We're Joining a CSA!

Can you guess what a CSA is? Give up? It's a Community Supported Agriculture. Basically you buy a "share" of the farms harvest for the season. Good, bad or otherwise you buy into it upfront. In exchange you get a weekly "delivery" of the freshest, locally grown produce. Sounds like a good deal to me! The best part about this is, I had been looking for a local farm that I could pick up from every week. But some of the farms were too far, or the weekly pick up days didn't work for my schedule. So imagine my delight when I learned that my job is bringing a CSA right to us at work!!!! How amazing is that? I was over joyed. Just go downstairs in my building and pick up my box. One less errand to run every week is another win in my book. I told my entire team about it and actually got several of them interested in it too!

Now a CSA is probably not for everyone for a few reasons. But we're willing to try it out for a year. For starters you don't get to pick what is in your weekly box. Although I think that is part of the fun, it forces you to try new things. Alternatively though if you get something you really don't like it could end up wasted and in the garbage. You also take a gamble on the amount you will get. If the farm has a really good harvest, you could end up with 16 zucchini one week, but if it's a bad harvest you could get one or none. Of course this is an exaggeration, but you get what I mean.

The CSA that we'll be joining is just $18 a week for a small share, but you have to front the money for the season. However provided we like and use what we get in our box, that is less than we are paying right now for our produce and we will know where our food is coming from. The other part that was really important to me is the fact that it is grown without chemicals. While it is not certified organic, I'm ok with that in the fact they can explain to me exactly what they are applying on my food. And they use a natural practice of farming called "Integrated Pest Management," and they most definitely do not use routine chemicals on their produce.

I'm so excited for when this starts soon. It'll also replace the need for me to try and grown my own produce out on the deck. I think this will be much easier! Anyway, more to come on this fun new trial, including more information about CSA's, the weekly produce and recipes!!!

Book Review - A Week in Winter

Ok one more book review to go! I swear it's not like I have been reading that much lately, it's more like I am that behind on updating my blog. And I was behind on actually reading this book in time for last months book club. This was last months book club selection however when it came time for us to meet, for the 2nd time in over a year I had yet to actually finish the book. I was about 2/3 of the way through, but still had another 100 pages to go. It was enough for us to be able to chat about the book, after all we're really in it for the food and drinks anyway.

Speaking of, for this months book club we went to the beer garden in Hoboken and man was it was good!!! And not just the beer. We started off with probably the most amazing pretzel of my entire life. It could have been the butter on top of it but man was it good. It also had these awesome dipping sauces or cheese of some sorts, I could really go for one of those pretzels right now. Then because last month worked out so well with sharing dishes we decided to order three meals and just split them so we'd all have the best of all 3 words, it was the perfect trio. We had chicken, beef and pasta, how could you go wrong with that? The spatzel served with cheese, caramelized onions and bacon though had to be my favorite, it was like grown up grilled cheese delicious-ness. Although the apple strudel for dessert didn't hurt either. I have to say I think I like the food part of book club even more than the actual book part....

Book Title: A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

Book Summary: Stoneybridge is a small town on the west coast of Ireland where all the families know one another. When Chicky Starr decides to take an old, decaying mansion set high on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Atlantic Ocean and turn it into a restful place for a holiday by the sea, everyone thinks she is crazy. Helped by Rigger (a bad boy turned good who is handy around the house) and Orla, her niece (a whiz at business), Chicky is finally ready to welcome the first guests to Stone House’s big warm kitchen, log fires, and understated elegant bedrooms. John, the American movie star, thinks he has arrived incognito; Winnie and Lillian are forced into taking a holiday together; Nicola and Henry, husband and wife, have been shaken by seeing too much death practicing medicine; Anders hates his father’s business, but has a real talent for music; Miss Nell Howe, a retired schoolteacher, criticizes everything and leaves a day early, much to everyone’s relief; the Walls are disappointed to have won this second-prize holiday in a contest where first prize was Paris; and Freda, the librarian, is afraid of her own psychic visions. Sharing a week with this unlikely cast of characters is pure joy, full of Maeve’s trademark warmth and humor. Once again, she embraces us with her grand storytelling.

