Thursday, December 22, 2011

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Peppermint Meltaways

I just made a big batch of Peppermint meltaway cookies for the ladies in my office. They are so easy to make and are delish! Plus - they smell amazing when they are in the oven. I would highly recommend!!



Cookies
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

Frosting
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter , softened
  • 1 -2 tablespoon milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Hard peppermint candies or candy canes , crushed

Directions:

FOR COOKIES, combine sugar, butter and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Reduce speed to low; add flour and cornstarch. Beat until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes). Cover; refrigerate until firm (30 to 60 minutes).

Heat oven to 350°F Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.

FOR FROSTING, combine 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and enough milk for desired glazing consistency in small bowl. I recommend pipping on the frosting. If you don’t have a piping bag with a tip, use a zip lock baggie and cut a tiny hole in the corner. It looks really pretty and is super easy to do. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy cane.

Christmas Time Is Here

If there isn’t two to three feet of snow on the ground and temps are above 30, it doesn’t feel like the holiday season in Milwaukee. We haven’t had ANY snow or icy rain storms! Instead, we have warm temps in the 50’s. Thus – it doesn’t feel much like Christmas. Below are a few of my must have’s items/traditions to help get into the Christmas spirit!

1. Our tree this year is perfect! A little less than 8ft. and covered with more than 200 white lights and sparkly ornaments. I love the smell when you walk in the door. Magical. I saw a cute idea on Pinterest and am going to start a tradition. Each year when the bottom of the tree if cut, we will keep the trimming to make an ornament. See photo below!

2. I planted an amaryllis bulb this year and it is amazing how quickly they grow. Mine has four giant, white flowers and is very classy! My mom always grows them and they are so pretty. We also splurged on a giant poinsettia. It’s beautiful and brightens up the room!


3. I went for a no-chip manicure (see prior post) and of course – went with red. But they had a beautiful sparkly red that I am obsessed with. My nails look like little sparkly Christmas ornaments. I love it.

4. I’m a sucker for holiday marketing. Every year I search for the diet cranberry Sierra Mist or cranberry Ginger Ale – both are to die for. Holiday party tip from my mom: Always throw a few fresh cranberries into a drink or cocktail for garnish around the holiday – they look so festive!
5. Every year we have a holiday party on Christmas Eve and each year we come up with a cocktail to serve our guests. I recently stumbled upon this fabulous Three Olives Birthday Cake vodka – it actually tastes just like cake. So I made up a little cocktail of my very own that we will be enjoying on Christmas Eve. See recipe below:
The Good Fruit Cake Martini
-Three Olives Cake Vodka
-Pineapple Juice
-Splash of grenadine
-Splash of sprite zero
-fresh cranberries for garnish

Monday, December 5, 2011

Married People Are Boring


Or so you would think if you took a look at my blog. I used to post all the time but ever since our engagement – I have been lame. I mean – Joey’s Aunt Nan gave me a “talking to” at Thanksgiving so I think its time to get back on the horse.

Speaking of being married, for the past few months, we have been hearing some repetition is the questions people ask us about our recent nuptials. So, I thought I would go ahead and provide a few answers in case anyone out there was wondering.

1.) Does it feel different now that you are married?
While I feel a sense of permanency,  our relationship is very similar to before we were married – however – we have mad a conscious effort to be kinder to one another. Joey and I are both sarcastic and sometimes we can get out of hand;-)

2.) When are you going to have a baby?
We have one. Her name is Rosie and she turned 6 on December 3. No plans on any additions.

3.) Are you guys going to buy a house?
While we would love to buy a house, we are happy in our apartment for now – aside from the girls downstairs who ride home from the bars in shopping carts.

More posts to come soon! I promise.

And really – I’m sure I am only talking to three people since I have neglected to post for so long.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

School Supplies


Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies.”
– You’ve Got Mail

I used to love buying school supplies when I was in younger. From elementary school through college, I loved the fresh start – new notebooks with clean pages, fun pens and pencils – back to school shopping set the tone for the school year.

Its funny how even though I don’t get to go “Back to School,” the fall still seems like a time for renewal. My bedroom was always super clean on my first day of school. My outfits selected, freshly ironed and neatly hung on hangers. My backpack in perfect order – I knew where everything was.

Now I find myself trying to replicate that in my “grown-up” life and in our house – clean kitchen cabinets, delicious smelling candles and everything in its place. I love bringing out throw blankets and scarves that have been packed away since spring and flipping through fashion magazines to see what the trends are this season.  
 
Even more so this year, now that Joey and I have become our own family, I am so looking forward to embracing the next few months and making new traditions that we carry on for years to come. This is definitely a time of renewal for us and I am eager to see what all of this newness will bring.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Mr. & Mrs.

