So the Super Bowl is coming to Dallas this week, and I must say I am a bit excited. I do wish that the Cowboys were in it, but I guess I can't have it all.
The city is going to be crazy. I heard on the Ticket yesterday morning that even the Holiday Inn in Irving was going for $500. That is nuts! We even have friends renting out their house to some of Jerry Jones's friends for $20,000 a night. Tempting....
I persuaded Chris to have a party at our house for the Super Bowl. I love football parties, mainly because I love football watching food. My proposed menu:
Wings from Wingstop
7 Layer Dip
Mediterranean 7 Layer Dip
Queso
Chips and homemade salsa
Veggie tray with homemade curry dip
And hopefully my friend Liza will bring her amazing cake balls!
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Bachelor
The Bachelor is on tonight!! While I was at the airport yesterday I bought the new US and saw a little article about Peyton and Chris Lampton dating. Apparently they were seen in Dallas at the Nodding Donkey recently.
Here is Reality Steve's list of other ex bachelor couples. Pretty hilarious.
Here is Reality Steve's list of other ex bachelor couples. Pretty hilarious.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Book Club
So I am in a book club with a bunch of my Dallas friends. We started a few months ago and I think we have a pretty good system going. I was talking to some other friends and it seems that their book clubs always fall apart after a few meetings. Here are some little "guidelines" that may help you and your friends stick to it:
1. Choose a standing date, such as the 2nd Tuesday of every month. That way there is no haggling over the date, who can make it, who can't, etc. I always know when our meeting is so I can plan accordingly.
2. Have enough people in your book club so when some people flake out (always happens to at least 2 people a month) you still have enough people for a discussion.
3. We all decide on the book together. Granted, some of us have read it before, but this way more people get a say and you will find that people are more likely to read.
4. Always have dinner and plenty of wine. A book club is no fun with out wine to help get the discussion going.
5. Don't get upset if some people don't read the book. I am a dork and read every night, so I am usually one of the few that has read the book all the way through. On the rare occasion that I haven't finished, I still want to go to book club and catch up with everyone. You want to make sure everyone feels welcome to come, whether they have read the book or not.
Anyways, I love our book club. I think we usually discuss the book for about 30 minutes before we move on to more pressing topics like world piece or the Bachelor. Regardless, it is a great thing to do on a Tuesday.
1. Choose a standing date, such as the 2nd Tuesday of every month. That way there is no haggling over the date, who can make it, who can't, etc. I always know when our meeting is so I can plan accordingly.
2. Have enough people in your book club so when some people flake out (always happens to at least 2 people a month) you still have enough people for a discussion.
3. We all decide on the book together. Granted, some of us have read it before, but this way more people get a say and you will find that people are more likely to read.
4. Always have dinner and plenty of wine. A book club is no fun with out wine to help get the discussion going.
5. Don't get upset if some people don't read the book. I am a dork and read every night, so I am usually one of the few that has read the book all the way through. On the rare occasion that I haven't finished, I still want to go to book club and catch up with everyone. You want to make sure everyone feels welcome to come, whether they have read the book or not.
Anyways, I love our book club. I think we usually discuss the book for about 30 minutes before we move on to more pressing topics like world piece or the Bachelor. Regardless, it is a great thing to do on a Tuesday.
Restaurant Review - Nonna
I went to Nonna last Friday night with the hubby and some friends. I had been dying to go here for a while as I heard it was really authentic Italian food. I really enjoyed it, but we were surprised by how expensive our meal was! We loved everything we ordered, but be prepared for when that check comes!
A few highlights:
Grilled heart of romaine with roasted pancetta, avocado and shaved parmigiano. Yum, this was really interesting and good. I think this would be pretty simple to replicate at home but grilling a head of romaine on a grill pan or even outside, if you have the patience.
Agnolotti of braised rabbit with sugo and black trumpet mushrooms. I was expecting this to be in a heavy meat sauce but it was surprisingly light. The pasta was perfect and tasted homemade.
