Polenta with lentils and tomatos
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
WHOPEEEEEEE!!!
We're going to Paris!
Instead of spending my share of the bonus money on jewelry (which felt like I was just spending it to spend it) we've decided to take our Spring Break plans up a notch and go to Paris.
I haven't been since I went with my mom and grandmother after I graduated from high school. At the time, I swore I wouldn't go back without my significant other because they are NOT kidding about that City of Love stuff. So, now I have a significant other who has never been so we're both super-excited. I should probably lose ten pounds in anticipation because as Nicholas's friend Paul says "it's a movable feast."
We're going for nine days and staying at the Pavillon Villiers Etoile Hotel. I've already bought an Instant French language set to brush up on my French skills. (I figured it would be a good idea since all I remember is "Je parle englais"). We're going to go get guidebooks tonight!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Big Reveal
Living room
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
So, here it is. Finally! Our living room. It only took six months! ;) I was waiting till I finished my photo wall, which was pretty time consuming. I'm really really happy with it though. Of course there are still a couple of things I'd like to do...much to Nicholas's chagrin.
In the name of all things sacred and holy...
I wish these celebrities would fade into oblivion. And I don't mean VH1 Celebreality oblivion either. I mean real oblivion. Go away! Forever!
1. Fergie - I am amazed at how each of her songs is more and more obnoxious. She's terrible. Just terrible.
2. Britney Spears - Where to begin? How about a flashing your junk when you have two small children under the age of five? And seriously I can forgive a lot if you have actual talent I miss. Like Whitney Houston (I'm so hopeful!) or Lauryn Hill. But we wouldn't miss Britney, even Britney at her best.
3. Tom Cruise - I'm glad he's got new PR people and has finally shut the hell up. But his crazy is lose now and I won't ever forget it.
4. Joe Francis - I really hate even classifying him as a celebrity but I would if it meant I never had to hear from this jerk again.
5. Paris Hilton - Enough words have been spilt on why she is famous? Or why she doesn't deserve to be? I don't really care. I just want her to go away.
Runners up: Jennifer Lopez (I decided to not include her because of Enough - I love that movie!), Angelina Jolie (Sigh...she is SO pouty but I guess she does do a lot of charity work), and Matthew McConaughey (He really kind of gets on my nerves, but he is awful fine).
Sunday, January 28, 2007
More pizza...
More pizza...
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
We went to Armand's for my friend David's birthday. They are known for their deep dish. We had spinach, garlic, and mushroom. Yum!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Now THIS is what I'm talking about...
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Of course I'm currently watching An Inconvenient Truth and it seems I might need to soak up this cold weather while I can...
Seriously, all joking aside, I hope we are all trying to do our part to make this better. :)
Pizza...obviously
Pizza...obviously
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
So we're the most boring married couple alive...wanna make something of it? Do ya, punk?
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Whoops
!!!SPOILER ALERT!!! Do not read this if you have not seen Grey's yet!
Ok so member how I've been so excited about video messaging? Well... me and my friend Laura often text message after Grey's to share our shock, disgust, or whatever. So, imagine my delight when I realized after Grey's tonight that I could send a video message of the part I was shocked over! So I sent this video message with the text "WHAT!"
Grey's on Vimeo
Then I got this message from Laura:
duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuudddddddddddeeeeeeeeeee
we DVR grey's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i may never forgive you ;)
The subject line was: video messaging is a dangerous weapon
I couldn't agree more.
Miscellaneous
Ok so I've got to get a couple of things of my chest:- For the hundreth time today, I told someone about my plans to move back to Kentucky and their immediate question was "What about your husband!?!" Seriously, I'm over it. First, something tells me if the situation was reversed the first thing people asked Nicholas would not be about me. Second, do you honestly think I would move without Nicholas?!? How would I eat, people? Third, give me enough credit to have discussed this major life decision with my spouse. We've spent hours on this and I'm sure we'll spend hours more so just the back the heck off already.
- The Fountainhead is really really long.
- I haven't written a lot about my personal dietary guidelines b/c let's fact it, as most of you know, I can get a tad preachy when I talk about nutrition. But I just have to take a moment to pat myself on the back. I get the Nutrition Action Newsletter from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (really the gold standard when it comes to nutrition, not some crunch granola mag). The recent issue has ten New Years Resolutions they recommend and can I just say I am really ahead of the game.
1. Eat bran cereal in place of other cereal (I'm about 3 grams short of what they recommend so I will be switching next week).
