I am a lucky lady. I was selected as part of Old Navy's style council to try out Old Navy Activewear..... And it got even better, since another friend also got it. We were able to each bring a friend so we all tried on a wide variety of activewear. We tried different colors, styles, as well as bottoms, tops, and jackets. As is typical, I find the staff at Old Navy to be very helpful and understanding. When I am doing a sample share, I will try on A LOT of stuff. I try pick up just about everything in the category, often in different sizes, to make sure I have the perfect fit.
For activewear, this is certainly no exception. The great thing about Old Navy's activewear is that they offer some fun, bright colors. There is always some grey and black to keep things neutral. They also had purple and a turtqouise colors, with a bit of pink and green sprinkled in. I also found a great bright pink top. I really enjoyed the bright pink top, however, it was on clearance (which I didn't learn until I went to check out) and so was not available to pick up for free. Of course, I got it anyway. ;-)
Out of all four of us, the features that we liked the most were included in the activewear compression jackets. All of this style jacket had thumb holes at the cuffs. For jogging and working out in the cold weather, we found this to be a great feature. I also prefer the jackets that zip down completely, not just half way. Three of us picked out the activewear compression jackets. My sister picked out the microfleece activewear top in white. I think it's a good jacket for jogging at night. It helps to be reflective.
I am short, so picking out pants is difficult at the store. They are really too long for my small frame. I picked out compression capris instead, which actually work out to be pretty long on me. Since my sister was along, she is taller, the pants work well for her size. My other friends tend to be closer to my height as well, so they opted for other styles.
Overall, everyone picked out great jackets. I have been enjoying mine. It fits well, is easy to wash, and has a good length to it. I have worn my compression capris a few times. These ones are a little longer than other pairs that I own, so they are perfect for cold weather and staying after those new years resolutions.
Thanks Old Navy! ;-)
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Sunday, June 10, 2012
McCormick's Grill Mates Party
I was lucky enough to get selected for a crowdtap sample share party. McCormick's sent us seasonings to give a try. We got a "grill pack" in the mail which contained:
- Party Booklet
- Grill Mates® Spiced Brandy & Herb Marinade
- Grill Mates® Slow and Low Memphis Pit BBQ Rub
- Grill Mates® Montreal Steak Seasoning Blend
- Grill Mates® Molasses Bacon Seasoning Blend
- Grill Mates® Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Sauce
We hosted a backyard BBQ at home and were able to use some meat that we had in the freezer. Timmy decided he wanted to give smoking a try and did a lot of research on how to do it and what to do. He borrowed a weber smoker from his brother. We were able to take the time to marinade everything the night before.
Our Menu was:
- Spiced brandy & herb on a pork tenderloin (7 lbs)
- Slow & Low memphis pit BBQ rub on beef short ribs
- montreal steak seasoning on beef brisket
- molasses bacon seasoning on pork chops
- Sugar Bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for topping and dripping.
We had a fantastic time with all of our friends and trying all the food out. The pork chops were everyones favorites. I would strongly recommend the molasses bacon seasoning. It was the bomb.
Monday, April 9, 2012
194 Days to Go!!!
It's been an exciting week!! I have just started a new job at the Bevo Mill. I'll be the Catering & Sales Manager for this St. Louis Historical Landmark. It was built in 1914 by August Busch, founder of Anheiser Busch Brewery here in St. Louis. Day one was full of excitement and lacking stress -- which was great and very unlike my previous position.
In addition, I met with my aunties who are going to help with the big day. Aunt Mag & Aunt Bridget and I went to look at the location for our celebration. We came up with a starter game plan, looked through the collection of decorations that I have started to accumulate (thanks to Aunt Carol), and tried on some wedding dresses. I believe I know what we are going to work on.... but I will get back to you on that one.
As far as the wedding planning is going.... Tim and I realized we have a few things to work on. He is going to look into cake options. He has to pick out a tuxedo ..... I am excited to be working on the wedding invitations. I think I know what we are going to do, but there are just so many darn ideas on pinterest... We are still looking for the musical entertainment. We would love to get a band but I'm not sure that we can afford it at this point.
Hugs!! :-)
In addition, I met with my aunties who are going to help with the big day. Aunt Mag & Aunt Bridget and I went to look at the location for our celebration. We came up with a starter game plan, looked through the collection of decorations that I have started to accumulate (thanks to Aunt Carol), and tried on some wedding dresses. I believe I know what we are going to work on.... but I will get back to you on that one.
As far as the wedding planning is going.... Tim and I realized we have a few things to work on. He is going to look into cake options. He has to pick out a tuxedo ..... I am excited to be working on the wedding invitations. I think I know what we are going to do, but there are just so many darn ideas on pinterest... We are still looking for the musical entertainment. We would love to get a band but I'm not sure that we can afford it at this point.
Hugs!! :-)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Hotel Block
Tim & I picked a hotel block. It was pretty simple as we were looking for the best rate more than anything else. The main downside is that is not near the airport and has no airport shuttle either.
The plus side: It is getting renovated over the next 6 months, has an indoor pool & hot tub. There is a small restaurant on site. They also have an over-sized van that will take people to the party and back. It's only $89/night for either a King or 2 queens. Click here to book it.
It is about 7.5 miles to the Church -- Our Lady of Sorrows. It takes about 35 minutes and is 26 miles from the airport. I am hopeful that it will work out for all of you friends.
The plus side: It is getting renovated over the next 6 months, has an indoor pool & hot tub. There is a small restaurant on site. They also have an over-sized van that will take people to the party and back. It's only $89/night for either a King or 2 queens. Click here to book it.