Sticky toffee pudding. Um hello heaven? This is so amazing. I forgot how much I love toffee flavored things (Skor bars for example).
For wine, we ordered the Rosso di Montalcino, Campo Giovanni, San Felice ’08. I really enjoyed this as it was easy to drink and had some age on it despite the vintage. I actually just googled it and got sick to my stomach as it retails for about $16 and we paid $57. Ugh, that pisses me off.
Anyways, I loved the food but can't get over the wine markup now. I would suggest this place for an intimate dinner for 2 or 4 people, or for a special occasion.
Happy eating!
A few highlights:
Grilled heart of romaine with roasted pancetta, avocado and shaved parmigiano. Yum, this was really interesting and good. I think this would be pretty simple to replicate at home but grilling a head of romaine on a grill pan or even outside, if you have the patience.
Agnolotti of braised rabbit with sugo and black trumpet mushrooms. I was expecting this to be in a heavy meat sauce but it was surprisingly light. The pasta was perfect and tasted homemade.
Sticky toffee pudding. Um hello heaven? This is so amazing. I forgot how much I love toffee flavored things (Skor bars for example).
For wine, we ordered the Rosso di Montalcino, Campo Giovanni, San Felice ’08. I really enjoyed this as it was easy to drink and had some age on it despite the vintage. I actually just googled it and got sick to my stomach as it retails for about $16 and we paid $57. Ugh, that pisses me off.
Anyways, I loved the food but can't get over the wine markup now. I would suggest this place for an intimate dinner for 2 or 4 people, or for a special occasion.
Happy eating!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Yummy, and easy, artichoke olive dip
So I am newly obsessed with this dip recipe I found in Bon Appétit magazine over the holidays. I have made it for my family and friends, and no complaints so far! I love artichoke dip but always get bored of the same thing, so this is a nice change.
1 8oz package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed (or one can)
3/4 cups packed fresh basil leaves chopped
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cups green olive tapenade (I usually find this at Whole Foods, it comes in a glass jar)
1 5.2 oz garlic and herb Boursin cheese
And some good bread. I like serving it with the rosemary bread from Eat Z's or Whole Foods. But anything works.
Mix all the ingredients together and put in a 4 cup baking dish or small Pyrex. Cook it in the oven at 375° for about 30 minutes and voila, you are done!
It will be a hit at your next gathering!
1 8oz package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed (or one can)
3/4 cups packed fresh basil leaves chopped
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cups green olive tapenade (I usually find this at Whole Foods, it comes in a glass jar)
1 5.2 oz garlic and herb Boursin cheese
And some good bread. I like serving it with the rosemary bread from Eat Z's or Whole Foods. But anything works.
Mix all the ingredients together and put in a 4 cup baking dish or small Pyrex. Cook it in the oven at 375° for about 30 minutes and voila, you are done!
It will be a hit at your next gathering!
My most recent book
So I just finished reading the first book in the Josephine Bonaparte collection, The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. Buy it here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Josephine-Bonaparte-Collection-Sorrows-Passion/dp/0743246217
I am completely obsessed with historical fiction, and can't believe I hadn't read this series yet. I can't wait to order the next two books in the series and devour them as I did the first one. I highly recommend you pick it up!
For fellow historical fiction lovers, here is a list of some of my favorites:
Pillars of the Earth
The Other Boleyn Girl
Mistress of the Sun
Mary, Queen of Scots
An Inconvenient Wife
I signed up for an Amazon account, I forget what it costs a year but it is totally worth it. I get free shipping and my books show up the next day or day after. Happy reading!!
I am completely obsessed with historical fiction, and can't believe I hadn't read this series yet. I can't wait to order the next two books in the series and devour them as I did the first one. I highly recommend you pick it up!
For fellow historical fiction lovers, here is a list of some of my favorites:
Pillars of the Earth
The Other Boleyn Girl
Mistress of the Sun
Mary, Queen of Scots
An Inconvenient Wife
I signed up for an Amazon account, I forget what it costs a year but it is totally worth it. I get free shipping and my books show up the next day or day after. Happy reading!!
