For those of you reading my blog I have changed my blog to : http://thesassywriter.com
No more posts will be on this site. Thank you for reading. ;)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Superbowl in DFW
As you all know Superbowl XLV is in Dallas/Fort Worth. Good idea? Bad idea?
It started off as a great Saturday. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, the ice was beginning to melt. I had a long list of things to buy for our taco fiesta for the superbowl, including delicious craft beer. If you know anything about craft beer you know I can not go to any supermarket, I had to go to Central Market. I love Central Market, if given a choice I would shop there every time I went to the store. Contrary to many peoples beliefs, it is not more expensive. If you want the freshest produce, the finest selections of meat, seafood, and cheeses, bulk spices for cheap and a wide array of wine and beer, Central Market is the BEST place to shop. (Did I sound like a commercial for Central Market there? Who wants to pay me to be a spokesperson?)
I usually go into Central Market in a great mood, especially when I enter the beer/wine and bakery section. This time however, you would have thought it was the apocalypse! You know those shopping crowds at Christmas that never see the light of day until they absolutely have to? Well today was worse!!! The parking lot was packed and I could not maneuver through aisles, apparently people own them. Who thinks they can take up an entire isle with their shopping cart when there are 7 other carts in the aisle trying to pass? Needless to say, I had no patience and I was not afraid to ASK (in the nicest way possible) people to get out of my way.
An hour later I left with a 3lb piece of brisket, great taco toppings, and beer.
For the festivities:
It started off as a great Saturday. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, the ice was beginning to melt. I had a long list of things to buy for our taco fiesta for the superbowl, including delicious craft beer. If you know anything about craft beer you know I can not go to any supermarket, I had to go to Central Market. I love Central Market, if given a choice I would shop there every time I went to the store. Contrary to many peoples beliefs, it is not more expensive. If you want the freshest produce, the finest selections of meat, seafood, and cheeses, bulk spices for cheap and a wide array of wine and beer, Central Market is the BEST place to shop. (Did I sound like a commercial for Central Market there? Who wants to pay me to be a spokesperson?)
I usually go into Central Market in a great mood, especially when I enter the beer/wine and bakery section. This time however, you would have thought it was the apocalypse! You know those shopping crowds at Christmas that never see the light of day until they absolutely have to? Well today was worse!!! The parking lot was packed and I could not maneuver through aisles, apparently people own them. Who thinks they can take up an entire isle with their shopping cart when there are 7 other carts in the aisle trying to pass? Needless to say, I had no patience and I was not afraid to ASK (in the nicest way possible) people to get out of my way.
An hour later I left with a 3lb piece of brisket, great taco toppings, and beer.
For the festivities:
- Franskiskaner Hefeweizen (my FAVORITE beer, a creamy wheat beer from Munich with hints of banana and bubble gum)
- Left Hand Milk Stout (my husbands choice, a creamy, milky dark beer)
- Shiner 102 (seasonal unfiltered wheat, just to try)
- Stone Smoked Porter (to cook the 3lbs of brisket)
Menu planned:
- Beer (see above) and wine
- Taco Bar
- Brisket (homemade)
- Carnitas (homemade)
- Black beans
- Guacamole
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Sour Cream
- Tomatillo Salsa (homemade)
- Chips
- Tortillas (Glorias)
- Smore's Cupcakes (homemade) (Details to follow)
I had a great Saturday evening with a friend tonight including a manicure, wine, and oysters. It is now time to say goodnight in preparation for a great day tomorrow with my hubby and some friends.
In the end: the traffic is horrible, the crowds are crazy, but the Superbowl in DFW? Pretty cool.
In the end: the traffic is horrible, the crowds are crazy, but the Superbowl in DFW? Pretty cool.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Snow Day #4
Friday, February 4th
GREAT DAY! Why? Because we have hot water.
We did not have water right away, it wasn't until after noon that we discovered it. We were having a normal morning: coffee and Guitar Hero. I was just putting a load of laundry into the washer around lunchtime when I looked over and like magic, water was gushing out of the sink faucet. I screamed with excitement. It was piping hot, I could not stop jumping up and down. The hot water had not reached the bathrooms yet, but I was happy with just the sink. Being a lazy day we continued to play Guitar Hero. About an hour into the game my husband heard the shower turn-on. HECK YAH!!! We officially had hot water EVERYWHERE in the house. What a glorious day. The best part, no pipes had burst (knock on wood). I took a fabulously long shower and got ready for the day.
We decided to go to the movies. We picked-up the brother-in-law and headed to The Green Hornet. Funny thing, the roads were actually not bad, the snow and ice mixed to turn to slush. The movie was pretty good. Seth Rogen was hilarious. When we got out of the movie the slush mixture had in fact froze. The roads were pretty slippery, walking to the car was a challenge. Our car constantly fishtailed to the right slightly, haha.
