her website), I found this book to be boring and trite. The author seemed so out of touch with reality it was appalling. It was not relatable at all (who can take off a week for a 9-5 drawing class, let alone a year to "find happiness" ?), nor was it inspiring. Every other sentence reads "...and in this study it was found that..." I was more happy when I was done than any other time during reading this. I gave this book 2 stars (only because it seems to help others, personally I thought it was only worthy of one).

This is probably the harshest review I've ever given, but I stand by my opinions. She really got under my skin. 

**UPDATE**: 
I was looking on Google for the book image, and I found this: 

Apparently, Kristin Davis is starring in The Happiness Project TV show. UGH. 
AND Gretchen Rubin is coming out with another book, "Happier at Home." That's one I definitely won't be reading.


What are you reading?

Weekend Update, Or That Time I Got Knocked Over by a 4 Year Old

This weekend was filled with kiddos. Not mine of course, as I have yet to procreate. But I digress...

Friday night we got some Indian take out (which was delish), and stopped by DSW to check out some Sperry's for C's dad for Father's Day. We snatched up the display ones, which were the only ones in his size. Success!

Saturday late-morning started the mad dash. We had to get wine for C's dad (and some for me, because well, we were there so why not?!), stop at Hallmark for some cards, and gift bags, and had to get some flowers for C's Goddaughter's 1st dance recital.

We barely had time to have a snack and then it was off to her dance recital! C's Goddaughter (CG) is 4. She was so adorable in her little purple fluff of a costume. Oh, and fake eyelashes. Yes... you read that correctly. She wouldn't stand still long enough for her mom to put mascara on her, so she stuck on some self-adhesive eyelashes. CG LOVED them!! She refused to take them off even after the recital.

OOTD: shirt- United Colors of Benetton (thrifted), shorts: Old Navy, shoes: Old Navy, bag: Coldwater Creek (gifted)

C, trying to be as preppy as me

C: Whatever, I'm preppier than you are.
Me: No way. I've got United Colors of Benetton on. Even your boat shoes can't compare.
C: Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiine.

CG and her Godparents

Guys, the dance recital was 3 HOURS LONG. 3. HOURS!!!  I used to dance when I was a kid, but I certainly don't remember them being that long. And of course we had to stay for the whole thing, even though her "performance" was 3 minutes in the first 20 minutes of the recital, because we had to see her in the "Finale"- which was basically all the dancers standing in front of the stage and waving to the audience. Seriously. I think I felt most sorry for her brother, who is 6. At least we had our phones to distract us- he had nothing!

I'm not saying the rest of the show was bad by any means- in fact, I was really impressed by some of the performances, but it was so long. And the place was packed- completely sold out the auditorium in a local college! At $20 a ticket, they must have made a killing! We were in Row T (3rd to last), and each row had about 35 seats. And that's not even including the balcony!

There were 10 of us total- CG's parents, brother, grandmother, us, his Godmother, and 3 other aunts! So she was a bit overwhelmed when it ended and we all had bouquets upon bouquets of flowers for her!

CG's Flowers

Afterwards, we all went to Cheeburger Cheeburger. I don't know how parents do it- the kids were running amuck in the restaurant! But it was a good ending to a long day.

Sunday we were up and at 'em early to go to C's old neighbor's daughter's son's Christening (did you get all that?!). They are close friends with C's family. It was my 1st experience in a Protestant Church. And we were at the "Contemporary" mass. It was much different than any mass I've attended. They had a children's part, where all the kids sat up front and were told of some prophet in a kid-friendly way, and then 2 people came up and told their stories of how Jesus "spoke" to them. It was pretty interesting. There were no Readings from the Bible, Gospel, or Communion. And there were a lot of teens, which I found odd, but in a good way.

Anyway, the baby we were there to see was so good during the whole Mass, except when he was getting Christened- boy did he cry!! But as soon as he was back in his mama's arms he calmed down. Afterwards, we went to the family's house for lunch. They had a big backyard, which all the kids loved (4 in total, ages 3-4). The baby even let me hold him without crying for a good 30 minutes! (That is, until he saw Mom and wanted her, which was to be expected.)

