Tuesday, January 31, 2012

HELLO, I'M MICHAEL SCOTT

Today, you can call me Michael Scott. I have herpes a cold sore...

There are many reasons a man would wear a fake mustache to work. 
He's a fan of the outrageous. He loves to surprise. He loves other things as well.

Ironically, we just watched the episode where Michael tells all of his ex-girlfriends that he has herpes because he has a cold sore.

I don't know how this stuff even happens. I slept like crap last night and woke up with a disease on my face. I have had these since I was little, and you would think I would be used to it by now. It's a work in progress.

Today, I am thankful for Abreva and Michael Scott for making it bearable.

 Quick! Someone get me a mustache!

Monday, January 30, 2012

STUFFED TACO PASTA

I hope ya'll are hungry because I'm cooking up a tasty dinner! (said in Paula Deen voice...) I don't know why, but I couldn't get her voice out of my head tonight. And I hope when you make this recipe, you hear it too!



Tonight, Andrew and I whipped up some Taco Stuffed Pasta. Boom! (Kinda like Emeril? Where is this coming from?)


I don't know where I first saw this recipe. In fact, I couldn't even find the one I saw online and had to kind of make this up as I went along. Bear with me.

Jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground meat
Taco seasoning (one packet or 1/4 cup)
2/3 cup water
4 oz. cream cheese
1 cup salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1/2 cup (or more... I won't judge) shredded cheddar cheese


1. Boil the pasta shells until tender but not floppy (very technical terms).

Action shot!

2. Turn your oven on. Set to 375 degrees.


3. Cook your meat and add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 10 mins. Cube cream cheese, add to the taco meat, and stir until completely melted.

4. Add and spread salsa to the bottom of a 9x9" glass pan.


5. Stuff the pasta shells with the taco meat mixture and add them to the pan. I was able to add about 12 large stuffed shells.


5. Top with 1 cup taco sauce and stick it in the oven. Bake for 15ish mins. Add cheese, return to oven until the cheese has melted.


I give this recipe an 8.5 for ease of preparation and taste! Andrew gives this recipe a score of, "This is f---ing good!"

Enjoy!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

EXPLORE THE CITY

Last night, Andrew and I decided it was time to hit the town. Since he has been working nights, we haven't gotten to see much of each other so a night out seemed to be just what we needed.

Leffe Blonde, Monk's Cafe, Husband

Before we even get to dinner, we have to stop at Krug Park for a drink. This is only the second time we have been there, but I could see us becoming regulars pretty fast! This bar is the best. The decor is awesome, the beer menu is fantastic, and everyone we have talked to while we have been there is extraordinarily nice. The prices seems to be a bit high... but then again, you aren't drinking Bud Light here! They have over 50 beers on tap and vast assortment of bottles to choose from. Oh yeah, and we ran in to our college friend, Hillary while we were there. She lives in Omaha now, and love Krug Park as much as we do. Who knew?

Try that Chipotle sauce. Oh my! Delicious.

Andrew only let us stay for one drink. He was hungry, yo! We then went to Blanc Burgers + Bottles in Midtown Crossing. I have heard mediocre reviews about this place, but I don't have many complaints. By the time we got there at 7:30, the place was still hopping.

Meatloaf Burger, Lucky Bucket Lager Onion Rings, Bison Burger

Of course we had to start with a bottle, my only complaint? The glass that they poured it into was a little warm... Bummer. Other than that, the food was good but the presentation was even better. Mini cart for your fries? Don't mind if I do.


The only other comment I would have to make is about the ambiance. Tone it down! With the lights at full blast and white and orange as decor colors, it was bright. Recommendation? Sunglasses with every order.

Food: 7
Drink menu: 8
Atmosphere: 5
Final score: 7


Our next stop brought us to Film Streams. Nothing like a good ole classic date, dinner and a movie. Our current goal is to see all of the Best Picture Nominees for the Academy Awards before the big night. Well, we can cross one off our list, The Artist. I was hesitant about a silent film, but you will here no complaints from Andrew and I. Perfecto!


And the theater? More than I expected! Film Streams is located in north downtown, and they mainly show indie films and other shows not playing at larger theaters (think limited release stuff). Although they could have made the aisles slightly wider, we were happy with it overall. Oh, and we can get drinks there! So chic.

Final score: 9

Stay tuned for more fun around the city!

 Blanc Burgers + Bottles on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

BRIDESMAIDS

Ok, so after finally sorting through some wedding photos tonight and being reminded of it this weekend, I had to watch my bridesmaids video. I didn't have a maid of honor and because someone has to speak for me, I decided to do a video. I knew that I didn't want it to drag on and on and get too sappy, and they listened! The girls organized all of this and I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

I love my friends so much (including Nick for doing the slicing and dicing)! Enjoy!


Friday, January 20, 2012

CORN SALSA

Last night was bittersweet. I said goodbye to 56 of my vases from the wedding. (Don't worry I kept a few as mementos!)


Although part of me was sad to see them go, I am so glad to have the space back! Here's to reclaiming your apartment after your wedding!

