Bargains Part 3

SHOES!! Everyone needs a fabulous pair of shoes in their lifetime. Unfortunately all of us aren't able to afford the full price Jimmy Choo's or Christian Louboutin's, however there are ways to get the fabulous shoes at a less extravagant price.

Michael Kors Grommet Slingbacks - $58.60
These are my newest addition to my collection this year. These are from the MICHAEL by Michael Kors line. Michael Kors is my absolute favorite designer, especially for shoes, so when I saw these on sale online I had to have them. Michael Kors shoes are the best priced designer shoes and are often on sale at Nordstrom. These are sure to spice up your shoe collection and give you the perfect special occasion shoe.

Steve Madden Gladiators - $109.95
These are a bit more pricey, but if you're looking for a good alternative to the $4000.00 Chanel shoes that Sarah Jessica Parker wears in Sex and the City, these are the ones. They are suprisingly comfortable for the high heel. (They let me survive a whole night of runing around Portland for a bachelorette party!) They have a lot going on, so pair them with a simpler outfit like a dress and some good accesories. A perfect way to look great for those New Year's Eve parties. Steve Madden's available also at Nordstrom.

Michael Kors Initial Peeptoe Pumps - $36.80
Again, another pair of Michael Kors. These were my first pair that I got at Nordstrom Rack in Honolulu. It is sort of the luck of the draw at the Rack, but you can find some excellent deals on your favorite designer shoes. As long as you don't mind them being a little bit broken in already.

"Banana Heels" - $5.00
These were a gift from my mom, but still a fantastic deal! My mom purchased them at a small boutique named Bliss in Fremont. They have real cute clothing and some great deals. The points are quite eggagerated on the front, but it makes for great costume shoes. Plus the color is just outrageous! With shoes like these, I like to pair them with dark jeans and a neutral color top and, of course, matching jewelry. (Yes, I have a necklace that is the same color.) It's all about the shoes with these. They will catch the eye of just about anyone in the room.

The Music Of Disney

So who doesn't love Disney music!? I think we all do. One of my favorite things to listen to over the years for some cheering up or just fun entertainment has been "The Music Of Disney: A Legacy In Song". It is a three disc compilation of Disney songs of the distant past up until Beauty and the Beast. We are talking old songs too, like "That Darn Cat" and "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf". (I'm currently listening to "Higitus Figitus" from The Sword in the Stone!) It is a great compilation that will take you back to the days of the old cartoons and movies that you watched when you were a kid. Other favorites include "The Spectrum Song" and "Duck Tales Theme". Check it out! It will have you nostalgic for hours.

Comfort Foods for Cold Days

So now that winter has officially started, I have relied upon my favorite comfort foods to keep me warm (or at least full!) on these cold days. Here are a few of my favorite things...to eat:

Egg in a Hole
This is my absolute favorite thing to eat for breakfast. It combines your eggs and toast all in one. First, toast your bread to make it nice and crispy. Then using a tool of your choice (cookie cutter, glass, etc.) cut a hole in the middle of the bread. Place the bread in a frying pan and crack an egg in the middle. Then flip when ready and make sure it's cooked all the way through. Viola! Egg in a hole. And you still have your cut out piece of toast to enjoy with jam, etc. Other variations include "Egg Sammys" (egg sandwiches) where I like to put fried eggs and cheese on English muffins or just Egg on Toast where I put a soft-boiled egg right on top of the toast.


Peanut Butter & Jelly Open Faces
This is another favorite thing to eat for breakfast. I love sandwiches, but when it comes to the PB&J, the bread kinda takes over, so I prefer the open face toast. Little less bread, a lot more PB&J taste! (I believe the "how to" is pretty self explanitory!)

Quesadilla
This is one of my favorite lunch items to make, especially during the cold weather. Now, of course, there is always the simple tortilla and cheese quesadilla, but I usually like to add a little bit of spice to mine. Or just anything I can find in the fridge. For the ultimate in quesadilla goodness, in addition to your cheese add refried beans, fajita chicken and slices of avocado. Mmm. Don't forget your sides for dipping!