Christening

Holding Baby Colin Patrick

(obviously my hair was not cooperating that day!)

Everything was going peachy-keen until it was time for us to leave. As we were saying bye, I wanted a hug from Colin's sister, Jade. I squatted down to be at her level, and she POUNCED on me. I'm not kidding. She completely barreled me over. I went down, forward, with her in my arms. Luckily, she stayed upright. I wound up with a scraped knee. Can we just say OUCH!!!!!!!! I don't even remember the last time I had a scrape, but this one hurt like hell! (Plus, truth be told, I'm a big baby when it comes to pain.)

I was very happy to limp back home, lay up on the couch, and watch True Blood, kid-free!!

P.S. Are you guys watching True Blood??! Chris Meloni finally made his debut! And he is freakin AWESOME! Can't wait for next week's episode!

Time to Make Up

Have you ever been in a "fight" with a best friend? I have "fight" in quotes because I'm not exactly sure she knows we are in one. So maybe the real question should read... 

have you ever been mad at a best friend... and not sure if they knew you were mad at them? 

This is my problem. I have a very close friend. We've been friends for 8-9 years. During her senior year of college, she got pregnant. At this point, I had already graduated, but I had a dream that she had a baby boy. I called her on the same day she found out she was pregnant. (Freaky, huh?!) Partly because of this, and partly because we were close friends, she named me to be his Godmother! I was elated. After taking a semester off to have the baby, and then finishing her degree, she moved back to her family's home in Puerto Rico. When he was ready to be baptized, I made a point to go there for the event. That was 2 years ago, and I haven't been back since. However since his birth, I always send presents for every little holiday, and was calling all the time. That is, until this January. 

You see, she never communicates with me. Every conversation we had, it was me calling her. I would ask her to send me pics of the baby, and she wouldn't (even via email or text). I would remind her, and she still wouldn't. Whenever I sent a package for her or the baby, she never even told me she got it (let alone actually saying thank you). I always sent them certified and with a tracking number, because that was the only way to know she received it, other than me calling her, which was kind of awkward. 

me: "Hey. Did you get anything in the mail?"

V: "Oh yeah I did! Thanks so much! He loves it/I love it!" 

yadda yadda yadda...

When I call, it's like no time has slipped between us. Our conversations last for hours as we catch up on each others lives. Before January, I was making it a point to call at least once a month, just to talk. But why did I have to call all the time just to find out if you got my package? Or just to say hello? I was hurt. I AM hurt. 

Source: imgfave.com via Dani on Pinterest

For Mothers Day, I sent her a present as usual. But in my card, I wrote "Hey, I miss you! I haven't heard from you in a while! Give me a call sometime! (or something to that effect)" I know she's a single working mom now (even though she has help from both of her parents and her grandma, but still), and may not remember or have time, or may not have even realized that she was hurting my feelings by not keeping in touch. I thought this was a polite way to clue her in. 

It didn't work.The only way I knew she got the package was because I checked the tracking number. I thought I'd try a little experiment- with this new "reminder", how long would it take her to get back to me? I still haven't heard from her. 

So I've been mad and hurt now for 6 months. And being stubborn as hell by not just calling her. And now my grandpa (who also lives in Puerto Rico), wants me to come down to visit him around July 4th. Which means I'll be there. And how can I go there and not tell my friend? I haven't seen her or my Godson in 2 years...and besides wanting to fix things with her (sorta), I really want to see my G baby.

So I guess it's time to give her a call. But I really don't want to, because I was hoping she'd call me. Hell, maybe she's mad at me for something, who knows? Guess there's only one way to find out. 

My 13 Fave Apps

I'm always interested in seeing what cool and fun apps others are using, so I thought I would also share a few of my current (FREE!) faves too! Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Shazam: Ya know when you hear a song on the radio or in a store and you want to know the name? You can just "SHAZAM!" it with this app, which listens to the song, and then tells you the artist, name, and other useful info. Also, it keeps a list of songs that you've "tagged"- great for people with poor memory like me!