2. Eat less meat or go meatless (Duh, haven't eaten meat since May 2003).
3. Let beans squeeze out starches (As my old boss used to say, "Never met a bean I didn't like).
4. Don't drink your calories (Haven't had soda since May 2006).
5. Hold the cheese (Getting much better at this, although I won't EVER be asking anyone to hold half the cheese on my pizza).
6. Snack smart (Not perfect, would say I crumble (ha! no pun intended) and eat a cookie as a snack once...ok twice a week).
7. Make it salmon, not tuna (Tuna's too meaty for me so I haven't had it in months).
8. Sip soup, not salt (I o nly eat Nicholas's leftover soup, not processed).
9. Roast vegetables, not potatoes (Could work on this but I always have vegetables WITH my potatoes, does that count?).
10. Finish with fruit (Biggest weakness, always eat chocolate or other baked good when I have dessert).
- I'm feeling a little bit stressed about the upcoming transition in my life. I'm not used to not being 100% sure what I want to do next and it's freaking me out. Just thought I'd share.
- My husband just bought wireless headphones so I wouldn't be forced to listen to football. If that doesn't make him the best husband in the world, I don't know what does. I'll take that kind of consideration over roses any day. ;)
- For two weeks in a row, while watching Must See TV, I have laughed out loud, made Nicholas rewind it, then kept the funny moment on my TIVO so I could watch it again.
- My new cellphone would be substantially more phone if they didn't charge FOR EVERYTHING. Seriously, anything fun it does they charge for it. Except video messaging, still waiting for those emails people!
I think that's it. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. ;)
859-492-9207
So I'm pretty much devastated. I have to give up my cell phone number. The cell phone number I've had SINCE I'VE HAD A CELLPHONE, aka 1999, aka for seven years.
I know it's not a huge deal but I've become pretty attached to it. It's the last link to Kentucky and Transy in particular. I know I will probably never live in Lexington again and that it makes more since to have a DC number but I really really love 859-492-9207.
I'm officially in mourning. :(
I will be sending my new number around. If you don't get it by tomorrow, let me know.
UPDATE:
I am now practicing the Buddhist ethic of detachment.
Also, I am trying to think of this as an important symbol of my transition from student to real life adult. :)
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Crabcake, twice baked potato, and salad
Crabcake, twice baked potato, and salad
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Nicholas went to a movie with a friend tonight so I was actually forced to find my own dinner! Really unacceptable, but I think I did ok. I bought a prepared crabcake and potato at the local grocery store and added a small salad my very own self. ;)
I know ya'll are impressed.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Envy
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
I GOT A NEW CELLPHONE!!!
I've had Sprint since I first got a cell phone my freshman year of college. But ever since we've moved I've gotten crappy service and had a ton of problems with my phone.
Since Nicholas is already on Verizon (and you get service in the Metro!), I decided to switch and got a new EnV in the process! It's amazing. I mean did you know you can watch video on a cell phone?Ya'll I am so behind! Seriously though I'm going to need all of you who can receive video messages to let me know and then wait excitedly by your cell phones for me to figure out how to use that feature. ;)
Anyway, it's a very exciting new toy that OF COURSE Nicholas is constantly hogging and trying to steal.
P.S. I will be keeping my new phone number once I can "port" it over from Sprint on the 25th.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Brownie Chocolate Mousse Trifle
Brownie Chocolate Mousse Trifle
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
We had a lovely dinner party tonight with our friends Jennifer and Eric. They are recently engaged so we spent a lot of time talking weddings and registry. :) The conversation was so great I forgot to take a picture (I know!) until dessert.
But I think it worked out well because that is one good looking dessert if I do say so myself!
Maggie for Hillary
Maggie for Hillary
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Just so we're all clear were Maggie stands.
It's official
I got this email message this morning. First, I have to admit it was nice hearing it from Hillary before anyone else. :) Second, I didn't realize how excited I would be once it was official.
As most of you know, I am a huge Hillary fan. I think she is wise, careful and considerate in her decisions, and has proven herself a survivor in the field of politics and leader on the world stage.
It also goes without saying that the idea of a female president goes to the core of who I am and I cannot imagine anything I would more like to see happen in my lifetime.
However, as Obama-mania built, I found my loyalties tested a bit. I've seen Senator Barack speak and he is charismatic and full of integrity. And, of course, there is the whole Oprah thing. She loves him and I love her so I found myself being pulled in two different directions.
