Happy Halloween!

Halloween has come to mean one thing - Jell-O shots.  Yes, there are costumes, pumpkins, and all kinds of other things, but four years ago, I made Jell-O shots for my friends' now annual Halloween party, and except for last year when I couldn't make it to the party, I've made them every year. 

The Jell-O shot problem started when I made some for a fun day at the beach.  I looked everywhere for plastic cups with lids so the shots could go in a cooler without making a mess and the only place I could find them was Sam's Club, which is how I wound up with this:

Yes, you read that right, I bought a box of 2,000 to go with the box of 2,000 2 oz. cups I bought.  I assumed we would use them eventually and I could use them to take things like peanut butter for apples to the office.  Of course, I've never used them for anything other than Jell-O shots, but now that I've pulled them down again, maybe I'll portion out some snacks.

The cups with lids really are key.  You can stack them in your fridge, they're much easier to take than the ones in paper cups, and they're completely portable.  Next, we figured out that flavored vodka makes all the difference in the world.  We've gotten pretty creative in the past with flavors, having as many as four different types of vodka and I don't even know how many flavors of Jell-O.  If you want to keep things a little more simple, raspberry vodka is a good mix with most flavors (but strawberry Jell-O with watermelon vodka is at least one person's favorite). Depending on what flavors you want, you can use generic flavored gelatin, but you may be more limited in your flavor selection.

Once you have your vodka and Jell-O flavors picked out, it's time to lay out a bunch of your cups.  To save your counters, I recommend lining the cups up on a cookie sheet so if you spill while you're filling up your cups, the mess is contained and easily cleaned.  I started with about 30 cups, which was perfect for two boxes of gelatin.

With the boxes of Jell-O I picked, you were supposed to use boil one cup of water, dissolve the Jell-O in the water, and add one cup of cold water and ice (one cup total, not one cup of water and one cup of ice).  I used one cup of boiling water as directed, but substituted 3/4 cup of vodka with 1/4 cup of ice.  I also like to keep the vodka in the freezer, but that's a matter of personal preference.  I also double the recipe because it's faster to make one batch than it is two, and if you're going to be making big enough batches of any given flavor, there's no reason not to.  

With the cups lined up, I like to ladle the liquid Jell-O into a liquid measuring cup with a pour spout, and start pouring.  When you're filling up the cups, be sure not to make them too full or they'll be impossible for people to take.  I think about halfway, maybe a little more, is plenty big.  Then it's time to add the lids.

Take your cookie sheet or pan to your fridge, and start stacking.  I make mine at least the night before I need them, but they'll keep for weeks if you want to do your prep really early.  I think the longest we have kept them in the fridge was three weeks and they were still good.  Who knows how long they might keep.

Be warned - when you show up with just under 100 Jell-O shots and start passing them out because your friend doesn't have enough room in the fridge, you'll quickly become the life of the party.  You may also feel like you're at a frat party, but remember, you classed it up a bit with your flavored vodka and fancy cups, so you're totally fine. 

But I'm Right, Really I Am

Have you ever fallen victim to the overwhelming need to be right?  I have, just about every day of my life.  If I'm wrong about something, I'm quick to admit it, but when I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm right, I often feel compelled to prove it to myself.  Sometimes I'll look something up after someone dared to disagree with me, just so I can confirm that I was in fact right. 

This is not a good trait when it comes to relationships.  Sure, it's great for a lawyer to speak to opposing counsel with a certain amount of confidence, but you certainly don't need to arm yourself with some sort of secret knowledge around your friends and family.  Nobody wants to feel like everything is some sort of a competition, especially when it's not, and I don't intend for it to be.  I just want everyone to have the right information.