Well is took six and a half years but Joey and I finally tied the knot. In what now seems like a distant dream, we had an absolutely amazing wedding and reception, surrounded by so many family and friends.

So many people have asked me what my favorite part of the wedding was, and while there are so many things I loved, I have to say that walking down the aisle with my dad, and seeing all the people in the pews, seeing my bridesmaids, and then my soon to be husband….I think it was my favorite part of the wedding. It probably only lasted about a minute, but I can honestly say it was the best minute of my life, thus far.

I cannot wait to show off the photos!! (Patiently waiting on those from my photog……) I know that I am biased but our wedding party looked amazing – especially my bridesmaids! Stunning!

And then there was the reception. What a beautiful party! I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. It was a hot day but it was such a delight to look around at all of the hand fans going and see people with their lemonade in mason jars! I also loved the spiked Tro-Snow which totally demonstrates the creativity of our friends. As a “late night snack” Joey and I decided that Tropical Snow was a must-have at the wedding so our resourceful friends thought that adding a shot would be a nice addition!

We ended the night in the middle of a giant dance circle – which thanks to one of my super bridesmaids, was caught on camera (which I plan to post)! It was a dream! Thanks to all those who helped make it come true! 

Photos to come!!
 

Monday, July 11, 2011

Sometimes nude is better

Over the past few months, there have been a significant number of photos of Duchess Kate and her sister Pippa in nude hose. I for one, love this.

I'm not sure when it became a fashion faux pas to wear them in the U.S. I'm guessing when pale women began wearing a super tan color - thus pale arms and tan legs - not a good look. Or when women started wearing them with sandals - definite no-no. See photo below.


Regardless, I have always been a fan of nude hose because a.) who wants to wear bare legs in the winter? and b.) they just look nice. I'm hoping that the rest of the fashion focused world will catch on and wearing nude hose won't be so taboo.

If Kate can do it, then we probably should be doing it too.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Before or After

Every now and then - something happens that just leaves you at a loss for words...

One of those things happened to me this weekend. I was at a bachelorette party when one of the guests - who I don't know well - looked at me and said, "Does anyone ever tell you...." I cut her off with, "...that I look like Farah from Teen Mom?" I have been told this by several people.

"No," she said. "I was going to say Bristol Palin."

I responded with, "Before or after she rearranged her face."

The girl then went on to talk about how she looks gross now - but never answered my question. So I will hope she meant the better one - which ever that might be.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Pretty Little Liars

I know my television selections aren't overly mature but I can't help it - I get sucked in. 
Very much looking forward to this tonight!



BUCKLE UP, GIRLIES. NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS. —A

Ramen noodles are the cure all for life


I know this might seem strange but I fully believe Ramen Noodles, the main staple of any college student’s diet - are a gift from the food gods. 

I know somewhere Martha Stewart and that guy from Top Chef are shaking his heads at me but let them disapprove. 

I know that Ramen – especially the original flavor – is a secret .29 cent cure for the following: food poisoning, a hangover, a bad mood, a cold night, when you are broke, a cold, the flu, strep throat – you name it. I have had all of the above and testify before you that a package of Ramen Noodles makes everything better.  

I would be lying if I told you that I don’t keep at least one package around for emergencies. 


Food Wars

EDITOR'S NOTE: I found this post that I never put up and thought I should share it even though it is old. Drafted sometime in March.

I have two funny stories that have to do with food.

Mr. Banana is not my friend.
I brought a banana to work on Wednesday. I am very picky about my banana consumption - meaning I don’t like them to be at all brown on the outside. In fact, I prefer them to be almost yellow-lime in color. Not sure why but it is what it is. Anyhow…I was opening said banana and a part of the inside of the peel flew off and hit me right in the face and left eye!

First of all – I was stunned. Who knew that could happen when you open a banana. To be honest, I thought someone threw something at me from another cubicle. I mean, if a monkey can open a banana without a problem, then I should too.

I went to the bathroom to try and fix the situation and there were banana pieces in my eye – which was also bloodshot and red by this time. Not to mention the pain I was experiencing every time I opened and closed it. I did the best I could with what I had at my disposal – water and a paper towel and headed back to my office.

The pain continued all day. And I’m pretty sure that the projectile banana peel scratched my cornea. You might be thinking – Geez…Ale really has issues with her eyes (See story about my first trip to the eye doctor.)

Or, maybe I should just wear those athletic glasses/goggle things nerdy kids wear in elementary school basketball…  

Only in Milwaukee
Last weekend, there was another giant sinkhole in Milwaukee – this time it was even closer to my house and it swallowed two cars. Sounds safe doesn’t it.