2. Viggle: This free app gives you points for every TV show you check in to. And then you can use the points for gift cards to some awesome places, like Starbucks, Target, and Lowe's just to name a few. And the places change, so if you don't like the selection one week, you can always wait a little until the y change. 

3. Twitter: I love twitter. I don't really know why- just a quick peek into people's goings-ons. I'm a bit of a creeper though, I read more than I actually post. 

4. Instagram/ PicJointer: I love sharing pics. The filters are cool. Just another way to connect with others.And PicJointer allows you to put multiple pics in one frame, which I really like.

5. Pandora: Music on the go, with stations you can customize. Works for me!

6. Bank App: Rarely use this, because I'm usually scurred to check the balance, but it's helpful!

7. Words with Friends/ Draw Something: Social gaming,... need I say more?! 

8. PoshMark: This free shopping app lets you buy and sell clothes. Pretty awesome- I've found some great stuff on here, and can't wait to sell some of mine too!

9. Groupon/ Living Social: Discounts and deals on restaurants, entertainment, beauty, etc. Also great when you purchase a deal, you can just show them your phone instead of bringing along the piece of paper with your deal. 

10. GoodReads: I'm a reader. I like updating my status on the go, and finding out what others are reading or recommending. 

11. CardMunch: This free app lets you take a picture of a business card, and then puts it in an easy to read form with name, phone, email and address. From there you can add them to your contacts, see the original card, or send them a message/email. This is a byproduct of LinkedN. It's great for keeping business contacts straight, especially after going to any networking event.

12. Pinterest: It's true, I have an app for this. I really might need a pintervention. 

13. FourSquare: I'm not sure why I like "checking in" to places so much. Probably the fact that I can "earn" badges. It's just fun to see where I've been, and where my friends are. Also lets you make lists of fun places that you'd like to check out or do. 

What are some of your fave apps?

Check out Chloe' Jacqueline! 

Sunday Funnies: Father's Day

I love this kid- she is so stinkin cute! And she knows who her favorite is for sure! Enjoy, and hope you had a wonderful Father's Day!

To Buy Or Not To Buy, That Is The Question

Warning: This is a loooong post. And there are no pics. Just sayin!

Last week, my friend E called me. This particular friend only calls me when she needs advice about something. I've grown accustomed to this, and it doesn't really bother me. Usually she calls me looking for relationship advice. This time was a little different.

A little background:
My friend E is 28, same as me. She is graduating with her Master's in Special Education at the end of this week. She has a secure teaching position at a school she's been with for over four years, teaching Special Ed to middle school children in a specialized school. She is currently single, having recently gotten out of a 3 year long relationship, after which she decided (after many long talks and tears) wasn't going anywhere. And she has been living at home with her parents forever, thereby saving lots of money. She also has no debt, student loan or credit cards.

So she calls me, saying that she's been looking into buying a condo in one of the nicest areas in her hometown. She says that she feels ready to move out on her own, and that it wouldn't be that different, as she's in the same town as her parents so she can go home for dinner if she wanted to, and would be taking same commute route, same doctors, grocery store, etc. She describes the place: a renovated one bedroom, with one brick exposed wall, and cathedral ceilings (swoon). She explains that some work would need to be done to the floors, she would have to put in doors (previous owner was a hippie type who used took out all the doors and replaced with fabric), and would have to hire a painter (for the cathedral ceilings). But her friend's dad is a contractor, so she could get a deal. Perfect.

She also tells me that she found the apartment through a coworker who also does realty, and she was able to talk the owner down from $275,000 to $217,000. This sounds like a dream! I thought.


Then she starts asking me about budgets, since I have been living on my own (or with roommates, and now with C) for years. What's are reasonable grocery/utilities/entertainment budgets? We compare some numbers, and she is right on track.

And then she gets to the actual question: So what do you think? Should I buy it? 

