Out of the Closet!

One of my top two most dreaded chores each year is switching out my closet and drawers from Spring/Summer wardrobe to Fall/Winter wardrobe.  My #2 is the other way around- Fall/Winter to Spring/Summer.  It's completely overwhelming.  And, if you are anything like me (which I pray for your sanity that you are not), you keep clothes season after season when you know there is no chance in heck you will ever wear them again. Or wear at all EVER. For instance, these bad boys:

Black, leather (yes, leather) bootcut pants from Gap, circa 2000.  Still with the tag on them.  Apparently, I couldn't muster up the teenage courage to squeeze into these for a Friday night football game.  I vividly remember standing in Gap and begging my mother for them; I just had to have them. Embarrassing.  And as teenagers, we think our parents embarrass us? I can only imagine how badly my poor mother wanted to walk out of Gap and pretend she didn't know the 16 year-old practically throwing a tantrum for a pair of tacky, black leather pants.

And here it is eleven years later, and I have this pair of black leather pants in mint condition that for some reason, I have never gotten rid of. Until now.

This gal turned over a new leaf this weekend with the help of a friend who shamelessly told me what pieces of my wardrobe needed to find a new home.  It's not that I want to keep hoarding clothes from the past decade in the attic, I just didn't want to take the time to weed through them all.  And plus, how thoroughly disappointed would I be if one day, maybe one day, black leather pants were all the rage, and I had to fork out some Benjamins for a pair, when I used to have some in my closet, just waiting to be rocked out.  I am placing my bets that day will never come.

So, I spent a weekend rummaging through all of my clothes (both the old and the newer) and deciding what to keep and what had to go. And you know what? It was exhilarating! Cathartic, I tell you. I feel like a new person.  Like I just finished a 7-day cleanse or a half-marathon.

If you are needing to perform a little maintenance on your wardrobe, here's how I did it.

I made 4 piles with my clothes:
1) Keep
2) Keep But Needs Alterations (I found that I have an abundance of skirts, pants, & tops that I like, but don't wear because they need alterations. Season after season, I put them in my closet and never take them to be altered, so they never get worn.  This year, I am not putting them in my closet until they are back from alterations.)
3) Goodwill
4) Consignment Shop (nicer labels that I know I won't wear again, but that I think someone else may enjoy)

The trick to creating your piles is that you have to be completely objective and brutal.  This is where a trustworthy and candid friend comes in handy.  While there was absolutely no question which pile the leather pants were being tossed into, I did hesitate on a few other items.  It helped for her to ask questions that brought me back to Earth. "When was the last time you wore those?" "Do you really think that is still in style?" "I know you are holding onto those jeans in case you lose 75 lbs, but is that realistic here?" And the more blunt statement: "Honestly, that looks like something my mom would wear."

Monday, I made a trip to alterations and to the shoe repairman, and all my goods will be ready by this coming Monday.  My closet is actually manageable, and now, I don't have to shuffle around for 3 minutes trying to find the cardigan I want to wear because it is being strangled by an army of argyle sweaters.

In order to keep my closet up-to-date and orderly, the clothes are hung in sections, which I actually have been doing all along.  Pants, Skirts, Dresses, & Tops.  Within each category, I have them further categorized.  Pants are hung by "work" and "non-work". Dresses are hung by sleeve-length and the end of the dress section is "cocktail".  Skirts are color-coordinated, as are cardigans and sweaters.  Tops & Blouses are hung by "solid" or "patterned" and by sleeve-length.  It all sounds very ludicrous, but I swear, it really does help to have everything so organized.

Also, I currently have all of the hangers currently hung from behind on the rack.  As I wear something, I will put it back in the closet hung the normal way.  That way, at the end of winter, I can easily see which clothes were not worn, and it takes the guess work out of what needs to go. Or atleast, that is the plan...

The days of Wardrobe-Pack-Rat-Leather-Pants-Sara have come and gone.

