Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Hope you get some great treats!

Someday?

Someday I Will...

*Have my makeup done professionally/learn how they did it, then splurge and purchase all of the products used

*Get a hot stone massage or mud/seaweed wrap

*Get a bikini wax

*Go to a planetarium

*Get something published

*Throw someone a surprise party

*Buy a respectable headstone for grandma's grave

*Ride on the back of a motorcycle 

*Travel to Italy and Australia

*Buy a new laptop or seriously fix the one I have

*Finish a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle and frame it

*Frame my diploma

*Make sangria

*Buy a nice map and put a push-pin in every place I've been (I love maps. Weird, I know)

*Get professional photos taken

*Send a secret to Postsecret

*Complete a scrapbook

*Ride a mechanical bull

*Be an extra in a tv/music/movie production

*Read all the books I currently own but haven’t yet read

*Develop all my old negatives

*Ask for advice...and take it

*Learn to change a flat tire

*Purchase a home... complete with outdoor hot tub, porch, and firepit

*Be debt-free

*Learn to drive stick shift

*Fly first class

*Go wine tasting in wine country

*Purchase a car

What do you hope to do "Someday"?

Taste of Tuesday: Crockpot Italian Chicken and Rice

I found this recipe on Pinterest- it sounded easy, so I tried it. I know it doesn't look gorgeous, but believe me it tastes much better than it looks! 

Ingredients:
2-4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese (let sit out to soften)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pkg. italian dressing seasoning (the dried kind in the packet)
rice

Directions:

1. Stir the cream cheese, cream of chicken, and seasoning together in the crockpot. I actually started it on low and let them sit in there for about 30 min so the cream cheese is softer to stir. 

2. Put the frozen (because i'm lazy) chicken in and cover with the mix. Cook on high 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked and fall-apart-tender. (After about two hours, you can cut your chicken up, unless you used Short Cuts like I did!)

3. Cook the rice in a pot according to the package instructions and smother with chicken mixture! The Italian seasoning is the secret ingredient- really tasty!

crock pottin

So I'm not a great food photographer... but it tastes good!

Weekend Updates

What's up lovelies?!

I have had one helluva weekend! Therefore, I am le tired, and you get pics! Woot!

Thursday:

My coworker who lives in Wisconsin was in town this week, so we took her out to dinner. I had this ah-mazing carrot cake... in a jar. Absolutely delicious- it was warm, and moist, and just divine!

my first cake in a jar experience- yum!

Friday: 

My friend was supposed to have a birthday party this night, but she decided to post-pone it. However, she was free from kids and husband, so I took full advantage. She came over, and though we were planning on going out, we wound up just staying in. It was pretty perfect- wine (for her)/beer (for me), music, food, laughs-- it was a great end to the week. So great, in fact, that I forgot to take pics. *womp*

Saturday: 

I *finally* made it to a Halloween party! I have been wanting to go to one for the last few years, so I was super excited to go this year! I met a whole bunch of new, super fun people, drank some pumpkin ale and Jello shots and danced the night away! Can I just say... I honestly don't remember the last time I had a Jello shot. But they were just as good as I remember! Also, they let me play DJ, which is always a win!

new favorite pumpkin ale

shots shots... shots shots shots shots!

booze + fire pit = October happiness

my friend's husband found a Sloth mask somewhere... apparently my friend wanted to eat him

Dark Angel/ Angel of Death, me, and Marg

From the above pic, you can't really tell what I am. Maybe. My sign/label was turned the wrong way- gah! 

So here is a classic bathroom selfie:

North West bishes!

Sunday:

My guy friend [read: friend who happens to be male, not like boyfriend] came over to watch football, drink beer, and eat pizza- the perfect hangover cure if you ask me! However, not exactly pic worthy. I really like that he just invited himself over too, because I've been wanting to hang out with him, but a little "self/apartment-conscious" because I don't have a couch. Of course he didn't care (I think he actually laughed when I mentioned this), but it makes me rethink inviting anyone over. I have chairs and a table, just no dang couch! Working on that though!

How was your weekend? Are you ready for Halloween?

5

Today marks what would have been 5 years with C. But it's not. 

Yeah, I still hurt.
But it's ok.
Because I will be okay.

"How would you have learned if I ain’t leave?

I guess I was way too naive

I should've been checked you

But I let you get mad disrespectful, huh

Couldn't be serious, was you?"

Currently

Listening - Sweater Weather and Little Black Dress (Thanks Micah!)