We are now back at home. The day will end well: a glass of wine, homemade risotto, blazing fire, DVR, and my husband.
PLEASE GO AWAY WINTER!
GREAT DAY! Why? Because we have hot water.
We did not have water right away, it wasn't until after noon that we discovered it. We were having a normal morning: coffee and Guitar Hero. I was just putting a load of laundry into the washer around lunchtime when I looked over and like magic, water was gushing out of the sink faucet. I screamed with excitement. It was piping hot, I could not stop jumping up and down. The hot water had not reached the bathrooms yet, but I was happy with just the sink. Being a lazy day we continued to play Guitar Hero. About an hour into the game my husband heard the shower turn-on. HECK YAH!!! We officially had hot water EVERYWHERE in the house. What a glorious day. The best part, no pipes had burst (knock on wood). I took a fabulously long shower and got ready for the day.
We decided to go to the movies. We picked-up the brother-in-law and headed to The Green Hornet. Funny thing, the roads were actually not bad, the snow and ice mixed to turn to slush. The movie was pretty good. Seth Rogen was hilarious. When we got out of the movie the slush mixture had in fact froze. The roads were pretty slippery, walking to the car was a challenge. Our car constantly fishtailed to the right slightly, haha.
We are now back at home. The day will end well: a glass of wine, homemade risotto, blazing fire, DVR, and my husband.
PLEASE GO AWAY WINTER!
Snow Day #4
Friday, February 4th
Fourth official day without having to go to work. I don't mind not having to drive to work in ice, however, I really don't want to make up the days we have been out by going to school on Saturdays in April. Please Texas Board of Education, revoke the days.
Went to bed last night with the newscast telling us that we could get an inch of snow, of course since when are they ever right? We have a lot more than an inch of snow in our front and back yard. The snow is better than ice because we can at least play in snow and it is very pretty. However, I know what lies beneath the snow and it is not pretty! Going on the third day with no hot water in our house!!!
Fourth official day without having to go to work. I don't mind not having to drive to work in ice, however, I really don't want to make up the days we have been out by going to school on Saturdays in April. Please Texas Board of Education, revoke the days.
Went to bed last night with the newscast telling us that we could get an inch of snow, of course since when are they ever right? We have a lot more than an inch of snow in our front and back yard. The snow is better than ice because we can at least play in snow and it is very pretty. However, I know what lies beneath the snow and it is not pretty! Going on the third day with no hot water in our house!!!
I am not sure what today has in store for me, but I can guarantee I will want to leave the house at some point!
Congratulations Lauren on expecting a baby boy ;)
Snow Day #3
Thursday, February 3rd
Slept in again today, I woke up really wanting a large cup of coffee. Unfortunately, still no hot water. After cleaning out yesterday's pot in the guest bathroom sink with freezing cold water, I officially was able to make a pot of delicious Casi Cielo from Guatemala. It is a limited edition blend from Starbucks with hints of lemon and dark cocoa. Yum! My new favorite.
My husband and I could not stay in all day and be sane so we decided we were going to go buy another Guitar Hero to pass the time. Not sure how it happened, but the roads were in fact icier around 2pm than they were at 8am. We had a hard time getting up the slight hill that our house is on, we kept sliding backwards. We finally accomplished the task when we turned around and went up the other side of the street. Almost sliding into your own mailbox is great fun. Ahhh memories. An hour later we were back home hooking up our Xbox and putting batteries in our guitars.
In a desperate attempt to get a real hot shower, not a sponge bath from a tiny sink, we packed a bag and left my my in-laws house. I will never take hot water in a shower for granted again, it was the most glorious event of my week. I was able to take a real shower and get dressed up in my favorite boots and jeans for dinner out.
Today is my brother-in-law's 25th birthday so we decided on Yucatan Taco Stand and Tequila Bar to celebrate. My father-in-law was not with us because he is England. If you have not heard of Yucatan Taco Stand, I feel bad for you. They have the most addicting, mouth-watering Garlic Shredded Beef. Being pretty much known for the mountain of nachos they sell, we ordered some for an appetizer.
Of course you can't go to Yucatan without getting a frozen margarita with salt. ;) Birthday Dessert at home that night was caramel chocolate brownies. Happy 25th Birthday Brett!!!
We ended our evening back at home with many more exciting rounds of Guitar Hero. The bad news: it was suppose to snow!
Slept in again today, I woke up really wanting a large cup of coffee. Unfortunately, still no hot water. After cleaning out yesterday's pot in the guest bathroom sink with freezing cold water, I officially was able to make a pot of delicious Casi Cielo from Guatemala. It is a limited edition blend from Starbucks with hints of lemon and dark cocoa. Yum! My new favorite.
