recommendation: giesen sauvignon blanc

We found this gem at our fav grocery store Busch's in the $10 wine aisle. Its normally $19.99 but every week they have wine on sale and hubby and I love to get these as a way to sample nicer wines. We liked this one so much that we think its worth the full $20. Here are the stats:

Winery: Giesen
Type: Sauvignon Blanc
From: Marlborough, NZ

Tasting Notes from their website:

Pale yellow colour with green hues. The aroma is fresh and vibrant with a base of rich tropical fruit but dominated especially when young, by fresh lime and lemongrass aromas as well as a fresh herb note.

The palate shows a lovely fruit weight on the mid palate with flavours reminiscent of gooseberry and citrus and this is surrounded by a juicy, pure acidity giving the wine it’s zesty exuberance with a fresh, dry finish.

p.s. that's roasted asparagus and sweet potato gnocchi with rosemary and brown butter (Trader Joes find!) you see in the background.

This is a great wine for the spring season. ENJOY!

recommendation: crockpot cooking tips

Last week I stuck a pork tenderloin in the freezer because I ended up needing one less meal. I pulled it out yesterday to defrost. This morning... still partially frozen. This is a big debate - can you use frozen meat in the crockpot? Well - I've done it before. Many of the recipes I find on pinterest and mommy blogs call for frozen or defrosted chicken with varying cook times. Here's the debate:

YES to frozen: its quicker than defrosting or browning the meat; economical (because you can buy meat in bulk and keep some of it frozen); it doesn't effect the taste; it cooks for long enough to kill any bacteria. A lot of people say if you use frozen meat to add an hour to the cooking time. Crockpot says its OK as long as you follow their rules.

NO to frozen: you all know I'm a rule follower so I went to the top source for this one - USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service says, "Always thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker." Most articles say that the crockpot cooking meat at a low temperature provides the perfect conditions for bacteria growth so they frown upon it.

Then there's an in between group, those who acknowledge the bacteria issues of using frozen meat but want to use it so to combat any fears, put the meat on HIGH setting for an hour to kill any bacteria as the meat is defrosting, then turn it to low for the rest of the time. If you do this, you could probably decrease the cook time by an hour.

I'll tell you what I did. I researched this all morning. I went downstairs not knowing which side I was on yet and prepped the whole meal. I pulled the pork out and it was sooo close to being defrosted so I was going to run it under cold water. And then I noticed it was a funny color so I threw it away. REALLY. Really? It could be because I let it sit on the counter for a half hour yesterday (another no-no in some minds, but everyone does it and survives). It could be because I had it for 1.5 days before putting in freezer. I ran to the store and got a new one, so $12 down the drain but only a 10 min delay. And then as I was unwrapping it, I realized it was the same color. Yeah. It was 8am and there was a funny light in my kitchen. UGH. Stupid Stephanie. I will let you know how this meal turns out - its an Apricot Pork with Carrots and is a recommendation from my cousin and I'm super excited to finally be trying it! Here are a few spring recipes I found online that I'm curious to try!

- Sweet & Spicy Kielbasa
- Balsamic Chicken with Spring Vegetables
- Corned Beef and Cabbage with Herb Butter Potatoes
- Slow Berry Cobbler
- Parm Risotto - I already posted this but think it would be great with some honey baked ham and sauteed fresh asparagus. SO spring.

Like this post isn't long enough (can you tell how many cups of coffee I've had!?), here are some additional tips from Cooking Light:

• If your slow cooker has a removable insert, you're doubly blessed. For some recipes, you can assemble the ingredients in the insert the night before, refrigerate the whole thing, and go to bed. Next morning, set the insert in the slow cooker, turn on the heat, and head to work knowing that a delicious meal will greet you at day's end.
• The slow cooker is one of the most forgiving of cooking options. No basting, eye-balling, or baby-sitting. Although cooking time is more flexible than with traditional methods, overcooking and even burning are possible in a slow cooker, so test for doneness close to the time given in the recipe.
• To ensure that our recipes provide the most accurate cook times, we tested with old and new models and different sizes of cookers. We discovered that newer models cook hotter; so double-check the cook times depending on the age of your cooker.
• Size also matters. If the recipe calls for a 3-quart cooker and you own a 6-quart, reduce the cook time by a third and check for doneness as specified in the recipe. (Otherwise, the dish may burn).
• Some meat recipes call for the dish to be cooked on high heat for one hour and then reduced to low heat. This allows the slow cooker to heat up faster and the heat to penetrate the cut of meat and eradicate any bacteria.
• For the same reason, cut any piece of meat larger than a couple of pounds in half so the center will reach recommended temperatures in less time. Once you sample these recipes, we're sure you'll give your slow cooker a permanent spot on your counter top.