The Power of Soup

I have been feeling a tad under the weather for the past week now.  Waking up with a sore throat every morning, and dealing with a runny nose and a constant, nagging sinus headache.  Originally, I thought I was getting a fall cold, since the weather cannot seem to make up her mind which season she wants to be, but now that a week has passed with this "illness" completely stagnant, I think it may be allergies instead.  Regardless of what I've contracted or what is blooming/decaying out in the wilderness, whatever is making me feel like this way is not welcome and can move along ASAP.

Soup is like the Official Food of the Ill and Under-the-Weather. Stereotypically, when you are sick, soup is offered to you by friends, families, and kind, elderly strangers.  "Have some chicken noodle soup, deary, and it'll fix you right up."... "Have you tried some soup?  Always works for me."... "Do you want me to bring you some soup? I am sure it will make you feel better!".... "NO SOUP FOR YOU!"... Well, maybe not the last line there, but you get the idea.  People act like soup has magical powers and the potency of a 7-day Z-pack.

I will admit, a nice bowl of soup does make me feel a bit better, even if only temporarily.  Maybe it's all in our heads, a complete placebo effect, but it really does seem to work.  Until recently, I hated soup and refused it, even if I was feeling like I was sprawled out on death's doorstep.  There was absolutely no appeal to me.  Hot liquid with bits of vegetable and meat floating around? No thanks.

But, in trying to lose the last few pounds for my wedding day, I was told to have soup before meals to curb appetite, and so, in prenuptial desperation, I choked it down.

And loved it.

I'll also admit when I am wrong (sometimes), and I am publicly proclaiming that I was wrong about soup.  Dead-wrong. Soup is delicious.  Now, I can't get enough of it. I rip soup recipes out of magazines like a hoarder collecting stray cats.

So, last week when I began getting that familiar sandpapery feeling in my throat, I was thrilled that I finally got to whip up a batch of my newest love: Soup.

In my wild fury of stockpiling soup recipes, I am not sure what magazine this particular recipe came from.  Apologies. It is delicious though-- a crowd (and sore throat) pleaser!

Dr. FeelGood Chicken-Rice Soup

Here are the ingredients- pretty simple:

3 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 1/2 lbs. Chicken Cutlets

Salt & Pepper

1 red onion, chopped

14 baby red-skinned potatoes, washed and sliced into small pieces

1/2 cup of rice (I used brown rice)

32 oz. of chicken broth

1/2 cup freshly chopped flat leaf parsley

sliced avocado, optional

shredded mozzarella cheese, optional

sour cream, optional

tortilla chips, optional

1. In a large pot (or dutch oven), heat 3 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil over med-high heat.

2. Rinse and pat dry 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken cutlets. Season with Salt & Pepper.

3. Drop the chicken into the pot and cook until golden on both sides (3-4 minutes per side).

4. Remove the chicken from the pot and let sit on a cutting board.

5. Add most of the red onion to the pot (this is not an exact science; just eyeball it.  If you don't want fresh onion as a garnish to your soup, go ahead and add it all), lowering the heat.  Stir occassionally and allow to cook until it begins to brown.

6. Add the sliced red-skinned potatoes and cook them for a few minutes with the onions.

7. While the onion and potatoes are cooking, cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and return them to the pot.

8. Stir in the brown rice, chicken broth, and two cups of water. Bring to a boil.

9.  Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.  Stir it every once in a while, and season the soup with Salt & Pepper.

10.  When you are ready to serve, stir in the freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley.

11. Garnish the bowl with chopped avocado, remaining red onion, a dallop of sour cream, and a sprinkling of mozzarella cheese.  Serve with tortilla chips on the side. (I skipped the tortilla chips, so I cannot say if they make the dish or not.)

The soup turned out to be really tasty!  And what is soup without his friend, grilled cheese, by his side??  I picked up two ciabatta rolls from the bakery and grilled us some tomato & munster cheese sammies.

The best part: There was plenty left over for lunch the next day!

We will definitely have this soup again, especially as the weather cools. The next time, I may attempt it in the crock pot to cut down on cooking time.  Overall, this dish is simple and mmm mmm good!

