WIAW: picture updates are worth a thousand words

I missed you guys!

Needless to say, I’ve been neglecting the blog because life has been busy.  So without further ado, here’s what’s going on lately.

We moved!  So exhausting, but so worth it.  :D

Our fridge.

How much crap can you fit in a Mini Cooper?  That’s my I don’t want to move face.

And of course there’s always time for live music.

Especially with a view from the top.

Or when you pretend you’re the sound guy.

Remembering, and finding light (and beauty) even in the darkness.

Work is swamped.  And paperwork is never fun.

But I did manage to book a cruise with one of my best friends.  Never been on a cruise, or to the Carribbean islands, so I can knock that off the bucket list.  Can’t wait.

And of course, there’s always time for food.I tried the wonder that is Walden Farms pancake syrup.  Hooked.  Mmmm now I want pancakes.Nomlette. Greek yogurt made a shortlived comeback.  Mango helps.Put guac on anything and it’s infinitely better.Sometimes the salad bar is both necessary and delicious.Wouldn’t be Sunday without a Chinese Food bed picnic.  We also hit up restaurant week.  Our friend’s place, The Hollow, just reopened/renovated/changed names/got a new menu.Short ribs for him.Fried Chicken and waffles and veggies for me.  They sold out.  Good for them, sad for me.A very salty and delicious salad.A very delicious french onion soup with pumpkin pumpernickel crouton.  Best part of the meal.Complimentary marinated feta. Finally was taken to lunch by my co-workers (tradition).  I picked Risotto, and Courtney was right.  Everyone LOVED it.I got the shrimp kebob. Nom.We shared the sampler platter.  Falafel, Baba Ganoush, taboule, hummus, tzatziki with pita.  8 thumbs up.Strawberry cheesecake Quest bars are one of my faves, officially.  So if you have any extras lying around…But I’ll settle for the holy grail.  I ate it in the car, so I’m sure when I warm up the next one, I should probably not be operating heavy machinery.First real meal in the new place.  Brunch!Trader Joe finds.  I don’t even like dark chocolate but this sh*t is bananas.FTW.  How have we never met before.Galia melons.  If  a honeydew and a canteloupe  had a baby.Taco Tuesday!Week 2!This week.  First T.T. in our place.  Eric was very excited.Well, I’m pooped.  I hope you all are having a great week, and don’t hate me for being so distant.  It’s not you, it’s me. Hopefully I’ll be back soon with more words.  Maybe even some paragraphs.<3XO, C. What’s new with you guys?Do you celebrate Taco Tuesday?  Sunday Chinese food bed picnics (ha)? Or another food day tradition?

Growing up…

Growing up is…

Spending most of your weekend furniture shopping.

Waking up in the middle of the night because your gut tells you you made the wrong choice on the ottoman, and heading back in the morning to cancel your special order.

Eating dinner at the diner on a Friday night.

Sunday Chinese food bed picnics. Soon with our own pup and not the boy’s roommate’s. Hey, Esco.

Seeing 4 Redbox movies in the past 2 weekends to save money on entertainment expenses.

No longer having to commute between my house and his. There will just be “ours.”

Walking away from a giant Easter candy bin marked %75 percent off. The boy has no self control when it comes to candy, so we were both better off.

The gallon challenge.

Waking up slow and acting like a kid.

Sunday brunch.

Choosing dishware patterns.

Final decisions.

Not taking yourself too seriously.

Getting tired of tragedies where people hurt people. Big or small. (Positive thoughts to Boston.)

Allowing yourself to be weak. To cry. To let someone else listen and help.Accepting the fact that your parents, as much as you want to keep them immortal, won’t be around forever (but that doesn’t make hearing it from the doctor any easier)…

But that you will be okay.

XO, C.

What reminds you that you’re not a kid anymore?

Listen Up (and Get Down)

I’m back.  And not a week later.  Woohoo!

So let’s get down to business.  I have talked before about how important music is to me, it’s almost my…spiritual outlet.  So I figured I’d round up some my recent favorite tunes.