Book Review: Having never read a Maeve Binchy book before I think it definitely had different meaning for me than for others that absolutely love her books. Apparently the characters in the book are all referenced in other story lines but I wasn't familiar with those stories. It was hard for me to follow at times and put two and two together because as the story went on it seemed as though everyone was connected in one way, shape or form, and it was hard for me to keep it all straight, especially not being familiar with them. In the end I don't think my lack of familiarity with the characters took away from the story, I was still able to keep up and put everything together. One thing I found throughout the book was, was it really necessary for almost every single character to have an illegitimate child? I felt like 9 out of the 10 stories in the book dealt with that in one way. Anyway, while the characters story lines did all come together in the end, it would have been nice to see it more throughout the book. While I was reading it I kept feeling like it was just separate short stories. In the end I enjoyed the book overall, it was a nice read I'll say. Would I rush out to read it again or rave about it, probably not, but I would still recommend it if you're looking for something to read.

Book Review - Last Bite

Ok I'm not doing what I did with my last post and I'm writing this one right away. Considering I just finished the book 2 nights ago I should be ok.... This is another awesome Kindle Daily Deal find for a whopping $1.99 price. Granted most days I don't end up purchasing the daily deal the ones that I have gotten have certainly worked out in my favor. It actually took me a while to get through the book, not because it was bad, but just because I started reading other books in the meantime and put this one on the back burner. So I definitely read it in separate sittings, but it was pretty easy to remember the storyline and pick up where I left off.

Book Title: Last Bite: A Novel of Culinary Romance by Nancy Verde Barr

Book Summary (From Amazon): After ending a bad relationship, Casey Costello, an executive chef at a morning television show, swears off men. Who has the time anyway? She's busy overseeing a rambunctious food-prep crew in a kitchen the size of a closet; trying to please high-maintenance celebrity guest chefs; and dealing with her large extended Italian American family, who believe that the solutions to life's problems involve food. And in the midst of her high-energy, stress-inducing career—punctuated by a steady stream of parties and restaurant openings that must not be missed—she's trying to uncover why Sally Woods, a grand old dame of the culinary world and regular on the television show, is suddenly ready to jump ship and find a new station and a new executive chef.

When Danny O'Shea, a handsome chef from one of New York's hottest new restaurants, makes a guest appearance on the show, Casey smells trouble. But feelings ignite faster than a flambé dessert, especially when Danny whips up a few surprises during a television shoot in Italy. Narrated in Casey's smart and refreshingly disarming voice, Last Bite is an irresistible culinary caper, with characters whose appetites are as big as their personalities.

Book Review: I thought this book was really cute. It was your typical chick romance book in terms of Casey and her "love" interest Danny who she is determined not to have be her love interest. In the middle of their love story was also an interesting story line about her work as a chef and also working for a morning news shows. And in the end there were a few other surprises as well in terms of her friend and celebrity chef Sally. I enjoyed how it all came together. I definitely enjoyed it for what it was a cute, light, chick lit book read with some fun characters. And I enjoyed the scenery of their trip to Italy as well!

Book Review - Before I Go To Sleep

I hate when I don't write my book reviews right away, because quite honestly I forget pretty quickly what my feelings were towards a book. Sad isn't it? And this is just at 30. I can't imagine what happens in another 30 years from now. In any case I do remember I bought this book for two reasons, one first and foremost it was a kindle daily deal at only $2.99. Secondly a former coworker who also loves to read had mentioned this book, so when it came up on a kindle daily deal (see reason number 1) I jumped on it. I really am a sucker for those daily deals, any book for $3 is worth it to me, especially if it comes recommended. It's cheaper than a gallon of gas these days.

Book Title: Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson

Book Summary (From Amazon): Every day Christine wakes up not knowing where she is. Her memories disappear every time she falls asleep. Her husband, Ben, is a stranger to her, and he's obligated to explain their life together on a daily basis--all the result of a mysterious accident that made Christine an amnesiac. With the encouragement of her doctor, Christine starts a journal to help jog her memory every day. One morning, she opens it and sees that she's written three unexpected and terrifying words: "Don't trust Ben." Suddenly everything her husband has told her falls under suspicion. What kind of accident caused her condition? Who can she trust? Why is Ben lying to her? And, for the reader: Can Christine’s story be trusted? At the heart of S. J. Watson's Before I Go To Sleep is the petrifying question: How can anyone function when they can't even trust themselves? Suspenseful from start to finish, the strength of Watson's writing allows Before I Go to Sleep to transcend the basic premise and present profound questions about memory and identity.