The Girl Who Couldn't Wear Boots

My cards from Minted finally came, and Boy oh Boy! They exceeded my expectations!  Absolutely terrific!

They even gave me a nice card carrier to keep them in- I love all things organization, so this made me ultra happy!

You still have until Friday to order your free cards, so don't miss your chance!

While these swanky cards from Minted.com were my triumphant aquisition this week, I also experienced a noteworthy shopping failure. Gilt Groupe had a Hunter Boots sale last week, which I had been anticipating so much that I miiiiiight have rearranged a meeting just so I could be at my desk at noon when the sale started...  Just kidding.  Maybe.

I was rather pleased with the prospect of owning my very FIRST pair of Hunter Wellingtons.  I realize that these were popular sooooo 4 seasons ago, but I have always pined away for a pair.  The thought of splashing in rain puddles and tromping through snow in my overpriced rubber boots while my paws remain warm and dry makes me nearly delirious with glee.

The shopping gods were on my side and I wound up snagging this pair... Hunter Boot Tall Original Gloss in Bitter Chocolate...

I heard the UPS man rumbling up the street at dusk last night and the squeak of his brakes.  David asked "Did you order something??"... "My BOOOOOTS!" I squealed and bounded to the front door and had it wide open before the man could even knock.

After ripping open the shipping box, the unfortunate series of events began.  I pulled a glossy boot out and attempted to put it on.  Attempted is an accurate description because as I tried to shimmy my foot into the boot, the boot let out the most shameful noise, that sounded exactly like gastrointestinal fanfare.  My boot  broke wind, for lack of a better word.  David sat and gawked at me with a look on his face that said I want to laugh but am afraid to. After I struggled to get the second one on without any acoustics,  I discovered that they were roomy in the actual foot, but my calves were pinched so tightly inside the boot that I could barely walk.  I've never considered myself to have elephantitis of the calves, but I think I need to get a doctor to check this out. 

I limped a lap around the living room, and sat back down on the couch, defeated.  I looked at David and said "I think I am going to have to return these", and he murmured something like "Yes, I think that would be a good idea."  In order to remove the horrendous boots, I had to lay on the couch while David tugged with all his might to free them from the grip of my calves.  I contemplated crying, but then decided that may be too drama for the situation- I have to ration my tears or they lose their effect.

Fail. Hunter Boots and Me are not friends.

They are re-boxed and ready for their trip back to the warehouse.  At least, I will have a nice credit with Gilt to buy something else. Something that will fit girls with big calves.

Doggy Treats!

Sam is one high-maintenance creature. He is like the kid you knew in elementary school who ruined classroom birthdays because he would break out into vicious hives if he got within 10 feet of cupcakes.

Corn, wheat, soy, beef, and chicken are the veterinary-defined "foods to avoid", but there are other things that will cause him to break out into itchy, pinkish hives, or cause a rancid ear infection, which David and I think exudes an odor similar to either stale, cheap tortilla chips or stale, cheap popcorn.  It's a toss up.

When we feed him something that he's never had before or that has a plethora of unknown ingredients in it, we are taking a gamble. So, around here, we stick to the things we know.  Exorbitantly-priced dog food, peanut butter, cheese, and apples are pretty much his dietary staples. I don't venture into store-bought dog treats because even after analyzing labels and being completely reassured by the teenage "expert" working at the pet store, without fail, Sam will be scratching his belly the following morning.

Sometimes Sam and I will share an apple, which he absolutely loves. I just love to watch him carefully crunch on a slice- it will melt your heart, I swear.

I have toyed with the idea of making Sam's dog food at home with basic, fresh ingredients, but because his approved proteins are lamb, fish, bison, and venison, I can only imagine what my kitchen would smell like.  So, while I will still fork over the big bucks for Taste of the Wild Venison & Wild Rice each month, I decided I would make him some dog treats.