It is about 7.5 miles to the Church -- Our Lady of Sorrows. It takes about 35 minutes and is 26 miles from the airport. I am hopeful that it will work out for all of you friends.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Rock The Registry
As part of all the wedding fun, we get to register for all sorts of cool stuff. We were invited to a special event at Bed Bath & Beyond called "Rock Your Registry." We went to the closest BBB store in Brentwood last Thursday night. They evening started with folks greeting us as we walked in and handing us a sheet with our registry number on it. I had initially signed up at a bridal show but they had misinterpreted my handwriting. My email address was listed wrong & Tim's last name was listed at Cinch. Oops! We asked them to correct the information, but right now I haven't figured out how to get our registry accessed.
After checking in, we all headed to the back of the store for a welcoming program. They had a sales lady that seemed to be straight from Home Shopping Network to talk about Calphalon products. They were giving away the grand prize of over $500 worth of Calphalon pots, pans, utensils, etc. She was talking about cooking for a crowd and was paired with a sales rep from Miksa. As the first gal talked through a few recipes, the lady from Miksa talked about entertaining and the latest and greatest from Miksa dinnerware. I found it interesting that she was encouraging folks to mix and match patterns for a more contemporary look. She had paired a three different patterns together for the dinner, salad, and bread plates. She used the martini glasses to showcase how you can use them to serve dip individually by filling them with hummus and having some pita toasties sticking out. Looked super cute. During the presentation, they gave away a few door prizes.
After the presentation, they served up cake to congratulate all of the couples. Then we headed off to get our scanners and start adding items. We had to pick up our scanner near the towels section so we started to look around. They had a zillion staff people around to help and answer questions which was great. There were at least 60 couples there so it was not like a private party and yet we still had lots of folks that would help us out. We worked our way through all the bath towels & accessories. We moved on to bedding but didn't make up our minds about anything but getting a hypoallergenic imitation down comforter. We ended with picking out flatware, some nice crystal glass ware, and some utensils for the 'hostess set.' As we turned to leave, we got waylaid by the Kitchen Aid guy. He was a riot and was able to chat about all the fancy attachments since we admitted that we own not one but two mixers already. (Mine is a 6 qt industrial style that has been around for quite some time and Tim has a much newer and sleek black 5 quart mixer.)
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As we returned our scanners, we were given a gift bag. It wasn't just junk either! A sweet treat to end the evening and take home goodies for all of our hard work. We got a mat for drying dishes, a calphlon spatchula, a kitchenaid bottle opener, a bud vase from Miksa, a slotted serving spoon, a eco friendly reuseable cup, plus a Martha Stewart Wedding mag. All in all, it was worthwhile evening.
After checking in, we all headed to the back of the store for a welcoming program. They had a sales lady that seemed to be straight from Home Shopping Network to talk about Calphalon products. They were giving away the grand prize of over $500 worth of Calphalon pots, pans, utensils, etc. She was talking about cooking for a crowd and was paired with a sales rep from Miksa. As the first gal talked through a few recipes, the lady from Miksa talked about entertaining and the latest and greatest from Miksa dinnerware. I found it interesting that she was encouraging folks to mix and match patterns for a more contemporary look. She had paired a three different patterns together for the dinner, salad, and bread plates. She used the martini glasses to showcase how you can use them to serve dip individually by filling them with hummus and having some pita toasties sticking out. Looked super cute. During the presentation, they gave away a few door prizes.
After the presentation, they served up cake to congratulate all of the couples. Then we headed off to get our scanners and start adding items. We had to pick up our scanner near the towels section so we started to look around. They had a zillion staff people around to help and answer questions which was great. There were at least 60 couples there so it was not like a private party and yet we still had lots of folks that would help us out. We worked our way through all the bath towels & accessories. We moved on to bedding but didn't make up our minds about anything but getting a hypoallergenic imitation down comforter. We ended with picking out flatware, some nice crystal glass ware, and some utensils for the 'hostess set.' As we turned to leave, we got waylaid by the Kitchen Aid guy. He was a riot and was able to chat about all the fancy attachments since we admitted that we own not one but two mixers already. (Mine is a 6 qt industrial style that has been around for quite some time and Tim has a much newer and sleek black 5 quart mixer.)
.JPG)
As we returned our scanners, we were given a gift bag. It wasn't just junk either! A sweet treat to end the evening and take home goodies for all of our hard work. We got a mat for drying dishes, a calphlon spatchula, a kitchenaid bottle opener, a bud vase from Miksa, a slotted serving spoon, a eco friendly reuseable cup, plus a Martha Stewart Wedding mag. All in all, it was worthwhile evening.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Wedding Updates
I've been neglecting the blog... But now it's time to get back after
it. We had a blast with Katie, our photographer, shooting our
engagement photos in the end of October. We did them in and around the
house, since we are getting married near the house and attempting to
coordinate it all around South City. The photos came out great. We
were quickly able to turn them into our save-the-date & holiday cards.
We dropped them in the mail the day after Thanksgiving. I, being the
thrifty gal that I am, snagged a deal from Groupon. I've never used
the website, but they came out wonderfully. Perhaps I'll use picaboo
again.
I can't remember if I've talked about confirming our big day details.
Our Ceremony will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. The
service will be at 10:30 in the morning.
Immediately following, will be a small family only brunch. We have
confirmed brunch to Hendri's Banquet hall. It is less than a mile from
the church ceremony, so it will be easy for the crowd to move over and
get the party started. The brunch will be from 12-4.
