ACS Discovery Ball 2012

I am quite fortunate to be attending the American Cancer Society's Discovery Ball this weekend.  The invitation was completely unexpected.  I am so excited.  Here is a picture of the invitation:

I am not sure there is anything better than an event with good food, good drinks, good music, and, most importantly, for a good cause.

Wordless Wednesday

Creamy Italian Chicken

I am completely addicted to finding new recipes on Pinterest.  It is absolutely becoming a problem.  However, I have to say that I am cooking a lot more than usual during the work week.  Well, last week I found a recipe so simple that I could not not try it.  Despite my freakish obsession with grammar, I love using double negatives for emphasis.  It is also a problem.  Bonus:  it is a slow cooker recipe.  I love love love my slow cooker.  Bigger Bonus:  You put the chicken breasts in FROZEN.

1 - 8 oz package of cream cheese
1 - Good Seasons Italian Seasoning pack
1 - Cream of Chicken condensed soup
1/2 cup milk (I added this to ensure that the chicken stayed moist)
1/2 bag frozen peas (I added this because I had them in the freezer)
3 FROZEN boneless skinless chicken breasts

Put the cream cheese and cream of chicken in the slow cooker on high for 20 minutes.  The heat will make mixing the two much easier.  Mix in the Italian seasoning and frozen peas.  Put the frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts in and make sure that they are completely covered with the sauce.  Pour 1/2 cup milk over the chicken.  Cover and cook on high for 6 hours.

The biggest worry I have when cooking chicken in a slow cooker is that the chicken breasts will be dry. Not the case here - seriously moist chicken breasts in a delicious creamy sauce.  I will absolutely make this recipe again.

See Ya Windy City!

Florida isn't so much a place where one goes to reinvent oneself, as it is a place where one goes if one no longer wished to be found.

Doug Coupland

Wordless Wednesday: Macy's On State 2012 Flower Show

How to Peel and Cut a Butternut Squash (and a recipe for a delicious dinner)

There is a first time for everything.  Last night I peeled and cut a butternut squash for the first time.

I often use fresh squash in recipes, but I ALWAYS cheat and buy the pre-cut squash mainly because I am in a hurry and I think, "I will save so much time not having to peel and cut the squash myself."  Well, the price difference  finally got to me:  $1.49 for the entire squash (about 2-3 lbs) OR $5.49 for 1 lb cut.  Come on now, I am busy, but am I really too busy to cut up my own squash?  Answer:  No.

Now, there is one cooking rule I always follow:  don't reinvent the wheel.  When faced with new tasks, I always check out cooking websites, blogs, and, of course, Pinterest, for best strategies.  This task was no different.   After a few searches, I decided to employ the technique recommended on a Simply Recipes post.

I planned to take pictures, but I completely forgot.  Just as well because my squash cutting skills definitely don't compare to the skill illustrated on Simply Recipes.  Even though I didn't have a heavy duty peeler (I know - how did I get through a couple of bridal showers and a wedding registry without one of those?), I still found the technique to be very easy to duplicate!

So, on to the delicious dinner:  Hungry Girl's Chicken Sausage n' Squash Pack.  (Are you familiar with Hungry Girl?  Subscribing to Hungry Girl's Tips and Tricks was a GREAT decision.)  Here is the recipe (makes 2 servings):

Prep:
1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2) Take a large piece of foil, lay it on a baking sheet, and spray it with nonstick spray (I used PAM butter flavor)

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix 3 cups cubed butternut squash with 1/4 teaspoon dried ground sage, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.  Lay the mixture on the center of the piece of foil.

Cover the butternut squash with:

2-3 links of fully cooked chicken sausage any flavor so long as it is under 8 grams of fat or less per 3 oz serving (to keep it healthy).  I picked up Amy's sun dried tomato chicken sausage from Whole Foods.
1 cup chopped apple (I used a Honeycrisp apple)
1/2 cup chopped onion

Fold together and seal all four edges of the foil pieces, forming a well sealed packet.  Bake for 45 minutes or until squash is tender (45 minutes was perfect for my oven).

IMPORTANT:  Cut packet to release steam before opening the packet entirely.