While I normally never bring the subject up again, recently I have caught myself sharing my wealth of information with others.  Someone might have gotten an email the other night with three different links showing you write 2012 "two thousand and twelve" not "two thousand twelve" on a wedding invitation.  Then I had to delete the "I'm not crazy for thinking nicknames don't belong on wedding invitations" email before I hit send.  Someone made the mistake of bringing up the 2012 issue with me in person.  Caught off-guard and feeling defensive, I blurted out, "I have cites, I can show you that it's right.  I did not make it up."  I'm not so good at biting my tongue when I'm surprised.  Luckily, I don't think anyone was offended, especially since at least one person in the group was revisiting an issue I thought was discussed and dealt with. 

I'll be working on biting my tongue in the future, but sometimes I can't help it, especially when I'm right!

Super Secret Single Habits

I have some habits that others may find strange.  Most of these, however, are hidden from the world and can only be observed when I'm alone in my apartment.  Then there are those that aren't so secret, like my aversion to putting away clean clothes.  I know, it makes no sense, but I'll drape them over the back of a dining room chair when I pull them out of the dryer, they eventually make it to the bedroom, and then I often spent a week shifting the pile of clean clothes from the bed to the nightstand, and back again.  Luckily Ryan doesn't live with me so the clothes taking up about half of the bed isn't such a problem.  When I had my first apartment by myself, after a long day, I would sometimes pour myself a bourbon on the rocks (note, I would have A bourbon, not 12, and it wasn't every night) and sit on my porch to wind down before scrounging up some dinner.

None of super secret (or not so secret) single habits involve smoking.  So you can imagine my surprise when I came home to find this: 

The package of cigarettes was on the floor and the rag, which was definitely not mine, was on my kitchen island. The good news is, I'm not dramatic and I have absolutely no imagination, so it's not like I immediately began to wonder if someone was in my apartment or if I had a stalker who had broken in while I was at work.  Such thoughts never occurred to me.  No, I had called maintenance to fix a handle on my kitchen cabinets and fix one of my counters.  Maintenance was nice enough to leave me a couple of presents.  As I'm sure you can imagine, I was not too happy.  Luckily, the package was closed and there weren't any cigarettes left, meaning there's a good chance Isabella won't be waking me up in the middle of the night when she goes theough withdrawal and needs a nicotine fix.

Here's what I really want to know:  1) why would you KEEP an empty packet of cigarettes, 2) how do you not notice something like that falling out of your pocket or 3) why would you be pulling a package of cigarettes out while you're in my apartment, and 4) didn't your mother teach you to clean up after yourself?

My mother taught me to clean up after myself but, well, I'm single, I live alone, and you can't make me!

Mmmmm, cheese

I didn't just fall off the wagon this weekend, I lept head-first into a giant pile of cheese.   What type of wagon did you think I was talking about?  Anyway, cheese, glorious cheese, how I've missed you so.  For dinner on Friday I had baked brie, followed by a vegetable torte with cheese in it, and garlic macaroni and cheese.  It was heaven.  I don't even feel bad about breaking my detox. I had been so good about eating only what I'm supposed to, no matter how boring and repetitive it may be, but I just couldn't take it anymore. This girl needs cheese in her life. The important thing is I didn't go on a total food binge because of a willpower break in the moment; I knew I was going out with my in-laws and I watched what I ate all day so I could splurge that night. Another key element was portion control. The brie was split between four people, I let everyone try my meal, and I didn't finish my meal, I ate a little over half until I felt satisfied, then put my fork down and kept it down.

While the splurge may have been worth it, the way I felt afterward was not.  Nothing will make you feel quite like a heap of cheese when you haven't had any in a few weeks.   I just felt run down and about 10 pounds heavier.  This is not a mistake I will be making again anytime soon. Small amounts of cheese may be fine, but no more piles of it.  Moderation is key.  I'm back off of cheese, back on my detox diet, and looking forward to another cheat day I'm sure to schedule again, just not too soon.