Eating - 4 serving sizes per meal. Seriously... where do they come up with these "Suggestive Serving Size"s?

Drinking - Coffee and Oktoberfest/pumpkin ale brewskis

Wearing - 

{via}

Reading - 

Thinking - Whyyyy are there so many issues with this new system (at work)? And why can I not focus or be motivated today? 

Wanting - To buy allthethings! Thank goodness it's almost the end of No Spend October!

Feeling - Anxious. I wouldn't mind just fast forwarding to Saturday- I'm finally going to dress up and go to a Halloween party, which I haven't done in 4 years! Yay! 

Unplugged

Last night I was mostly unplugged.

The night before, I got upset over something stupid I saw online, and I let it ruin my whole night.

So last night, I unplugged.

There was no TV.

There was no Pinterest.

There was no blogging or perusing the interwebs.

There was no Facebook, Twitter (ok a tiny bit of Twitter), and no Instagram.

I mean, my laptop was on, but only for music (I don't like complete silence, unless I'm sleeping). 

I came home, made dinner, ate, paid some bills, got ready for today, and read.

And you know what? It was wonderful. 

Do you ever feel the need to unplug?

Taste of Tuesday: Hearty Beef Penne

Good morning! It's starting to feel a bit chilly in these parts, so over the weekend I decided to make this hearty dish. It took a bit longer than expected to make, but it turned out wonderful and made my apartment smell ah-mazing! The original recipe can be found here, but I made some alterations (mainly because the recipe called for a Dutch oven, which I don't have).

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 3/4 cups uncooked penne
1 tsp minced garlic
1 can (15 oz) tomato puree (is this the same as tomato paste or sauce? Because that's what I used)
1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups fresh chopped spinach (or one 10 oz package of frozen spinach)
2 cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese (I had a Mexican mix, so that's what I used- still tasty!)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to directions on the package

2. Meanwhile, cook beef until no longer pink. Add garlic, cook for one more minute. Drain

3. Add tomato puree, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and broth.

4. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 min uncovered, or until sauce is thickened. (This step actually took me close to 40 minutes, but maybe I reduced the heat too much? I just waited for the sauce to thicken.)

5.  Add spinach, cook for 1-2 min or until spinach is wilted

6. Drain pasta, and stir into beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and cook, covered, for 3-4 min or until cheese is melty. 

Sauce sim simma

finished product- I mixed the cheese in instead of just on top!

Bon Appetit!

Weekend Updates

My weekend-ing actually started on Thursday by accident. I thought we had a work happy hour, but we didn't. So I went home, took care of some things, and then wound up on Facebook, where I saw that my best friend from high school (who I haven't seen in 5 years) was at a bar in my town. I posted on her update saying that she was in my area- and she said I needed to come there right now. I was already in sweatpants, but I figured what the hell? So I put on normal pants and went. 

Come to find out she lives near me! So excited!!

And then fireballs happened... and I didn't get home until 1. 

friends, fireballs, and Stevie!

Friday: I saw my other best friend from high school! We were actually like the three musketeers in high school, but they didn't keep in touch. We've been trying to meet up since I moved back to the area, and we finally made it happen! We went out for dinner, and had fun catching up on the last 4 years!

pumpkin ale with nutmeg rim- yummm!

Saturday: I was pretty productive on Saturday. Went to the library, groceries, errands, and then cooked a new recipe and my mom came over for dinner. It was pretty delicious- sharing tomorrow! Also, I was very proud of myself for not spending more than $15 in the Dollar Store, and less than $20 in TJ Maxx. I always overspend in those two stores (and Target)- go will power!

Books, an Ed Hardy koozie, and Juicy Couture baby girl boots- because the last two are ridiculous!

Sunday: I finally got to see this handsome little guy! He is 6 weeks old, but has almost outgrown 0-3 mo clothes already- big boy! He was so good all day- barely cried at all! I got to feed him, burp him, and then he fell asleep on me. He is absolutely adorable! 

Franken-baby, and me and Baby G!

How was your weekend?

The Happiness Report #44

YOLO

- Uncommon Goods

- finding out my BFF from high school lives down the street from me!

- Spotify

- my pleather jacket

- THIS!

- seeing my other BFF from high school who I haven't seen in 3 years!