As I stated above, I've lived either with roommates or completely on my own since college. And I've loved it, especially living by myself. Granted, I didn't have cable, my cupboards were filled with plastic cups and paper plates, and the pantry and fridge were full of microwave foods, but I loved every minute of it. I loved the freedom, the ability to go out or stay in whenever I wanted, and just having my own space. And I never got lonely. Maybe this is because I'm an only child and have found ways to entertain myself, I'm not sure. But loneliness wasn't a feeling I experienced until after I met C and wanted to be with him allthetime.

However, I know E. I've known her since freshman year of high school. She's one of those girls who likes to be home a lot ("homebody" sounds kinda harsh), and also always likes to be in a relationship, whether it was good or bad 9not bad like abusive, more like not right for her). And, she did move out one time. She rented an apartment in her hometown, and didn't last one month because of loneliness.

So of course, this was a loaded question. I answered tentatively, bring up the fact that she tried it before, and didn't like it. "But this time it's different," she argued. "That was 3-4 years ago, I'm older and more mature now. I'm ready. And I was renting instead of buying my own place." (She brought this point up several times, though I don't see how renting vs. buying would change her emotions away from loneliness.)

She made a sound case, and generally, when people say they're ready, they are. Though at first I was tentative about my answer, I support my friends, and she made it seem like she had already made the decision, and just wanted confirmation that she was making the right choice. So I agreed, "I think that you're getting a super deal, you have a great contractor who is a friend, it's a nice area and you're close to home. It seems great!" (Sidenote: It really DID seem great- I wasn't just saying this to agree with her.) 

But of course, this wasn't the end of it. "Do you think I'll be lonely?" and "What do you think guys will think of me if I live at home vs. if I have my own place?" 

Oi vey. There it was. Loneliness and how she would be perceived by men.

I could only tell her how I dealt, and any friends I had. I mentioned one who had been lonely, and how she combated it. "Join some clubs. Get involved. Get out. Take a more active role in hobbies you're already interested in. Go to the gym. Volunteer. My friend volunteers at Petco every Saturday for 2 hours and loves it (E loves animals). This way, you'll broaden your network, meet more people, and learn more about things you already like."

As I said it (and now, as I'm typing it), it all sounds like something straight out of a self-help book, but I tried to be as helpful as possible.

"As for guys, I don't think I've met any who took a particular interest in where I lived, as long as it wasn't in like, a different state. I really don't think they'll care if you live at home or not." Honestly, I have no idea about this, but again, I was trying to be supportive here.

By the end of the conversation, it was decided: she was going to buy. YAY!

Until two hours later, when she texted me saying she was in tears because she was afraid of being lonely. I tried to tell her to take her time, she didn't have to rush into any major decisions right away, let the idea sink in, make a pro-con list (people do that right?), and do whatever felt right.

The next day, she withdrew her offer.

I know she's upset about it (she kept calling herself a loser, etc). But I don't know what else to say to her. I hope she didn't feel like I was pushing her one way or another. And I don't want her to think that I think less of her because I was so comfortable being on my own and she's not. I know everyone is different- we react to changes differently, we have different areas of comfort, and we're ready for certain life milestones at different times. I'm happy for her that she made a decision she felt comfortable with, instead of rushing into something she wasn't ready for. I know when the time is right, she'll know, and be just fine.

If you made it this far- Thank you! Has something like this ever happened to you or someone you know? I'd love to hear your stories!

It's OK!

Brunch with Amber and Neely are doing a Mashup with Thankful Thursdays. I think it's important to take a step back and express gratitude every once in a while. So let's get to it!



This week I'ms saying "It's OK" to...

- randomly break out into song, and to do so at work, even if the song is not exactly work appro (Example: "sippin on gin and juice..laiiiidddd baccckkk")

- be super grateful for my iPod, especially when there's an "outside-voice-user" on the train

- freak out after you almost swallow a spider

Source: someecards.com via Sarah on Pinterest

- work much more efficiently and am more focused when I have background music

- always be on a quest to find the perfect pair of jeans,... or best eyeliner (I am so trying the one you suggested Jessica!)

