HGTV 4ever

I am an obsessive person. When I like something, I REALLY like it. And when I love something, watch out!!

My new love is HGTV. The shows are amazing and since I am now in the process of "House Hunting" I think I would be the perfect candidate for the show "Property Virgins." It's a good thing I don't have to worry about my apartment being "Designed to Sell" because it's just a rental! However, when I find my dream home, I'll be sure to add some "Color Splash" and decorate it with "Myles of Style" because that's just how I roll.

But seriously, the whole "looking for a house that you can afford but that you can also see yourself living in for a long long time" thing... it's tough. Very stressful. And THAT my friend, is why there haven't been many blogs as of late. My sincere apologies.



*if you didn't catch it, all references in quotes are names of the shows I love on HGTV. if you did catch it, we must be best friends.

Gobble Gobble

So I know that a lot of my posts lately have been about food. Well, I guess that would imply that there have even been a lot of posts lately in the first place, which is obviously not true. Sorry, I've been busy. Lots on the mind.

But ANYWAY... back to food. Sooo, I am definitely a self-proclaimed "foodie." That means I'm not a chef or a cook, I have no professional training, I just love to prepare food and come up with new ideas/combinations/recipes.

With that said, I'd like to offer up a piece of Healthy Eating Advice. Instead of using ground beef in your recipes, substitute ground turkey. It is a much leaner meat and if you season it correctly, you can't even tell the difference!

For example, I regularly use ground turkey for taco meat. Use the packaged taco seasoning and just change the meat. No one will even know. Last night I also used turkey in a new burger creation. I used Baja Chipotle marinade and slathered it on the turkey patties. Topped it with monterey jack cheese and some black beans and I was in heaven. So good.

So give it a shot and take one step closer to a healthy living lifestyle (without having to give up all the good stuff!!)

When in Fort Wayne...

...Do as the Wayne-ians Do.

And that means eat coney dogs on Christmas Eve at Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island.

Are they the best coney dogs in the world?

Probably not.

But is it a tradition that will not soon be broken?

Absolutely.

If you're ever passing through the Fort, please stop and buy yourself a couple dogs. You'll love it.

Re-inventing the Dip

One of the hardest things to do after the holidays is to figure out how to get rid of everything unwanted... That ugly sweater from the in-laws? The 5 pounds of cooked ham in the fridge? The 5 pounds of unwanted fat around your waistline?

Here are some tips: Re-Gift, Re-Invent, and Re-New.

Re-Gift: make a box (or a garbage bag) full of small assorted gifts that you have no use for and save them for next year when you're in a pinch for hostess gifts, white elephant gag gifts, and something to wear to the "Tacky Christmas Sweater Party." (This is also a great time to go hit up the after-christmas sales and stock up on basic, generic gifts like candles, ornaments, and accessories at huge discounts!)

Re-Invent: Use up some of your leftovers in new ways. Can't imagine eating another chip full of Spinach & Artichoke Dip? Spread it on some flatbread, add some chicken, top with cheese and you have a personal pizza! Cut up the ham and make mini egg casseroles or ham & cheese turnovers. Use the extra buffalo chicken dip to top a tossed salad. Really, the possibilities are endless- just be creative! (and if you need recipes, let me know!)

Re-New: Renew your membership at the gym or renew your motivation to get back out there and work it! I know I need to. All that delicious holiday food sure knows how to stick with me well beyond the holidays! Just create small goals and work toward them. I know I'm trying!

Wrapping up the season

I was finally able to enjoy one of the best Christmas presents of 2008 this past weekend. I got tickets to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra at the American Airlines Center in Dallas and it was AMAZING!! If you haven't heard their music, please do yourself a favor and look them up. I bet you never guessed you could rock out to Christmas music!

Here is a video from one of their stops this year, but it does the performance no justice (and ignore the fat heads in front of the poor camera work). At least you can get the idea of the incredible light, laser, and fire show that accompanies such amazing musical talent!

Enjoy! (and better yet- go see them next year!!)

Shoulda put a ring on it

As much as I HATE this song, I have to give this guy major credit for totally out-dancing Beyonce'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxKhd5O8d2Y

...and more than that, I have to give credit to my Dad and brothers for giving him a run for his money during a drunken, beerpong induced impression session! Back up dancers like whoa!

Happy New Year!

The holidays have kept me extremely busy, and unfortunately away from my blog. Boo to that. Hopefully when the dust settles and I have time to reflect, I'll put up a bunch of post-holiday goodness for you to enjoy.

In any case, I hope everyone had a wonderful 2008 and are all looking forward to an even better 2009. If you're making resolutions, good for you. Stick to it.

Here is my New Year's Resolution: Love Every Minute.
Love the people, the moments, the experiences, and the memories all year round. You only live it once, so make it worth it!!

Ok, enough of the cliche pep-talk! Everyone be happy, be safe, and have a WONDERFUL New Year's Eve!