Ugh the gym
I have never been one to enjoy working out. I don't run, I don't bike, but I don't want to be out of shape. The hubby got me some trainer sessions at my gym for my birthday and I love working out with a trainer. I know that this won't last forever so I need to figure out how to keep myself motivated and working hard when I am on my own.
My trainer Ed suggested I get a Polar F4. Here is the one I bought, again on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U0OFD2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0007VB4IY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1ZA24QBG8WEGHJHJQTS4
After quickly entering in your age and weight it will track your heart rate and calories burned. With the Polar, I can tell when I am in my "zone" and burning the most calories. This is especially great when you are doing weights or anything not cardio. My trainer has me jump rope or other short bursts of cardio between our weight sessions to max my calorie burn. When we do this I can burn 600 calories in an hour session, which is what you would burn doing cardio for the same amount of time.
If you don't want to invest in a Polar, use the steps below to calculate your target heart rate and try and keep in this range as you work out on the treadmill or elliptical. Try to make it at 40 minutes. You will feel great.
1. Subtract your age from 220. (Example for a 28-year-old: 220 - 28 = 192.)
4. Use your answers from steps 2 and 3 to determine your training heart rate range. (A 28-year-old's training range is 106 to 173 beats per minute.)
Enjoy your workout!!
My trainer Ed suggested I get a Polar F4. Here is the one I bought, again on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U0OFD2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0007VB4IY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1ZA24QBG8WEGHJHJQTS4
After quickly entering in your age and weight it will track your heart rate and calories burned. With the Polar, I can tell when I am in my "zone" and burning the most calories. This is especially great when you are doing weights or anything not cardio. My trainer has me jump rope or other short bursts of cardio between our weight sessions to max my calorie burn. When we do this I can burn 600 calories in an hour session, which is what you would burn doing cardio for the same amount of time.
If you don't want to invest in a Polar, use the steps below to calculate your target heart rate and try and keep in this range as you work out on the treadmill or elliptical. Try to make it at 40 minutes. You will feel great.
1. Subtract your age from 220. (Example for a 28-year-old: 220 - 28 = 192.)
2. Multiply the result by 0.55 to determine 55 percent of your estimated maximum heart rate. (For a 28-year-old: 192 x 0.55 = 105.6, or approximately 106 beats per minute.) This is the low end of your training range, or the slowest your heart should beat when you exercise.
3. Multiply the result from step 1 by 0.90 to calculate 90 percent of your estimated maximum heart rate. (For a 28-year-old: 192 x 0.90 = 172.8, or approximately 173 beats per minute.) This is the high end of your training range, or the fastest that your heart should beat when you exercise.4. Use your answers from steps 2 and 3 to determine your training heart rate range. (A 28-year-old's training range is 106 to 173 beats per minute.)
Enjoy your workout!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Hangovers and such
I started my first job in New York at an ad agency in 2006. It took a few months to find a job moving up there with no connections from Texas. My friends and I became very good at going out late at night and looking for jobs during the day. We continued our late nights on Thursdays even when we started working. I remember showing up to work feeling like DEATH. I have notoriously bad hangovers, and was always looking for a good cure, or a good place to sleep it off. Fridays sucked.
My boss shared with me her cure, a real Coke (no diet here) and a bagel with butter. Carbs helped the queasiness and the caffeine and bubbles helped the headache. One of my friends, who shall remain nameless, used to take naps in the one-stall bathroom at her first job. Not all of us had that luxury :)
This article about "quite space" at the NY Times headquarters covers both of these things. I think that hangover cute sounds disgusting though, but love the sleep it off room idea!
My boss shared with me her cure, a real Coke (no diet here) and a bagel with butter. Carbs helped the queasiness and the caffeine and bubbles helped the headache. One of my friends, who shall remain nameless, used to take naps in the one-stall bathroom at her first job. Not all of us had that luxury :)
This article about "quite space" at the NY Times headquarters covers both of these things. I think that hangover cute sounds disgusting though, but love the sleep it off room idea!