Anyhow, there is a near by restaurant called Stubby’s (not a typo) and to honor this event – which the restaurant is no doubt being negatively impacted by the sinkhole – they came up with this:

"Everything But the Kitchen Sink Hole Burger." It is a towering stack featuring, well, bacon, cheese, chili and a slew of other things - a house salad is in there with a chipotle ranch dressing. There are six different meats (pulled pork, a slice of meatloaf, a one-pound burger, two slices of bacon, one brat and beef brisket).

You can read the full article here: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/118177294.html

Here is the thing – there are people out there who will eat this. Maybe that guy from the food network that eats all the big stuff will stop by. However, I know one thing for sure – I won’t be one of those people for two reasons. A. I don’t want to eat all that. And 2.) I don’t want to be swallowed up by another giant sinkhole on Milwaukee’s East Side.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

To register for this, to register for that

Register for a massage…because you will need one after you are finished registering for your wedding. Joey and I learned this during our registering weekend extraordinaire. I have to tell you – I have always felt like I know my way around the kitchen. I bake and cook and get a thrill out of buying kitchen accessories and utensils – I was NOT prepared. 

Poor Joey had to help me through a near breakdown over what dishes we were going to get. I had it in my mind that we had to pick out our dishes first and then everything would follow and coordinate – and when we started to register out of my “made up out of thin air” order – I nearly lost it. We literally took a mental break. 

After Joey talked me down – we began the process and everything went smoothly from there. We had fun with it – which is the most important thing! Below, I have bulleted out a few recommendations we have after the weekend – just to help those beginning the process. 

-Although it might be fun to dress cute when you register, wear tennis shoes and carry a small purse. After spending four to six hours on your feet, tennis shoes are a must. Take it from us – we went without them on day one and were sore the next day. On day two – we went for the comfortable option and it was much better. 

-Make a list of what you want to register for. Also – it is probably a good idea to walk through the stores before you get the scanners. Make sure you have checked out each of the stores you are considering and have a game plan to determine what you are going to get from each place. It will make it much easier to stay on track. 

-If they offer you water – take it. If they offer to set up a place setting – let them set it up. If they offer to take you around the store - let them. Any help/advice/expertise on products you can get, take advantage of it. It will pay off in the end. 

-Register for a few high end thing that you like but wouldn’t ever register for. Example – crystal and silver.
Apparently some people want to buy these things for you. If you don’t pick it out, people who equate weddings with hearts and butterflies will get your gifts with hearts and butterflies. If you don’t give your guests options of things you like, you will get what they like. So – if you like hearts and butterflies – good for you. But if you don’t – select a few high end items for people to select from. 

-Eat when you are hungry. Hungry people are grumpy people. Grumpy people in one store for four hours can be really grumpy people. We were fine in this are but could definitely see how the process wouldn’t be fun if there were grumpy shoppers.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Delight from the Sea!

So a few months ago, Joey and I went to this fabulous restaurant in Milwaukee called Harbor House. It is the kind of place that you see in the movies – well at least the kind of movies I like. Anyway – they specialize in seafood (which I absolutely love).

Feeling adventurous, I decided to order an oyster on the half shell. My first experience with oysters was at a happy hour special – they were half price or something. It was gross. That being said – if its all you can eat or half price – it’s probably not as good as it is suppose to be. 

Anyway – so the waitress at Harbor House brought me the oyster atop of crushed ice with a pretty green sea like sprig of something, fresh horseradish, cocktail sauce and a juicy lemon. She gave me her recommended combination and told me to throw it back. So I did – and it was…..DELICIOUS!

I know some people say to swallow it whole but I chewed it and it was flavorful and refreshing.

I ordered another one. I tried to get Joey to eat one but he wasn’t interested. I won’t give him a hard time though because his pallet had defiantly broadened since we first me.

Sometimes he actually tells me that he’s craving sushi – which is like a dream to me because I could live on sushi…

So I think my next challenge will be to prepare oysters at home….I watched a YouTube video and it doesn’t seem to be that difficult. I also wouldn’t mind trying a few different combinations of condiments. I once saw an episode of Real Housewives of Orange County and Tamara had backyard dinner party and served fresh oysters with strawberry –Champaign puree on top. Ummmm yum! 


Thursday, February 17, 2011

One of the best shows on television

The Good Wife airs on CBS every Tuesday night at 9PM CST and I would highly recommend you tune in! Joey and I have been watching since it premiered last year and after every episode I think to my self, “What a good, smart show.”

It also helps that it takes place in Chicago - so being a hop, skip and jump away, much of the conversation about the City and its political history is familiar.