C2C – I’ve heard these guys on a local radiostation a few times and I always Shazaam their songs.  They remind me a bit of Pretty Lights and they have some fun tracks.

Bruno Mars- I figured I’d include this before I get sick of it, since anytime it’s on the radio, I turn it up and scream sing along. It helps that my boyfriend likes it too, but I always love a good crawling back song.

The Band Perry-  I heart her ever since, “If I Die Young.”  She’s almost too cool for country, and this song is no different.  A little creepy, but you have to admire her commitment to her man.

And while we’re on the subject of country…

Lady Antebellum- Before this song (i.e., “I need you now”), not a fan. With this, I dig it. Fun to sing while driving, and the video has Caroline Channing in it. (2 Broke Girls anyone? LAAARRVVVEE <3 it!)

NKOTB- Yup, I said it. I had no expectations about their comeback. Well, that’s not entirely true, I figured it would be bad. But I am so pleasantly surprise. Maybe it’s Donnie’s glasses (Eric has very similar one’s that I picked out for him), but they’ve got a sound reminiscent of Cee-Lo, and I don’t hate it.

The Wood Brothers- For those of you that don’t know, I’m kind of a hippie- in that I date a boy who loves phish and wore tie-dyes (he’s a lawyer now-go figure), and I also dated one in highschool (whose also a lawyer now…weird, I know), so the jam band music starts to grow on you. And I must admit, music festivals are fun. Camping with 50+ of your friends and listening to live music all day and night for 4 days. We saw these guys at Moe.Down last year and they sound a bit like the Black Keyes (who were also at Moe.Down 3 years back.)

I’ve also been listening to Janet Jackson’s Pandora while I work out and I love some of the random songs that pop up. I even got to have a live duet of this song in my living room for everyone on FriendsEaster. I think we enjoyed it way more than everyone else.

And Brandy. She was my favorite back in the “The Boy is Mine Days” and I always enjoy when her songs come on. And with a hat like this, what’s not to love.

Okay, enough throwbacks. One more video I do want to share is a new girl-crush fave choreographer. Apparently she was on a winning team on America’s Best Dance Crew, and she’s basically the cutest thing ever. I always enjoy finding really talented hip-hop choreographers on YouTube, especially when they are women.

Marry me, Chachi.  Or just teach me how to move like you, you tiny adorable dance creature.

As you can see, my taste is all over the place. I never choose music based on broad generalizations, and I don’t dislike any genre. If it moves me in some way, emotionally or physically, count me in.

I’ll try to do these more often if you guys like (and more posts in general- don’t hate me). I always think it’s fun to share music and find new (or new to me) tunes, or remember a song I loved a million years ago and take a walk down memory lane.

XO, C.

Any new music to share?

Have any recommendations for awesome Pandora stations?

What’s your favorite type of video to watch on YouTube? I like finding new music, choreographers, Jenna Marbles, and ridiculously cute baby animal videos.;)

WIAW: Just because I don’t blog, doesn’t mean I don’t eat.

I’ve been an absentee blogger lately.  Life happens and lately it’s involved shopping to furnish a new house, hearing more bad health news for my Dad, and a full plate at work.

So since we’re on the topic of full plates, let’s catch up what I’ve been eating lately.  Never too busy too eat, I always say.

Seriously, I don’t know how people “forget” to eat.  Pshh. Amateurs.  ;) And I never lose my appetite when I’m stressed.  Or ever.

I had planned to blog Sunday, but my boyfriend’s internet was down at his house, so I was forced to snoozle instead.  And eat this:

Oh the horror.

Sunday Chinese food bed picnics are an official tradition, and we found our new spot before we even move in to our new house.

We also had Japanese food Saturday night.  I was stuck in a house full of boys watching the ‘Cuse Michigan game and demanded Sushi for my sanity, and because I was starving from hitting new PRs on back day.

In fact, I’ve been killing my workouts lately.  I’ve been super-motivated to push myself just a little bit more- more weight, more reps, more heart into it.  And it feels great.