Spaghetti & Bread
For dinner, spaghetti and a good loaf of bread is always a winner. It's quick, it's easy, and you'll be warmed up in no time at all. If you choose to make your own sauce, start with browning your sausage. After that, just throw some things into a pot with the sausage (canned tomato sauce is necessary) and let simmer for a while. If you aren't feeling up for that, I recommend Classico canned sauces. Roasted garlic and herb is my favorite (cause I'm a big fan of the garlic). Other than that, just boil your noodles and heat up your bread in the oven and you're all set!

Peppermint Ice Cream
For dessert, although it's cold, I still recommend ice cream. It's so delicious and with the peppermint flavor, it will get you into the holiday spirit. I always like to stir mine around for awhile until it is super soft. But to each his own. Enjoy!

Is This Seattle?

This weather has been so crazy I feel like I'm not even living in Seattle. It looks like a totally different place. I LOVE IT! I actually have a winter break now because I got the entire week off work just due to weather! I know it has been a hassle getting places and doing things, but you just gotta be appreciative because how often does this kinda stuff happen here?? Almost never! I do have one word of caution: please be careful while driving! The other night my family and I were watching TV and we heard a thud and we rushed to our windows. Someone had taken out a whole tree on our parking strip, left some car parts and continued driving down the sidewalk!! Crazy stuff. Hope everyone is okay. Enjoy the snow while it lasts!

Tacky Sweater Party

It just wouldn't be the holiday season without a Tacky Sweater Party. This year my brother hosted one at his house and it was a riot. Unfortunately not many people got the tacky sweater memo, but the party was still fun and there were still some hilarious outfits. To add to the holiday cheer, I mixed up some Candy Cane Martinis. The recipe is super easy and it's so tasty!

Candy Cane Martinis
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1 tbsp peppermint schnapps
Shake together with ice in a shaker (preferably snowman shaped like mine) and pour into a martini class with a candy caned rim.

A delicious treat and a great way to enjoy the holidays!

Coffee Shop Etiquette

Everyone has little things that bug them about their jobs, it's just inevitable. Having been a barista time and time again, there are a few things that make me twinge a little bit. Now I know not everyone will get the chance to be a barista in their lives, however I believe there are some things that everyone should know especially if you're an espresso fiend and living here in Seattle basically where the coffee fiasco originated. So I have compiled a list of dos and don'ts for ordering your favorite drinks (and pastries too!). Take it to heart, but also with a grain of salt. It's meant to be humorous.

Although cafes differ, here are a few standards that you will find in most of them that you should know when ordering drinks:
1) Short = 8 oz, tall = 12 oz, grande = 16 oz, veinte = 20 oz
2) Americanos work like this:
short = 1 shot, tall = 2 shots, grande = 3 shots, veinte = 4 shots
Any other drink with espresso (latte, mocha, etc.) work like this:
short = 1 shot, tall = 1 shot, grande = 2 shots, veinte = 3 shots
3) Americanos and drip coffee are served with some room for cream.
4) Lattes, mochas, chais (anything with milk) will be made with whole milk unless otherwise specified.
5) If you really want to impress your barista, here is the correct order in which to say your order:
a) if it's decaf or split (if it's regular you don't have to say anything), b) iced (again, if it's not iced you don't have to say anything), c) size (ALWAYS SAY THIS), d) milk preference (if you want whole milk, shh (see Standard #3)), e) flavoring (only if wanted), f) finally the name of the drink, g) extras (if you like foam, or don't, if you want it extra hot, whip cream, stuff like that)
AND for all those who have always wondered (like me before I became a barista)
6) A latte is about 3/4 milk and 1/4 foam. A cappuccino about is 1/4 milk and 3/4 foam.