Here is my picture of the delicious meal (I am still working on my food photo taking skills):

Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts

While I blogged HERE about not being "foodie" material, that is not to say that I do not like good food.  There are several types of food that, as an adult, I feel completely comfortable saying "I do not like."  Recently, I was quite annoyed with my husband because he refused to try a particular dish because he did not like the main ingredient, white fish.  My argument for him trying "just a little bite" was that he had never had fish prepared in a similar manner.  He still refused.

In an effort to practice what I preach, I am attempting to find recipes for ingredients that I allegedly do not like.  First attempt:  brussel sprouts.

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy recently posted a recipe for oven roasted brussel sprouts that consisted of three ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time.  PERFECT.  How can I lose by trying it once?

Well, I didn't lose at all.  The brussel sprouts were so yummy!  I will definitely be making them again!  Thank you, Lindsey!

Here is a picture of my brussel sprouts (new goal:  improve quality of food photographs):

The Hunger Games: Part II

Me . . . As I previously mentioned in my last post, I have been eagerly awaiting the first cinematic installment of The Hunger Games trilogy since finishing the books last year.  Well, I was not disappointed but one of my friends was!  I fully recognize that a book cannot be put on the silver screen with all of its magnificent details unless moviegoers are willing to sit through an eight hour film.  I found the adaptation to be just fine.  I didn't give a lot of thought to the casting before I went to see the movie (except that I KNEW Elizabeth Banks would make a fabulous Effie (and she DID)), but I was especially pleased with Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and Lenny Kravitz as Cinna.  Also noteworthy:  the hair, make-up, and costumes.  Bravo!  For the extreme fans, did you see this recent CNN Travel article:  "North Carolina lures 'Hunger Games' fans?"  (I have to admit, I wouldn't mind visiting some of those sites!)

The disappointed friend . . . . well, I think the largest contributing factor to her disappointment was the fact that she finished the book shortly before going to the film.  When you have all of the well written details fresh in your mind, the natural expectation is that you will see them on the big screen.  When you don't, it is, well, disappointing.

The friend who didn't read the books and never wants to . . . REALLY LIKED IT.

So overall, I would highly recommend it.  Especially for a date movie - action, romance, a little comedy - something for everyone.

The Hunger Games: Part I

I can't hold in my excitement any longer.  I am going to see the first installment of The Hunger Games movie trilogy tomorrow!  Pumped does not even begin to describe it.  I read all of the books nearly an entire year ago.  I really enjoyed each one of them.  In fact, I enjoyed them so much that I read all three books in less than one week (and I was working full-time).  It made me feel so accomplished (even though the books have a middle school reading level).  I have spent so much time trying to convince my friends to borrow my copies so that they can enjoy The Hunger Games craze, too.  "Trust me, you will like them.  I PROMISE!"

I know most of the United States has already experienced the newest cinematic hit, but I am very picky about going to blockbuster movies.  While ordinarily I want to be "part of it all,"  I cannot stand to have people (mainly young ladies) talking and squealing during a movie.  So, I prefer to wait about a week after opening night to see the movie for myself.  The downside?  After a week of hearing how fabulous something is, I can hardly wait to purchase my ticket and find my seat.

To Be or Not To Be a Foodie . . .

Chicago is a great place to live if you like dining out.  I am sure you are thinking, "yeah, tell me something I don't know."  Well, sometimes you have to state the obvious.  But seriously, there are so many options that a person is easily overwhelmed when faced with the duty of planning a birthday dinner.  Recently, my husband had exactly that responsibility (yes, I am one year older).  He surprised me with dinner at Charlie Trotter's.  The basis of his decision?  Charlie Trotter's is closing after 25 years of providing foodies with food.

Charlie Trotter's is located on Armitage (a great shopping street) in Lincoln Park.  From the moment that we arrived, we were treated like superstars.  The dinner was amazing.  It was more than amazing, it was an experience.  I can understand how people look forward to these food experiences - even going as far as to travel long distances to dine at these restaurants.  Personally, I find food to only be part of a travel experience, not THE experience.  I don't know how one becomes a "foodie," but I don't think it is for me.  However, that does not mean that I won't be framing my personalized Charlie Trotter's menu.  :)

The Bedford

My husband (did I mention I am happily married?) and I have two friends in town this week.  We all went to school together and now live in three different states so most of our communication is limited to Facebook posts, Foursquare check-ins and texts (sad given modern technology).  Both of our friends wanted to go somewhere "cool."  Cool . . . cool . . . cool . . . umm, do you even know me?  Was I EVER "cool?"  AND can it be "downtown?"  UGH.  Cool AND Downtown???