As brunch wraps up, the bridal party will take off in a limo/party bus
type dealy. We plan to do pictures after the reception so we will
have more time. I'm still planing out all the "must have" shots.
Suggestions for a good pose or idea are always welcome.
After pictures, we have more planned. We are going to host a
celebration. The celebration is slowly coming together. We are able
to rent what used to be a school. It has a large gym area with a
stage, a cafeteria style area with a kitchen, and plenty of parking.
We can have the entire facility with lots of parking. We can use the
stage if we get a band. We can bring in any food or beverage options
that we want. It's the perfect fit for us. Now we get to start
investigating if we can in fact afford a band! Yippie!!
it. We had a blast with Katie, our photographer, shooting our
engagement photos in the end of October. We did them in and around the
house, since we are getting married near the house and attempting to
coordinate it all around South City. The photos came out great. We
were quickly able to turn them into our save-the-date & holiday cards.
We dropped them in the mail the day after Thanksgiving. I, being the
thrifty gal that I am, snagged a deal from Groupon. I've never used
the website, but they came out wonderfully. Perhaps I'll use picaboo
again.
I can't remember if I've talked about confirming our big day details.
Our Ceremony will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. The
service will be at 10:30 in the morning.
Immediately following, will be a small family only brunch. We have
confirmed brunch to Hendri's Banquet hall. It is less than a mile from
the church ceremony, so it will be easy for the crowd to move over and
get the party started. The brunch will be from 12-4.
As brunch wraps up, the bridal party will take off in a limo/party bus
type dealy. We plan to do pictures after the reception so we will
have more time. I'm still planing out all the "must have" shots.
Suggestions for a good pose or idea are always welcome.
After pictures, we have more planned. We are going to host a
celebration. The celebration is slowly coming together. We are able
to rent what used to be a school. It has a large gym area with a
stage, a cafeteria style area with a kitchen, and plenty of parking.
We can have the entire facility with lots of parking. We can use the
stage if we get a band. We can bring in any food or beverage options
that we want. It's the perfect fit for us. Now we get to start
investigating if we can in fact afford a band! Yippie!!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Winner!! Winner!!
Until recently, I've not put too much effort into entering contests
and competitions. But I've had the chance and gotten lucky. A few
months ago, I won dinner for two by an underground restaurant called
Demitasse. Tim & I enjoyed a fabulous dinner "on the house" and got
to meet some new folks.
With all the fun of the wedding hoopla, I figured I could use some
info about our wedding as the subject. I submitted our "proposal
story" to the Recently Ringed column that runs in Alive Magazine.
After putting the pieces together and adhering to their specific
guidelines, I sent the e-mail off with the specified 5-6 photos. I
got an e-mail back the next day letting me know that our story would
run in the March edition of Alive. I'm very excited!!
Next, as I was browsing the web in search of bridal shows to attend, I
stumbled upon a contest about writing a blogpost about your proposal.
I entered a contest on the Off White Wedding Show website that was for
a small gift pack from Sublime Stitching. I won the wedding wishes
pattern & got to pick a textile to put it on. I chose a cute 1/2
apron. I asked Tim to pick out something for me to embroider too. The
pattern comes with a bride, groom, cake, toasting set, flowers, and
some wedding bands to put onto whatever surface I want. I was thinking
about maybe doing dish towels or something for the kitchen -- one of
our favorite places - as well. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
To see my winning blog post, click here. There is also 2 cute pics of
Tim and I with the post.
and competitions. But I've had the chance and gotten lucky. A few
months ago, I won dinner for two by an underground restaurant called
Demitasse. Tim & I enjoyed a fabulous dinner "on the house" and got
to meet some new folks.
With all the fun of the wedding hoopla, I figured I could use some
info about our wedding as the subject. I submitted our "proposal
story" to the Recently Ringed column that runs in Alive Magazine.
After putting the pieces together and adhering to their specific
guidelines, I sent the e-mail off with the specified 5-6 photos. I
got an e-mail back the next day letting me know that our story would
run in the March edition of Alive. I'm very excited!!
Next, as I was browsing the web in search of bridal shows to attend, I
stumbled upon a contest about writing a blogpost about your proposal.
I entered a contest on the Off White Wedding Show website that was for
a small gift pack from Sublime Stitching. I won the wedding wishes
pattern & got to pick a textile to put it on. I chose a cute 1/2
apron. I asked Tim to pick out something for me to embroider too. The
pattern comes with a bride, groom, cake, toasting set, flowers, and
some wedding bands to put onto whatever surface I want. I was thinking
about maybe doing dish towels or something for the kitchen -- one of
our favorite places - as well. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
To see my winning blog post, click here. There is also 2 cute pics of
Tim and I with the post.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Old Navy Bundle Up Bash
So... non-wedding post here. But still... I promise a bit of fun. I am a crowdtapper -- it's a website that allows you to give feedback to brands and rewards you with points and fun stuff. I am party of the Old Navy Style Council which is probably the best brand on crowdtap.
This time, my "task" was to host a party at Old Navy and bring three friends. In exchange for our time, we were rewarded with a new sweater, pair of pants, and a winter accessory. It took a little while to coordinate a time (my work schedule has been nutty recently) and it took me a bit more asking than I thought it would to get three volunteers.
We met up at the Old Navy at 170 & Ladue here in St. Louis. We were there for well over an hour (who knew it took so long to get just the right outfit?) and enjoyed ourselves. The cords that they had were the clear favorite -- three of us took home cords in a sweetheart cut, a variety of colors. Mine are a dark grey and they feel soooo soft. Really really soft. It's great. We all got very different sweaters and accessories. The nice thing about Old Navy is that they offer a variety of tastes and styles. I had a mixed bag of ladies there. One had not been in Old Navy in years and thought that last time she was there everything was set up for teeny boppers/tweens. Not geared towards adults. I had the opportunity to show her that there was a whole bunch of items that fit into her style. I also brought a friend that has a very unique style and is very expressive. Things that looked strange on me, looked great and perfectly put together on her.