So I guess this was in order.  Hopefully it will help since I did buy way too many of these:

I’ve had the strawberry cheesecake, apple pie, and chocolate peanut butter ones before (I think.) Why must you cost like, 3$ a piece?!  And be so delicious and nutritious?  Luckily they were buy 2, get one free, and 20% off.
So far the coconut almond has been my favorite.  I like that they’re so chewy because it keeps me from inhaling them, and living off them- and then dying of stomach cramps from all that fiber

Oh yeah, the weekend wouldn’t have been the same without this brunch, which Eric  described as “oh my God, this is amazing, I could eat this everyday.”:

Whole wheat french toast made with coconut milk, topped with caramelized bananas cooked in coconut oil, and cookie butter. Served in bed.  That boy is spoiled.  Granted he did have to work from home all weekend.  But that means I get to snoozle him all weekend.

Also in my belly this week:

Stuffed cabbage casserole, adapted from this recipe.  I used lean ground pork instead of beef.  Tastes ike a bowl full of golumpkis.

Next up, creamy chipotle chicken soft tacos for Taco Tuesday.

I attempted to make this non-crockpot recipe in a crock pot, and reduced the amount of cheese, which all left it a little runny.

But still delicious.  Especially with TJs guac.  Too bad these aren’t chewy, because I definitely inhaled these .  Like, Gone in 60 Seconds.

And finally, a lightened up Chicken Francaise.

This was even better as leftovers.  Which is good, because 90% of my meals are leftovers.

Served over Parma roasted asparagus.  So simple and so beautiful.  Tastes pretty, too.

Well, at least you know I’m not wasting away(and have been doing well mixing up my menu).  Hopefully I’ll be back soon with some non-related food posts.  I do do things other than eat, and think about things other than food.

Sometimes.

XO,

C.

P.S., Bonus points if you caught the title reference.

“Just because you don’t yell, doesn’t mean you’re not mean” <3

What’s the best thing you ate lately?

What’s your favorite Quest Bar flavor?  (I haven’t found a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, if anyone wants to send me one….hint, hint.)

Do you have any weekly food traditions? Sunday Chinese Food Bed Picnics and Taco Tuesday have been going strong.  Looking forward to the big move so I can start cooking for 2 regularly.

Okay, one more, I know– totally random, but I love them! <3 And confession: Paul Rudd is my celebrity crush/free pass.  ;)

Hey, what can I say, I like nice, fun guys with dark hair….

WIAW: Stir it Up, Little Darlin’

Today I read this post from “Yes and Yes,” about putting your money where your happy is, or investing in the things that lift you up, and scrimping on things that you could live without.

Food is one thing I don’t pinch pennies over.  And for good reason, it makes me happy.

This kid knows what’s up. Ha.

Some of the comments talked about saving or splurging on healthy foods, and I agree that this is important to me too, but in terms of groceries, while I still feel like I spend too much (I’ve gotten way better!), and I won’t live off ramen or processed foods just  to save a few bucks, but there are ways to eat healthy wholesome foods most of the time and not go crazy.  Trader Joe’s, for example, has many kinds of organic produce for cheaper than I can find pesticide flavored regular fruits and veggies at my local grocery stores.

DIning out for Sushi is a whole other story.  But luckily we have an excellent all-you-can eat Sushi/Japanese place nearby.  $22.99 per person.  No joke.  And the food is quality and delicious.

Anywho, aside from food (I do think about other things! Sometimes….), it got me thinking about spending money on things that make me happy.

They say experiences make you happy, and I certainly spend enough money on concerts (music in any form makes me happy.  Bob Marley is an instant mood lifter), but I would like to travel (out of state. out of the country.) more.

And I could definitely use an entire new wardrobe.  For serious.

Like really though.

Maybe it’s vain but I do feel better when I’m put together.  Lately I’ve kind of given up, and the fact that I hate shopping doesn’t help.  But I’m going to make the sacrifice to revamp my lacking and shrinking wardrobe (I keep getting rid of things I don’t wear, and it’s quickly dwindling down to nothing  Womp, womp).

