What I Love Wednesday

Do you have certain foods that trigger a distinct memory for you?

I had one of those moments the other day when a good friend of mine bought me one of these...

This is a Cadbury Flake, and I LOVE THEM!!!!  More than just a regular chocolate bar, this is a delightful piece of chocolate goodness that is only available in specialty import stores here in the States.  I grew up with these in New Zealand, so getting one here as a surprise was a real treat.

I'm a gifts person, so surprising me with anything is wonderful... but making it something from New Zealand... well let's just say love tank still full THREE WEEKS LATER!!!  Thank you Nicole!!

More than just a good candy bar though, this is one of those foods that triggers a very specific memory for me. 

When I was 8 years old my family made our first big move (well it was big for us then... perhaps not compared to the move we made six years later across the world...but still big).  We moved from the beautiful and popular tourist town of Taupo to the city of New Plymouth on the west coast. 

I remember thinking we were moving SO FAR away, after all it was a 3-hour drive from Taupo to New Plymouth and on a small island where you're used to reaching almost every destination in 15 minutes... that seems like an eternity away. 

So when my Dad asked me if I wanted to travel to New Plymouth with him for the day a month or so before we moved, I really had to consider hard - that was a LONG time to spend in the car.  On the upside though, it also meant I got to check out our new house before my brother and sister, and the potential to scope out my new room and claim dibs... oh yes, BIG DEAL!!!

I don't remember many details of the day - I couldn't tell you if I even got to go inside the house, or anything we did in town while we were there - but I can tell you that before we got on the road from Taupo we stopped to fill up the gas tank and Dad let me pick out a candy bar for the drive.  For whatever reason, and contrary to my normal choices (Cadbury Crunchie or a Nestle Milky Bar), I picked a Cadbury flake bar.

To this day, I still don't know how I did it but somehow by licking very slowly, and deliberately not allowing myself to take bites, I made that candy bar last the entire drive from Taupo to New Plymouth.  It was a chocolate miracle.

It might just be the most self-control I've ever shown in my life.

The same could not be said of the flake bar I was just given however.  Oh no, that was devoured almost upon sight.

So there you have it folks... I love Cadbury Flake bars, and surprises from friends, and the opportunity to practice my self-control by devouring more chocolate bars.... sounds reasonable right?

What I Love Wednesday

I love date nights with my love.  But especially so when they're to celebrate my birthday!

Saturday night Dave planned a night out for me (my grown-up celebration as opposed to my children's party).  He planned the restaurant, the after dinner activities and arranged all the babysitting.  When I think about it, I might actually love the fact that HE PLANNED IT almost as much as I loved the date itself.

Well, almost. 

We dropped the kids off at Grandma's and went to my one of my favorite restaurants in the area, the Stone Cliff Inn.  We first discovered them last year on our 5-year wedding anniversary and this was a wonderful excuse to go back.

www.stonecliffinn.com

The restaurant is charming with a gorgeous backdrop overlooking the Clackamas river.

(Sidenote:  The background to the parking lot is one of the locations they used to film the movie Twilight.) 

I was thrilled when we arrived to be given the exact same window seat we had the last time we were there... we are calling it officially "our table" now.

Us with our entrees

The view from our table

Besides the picturesque scenery, they have a fantastic menu, a romantic ambience and the desserts... well - can you say "white chocolate custard bread pudding with candied pecans and a bourbon caramel glaze???"

I can.  Especially when the waiter says, "Can I interest you in some dessert?" - it's amazing how easily that rolled off my tongue.

Heaven on a plate!

Following dinner Dave took me to the mall (a place he detests...so I know he must love me) and he took me...wait for it... CLOTHES SHOPPING!  I got to pick out a new outfit and then we wandered around hand-in-hand window shopping and enjoying each other's company.  It was bliss.

And because I'm an awesome wife, I suggested we stop in the local sporting store so he could get a little dose of testosterone before we headed home for the night.

I'm nothing if not a giver!

Happy Wednesday everyone!!

What I Love Wednesday

Today my post is about my boys. 

I love that they're brothers. 
I love that they can play together.
I love that they have a best friend to grow up with.