As I mentioned, three of us picked cords... and the fourth picked a pair of jeans. Old Navy jeans come in a variety of cuts, colors, flares, etc. It was nice that she was able to find a pair that worked for her as well. As far as sweaters went, we all picked ones that were very different. I got a lovely sparkley silver sweater. Another one picked out a fuzzy cable knit sweater, a very classic design. My uniquest friend picked what I called the "un-sweater." It was very loosely knit and open, the kind of sweater you need to wear with a tank top or cami underneath. The final sweater was one of those newer open vest type sweaters. It's called a poncho here.
For accessories, we all migrated towards the scarves. I picked a lovely black scarf that has silver ribbons through it. It matches the sweater wonderfully. One girl settled on a simple fleece scarf after they rejected the first one she picked out for her trip to Paris. Another one snagged an infinity style scarf, which looked adorable. And our final member of the party, picked a fidora hat.
All in all, a fun evening and lots of cool stuff to see and look at. We were able to enjoy each others company and pick out outfits for upcoming holiday parties. It's my favorite part of crowdtap -- being able to share the wealth. I've gotten lots of buzz after this one... perhaps I'll have some new friends joining the style council.
This time, my "task" was to host a party at Old Navy and bring three friends. In exchange for our time, we were rewarded with a new sweater, pair of pants, and a winter accessory. It took a little while to coordinate a time (my work schedule has been nutty recently) and it took me a bit more asking than I thought it would to get three volunteers.
We met up at the Old Navy at 170 & Ladue here in St. Louis. We were there for well over an hour (who knew it took so long to get just the right outfit?) and enjoyed ourselves. The cords that they had were the clear favorite -- three of us took home cords in a sweetheart cut, a variety of colors. Mine are a dark grey and they feel soooo soft. Really really soft. It's great. We all got very different sweaters and accessories. The nice thing about Old Navy is that they offer a variety of tastes and styles. I had a mixed bag of ladies there. One had not been in Old Navy in years and thought that last time she was there everything was set up for teeny boppers/tweens. Not geared towards adults. I had the opportunity to show her that there was a whole bunch of items that fit into her style. I also brought a friend that has a very unique style and is very expressive. Things that looked strange on me, looked great and perfectly put together on her.
As I mentioned, three of us picked cords... and the fourth picked a pair of jeans. Old Navy jeans come in a variety of cuts, colors, flares, etc. It was nice that she was able to find a pair that worked for her as well. As far as sweaters went, we all picked ones that were very different. I got a lovely sparkley silver sweater. Another one picked out a fuzzy cable knit sweater, a very classic design. My uniquest friend picked what I called the "un-sweater." It was very loosely knit and open, the kind of sweater you need to wear with a tank top or cami underneath. The final sweater was one of those newer open vest type sweaters. It's called a poncho here.
For accessories, we all migrated towards the scarves. I picked a lovely black scarf that has silver ribbons through it. It matches the sweater wonderfully. One girl settled on a simple fleece scarf after they rejected the first one she picked out for her trip to Paris. Another one snagged an infinity style scarf, which looked adorable. And our final member of the party, picked a fidora hat.
All in all, a fun evening and lots of cool stuff to see and look at. We were able to enjoy each others company and pick out outfits for upcoming holiday parties. It's my favorite part of crowdtap -- being able to share the wealth. I've gotten lots of buzz after this one... perhaps I'll have some new friends joining the style council.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Demitasse Dinner
As I mentioned before, I was luck enough to win a delicious dinner out on the town through my witty writing. Woo hoo! I took Timmy (of course) and we got to experience St. Louis' first 'pop up' dining experience Demitasse 665. The idea being that someone takes over a location for a few days, a week ~ more or less ~ and has a specific/themed restaurant. This is an off shoot of the hip underground dining events. It is not just a meal or just about the food, it is an experience.
Timmy arrived first and got to introduce himself before I arrived. The pop up was located in the Dorchester (665 Skinker Blvd) across from Forest Park. The space was previously occupied briefly by Caitlyns Green Eyed Grill and longer ago as The Tavern. Our host and hostess for the evening had decorated the space with items from their home. There was a long table for all of us to sit and dine communally. They also had some comfy chairs, artwork, and lots of pretty candles.
Upon arrival, we received Cava, a sparkling Spanish wine, with a cranberry floating in it. The crowd was small and the space was intimate.
The bottle below is our first course white wine. Yummy!!
Our first course, simply plated, was butternut squash wanton. It was served on a bed of smashed peas with fried sage and toasted walnuts.
After the first course, Timmy told me no more pictures and that I need to just enjoy ourselves. As a bit more luck graced us over dinner, we were closest to the kitchen door and were served first each course. Yippie!! It was a wonderful evening and each course was presented with anticipation. They included two additional red wines to pair with our meals, and not surprisingly both tasted great and seemed to compliment well.
We got to know the folks sitting at the table with us -- directly across the table was a couple that lived in the Dorchester. On the other side of me was the son-in-law of the chef and he is a pilot (but no longer flies commercially) and now is an accountant. The conversation flowed about places visited, the building, favorite foods, wines, hobbies, and jobs. All the things you might bring up with your new friends.
