Monthly Archives: April 2011

April 15, 2011 · 8:08 pm

Just a few hops away

With Easter just a week away, I somehow managed to eat meat today. Again. Just as I have for the majority of all Fridays throughout Lent. However, at least I know when Good Friday is.*

I’ve always considered Easter a festive holiday, complete with memories of buying a new dress each year, searching for Easter eggs (which I absolutely hated – I mean, just put them in the basket) and enjoying my own generous basket, filled with chocolates, candies, useless but amusing toys and the occasional dollar(s) bills.

This year, I’m looking forward to having Good Friday off and enjoying some holiday-themed treats. Just like these:

Banana Blueberry Buttermilk Bread

Baked Apple-Cinnamon French Toast

*A certain someone who will remain namless asked my dad when Good Friday was this evening. It has to be more than just being a blonde.

[images and recipes courtesy of delish]

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April 14, 2011 · 10:02 pm

A little of Italy right in Cicero

Today after work I met my cousin for dinner out in Cicero. After fighting the nasty traffic along Cicero Ave. during rush hour, plus a slight mix-up with my GPS (Hello GPS voice, I cannot turn right down a one way street going in the opposite direction), I finally managed to arrive at what my cousin was touting as one of the best places in the area to get Italian food: Freddy’s Pizzeria.

A tiny space filled with Italian groceries, an over-the-counter style of ordering and a dining area that you have to walk outside to get to, Freddy’s isn’t much to the eye. But the moment you see the food, you know you’re in for a treat.

Two salads, one order of pasta salad, a prosciutto and cheese covered tomato, one very large piece of bread and a free order of gnocchi later, we were stuffed. In fact, we were so stuffed, we didn’t even have room to eat what Chicago Magazine calls “the best gelato in all of Chicago.” Hmm. I guess a return trip is in order.

Plus, I didn’t have to parallel park. Doesn’t get much better than that.

[images via Road Food]

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April 13, 2011 · 11:38 pm

Sleep-deprived already?

Waking up every day at 6am is definitely going to take some getting used to. Although I enjoy the fact that waking up early allows you to get a lot done before your day even really begins (in my case that includes walking Frasier and exercising), it’s still somewhat depressing when 10pm rolls around and you’re starting to feel crabby and agitated; a sure sign that bedtime looms near.

So while it’s only Wednesday of my first week working and I’ve got a lot more 6am mornings on my horizon, today just seemed like a sleep-deprived, in-need-of-chocolate kind of day. Despite my craving for this newly discovered flavor of Fudgy Peanut Butter Chip VitaTops, as well as my desire to make these Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies, I was equally satisfied with my Panera You Pick 2 Deal that I was able to share with my mom and grandma at the nursing home today. I even convinced my gram to watch HGTV. Now if that isn’t a great way to end the day, I don’t know what is.

[image courtesy of my madison bistro]

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April 12, 2011 · 8:40 pm

A little spring in my step

With the weather finally starting to warm up a little in the Midwest (expected temperatures in the 30s this weekend notwithstanding), all I want to do is stay outside for as long as possible with my dog, Frasier. After the brutal winter we had this year, it’s almost like I’ve forgotten what the sun actually feels like.

For all you dog lovers out there, consider these tips from the ASPCA about how to make the most of your walk. A few of my favorite tips:

*Mix it up! Try taking your dog to new places. He’ll love experiencing the new sights, smells and sounds at a novel location.
*Choose fabulous destinations. If possible, walk to fun places, like friends’ houses or the dog park.
*Walk with buddies. If your dog likes other dogs, consider group walks. You can either borrow a friend’s dog to accompany you, or invite family and friends who have dogs to meet you somewhere.

If you’re feeling extra inspired by the warm weather, you may also want to consider offering a donation to this little guy, Braveheart.

Braveheart

Braveheart was found in a trash bin in Kentucky, and eventually found his way to One Starfish Rehoming Connections in Columbus, Wis. Due to his severe injuries (worm infections and mange) he ended up in the critical care unit of UW Veterinary Care.

Unfortunately, Braveheart’s care is expensive and One Starfish can use all the help they can get. Click here to learn more about Braveheart on Petfinder. And click here to help Braveheart through Facebook and receive updates on his condition. Help give Braveheart some spring in his step!!

[image via Petfinder]

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April 11, 2011 · 9:05 pm

On my mind…

In a nod to one of the cutest blogs I follow–the lil bee–I thought I’d share with you a few things currently on my mind. While my stream of consciousness may never be as developed or thought-provoking as the narrative stylings of William Faulkner or Virginia Woolf, hopefully you’ll be mildly entertained.

Why are Americans so fascinated with the Royal Wedding?
Why am I one of those Americans?
I cannot wait until April 29 – the day of the wedding.
I think I may understand why so many people become comatose in front of the TV after “working” all day.
I wish I had something chocolaty to eat.
I’m so happy I don’t have to do my own taxes.
I wish Frasier could sit at my feet 24/7.
I really need to make a haircut appointment for said smelly dog.
He is not allowed on the bed until he is clean.
I miss the dogs I used to walk every day. I thought about them at 11am this morning – the time I would leave each day for their visits.
I am so grateful to have a job when so many people in this country still don’t.
But why is life so expensive?
I should drink more water, but all I really want is a juice box.
Well, Capri Sun to be exact.
What’s better – a juice pouch or a juice box?
What time do I need to go to bed so that I can wake up at 6am tomorrow and exercise?
What would Jillian Michaels do if I didn’t follow along to Six Week Six Pack?
What would life be like if I could go shopping any time I want, buy whatever I want and not have to worry about how much anything costs?
Instead of clothes, I just want to buy lots of books. And own a house with a huge library with lots and lots of built-in bookshelves. And a really cool sliding ladder so I can reach all of the books.

What’s on your mind this evening?

[image via we heart it]

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