The show stars Julianna Margulies who made her television debut on E.R. (one of my long-time favorite shows) as well as Chris North, aka BIG from Sex in the City and hottie Matt Matt Czuchry who had a long standing role as Rory’s boyfriend on Gilmore Girls.

Basic premise: The show follows the life of a wife and mother who boldly assumes full responsibility for her family and re-enters the workforce after her husband's very public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail. Pushing aside the betrayal and public humiliation caused by her husband, she starts over by pursuing her original career as a defense attorney.

Watch it - you'll love it. 


Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Two Weeks Later


 Can you believe it? Two solid week and not one tiny chip.
I'm a believer in the "no-chip" mani!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Seven Valentine’s Days


That is how long Joey and I have been together – for seven Valentine’s Days. And this will be our last Valentine’s Day as an unmarried couple.

Then we have to start over – which is good for Joey because he typically gives me a rose for every Valentine’s Day we have spent together and the holiday flower inflation was starting to break the bank.

Also – as we will be combining incomes in a few months – I suggested he pick up some tulips at the grocery store rather than spend a fortune at a florist. Funny how that happens!

(P.S. A few more Valentine’s Day mentions and this post could become a drinking game.)

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you are all enjoying speading the love today!
Isn't Google the cutest!! Love this!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

I’m obsessed with…..

My black cashmere wrap sweater. I love love love love this sweater. I could wear it everyday. I had wanted a cashmere sweater for a while but just couldn’t let myself to spend the cash. However, I finally made the investment and am so happy I did. The sweater is classic, a wardrobe staple and something I can wear for years to come.

I have always been a bargain hunter but the saying is sometimes true – you get what you pay for.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Movin and Shakin

This past weekend, I went to Chicago to meet up with my long lost college friends. We had a great time catching up and I have to say I am very proud of my friends and their careers. Just to name a few, here are a few of the major company’s they represent and careers they hold: Starcom (a leading media communications agency) Target Corp., a first grade teacher, Google, Weber Shandwick (a leading PR firm), and the Chicago Tribune. Well done friends!

I guess all those nights spent studying in the library must have paid off. And all those nights out at the bars must have paid off, as well…because now as young professionals, they know how to work hard and play hard.

And play hard we did – I think I ruined two pairs of shoes while in Chicago- mostly because of the mountains of show – a not so distant reminder of Snowmageddon 2011.

However, what I think I love most about my fantastic college friends is that we could go years without seeing each other, but when we do, its like we just saw each other yesterday – nothing changes – except for the occasional new significant other, disposable income and the amount of drinks we can have in a night without being heinously hung-over the next day. 


Thursday, February 3, 2011

Test Run

I love a good manicure. I don’t love when my nail polish chips off before I make it home. So – since we were in the middle of Snowmageddon and I was able to work from home, I treated myself and had time for a manicure after work. Please note – I walked to get a mani because the City of Milwaukee was under a Civil Danger Alert. 

Anyhow – I had been hearing all of these things about the “no-chip manicure” which sounded awesome to me – great nails for a minimum of two weeks – love it. 

So I got one. A little bit more expensive but I had gloves on 5 minutes after walking out the door. A “regular mani” no-no. And they look great today. 

So – I am going to see how great this new phenomenon is. I will report back the details in two weeks.

It has been a long time...

The last few months have been busy – so busy that I completely forgot I had a blog. 

In brief – I changed jobs, went to a wedding, traveled for 2 holidays, adjusted to a new job. Well – it may seem like not a lot but it has been a whirlwind.

Life is really good right now. We just got back from a family vacation, the Packers are going to the Superbowl (I only say this because the mood of WI is far better than when the Pack lets them down), its award season and I am back in wedding planning mode.

That being said – I have tons of posts in my head that will likely be making their way here.

First, I am going to quickly cover award season. I love the red carpet. I usually only watch the red carpet. I love seeing the gown, the jewels and glamour. So far, we have only passed the Golden Globes and the SAG awards but the stars definitely came out for the Globes.

Below are my top three favorite looks thus far. The SAG awards were pretty lame. Up next are the Acadamy Awards and the Grammys!

Golden Globes

Eva – I love ever
ything about this look. Hair and makeup are flawless (I added Ms. Longoria to my wedding binder for potential wedding looks). The Zac Posen dress is stunning and flattering – the backless design and the perfect fit is just beyond elegant. She rocked this look, as usual. 



Angelina – Although I am true to Team Jen, Angie looked exquisite in her Versace gown. Her glimmering dress had me screaming “Emerald City Here I Come” and her simple statement jewelry and makeup were just right.


Lea Michele – What I love most about this “gleeful” look is the contrast between the pink Oscar de la Renta and the aqua ring. She’s young, youthful and made this dress look amazing. Well done!