Stompa.

Hey there! Just a quick post to say hi, I'm alive, and life is good. I'm finishing up week 2 at work and I'm slowly adjusting to my new schedule of working some nights and weekends. Luckily, this is the busiest season at work so someday it will slow down!

I'll be back this weekend (maybe) with a normal posting schedule. Enjoy this song - heard it the other day as I was rolling through the grittier part of town. It just worked. I love when life gives you a perfect movie soundtrack moment.

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,

Alex

Dolce & Gabbana.

Have you seen Dolce & Gabbana's ready to wear collection for Fall 2013?  I am obsessed.  The red, the embellishments, the crowns!  I can't get enough.  The entire collection makes me think of Spanish royalty.  Here are some of my favorites but check out Dolce & Gabbana for more.

xoxo,

Alex

*all pictures via Dolce & Gabbana

Don't v. Can't

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I read an interesting article the other day at Forbes by Heidi Grant Halvorson: The Amazing Power of 'I Don't' vs. 'I Can't'.  In it, she points out that only you have the power to decide what you do and don't do.  When you think in terms of I Can't, it is easy to lose sight of that.

I don’t is experienced as a choice, so it feels empowering. It’s an affirmation of your determination and willpower. I can’t isn’t a choice – it’s a restriction, it’s being imposed upon you. So thinking “I can’t” undermines your sense of power and personal agency.

She uses the example of chocolate cake, but it got me thinking about my own diet choices.  I've been gluten free for nine months now and I'm still thinking I Can't eat gluten.  

But that's just not true. My deciding to remove gluten from my diet was a purely personal choice.  I wanted to feel better and chose to give it a try.  I could easily start eating gluten again but I don't and I won't.  It's time I start aligning my thoughts with my actions.

Do you ever struggle with 'I Don't' vs. 'I Can't'?

xoxo,

Alex

PSA: Snow Day for the Pandas!

This just a friendly PSA letting you know today the pandas get a Snow Day!  Make sure to check out Mr. Wu's first snow experience.  So excited!

Soup from Scratch: Taco Soup.

We've made some major progress on our Kitchen Adventures list for 2013.  It's only March and we've  knocked off "some sort of stew" with an adaptation of this recipe, fish tacos (yum), and soup from scratch. And so far, the soup is the winner.  I found this recipe via Pinterest and not only did it look easy, it looked delicious.

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The recipe could not be easier.  8 cans plus 1 packet of taco seasoning.

Add it all to a crockpot and heat up.

  I served mine with avocado and tortilla chips. 

  

So good.  I ate this for a week straight.

Soup from scratch. Check.

xoxo,

Alex

Tidbits: 3.15.13

Happy Friday!  I have never been so thankful to see the weekend arrive.  Especially one dedicated to my favorite Irish holiday!  Someone somewhere, do this gluten-free girl a favor - have a green beer (or two) for me!

Easy Shamrock DIY decorations

A festive St. Patrick's Day inspiration board.

Don't-Pinch-Me Barrette.

15 recipes for spring I can't wait to try.

Make it happen in March.

Proof IGE is trying to kill us: Homemade Brownie Batter Hot Fudge Sauce

I love this sea foam color throughout the year, but especially in spring.

These chocolate chip cookies look perfect.

I want this.

The 5 Day Gluten-Free Meal Plan might change my life.

Love this idea for a brunch party.  Anyone in?

Moscato Strawberry Shortbreads.  Yum.

Kitchen trends.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Sláinte!

xoxo,
Alex

Plucky Pony.

I am obsessed with this pony.  I've watched her pretty much every day for a week now and every time I'm laughing so hard the tears start streaming down my face.  Ridiculous.  If you haven't seen this internet sensation yet, now is your chance.

I'm also dying over all the goat videos lately.  What is it about animals doing silly things I find so hilarious?

xoxo,

Alex

Wild Rover.

St. Patrick's Day is almost here!  Meaning, this song will be stuck in my head all week long:

Do you have a favorite Irish Pub song?

xoxo,

Alex

Spring Forward.

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I mentioned on Sunday that I am ready for spring.  Well, Mother Nature is a bitch.  She must have heard me, and with a cackling evil laugh, she dumped about another foot of snow on us on Monday and Tuesday.

...

Fine.  So we still have snow, but I'm determined to spring forward this week.  I've started spring cleaning, rearranging my closet for spring attire.  My mind is full of good thoughts for sunshine, melting snow, a peek of green grass, the first robin sighting, and the hopes that at least one flower bulb I planted in the fall comes up (damn squirrels).