The seven courses were all smaller portions ~~ sort of like ordering a well matched array of tapas plates. The advantage of this is clearly the ability to keep eating and trying new things. You don't have to cry uncle before dessert and you're not allowed to overindulge in an early course so you are able to enjoy all pieces as they come out. We had a tasty and artfully designed beat salad with goat cheese and freshly sliced avocados. The soup was spicy and creamy. It was the type of experience where you're not sure exactly what is coming next.... and while you wait in anticipation, you know it will be good and worth the wait. The palate cleanser was a homemade basil sorbet served in a small sherri glass. We had a course of fancy green beans that were perfect. I do love green beans to begin with, and these ones were garnished with almonds and prosciutto. Our main dish was lamb -- another favorite of mine -- served with potatoes and spinach. After our main dish, we had a splendid dessert that was flavorful, filling, and rich. It was a pumpkin sticky toffee pudding sandwiched with toffee carmel vanilla cream, a carmel drizzle, a dash of sea salt, and candied pumpkin seeds. yum yum yum.
I'm not sure how many more seats are left for this special dinner, however, you can find out more by clicking here. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It was a memorable dinner with all the little touches that make it unique. They take the time to talk about themselves, why they enjoy their food, and why they picked certain items. Our meal was complicated -- 72 unique items went into the creation of our meal. The mix of company was a blessing as it added to the evening. The exclusive experience was a different way of engaging with your food -- if you're lucky enough to have the opportunity, you most certainly should give it a try. After the Demitasse 665 closes its doors, they still will have unique underground dining opportunities. To find out more, visit here.
yum yum yum... still enjoying it a few days later....
Timmy arrived first and got to introduce himself before I arrived. The pop up was located in the Dorchester (665 Skinker Blvd) across from Forest Park. The space was previously occupied briefly by Caitlyns Green Eyed Grill and longer ago as The Tavern. Our host and hostess for the evening had decorated the space with items from their home. There was a long table for all of us to sit and dine communally. They also had some comfy chairs, artwork, and lots of pretty candles.
Our menu is listed above. Yum yum!!
When Marie deemed it time to start with dinner, we moved into the dining room and all gathered around the table. While we didn't know anyone else there, conversation cropped up quickly and we all got to know one another. To get our evening started, we enjoyed a spanish white wine as they brought out the first course. The table was set beautifully and had a different demitasse at each place. The table was elegant and lovely.
The bottle below is our first course white wine. Yummy!!
Our first course, simply plated, was butternut squash wanton. It was served on a bed of smashed peas with fried sage and toasted walnuts.
We got to know the folks sitting at the table with us -- directly across the table was a couple that lived in the Dorchester. On the other side of me was the son-in-law of the chef and he is a pilot (but no longer flies commercially) and now is an accountant. The conversation flowed about places visited, the building, favorite foods, wines, hobbies, and jobs. All the things you might bring up with your new friends.
The seven courses were all smaller portions ~~ sort of like ordering a well matched array of tapas plates. The advantage of this is clearly the ability to keep eating and trying new things. You don't have to cry uncle before dessert and you're not allowed to overindulge in an early course so you are able to enjoy all pieces as they come out. We had a tasty and artfully designed beat salad with goat cheese and freshly sliced avocados. The soup was spicy and creamy. It was the type of experience where you're not sure exactly what is coming next.... and while you wait in anticipation, you know it will be good and worth the wait. The palate cleanser was a homemade basil sorbet served in a small sherri glass. We had a course of fancy green beans that were perfect. I do love green beans to begin with, and these ones were garnished with almonds and prosciutto. Our main dish was lamb -- another favorite of mine -- served with potatoes and spinach. After our main dish, we had a splendid dessert that was flavorful, filling, and rich. It was a pumpkin sticky toffee pudding sandwiched with toffee carmel vanilla cream, a carmel drizzle, a dash of sea salt, and candied pumpkin seeds. yum yum yum.
I'm not sure how many more seats are left for this special dinner, however, you can find out more by clicking here. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It was a memorable dinner with all the little touches that make it unique. They take the time to talk about themselves, why they enjoy their food, and why they picked certain items. Our meal was complicated -- 72 unique items went into the creation of our meal. The mix of company was a blessing as it added to the evening. The exclusive experience was a different way of engaging with your food -- if you're lucky enough to have the opportunity, you most certainly should give it a try. After the Demitasse 665 closes its doors, they still will have unique underground dining opportunities. To find out more, visit here.
yum yum yum... still enjoying it a few days later....
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Meatless Monday - Veggie Pot Pie
This week's meatless monday was delicious. We all liked it so much that I just had to share it. I can take credit for finding it, but honestly Timmy made the majority of the dish. I used the epicurious app to find it. You can also find it on their website by clicking here.
Veggie Pot Pie
4 medium potatoes, preferably russet
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon light olive oil
1 medium onion, quartered and thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup finely chopped broccoli
2 tablespoons unbleached white flour
1/2 cup low-fat milk, rice milk, or soy milk
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, optional
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
9-inch prepared good-quality pie crust, preferably whole grain
1/2 cup whole-grain bread crumbs
1. Cook or microwave the potatoes in their skins until done. When cool enough to handle, peel. Dice two and mash the other two. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and carrot and sauté over medium heat until golden.
4. Add the broccoli along with a small amount of water. Cover and cook until the broccoli is tender but not overdone, 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, then pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Cook until the liquid thickens a bit, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the diced and mashed potatoes. Heat through gently. Stir in the parsley, if using, and season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and pat in.
6. Place the bread crumbs in a small mixing bowl. Drizzle with the remaining oil and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle evenly over the pie. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Let the pie stand for about 10 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve.