But then it was time to drown my sorrows... in corn salsa!


I originally got this recipe from my Aunt Diann after trying it at one of her awesome pool parties, and it has been a staple at my parties ever since. 

Emily was on her hands and knees begging me to bring it this today for girls weekend. It's just so hard to make that I didn't know if I would have the time or energy. 

Ok, so maybe I'm exaggerating. This this recipe is way easy! And now, I will share it with you!


2 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 red onion, diced finely
1 cup cilantro, chopped


1 green pepper, chopped
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped finely
3/4 cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

Mix all together and chill. It's always better the next day!


As you can see from my pictures, I used jarred jalapenos and green and red peppers. Really I just used these because it's what I had in my fridge. And guess what? It still tastes amazing! Just use what you have and adjust to your liking. Perfecto!

Now that I have shared this with everyone, do you think I will get invited to less parties because they don't need me for my corn salsa? I guess I will know soon enough.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

INKED


In my effort to continue to journey of badass-ness, I'm really thinking about getting another tattoo. It's been on my radar for awhile, and I even know where I want it! But I just can't settle on what I want it to be. I don't want something that looks cool, I want a tattoo that means something to me. Like a saying or a symbol that embodies my ideas, hobbies, loves, and/or beliefs.


Also, I don't know what it means, but I have been having some crazy dreams! Wanna hear about 'em? Too bad, I'm going to tell you anyway.

In my last two tattoo dreams, I have been getting tattoos without my knowledge. Like I agree to the first one, and the rest are done without my consent. The first time, my mom wanted me and my sisters to get a matching tattoo with her. I was down with that, but when the tattoo artist finished, I had six tattoos. The next time, Andrew convinced me to get a tattoo with him. When the artist finished I had six tattoos again. And they weren't little... I'm talking like three giant tattoos on my back. What does this mean?!


Crazy dreams be damned! I will not be stopped. Now, can someone help me come up with an idea/drawing for a really rockin' tat? Ok. Thanks!

*all tat pics found via pinterest.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

NEW YEAR, NEW STUFF


I have been thinking about this a lot lately. What do I want out of this year? How can I make it great? The answer is, I don't know. I mean I have a idea of what I want to do, but I feel like most of these things are tried and true resolutions.

Become healthier.
Travel more.
Pay off debt.

Isn't this what everyone wants? Do I need to be more specific? Can I just resolve to make everyday awesome? So here is what I have come up with:

Read 3 classic books.
Start planing (and saving) for a trip to Europe.
Go on more dates with my husband.
Discover more of what Omaha has to offer.
Rediscover my favorite hobbies: playing piano and sewing.



In addition to my personal list, Andrew and I (mostly me) have made a bucket list. Out of two years, we have done very few items on these lists. So this year's bucket list is the other bucket lists combined! Clever, I know.


What are your resolutions? Do you do resolutions? What about bucket lists?

Monday, January 9, 2012

WEEKEND RECAP: NYE & JAN 6-8

I'm back!

I bet you thought I fell of the face of the earth. Nope! Lucky you! Here is a run down of the last few weekends.

New Year's Eve weekend:


I have to thank my coworker Suzie for letting me get of a tad early on Friday. Because of that, we were able to get a head start on our way to MN to see Andrew's fam. It was a long drive and Andrew wouldn't stop for me to get some sushi to go... but we made it! I dropped Andrew off at our friend Brenden's apartment to get in some quality time, and I went to Jenny and Chris's to get some sleep.


Saturday, we met up with his parents and went to Mall of America for lunch and window shopping. That's right. I didn't actually buy anything. I'm kinda sad about it. Next time... We also saw Sarah and Ryan! They were in town for the football game the next day and it was nice to stop and chat for a few mins.

That's right, we grilled 'em!

That night was NYE! We stayed in and cooked up enough food to feed a small army. There was appetizers, steak AND crab legs. With full bellies and a little champagne, we rang in the new year in style.

Andrew talking Jim through a video game!

Sunday was a little slower. Jenny wasn't feeling well, but we made the best of it. More food, lots of football, and a few card games filled the day. We also celebrated Flater family Christmas and Jim's birthday! Nothing like killing two birds with one stone.


Monday we said goodbye to the family and met up with Brendan and his girlfriend for brunch before heading out of town. He took us to Al's in Dinkytown.

You actually have to stand behind the stools at the bar to wait for a seat.

It was great! I had never been in such a tiny restaurant, but the food was worth the wait.

It was so great to see everyone! Thanks for the great time MN! Until next time!

This weekend, Andrew and I were lame. And it was awesome. Friday we went shopping and saw the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo! Fantastic movie! Andrew worked a bit on Saturday and Sunday, and we spent the rest of the time playing cards (Phase 10 on sale at Target for $1.50! Whoop!) and watching tv. We have vowed to do more with our lives in the coming year, but we really needed this break.

Upcoming posts: I'll tell you about my new years resolutions and my latest cooking kick. Happy Monday!