SO what is your stance on this? YES or NO to using Frozen Meat?

recommendation: websites for a slow day

Its Monday - hopefully you had a good weekend and can get away without doing too much work today. If you have any slow moments at work and need something to amuse you, here are a few ideas. Warning - these websites that will suck your day away. You've been forewarned, so that means you cannot blame me for sharing you. It is your choice to click on these links!!!

1. suri's burn book - highly amusing, someone writing from the perspective of Suri Cruise, she rips on other celebrities kids and her mom

2. This is amazing. Apparently its an older link but still think it is just so cool - both in how it was made and what it shows you! The Scale of the Earth

3. Awkward Family Photos. Nuff said.

4. Ok this site is neat and super artsy. Its called PostSecret - people send in a secret on an anonymous post card that gets posted on the site. Some are funny, some are sad.

5. Found Magazine: "We collect found stuff: love letters, birthday cards, kids’ homework, to-do lists, ticket stubs, poetry on napkins, doodles– anything that gives a glimpse into someone else’s life. Anything goes."

6. FML. I feel like this site used to be funnier but if you are reallly bored, here you go.

My sister-in-law Hannah showed me these two and the pony one literally amused us for a solid half hour if not more:

7. hipster creator - create a hipster cartoon of yourself

8. pony creator - there are so many options here. don't get overwhelmed and have fun. This one was mine. Isn't she cute?

Have fun!

recommendation: respond to earth day

I can hardly believe it has been OVER a full year since I've been doing this blog. Earth Day is this weekend on April 22nd and remembered I did a post on it LAST YEAR. Time flies.

Earth day is one of those days that seem silly because it should be celebrated every day. Like mother's day - you should love your momma every day. That's a big DUH. So here's what you need to remember: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. First off though, reuse vs. recycle. I had a hard time on which category to put a few recommendations under and found this article quite helpful! For those too lazy to click the link - reuse is to keep the item in its near original form to be used again. If you donate something to a shelter or church you are allowing items to be reused so that people don't have to purchase a new one. If you recycle, the item is being stripped and broken down so that its parts can be used in new ways.

So here's my plan on how to carry out the 3 R's:

REDUCE: Last year I posted to buy local in order to reduce your carbon footprint. My local is now Ann Arbor, Michigan as we relocated in the fall from Chicago. I love this slogan: "BUY local or goodBYE local!". I saw that sign for the first time when a Hallmark in Dexter was going out of business and it made me so sad. Its nice to support businesses around you that get involved with the community that they are in. I've found a few favorite local treats that also encourage business with the local community:

- Grange: 118 W. Liberty / Ann Arbor, MI 48104 / 734.995.2107. How great is this?
"At Grange, our commitment to local and sustainable sources reflects both our commitment to the community and our commitment to bringing the best of the farm’s bounty to the table when it’s fresh and at the peak of its flavor." Brunch there is great (Sundays only) but make reservations in advance!

- Downtown Home & Garden - Great local resource, here is what the site says, "We love to showcase our rich history as a hundred-year-old downtown retailer, but we survive by our willingness to adapt to change. We strive to make ourselves ever-more useful to our customers and the extended community by providing trustworthy information and full service." This place as a great Ann Arbor-y vibe and they are so helpful. This is the place to go if you need specific seeds for your garden or need some fun kitchen utensils.

- Mark's Carts was started by Mark of the above Downtown Home & Garden. Its a collection of food carts individually by the vendors, and each presents a different style of ethnic or regional food. I haven't been there yet but its created quite the buzz in A2.

- Think Local First: their mission is to support and cultivate locally-owned, independent businesses in Washtenaw County that are committed to making our community a healthier and more vibrant place to live. Great list of local businesses that have a lot to offer.

- Ok this one doesn't really fit the whole carbon footprint reduce thing, but they support local businesses and I just L.O.V.E. their billboards! Only Ann Arborites will get these but my favorites lately are: * Non-local banks think Briarwood is where Peter Rabbit lives; * Non-local banks think Kosmo is a character on Sesame Street; * Non-local banks think Ypsi is something you say after making a mistake; and * Non-local banks think Big George is a mob boss.

REUSE: My reuse this year is promotion for the

place I volunteer - The Brides Project! It is a non-profit organization of voluneers dedicated to raising funds for the programs of the Cancer Support Community (CSC) of Greater Ann Arbor. We collect donated 'pre-loved' or unworn wedding dresses that are available for purchase to brides-to-be at a considerable savings. All profits from the sale of the gowns go to the CSC to support programs and services for people touched by cancer. How great is that? Awesome way to reuse a wedding item no longer needed and help the community!