A friend shared this recipe with me. Sam loves it, and it was profoundly easy to whip up, so I am sharing it, so you, too, can impress your canine children with your culinary skills.

Puppy Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt Treats
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup plain yogurt

Just combine the two ingredients with a hand mixer until they resemble a cake frosting. I used crunchy peanut butter because it's what I had in the pantry, but smooth would be fine, too.

Our taste-tester waiting for his treats...

Scoop small portions into miniature cupcake liners and put them in the freezer to set (approximately 1 hour).  I would estimate that a single recipe makes roughly 4 dozen cups...

Note: The picture above shows TOO big of portions- Sam just about choked getting his first one down.  See below.  Whoops. I would suggest only filling the cup with about a tablespoon of yogurt.

Even though it appears like he didn't enjoy his treats (or live through the first one), I can assure you, he most certainly did.

After I froze all of the yogurt, I dumped the cups into a Ziploc container and keep them in the freezer for easy treats! Bowwow appetite!

Playing with Fire

Last year at the Junior League’s Holiday Market Silent Auction, I bid on (and won!) a chimney sweeping.  I know you are thinking 'How unexciting is that?'. Well, you know how Silent Auction’s go... They are dangerous. I’ve become quite a pro at attending (and overspending at) Silent Auctions, and I have determined that all Silent Auctions follow a very simple mathematical formula.  With every glass of wine you drink, your determination to outbid the hussy who guards the slip of paper holding bids for the bouncy house birthday party, increases at an equal rate to the confidence (false confidence) that you have enough money in your checking account to pay for it all on the spot.  Unless you are drinking vodka, and then your determination increases at twice the rate of your imagined wallet size.  Suddenly, a laser hair removal package becomes far more important than the new throw pillows you’ve been saving up for. In my own defense, the laser hair removal package was rather nice to have, even though I didn’t read the fine print that disclosed it was for your upper lip and chin.  But I must say, my face is as smooth as a baby’s bottom these days.

Back to the main topic.. Our fireplace had not been swept in the 5 years I'd lived under the orange roof, and by the looks of it, I’m not sure it had ever been swept, so I figured that it was probably time after I, with such rugged determination, outbid everyone for that coveted chimney sweeping.

The analysis came back that we have several cracks in our chimney that pose a fire risk, and unless fixed, we shouldn’t use as a working fireplace.  The “fix” was a staggering $1,300, so I said “No thank you, kindly” to the man with the top hat, and went on my merry way.  It doesn’t really bother me that we can’t strike up a fire in the winter now.  Every time we do, the den winds up smoky and smelling like a barbeque pit for a week.  However, David loves bringing in wood and creating a blaze in our fireplace (it’s one of those manly sorts of things that I just don’t understand), so he was rather sad to hear the news.  We discussed buying gas logs, but running the gas line all the way to the den would be costly and I’ve decided I don’t really want to put anything more into this house that we can't take with us when we go one day.

So, now we have an empty fireplace that is completely blah.  I’ve been searching for ways to spruce her up, but am feeling a bit stumped.

Should I keep it classic & simple?

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Or add a little pizzazz?

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Should I cover her up?

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Or fill her up?

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Or make her feel festive?

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Does anyone have any suggestions or tips??  What would you do with an empty, ugly fireplace??

Birthdays!

This will be a quick post because I am exhausted tonight after celebrating a very special one year-old little girl's birthday this evening. Happy Birthday, Addison Grace Gillespie! In your single year on this Earth, you have brought so much joy to everyone's lives, especially to your sweet mama and daddy! I can’t wait to watch you grow up even more, little monkey!

As an aside, my dear friend Lauren, created a blog- check it out! www.lgillespiefamily.blogspot.com. I can assure you there will be plenty of Addison-cuteness to go around!

Also, a birthday shout-out to one of my very best friends, Mary Mac McFadden!! This is an extra special birthday for Mary Mac because she got engaged this past Saturday to a super great, handsome guy! Happy Birthday, to one of the most beautiful and talented ladies I know! Love you so much and hope that this next year is the best one yet!