The Vegetarian Family Cookbook
May 2009
by Nava Atlas
this is the mix before adding into the pie pan
this is the filling before we topped it with bread crumbs
The finished product!! Delicious!!
Veggie Pot Pie
4 medium potatoes, preferably russet
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon light olive oil
1 medium onion, quartered and thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup finely chopped broccoli
2 tablespoons unbleached white flour
1/2 cup low-fat milk, rice milk, or soy milk
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, optional
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
9-inch prepared good-quality pie crust, preferably whole grain
1/2 cup whole-grain bread crumbs
1. Cook or microwave the potatoes in their skins until done. When cool enough to handle, peel. Dice two and mash the other two. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and carrot and sauté over medium heat until golden.
4. Add the broccoli along with a small amount of water. Cover and cook until the broccoli is tender but not overdone, 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, then pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Cook until the liquid thickens a bit, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the diced and mashed potatoes. Heat through gently. Stir in the parsley, if using, and season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and pat in.
6. Place the bread crumbs in a small mixing bowl. Drizzle with the remaining oil and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle evenly over the pie. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Let the pie stand for about 10 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve.
The Vegetarian Family Cookbook
May 2009
by Nava Atlas
Monday, November 28, 2011
Our Engagement Party
As the wedding planning has been going along well, it's time to start celebrating. We were lucky enough to have my Aunt Colleen host an engagement party for us yesterday afternoon. While my bridesmaids are from around the country, all of Tim's groomsmen are from here. We were able to get all six groomsmen, our usher, and both dad's together.
Aunt Colleen set up everything and had a lovely toast for everyone. She had some bubbly wine for all the adults and sparkling juice for the wee ones. She had gotten lots of cups and everyone was able to give a toast. My dad went first, followed by Rich (Tim's dad), and then Aunt Colleen. Aunt Kathleen chimed in with the last toast which was simple but true. She said that good marriages are created by people that treat each other well again and again (or something like that). Either way, it sounded lovely (for those that could hear) and was very sweet.
My dad made arrangements to get a cake from a guy Virgil who works with him. Virgil does wedding and specialty cakes as a side business. It was a lovely sheet that was decorated with a holiday theme. It had holly as a decoration and green. It was white cake and had a pretty frosting that was certainly made. He also accented it with some of those lil sugary silver decorations. Yummy!! To top it off, dad also got a "small" wedding cake sample. By small, I mean it would have served 25-35 people. This one was chocolate with a minty flavor. I'm not sure exactly if the chocolate cake had mint in it or if it was the peppermint frosting that was strong enough to make it taste perfectly holiday. We had a part of the chocolate cake for dessert, after dinner, which was after the actual party.
Thanks for everyone who came to the party !! I hope to get some pictures up shortly.... but I didn't bring my camera so I will have to wait and see who can get them to us.
Aunt Colleen set up everything and had a lovely toast for everyone. She had some bubbly wine for all the adults and sparkling juice for the wee ones. She had gotten lots of cups and everyone was able to give a toast. My dad went first, followed by Rich (Tim's dad), and then Aunt Colleen. Aunt Kathleen chimed in with the last toast which was simple but true. She said that good marriages are created by people that treat each other well again and again (or something like that). Either way, it sounded lovely (for those that could hear) and was very sweet.
My dad made arrangements to get a cake from a guy Virgil who works with him. Virgil does wedding and specialty cakes as a side business. It was a lovely sheet that was decorated with a holiday theme. It had holly as a decoration and green. It was white cake and had a pretty frosting that was certainly made. He also accented it with some of those lil sugary silver decorations. Yummy!! To top it off, dad also got a "small" wedding cake sample. By small, I mean it would have served 25-35 people. This one was chocolate with a minty flavor. I'm not sure exactly if the chocolate cake had mint in it or if it was the peppermint frosting that was strong enough to make it taste perfectly holiday. We had a part of the chocolate cake for dessert, after dinner, which was after the actual party.
Thanks for everyone who came to the party !! I hope to get some pictures up shortly.... but I didn't bring my camera so I will have to wait and see who can get them to us.
Lucky Monday
It was a competition for a food review around Forest Park and I won which included an invitation to a special dinner at a "pop up" restaurant. What is a pop up restaurant? Well, it's in the line of the new wave of underground restaurants and such. According to St. Louis Magazine:
"a pop-up restaurant is a unique and economical way for a chef to either spread his name/brand or test drive a completely new idea. Such a restaurant has a run of one night to several weeks and is held in a location one might not expect a restaurant to well, pop up: a coffee shop, an unused catering space, an unusual studio or office, even, as will be the case here, a vacant restaurant."
The place we are headed is in the Dorchester, an apartment building right on Skinker. This pop up is called Demitasse Underground. The dinner will be a 7 course meal with wine pairings. It changes every week, which adds to the allure of it. With our meal we will get to sample quite a few yummy sounding items that will be a challenge to the pallet. I can't wait to tell you all about it. To learn more about Demitasse Underground, you can find out what is on the menu through their facebook page. Click here to see it.
Where's the Beef ?
Where's the beef?
In our freezer!! On Sunday we got our first side of beef. The farmer, Mark Nagel, delivered it right to our door. It was $2.75/pound. His farm is further south in MO roughly an hour and a 1/2 from here. We wanted to get a 100% grass fed cow. He said that all of his cows are able to graze and have grass the entire time. Due to the weather, we were able to get a cow that had been "finished" or supplemented with grain. The cow still had grass all the time, but then he has a mix of corn and hay that is available for them to eat. The majority of the diet is still grass.