A Girl Could Get Used to This

Lately I've noticed there is a lot more money in my checking account than usual at the end of each pay period.  This is particularly perplexing because I have been working less, not more.  Then it dawned on me - I haven't been eating out nearly as much as I used to.  I am a former member of the "I'm too busy, so I'll just eat out" club.  I was aware of the fact this did nothing but drain mt bank account but I didn't realize just how much I was spending until I quit doing it.

So with the extra money I put a little bit away, I pre-paid a little on a credit card I'll be using for Christmas shopping (love that negative balance and points from the card usage), and I splurged on a sequined number I'm hoping to wear to the engagement party.  I've been eyeing the sparkly goodness for a couple of weeks but I just couldn't pull the trigger until...I found it for half price.  Delightful!  I may have also purchased a watch and a ruffled cashmere scarf, both from Rue La La, and at least one of which may be a Chrismas present for someone else.

What an amazing thing this whole "cooking" and "making your own food" turned out to be.  In addition to watching the number on the scale gradually creep down, clothes in my closet starting to fit well again, and having extra money, I have beautiful new things in the mal and on their way to their new home.  I could definitely get used to this.

Now I'm off to the gym, as much as I hate the very idea of it, so I'll have amazing legs in that sequined mini that will be here any day now.  Damn you sequin obsession; damn you for hauling my butt out of this bed before 5:30 (but really, thank you).

I Might Have a Problem

I might have a very serious problem.  I am OBSESSED with sequins.  I've always liked things with a little sparkle, and a bow or a ruffle never hurt anyone, but I have now moved into full-blown sequin obsession.  The items I'm currently craving include:

 

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I know, it doesn't have sequins, but I think it's perfect for lounging around the house, especially at this price

 

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Do not ask me what crazy kind of 1980s soap opera I think I live in that I need all of these sequin outfits, and I know I may hate myself for loving them one day (or at least question my thought process), but I really think I need those sequins in my life.  Does it really matter that I don't have anywhere to wear these fabulous numbers?

However, even I have my limits and this is one sequined item I will not be caught dead in:

 

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I know I don't need to tell any of you this, but if there are any full-timers out there (you know who you are), these are NOT pants.  They are leggings.  They will make your thighs look bigger than you ever thought possible.  Do not, I repeat, do not wear these with a shirt that doesn't even cover your butt. 

Puppy Monster

Isabella wanted me to tell you how good she's been while I've been studying.  This is a lie.

Isabella's idea of helping me study includes:

preventing me from seeing my computer screen

 trying to get me to play fetch by trying to lay on top of me

and parking herself practically on top of my notes and getting in my face

She's adorable but how am I supposed to get any work done?  Puppy monster clearly thinks it's all about her.

Somebody Must Be Joking

This summer I had not one, but three outpatient procedures to have a benign lesion removed.  About a week before procedure number three, I had two root canals on the same day.  I'm scheduled for another surgery (still outpatient but this time I'll be going under and recovery will be longer) in December, two days after my apartment lease is up, and not even a week before Christmas.  I'm not happy about all of this, but I have long since accepted it. 

On Wednesday, I was with my trainer when I felt a weird sort of popping in my wrist.  I look down, and there's a big bump on my wrist.  Not easily deterred, I continued working out for another 45 minutes.  Thursday I decided it was probably tendonitis or something and bought a better keyboard for typing and a bean bag for my wrist.  This morning, it was bothering me so much I finally went to the doctor.  Turns out it's not a tendon, I have a cyst.  Great news is I caught it early and the doctor said there's a chance it will go away without any sort of procedure.  All I have to do is wear this: 

for the next MONTH!

Surely, this is a joke.  Have you ever tried to type or staple with one of these things on?  Luckily, I don't type all day and I'm left-handed.  Oh, wait, I'm right-handed and I am on the computer ALL THE TIME.

At least there's an alternative treatment.  My FIL offered to whack me with the biggest book he can find.  Sounds super.