Does Bachelor Brad have a GF?
Scandalous!!! Did Brad dump a girlfriend to do the show again? Suspicious.....love it.
Betty is famous
So I know it is crazy, but we have a dog walker to come let Betty out 2-3 times a day while the hubby and I work (well he works, and I blog). See Betty's picture on her website!!
Shelby is the owner and Betty's dog walker. We LOVE her. For anyone who needs a dog walker, I would highly recommend DoggieFit.
Also, Betty is just so freaking cute that a photographer is coming to take pictures of her for her portfolio next week! How about that??
Shelby is the owner and Betty's dog walker. We LOVE her. For anyone who needs a dog walker, I would highly recommend DoggieFit.
Also, Betty is just so freaking cute that a photographer is coming to take pictures of her for her portfolio next week! How about that??
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sundance!
So I am headed to Park City, UT on Wednesday with the hubby and friends to ski, and also for Sundance. I think that sounds pretty cool to say, I am going to Sundance!
I am excited to start packing tonight as well. I think my look will be cute tights, boots and sweater dresses all wrapped up in my poofy jacket. Snow bunny chic? Or more snow bunny comfy.
I also did a bad thing and sprung for my own ski boots this year. Every year I get stuck with kid's size boots and I end up in pain, bruised and complaining the whole time (which the hubby really really loves). I figured that the costs of the boots is so worth the peace of mind, not only for myself but for Chris (I am good at justifying purchases).
Two years ago we went skiing in Breckenridge with some of Chris's friends. He is a much better skier than I am, so I definitely had to do some work to catch up. The first couple of days went well well but there was bound to be at least one break down of the trip. Low and behold I took a huge fall and Chris was nowhere to be found, which really pissed me off. I got up, dusted myself off with tears in my eyes and headed down to mountain to find him. He swears he could see steam coming off my head as I pulled up next to him, totally upset that he wasn't here to see me fall - "What if I was seriously hurt, you wouldn't have seen me!!!" I proceeded to call him some bad words, which made us laugh, and so we made up and kept skiing. I am pretty ridiculous, but the fall really did hurt!
I now have a red ski jacket so Chris can see me wherever I am so he can rescue me when I take my inevitable huge fall once a year. For now, I leave you with this lovely picture of us that ski trip. Please note Chris's Colombia jacket circa 1991.
I am excited to start packing tonight as well. I think my look will be cute tights, boots and sweater dresses all wrapped up in my poofy jacket. Snow bunny chic? Or more snow bunny comfy.
I also did a bad thing and sprung for my own ski boots this year. Every year I get stuck with kid's size boots and I end up in pain, bruised and complaining the whole time (which the hubby really really loves). I figured that the costs of the boots is so worth the peace of mind, not only for myself but for Chris (I am good at justifying purchases).
Two years ago we went skiing in Breckenridge with some of Chris's friends. He is a much better skier than I am, so I definitely had to do some work to catch up. The first couple of days went well well but there was bound to be at least one break down of the trip. Low and behold I took a huge fall and Chris was nowhere to be found, which really pissed me off. I got up, dusted myself off with tears in my eyes and headed down to mountain to find him. He swears he could see steam coming off my head as I pulled up next to him, totally upset that he wasn't here to see me fall - "What if I was seriously hurt, you wouldn't have seen me!!!" I proceeded to call him some bad words, which made us laugh, and so we made up and kept skiing. I am pretty ridiculous, but the fall really did hurt!
I now have a red ski jacket so Chris can see me wherever I am so he can rescue me when I take my inevitable huge fall once a year. For now, I leave you with this lovely picture of us that ski trip. Please note Chris's Colombia jacket circa 1991.
Oscars!
The Oscar nominations are out! I don't know about you but I can't get used to best film category having 10 films. It seems a bit of a stretch.
http://oscar.go.com/nominations
I vote for Black Swan all the way. I do need to go see The Kings Speech though. I just love me some British accents and Colin Firth.
http://oscar.go.com/nominations
I vote for Black Swan all the way. I do need to go see The Kings Speech though. I just love me some British accents and Colin Firth.