- making plans

- productive Saturdays

- library books

- Sir Stuffington

Linky Love:
Amy Poehler And Tina Fey Taught Us Everything We Know About Being A Woman

19 People Having a Worse Day Than You

21 Things Girls In Their 20's Should Have [I'm still in my 20's (barely), so I'm still allowed to post this!]

Book Club and Back That Azz Up!

Before I get into one of my latest reads I have to ask: When do you find time to read? Seriously. I used to read on my commute, but now that my commute is no longer two hours, I just haven't found the time. What's your secret?

This week I'm sharing...

From Goodreads:
"THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA gives a rich and hilarious new meaning to complaints about “The Boss from Hell.” Narrated in Andrea’s smart, refreshingly disarming voice, it traces a deep, dark, devilish view of life at the top only hinted at in gossip columns and over Cosmopolitans at the trendiest cocktail parties. From sending the latest, not-yet-in-stores Harry Potter to Miranda’s children in Paris by private jet, to locating an unnamed antique store where Miranda had at some point admired a vintage dresser, to serving lattes to Miranda at precisely the piping hot temperature she prefers, Andrea is sorely tested each and every day—and often late into the night with orders barked over the phone. She puts up with it all by keeping her eyes on the prize: a recommendation from Miranda that will get Andrea a top job at any magazine of her choosing. As things escalate from the merely unacceptable to the downright outrageous, however, Andrea begins to realize that the job a million girls would die for may just kill her. And even if she survives, she has to decide whether or not the job is worth the price of her soul."

My Thoughts:
I have to say I cheated on this one. I knew what the book was about long before I read it. I also saw the movie before reading the book (oops!).  And I can't say I enjoyed one more than the other. I thought they were both really funny! And I think the movie version stayed very in line with the book- and the casting was excellent! I gave this one three stars- it made me laugh, I could definitely relate to the characters, and it was a great for a quick, chick-lit read!

I do have another question though: What would you do in Andrea's situation when Emily gets hurt? I mean, the right thing to do would be to step up to the plate when your coworker can't perform, right? You don't sit back and let work pile up or act like you can't handle the workload when you know full well that you can... am I right?

I ask because I'm in a similar position at work. When I saw Andrea basically take over Emily's job when she got hurt, I was all "No! What are you doing?! You can't kick her out just because she broke her leg! She trained you! She helped you! Whatareyoudoing??" 

Except now, I'm Andrea. My coworker was out for two weeks due to a family emergency, and another week recovering from said family emergency. And then she was out for an eye surgery (one day). And now she's been out three days due to illness. 

My "department" consists of three people- the Boss, me, and her. The Boss makes sure we're doing work, but isn't dealing with the "customers".  (I work at a college, the "customers" are students, staff, professors... basically everyone who works at the university.  Background: I'm in a Customer Support Role with a brand spanking new (broken) Payroll System. If that makes sense. So there are a lot of "customers" with major problems because the system doesn't work properly, and therefore they aren't getting paid, are getting paid incorrectly, can't login to log record their hours or vacation/sick time, etc.)  

I just got this job July 1st. So I'm new to the department. However, I have been able to pick up everything with this new system quickly.  And my coworker, well, not as much. Not to mention she's been out a lot recently. So I've been picking up the slack. And when she IS in, half of my time is spent correcting her mistakes... not in a mean, malicious way, but because sometimes she misinforms the customers. So I tell her the right response, and let her re-respond to the customer. Which I don't mind, but...

Our review is coming up next week. 
And I'm not sure what to do. 
She is my friend. She does help me out. And I help her out. 
But this is my job. I want to excel. 
(And more money wouldn't hurt, she's making more than me.)
So... do I just act like everything is completely normal/fine? Or do I tell it like it is, as in I'm doing the brunt of the work? It sounds bad, but it's true. And yes, she's my friend and I don't want to throw her under the bus so to speak, but shouldn't the Boss know what's really up? I've gotten burned for "being too nice" and not speaking up for myself at work in the past, and I really don't want it to happen again, or be overlooked for not doing well either.
So... What would you do??

--------------------------------------------------

Ok, too much heavy stuff--  it's time to get ready for the weekend with Whitney! I found this song via someone retweeting Sia's tweet, and I absolutely love it. That could be because Diplo is on it, and he is awesome sauce.

"And another one bites the dust

But why can I not conquer love?

And I might’ve got to be with one

Why not fight this war without weapons?