My shoe situation is dire right now.  Not even exaggerating.

Okay, it’s Wednesday, back to the food.  Just buying groceries isn’t enough of course, because with my budget, they don’t cook themselves.  So in an effort to mix up my meals this week, I tried some new recipes.  I’m officially sick of egg scrambles, which was inevitable, but here’s what I’ve been eating lately.  So it was time to change it up.

I made cupcakes three times in one week.  I’m officially sick of them, and I really didn’t have more than a few bites.  Just sick of looking at them.

Okay, when they’re as cute as the Easter cupcakes, I’m pretty okay with them.

Italian sweets from Easter.  These I could definitely get down with.  Probably because I didn’t make them.  Also I enjoy trying and taking a bite of every cookie on the tray.  Just like I steal the chunks out of the ice cream.

There were some healthier sweets this week.  I got sick of protein shakes and had to take a break for a while, but they’re back.  Mixed berry banana post-workout smoothie right here.  Blend it up.

I used my clean banana pancake recipe in my waffle maker.  Success.  They came out dense, which I actually really liked.  No wimpy waffles here.  I’ll be whipping these up again.

Of course the star quality Roasted Chicken.  Big hit.  Cooked up to perfection.

After I bought all the ingredients at 3 different store, spent too much money, and had to go back to the store after I got the wrong ingredient for Easter dessert to bring to Eric’s parents for Easter, he told me his mom suggested I bring an appetizer.  His aunt was bringing dessert (those tasty Italian cookies).  Womp, womp.  But I wasn’t giving up my adorable cupcakes, and brought these adorable baby quiche that I whipped up from ingredients I had on hand including sundried tomatoes, caramelized red onions, and baby swiss.  Big hit.  Eric’s Dad approved.

I was able to arrange a get together with a couple of my cousins I don’t see often enough.  My cousin Alicia made a delicious dinner with EVOO, fresh tomatoes, asparagus, and shrimp!  Yum! It was a bit spicy from some red pepper flakes.  Even better.  Interesting note: I’m not really a fan of pasta.  I stopped eating it a while back because of carbs, but now I don’t even care for it.  Most of the pasta was left on the plate, but I doubled up on the shrimp.  I could never give up meat. (Is shrimp meat?  Yes.  Give to me.  Eat it up.)

Reunited and it feels so good.  Excuse the sideways shot.  They’re delicious any which way you snap it.

I’ve only had quinoa one other time before I bought this bag at TJ’s.  What kind of blogger am I?  Verdict.  Eh.  I prefer brown rice.  Or overnight oats.  Or pancakes. Ohh….pancakes.

Quiche!  The minis were so good I made a big guy to slice up for the week.  The sundried tomatoes are key and add a smokey flavor to the dish.  I also added spinach to this one.

My spin on Tara’s Red Curry chicken.  I’ve been meaning to try this for a while and it’s been a nice addition to mix things up.

And then my fridge exploded.  Jk.  But kinda.  It’s not all mine!

Added some shredded roasted chicken and sweet potato to the quiche.  Great work meal.

Taco Tuesday!  If you follow me on instragram, you’ve seen these beauties.  Pork tacos.  The only thing that could make these better than the Trader Joe’s guac does is the Trader Joe’s low carb tortillas.  Low carb or not, those things are delicious.  Get in my belly.

Baked chicken breast stuffed with spinach, greek yogurt, and parma, topped with TJ’s marinara and mozz.  With a side of sauteed squash and zuchinni.  Italian heaven is caramelized zuchinni.

And finally, I’ve found a lighter version of hot chocolate.  Starbucks (usually not a fan, but I was waiting to pick up the BF from think that enwork, and there’s an Sbucks in the lobby of his building) Americano with sugar free mocha and a splash of half and half.  Tastes like a dark hot chocolate.  Drink it up!