The New and Improved Breakfast of Champions

Gone are the days of my breakfast consisting of an ice cold Diet Dew.  Instead, I've replaced my highly caffeinated, artificially sweetened and colored beverage of choice with steel cut oats.  I know, it doesn't sound nearly as appetizing, but it's so delicious.  The quick cooking kind are perfect for someone on the go and usually a few minutes behind schedule.  I put a cup of water on to boil, add a 1/2 cup of oats, reduce the heat, stir for a minute, turn the stove off, and leave the oats there while I finish getting ready.   Right before I sprint out of the house to my car, I add about a tablespoon of almond butter, a hint of agave nectar for sweetness, some honey for flavor (just a tiny bit), and sprinkle with cinammon.  I'm lucky to have about a 6 minute drive to work in the morning so I take my coffe cup of oats into the office with me, and eat it at my desk while catching up on my morning emails.  The oats normally keep me satisfied until at least 12 and sometimes 1.  Not half bad.  And the best part is they're detox friendly.  I still crave the Dew from time to time but I haven't had one of those in weeks.  You should probably avoid me if I ever have one again.  Something tells me I'll be bouncing off the walls.

Detox, Day ?

I kind of started the detox, kind of not so much.  Part of the problem was Ryan had a Groupon to a Japanese steakhouse he'd been trying to take me to for a couple of months but we never had time and it was about to expire, so we went.  Then there was a total lack of proper planning on my part.  Oh, yeah, and I'm planning a wedding and we haven't picked a cake vendor so we have tastings lined up for tomorrow, and last night my parents invited Ryan and I over for dinner, and tonight we're celebrating one of my friend's birthdays so....I have a lot of excuses. 

Considering I haven't properly paid attention to what I was eating since I was in college, I don't think I'm doing so bad.  About 75% of the food I eat is detox friendly, some days my eating is almost perfect, and a I haven't had caffeine or artificial sweeteners in over a week.  I have promised myself that on Monday, after the cake testing is finished, before we plan any additional events, and long before Thanksgiving, I'll start in earnest.  Scout's honor, I will start, and strictly follow, the detox beginning Monday, October 10th. 

Why do I think I can stand the torture and stick with it?  Because even with the few modifications I've made, I can already feel a significant change in my body.  Gone is the mid-afternoon onslaught of overwhelming exhaustion, my stomach feels better, I have a little more energy (impressive, considering the lack of caffeine and narcolepsy), and I'm not hungry nearly as often.  It's amazing. 

Tonight, I'll toast my friend on the eve of her 30th birthday, and Monday I'll swear off the booze for a minimum of 30 days.  Thank goodness I don't have any tailgates planned until the Florida/Florida State Game Thanksgiving Weekend. 

Birds

Getting up early is for the birds.  The birds aren't even up yet.  I'm going back to bed. 

Fine, I'll stay up and get things done, but I'm not going to be happy about it. 

No Going Back

It's official - we aren't eloping or having just the tiniest of weddings.  Save the Dates were mailed late Friday, the mailman picked them up on Saturday, and our guests should be receiving their Save the Dates as early as today.  As we were taking them to the mailbox, Ryan made a joke about how he thought I had been putting it off because I was thinking about calling off the engagement.  I reassured him there's absolutely no hesitation about marrying him; I had been waiting on a few addresses and I wanted all of them to go out at the same time.  I also knew once the stack of envelopes sitting on my coffee table was put put in the mail, our chance to quasi-elope was gone for good.  Wonderful man he is, he said he never wanted to elope and he didn't think I really wanted to either.  Pause.  Awkward silence.  Ryan repeated himself.  Pause.  "I was waiting for you to say you don't really want to elope," he said. 