Here's the thing:  I love "downtown Chicago."  I think most visitors to the city define "downtown Chicago" as North Michigan Avenue.  I am not judging - I also used to define Chicago by that famous shopping strip.  But now, well, I would like to consider myself a "local."  I know that Chicago has a lot of "cool" places.

We tried to comply with our friends' request and stopped in at a couple of spots "downtown."  (I don't know why I keep putting the word downtown in quotations like it is some kind of weird allegation.)  It was a cold and windy day so patios were not an option.  We were met with long waits, crowded bars, high prices.  Insert BRIGHT IDEA HERE.  Let's go to The Bedford!!!  It is VERY cool and although it isn't downtown, it definitely isn't something you would find just anywhere.

The Bedford is located in the Wicker Park neighborhood in the basement of a reclaimed landmark bank. The lounge is the former bank vault.  The food is wonderful.  The service is superb.  "Cool?"  Absolutely.

What I Love - March 2012

The top ten things I loved in the month of March 2012:

1.  Bliss Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash
The smell is perfect.  Not too strong and the citrus component wakes me up in the morning.


2.  Up & Up Gummy Multivitamins Berry, Peach & Orange Flavors.
Yes, I am 29 years old.  Yes, I like to take my vitamins.  Vitamins are good for you for so many reasons.  I NEVER forget to take my vitamins now because these are so yummy.


3.  You, Me & Anthropologie
I love reading this blog.  Sara is so energetic, cute, and fun!  I got the idea for a monthly post about "what I love" from her.  I hope you enjoy her reviews and thoughts as much as I do!


4.  Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon
I opened a bottle that I recently brought back from Sonoma Valley to celebrate my birthday.  No, I was not drinking it alone.  It was as good as I remembered.  Shout out to my husband - he was the one who picked it out and purchased.

5.  Facebook's "unsubscribe" button.


6.  William Sonoma's Tiki Pork Starter.
If you love your slow cooker (you know I do), and you eat pork, you must try this starter.  Grab the slider buns at your local Whole Foods, brown your boneless pork shoulder for 10 minutes (all sides), put the pork and the entire jar of tiki pork starter in the slow cooker for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.  A yummy meal when you walk through the door after a long day at work.


7. DEAN & DELUCA Napa Blend
As I previously mentioned HERE, I love coffee.  I picked this blend up on a recent trip to Napa Valley, California.  It is delicious (I am sipping it now).  You purchase a bag of your own HERE.


8.  True Blue Spa 60 Second Manicure Hand Scrub
I love this scrub.  It exfoliates well and my hand lotion just sinks into my skin after I use it.  For the girl who has no time (or money) for a weekly manicure, this product is for you.  At $12, you should definitely try it for yourself.  It feels good to do something for yourself, even if it is only for 60 seconds.


9.  N-Bone Pearly White Chew Bones.
I have a precious little doggie who I love very much.  The vet recently recommended that I start giving her a natural chew bone after meals for approximately five minutes to help with her dental hygiene.  Well, let me tell you it was NOT easy to find a natural chew bone that is made in the USA.  My dog LOVES these bones and I can already tell a difference with regard to her plaque and tartar build-up.  Two warning:  First, the bones are a little messy (I have my dog eat hers on a "special rug" that I can vacuum up easily).  Second, one bone lasts about 8 days (price is $10 - $15 per bone) - a little pricey, but worth it in the long run to keep your dog healthy.


10.  Birthday Cards.  
Yes, birthday cards.  Birthday Cards are THE BEST.  First, it is awesome to receive something in the post that is not (a) a bill or (b) a credit card offer.  Second, there is such a variety of cards out there.  This year I put all my birthday cards out on my kitchen island and this morning when I walked past I could not believe how different each card was.  It was a perfect representation of the different personalities in my life.  Birthday cards bring happiness to an otherwise ordinary day. 

Coffee

It's no secret to my friends and family that I LOVE COFFEE.  I started drinking coffee while studying abroad in Italy.  It was just the thing to do.  Get up.  Drink gorgeous coffee.  Walk to class.  Drink more gorgeous coffee.  Class.  Walk around the town.  Drink an afternoon coffee.  Walk around the town (again).  Drink Wine (oh, and eat something for dinner).  Go to Bed.  Repeat.