Now that you have studied your standards and know your stuff, here are your dos and don'ts:

Do...
...tell us what size drink you want. Seriously, most stores will have at least 3, if not 4, sizes to choose from. So if you are ordering a drink, please don't leave the size out. It's annoying.
...tell us if you want it for here. Most of us baristas are on automatic pilot (especially having to be up so early) so when you order something, your pastries are going in a pastry bag and your drinks in a cardboard cup. If you wanted it on a plate or in a mug, you should have said so. We can't read your mind.
...be specific. If you want a cookie or a muffin and you notice that there are 6 different kinds of cookies or muffins, don't make us ask you which one. Saying a kind or even pointing to it works better and takes less time.
...tell us if you want whip cream on your mocha or hot chocolate. The standard would usually be that whip is always included in both of these drinks, but too many people don't want it these days that you need to specify otherwise you're probably not going to get it.
...tip. You tip your bartender right? Usually $1 per drink? I've also been a bartender and I can tell you it's harder to make a mocha than a rum & coke. Especially one with a pretty foam Christmas tree on top. Just a suggestion...

Don't...
...say "coffee" if you mean latte or americano. Coffee to a barista is drip coffee. So if you come to us and say "I want a coffee" you're going to get a drip coffee and we don't want to hear it if that isn't really what you wanted. Also we'll be annoyed cause we'll have to ask you what size (refer to "Do #1).
...order a cappuccino if you don't know what else to get. If you've never ordered an espresso drink before I wouldn't suggest this one. Just because it's the most well known name, doesn't mean it's the best.
...order a single/double chai. Chai comes in sizes, not shots. It's half chai, half milk. So if you want one, just tell us what size you want.
...order a double tall americano, single tall latte, etc. Know you're drink and how it's ordered (see "Standard #1, 4).
...start your sentence with "Can you make..." We probably can. Just order and if we don't have something, I will gladly suggest an alternative.
...be ashamed of your drink order, just order what you want. If your favorite drink is a split shot, iced, grande, 2%, sugar-free almond, latte with one raw sugar and an half an inch of room, you can order that. If the barista complains, it means they're stupid and can't make the drink. Okay maybe not, but especially if it's slow, we like exciting drinks. Plain lattes are boring.


Alright, now that you have learned all of this, you will be an expert at coffee shop etiquette and make your local barista very happy!!

Marley & Me

I had never cried from reading a book until I read this one. Not that it's a bad book. The exact opposite actually. This is one of the best books I have read in long time. It is so touching and something that everyone can relate too. Although I was pet deprived as a kid (stupid dad allergies), I always loved animals and still do. The first thing I'm going to buy when I am settled in my own apartment with my excellent career job is a dog. And this book just solidified that even more. Marley & Me follows the story of John and Jenny, a married couple who bring a dog home to live with them. He is an awful dog, but so happy and spirited that it really doesn't matter how many walls he destroys, they love him anyways. The story continues with adding onto the family, moving, and the last days of Marley's life (cue the crying). It's just amazing to hear a story about a dog that strengthens a family so much like Marley does. If you have pets, or even if you don't, read this book. It will take you two days. And then see the movie! It comes out Christmas Day!

Foo Fighters Play Carly Simon

I love this performance! This is from the Grammy Nominations Show 2008 and it's the Foo Fighters playing "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon. A great song and a great new rendition!

Mascots Gone Wild

I just came across this great article about crazy college mascots. It's good for a laugh to find out what these people/animals do. My favorite is number 7, for obvious reasons. Enjoy!

Advent Calendars

Tomorrow is December 1st so I hope you all have your advent calendars and are ready to count down the days until Christmas Day! Advent calendars are a cute way to count down and something to look forward to every morning when you wake up. Whether you prefer the ones with pictures inside or if you like the chocolates, pick yours up soon and start the count down! If you're not into the calendars, a simple paper chain also works great!

The Holiday Season Begins!!!!

The holiday season is officially upon us! Get ready to celebrate the most magical season of all. I absolutely love this time of year and I hope you all do too. Here are a few things I recommend doing during the holiday season to make it a little happier.

1. Watch the classics.
There are three movie classics that are a must see every year. For me there are a must see multiple times. So be sure and check out A Christmas Story, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and Elf. You wont be disappointed or be able to stop laughing!

2. Drink a peppermint hot cocoa.
Who doesn't love cocoa? I always find it a bit better when you add a little mint to it. Plus when you get the taste of peppermint it reminds you of candy canes and brings you right into the season. Drink some in front of a fire while it snows!