Missoni Accomplished

Today has been a highly anticipated day for me, as it is the day Missoni released their collection for Target.  I would say this release is just as, or more, sought after than the Tucker for Target collection released last fall. Last year, I was an amateur and didn’t have my game-plan down, as I am not one of those exuberant 4 AM day-after-Thanksgiving shoppers.  On Black Friday, you will find me cuddled up in my warm little bed, completely comatose from the feasting of the previous day and gearing up for Round 2: Leftovers.

Hard lessons were learned after last year’s utter failure, and I felt that I was thoroughly prepared for this morning.  I had reviewed the Missoni Look Book and knew what I had my sights set on. I was determined not to be the girl left standing there with the discarded Size 0 skirt (which I could possibly squeeze one thigh into) hung sloppily on a hanger, with tears streaming down my face.

So, this morning, I got up at 6:30 am, which may sound normal, but I find it sinful to be among the living before 7 am on any morning of the week.  My way of life is to be completely rushed and in a panic each weekday morning as I have exactly 1 hour to shower, feed Sam, do my make-up and hair, scrounge around for something to wear, eat breakfast, and get out the door for work.  I would not have it any other way because I value my sleep far too much.  So, the sole fact that I got myself out of bed, willingly, at 6:30 am, speaks volumes about my excitement for this day.

I arrived at Target at approximately 8:04 am. I had planned on getting there around 7:50, but I had to stop to get gas on the way or I wouldn’t have made it at all.  The parking lot was already crowded with cars, so I immediately knew that I was behind, and that I was going to have to step up my game to snatch up any good finds.  I walked in the front doors of Target and beheld the most bizarre sight. Maybe I am not acclimated to aggressive shopping techniques, but Mercy!! These women had their carts overflowing (although I love to exaggerate, this is NOT an exaggeration) with Missoni items and they were coming back for seconds and thirds, with a crazed look in their eyes.  I later discovered that these women buy up everything and then post it on eBay for double the cost to make a profit.  I think that this is a crime.

In the 4 minutes Target had been open, these ladies had managed to destroy the store. In women’s clothing- No smalls. No mediums.  All that remained of the most desirable items were large, extra large, and that dreaded extra small, left dangling on the racks.  I had a feeling I may run up against an obstacle such as this, so I had a Plan B. My back-up plan was to stalk out the dressing room rack and wait for people to discard items that they didn’t want.  As I was perusing the wounded remains that they left behind, I was shoved (yes, shoved) out of the way by a woman trying to grab the last of something.  I have discovered that retail therapy can morph the finest of ladies into barbarians. However, Plan B worked and I found the sizes I needed.

In the end, I wound up snagging a few great pieces and am rather pleased with myself.  I also learned that I am not one for stampedes.  My first experience at this, with Missoni-Mania, was exasperating and, if I am honest, I am not sure it was completely worth the effort. Madness, I tell you.

All in all, I know I will really enjoy having a twin everywhere I go in my cheap Missoni over the next 5 months.

Missoni Accomplished. Over and Out.

May We Never Forget.

This girl packed her bags on Friday afternoon for the beach and left David and Sam alone to guard the Bachelor Pad this weekend.  Of course, I ate too much, drank extremely too much, chattered too much, slept too little.  I can't tell you how much I miss lazy time like that- reminiscent of the old college glory days... It's crazy how laugh-so-hard-you-spew-your-wine-everywhere kind-of girl-time can exhaust you, but at the same time, completely recharge your batteries. Everyone needs it every once in a while, and mine was long overdue.

I had planned to spend yesterday afternoon snoozing on the couch, but I absolutely could not peel myself away from the television. After 4 hours straight of 9.11 documentaries and coverage, David finally walked in the room asked me why I was torturing myself.  As painful and heart-wrenching as it was to watch, I couldn't stop.  As sick as I felt re-watching the towers crumble and those innocent people's lives shatter on that beautiful September morning, I kept watching. As big as the lump got in my throat and as much as my eyes welled up with tears, I just couldn't change the channel.