RECYCLE: After posting my Spring Clean your Closet post yesterday (REUSE!!), I found a WasteWatcher catalog that the City of Ann Arbor mails out. This book has so much information about recycling but boy is it confusing! I feel so guilty, so many things I'm throwing in my recycle bin should NOT be going there! A few examples:
* Remove all bottle caps from pop bottles before recycling
* No plastic lids (such as yogurt lids), flatware, fast-food drink tops/straws
* No light bulbs in recycling carts
* No paper cups, napkins, paper plates.
The list goes on. Who knew? Recommendation: find your City website and check out the guidelines for recycling. You are not helping the earth by not following them!

Try to find ways that work for you with your lifestyle to help the earth. Make a personal commitment to do one of the three R's this year: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!

recommendation: spring clean your closet

My husband left this on my pillow one night. I didn't even get offended because I know, I've got a LOT of stuff. Everywhere. I am a complete pack rat and have borderline hoarding tendencies - every glass jar, and most recyclable items have unknown and future potential uses. Don't worry, when put under pressure, I am willing to part with these items so don't feel the need to submit me as a subject for any TLC shows. I've also admitted to myself that even though we are in a house now, we really don't have that much extra storage space. Or at least not enough for me to keep everything.

My main 'stuff' problem is clothing. I keep everything - because I once loved it, I have a great memory when wearing it, it will fit me one day, it was expensive and I didn't wear it often enough... the list goes on. A high school friend is a stylist now and when I saw her recently she gave me a great piece of advice - buy what fits you NOW. I always think, I don't want to waste money on clothing for a size that I am now when I'm actively trying to work out and loose weight. So I'll wait. But wearing clothes that don't fit right in the mean time doesn't feel nice. So I picked up a few inexpensive things (think Old Navy & TJMaxx/Marshalls) that fit great and make me feel great. And that in turn motivated me to do some MAJOR spring cleaning! I cleaned my closet, my drawers, and some storage bins.

Here's some recommendations on what to DO with all that stuff!

In Ann Arbor there are PLENTY of places to donate:
- Salvation Army - the one on State next to Produce Station has an EASY drop off!
- Re-USE center on South Industrial
- Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop on South Industrial
- A few more from Arbor Web
- Trash to Treasures - a full list of Washtenaw County places to take pretty much everything under your roof

Try to get money at:
- Plato's Closet by Briarwood - they are seriously picky here and you have to stay while they sort, so go here first and then donate what they don't take
- Children's Orchard - across the street from Plato's Closet

Donate in Chicago:
- Salvation Army in the West Loop - this was closest to our house in Chicago. Not the friendliest or easiest but its there, they take the donations and give you a form.

Try to get money at:
- Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange are both located on Milwaukee in Buck Town. Drag someone with you because parking there sucks. But these places are close by so you can hit up both.
- Platos Closet on Clybourn
- Luxury Garage Sale - they sell your clothes on ebay and take a small cut. worth it if you have designer duds that are valuable

UN-recommendation: DIY stenciling & holiday rice krispies

This UN-recommendation thing was kind of fun - I got to vent about my failed projects! So you get two here. Third and final failed project was a tie between stenciling and rice krispie eggs. These are my last un-recommendations (for now). Don't try these projects, they are disappointing!

3a. DIY Stenciled Bench

inspiration:
My grandma, who cannot pass a good deal, insisted that I buy a stepping bench when we were at Value World. 1. because one day I would need it and 2. it was only $2. Two bucks does no harm to my wallet so why not. Two days later at HomeGoods, I saw some similar benches with adorable hand painted designs. Ah ha, inspiration! I decided to turn this bench into a grown up decoration. And so the failed project started...

steps:
I used leftover primer and wall paint to cover the bench after I sanded it and wiped it down. We bought a stencil from Michaels and I started using leftover blue wall paint to stencil it on.

Mistake #1. Paint brushes do not work for stenciling. #2. neither does wall paint really, its too goopy. I proceeded to hide my mistakes by painting the steps blue. Purchased ivory acrylic paint and sponge applicators. Sponged on paint. #3 give the paint a few minutes to dry before lifting up the stencil or it will smudge #4 don't use too much paint or it will smudge #5 don't paint while drinking wine, it will cause smudges. I had to use q-tips to touch it up.

final product:
smudged mess. you may think I just like saying the word smudge. but it was just too much work. i thought this would be an easy peasy project and i would finish it in a day and i'm just 'eh' about the end result.