- still be obsessed with "Call Me Maybe"... and all the jokes associated with it

Source: thechive.com via Bec on Pinterest

- be grateful for mini blogging break; there's just too much going on, but I'll fill ya in soon!

- not match your bra/undies everyday... or every other day...or in my case ever, unless I'm planning something special

- be grateful for libraries! I really don't like our book for book club, and I'm so happy I didn't have to buy it!

- have a hard time finding the perfect gifts for the fathers in your life. Why are men so hard to shop for?!

What are you grateful for, or saying OK to this week?!

Sunday Funnies

One of C's favorite things to do is share hilarious online videos with me... here are a few of his recent gems, along with one I found- the last one! Enjoy!


Kardashian's "Hypnotize" Music Video



Disco the Talking Parakeet- weirdo



Hamlet the Mini Pig- Goes Down Stairs
what a cutie! Love how he dives in at the end!!

It's OK Thursday: Appointments

Hello Thursday! I'm off today in order to go to the dermatologist,... and get a haircut, since both of these are close to home and work is 2 hours away! Is it weird that I'm actually excited to go to this appointment? It's my first time going to see one, and I have quite a few questions. I hope they can tell me what's up with my skin! Anyway, today is all about appointments- enjoy!

It's OK to...

- take a day off to go for appointments
- be more productive on your days off than at work
- make several appointments in the same day for this reason
- be a little nervous/uncomfortable in appointments... not a fan of people poking and prodding me
- not understand why I even make appointments, they are always running way behind schedule

Source: Uploaded by user via Dani on Pinterest

- take a shower (and shave) before going to a doctor's appointment
- make certain appointments as early in the day as possible, like the dentist
- wash and style your hair before going to the hairdresser
- be nervous about going to the hairdresser. They always cut off too much!
- make a list of ailments before going to see the doctor,dermatologist, etc
- ask them somewhat embarrassing questions. They're the pros right?!

What are you OK with today?

Pinspiration: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

It finally happened... I made something I found on Pinterest! Well actually, C made something I found on Pinterest... but it was my idea! I was actually surprised he agreed to it, because even though he is the resident chef, he is pretty much against making things that involve things that come in a can, such as Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup! But honestly it was so quick and easy, it was worth trying!


The "original" idea came from here:

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Dani on Pinterest

But we decided to tweak it with things we already had ,like Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup (that I bought on sale a few weeks months ago) and linguine instead of penne.

Ingredients

• 1/2 (16 ounce) package linguine
• 1 cup fresh or frozen broccoli flowerets*
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

* We also added peas, because, well, who doesn't like peas?!

Directions

1. Cook linguine according to package directions. Add broccoli for last 4 minutes of cooking time. Drain.
2. Heat butter in skillet. Cook chicken until browned, stirring often.
3. Add soup, milk, cheese, black pepper and linguine mixture and heat through. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese.

via

Here's how ours came out: 

this pic is a little dark, my bad

This dish was surprisingly delicious! It even got C's stamp of approval! We will definitely be making this again soon! 

Have you made any Pinterest inspired meals lately? Please share! 

Summer Hit List

You know what I used to do? Make mix tapes. Mixed tapes are my favorite. Once we graduated from middle school, I moved on to mix CD's. I still have a bunch of these. Maybe I'll share them with you someday. They are completely random, and have fun names like "Strawberry Pop Rocks" {seriously.}

Now we have Ipod lists. Bleh- lame. I much prefer old school tapes. But anyway, I was listening to the radio the other day {quite random- I never listen to radio anymore- the problems with commuter life, but I digress} and I found a couple new songs I'm loving. That, and the fact that summer is fast approaching, I thought I'd share a couple of my faves-of-the-moment {because they'll probably change in .2 seconds}Without further adieu, my list:

So Good: B.O.B.


We Run The Night: Havana Brown ft. Pitbull
New Friend Request: Gym Class Heroes
Payphone: Maroon 5

Want U Back: Cher Loyd ft. Astro


Rumor Has It: Adele
Hello There: The Freshman
Drive By: Train

The Night Of My Life: DJ Pauly D ft. Dash
Did you really not think I would get some Jersey Shore in here somehow?! This is the theme of the Pauly D Show, and currently my summer anthem!