Book Review: From what I remember (although it was no more than 2 months ago tops) I definitely enjoyed the book. It reminded me somewhat of Girl Gone, although I think I preferred that one a little bit more. It was certainly interesting to see how Christine (the main character) pieces together parts of her life, and why it is that she shouldn't trust him. I don't think it had quite the same effect on me as say a Walk Across the Sun, which parts of that I just couldn't shake and get out of my head. This was somewhat forgettable  small details. The ending was a bit unexpected from when I had started the book. But I like the way that it all came together in the end. It would probably make for an interesting movie adaptation (which it looks like is already in the works staring Nicole Kidman). I thought overall it was a good mystery book and certainly worth the mere $3 I spent on it.

6 Months Later

I still can't believe I have been at my new job for 6 months already. In some ways it feels like just yesterday I was looking for a job and stuck in my basement but yet in other ways that feels like a lifetime ago already, and I've put it so far behind me, hoping not to look back. To say that the last 6 months at work have been awesome and such a great experience would be an understatement. I truly feel so appreciative for the opportunity I've been given and it continues to amaze me every day just how much more I enjoy work.

I felt like I needed to talk about my new job again on my blog. Since in many ways it has been the main driver behind my lack of posting lately. The days and weeks have just been flying by since I "went back to work." That is what I say anyway. Not that I wasn't working before this, but I just felt so disconnected from everything before. I really feel like such a new person since I have started this new job.

I'm not going to lie, I do still think about it from time to time, and remember just how unhappy I was. I honestly believe that I was truly depressed by my old job and the situation that was not good for me. Switching jobs was the best thing I have ever done. It truly made me realize just how much I was missing out on before and how just how much experience I actually didn't have. I was actually brought into my current job a level lower than my coworker who is the exact same age and has the exact same amount of experience. Yet it is the difference in experience that makes all the difference.

I certainly don't regret or begrudge her that I am a level below. Truth be told I'm actually 100% ok with it and feel like it is the appropriate level for me. I know I still have a lot of learning and catching up to do. But one thing I do know for sure is that every single day I am at my job is a day that I am learning new things and catching up my skills, and most importantly enjoying every crazy day that is thrown my way. I feel am grateful for this opportunity and feel like it was absolutely meant to be. While it's not perfect and does have it's challenges, there is no such thing as a perfect job, but this one is def a match for me for the time being that's for sure!!! (even if it means less posts on my blog for the time being....)

Unexpected Tasty Pasta Find

I was supposed to be in DC tonight for work but to my surprise this morning, I learned that the client I was going down to visit was actually going to be in New Jersey. Total fail. So then I had to scramble to reschedule my travel to next month. So I most definitely did not have dinner planned for this evening. Thanks to the power of google, I was able to find a tasty recipe that would use up the exact ingredients in my fridge that were nearing the end of their life span, double win. It prob took a solid half hour or more to assemble everything but it was worth it. I think this reminded me of like sausage, peppers and onions with pasta (although duh those are the main ingredients). I really enjoyed it, and would make it again. This would also make a great make ahead meal to freeze. The only thing is the portions size was not huge considering it's 9 points. But if you have it with a salad that would be a good filler to go along with it and bulk up the dinner a little bit more.  

Chicken Sausage, Mushroom and Pasta Casserole

Source: Weight Watchers Recipe (9 pt +) / Serves: 8

  

12 oz uncooked whole wheat pasta, rotini suggested (about 3 cups)   

1 tsp olive oil, extra-virgin (I skipped)  

1/2 cup(s) panko breadcrumbs   

2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano suggested (I skipped)   

1 tsp dried oregano   

8 oz cooked chicken sausage(s), Italian-variety, thinly sliced (this I actually increased to 12 oz. I used Trader Joe's Spicy Italian Chicken Saugage)

1 medium yellow pepper(s), thinly sliced   

1 medium uncooked, onion(s), chopped   

1 pound(s) fresh mushroom(s), sliced  (I only had a half pound) 

2 Tbsp water  (I omitted this, the vegetables had plenty of water themselves)

4 cup(s) marinara sauce   (I used only 3 cups, that was what was in the jar) 

1 cup(s) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese   

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9- X 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain pasta and return to pot. 