Alrighty, I think that’s plenty of food for the week.  I definitely enjoyed the variety, and I think that’s the key to my happiness in general.  After all, variety is the spice of life.

Or is it nutmeg.  Hmmm, what is that?

Nutmeg! Bonus points if you got the reference.  Happy Humpday!
Xo, C.

What’s the best thing you ate this week?

Do you eat the same things all the time or switch things up often?

What do you make sure to spend money on that makes you truly happy?

Wop, Hop, Hooray!

Why hello, strangers! Did you miss me?

 Gotta love Shosh.

I’ve got to stop being such an absentee blogger.  So without further ado, here’s some updates on what’s going on the past week or so.

FriendsEaster!

I had two of my best girl friends from high school and their other halfs over to celebrate Easter early.

I roasted an 8 lb chicken, a la Sara, with lemon, veggies and potatoes, and cornbread for good measure.  I thought I’d have wayyy too much.  I was wrong.  They were practically picking at the carcass.  Success!

You remember Courtney and Jared.  Jared volunteer to carve the bird.

Girl talk, cupcakes, and March Madness rounded out the evening.  And Courtney later introduced us to the “wop.”

And then she did it herself.  In my Halloween Koala costume.

There may have been some wine involved in the making of this video, but she did tell me she wants it to go viral.  So there it is. Don’t judge.

Moving on…lol.

EasterEaster!  We spent most of the day at Eric’s family’s house.

Eric trying to help his nephew with Lego Star Wars on DS.  The long eyelashes must run in the family.

Uncle Princ(ess) Eric and Liam.

Lots more food to come tomorrow, but I did make some adorable cupcakes.

A lovely addition to way much dessert.

And speaking of, I realized that while I love feeling free to eat and enjoy whatever I want and embrace the holiday and time with friends, I want to try to clean up my diet, and particularly the alcohol.

I kid.

I’m young and enjoy drinking socially, but it won’t kill me to limit it to once a week, tops.  Maybe a few less treats, too.  Nothing crazy, not restriction, but making sure I fill up on solid real food before mindlessly reaching for junk.  I stopped weighing myself, but it would be nice to see more of the muscle I’ve been building shine through.

It helps when you flex with 80 lbs of weight pressing against your quads.

I also really prefer morning workouts and want to try to stick to that routine.  I’ve also been sure to push myself a little bit harder with each workout and I love starting my day with that feeling of accomplishment.It will be much easier once Eric and I are in one house and I’m not commuting back and forth.

Hello my name is Cassie, and I’m a snoozle addict.

Never gets old.

And lastly, my co-workers gave me a belated birthday gift.  We are constantly in and out of the office, busy, busy, busy and they wanted to let me know they didn’t forget, and that I’m important to them.

Just another reason I love my job life.  And they have great taste.

Although it’s not perfect I truly am blessed with a crazy, beautiful life, and I’m loving every (busy) second of it.

I may not get as much time to blog as I’d like, but when I’m not sharing my thoughts with you here (I do try to keep up on reading and commenting), I’m living life to it’s fullest.

I guess i’m out of my funk.

And I’ll be back tomorrow with all the delicious foods I’ve been eating.

How was your Easter/Passover?

Do you have special holiday celebrations with friends? (I.e., Friendsgiving, or Fratsgiving, when you make meatloaf and instant mashed potatoes, lol.)

What do you feel lucky/blessed about in your life lately?

I’m Alive!

Surprise!  I’m not dead!  Did you miss me?

You can always trust a Morgan Freeman movie quote.  Words to live by, and boy have I been living life in the fast lane lately.

So as not to completely leave you all hanging, before I can make my way back to regular blogging, I wanted to fill you all in, in photographic form, on how I’ve been living lately.  So without further ado..

The lovely Albany state capital.

Mental Health Matters Legislative Day for Work

CDs gifted from my boss

Totally burnt my neck with a curling iron.

That’s skin from my neck.  Yup, gross and painful.

Long hair, don’t care.

I love this little guy.  So funny looking.