My husband and I could not stay in all day and be sane so we decided we were going to go buy another Guitar Hero to pass the time. Not sure how it happened, but the roads were in fact icier around 2pm than they were at 8am. We had a hard time getting up the slight hill that our house is on, we kept sliding backwards. We finally accomplished the task when we turned around and went up the other side of the street. Almost sliding into your own mailbox is great fun. Ahhh memories. An hour later we were back home hooking up our Xbox and putting batteries in our guitars.
In a desperate attempt to get a real hot shower, not a sponge bath from a tiny sink, we packed a bag and left my my in-laws house. I will never take hot water in a shower for granted again, it was the most glorious event of my week. I was able to take a real shower and get dressed up in my favorite boots and jeans for dinner out.
Today is my brother-in-law's 25th birthday so we decided on Yucatan Taco Stand and Tequila Bar to celebrate. My father-in-law was not with us because he is England. If you have not heard of Yucatan Taco Stand, I feel bad for you. They have the most addicting, mouth-watering Garlic Shredded Beef. Being pretty much known for the mountain of nachos they sell, we ordered some for an appetizer.
Of course you can't go to Yucatan without getting a frozen margarita with salt. ;) Birthday Dessert at home that night was caramel chocolate brownies. Happy 25th Birthday Brett!!!
We ended our evening back at home with many more exciting rounds of Guitar Hero. The bad news: it was suppose to snow!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Prohibition Cocktail Christmas Party
I am obsessed with the 1920's. The fashion, the parties, the drinks, the scandals. I don't believe in reincarnation, but if I did I am pretty sure that I use to be a 1920's flapper girl.
Homemade invitations were sent out in the mail with a Bee's Knees saying:
My husband and I like to entertain. We are both very passionate about food and wine/beer/liquor pairings. We decided to have our first formal party in the form of the 1920's and Christmas.
I wore a fabulous black fringed dress, with black tights, and black heels. I accessorized it with long pink, black, and cream pearls and a feather headband (which I made). My husband wore grey wool pants,a white button-up shirt, black vest, and an armband (which I made). I even made a 'necklace' for the dog.
we had a great dinner menu planned:
1- cauliflower soup with a mini pear and gouda sandwich
2- Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese salad
3- Roasted Chicken with Grits and Hollandaise Sauce
4- Croque em bouche
Homemade invitations were sent out in the mail with a Bee's Knees saying:
"Come as a Flapper or Silent Screen star,
Dress as a Gangster to enter the Bar.
A password is needed, use 'Speakeasy' slang,
For the Time of your Life, Please don't be Late."
My husband and I like to entertain. We are both very passionate about food and wine/beer/liquor pairings. We decided to have our first formal party in the form of the 1920's and Christmas.
I wore a fabulous black fringed dress, with black tights, and black heels. I accessorized it with long pink, black, and cream pearls and a feather headband (which I made). My husband wore grey wool pants,a white button-up shirt, black vest, and an armband (which I made). I even made a 'necklace' for the dog.
we had a great dinner menu planned:
1- cauliflower soup with a mini pear and gouda sandwich
2- Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese salad
3- Roasted Chicken with Grits and Hollandaise Sauce
4- Croque em bouche
We made sure to have plenty of spirits. One of my favorite drinks is a French 75/77. My husband's is a Sazerac. We made sure to get as much 1920's themed liquors as possible as well as champagne and wine.
We rented cocktail tables and replaced our kitchen lights with white christmas lights to set the mood. The house looked amazing.
Beads, feathers, and candlelight!
The Gentlemen!
The Ladies!
Ice Days!
Tomorrow begins day three of being trapped in my house. Who knew that Texas could get a freak ice storm and that temperatures would drop to the lowest they have been for 15 years? This is not Canada, we Texan's do not have parkas, snow shovels, and emergency ice/snow storm kits. I grew-up in Colorado so you would think I would be okay in the climate, however, I was a kid at the time and I don't remember the world stopping around me when it snowed there.
Ice Day #1: Tuesday, February 1st
My husband and I woke to ice pellets hitting the windows constantly like a tree tapping its branches non-stop. Ice covered the entire front and back yard. Needless to say, school was cancelled and I did not have to get out of bed at 5am to drive to work. after going back to bed for a few more hours we finally woke-up. In an attempt to put food in our bellies we had to get out of the house and head to the store. It took about 20 minutes to go 3 miles because of the ice, we were driving an average of 10 miles per hour because we were stuck behind drivers who CAN NOT drive in the ice. Newsflash: If you are attempting to go up a hill that is covered in ice, you cannot go slow, you will fall backyards. Really people?
