Ug, Ug. Me try Paleo, Ug.

For the next 40 days J and I are trying the Paleo diet. That's right, we're eating caveman style. For the most part, I don't think I'll miss bread or pastas all that much. The biggest challenge will be having fresh foods prepped and on hand for quick and easy dinners.

Although I'm sad to see enchiladas and sub-style sandwiches go, I'm welcoming the thought of crisp, refreshing veggies and feeling healthier. I've already lost about 10-15lbs since last fall just by cutting out a lot of snacks and reducing my pop consumption. Let's see if the Paleo diet, combined with nicer weather on the way, can subtract another 30lbs. 60lbs would be even better.

[Image Credit: Ole Jørgen Bratland & Gisele Jaquenod]

Turkey leftovers

Leftover caramels from our non-existent caramel apples at Halloween and leftover sweettart bones made the perfect turkey drumstick dessert for Thanksgiving. I came up with this one on my own, and I'm quite proud.

Simply score the corner of the carmel with a knife to make an opening to stick in the candy bone. Then press the carmel around it and shape it by molding in the corners (pressing it against a plate was a quick solution).

Cute!

Halloween Spooktacular 2010

Our first Halloween party went eerily well. Mua ha ha ha... 

A few looks at some of the food goodies:

Brain Cupcakes

Cheese Brain Dip

Broken Heart (Fennel bulb with celery stalks in dyed water)

Baby Mummy Fingers (ginger in dyed water)

Pickled Brains (Cauliflower in dyed water)

Can't wait until next Halloween!

In Vino Veritas

A recent vacation in Wisconsin provided the opportunity to visit Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac, WI. I took the $3.50 tour - and it was well worth it! The actual tour had a few interesting stops, but I would have liked to wander around more of their facilities. The tasting was great though -- I think we ended up tasting nearly 15 different wines.

Aren't the grape vines beautiful? I can't imagine what a winery tour would be like in Napa Valley. Must be breathtaking!

Stow your banana in a bunker!

Hate when your banana gets banged up in transit? Or even worse - you end up with banana glue?

I found the solution for all your bruised bananas - a Banana Bunker!

I'll admit, it looks pretty hilarious, but what can I say? I'm sure it does the job! You can buy yours from the very cool MoMA Store.

Lil' Pumpkin Baby Shower

I believe today is the day the world will welcome a new baby into Jake's family. We're so excited to see you, baby!

Just 2 weeks ago we had a baby shower for your mom with a cute little pumpkin theme.

Uncle Jake made the food and I baked lil' pumpkin cookies to give away as favors.

Everyone got to take home two yummy pumpkin cookies as well as a mini pumpkin.

Your daddy's Auntie S even made a cute Pumpkin Bear cake!

Ultra Violet Mt. Dew

I like the color purple just as much as I like a good sale, so when I spotted Mt. Dew's new Ultra Violet on sale I decided to try it. The pop is really pretty - a light lavender color in the bottle. But when I poured it into my glass all the fizz and bubbles turned a sky blue color. Disturbing.

The taste? Not so great - much too sweet and syrupy for my liking. I couldn't drink the whole bottle.

Dear Mt. Dew,

Please bring Mt. Dew Throwback back.

Love,

Me.