3. Frolic in the snow.
If you're lucky enough to be in a place where it snows, the best way to enjoy it is to go outside and run around in it. Just put on your winter woolens and catch the snow flakes on your tongue. If you get enough snow, my favorite childhood pastime is making a snowball and then eating it!

4. Make cookies.
There are so many options for cookies this season. You can always make the basic sugar cookies in holiday shapes, however there's also the candy cane cookies and chocolate mint sandwich cookies. Pick your favorite and make treats for friends, family, and yourself.

5. Decorate.
Even if it's just little things, make your place of residence feel more like the holiday season. A Christmas tree is always the most fun, but even just some garland with a couple ornaments would be great. Place a snowman or a Santa out on a table and viola! You have "holiday-ed" your place.

I'm sure I will have many more holiday ideas for you in upcoming blogs. Just enjoy the season!

Naps

Naps are great. Don't ever feel guilty for taking one!

Four Christmases

Most movie reviewers will disagree with me on this one, so if you're into listening to those people then we probably don't have the same taste. However, in my opinion, this movie was very funny and served it's purpose as good holiday entertainment. Who cares if Vince Vaughn is so much taller than Reese Witherspoon? If you are a fan of the classic Vince Vaughn character (how is it everything that comes out of his mouth is funny?) then you will certainly enjoy this movie as well. Laughter was constant throughout the entire film with the exception of the one sentimental feelings that I guess are necessary to a holiday film. However the sentiment doesn't last long and it jumps quickly back into the funny. I was a bit skeptical about seeing it because I was afraid the funny parts were in the trailer and I had already seen them all, however with free passes I decided to go and I was not disappointed. Of course it doesn't quite stack up to the classics like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Elf, and A Christmas Story, but if you're looking for a new one to see this year I would say check out Four Christmases.

Thanksgiving Soup

Alone this Thanksgiving? We can't all be lucky enough to be home this year. And a whole Thanksgiving feast is a lot to cook for just one person. Well here is a solution: it's called the "Almost Like Thanksgiving" Turkey Soup. It calls for much less ingredients than a normal T-day dinner and you can prepare it in much less time. So if you're craving that fall turkey taste but can't go home, make this soup for yourself! Pair it with some cranberry juice and pumpkin ice cream (substitutes for cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie) and enjoy a Thanksgiving to yourself.

"Almost Like Thanksgiving" Turkey Soup
(prep time: 35 minutes)

Sweat in 2 T. unsalted butter
2 cups leeks, sliced
1/2 cup carrot, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped

Add; sprinkle in:
2 cups button mushrooms, quartered
1 T. garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 t. minced fresh thyme
1/4 t. ground nutmeg
1/4 t. pepper

Deglaze with; stir in:
1/4 cup dry sherry
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked turkey, cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt to taste

Garnish with:
Minced fresh parsley

Sweat leeks, carrot, and celery in butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until soft, 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high.
Add mushrooms and garlic, and saute 3 minutes, stirring often. Sprinkle flour, thyme, nutmeg, and pepper over vegetables; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Deglaze with sherry, simmer until nearly evaporated, then stir in broth, turkey, and cream. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer 5 minutes; season with salt.
Garnish with parsley.

Role Models

A friend and I went to go see the new movie Role Models this past weekend and it was hilarious!! The movie stars Paul Rudd (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, 40 Year Old Virgin) and Seann William Scott (American Pie series) as two adults who screw up on a day at the job and have to do community service. They get put into a program with big and littles and get paired with two younger boys who need some guidance. While Rudd and Scott are a perfect comedic match, add in Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad) and Bobb'e J. Thompson (Fred Claus) and it gets outrageous. Underneath the humor it is a heart-warming story about how much the adults learn from the kids, but above all of that it is a hilarious story where everything that can go wrong does and so many sarcastic comments you almost can't keep up. At one point my friend looks over at me and asked if I was crying because I was laughing so hard. If you have been entertained by the previous movies featuring Rudd, I definitely recommend this one to add to the list.