I knew exactly what he was waiting for and we joked about it, but I've not-so-secretly always wanted to elope.  I'm still waiting on the Catholic Vegas option that allows my father to walk me down the aisle.  If only such a thing existed.  No muss, no fuss, just me in my white dress, straight off the rack, and our friends and family, having suddenly appeared out of nowhere, there to celebrate with us.  No floral arrangements to think about, ties to pick out, or cakes to taste and design.  Were it not for the fact I really love my family and could not imagine starting my new family with Ryan without the rest of our families, and the whole Cradle Catholic thing, I would be perfectly happy hitting up a justice of the peace at the nearest courthouse with no one but Ryan by my side.

Alas, the envelopes were put in locked drop boxes and I couldn't go get them even if I wanted to.  Those envelopes are in the care of the U.S. Postal Service, in mailboxes, or perhaps there's even on in your hands right now (not now as I'm typing, but now as you're reading).  Guess it's too late to turn back now.  Not that I really would turn back if I could.  I'm a Gemini, and while one side of me may want the Vegas Chapel or courthouse option, the other side of me can't wait to walk down the long, red aisle towards the love of my life, with all our friends and family there to celebrate with us.  This time, the more traditional twin won, and I'm glad she did.

Holy HTML

I've been trying to customize my blog for quite some time now, but have never really had the time to dedicate to a full on makeover.  Yesterday, while watching my lectures for Entertainment Law, I decided to play around for a little bit.  Not.  Smart.

During my internet adventures, I found a site I thought was going to be the answer to my prayers.  Free design elements and a video showing me how to make the changes in HTML?  Yes, please!  Alas, because of the recent changes to blogger templates, I couldn't use the basic template shown in the video and the result was disastrous.  Hence the uber plain design you see today.  Some of the sites I found would help me with Blogger but extolled the virtues of WordPress.  Daisy extolled the virtues of WordPress when I first started my blog, but I thought I could figure everything out in Blogger without too much trouble.  Boy, was I wrong.

It turns out I am not the most technically savvy girl out there and I don't understand HTML.  Sure, I can fix all the computers in the office by telling people to make sure all their cords are plugged in, restarting their computers, and deleting and reinstalling printers, but that's pretty much day one of Kindergarten these days.  Now there's a thought--I bet I could hire a 6th grader to design my blog for Justin Bieber shirt.  The kids still like Bieber these days, don't they?

What do you think - Blogger or WordPress?  Have any tips, hints, or suggestions for me?

Delicious Lentils

I was given the original version of this lentil dish from a friend of a friend of the owner of a local restaurant.  It's not on the menu so I don't feel so terrible sharing my modified, detox-friendly version of it.  Here's what you'll need:

1 jar of pasta sauce
3/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
4 cups of water
1 onion (I use Vidalia sweets whenever I can and this recipe is no exception)
6 whole cloves of garlic
1 bag (1 lb) of uncooked lentils
4 dried bay leaves
1 lb. of lentils (I use Publix green lentils)


Wash the lentils well (I like to check mine for small rocks too) and set them aside.  In a medium/large pot, combine everything but the lentils over high heat and bring to a boil.  Add the lentils and reduce heat to a simmer.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft (about 45 minutes to an hour).  Remove garlic, onions, and bay leaves, and serve.


It's super easy, so delicious, and easy on the budget.  The last time I made the lentils, I might have forgotten how much water it called for and only used 1 1/4 cups (the recipe calls for a full cup of olive oil but I substitute some water for olive oil).  Oops.  While it was cooking, I gradually added a cup or two of water as needed.  The lentils weren't as soft but it was still delicious and you could eat with a fork if you wanted.  You can also add more than the 4 cups of water the recipe calls for if necessary.


Normally, I add some fresh Parmesan to mine, mix it in, and sometimes pop it in the microwave to make it melt, but I won't be doing that until I'm finished with the first 30 days of detox.  It's great as a meal or a side dish and freezes really well if you need something fast and healthy on hand.  Sorry there aren't any pictures, I made it late in the day and was so sleepy and hungry and I forgot.  Next time I post a recipe, I'll try to remember to take some pictures for you.