It is nearing the end of January (kind of scary really) and I haven’t had hardly any time this month to make much progress on anything.

While I was on vacation in Mexico I ate and drank constantly.  I think I honestly ate as much each day as I normally eat in two days.  The indulgence wasn’t a purposeful thing, it just more or less happened because we were with group(s) of people and someone always seemed to be hungry.  If something concrete wasn’t planned we would eat, and if something was planned we would eat then too.  And while I normally abstain from alcohol I liberally drank all sorts of fun drinks–margaritas, pina coladas, hard alcohol cocktails, and I even had my first daiquiri (which tasted like an alcoholic strawberry milkshake, although I had expected something more sugary and blue like daiquiri ice flavored ice cream at Baskin Robbins–one of my favorites).  So needless to say I returned from my trip slightly heavier than when I left (you would honestly think that donning a swimsuit everyday might have swayed the gluttonous eating, but it did not).  So I am back on my diet.  And having spent a bunch of money in Mexico I am also ruthlessly on a budget.

That whole paragraph is basically my long winded way of saying I am focused on saving money and losing weight so my new year’s resolution to cook at home has become important.  So on Tuesday after I was back I went grocery shopping and purchased 6 bags of healthy diet friendly food.  Our local grocery store (Safeway) was having this 10 for $10 special on all these things–cucumbers, red peppers, salad bags and carrots–so I stocked up (I mean it seems like a pretty good deal, right?).  I have made my lunch the last two days (but stocked up on lean cuisines just in case–they are seriously like adult lunchables) and “cooked” dinner the last two days.  My cooking mostly consisted of dissecting a rotisserie chicken, but I did make salads both nights.  I am hoping to collect a bunch of *simple* recipes that I can use to whip up a healthy, wholesome meal very quickly.  So far that hasn’t happened, but it is in the works.

The other thing that I am make progress on with respect to resolutions and self improvement is my whole “getting organized” kick.  I have been making lists and checking things off.  I basically have all these little projects and I am trying to get more out of my day.  I still have a *ways* to go here, but at least I feel like I have made some progress over the last month about using my time efficiently.

I know I have a bunch of other areas I am working on, but that is what I have so far

And here is a new one to add to the list:  I want to get better at my makeup.  I got my makeup done in Mexico and those women sure do know how to wear a lot of makeup and have it look natural.  I want to learn, since it looked phenomenal on me and I wish I could replicate it every single day.

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One of the things I love the most about October is that with October comes pumpkin flavored everything.  Today one of my coworkers brought in a bunch of muffins, some of which were pumpkin flavored.  Last week I went to Starbucks and they had their seasonal pumpkin syrup (most people put this into lattes, but since I don’t drink coffee I add it to steamed non-fat milk with a couple of splendas–it takes just like liquid pumpkin pie).  I also plan to make it a point to go to the Cheesecake Factory this month, as they have pumpkin pie cheesecake (this is a great thing to bring to a party if you have a potluck or some other similar gathering to attend this month).

It is fall again in Seattle and summer is officially coming to a close.  The other morning when I stepped outside there was the classic Seattle mist in the air and I could smell the faint scent of my conditioner and perfume.  In the moment I took a few deep breaths into the cold air and I can honestly say it made me feel so alive.  I guess it is hard to explain but in that moment it was as if everything came into the crystal clear perspective.  I just know this year is going to be a big year.

There is so much turmoil going on with the economy and while so many people are frenetic and stressed I feel hopeful and optimistic.  At work a lot of people were talking about the economy and the bill that didn’t get through congress.  I am still not sure how I feel about the bill–the more I read the more on the fence I am about the issue.  It is obviously controversial, and I don’t think anyone can even guess how it would end up playing out in the end.  It is definitely a major turning point for our country and I really hope we end up in a better place because of it.

I hope everyone is doing okay in spite of all of the economic turmoil.

On a side note, here are some links to two pumpkin recipes I want to try.  No one is interested in the pumpkin pasta so I am currently recruiting people to come over and eat it with me–I think it sounds really good.

Penne Pumpkin Pasta

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

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BTW, as promised here is what I ended up making at the bbq this weekend:

Preheat the over to 350 degrees.

First put 2 Tbsp of olive oil into the pan. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized about 15-20 minutes. Once they are caramelized stir in the balsamic vinegar and remove from eat. Allow the onions to come to room temperature.

Coat the tomatoes with the remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roll out your pie crust to form a 8-10 inch circle. Spread the onion mixture over the pie crust leaving about 1 inch of space from the edge. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top of the onions. Next sprinkle the tomatoes over the mixture and fold over the dough to form an ornate crust around the tart. Brush the crust with the egg wash. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until crust is crispy and golden.

Cut up the basil and mozzarella. Remove the tart from the oven and add mozzarella and basil on top of the tart. Let stand 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted. Cut with a pizza cutter and serve.

It turned out pretty well and I am definitely going to make it again (although it only fed about 4-6 people). I think it would also work well with goat cheese instead of mozzarella, and I think you could leave out the parmesan cheese if you wanted to cut calories. Puff pastry would also be a nice alternative to pie crust.

I also made a truffle mac and cheese penne pasta that didn’t turn out particularly well (so I won’t bother posting my recipe). One of the guests brought an orzo salad, and next time we go to a summer bbq I think I am going to try my hand at one of those. My next dinner party is in the second week of September and I am cooking for 4, so I need to think of something to make then….if you have any suggestions or good recipes let me know

I really need to get better at entertaining. I aspire to be more like Martha Stewart but with less pastels and more zen. I kind of miss cooking, and while I don’t spend money on eating out I find my simple meals like fruits, vegetables, and freezer meals tend to be more economical and efficient during the week. Perhaps I will find time to cook this weekend (and maybe even take a picture of it!).

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