Christian Dior - I love thee
My friend Maggie just sent me the link to the Spring 2011 collection for Christian Dior that he just debuted in Paris. My heart skipped a beat, these clothes are absolutely stunning. I love the retro throwback, whimsical look of these clothes. They remind me of a modern Grace Kelly. John Galliano is a genius. How amazing to get to wear one of these concoctions? One can dream...
Check out the collection here:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011CTR-CDIOR
# 22 and 25 are my favorites. Which one do you love?
Part of me wishes that women still dressed like this, as I sit here in tourers and an over-sized black sweater at my desk . I was flipping through some old pictures & clothes of my grandmother's recently and I so admired how she dressed. I loved the pencil skirts, silk blouses, crop jackets, kid gloves and matching hats. She took so much pride in her clothes and how she looked. I am lucky if I straighten my hair once a week and put on eye liner. I guess I should start to care more, but it is nice to be able to throw on comfy jeans and a fleece and have no one think twice about it. But I still do love dressing up every once and a while.
Check out the collection here:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011CTR-CDIOR
# 22 and 25 are my favorites. Which one do you love?
Part of me wishes that women still dressed like this, as I sit here in tourers and an over-sized black sweater at my desk . I was flipping through some old pictures & clothes of my grandmother's recently and I so admired how she dressed. I loved the pencil skirts, silk blouses, crop jackets, kid gloves and matching hats. She took so much pride in her clothes and how she looked. I am lucky if I straighten my hair once a week and put on eye liner. I guess I should start to care more, but it is nice to be able to throw on comfy jeans and a fleece and have no one think twice about it. But I still do love dressing up every once and a while.
Black eyes, love doctors and tears
So every season I vow to not watch The Bachelor. I mean, what is the track record on this show? One, maybe two marriages out of fifteen or more seasons? Obviously not the best way to meet your soul mate. But alas, each season I get drawn in by the dramatic music and leading editing on the commercials and "scenes from next week." The sad thing is that even my poor husband is now addicted. Every Monday we plop ourselves in front of the TV with little Betty to watch the crazy unfold.
My favorite crazy is Michelle. This week on the Michelle show, a black eye. How does one get a black eye?? I thought it was interesting that it was pretty much completely gone by her one-on-one date. Interesting indeed. The thing that gets me is that Brad doesn't see through her and see how nuts she is. I guess guys aren't as perceptive as girls. They tend to be quite naive and believe that most people are normal, when it is truly the opposite. You must have a screw loose to be on the bachelor.
Next, Chantal. I really think she is pretty and has great look, but why does she cry every freaking episode? It is getting old. She says she is strong and independent, but then she cries. Those two things don't seem to add up. And she is divorced. (she is 28) Is everyone on this show divorced or have a kid? I can't imagine already being divorced at my age. I digress....
I do love Emily, but I agree with what my friend Glenna said, is she that in to him? I think she honestly is super quiet and doesn't have much of a personality. I know some think she could be the next bachelorette but I don't think she has enough spunk, bite or personality to do that. But then again, I would probably watch.
Despite all of this, I could see Brad with Emily. She seems sweet and would fit right in in Texas with that blond hair.
I am pumped for next week! Can't wait to see what Michelle will do to get attention and how many times Chantal will cry.
My favorite crazy is Michelle. This week on the Michelle show, a black eye. How does one get a black eye?? I thought it was interesting that it was pretty much completely gone by her one-on-one date. Interesting indeed. The thing that gets me is that Brad doesn't see through her and see how nuts she is. I guess guys aren't as perceptive as girls. They tend to be quite naive and believe that most people are normal, when it is truly the opposite. You must have a screw loose to be on the bachelor.
Next, Chantal. I really think she is pretty and has great look, but why does she cry every freaking episode? It is getting old. She says she is strong and independent, but then she cries. Those two things don't seem to add up. And she is divorced. (she is 28) Is everyone on this show divorced or have a kid? I can't imagine already being divorced at my age. I digress....
