In Good Company

This past weekend, Joey and I went out for a dinner date at one of Milwaukee’s finest steak houses, Carnevor. While I do love a great steak restaurant – I kind of hate the name of this one. It makes me feel barbaric – like a predator or a dinosaur. 

Anyway….I would say Carnevor is one of the swankiest establishments in Milwaukee – super dark when you walk in, good mood music, hostesses in sky-high heels and black mini skirts, and absolutely amazing cuisine. My favorite was the truffle mashed potatoes. I might have died a bit they were so good. I’m embarrassed to say Joey and I were in a total food comma once we got home – we both feel asleep with the lights on and in our clothes. Yes – the food is that good.

Also, when you dine at Carnevor, you are often in good company. As were we because in the brief time (about 2.5 hrs) that we were in the restaurant, so were Alfonso Soriano, Starlin Castro (both Cubs players), Rollie Fingers (famed Brewers pitcher known for his fancy mustache) and Jonathan Lucroy (Brewers catcher).

I guess you have to be a foodie or a sports fan to enjoy this post. However – if you ever find yourself in Milwaukee with a craving for a good steak or a celebrity/athlete sighting – make a stop at Carnevor and you might get both.

Must Have for Summer!

This past weekend I did a little shopping at one of my favorite retailers ;-) and I found these fabulous peep toes that I just have to share. Not only are they adorable, but they are super comfy and very affordable! They also go with everything and will be great for summer! I would describe them as a mix between a Toms wedge and Ralph Lauren espadrilles. 

 

Not to mention they are high enough to look great but they don’t kill you if you have to do a lot of walking.

They are available in black and a tan shimmer. Get them before they are gone!

Click here to check them out!

Meal Planning - So Smart!

As mentioned in my post below, Joey and I have been planning our meals out ahead of time and I wanted to share our “meal planner” document. Of course, like all good things, I found it on Pinterest.

It has been super helpful for grocery shopping because we don’t buy food that ends up going bad before we eat it – which seemed to be a habitual problem we've experienced before. Now we save money and time just by using this little gem! Amazing huh?

Click Here to link to the meal planner document!

Grandma Style Dinner

Joey and I have been trying to plan out our meals for the week each Sunday. So far, it’s been great!

And because of our recent bout of cold weather, we decided to cook up a classic! Grandma style.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Ingredients:

2.5-4 pound chuck roast (depending on how many you plan to feed.)

salt and pepper to taste

1 packet dry onion soup mix

1 cup water

1 stalk celery, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

1 onion, chopped

3 potatoes, peeled and cubed (I like a lot of potatoes so we thew in a few more!)

Directions:

1. Season the roast with salt and pepper to taste. Brown on all sides in a large skillet over high heat, about 4 minutes per side.

2. Place the roast in the slow cooker and add the soup mix, water, carrots, onion, potatoes, and celery. NOTE: If you are going to be gone all day, follow above. If you are going to be home while this cooks, I would recommend throwing the carrots in mid way through – because they get very soft.

3. Cover and cook on Low setting for 8 to 10 hours. Enjoy!

She Was Really Pretty

Pretty girl at the nail salon a few tables over from me: “Yeah – so I went on a date with this guy the other night. He was really nice but he kept correcting me!”

Girl’s Friend: “Correcting you? About what?”

Pretty Girl: “Well, I was talking about the separation between capital and state – and he was like, ‘It’s church.’"

(Silence as Pretty Girl and Girl's Friend sit pondering....)

Pretty Girl: "Is it really church? Separation between state and church? I totally thought it was capitol.”

Me in my head: It’s a good thing she is pretty.

Blast From the Past!

I was out shopping a few weeks ago and happened to come across a total blast from the past – a scrunchie. I immediately had flashbacks of lip smackers roll-on gloss, sparkle nail polish (which I still like when appropriate) and Bath & Body Works. Those were the days.

Anyhow, way back in the day, I had tons of scrunchies – all to be coordinated with my outfits (typically umbro shorts and a t-shirt). And if it wasn’t in my hair, it was around my wrist – so trendy. As the fad made its way through the “never wear this again” fashion faux pas list and at least one episode of Sex & the City in which Carrie actually throws a fit when she sees a woman sporting one – my love of the scrunchie faded.  

However, when I saw said scrunchie – leopard print no less – I picked it up off the shelf and we had a moment. It was soft and silky – perfect to sleep in without breaking off my hair. So I went the cash register and bought it. Well worth the $1.50 at For Love 21.

I love how so many fun things from my tween years are becoming popular – neon, slap bracelets, scrunchies, gelly shoes…for the first time in my lifetime, I can say, “I totally used to wear those in the 90’s!” 