But when I got an email from Hillary Clinton this morning with the subject line "I'm in," my heart started beating faster and a smile spread across my face. She is my candidate. The candidate I believe can win and should win because she is the best option for this country.
I like Barack. I do. But he is untested, inexperienced, and so far noncommittal on every major issue. He doesn't speak to me and Hillary does.
So, Hillary's in and I'm officially in for Hillary. I'm sure most of you aren't THAT surprised. ;)
UPDATE:
I read the post to Nicholas and here is the exchange that followed:
Nicholas: I guess I'm going to have to vote for Barack.
Me: WHAT!?!
Nicholas: You know...bros before hoes.
It's going to be a long campaign season.
Eventually
I suppose it was bound to happen eventually...we forgot to take a picture at dinner tonight. We went out for sushi at Sushi Taro (pictured) and just totally forgot to snap a pic. It was delicious sushi though, I swear.
After dinner, we went to see Babel. It seems destined to be a Best Oscar Pic nominee, if not the winner, so we felt obligated to see it. And after 2 1/2 hours, here is my thoughtful review...
It was eh.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Cellulite
So Nicholas and I were jogging this morning and I noticed this movie poster.
And I have to say that I find it mind-boggling that a woman this heavy would have absolutely no cellulite. First of all, I have never met a single woman without cellulite. Period. But the amount and appearance seems to increase with weight.
Sooo...how ridiculous is it that unrealistic beauty standards are not only applied to everyday women but also to a character whose size is obviously a part of a joke AND who isn't even a real woman! Amazing.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Qdoba
Qdoba
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Tonight, we grabbed a quick bite before the movie. We went to see Volver. It was really good. It made me like Penelope Cruz, which was hard, because I REALLY disliked her. Yeah, that's pretty much my review. ;)
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
Thai green curry
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Recipe
Slice assorted vegetables (I used a red pepper, three carrots, a medium onion, and some greenbeans).
Drain and dice tofu into 1/2 inch cubes.
Stir fry everything over high-heat. (Start with the tofu so it will cook nice and firm.)
When cooked add 1) can lite unsweetened coconut milk, 1/4 tsp salt (or a few dashes of fish sauce), 1/4 tsp sugar, and about 2 tsp of green curry paste (Thai Kitchen brand). Stir to mix everything up and let cook down for about 3-5 minutes.
Serve over jasmine rice.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
How bout everyone just stop smoking...period
D.C. went smoke free on the 2nd. I was and still am super-pumped. However, I've just learned about a downside of going smoke free. I now inhale just as much or more second-hand smoke on the sidewalk outside the bars and restaurants, because everyone just goes right outside the doors to smoke.
So frustrating!
Corduroy
Corduroy
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Tonight was another Restaurant Week reservation. However, this time I remembered to take a picture before dessert!
We went with our good friends Laura and Daniel and had a wonderful time. I had oysters and scallops (pictured) and Nicholas had the parsnip soup and tuna steak.
Corduroy is one of our favorites and we've gone every Restaurant Week for three years in a row. Once again, it didn't disappoint.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
King Lear
I don't know if you many of you knew this but apparently Nicholas moonlights as a Shakespearean actor. Today was really a headline day for him because he was literally pulled into the performance of King Lear we saw this afternoon.
D.C. has just began a six-month festival/tribute to Shakespeare. It is apparently the largest artist retrospective ever with everybody from local art galleries to the Kennedy Center participating.
One of the centerpieces of the festival is King Lear with Andre DeShields at the Folgers Shakespeare Library. The performance was VERY dramatic and in-your-face exasperate by the fact we were sitting four fee from the stage in the very first row and the performers kept running back and forth in front of us.
However, it is also apparently interactive. During the second act, when Edmond discusses his triangle with Lear's daughters Regan and Goneril, he waved Nicholas up out of his seat, stood him next to him, and asked "both, one, or neither." Nicholas, without hesitation, responded "Both!" The crowd giggled and the play continued.
Of course, our lives will never be the same. I'm sure it is only a matter of time before Nicholas quits his job as a lawyer to join the Royal Shakespeare Company. :)
Friday, January 12, 2007
Update
For those of you who have had the pleasure of speaking with me over the past couple of weeks, you probably know I had recently applied for a job on the Hill. I got all excited about the Democratic majority and decided I just couldn't wait till May to get in on the action.
It was a pretty stressful application process because it basically came to a stand still over break and I didn't get an interview until the New Year. This last week has been absolute torture waiting to hear back and I have been not so much fun to be around. But the waiting came to an end today...
I didn't get the job.