It was almost like something inside of me was begging to be reminded.  As I sat in silence, glued to the History Channel, all of those emotions that had been pushed down so long ago, the same exact sensations I experienced on that horrendous day in 2001, came flooding back. Sadness. Anger. Hopelessness. Helplessness. Anxiety. Fear. However, just like after 9.11 occurred, the feelings that stood out the most to me were Pride and Solidarity. I felt so proud of our nation and the sacrifices made by selfless individuals to keep us safe and to protect the freedoms that we take for granted. How fortunate are we to live in the United States of America?!  Those soul-less terrorists tried their very hardest to tear us apart, but instead, they brought us more together than ever. 

One documentary showed a Wal-Mart in Texas on 9.12.01 where the managers were dragging out their back-stock of July 4th gear from the warehouse because the demand for anything American was so high.  Do you remember those days? Patriotism and American Pride permeated everything.  The feelings of unification and fellowship... American flag stickers, yellow ribbon magnets, and those plastic window flags decorated nearly every passing vehicle.  Every house on the street proudly displaying their Old Glory. Red, White, and Blue everywhere you turned.  Now, most days (I am thoroughly embarrassed to admit) unless something is directly brought up in conversation, I carry on with my daily life as if nothing ever happened. That fateful day in 2001 now seems like a distant memory... I forgot.

I forgot about the ultimate sacrifices that were made that fateful day.  Daily, I forget to take the time to acknowledge the sacrifices that are made by our firefighters, police officers, and military each and every day, and say a little prayer for them. They don't protect us because they are forced to, it is because they want to. They haven't forgotten, nor will they ever.

Our lives were forever changed in those few hours, and yet we have all settled into a new normal.  I forgot.  I won't forget this time.

May we never forget.

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God Bless the USA!

Hot off the Press

I'm not one to pass up on anything that's free. I think I may have mentioned this previously... the whole magazine episode. 

Well I have a great free deal for you today!  Minted has an offer currently where you can get an order of 25 Mommy cards for FREE!

Clarifications: First of all, I am sure you are wondering what a Mommy card is.  Basically, it's a calling card/business card/play-date card/correspondence card/whatever-you-want-it-to-be card.  Someone just thought it would be cute to call them Mommy cards.  While I do not think this moniker is cute in the very slightest, they are FREE!!!!! (plus $5 shipping), so no complaints from this girl.  They can call them whatever they want.  Secondly, I am not a mommy, unless you count the furry little guy, but really, who can't use some super fun correspondence cards to tack on gifts or mark your territory with?

Click here for your 25 FREE Mommy Cards

Minted offers 150 different designs to choose from and I have had too much fun with it this afternoon.  You can edit each design however you'd like! There are several that I think that would serve well as correspondence cards, if you edit out the contact information part (which is insanely easy to do).  Here are some of my favorites...

 

From the Kitchen Of:

Or if you happen to have a wee one... Precious!

How will I ever choose!?

In order to get your 25 cards for free, follow these instructions:

* After you finally make up your mind which card to go with, click on Personalize.

* Once you have edited the text, etc. on the front of the card, you will then get the opportunity to personalize the back of the card.  It will ask you if you want to put a teeny tiny "minted" logo on the back corner of your card, in order to get your cards for free. Check that box!

If you would rather get 50 cards, on the first page, make sure you enter your Quantity Desired as 50, and then you will get 50 cards for $5 ($30 off your order-- 50 cards normally costs $35)... plus $5 shipping, so 50 cards for $10!

Don't say I never did anything for you... :)

Big news!

I will keep this short and sweet today, as it is a mere 80 degrees outside and old Sammy boy and I have a walking date with two lovely ladies, should these clouds that are gathering quickly, not rain on our parade.

But first, I have news of most vital importance. As of today, all of us fashion disadvantaged people that don't reside in a congested mega-metropolis, too, can shop Zara, on any given Tuesday! Or Wednesday for that matter. Or any day you dang well please. And you don't even have to stand in a 30 minute line for the dressing room.