Sure, I know as they grow older they'll have their rough patches and their fights - they may even have a time or two when they think they don't like each other much - but they'll always have one another, and that makes me happy.

Last night they were playing in the living room and Dave and I were just enjoying watching the two of them together.  NO ONE can make Elijah laugh harder than Hayden.  He adores his older brother, and Hayden LOVES the attention he gets from his younger brother when he does something Elijah likes...which apparently is everything.  And the laughter is infectious.

So, for your viewing pleasure today... my boys - being brothers!

"How good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!"

Psalm 133:1

Happy Wednesday everyone!

What I Love Wednesday - Valentine's Edition

Even though Dave and I celebrated together over the weekend, I wanted to make the actual day special too.  So this week I'd like to post some of the things I loved about this past Valentines Day:

My valentine

1.  It wouldn't be a Valentine's "What I Love" post if I didn't say once again, how very, VERY much I love, adore, cherish and swoon constantly over my hottie of a husband.  I really like him! 

My table

2.  I love decorating for special occasions and making the table fancy.  We're not every day tablecloth people - but every once in a while it's nice to have it make an appearance, pull out my chargers, fold my napkins all fancy and pull out the "hoity-toity" wine glasses (the ones that can't go in the dishwasher - it takes extra commitment to use them knowing you'll be hand washing them later!)

My menu

3.  I love cooking a special meal - okay, I love cooking period.  But I really enjoyed my Valentines menu this year.

Appetizer Course:  

"Insalata Caprese" 

(fresh tomato, mozzerella, basil drizzled with olive oil and pepper)

Main Course:

Garden Salad

Parmesan Broiled Tilapia

Tomato, Corn & Basil Risotto

Beverages:

Sparkling Apple Cider

Dessert:

I was all set to make my creme brulee and Dave asked me not too... not because he doesn't love them, but because he can't say no to them, and he's trying to eat better.  I thought Valentines was a foolish time to start such a resolution... but since I'm not the one with the sweet tooth... I went without dessert even though it ruined my perfectly planned out menu in my mind.  See what a giver I am?

And yes Jodi... I realize you would have gladly taken them off my hands, but I still didn't make them.  Sorry. 

My Cards

4. I love cards.  But mostly I love all the wonderful, romantic, sweet and "oh my goodness he couldn't have said that better" sort of remarks and admiration's that Dave writes in my cards.  He used to write me long love letters (once upon a time) and as a words person - I just eat that sort of stuff up.  It's my dessert of choice really... some people like sugar, I just like sweet things said to me.  And Dave does a REALLY good job.  The coffee card, while sweet & innocent on the outside, made me blush on the inside.  *Dreamy sigh*

My baby

 5.  I love this boy.  He's cute, and squishy, and squeezable and he smiles ALL.THE.TIME!!  Plus, he's learning to give kisses and I don't mind being the recipient of those one tiny bit!

My boy

6.  I love this boy too!  He is funny & charming and makes me laugh.  He says things like, "that's a cute shirt mommy" or "I like your shoes" and "I wuv you mommy soooo much."  He loves to sing and make up songs with me and he also dances with me.  I'm going to keep him forever! 

He was very excited to get his first Valentines chocolates (thank you Grandma Tracy).  And please ignore the fact that he's sitting in his little brother's high chair... I didn't trust him with the white tablecloth - I'm that mother!

7. And lastly... because it's a major achievement, and also because I may have to use this blog as a reference point by the time I finally get caught up in my scrapbook to document this in Elijah's life... but he's rolling.  And not just a little... I mean everywhere.  He finally mastered the "back to the tummy" which has taken him a while, and tonight he just rolled around the entire room all night.  Goodbye to the days of leaving him in one place - he's mobile! 

It really was a wonderful Valentines day.  We had a great dinner together, Dave did all the dishes (I know, he's pretty wonderful), then we danced in the living room to love songs by Frank Sinatra & Etta James, we played with the kids and clapped and cheered for Elijah while he rolled from one end of the living room to the other.  We played silly games with Hayden and laughed til our cheeks hurt... we made the most of the night together ~ and we loved every moment!

I hope you did the same this Valentine's!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

 

What I Love Wednesday

What I love Wednesday this week is my optimistic approach to something I despise...being sick.