Taking fitness pictures at home is still just as awkward as in the gym.

Start Making Sense!

I call these the crazy Kahl eyes.

Black tipped mani.

Guns!

Last minute winter snowstorm.

Dyed batters for…

Tie-dyed cupcakes!

So delicious!

And now, a pictoral Snoe.down recap (winter music festival in Vermont)…

A well balanced fridge.

The beast.

Lions, tigers, and beers.

Killington Mountain

Moe.

Lisa and Mark

Me, Eric, and the unicorn hat.

 

Late night chicken patty feast.

Chinese food camera ambush

Solidifying our new (favorite) tradition: Sunday Chinese Food picnics in bed!

Well, hopefully you can see why I’m a wee bit exhausted, and still trying to catch up on sleep.  But I hope you all haven’t given up on me over here.

Sometimes life gets in the way of living, but that hasn’t been the case lately.  And I’m pretty okay with that.

But before I go, some news:  We signed a lease on a house!  One month til I get to snoozle my boy to sleep everynight.  So happy!

<3, C.

Have you gotten any good news lately?

What’s the best thing you’ve done recently?

Have you ever attended a music festival?

WIAW: Birthday Week Eats

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!  It was simple, yet perfect.

So here’s the deal.  This week includes my birthday, St. Patty’s Day festivities, a concert with my favorite cover band, and a 3 night trip to Vermont for a winter music festival.  Yup.  Jam packed.  I also have been helping my father with doctors appointments, nail down a lease on our new place(!), and, oh yeah, try to work.

Luckily, there’s always time to eat.  So while I may not be able to catch you up completely, I can provide you with a glimpse at what I’ve been eating lately (in addition to the birthday pancakes), since it is Wednesday (already…these 4 day work weeks really make time fly).

Well, I’m not sure how much green there was, but here we go…I’ve been trying to drink more water.  I still hate it.Banana protein cookie shake.  Why can’t water taste like this? i.e. heaven?Polished off another jar, and layed it to rest with some OOIAJ.I made my boyfriend buy this cereal.  I tried it…meh, but SO CUTE!  I’m such a sucker! 
Some post-parade day eats.  Hot turkey brinner for me, and corned beef hash for him.  I’m so not Irish.Look, veggies!  Chicken!  Sweet potato!  Yes, this is still usually the menu.Chicken! Potatoes!  Bowl full of grav—But sometimes it’s your birthday, and you want to eat your favorite fast food from childhood.  And are quickly reminded why you stopped eating fast food (and that you’re (I’m) a hypocrite).  It actually didn’t taste that great after a few bites, and I like my own baked chicken better.  You live, you learn.No regrets.But the star of my birthday eats was of course, sushi!Tomorrow I leave for Vermont until Sunday.  I’m hoping to have some time to blog, but forgive me if that doesn’t happen.  I’m also bringing some food, since we rented a condo with a full kitchen.As you noticed, I really am trying to live life to it’s fullest, and if that means the occasional fast food (very occasional), glass of wine, or diner brunch, so be it.

Xo, C.

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten lately?

What’s your favorite type of food for dining out?  I love our sushi spot, trying new random places, and diners- since you can get anything, cheap and tasty!

Die Hard, Live Harder.

For those of you that don’t know, it’s B. Willie Style’s birthday.

And it just happens to be another great badass’ birthday, too.

Me and my Momma, circa 1987.

Mine! Ha. Badass. Ha. Face in the cake kind of badass?  All day!

But before I get back to celebrating, this year with birthday cake carrot cake (clean) protein pancakes and “clean cheese” frosting…(I know, sprankles ain’t clean–whatevs, live a little), and of course some less than clean treats (details soon!).

No faceplanting here…tempting though.

But let it be said, I finally have broken the streak of crying on my birthday.  2nd year in a row- no tears!  Not that there was ever a real reason for it, but I tended to put too much expectation, hoping everyone else would make it super special.  I finally got my expectations in check and took control of my own special day.