Top Chef New York

If you like food and reality television, you will really like Top Chef. It is the perfect combination of both that leaves your mouth watering. The good thing about this program is that you get the competition with less drama and yelling than the other reality shows. Season 5 is starting in New York and it premiers Wednesday night @ 10:00 on Bravo. Don't miss it!

Barack Obama, Our New Leader

This was probably the most epic election that we will ever be a part of in our lifetime and I want to congratulate Barack Obama, our new president. I believe he will do great things for this country. What a historic event this is with counts, states, but mostly, it is so great to be a part of having the first African-American president ever. We have truly come a long way in this country and and I believe we will continue to be so united after this huge day. Here is to change!

VOTE!!

Don't forget!!! Tomorrow is election day. No matter who your candidate is, get out and vote. This is an epic election. Be a part of it!!

The Densa Quiz

So I came across this quiz again and remembered it from when I took it in the 6th grade. And it's still really fun to do! See how many you can get right. Answers are written below so cover your screen or don't look at them!!!

1. Do they have a 4th of July in England? (yes or no)
2. How many birthdays does the average man have?
3. Some months have 31 days, how many have 28?
4. In baseball, how many outs are in an inning?
5. Can a California man legally marry his widow's sister? (yes or no)
6. Divide 30 by 1/2 and add ten. What is the answer?
7. If there are 3 apples and you take away 2, how many do you have?
8. A doctor gives you 3 pills and tells you to take one every half hour. How many minutes would the pills last?
9. A farmer has 17 sheep. All but 9 drop down and die. How many are left standing?
10. How many animals of each kind did Moses take on the ark?
11. A clerk in the butcher shop is 5'10" tall. What does he weigh?
12. How many two cent stamps are there in a dozen?







ANSWERS:
1. Yes, there is a 4th of July everywhere...it just might not be celebrated like in the USA.
2. 1, the average man only has one birthday.
3. 12, all the months have 28 days.
4. 6, each team has 3 outs.
5. No, he cannot marry, he's dead.
6. 70, dividing by 1/2 is the same as multiplying by 2, then add 10.
7. 2, if you take away 2, you have 2.
8. 60 minutes, take the first one, then the second one half hour later, then the third one another half hour later, it's been 60 minutes and the pills are gone.
9. 9, all but 9 drop, so you still have 9.
10. None, Moses didn't take any animals, Noah did.
11. Meat, he's a butcher.
12. 12, there are 12 stamps in a dozen no matter how much they cost.

Last Minute Costume Ideas

We all know that Halloween costumes are sometimes difficult to come up with and time is running out to find the perfect costume. Halloween is a mere four days away, so if you are still without costume, I have decided to give a couple recommendations for easy and quick costumes that you can probably make with stuff around your house. Have fun!

Greek Goddess
What you'll need:
-bed sheet
-gold jewelry and belt
-vines
-sandals
This costume is all about the TOGA!! A toga is one of the simplest, yet sexiest costumes someone can wear. All you need to achieve this look is a bed sheet. Now classic white is always a good look, but you can always mix it up with a colored sheet as well. Take the middle of the sheet and put it under one of your armpits. Then wrap the sheet around yourself one full time while still keeping the top two corners out. Now you should be completely covered and have the two corners pulled up above the place you first started. Tie the two corners above your shoulder and VIOLA! You have a toga. Depending on how scandalous you want to be, you also have the option of folding the sheet in half (hot dog style) first for a shorter style. Add your gold accessories and a vine or two in the hair and there you have it.

Rockstar
What you'll need:
-white tank top
-jeans
-heels
-lots of jewelry
-studded belt
Everyone wants to be a rockstar at some point in their life and Halloween is a great time to be one. This look is so simple and still very sexy. Just put on your basic white tank, preferably with a colored or patterned bra underneath. If you're like me and have like ten white tanks and you can spare one, cut a slit right down the middle of the chest for just a little more appeal. There are a couple options for the bottoms. I prefer jeans, the more torn the better. Skinny jeans are also a good option, black is the best bet for color. But if you want to show off those legs, put on a denim mini with some fishnet tights. A studded belt will always add to the rockstar persona along with lots of jewelry. Then, slap on a pair of heels or boots and you're all set. Don't forget the heavy black eyeliner to make those eyes pop while you're on stage!