Emotional Meltdown

I don’t know what my problem has been lately but I have to share a recent story from last Monday. My poor husband...

We were driving to work together and were stopped at this super busy intersection when I looked out the window and saw a mother duck with her dozen or so ducklings. My first reaction was to melt in utter cuteness but then I realized, “OH MY GOSH – WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE?!@#$@#” It’s a super busy area with a crazy amount of cars zooming by. I looked around and realized there was no refuge or nature area for this little duck family.

I started to get really hot and a little panicked. I even rolled down my window to get some air. I also started channeling the mother duck. I know she had to be frantic about finding a safe place for her little family. I kept thinking of those commercials of a woman talking about how she was scared for her children and in the end you realize it is the voice of a deer in the forest.  Dramatic huh?

The next thing I know – after a “Peach, are you ok?” from Joey, I am uncontrollably crying. I know Joey was completely shocked, confused, concerned.

I couldn’t stop – huge tears rolling down my face because of my concern for the duck family. Joey – being the good husband he is, got on his iPhone and started calling the DNR and humane society. He was such a trooper trying to help me help the ducks (I was driving by the way).

When we got to work, I ran inside to clean up my face. I had another cry fest with a concerned co-worker. And then I made about a hundred calls to different animal centers to alert them of the issue. I was so close to grabbing a box and heading back to see if I could corral the little guys.  

I left a bunch of messages and thankfully, the story ended up with an ok ending. The mother duck ended up getting spooked and she flew away and the babies fell into a sewer – I know that doesn’t sound promising but apparently ducks in a sewer is a common occurrence. A police officer and a few animal biology students went to retrieve the ducklings.

I am hoping that everything ended up happily and that the ducklings were retrieved. I definitely had a major case of human guilt.  I just felt so bad – philosophically speaking - about taking up too much room on this Earth. All of our crowded roads, multiplying housing additions and shopping malls – I kept thinking about the ducks.

Anyway – I had to share my story. I know I sound a little crazy. But, my husband was an all-star.

What can I say, I’m a quack. (Lame attempt at duck humor.)

I’m Obsessed: Pinterest

Dear Pinterest,

I blame you for hours upon hours spent on the computer looking at pictures. I also blame you for my lack of blogging. I am too busy looking at all of the cool things I could do rather than blogging about cool things I have done.

Regardless, this love/hate relationship is a life changer.

Love/hate,

Ale

Below are a few of my favorite pins from this week. Please enjoy.

Workin' It

Joey and I are in the process of switching gym memberships to a club is located both across the street from work and right by our house. It’s always nice to try out a new place and I am hoping that the proximity will motivate us to go more than once or twice a week.The other big seller – personal TV’s on every machine. Therefore, instead of cozying up on the couch to watch a show, I can do it on a treadmill.

With that, I decided to pick up a few new additions to my workout wear. I mean – you can’t go to a new gym without new gym gear! I love all the bright colors right now – lots of neon and vibrant tones. Why not have a little fun with it?!?

Below are a few of my favorite new items for hitting the gym!

Immature Moment: Sometimes it is so difficult not to laugh at the creepy buff guys that make the most inappropriate noises when lifting weights. It’s so awkward. They sweat and spit and it’s just weird. Usually to avoid them, I find my way into the “ladies only” (aka old ladies only) section of the gym to do my weight lifting – however, I have been told it’s not socially acceptable work out in there. Here is to hoping there aren’t too many of these guys at the new gym.

Tonight’s Meal: Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

I have been on a health kick and am trying to eat delish but healthy food – avoiding sugar and white starches. It sounds easy but it’s harder than you would think. Sugar is in everything so I have turned into an avid label reader.

Spaghetti squash is so easy and hassle free so when I found this recipe, I had to give it a try!

Serves 4-6

Ingrediences (channeling Teresa Gudice from RHNJ;-)

-1 Spaghetti Squash

-1 batch prepared meatballs or meat for sauce

   (Note: Most meatballs are prepared with breadcrumbs so I’m using meat sauce instead.) 
-1 cup Marinara or spaghetti sauce (watch for sugar content!)
-1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese
-1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
-1 cup fresh basil, torn or sliced

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds. Brush or drizzle with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet, cut side down and bake for 30-40 minutes. Cool slightly on baking sheet. Turn oven up to 400. 

Using a fork, scrape squash "spaghetti" up from the rind and fluff into strands. Place meatballs over squash. Pour sauce over. Sprinkle cheeses over sauce. Bake stuffed squash halves on cookie sheet until cheese is melted and bubbling. Top with fresh basil and serve right out of the squash! 

Mery Christmas from the DesJean's

 

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

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.

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.

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!!

 

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.

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.

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.