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring often, until toasted, about 4 minutes. Remove breadcrumbs to a small bowl; stir in Parmesan and oregano and set aside. (Honestly I skipped this whole step all together, I just added some regular non toasted breadcrumbs on top of the casserole, which was sufficient for us) 

In same skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until browned, about 5 minutes; remove to a plate and drain any fat from skillet. Add pepper and onion to skillet; cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until vegetables start to brown and soften, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and water to skillet; cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. 

Add vegetables, sausage and marinara sauce to pot with drained pasta; toss to coat. Spoon into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella and reserved breadcrumbs. Bake until heated through and cheese melts, about 25 minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving (about 1 1/2 cups).

Cinderella on Broadway

Hmm I realized I still had this post in my draft folder and I should probably finish it at some point. I really have not been keeping up with my writing lately. Life has just gotten so busy lately with going back to work and I definitely have not been spending time by my computer, which is actually a good thing. I do plan to keep writing, as much as I can anyway and certainly when important things come up. Anyway I digress, back to the post at hand. Earlier this year, Mom and I went to go see Cinderellaon Broadway and it was incredible, we had such an amazing day. Here is a little bit about our day in the city and the show...

In My Own Little Corner

I'm as mild and as meek as a mouse

When I hear a command I obey.

But I know of a spot in my house 

where no one can stand in my way.

In my own little corner in my own little chair

I can be whatever I want to be.

On the wings of my fancy I can fly anywhere

and the world will open its arms to me.

I'm a young Egyptian princess or a milkmaid

I'm the greatest prima donna in Milan

I'm an heiress who has always had her silk made

By her own flock of silkworms in Japan

I'm a girl men go mad for love's a game I can play 

with cool and confident kind of air.

Just as long as I stay in my own little corner

All alone in my own little chair.

I can be whatever I want to be.

I'm a thief in Calcutta I'm a queen in Peru.

I'm a mermaid dancing upon the sea

I'm a huntress on an African safari... it's a dangerous type of sport and yet it's fun

In the night I sally forth to seek my quarry

And I find I forgot to bring my gun.

I am lost in the jungle all alone and unarmed when I meet a lioness in her lair

Then I'm glad to be back in my own little corner,

All alone in my own little chair.

I can hear those lyrics in my head over and over, humming along to them. I can remember watching the video with Leslie Ann Warnen over and over with my Mom, singing along together. Such fun memories! We were so excited when we heard the show was coming to Broadway! There was no way we were missing that show. I surprised Mom with "tickets" for Christmas! 

We decided to make a day of it when we went in to see the show. Although March in the city isn't the warmest time of the year to be walking around we tried our best and thankfully it wasn't too cold. Mom wanted to start the day off down by Bloomingdales. Having not been to Bloomingdales in quite some time, or actually ever, I was shocked at just how upper class and unaffordable the store it. In any case we walked around and took in the sites.

After that though we were dying for a quick bite to eat and something small since we knew we wanted to go out to a bigger dinner not too far after. We tired a couple of places in the area but they were all packed and not quite what we were looking for. No thanks to Yelp we ended up at the Macaron Cafe not too far away, thinking we could get a cup of coffee and a little sweet treat. Well let me just say that the macaron's at Macaron Cafe were terrible. They were pretty awful, can you imagine at their namesake place the quintessential cookies were awful. I would never recommend this place to any one. We had our snack and quickly moved on and up to midtown before the show. 

Although I scored a great dress at Macy's in between, our dinner was not much to write home about either. We ended up at this french place right near the theater called Maison. The best part was that we got there at just the right time and beat the dinner/theater rush. Like I said that was the best part. The meal itself was nothing to really write home about. We started off with their cheese selection but it was nothing like the French place I went to for book club. For dinner we ended up splitting a hamburger and a crepe, it was good, but again just not the best. In any case you can't beat the company and we were looking forward to the main event of the evening!

I have to say the show more than made up for any lack luster snacks and dinner that we had throughout the day. The show was more than amazing. The songs, the scenery  the sining, the talent. All of it was amazing. I can't think of another word to describe it. It was pretty wild how they got her costume to change so quickly. But we absolutely loved the show and was the best part of our day. And I'm so happy that I got to see it with my mom. After all seeing Cinderella with you Mom is every little girl's dream!