I don't consider myself a coffee snob.  I will drink anything offered to me.  I have only thrown out coffee once because of the taste (it was at a work conference - I have no idea what brand it was).  My husband says I take my milk with a little coffee.  I say it is cafe au lait.  My favorite coffee drink - a flat white.  Rarely found in the continental United States.  I recently discovered that Blue Bottle Coffee in the San Francisco Ferry Company will produce the endangered drink upon request (and it was delicious).

In addition to a coffee addiction, I also suffer from "budget awareness."  While I am a proud Starbucks card carrying gold member, I like to save my $1.75 each day by brewing my own coffee in the morning and carrying it to work in my beloved Starbucks double walled, vacuum sealed stainless steal tumbler (you can get your own tumbler here).

Coffees to check out while in the Windy City:

Bite Cafe (Ukrainian Village): In addition to their fabulous food, the brilliant people of Bite Cafe serve up their own specialty brew.  You can only drink it while dining in; they don't sell it and that makes my heart hurt.

Magnolia Bakery (Loop - Block 37):  As you can imagine, I go for the cafe au lait . . . every. single. time.  My cupcake just doesn't taste right without it.

The "Library"

So, blogging only about books didn't work for me.  No surprise there.  My life isn't just about books.  It is my goal to make my "Library Under the L" just that - a library.  A place of information about various topics.  Ok, with a goal in mind, here we go!

Tuesday's Theory: Celebrate World Read Aloud Day

Today is "World Read Aloud Day."  Take your favorite picture book and celebrate with The Storybook Mom, Meredith Sinclair. 

Where:  The Book Cellar, 4637 N. Lincoln Avenue
When:  7:30 p.m. TONIGHT
Why:    Your admission of $15.00 goes to literacy advocacy nonprofit LitWorld.

Fanciful Friday: Reusable Totes

Carry your books (and everything else) in these affordable reusable totes:

Forever 21 $1.50

Mossimo Supply Co. Gingham Tote at  Target $12.99

Alphabet Letter Tote Bag (available in multiple letters) at Urban Outfitters $20.00

Tuesday's Theory: Being a Reading Mentor Will Improve A Child's Life and Your Own.

Mentoring Programs focused on Reading are a proven success. I have personally participated in two different programs: H.O.S.T.S. and W.I.T.S. I encourage everyone who is able to research whether the local schools have a reading mentoring program and explore whether you would be able to participate. It is amazing how a child with as little as an additional hour of reading each week can increase as much as three reading levels in one school year! Most reading programs are held over the lunch hour, "the power lunch."

Here are a couple of websites that I think explain the programs well and give great tips for establishing your own program.

Everybody Wins: Power Lunch Reading Mentor Information Guide

Teen Trend Setters: HS Students Mentoring Elementary Students

H.O.S.T.S. Example

No programs where you are located?  Think about starting one!!!  It is a wonderful way to involve an entire community.  High school students taking study hall, retired individuals looking to do something meaningful, and professionals needing to escape the office for 45 minutes to 1 hour can all participate and bring success to a student's life!

Fanciful Friday: Covered Notebooks from The Pleated Poppy

We made it to Friday!!!! I always have so many expectations for the weekend. I love to make lists of activities to enjoy and tasks to accomplish. What better way to keep those lists of goals than in these cute covered notebooks! Aren't they darling? Lindsey Cheney sells them on her website The Pleated Poppy.  Let me tell you, Lindsey's shop and blog are both AMAZING.  You can access both the blog and the shop through the link (www.thepleatedpoppy.com).

Tuesday's Theory: Voting Is Important

It's a big day here in the Windy City.  That's right, it's Election Day!  Hopefully, every Chicago resident will be exercising their right to vote for their favorite mayoral and aldermanic candidate.  Think about bringing a book along with you because there may be a wait.  Tuesday's theory?  Voting is important.  If you do not vote, you cannot complain.

Fanciful Friday: Postcup

Do you keep special cards and postcards sent by loved ones?  I do.  I love to go through my box of cards and re-read the messages.  Wouldn't it be fabulous to read one of those great cards over breakfast in the morning or while drinking tea on a rainy night?  I absolutely LOVE Bailey Doesn't Bark's take on the postcard.  They are calling it the Postcup™ and it is darling!  You write your own message on the mug with the special pen that is included and then bake the mug according to the directions (very simple) so that the message becomes permanent!  Perfect for "the person who has everything else."