So today - I dedicate this post to a few little items around my house that are making life better for me:

Oh have I needed you today!  Thanks for soothing my sore throat and tasting good at the same time, unlike your effective but evil cousins the fisherman's friends.

I feel like you've really been there for me and my nose today... thank you Puffs.  And thank you also for coming in cute box designs that match my bathroom decor and make me smile when I look at you.

And lastly... and I have to admit my personal favorite - even when I'm NOT feeling under the weather... 

Oh you are very cute.  I like looking at you.  And then I like congratulating myself on making something so adorable.

This little guy really steals the cake on the What I Love Wednesday this week, especially when he says things like this:

"Mommy has an owwie in her throat?"

ME: "Yes honey."

"Well I pway for you and Jesus makes all your owwies go away."

Then he stretched out his little hand to touch my arm, squeezed his eyes closed with a look of total concentration on his face and said quietly:

"Dear Jesus...mumble, mumble, mumble... and make the owwies go away - AMEN!  See, you all better now!"  

Thank you Hayden!

Cough drops, kleenex and a dose of child-like faith - yep, I'd say I'm feeling better already!!

What I Love Wednesday

Have you been waiting on pins and needles... emotions high in anticipation of what Kelly could possibly go on and on and on about this Wednesday?

Instead of waiting for your true response, I'll just pretend you all enthusiastically said "we sure have" and proceed to gush about this next little item in my kitchen.  This past week it's come into use twice and both time with GLORIOUS results.

Meet my bundt pan (also known as an angel food cake pan according to google images because mine is currently in the dishwasher and I didn't want to wait to take it's picture.)

Hello magnificent creature - I like you!

Unlike some of the other items in my kitchen, this little piece of sunshine came to me for the grand price of $1 at Goodwill.  

I love a bargain. 

I love that it has those funky little grip things on top that hold my dinner plates perfectly.

I love that it's lightweight and easy to clean.

And I love that it always makes me think of that scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding when I use it, and that makes me smile and want to call it a boon....boondeted....boontd cack! 

* If you have never watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding I implore you, insist, I get down on my knees and beg you to please abandon whatever you're doing and go rent it...RIGHT NOW.  You can thank me later!

But, all those reasons aside, this is my real reason for loving it so.... 

Oh Monkey-bread... you make my tastebuds break out in joyous choruses!

What you're looking at here folks is heaven on a plate.  Pure goodness in a cinnamon/caramel/melt-in-your-mouth/perfect dessert (which I can convince myself is also a breakfast because of it's similarity to cinnamon rolls).

I'm an excellent justifer... and I'm okay with that.

My sister made this past weekend at the beach and then I made it tonight for the ladies at Bible Study and this was the results both times.  

Wait... how did that happen?

Monkey bread... you must try it.  

It's only 5 ingredients and it's VERY easy.

And did I mention dangerously delicious?

Click here for the recipe...and enjoy!!

What I Love Wednesday

It's Wednesday again and time for me to acknowledge that special thing in my kitchen that just really has made life easier for me this week.  

Last week I loved on my pots & pans, and while I still love them dearly, this week they have been outshone. Move aside Rachael Rays...   what I love this Wednesday is my friend Sairaina! (Here she is in my kitchen so it TOTALLY counts.)

Isn't she just adorable?!  Definitely my favorite thing in my kitchen!!

Sairaina and I go WAYYYYY back, but over the last couple months she's become a great cooking cohort also.  Every other week we get together and prepare a meal together (this sounds better than I stand around telling her what to do and watching her cook for me).

Sairaina is an amazingly talented person.  She's an incredible musician, singer, songwriter, worshiper.  She's one of my closest friends, a great co-worker, a fantastic Kids Camp counselor (go Super-raina go!) and she's one of the most photogenic people I've ever encountered.  She's also kind, and generous, and lovely, and gracious, and giving and sweet, and funny and gorgeous and I just love her to pieces... and for some crazy reason she loves me too and we enjoy our quality time together in my kitchen!

She'll tell you she needs the cooking lessons.  I'm here to tell you she's lying - she certainly doesn't need my help, but I sure like cooking alongside her and so I play along like I know something she doesn't when it comes to culinary skills, and she pretends I'm actually teaching her something and we have a great time.  Oh, and then we eat our creation!  It's really a win-win!