3b. Easter Rice Krispie Eggs

inspiration:

Found this on pinterest from Food Family Finds.

steps:
Looked easy enough. I thought she hand molded them so saved a plastic egg carton to help - that didn't really work but I see now in the tutorial that she used a plastic egg, which I didn't have. When I hand rolled them into eggs, it compacted them together too much so the treats were hard to bite into. Also I melted bakers white chocolate and it was just a drippy mess to get it on the eggs. i had easter sprinkles which made the messy eggs a little cuter.

final product:

looked cute but not worth the effort in my opinion. next time i'll just make the treats, maybe cut them into an oval with a cookie cutter and decorate them that way?

UN-recommendation: easy breakfast bars

On to the next failed project! Again, while these seem like un-recommendations, really they are recommendations in disguise - I recommend you NOT to try these projects!

2. No Bake Breakfast Cookie

inspiration:
(pic from pinterest)

pin on pinterest, no origin, recipe is in pin description:

"This is the best and most awesome breakfast cookie ever! And the best part, no flour, no sugar, and no dairy added! Ingredients- 1.5 cups of oats 2-3 super ripened bananas 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce handful of craisins to taste cinnamon Pretty much just throw everything together, mix it up pretty well, throw it on a baking sheet at 350 for about 35 minutes and then go to town! It's great and super healthy for you! The entire batch ended up being about 12 weight watchers points."

steps:
as listed above. easy enough. only adjustments I made were that I used dried cherries instead of craisins and added some sliced almonds.

final product:
i felt like these had no flavor! i gave a few away before I tried them, big mistake, they were mushy and unappealing. maybe I should have baked them longer? if anyone else made these and had success, please tell me what I did wrong. the recipe was so easy I wish it was good!

i saw them disappearing from the container I was storing them in, but my husband didn't comment on them, so I wondered what was up. no, he wasn't secretly loving them. he was secretly feeding them to Mr. Toffee (our friendly backyard squirrel)! ha! lesson learned, everything on pinterest is not good, just pretty, which is not always enough (big life lesson resonating here! don't judge a book by its cover. beauty comes from within. yada yada yada).

UN-recommendation: make your own mercury glass

I realized I haven't posted anything significant in a while, I think I've been a bit down because all of the projects I've been trying lately have been duds. how unmotivating, right? to put time and effort and money into a project and have it utterly fail? well, i at least owe an explanation, if for no other reason than I don't want the same to happen to you and I know how quickly projects circulate on pinterest and Facebook. my next three posts will be about failed projects, so while these seem like UN-recommendations, really they are recommendations in disguise - i recommend you NOT to try these projects!

1. make your own mercury glass

inspiration:
(Professional on the left, my two DIY on the right)

Mercury glass has been all the rage lately - or at least over the holidays. I saw it in so many of my decorating catalogs - pottery barn, west elm, in department stores and at almost every tjmaxx and marshalls. I'm kind of obsessed with it - its shiny and has this vintage feel to it. My in-laws got us two candle stick holders from PB that I just L-O-V-E for our anniversary. And we found this great lamp at HomeGoods for our living room. To carry the mercury glass throughout the house, I wanted to add a few vases for decoration. At some point in time I had seen a pin about 'make your own' mercury glass so I googled it and found a great tutorial from Take The Side Street. Seemed easy enough.

steps:
Here are my supplies:
- 2 basic vases from the dollar store (as mentioned in my Make you own Kitchen Art post, I always like to try cheap first after realizing that a lot of projects don't turn out, I hate wasting the money!)
- Looking Glass Spray Paint (this is a direct contradiction of what I just said. There is no cheap version of this. Its a tiiiiiiiny can, I found it at Michael's, and all of my stupid 40% off one item coupons were expired, so I spent $12 on it!)
- Newspaper or plastic tarp
- Spray bottle (I got a few last time I was at Home Depot) to make vinegar/water mixture
- follow directions on Take The Side Street website

final product:

I was disappointed. I followed directions but the paint was drippy - it seemed too wet and every time I sprayed the glass in the five times it took, it just ran to the bottom and it took forever to swivel the vase around to spread it out. it just looks sloppy. didn't turn out very professional. maybe it was too cold out and i need to try again in warmer weather? i did attempt this on a unseasonally warm day in January.
i will say one HUGE mistake I made was dabbing the glass with a paper towel... most paper towels have some minor pattern on it, if not just a weave, and that showed up on the vase when I dabbed it, it left a honeycomb impression, which makes it look even sillier. I also think I should have gotten a wider mouthed vase from the dollar store. Mine was on the narrow side and I couldn't fit my hand in without touching the sides. The one in the tutorial is more like a hurricane vase so I think would have worked much better.

recommendation: go to HomeGoods and buy a vase for $7.99! cheaper than this whole project!