The ice had not melted at all. The low for the day was 10 degrees with a windchill of -11. WOW, hell really can freeze over! haha! I was in quite a hurry to get out the door so I did not bring gloves for my cold, cold hands. I was fine until we walked out of wal-mart to get back into the car. I had to hold a 2 gallon jug of Laundrey Detergent across 50 yards of slippery ice with no gloves. I was in so much pain when I got back in the car I thought my hands had frostbite. Of course, my husband laughed at the idea. Well....needless to say when we got home and turned-on the news, i heard, "The windchill outside can cause frostbite within three minutes of exposure to skin." Turns-out I was right about my hand hurting. No, I did not have frost bite, but it did feel like it. ...BY the end of the day we were officially getting cabin fever and ready for the ice to melt.
Ice Day #2: Wednesday, February 2nd
Once again schools were cancelled. My husband had to go in to work today so he had to leave the house at 4:30 to make sure he had enough time to get there with the ice. I of course stayed warm in bed. I woke-up a few hours later to the sound of our house alarm going off. Not a great way to wake-up. It was beeping because the power had been turned-off. The city decided to do rolling black-outs in an attempt to save energy, that would have been nice to know before I woke-up thinking the house had been broken into. After fixing the alarm and re-setting the clocks in the house I decided to make some coffee, only to find out that the water pipes were frozen. I could get frigid water from the faucets in the bathrooms, but no water at all from the shower, bathtub, or kitchen sink. I had a great time taking an old-fashioned sponge-bath in the sink from water I heated-up on the kettle. I felt like I was living in Little House on the Prairie.
As if not having water wasn't enough, i discovered that the cold cracked one of the windows in my front room from top to bottom. Hopefully it won't fall out because it is way too cold outside, but it will cost a pretty penny to replace it. Basically, I felt like the weather was making my house fall apart.
A few hours later I received the call yet again, "No School Tomorrow." Let's just hope tomorrow is better than today. I know one thing for sure, I will be getting out the house for a few hours, ice or no ice. I just hope we have hot water so I can take a normal shower!
Ice Day #3:
Coming soon...
Ice Day #1: Tuesday, February 1st
My husband and I woke to ice pellets hitting the windows constantly like a tree tapping its branches non-stop. Ice covered the entire front and back yard. Needless to say, school was cancelled and I did not have to get out of bed at 5am to drive to work. after going back to bed for a few more hours we finally woke-up. In an attempt to put food in our bellies we had to get out of the house and head to the store. It took about 20 minutes to go 3 miles because of the ice, we were driving an average of 10 miles per hour because we were stuck behind drivers who CAN NOT drive in the ice. Newsflash: If you are attempting to go up a hill that is covered in ice, you cannot go slow, you will fall backyards. Really people?
The ice had not melted at all. The low for the day was 10 degrees with a windchill of -11. WOW, hell really can freeze over! haha! I was in quite a hurry to get out the door so I did not bring gloves for my cold, cold hands. I was fine until we walked out of wal-mart to get back into the car. I had to hold a 2 gallon jug of Laundrey Detergent across 50 yards of slippery ice with no gloves. I was in so much pain when I got back in the car I thought my hands had frostbite. Of course, my husband laughed at the idea. Well....needless to say when we got home and turned-on the news, i heard, "The windchill outside can cause frostbite within three minutes of exposure to skin." Turns-out I was right about my hand hurting. No, I did not have frost bite, but it did feel like it. ...BY the end of the day we were officially getting cabin fever and ready for the ice to melt.
Ice Day #2: Wednesday, February 2nd
Once again schools were cancelled. My husband had to go in to work today so he had to leave the house at 4:30 to make sure he had enough time to get there with the ice. I of course stayed warm in bed. I woke-up a few hours later to the sound of our house alarm going off. Not a great way to wake-up. It was beeping because the power had been turned-off. The city decided to do rolling black-outs in an attempt to save energy, that would have been nice to know before I woke-up thinking the house had been broken into. After fixing the alarm and re-setting the clocks in the house I decided to make some coffee, only to find out that the water pipes were frozen. I could get frigid water from the faucets in the bathrooms, but no water at all from the shower, bathtub, or kitchen sink. I had a great time taking an old-fashioned sponge-bath in the sink from water I heated-up on the kettle. I felt like I was living in Little House on the Prairie.
As if not having water wasn't enough, i discovered that the cold cracked one of the windows in my front room from top to bottom. Hopefully it won't fall out because it is way too cold outside, but it will cost a pretty penny to replace it. Basically, I felt like the weather was making my house fall apart.
A few hours later I received the call yet again, "No School Tomorrow." Let's just hope tomorrow is better than today. I know one thing for sure, I will be getting out the house for a few hours, ice or no ice. I just hope we have hot water so I can take a normal shower!
Ice Day #3:
Coming soon...
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog, The Sassy Writer! I am a teacher with a passion for all things art. I studied interior design for two years in college before becoming an English/Social Studies teacher. If I was not a teacher I would love to write for a magazine.
My journey is all about fashion, food, wine, and art on a teachers budget.
My journey is all about fashion, food, wine, and art on a teachers budget.
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