Writer envy

I really enjoy the way this woman writes.  I'm especially loving a recent post she wrote, as I try to figure out the kind of woman I want to become.

Weekend plans

Since I'm going to be traveling out-of-town for the next 4 weekends (just typing that makes me tired), this weekend will be spent inside doing all the things I want to do, which includes:

- crafting (making these into earrings and this necklace)

- making these pancakes

- deep-cleaning my apartment

- painting my nails

- reading my new book while wrapped in a blanket on the couch

- watching the Patriots beat the Ravens *knock on wood*

Have a nice weekend!

Christmas gifts

So, there's a story behind these Christmas gifts.

This past summer, I was browsing the vendor tables at a craft fair in Tiverton, RI.  I stopped at Melanie's booth, the woman behind Stone That Flows, and looked in awe at her beautiful handmade jewlery.  A pair of cufflinks caught my eye and I was so sad to see they weren't earrings.  I expressed this sadness to Melanie, who wrote some secret words down on her business card.  "Just email me this information and I'll make earrings for you."

Yay!

I emailed her a few days later and she responded with the price.  It was a bit too expensive for me, but I thanked her and told her "maybe in the future!"  I saved the email, thinking maybe down the road (when I wasn't a somewhat recent college grad with very little money) I would treat myself to the earrings as a gift.

Fast forward to Christmas this year, when my boyfriend got them for me for Christmas!  He had heard me talk about them (apparently more and with deeper longing than the other random things I talk about) so he wanted to get them for me.

Also, his mother knew he was getting me the earrings, so she got me a matching necklace from the company.

I have good and generous people in my life.

Best American Short Stories

Just bought this book as a late Christmas present to myself:

Can't wait to start it!

Yellow dress

I wish I looked this good in yellow:

Scratch that -- I wish I looked that good period!

(found here)

Comfort Food

I stayed home sick from work yesterday and didn't eat much throughout the day.  By dinnertime, I was starving.  I browsed through my bookmarked recipes and settled on this one.  SUCH a good choice.  It's easy and quick and such a comfort food.

Macaroni and Cottage Cheese Casserole
makes 6 generous portions
prep time: 20 mins.
cook time: 35 mins.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. dry elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese
• 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• pinch of salt
• black pepper to taste
• 2/3 cup plain bread crumbs
• 3 tbsp. melted butter

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook pasta one minute less than the directions call for.
3. Drain very well and add to a 9x12 baking dish.
4. Stir in the cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. In a small bowl, stir together the bread crumbs and melted butter.  Sprinkl evently over the top of the noodle/cheese mixture.
6. Bake for 35 minutes, or until top is golden brown and bubbling.

(found here)

A Good Guest

I agree with all of these, especially the one about the phone:

(found via my sister)