Zara unveiled their e-commerce site today in the Land of Liberty! Finally. We've only been waiting forever and a day.  And everyone knows how impatient we Americans are.  Or is that just me?

I have been drooling on my keyboard all afternoon and plan on maxing out the Visa very shortly.

I die...

This little number will be traveling to Vegas with me next month...

MINE MINE MINE.



Go on, spoil yourself. After all, you deserve it.

Labor Day Feast!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day! Any holiday is an excuse for me to cook something scrumptious, or, equally as gratifying, go chow down on the fabulous food someone else prepared. Food = Celebration to me, and Labor Day is no different.  David and I hadn't made any dinner plans for our Labor Day feast. I figured inspiration would hit me in the aisles of Publix, but my mom called me mid-morning and said that she and dad were having some friends over to cook out and that she had an extra rack of pork ribs- did we want them? Uh, yes.

David caressed them down with a homemade dry rub and then threw them in the smoker with mesquite wood chips for a good 4-5 hours.  For any further information on this, you would have to talk with David because I don't have a penchant for grilling/smoking/broasting.  Any fare that requires cooking by flame, charcoal, propane gas, or smoldering wood chips, I leave to the men and then enjoy once they have done the dirty work.

For the rest of the menu, I decided immediately to make a Tomato Pie, which happens to be my most favorite food EVER (if that sounds too ambitious, I can assure you that it is at least in my Top 5).  I have been craving it ever since a facebook friend tauntingly posted a picture of hers as her status last week.  It's been whispering to me in the night.  Tomato pie tastes decidedly better in the summer months when the tomatoes are fresh, and I am running out of summer days, so getting that final tomato pie in was a must.  Then I decided on Roasted Brussels Sprouts and New Potatoes with Pancetta to put a little nutrition in there... though the pancetta probably counteracts my attempt at healthiness.

As if this meal wasn't lardaceous enough with fatty smoked ribs, mayo, cheese, and pancetta, I knew I needed to make a yummy dessert to bring it all home.  In addition to Tomato Pie, I have also had visions of chocolate mousse torturing me ever since I had an incredible chocolate mousse dessert at a Rehearsal Dinner last month. Are you getting the idea that I spend the majority of my time thinking about food?  I am a tad concerned about the potential for poundage gain during pregnancy one day- when all obstacles and inhibitions are removed, and I can blaim it on uncontrollable hormonal fluctuations and the baby.

After stumbling across a jar of Nutella in our pantry, I knew that Nutella mousse was going to be our sweet ending.... Ahhh, Nutella is heaven. I had never heard of a Nutella mousse before, but I figured that someone somewhere had attempted it and that it was probably divine.  I did a little research on the internet and was surprised to find Nutella Mousse recipes a'plenty.  The winning recipe was discovered on a blog called The Wicked Noodle.  This blog is chock full of great recipes- check it out!

The kicker on this particular Nutella Mousse recipe is that requires two ingredients. 

Can it be true?? You just pull out the hand-mixer and whip a cup of heavy whipping cream with a half a cup of Nutella. Wahlaaaa, Mousse, in 5 minutes flat (plus a little fridge time)! So easy a child could do it.  So easy that I can do this after several glasses of wine, which may be dangerous.

Last night, I kept it simple- just mousse in baby ramekins, no garnish or frills. I would have taken a picture, but we ate it too fast. I think I may have licked my dish.  I am already imagining ways to dress this lovely lady up with fruit, cookies, and ice cream, even though she looks pretty good naked.  David even mentioned that a dallop could transform a normal cup of joe into a Starbucks experience- I couldn't agree more.

Nutella Mousse Recipe

I almost hate that I am sharing this gem with you because I will be showing up with it in tow at your dinner parties, baby showers, book clubs, happy hours, basically any social gathering where I am required to bring dessert, from here until eternity. And I will lie and say it took forever to make. So just smile and nod. And then enjoy the goodness.