Lesson of the Day

Fact: Sneezes leave the nose at 100 miles per hour. Anyone else baffled by this?

Adventures in Produce

Leeks
I am a sucker for The Food Network, especially Giada, Rachael, Ina, and Paula, though all for different reasons. I have seen Giada and Rachael both use leeks quite a bit in their cooking and thought it was high time to try it myself. I enjoy Rachael's recipes for their speed. Though I haven't nailed it to the 30 minute mark, I'm pretty close, and her Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti was my closest attempt to the touchdown time.

When I purchased the leeks at Henry's I could smell them all the way home. They were fragrantly spicy, comparable to arugula. I washed them according to their protocol for ridding dirt (kudos to Henry's, there was almost none.) Since the recipe is made up entirely of mushrooms and leeks, and having not eaten them to my knowledge, I was curious what sort of flavor they would add. I have to admit I thought it would be more noticeable, but on the converse, it was quite mild. They certainly added color to an otherwise bland looking though flavor-packed recipe. I thoroughly enjoyed the thin giant, and will certainly look for ways to incorporate it into my cooking again.

PS if you have any interest in the recipe, I used angel hair pasta for its delicate nature-awesome decision!

Life is a Highway

And I have ridden it 10k in 6 years. My little Honda is racking up the miles!

And I really need to get that "maintenance required" light off.

Glamour Dont's

I love fashion. I love all things girly and soaking up the magazines showcasing "looks for less" and browsing the multitude of virtual shopping online-no public, and I can take as long as I want. Today, I went to South Coast Plaza with Kerri and we both basically went hog wild in J. Crew (though surprisingly neither of us left with a purchase, just utter salivation). That store has it down. Such chic pieces at an amazing quality. However, that amazing quality comes with quite the price tag, so I'll have to start recycling to claim some piggy bank funds for those items.

It is interesting to watch the trends that are brought around each season and how quickly they take, or don't take, or I just don't get personally. Spring 09 is no exception. The items below are lingerers from several seasons ago and they just seem to keep gaining momentum and are plowing me over as they steam forward. Let's see the visuals:

Exhibit A
The Chunky Gladiator Platform Mess

(source)

As my friend Leah would say, God Bless America. This has to be the ugliest shoe I have ever seen in my life. Bondage for the foot. I vomit a little in my mouth when women wear these puppies. Really? Maybe I really missed the boat on this one because they are just everywhere, but truly I cannot see their appeal. They are harsh, too strappy, and far too chunky. If you want to join my revolt I might just make a Facebook group.

Exhibit B
Ugg Boots Paired with Mini Skirts in Southern California
(yes, it's a combination item and a quasi stretch but this the beauty of MY blog.)

(Image found doing a Google search with the title "Ugg boots and mini skirts" and ironically, I found the caption reading that they NEVER go together. Hallelujia, I have the makings of an army.)

Southern California is widely known for its 70 degree weather 12 months of the year, and only slight variations either way. It is completely illogical to me, and a total contradiction, when I see girls prancing around in these special boots and denim mini skirts. Really? It's a desert climate. We have the San Clemente haven that makes Rainbows. And a variety of other cute shoes-flip flops, wedges, flats! Why this combination? It is madness I say!

This is why little girls are doing it! American Girl dolls! Stop the madness!

I agree that one should wear items that make them happy and express their personality. However, I always think one should ask before leaving the house and always after consulting a mirror, "What would Stacy and Clinton say?" If you can't answer that and/or don't know who they are, please, go with a safe, known option. Thank me later.

Ashley Getting Married

Last weekend I went out to Temecula to help my dear friend Ashley try on wedding gowns in the hopes to find the perfect one. Naturally she looked fabulous in all of them, so it was just a matter of finding the one that made her feel wonderful. It was a perfect Sunday afternoon and I am so glad I was able to be a part of it, with her mom, future mother in law, sister, and future
sister in law!

The judges....

Sadly any picture I have OF Ashley she is wearing a potential gown. I don't think Anthony knows about my blog or if he did, have much interest in it, but it is a matter of sisterhood that those images stay private until September 26. So in ode to her, here is an oldy but still a goody :)

Time Flies

A year ago today we had our engagement party. It was cold, blustery, but filled with fun :) And since I did not blog at that time, it seems fitting to do it today.

Abbie looking for a libation, with Audra and Kerri in the background.

Professional corn dog maker....yes, professional. That machine makes cameos at business events and family parties-where will it be next!?! And will you be there!?

Tim and Scott, sharing a brew.

Opening sweet and thoughtful gifts

My BFF bride Kerri (January 16!) and dear Janae


Courtney aka Corinthia and Stephen, aka Esteban. You hang out with me long enough you will get a nickname. Problem is if you are ok with it or not. It will most likely just stick.

Our next September bride, Ashley!

Such a fun day, I cannot believe a year has passed. I am a very blessed girl with husband and dear friends.

An Open Letter to Sacramento

Dear Elected Officials:

I thank you for your time and dedication to serving your respective constituencies throughout California. It is a job I would neither care to do, or devote my time to. However, now is the time to put the lobbyists and special favors to your benefactors aside. I don't want to hear any more "we needs" and "we shoulds" that is your political pontification of promises. Now is the time to take action to keep businesses in California, before they make their way to Galt's Gulch. You are in office to take care of this situation, take to it.

It is evident that I come from a side of the spectrum that does not believe in handouts. To me, the solution is easy. Trim the fat. Trim the excess handouts. It is not fair that the money I make, to support my family in Orange County, is taken and given to people who cannot afford their lifestyle. My good decisions should not benefit those who made poor decisions. Additionally, when someone is termed out, don't create a bogus position for them that pays $500k a year and only meets once a month. How can you even ethically do that? Leave Sacramento and come earn an honest living with the rest of your beloved former constituency.

The amount of time you are taking to resolve this epic dilemma is driving businesses out of California each day. What is their incentive to staying here? Higher taxes? Why are you in effect charging them for being a producer and being the wheels of our economy? Don't punish your industries that were keeping California afloat. This golden state has lost its glimmer and is now has a credit score that rivals Louisiana.

My resolution is simple. Ask yourself, what would Dagny do? If you cannot answer that question you are in no position to be representing me and most of my peers. There is some time though. Do your research and you will be able to figure it out. If you can't, you can count on losing two more taxpayers who will take their business and personal incomes elsewhere.

Yours truly,
Dagny's messenger