White Trash
What you'll need:
-old tshirt or sweatshirt
-cut off shorts or worn jeans
-optional accessories
This is a great costume for men and women and is sure to get laughs! For guys, just take reference from the picture above. Cut off the sleeves to an old tshirt and put on a pair of worn jeans. If you want to spend a little money, invest in a mullet wig OR if you're really brave, cut your hair for the occasion. (Remember you can cut it off the next day.) For girls, go with a sweatshirt with the neck cut out 80's style (and preferably supporting a rival school...try WSU) and make sure your bra straps are showing. Add a pair of short cut offs and some high wedges. White trash can still be sexy! For accessories, plasticy costume jewelry is always great, a baby doll for your child, and my favorite, a Super Big Gulp cup from 7-11 to drink out of all night. This costume is a fun one to get into character and pretty soon it will be hard to drop the southern accent you have suddenly picked up.

Don't Miss It!

Who doesn't love Charlie Brown, Linus, and especially Snoopy!? Tomorrow night @ 8:00 on ABC (at least in Seattle...) they are playing "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and it is a definite must watch. Every year I look forward to watching the Charlie Brown specials of each season and I'm so excited to watch this year. And I encourage everyone else to watch as well. Anyone can enjoy a little holiday magic from the Peanuts crew!!

Test Your Knowledge

How well do you know your Halloween myths? The team from Mythbusters created a little quiz so you can find out if your favorite Halloween stories are true or false. Take the quiz here! The answers may surprise, and even spook you!

Ed Emberley Drawing Books

Ed Emberley is such a cool artist and his creations are so much fun to draw. My siblings and I grew up with his drawing books and we still love them to this day. Even though my drawing skills have progressed passed needing a book to tell me how, I still enjoy learning to draw funny creatures that I wouldn't normally think of. The best thing about his drawing books is his methods. He uses the simplest shapes like circles, squares, and lines to create these creatures that even the youngest of kids can draw them. The most recent one I have found is Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Weirdos, perfect for Halloween. I highly recommend having one of these on hand just for some fun or maybe adding a character to a card or invitation of some sort. For a full list of his books (cause it is way to long to type them all here), visit his website!

Bargains Part 2

Finally, here is part 2 of my bargains blog. These are the fun and fabulous deals I have found over the past few months. The trick to finding good deals and awesome clothing is to go shopping with NO expectations that you will find anything. Due to Murphy's Law, if you're looking for something, you probably wont find it. All of the following I have simply just come across and then fallen in love with afterwards.


The Best Bargain
Value Village: $0.99
Although I have been wanting a high-wasted black skirt, I certainly didn't expect to find one I liked at Value Village. I really like the pockets and it is pretty much a timeless piece that I will be able to wear forever. And what a deal! My friend would be proud. You never know what you might find at a thrift store.

The Favorite
Nordstrom Rack: $39.99
I instantly fell in love with the colors and cut of this dress and it has become one of my favorite pieces of clothing I own now. Although it is a bit pricey for a bargain, when I found out the brand and original price after I took it home, I felt I got a real good deal. The dress is French Connection and its original price was $149.00. This is a great dress to wear casually or can easily be dressed up for a night out. I paired it with my Steve Madden gladiator shoes (the cheaper version of the Chanel's) and lots of accessories and have dubbed it my Carrie Bradshaw look. My new challenge is to find a way to wear it during the winter...


The Necessity
BCBG Outlet: $19.99
Everyone needs a little black dress. I have about six of them, but this one is definitely a step up from the classic cocktail dress. I found this one at the Quil Ceda outlet mall. The store has some really great finds there if you're looking for dance dresses or party dresses. I just happened across this one and couldn't pass it up for only $20 (originally $89.99 or so). The twisted straps and rouched waist band give it a little extra spice and remember, black equals lots of fun accesories! I also like to wear my gladiator shoes with this and add my plank necklace (Bargains Part 1).