Last night she came over and we cooked up one of my quick easy favorite meals.  Spinach, Tomato & Feta over Penne pasta with garlic & herb chicken.  (and then I roasted some acorn squash too because I had them and needed to use them.)

Hello deliciousness... visit again soon!

It's a very easy recipe and so flavor-full!  It's a favorite around our household, even with Hayden who told me it was "mmmmm tasty!"

"Sairaina" action figure not included with most kitchens

Here's what you need: 

Chicken, EVOO, onion, garlic, spinach, tomatoes (I used cherubs, but you could use any kind diced), feta cheese and penne pasta.  The Sairaina is optional, but I highly recommend her!

Start by boiling some water in a big stock pot.  Salt it good and add your penne pasta, cooking it al dente.  Drain and set aside.

 In a saute pan heat some olive oil over medium heat.  Season your chicken (I used a roasted garlic & herb blend) and cook 'em on up.

In a skillet, heat some olive oil and saute a chopped onion for a couple minutes until it starts turning translucent. 

Add some minced garlic (I used three cloves) and stir around another minute.

Dump in a whole bag of baby spinach.  It will look like a lot... do not fear, that stuff wilts down SERIOUSLY!  Cover with a lid, or just stir around in the heat for a few minutes.

See, totally wilted. 

Add your pretty tomatoes next... don't they add such a lovely color?  Oh I'm getting hungry all over again just staring at this. 

Then add your cheese (I used 2/3 of the container) and allow the cheese to melt for a few more minutes.

Add your pasta back in and toss around.  Serve with chicken...or not, whatever floats your boat!

So thank you Sairaina!  Thank you for coming over, and cooking with me, and making such a delicious dinner.  You're my favorite thing in my kitchen - and an obvious choice for what I love Wednesday. (and everyday!)

What I Love Wednesday

I just typed in my title and immediately my mind jumped to multiple things I LOVE dearly.

My husband, my children, my Jesus, my family, coffee, the way my babies smell when they've just had a bath, tulips, scrapbooking, my friends, my church, shoes, white chocolate, massages, Thai food, New Zealand, vacations, everything about summer, the way my husband looks at me, bread pudding... and so much more, but today's post is dedicated to what I love most in my kitchen... at least today :)

I'd like to introduce you to my Rachael Rays.

They came to live with me in July of 2009 as part of a WONDERFUL surprise from my most amazing husband and quickly earned themselves a place in my life and my heart forever.  Not to mention they have made my cooking experience FANTASTIC.

Are they top of the line?  No.

Will they last me forever?  Doubtful.

Do they make me as cool or as good a chef as Rachael Ray?  Sadly... not even close.  (But I sometimes pretend.)

HOWEVER...

Are they a thousand times better than what I was using prior to July of 2009?  A thousand times YES!

Do they have the cutest orange handles EVER, totally reminiscent of the seventies, yet modern, stylish and dare I say, sassy?  (Can a pan be considered sassy?)  I vote yes.  

And do I love that my husband was thoughtful enough to completely surprise me on a non-holiday, non-anniversary, non-birthday, non-Christmas, simply-because-he-loves-me type occasion?  You bet your bottom dollar baby!!

That line always makes me think of little orphan Annie.

"The sun will come out tomorrow...bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow...there'll be sun!"

That has absolutely nothing to do with this post or my lovely cookware, but sometimes I ramble and you're just going to have to live with that.

Anyhoo.... when UPS delivered the giant box to my doorstep that blessed sunny afternoon I gasped, I gaped, I laughed, I cried, I clapped and jumped up and down like an excited little school girl and then I glued myself to the box in a giant bear hug and didn't let go.

Hello... pretty shiny pots & pans, I love you!

 

A year and a half later I'm still ridiculously happy with them.  So today, on What I Love Wednesday - I'd like to give a shout out to my Rachael Rays... and my husband Dave.

Thanks again my love, if I haven't told you lately how much I love them, and you... I do.  I really do!!!

P.S.  With Valentines Day approaching nothing says "love" like the matching 5-qt oval saute pan or the 16.5" roaster with rack... just sayin'.