And I want it and I want everything

But there was so many red flags

Now another one bites the dust

And let’s be clear, I trust no one

(Pre-Chorus)

You did not break me

I’m still fighting for this

(Chorus)

Well I’ve got a thick skin and an elastic heart

But your blade it might be too sharp

I’m like a rubber band until you pull too hard

But I may snap when I move close

But you won’t see me move no more

Cause I’ve got an elastic heart"

What's in a Name?

I saw that these lovely ladies were doing a one time link-up, so I decided to join in! 

How did your parents come up with it?

When I asked my mom this, she just said "it sounded like a pretty name for a beautiful little girl" Cue Awws.

Are there any funny stories behind your name?

Nope, Mom just liked how it sounded. 

What does it mean?

"Danielle is the French female variant of the male name Daniel, meaning "God is my judge" in the Hebrew language. The name appears in the Bible, where Daniel survives a night in a den of lions." [via]

"A.)Traditional; Feminine form of Daniel, meaning 'Judged only by GOD.' B.) Intense, fiery female Possessing ability to affect person, place, and immediate surrounding environment. Frequently manifesting such conflicting extremes that the outcome is typically one of lucidity or confusion. The conflict(s) can occur consecutively, concurrent or separate. Other characteristics of Danielle are; abundance of curly locks of hair (red?), kaleidoscope eyes(?), discernible voice capable of pitch, tone and volume that cracks Ice, shatters glass, and renders those in ear-shot stunned for moments, Buckcherry released a song about Danielle titled "CRAZY BITCH" in 2006, Danielle is synonymous with Tardy i;e, NEVER EVER, ever on time generally DST (Danielle Standard Time) run's within a 3 hour conversion =/- ( due at 2 pm will not arrive prior to 2:30 PM but usually by 5PM or somewhere in between) 

'DANIELLE' your most fearless, strong and loyal friend for life, or your most feared, relentless mortal enemy. 

Some guy was invading my personal space bubble on the dance floor and just wouldn't take a hint so he left me no choice but to pull a Danielle- the EMT's didn't know if he'd survive the ride to the hospital." [via]

[LOVE this definition- all in bold are true characteristics of me!!]

Do you like your name?

I do now, but I didn't always. 

Storytime: When I was a sophomore in high school, I decided I was tired of being called Danielle. So I tried to change it, and wanted everyone to call me by my middle name, Melanie. And I don't just mean friends- I mean everyone, teachers, coaches, etc. I wouldn't respond if they called me Danielle. This lasted for almost a year, until my Biology teacher called me out. He asked me a question regarding whatever we were studying, and I got it wrong. His response? "You were smarter as Danielle." I gave it up after that, and went back to my real name. 

Also, I can't STAND being called Daniella. It's not my name. I have a coworker who, even after I corrected her, continues to call me Daniella. Every time, for three years. Her exact words? "Daniella sounds prettier." 

What are your nicknames?
Dani, D, Munchkin-etta, Lil' Bit, and a long time ago Lil Desiqua, Double Deezy, and Raisinet 

Do you consider your name to be original?

No, but it's pretty cool to be able to find my name on a keychain almost anywhere. Except when it's sold out. 

And for your listening pleasure, Buckcherry's "Crazy Bitch." I will admit I've been called this more than once! [Note: It's a little dirty, just sayin]:

Taste of Tuesday: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Once upon a time (this summer?), I tried Jordan's Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. And it was absolutely delicious, and has since become a staple in my kitchen (thanks girl!)! You can find the original recipe here, but I made a few alterations.

Ingredients:
- box of pasta (16 oz., any type is fine)
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I just used a box of Purdue Short Cuts, 9 oz)
- 1/2- 1C of hot sauce (my friend makes hot sauce, so I used his, but frank's also works)
- 1 C Ranch dressing
- 1/2- 1C shredded cheese (I chose a mixed Mexican cheddar, because that's what I had) (optional, but I think it was well worth it!)
- non-stick spray (hey, Pam)

To Do:

- cook and drain your pasta

- cube and cook your chicken (unless you took a short cut like me!)

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees

- mix your ranch and hot sauce to taste

- spray your baking dish, and add your chicken and pasta

- pour your sauces over the pasta and chicken, mixing it all around so everything is nicely coated

- add cheese on top (optional)

- bake for 20-25 minutes

- enjoy!!

buffalo sauce concoction

I forgot to mix well before snapping this pic

Ok, maybe I forgot to mix well before baking it too, but it was still delicious!

Quick and easy! And really really good!

What's a staple recipe in your kitchen?