What are you listening to? I'm linking up with Adventure of E for Sweet Sounds!

C'mon 5:30!

Tonight C and I have a Date Night! I know, Mondays are a weird night to go out, but we just couldn't pass up the opportunity.  I signed up for offers from Time Out New York, and we were able to get discounted tickets- $20 discount to be exact! So tonight we are going on a NYC Reggae Cruise!

This rain is kinda bumming me out, but I'm sure it will be a blast even if this weather doesn't cooperate! We will still be jammin, mon [sorry, couldn't help myself]! Now if only 5:30 could come a little quicker!!

What makes your days go by faster? Or have you ever been on a music cruise? I think this is my first!

Ridiculous Songs

Lately, I have either heard of or been reminded of some pretty ridiculous songs, so I thought I would share!!

Detachable Penis: This song is at least 5 years old. I don't remember where I first heard it, but I think the lyrics are pretty funny.




Let Me Smell your D**k: Do you watch Tosh.0?? It's not my favorite show, because Daniel Tosh is quite crude, and has a lot of "potty humor", but C likes it so sometimes I'll watch it. This song is also about 5-6 years old, and was apparently a hit. It's basically saying to take a whiff of your man's peen to make sure he's not cheating. I know,... ew. On Tosh.0, he had her do a "web redemption" where she sang a "classier" version of the song. But I couldn't find it so you get the original.



Werewolves in London- Warren Zevon: Another older one. Just found out that this guy passed away. Sad. I only heard of this one because someone mentioned it on Twitter, so I wanted to know what she was talking about. I kinda love it. When I was playing it, C came into the room and was like "What do you know about Warren Zevon?!" Apparently I was in the dark! Enjoy!

Newsworthy: Big Gulps and Zombies

The Mayor of NYC has proposed to place a ban on sugary drinks. This is in accordance with his campaign against obesity. He wants to put a 16 oz cap on drinks everywhere- restaurants, movies, food trucks, and sports venues. Many organizations,such as Coca Cola and McDonald's have already made statements against this proposal.


I get his point- we're a bunch of fatties who obviously cannot control ourselves, but I think placing bans is a bit ridiculous. Next thing you know he'll start telling us what we can and can't eat. Maybe a better idea would be instilling health-conscious ideas in kids- like, not selling sodas and strawberry milk in schools. Adults are just going to buy more 16 ouncers if pushed. Or ya know, start making larger drinks in basements and selling them on the black market.

Source: iratemojo.wordpress.com via Nate on Pinterest

Next up...
We've all heard of the Face Eater by now, but did you know there are other freaks trying cannibalism recently? Like this guy in California. An MMA fighter tore out his friend/sparring partner's still beating heart, tongue, and skin. He admitted to killing his friend and cutting out his organs, but then plead non-guilty due to insanity.


He wasn't insane, he was on 'shrooms. The heart was found charred on a wood burning stove nearby. Wouldn't want to be a dinner guest at his place...

Source: someecards.com via Jessica on Pinterest

How about the Maryland Cannibal?  He admitted to killing his family's housemate, and eating his brains and heart. That's can't be good for digestion.


Or this guy in NJ. Police came to his house when neighbors said he was trying to harm himself. Once they came, he was in the corner stabbing himself, and when they tried to approach, he started throwing bits of his intestines at them. No charges were filed due to the "unusual circumstances" of the crime.


Yeah, "unusual" is a word for it. What charges can you put on someone who is only hurting themselves? Littering perhaps?

Source: Uploaded by user via Kelly on Pinterest

People are apparently using this drug called "bath salts." It is some kind of chemical concoction. It's like a speedball, which is a upper and a downer mixed together. But apparently it gives u severe hallucinations. So, if you didn't have a good reason to not do drugs before, this seems like a good reason!!

Source: someecards.com via Tracy on Pinterest