Dinner Last Night: Mac and Cheddar Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli

Of the dinners I’ve made so far, this was the most intense for me. The recipe is Rachael Ray’s. I look at her recipes a lot because the whole point of her show 30 Minute Meals is that it would be quick and fairly easy. My problem? I can’t multi-task when it comes to cooking just yet. So a 30 minute meal is actually a 60 minute meal. But whatever.

For this meal, I didn’t use a box of Kraft mac with a cheese pouch. I made my first roux. It definitely bubbled over the pot. But it was so satisfying to make my own cheese sauce. The taste was definitely satisfying in the end. I’m trying to keep things adventurous over here!
Also, cooking chicken is one of my least favorite things. It’s slimy and gross and there’s the salmonella thing. Eek! But I survived.
For my first shot at such an intense recipe (for me) with three elements going on (the chicken, the pasta, and the sauce all on the stove at around the same time), I did a pretty good job (pats on back). I also made a tossed salad with fresh romaine, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, red bell peppers, carrots and cucumbers! Mmmmm.

It’s the weekend! I’m so glad. This week was slow and fast at the same time, if that makes sense (to quote The Shins – “The years have been short, but the days go slowly by.”). Work was quiet, but the nights would zoom by. I was kept busy. I’m very excited to enjoy a holiday weekend (I have off Monday, for Presidents’ Day). Tomorrow, one of my dearest, out-of-state friends is coming in for the night.
Can’t wait to see him! And that’s just the beginning of a pretty packed weekend (I seem to be busy all the time these days!).

Enjoy your weekend, guys!

Short and Sweet

This is what I got to enjoy last night, as a belated Valentine’s Day treat. Candles, roses, tasty food.
And then I took a two hour nap, woke up, washed up for bed, and went back to sleep.
All in all…pretty satisfying.

Lyrical Goddess

I came across this tumblr and I just think it’s the greatest thing. As a fan of Lana Del Rey, I think these awesome combinations of lyrics and classic pictures are amazing. And they definitely capture the attitude and emotion of the songs. Whoever is behind this is just the coolest.

These are just a few of my favorites. Go check out Lyrical Goddess for more!!!

Us.

Two years ago (almost to the day), after months of not seeing one another, Brad and I decided to become friends again (after a first shot at dating when I was still in college). I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss him or wonder about him that whole time we didn’t really talk. Little did I know, things would turn out this way.I have never felt so lucky or blessed in love before.
And, again, it’s been two years and we are still in this sweet, happy place.
Not perfect.
But happy. Supportive. Goofy. The best of friends. Confidantes. Home.

I want to pinch myself sometimes.

Happy Valentine’s Day/"Anniversary” to my best friend!

Happy Valentine’s Day to my family and friends, the sweetest people in my life. I love you all!

And Happy Valentine’s Day to you readers out there!

WKND

I’m already anxiously anticipating next weekend (especially since I have 3 days off!). This weekend was like a sample taste. With what little time I did have, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. A great double date with one of the cutest couples ever over wings, delicious dinner with an amazing group of lovely people, an attempt to see Chronicle that resulted in sold out seats and heading to the bar instead.
Panera Bread with some cute ladies. All in all, a solid time.

We did see Chronicle, on Sunday instead of Saturday. What an intense film. I am a huge fan of “Found Footage” films (Cloverfield, Paranormal Activity, etc.), and this one goes on the list. The movie is heavy and sad, I will say that, but it was a breath of fresh (really cold) air that left me gasping and dry-eyed from being unable to blink or look away. I’m super sensitive, so it put me in a mood.
But if a film can do that, it means it was worth the money and the time.

Here’s to a great week!

Dinner Last Night: Chili Night

Okay, so I kinda did this meal once before (this time I used beef)…but it’s such an easy, comforting meal. And it’s only uses one pot. Less dishes to wash! How can you complain? I’m still working on the perfect chili. I need to work on the heat factor, and I’d like to utilize my own spices instead of always buying the easy McCormick’s pack. Don’t get me wrong, it’s tasty! But it’d be fun to play with the flavor and heat, especially since I often feel there’s some sort of element missing…

I also made baked potatoes for the family as well. Such a filling, satisfying, comforting meal. Perfect for a winter night.

I can’t believe the weekend is already here! That’s probably because I didn’t work on Monday, so the week flew by. I have a short weekend, though, due to work on Saturday morning. Otherwise, it should be a nice, relaxing weekend. Very different from the last few. Plans include: wings and pizza with Brad’s cousin and fiancé, movie night with friends I’ve missed oh-so-dearly, and quite a bit of vegging out.

See you on Monday!

J’Adore

Lana Del Rey and her album Born to Die. I understand a lot of people/critics dislike her. This means nothing to me at all. I personally think her and her music are absolutely gorgeous. I cannot stop listening.
Tucking into comfort food which, in my case, revolves around soup and cheese.
Nail Blogs. My favorites are Little Nails and Nailside. They are such a great source of inspiration for nail art and nail polish, and obviously I love reading about things I love!
The February Photo a Day challenge for Instagram. It’s fun to take random photos each day and see the many others people post.
Sinking right into a good book. I am on my 4th Emily Giffin book, and I can definitely say she is one of my favorite authors. She really evokes emotion and touches on some serious relationship issues in a very understandable and
often-relatable way. Don’t write her books off as girly fluff.
Planning Thursday night dinner for the family. Trying to keep the menu exciting!
Quaint weekend plans with people I love.