The Happiness Report #43

free one year magazine subscriptions
leftovers
winning a box for a Superbowl Sunday pool!
waking up without an alarm clock {especially when you forgot to set the alarm the night before}
men's basketball shorts- seriously guys, so comfortable
being caught up at work
finding a new favorite song
biergartens
a weekend with NO plans!


Linky Love:
Yuengling Ice Cream is back!
Budgetting for Budget Haters- The Budget Lite Approach
Why I Don't Like Grocery Shopping: 12 Worst Things About Every Grocery Store
Beat the Busy Mindset
50 Awesome Life Hacks
25 Things Ladies Should Keep in Mind

Book Club and Back That Azz Up!

This week I'm sharing...

From Goodreads:
"It began for our narrator forty years ago when the family lodger stole their car and committed suicide in it, stirring up ancient powers best left undisturbed. Dark creatures from beyond the world are on the loose, and it will take everything our narrator has just to stay alive: there is primal horror here, and menace unleashed - within his family and from the forces that have gathered to destroy it. 

His only defense is three women, on a farm at the end of the lane. The youngest of them claims that her duckpond is ocean. The oldest can remember the Big Bang."

My Thoughts (some spoilers):
This was a Book Club selection. I guess I should have read the description before I started reading it, because to say I was surprised would be an understatement. I started reading this before bed one night, and actually had nightmares! I didn't know it was about spirits and monsters and fantasy and such. Ursula seriously freaked me out, and the idea of a spirit taking human form and entering my life. The whole fire ball and worm scene made me squeamish. The idea of something sticking inside of me and attaching to my heart was unsettling to say the least.

I will say that it was well written. The imagery was extremely realistic (considering it was a fantasy), and I actually felt for all of the characters- I was brought into their world and understood them. My favorite was Lettie. I loved her voice, the fact that we never real know how old she is but she seems wise and wrodly. And I love her affection for the nameless narrator, and the way she tries to watch over him. I was not thrilled with the ending, but I could understand it.  If you're into fantasy, I would recommend this book, just don't read it before bed!

“Monsters come in all shapes and sizes, Some of them are things people are scared of. Some of them are things that look like things people used to be scared of a long time ago. Sometimes monsters are things people should be scared of, but they aren't.”

---------------------------------------------------

Weekend/Wedding Shenanigans

Friday:

Governor Christie came to speak at the college where I work. And he gave us a grant for $7.25M so that all the students and "additional scholars around the state can access powerful software licensed by NASA, Boeing and other technology-based organizations over the Internet." This software is three-dimensional imaging software for design and simulations. The funds are also supposed to be used to upgrade all the computers with fiber optic cables, and include a cloud system for "high-tech instruction, such as voice and video conferencing." He also gave a "Homecoming"-esque speech for the students which was pretty cool. 

Friday night I met the lovely bloggers Leslie and Athena! 

Athena came in from Phoenix, and Leslie lives in Brooklyn- it was so cool to finally meet them after following along with them for so long!

Athena and I!

Saturday:

Up early to head to my friend's wedding in Virginia! Though it took 8 hours (via 3 buses) to get there, it was definitely worth it! I met some new people, and reconnected with some old friends- oh and ya know, watched two of the coolest, loveliest people I know get married!

Proof of travel: Decoding the DC Metro 

[I actually had to ask the transit guy for help. I couldn't figure out how to get a fare card. I was that tourist idiot I'm always making fun of in my head *hangs head in shame*]

I was actually only a little bit late. The issue was that some of the buses were late/ running slow. And then I can't dress myself in a sari, so I wandered around my hotel a little bit looking for an Auntie (Aunt) to help me. I thought it would be embarrassing to have a stranger completely random older Indian woman help me, but it wasn't, and in fact she knew my BB since kindergarten, and was more than happy to help me! So I only missed the groom walking in, and I got there right before the...

Wedding ceremonies!

There were two- a traditional Hindu one (below) and a non-traditional Muslim one, in which I thought the officiant talked more about himself than God or the couple, but whatevs- still a beautiful ceremony.

Wedding dances!

The beautiful bride and me!

The always pretty BB and me!

Sunday: 

Sunday was a day of recovery. I took the bus back, got home around 7 or 8, and just vegged out.

Though the weekend was fun, I'm also kind of happy this is the last wedding for the year for me... I think! Weddings have become a bit emotional for me recently, and by the time they're over I'm completely drained. Hopefully time will make this easier, but for now, I'm happy for a little break!

How was your weekend?