And you know what? I'm strangely ok with it. I thought I was totally over school and ready to be out there working. But then I registered for some really cool classes and I realized I'd almost be disappointed if I had to drop them and switch to night classes. (Let's not even talk about working full time and taking night classes). Plus, I only have one more semester with my friends before we all scatter to the four winds. Not to mention, I have a four day weekend EVERY WEEK. And as my friend Laura put it, I'd basically be paying to work for a semester.
So I guess I'll just suffer through one more semester of a student's schedule complete with morning yoga classes and Friday matinées with my friends. (We just saw Dream Girls - whoa!)
But come May...watch out because I'll be rested and raring to go ;)
Lentil Barley Soup
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
My good friend Dylan asked to model our dinner last night. He joins us about a once a week so you should see his beautiful face pretty often.
We've known each other FOREVER (notice the T-shirt) and very few people understand me as well as he does. Our relationship was love/hate for several years but now is all love with a only a dash of mild annoyance at times. ;)
EDITED TO ADD RECIPE
1 medium onion, diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
2-3 carrots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1&1/2 cups french green lentils
3/4 cup pearled barley
3 vegetarian boullion cubes or 3 cups vegetable broth
1 TBSP cumin
1/2 TBSP turmeric
7 cups water (3 if using broth and not cubes)
14 oz can of crushed tomatoes
In a large pot, heat 2 TBSP olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion, celery, and carrots and saute for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper - be sparing with salt as boullion cubes and broth have lots.
Add water and boullion cubes, raise heat to high, and bring to a boil.
Add barley, lentils, turmeric, and cumin.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add can of crushed tomatoes.
Allow soup to simmer a little longer, until lentils are soft. Season to taste.
Serve with bread.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Maggie's New Haircut
Maggie's New Haircut
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Maggie would like everyone to know that she got a new haircut. She would also like everyone to know that she thinks her parents are real assholes for getting her groomed on the day winter decided to show up. :(
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Sometimes your dog won't poop and its frustrating...
So, yeah, not to put to fine a point on it but sometimes you walk Maggie for what seems like hours and you KNOW she has to go but she won't. And of course on some level you know she's not doing it to you on purpose, but, on the other hand, you wonder why there aren't more warnings about shaken doggy syndrome.
ANYWAY, I had walked the dog twice with no luck. So Nicholas took her with him to the ATM machine. He returns...
Nicholas: Your dog is a jerk.
Me: I TOLD YOU!!!
Nicholas: Oh no, you have no idea. I've trumped you by a mile.
Me: What she still hasn't pooped.
Nicholas: I take her out. We stop in the grass for a minute...nothing. So, we walk to the ATM machine. I'm depositing the checks, not paying attention. Meanwhile, our dog is shitting underneath my left foot.
Me: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I can't help but think this is some form of retaliation for our new dedication to the Dog Whisperer's pack leader technique.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Dessert
Dessert
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
Tonight Nicholas and I went with our good friends Paul and Lisa to PS 7's for Restaurant Week. Our meal was so delicious I totally forgot to take a picture until dessert!
Nicholas had Sarah's Salad and Sea Bass. I had Butternut Squash Neopolitan and Pan Roasted Rockfish with Wilted Blonde Pea Shoots, Maroon Carrot Purée and Blood Orange Emulsion.
Dessert was particularly delicious. Nicholas definitely won that round as he had cinnamon churros with dark chocolate dipping sauce. I had Coconut Cheesecake with Macadamia-Graham Cracker Crust and Vanilla Rum roasted Pineapple.
Will you people stop at nothing?!?
I've been getting ALOT of these kind of emails lately:
They are all generic pay check advance loans, but they appeal to people through their religious affiliation. I don't know if this is just the latest trend in email spam (I haven't heard from my friend the Nigerian Prince in quite awhile). But I find these appeals completely despicable. Paycheck advance loans are bad enough with their five hundred percent interest rates (I've always said you are better off borrowing your money from the mob - at least they won't affect your credit score!) but to appeal to people with lame tag lines like "Borrow money the CHRISTIAN way." Puh-leeze - as if slapping the word Christian on it, means Jesus loves you more for ruining your financial future with these people as opposed to someone else. Give me a break.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Friday night:Vace Pizaa
Vace Pizza
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
This is widely regarded as the best pizza in D.C. and we now live about a block away. It's excellent and pretty unique because they put the sauce on top.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
White bean hummus wraps
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.
One of my favorites. I had two ... thank you very much :)
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Monday, January 01, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