I do love Emily, but I agree with what my friend Glenna said, is she that in to him? I think she honestly is super quiet and doesn't have much of a personality. I know some think she could be the next bachelorette but I don't think she has enough spunk, bite or personality to do that. But then again, I would probably watch.
Despite all of this, I could see Brad with Emily. She seems sweet and would fit right in in Texas with that blond hair.
I am pumped for next week! Can't wait to see what Michelle will do to get attention and how many times Chantal will cry.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Betty Davis Sears
So we have had little Betty for almost a month now, and she is getting SO big, I mean not big by dog standards, but she has doubled in size, I swear!! She is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which is what Charlotte had on Sex and the City (Elizabeth Taylor). My mom got one when I was in high school and they are the sweetest dogs. I think Betty will get to be about 13 pounds, which is the perfect size for our backyard and for throwing in the car when we head out of town.
Here is a picture of the little toot with a toy that Chris bought her.
The above is a picture of Betty in the car the day we got her. Isn't she just so sweet??
Well she is sweet most of the time, like me as Chris would say. She has these little dagger teeth that she bit me with yesterday. She even drew blood!! Oh well, growing pains. I will be glad when her real teeth are in and she isn't teething anymore. But for now, I will enjoy how cute and little she is.
Here is a picture of the little toot with a toy that Chris bought her.
Well she is sweet most of the time, like me as Chris would say. She has these little dagger teeth that she bit me with yesterday. She even drew blood!! Oh well, growing pains. I will be glad when her real teeth are in and she isn't teething anymore. But for now, I will enjoy how cute and little she is.
Why hello there!
Ever been in a work slump, when you look at the clock obsessively and wonder when a minute became so long? Well, that is me. Constantly marking my days with useless online activity: celebrity gossip, CNN news reading, online window shopping, way too much Facebooking, job searching, annoying my friends on G-Chat and the like. I figured I should put myself to good use and start a blog! One more thing to help the day go by and help me with my boredom. I guess this is more for my own amusement than for anyone in particular, but then again... who cares.
I have high hopes for 2011, despite being BoredAtWork. It is my first year being married, to a wonderful husband who is never bored at work, by the way. We have a new puppy, Betty Davis Sears, who is the cutest thing in the entire world, if I may say so myself. And I thankfully started off this year 10 lbs lighter than the last (yippeee)! Yet despite all these wonderful things, I have absolutely nothing to do at work...literally nothing. I mean I guess I should be thankful for a job, but is there anything worse than having to sit in an uncomfortable chair all day, pretending to be doing something important? I really don't think there is.... At least if I was home I could be playing with Betty!!
Anyways, enough about that. I figured I could use my time to post some interesting things I find while trolling the Internet throughout the day for all of you who are also bored at work, or taking a little break from the grind. Also, be prepared for gratuitous Betty pictures, random thoughts, restaurant suggestions, recipes, rants and the like.
Can't wait to start blogging!!! Enjoy :)
Lauren (Davis) Sears
I have high hopes for 2011, despite being BoredAtWork. It is my first year being married, to a wonderful husband who is never bored at work, by the way. We have a new puppy, Betty Davis Sears, who is the cutest thing in the entire world, if I may say so myself. And I thankfully started off this year 10 lbs lighter than the last (yippeee)! Yet despite all these wonderful things, I have absolutely nothing to do at work...literally nothing. I mean I guess I should be thankful for a job, but is there anything worse than having to sit in an uncomfortable chair all day, pretending to be doing something important? I really don't think there is.... At least if I was home I could be playing with Betty!!
Anyways, enough about that. I figured I could use my time to post some interesting things I find while trolling the Internet throughout the day for all of you who are also bored at work, or taking a little break from the grind. Also, be prepared for gratuitous Betty pictures, random thoughts, restaurant suggestions, recipes, rants and the like.
Can't wait to start blogging!!! Enjoy :)
Lauren (Davis) Sears
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)