Sunday, November 18, 2012

Grocery Obsession

I know this is a strange thing to have an obsession with, but I truly think I have become addicted to trying different grocery stores.

Whole Foods- for great produce, cheese, meat, soups, nuts, tapioca pudding, desserts, etc.
Trader Joe's- for some unique items- many of them organic and frozen
Sprouts- produce, bakery goods, dry goods
Safeway- for the staples and basics
Lunardi's- many of the above thrown in

Did I mention I also love Farmer's Markets?  A few good ones in Northern Cal. 
I have been to 3 of the 4 above in the past 3 days. Just checking in to see what they goods are- and if I should try anything new.  As I said, strange obsession.

Just now at Sprouts, it was organic green beans, Turkish dry apricots (to go with the cheese I bought at Whole Foods yesterday), pumpkin loaf and onions for Thanksgiving stuffing.  Weird- I know, but fun.  I also find it comforting to pop in a pick up a few things- versus heavy loads of groceries all at once.

I guess if this is one of my worst habits, I could do worse.....

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Preparing for Thanksgiving Dinner

This will be the very first Thanksgiving feast I prepare on my very own (yes, I am 40 years old, but I have many excuses- I have always worked in retail, others always cook, etc.).  So this is a big one.

Here is what I am thinking:

Ordered a nice, fresh, organic, free-range turkey. Yes, I know to remove the giblets and such from inside before I cook it.
I also ordered a pumpkin and amaretto cake. Yum.
I love cranberry sauce from the can- that is what I am sticking with.
I am excited to make some "veggie concoctions"- things with green beans, almonds and such.  This is where my creativity will come into play. Yeah!
My mashed potatoes will NOT have lumps.
My gravy will NOT be as good as Dad's. Deal with it.
My stuffing WILL be as good as Dad's (I hope). Because he will teach me how.
Jarrod will get to pick what kind of warm, tasty bread-like thing I make.  That will be fun too.

Most important, I can do it and there will be leftovers for days.  That is key.

Dinner will be served around.... oh let's 3PM or so.  Retail still. Must work that night.
Now, what about Christmas dinner..... Hmmmmm

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Relaxation Does A Body Good

You can tell it's retail holiday time... I slept for over 9 hours last night and I still feel sleepy/lazy today (I'm sure the half a bottle of wine I downed before bed may have something to do with it too!)

Nothing very exciting to share these days because work consumes my time, but I can ALWAYS find some fun and thrilling stuff out there..... that is what life is all about.

A little more winery fun was had.  If you have not visited Acorn winery, I would recommend it. By appointment only, but great- and super friendly folks. 

Halloween was lackluster for me as I sat in a hotel working.  But it was fun to see all the kiddie pics from friends on Facebook.  Oh- and I ate a few bites of chocolate cake with my soup & salad for my celebration :)

Feeling so bad for the folks who were devastated by Sandy on the East coast.  I watched the tribute last night- Go Jon Bon Jovi!- and donated to help. How awful.  So glad all my East coast buddies are ok.

Loving putting the Summer wardrobe away and pulling out my fave jeans and boots.  So worth the cool weather.  And a good time to shop for more!

Another good thing about relaxing weekends..... facial, pedicure and massage.... ahhhh.... that's all.