In terms of scale, I found a "sale" on grass fed ground beef for $4.99/lb. It doesn't even claim to be locally raised. We have not only 20+ pounds of ground beef but we also have a variety of steaks, roast, bones & liver to use ??, cube steak, short ribs, and more cuts of beef that I didn't even really ever pay attention to. We are very excited to try out all the different cuts and try new recipes. I will keep you in the loop.....
In our freezer!! On Sunday we got our first side of beef. The farmer, Mark Nagel, delivered it right to our door. It was $2.75/pound. His farm is further south in MO roughly an hour and a 1/2 from here. We wanted to get a 100% grass fed cow. He said that all of his cows are able to graze and have grass the entire time. Due to the weather, we were able to get a cow that had been "finished" or supplemented with grain. The cow still had grass all the time, but then he has a mix of corn and hay that is available for them to eat. The majority of the diet is still grass.
In terms of scale, I found a "sale" on grass fed ground beef for $4.99/lb. It doesn't even claim to be locally raised. We have not only 20+ pounds of ground beef but we also have a variety of steaks, roast, bones & liver to use ??, cube steak, short ribs, and more cuts of beef that I didn't even really ever pay attention to. We are very excited to try out all the different cuts and try new recipes. I will keep you in the loop.....
cooler full of meat!! :-)
We had it wrapped in paper and it is very nicely labeled as to what cut it is. Yippie!!
Bag of ground beef -- I didn't count, but I know its over 20 lbs. :-D
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Dry Dock Farms.... the end!
We were anticipating the excitement of an end of the year fall festival to go out to the farm and meet our farmers, their friends, the other suppliers. This didn't happen as they had a death in the family. It was a bummer as we (June, Timmy, & myself... perhaps another straggler or two) wanted to see what our farm was all about and hand't been out to Silex, MO.
As the season has concluded, I am going to take a minute to reflect on our experience. I feel strongly we received a full cooler every week but one. I felt like it was top notch produce -- not the "leftovers." I enjoyed our weekly newsletter and our suggestions for how to use and preserve the food. With our season being finished, we still have items down in the freezer ready to microwave and eat. I am planing to participate in a CSA again next year. There is an option to get pick up across from our house at the Buder School for a cooperative. The downside is that all of the produce is not necessarily local. Tim and I are leaning towards using Dry Dock Farms again.... June is leaning towards the co-op that you pick up across the street.
Also, through this experience with the farm we've had the opportunity to get locally raised chicken and pork. It is wonderful. I have a chicken and some pork downstairs in the freezer. We have a grass fed cow 'hanging' for us at the processing plant. The farmer, Mark Nagel, was a guy my dad met up at Kirkwood's farmers market. We have been waiting for our beef for 3 months or so to be ready and it sounds like we are going to have a delivery in the next two weeks. We will start working on some of that frozen stuff down in the freezer to make room.
As the season has concluded, I am going to take a minute to reflect on our experience. I feel strongly we received a full cooler every week but one. I felt like it was top notch produce -- not the "leftovers." I enjoyed our weekly newsletter and our suggestions for how to use and preserve the food. With our season being finished, we still have items down in the freezer ready to microwave and eat. I am planing to participate in a CSA again next year. There is an option to get pick up across from our house at the Buder School for a cooperative. The downside is that all of the produce is not necessarily local. Tim and I are leaning towards using Dry Dock Farms again.... June is leaning towards the co-op that you pick up across the street.
Also, through this experience with the farm we've had the opportunity to get locally raised chicken and pork. It is wonderful. I have a chicken and some pork downstairs in the freezer. We have a grass fed cow 'hanging' for us at the processing plant. The farmer, Mark Nagel, was a guy my dad met up at Kirkwood's farmers market. We have been waiting for our beef for 3 months or so to be ready and it sounds like we are going to have a delivery in the next two weeks. We will start working on some of that frozen stuff down in the freezer to make room.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Old Navy Active Wear
Soooo... in case you haven't heard about crowdtap, it's a website that you join and give market feedback. It's pretty simple but as you accrue more points you get to a higher level and are invited to opportunities. This time I got an opportunity to sample the active wear line with my sister. She was actually wearing an activewear top that she had purchased on a previous trip. I own a runner skirt and a pair of compression pants from Old Navy's activewear line.
Today we tried on several new items and had a blast restocking our closet for the fall. I picked out the 'carbon' women's color block jacket. It is a moisture wicking jacket that also has thumb holes, a full zip, and handy dandy pockets. (I love thumb holes.) I picked out a matching grey pair of ruched compression capris. They also have a handy pocket (can't get enough of those!).
Not only did I get some samples from Old Navy, I had the "obligation" of bringing a friend. She picked out a pair of the full length compression pants with a "purple ivory" (sort of maroonish) strip across the top and a matching hooded running top. Overall, a fun time checking out Old Navy's activewear. I'm looking forward to sporting it around town as I train for my next 1/2 marathon ...
Today we tried on several new items and had a blast restocking our closet for the fall. I picked out the 'carbon' women's color block jacket. It is a moisture wicking jacket that also has thumb holes, a full zip, and handy dandy pockets. (I love thumb holes.) I picked out a matching grey pair of ruched compression capris. They also have a handy pocket (can't get enough of those!).
Not only did I get some samples from Old Navy, I had the "obligation" of bringing a friend. She picked out a pair of the full length compression pants with a "purple ivory" (sort of maroonish) strip across the top and a matching hooded running top. Overall, a fun time checking out Old Navy's activewear. I'm looking forward to sporting it around town as I train for my next 1/2 marathon ...