So, instead of waxing on about how I really want it to be spring, I thought I'd do a little catching up on the past two weeks:

• K and I saw Book of Mormon when it was in town and it is HILARIOUS.  I laughed the entire time, sat on the edge of my seat, and thought to myself 132 times, "Did they just say that?!"
• I've been doing a lot of yoga lately.  BodyFlow is my jam.  A mix between yoga, pilates, & tai chi.  It's the bomb dot com.  Yep.
• I got a new job and start in two weeks. I love that my passion for nonprofits and my career are aligning nicely.  Here's to new beginnings.
• Today, I was supposed to be in Boston, but Mama Nature sure has a funny sense of humor.  They rescheduled the trip due to weather but now I can't go because I gave my two weeks notice because I got a new job!  Truth, I've been battling a cold all week and was a little relieved to stay at home and have the day off today.
• I got my hair did today. A shorter style for spring. I'm a happy girl.
• In April, I'm headed down South to the land of the pine...my BFF Kait's bachelorette party is happening on the ol' Kentucky bourbon trail.  I booked my ticket today and am so pumped for the a weekend of Southern shenanigans!
• Online shopping got the best of me this week.  I can't wait to show you what I found!
• Is anyone else watching The Following?  Obsessed over here.

Ok, that's enough random thoughts for today.  Have a great night!

xoxo,

Alex

Date Night: Dinner and a Movie.

I haven't done a date night post in a while, but that doesn't mean date night disappeared!  K and I think it's so important to spend quality time together, away from the house, away from work, and away from the stresses of life.

This weekend we did a dinner and a movie date.  We met one of K's coworker's at Victory 44 for their legendary Perfect Burgers and Bacon Fries. It was divine.  It was our first time there but I know we'll be heading back shortly.  

I know you are thinking, date night with coworkers?  But we wanted to try the restaurant and this was only part 1 of the date.  Plus, anytime we can spend some time together I consider it a date!  Not to mention, I love to see K interact with his friends.  It makes me love him so much more, seeing him be a friend.  Layla at the Lettered Cottage recently wrote about this same feeling and I couldn't agree more.

After dinner, we headed to our local theater to finally see Silver Linings Playbook.  I read the time wrong, so we had a little time to kill in between.  I convinced K that this would be the time to make a little visit to Cherry Berry, a self-serve yogurt bar. I honestly think these are the best ideas ever.  You get exactly what you want and there is no fear of judgment from the staff.  Instead, you can order just toppings if you want and no one cares.  Seriously, don't judge.

Then on to the movie!  Definitely worth the hype.  We both were genuinely happy with the movie, even though we were not genuinely happy for a couple obnoxious other theatergoers.  Feel free to laugh at movies, but keep your commentary to yourself.  Reminds me why I love Redbox so much!

After the movie, we listened to this song on the way home.  Such a fabulous date night!  Have you had any special dates lately?

xoxo,

Alex

*No photos this time - turned off the technology for date night!

Fried Eggplant.

Well, hello there! I took a two week hiatus from blogging but am back! The end of February gets to be a little long here in Minnesota and I was definitely feeling a little down.  But I can feel a change in the air and I'm ready to welcome spring back into my life. I'm putting this long winter behind me.

Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite new recipes: Fried Eggplant.  Don't be intimidated - with a little preparation, this is easier than it sounds.

First things first - gather your ingredients.  You'll need an eggplant, eggs, rice chex, olive oil, and marinara (optional).

Once you are prepped, the frying moves fast.  I usually only attempt this when K is around to help me.  Two people watching the pan gives me a little more confidence I'm not going to burn my kitchen to the ground.  Watch the oil - if it gets too hot, it will burn.

 This stuff is so delicious!  And easily gluten-free for people like me who forget how good having fried food is once in a while.  Moderation is key, people!

I like to add a little marinara or pasta sauce, but they are yummy naked too!  All up to you!

Fried Eggplant

1 Eggplant

3 eggs

2 cups GF Rice Chex

Olive Oil

Slice eggplant into thin slices. You will not need the full thing unless you are feeding multiple people.  Cut as many slices as you want.  [Note: For two people, I usually use half an eggplant and that is a pretty generous serving of fried eggplant!] Beat the eggs well.  Use a food processor to turn the Chex into crumbs.  [Note: I use GF Chex but you could always use bread crumbs.] Once you are prepped, heat the oil in a pan.  

Once the oil is hot, dip a piece of eggplant in the egg then the Chex crumbs, making sure each side is coated.  Toss it into the pan and fry on both sides.  Once the pieces are golden brown on both sides, remove from the pan.  Eat while hot, but don't burn yourself!

Enjoy!  And Happy March!  Bring on spring!

xoxo,

Alex