For Work And For Play
Target: $5.99
I now go to Target because I can almost always find what I call the "Six Dollar Target Dress". This was the first one I found for my Valentine's Day outfit. The wrap dress style is really flattering, especially on those with bigger features like me, and they are so comfortable. You can wear this dress for going out or it makes a different style for the office. I pair mine with a tank underneath, black tights, and black boots. Originally $24.99, this dress is definitely worth its value.

Congratulations......Leanne!

After what felt like a long wait, the winner of Project Runway was finally crowned this evening. Congratulations Leanne of Portland, OR!! Her final runway show was inspired by the waves and colors of the ocean and it was so beautiful. She has definitely been one of my favorites throughout the season, and although I was very shocked that Korto (another favorite of mine) was not the winner, I was rooting for either one and Leanne's collection was amazing and definitely outfits I would wear. Below are some of my favorite looks of her's from the Bryant Park.

Soups, Stews & Chilies

Now that the winter-ish weather is setting in and everyone seems to be getting cold, it's the perfect time to make soup! Soup is the ultimate cold weather food and it's DELICIOUS! My mom bought this cookbook (although it looks more like a magazine) called "Soups, Stews & Chilies" and it has a ton of awesome recipes to cure the winter chill. We like them so much we make a new one at least once a week. They even recommend a great side dish for each soup. I will share with you my favorite recipe (so far) below, but if you want to buy the whole book, you can find it here! Enjoy!

Cheese & Corn Chowder
(prep time: about 1 hour)

Saute; sweat:
5 strips thick-sliced bacon, diced
2 T. unsalted butter
2 T. olive oil
2 cups diced onions
1 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 t. minced fresh thyme
1 t. kosher salt
1/4 t. cayenne
1/4 t. ground tumeric

Add; garnish with:
6 cups chicken broth
1 lb. russet potatoes, peeled, diced
8 ears fresh corn, shucked, trimmed (4-5 cups kernels, may use frozen corn)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup white cheddar, shredded
2 oz. cream cheese
Minced fresh chives

Saute bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, 5 minutes; drain on a paper towel-lined sheet and set aside. Pour off drippings, wipe out pot with a paper towel, and return to burner. Melt butter with oil, add onion and celery, and sweat until soft, 7-8 minutes. Stir in flour, salt, thyme, cayenne, and tumeric, cook 2 minutes.
Add broth, potatoes, and corn kernels. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until potatoes are tender, 10-12 minutes. Stir in cheeses and reserved bacon; simmer until cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Garnish with chives.

Spokane

This weekend I decided to trek over to the other side of the state to see how my newly married friend now lives. Now, Spokane is no Seattle, but it still had some fun elements and it was nice to see a new city. Here are a couple places I recommend visiting if you're ever in the neighborhood.

Raw Sushi & Island Grill is the place I would recommend for dinner in downtown Spokane. They have amazing food, and I can say that because I am not the biggest fan of sushi and I thought it was fantastic. They have probably the best calamari I have ever tasted and so many selections of different sushi rolls that it was impossible to pick just one. I decided to go with the Mexi-Cali, an inside-out maki roll with crab mix, cream cheese and jalapeno. It had a dollop of spicy sauce on the top for the perfect amount of hot. If you love sushi, or even if you don't but are brave enough to try it, this place is definitely somewhere you'll want to visit.

The Marquee Lounge is a great bar located just blocks away from Raw Sushi right in the middle of downtown Spokane. It is a swanky bar with high ceilings and a towering bottle display. When we first walked in at around 8:00 there was close to no one in there, but we needed a place to watch the end of the game and the seating looked pleasing. Then we looked at the drink menu and were convinced to stay. They have pages of signature cocktails to pick from, all that looked delicious. We talked about just staying for a bit and then checking out some other places, but the cocktail waitress convinced us that the night would pick up. Boy did it! Within a couple hours, the bar was completely filled with people, the dance floor was packed and the bouncers had to move our table out of the way. We managed to get stamps to go up into the VIP section of the bar, which turned out was basically just a smaller bar upstairs, but it was a cool experience. To check out more pictures of the bar, visit their website. Or just visit the bar!