Monday, October 3, 2011
Meatless Monday
This week for Meatless Monday ~ we were lucky enough to have guest chef Megan Robinson. She treated us to a spicy black bean and quinoa. We got tortillas and made veggie burrito style. We also were treated to a delicious Caperese salad. Lori added fresh sliced avocados with tomatoes, mozzerela cheese, fresh basil, and a homemade balsalmic vingerette. Timmy finished us off with spicy sweat potatoes. Yum yum!!
Ingredients
Directions
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
20th!!
Timmy and I are excited to let you all know that we have finalized a date. We plan to get married on October 20th 2012!! We are going to get married at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic church. It is the parish I registered in last year. It's very close to the house. If you know me enough, than you know that we have confirmed our wedding with my cousin Father Tom Molini, who is a pastor out in Kirkwood.
We are planning to keep the wedding festivities close to home. We are looking at venues and things that remind us of home in South City. We are between Hendri's and The Christy. The Christy is bright and has a large room with an even bigger dance floor. They apparently have the hook up on cake with 2 different bakeries. Hendri's is very classic and elegant. It has a black & white tiled floor that looks perfect for a first dance. They have lots of hard wood and gas light look alike lighting. The downside is the room is dark without any windows.
So many more details.... so much more to do!!
We are planning to keep the wedding festivities close to home. We are looking at venues and things that remind us of home in South City. We are between Hendri's and The Christy. The Christy is bright and has a large room with an even bigger dance floor. They apparently have the hook up on cake with 2 different bakeries. Hendri's is very classic and elegant. It has a black & white tiled floor that looks perfect for a first dance. They have lots of hard wood and gas light look alike lighting. The downside is the room is dark without any windows.
So many more details.... so much more to do!!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Catching Up...
So behind on posts!! I hope to have updated pictures from all of our recent and delicious creations.
Tonight, June and Warren worked together to create stuffed squash. June has made many a stuffed pepper and they are always delicious. They scooped out two different types of squash -- acorn and summer. Both are from our CSA so we were able to sample both types. They put some of our already cooked and toasted wheat berries slow cooked with some veggie broth, diced apples, basil, garlic powder, insides of the squash. Then they baked them while we were getting our work outs done for the evening.
It was another delicious meal shared by all of us. Even Warren got in on our supper. We also had a yummy salad provided by Sophie.... I am a bit bummed that we haven't received more salad greens. They did say that with the cooler weather coming in we should see more salad greens. I'm very hopeful.
By the way.... we need to start baking!! We have at least 2 dozen eggs in the fridge and more on the way on Thursday.
Tonight, June and Warren worked together to create stuffed squash. June has made many a stuffed pepper and they are always delicious. They scooped out two different types of squash -- acorn and summer. Both are from our CSA so we were able to sample both types. They put some of our already cooked and toasted wheat berries slow cooked with some veggie broth, diced apples, basil, garlic powder, insides of the squash. Then they baked them while we were getting our work outs done for the evening.
It was another delicious meal shared by all of us. Even Warren got in on our supper. We also had a yummy salad provided by Sophie.... I am a bit bummed that we haven't received more salad greens. They did say that with the cooler weather coming in we should see more salad greens. I'm very hopeful.
By the way.... we need to start baking!! We have at least 2 dozen eggs in the fridge and more on the way on Thursday.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Engaged!!
It's official -- on Sunday, August 7th Timothy Charles Linck asked me to marry him. (I said yes ;)) We are up in Ottertail, MN. It's a very special place to me for several reasons. I have many fun memories of spending my summers on the lake, learning to water ski, fishing, shopping, and cooking. We also planted a special tree over looking the lake in memory of my mother with her ashes at the root of the tree. As a family, we look forward to coming to the lake and remembering my mother's favorite place as well as creating new memories.
Sunday was Tim's 29th birthday. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and we all were low-key and relaxing. After I gave Tim his birthday present (some new gym gear for the upcoming Rock and Roll Marathon we are 'running' in October), he asked if we could take a walk across the street because he had something for me.
As we crossed the street, just the two of us, Timmy held my hand tightly and then we shared a quiet but intense moment. Tim retrieved the ring from it's hiding place and told me that the best birthday present that I could give him was to agree to marry him. He told me that I made him the happiest he's ever been and wanted to make a promise of forever. I was overcome with emotion and shed tears of joys.
Excitedly I ran over to the house to show June O'Sullivan, followed by a run down to the dock to show everyone as they came back from tubing out on the boat.
My engagement ring is from Tim's maternal grandmother whom I never met. It is gold and inlaid with diamonds and rubies (my birthstone). It is a 'brilliant' cut or round cut center diamond.
Sunday was Tim's 29th birthday. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and we all were low-key and relaxing. After I gave Tim his birthday present (some new gym gear for the upcoming Rock and Roll Marathon we are 'running' in October), he asked if we could take a walk across the street because he had something for me.
As we crossed the street, just the two of us, Timmy held my hand tightly and then we shared a quiet but intense moment. Tim retrieved the ring from it's hiding place and told me that the best birthday present that I could give him was to agree to marry him. He told me that I made him the happiest he's ever been and wanted to make a promise of forever. I was overcome with emotion and shed tears of joys.
Excitedly I ran over to the house to show June O'Sullivan, followed by a run down to the dock to show everyone as they came back from tubing out on the boat.
My engagement ring is from Tim's maternal grandmother whom I never met. It is gold and inlaid with diamonds and rubies (my birthstone). It is a 'brilliant' cut or round cut center diamond.
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