And to be honest, there really is only reason to celebrate with each year.  I’m kind of a medical miracle! (But that’s a long story for another day).  And every day, every year, is a blessing.

Bonus points if you caught that Friends reference.

I used to curse the idea of no longer being “young” with each passing year, but it just seems though recently, each new day, week, month brings a wonderful new adventure, a new chapter in this crazy life of mine.

And birthdays should always be, well, a Red Letter Day(e).

Thanks always for reading. <3

I’ll be back soon with more posts soon.  I promise.

XO, C.

WIAW: Easy, cheesy, beautiful.

I know last week I talked about giving you another healthy spin on take-out, but you guys were all about the Mac N’ Cheese (and who can blame you), so I figured I gotta give you what you want.

No green in this cheesy beast, though.

Get it?

It’s probably perfect timing, too, considering last week I whipped this up during my deload from the gym.  I talked about how important it is for me to have balance, not just in the gym, but in my eating.  Deprivation ain’t no friend of mine.  There’s no me in “diet.”

But there is “die.”  As in I die.  But not in a good way. From hunger.  And I eliminated that concept from my life long ago. 

But, they’re fat free…

So let’s get to it. 

For those of you that don’t know, I spoil the crap out of my boyfriend, often with food.  So, I figured what better way to use up that giant chunk of gouda in my fridge than to make Mac N’ Cheese.  In honor of my, “trying new things” quest, I decided I’d take a shot at a dish I’d never done before.  Mac’ N’ Cheese.  Yup, MnC recipe virgin…gasp!

Smoked Bacon Gouda Cavatap and Cheese ;)

As adapted from this recipe. 

·         4 cups (1 quart) whole milk

·         8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)

·         1/2 cup whole wheat white flour

·         1 tablespoon salt

·         1 pound Cavatappi pasta

·         3 cups grated Smoked Gouda with Bacon (Found this at the Fresh Market)

·         3 ounces grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 1 cup) (Or any other cheeses you like/have on hand)

Bring salted water to boil, cook pasta according to package as al dente and drain.  Meanwhile, warm milk on the stovetop until just before it simmers, set aside.  Melt butter in saucepan, slowly add flour stiring constantly.  Once combine, add warmed milk slowly, stirring constantly.  Add salt.  Add cheeses, and finally pasta.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

A whole stick butter

so. much. cheese.

The finished product

So goooooooeyd.

I served this up with some rotisserie BBQ chicken, and broccoli, but the boy would’ve happily eaten this alone.

I spy some green.

Also, be forewarned, this makes A LOT.  Eric took home 2 giant take-out containers full home with him. So, you may want to halve the recipe.  Or not.

It’s definitely a creamy gooey recipe, which I must prefer to the sometimes dry noodles with sticky cheese type baked, homemade recipes I’ve had.  I’d actually prefer Kraft Dinner to them.  Fo realz. This recipe, though is just straight creamy, gooey heaven.

Speaking of heaven, I heard this the other day….

I love this song.  Oldie but goodie.

And on the topic of love songs, last weekend I told the boy we didn’t have a song, and he told me that this song always reminded him of us:

I’m a huge lyric person, so of course the “fussing and fighting” thing set me on high alert (we really don’t even fight very often…), but the optimistic side of him, focused on the “beautiful” parts of the sing, and it’s got a laid back vibe, just like him.  “I just want to feel like I do when I’m with you.”  I heart him.

I guess it makes sense—no great love story is ever without some obstacles (as was ours).  It’s all about the balance.

Okay, enough cheesy, gooey love stuff.  (See what I did there?  Punny!)

Some other eats this week.

Omelette with caramelized red onion, butternut squash and rotisserie chicken with guac and hummus.

Whole wheat flax french toast.

Hope you have a chance to try some heady cheesy pasta goodness.  Next time, I should probably take orders and ship some out to you guys.  ;)

And I’m thinking of sharing some more new music finds with you guys soon.

XO, C.

What’s your favorite comfort food? Definitely chicken and dumplings. 

Favorite love song?

Favorite cheese?