Lanette Hansen's Blog
Monday 3/8/10
I had my first bridal shower yesterday and it literally brought me to tears. In honor of my wedding in Cozumel, my sister threw the shower at Casa Del Sol on Fish Hatch. It was absolutely beautiful...the cakes were from The Rolling Pin and they had the exact same flowers on them as the invites did. There were orange Gerbera Daisies on all of the tables and the take-homes were these fabulous, little sun tan lotions with my name and shower date on them. There were 30 of my favorite people there all who had taken time out of their busy schedules to get gifts and come celebrate with me. I'm just the luckiest girl in the world!!
PS...Everyone was talking about two things...the spectacular service and super yummy food at Casa Del Sol and the amazing, "Death By Chocolate" cakes from The Rolling Pin...I highly recommend both of them!
Thursday 3/4/10
So it may sound absolutely ridiculous to be training for a marathon at the same time that I'm planning my wedding, but it has actually turned out to be a complete blessing. I don't have time to spaz out about the little, teeny details about the wedding...cuz I've got running to do. Then of course after the running is icing and lounging. So that combined with the fact that we'll be in beautiful Cozumel...I'm really not worrying about a thing. Meanwhile, I have deep bruising on the outside of my left foot and a little on my heel from our 10-mile run Sunday. I'll be ankle-deep in an ice bucket the next couple of nights because I've got 11 miles on Saturday and I just don't have time to worry about any pain in addition to the regular wear and tear.
I love running because it's such a head game. It's you against you...you can't blame the goalie or the referee. You win or you lose based on you. When my head isn't in it and I would love to just give up I think of my reason to run this marathon in the first place...my nephew, Carter. That little bug had seven surgeries in the first 3 1/2 months of his life...if he has the strength and determination to get through that then his auntie Netty can run 26.2 miles. Carter...by the way will be a year old in less than two weeks...he's our pride and joy!
Monday 2/22/10
I left my voice in Wisconsin Dells at the Great Wolf Lodge...that's where my bachelorette party was this weekend. We had a blast! We shopped all afternoon at Tanger and then headed back to our beautiful condos at Great Wolf where we chowed and drank some amazing margaritas my sister made. Of couse we spent a bunch of time in the waterpark...okay...in the hot tub, then we got ready to go out and took a shuttle to a club called Marley's and danced the night away. It's rather humbling to look around and see all of these amazing women who are from many different parts of your life all come together to celebrate with you. By the end of the weekend everyone had exchanged emails and phone numbers and now we're all very excited for the wedding in Mexico. I had 15 friends there and little by little everyone has been emailing me the pictures from the weekend...and they're hillarious. I had a 'to do' list to follow with everything from 'kiss the head of a bald man' to 'dance on a table'...I got everything checked off by the end of the night so am very proud of that.
Sorry about my voice today...but please know it was very well-earned. :)
Tuesday 2/9/10
Two months from today I'll be marrying Marc. I'm so excited to see the whole day come together with all of the preparations we've done. I hope it feels very 'us' and everyone has a great vacation with memories of friends and family that last a lifetime. It's rather humbling to see people you love working so hard on showers and bachelorette parties and ultimately being at the wedding...all in the name of family or friendship. I hope to be able to soak every second of that in and cherish it forever.
I cannot say enough how lucky I am for my friends and family and of course Marc!!
Wednesday 2/3/10
So tomorrow is my day to choose my favorite songs for Jimmy McGaw's 5 @ 5. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be...and although my all-time fave is Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" I'm fully aware that there are many who would roll their eyes and quickly change the station...so I have spared you from that.
I've chosen Earth Wind and Fire's, "September"...because it's a song you just can't sit still and listen to. After a long, crazy day at work...it's what you need to hear. I had the honor of seeing EWF and Chicago perform in Milwaukee a few years ago and "25 or 6 to 4" was the last song they did...together. There were 18 people out on stage and each one was playing an instrument and then singing...it was amazing and I think of that every time I hear it. Uncle Kracker's new song, "Smile" makes me feel happy and I hope it does the same for you too. I am a die-hard Whitney Houston fan. Yes, she's made some dumb choices and yes, she's doing her best to right those dumb choices...but none of that can erase the amazing music she gave us in the 80's and 90's..."I Wanna Dance With Somebody" is definitely one of them. My favorite song on Magic right now is "Hey Soul Sister" by Train. I first heard it when my fiancee, Marc and I were in Jersey visiting his family for Christmas and fell in love with it. Not only is it a spectacular song, but I think about my amazing future in-laws when I hear it and count my blessings.
Hope you enjoy 'Lanette's faves' on tomorrow's 5 @ 5!!
Monday 1/25/10
So the official marathon training begins tomorrow. The good news...it's just four miles. I'm pretty pumped to get some serious mileage under my belt though. When I'm in Cozumel for my wedding I've got to get a long run in there at some point so I've already started to pray for strength for that one.
In between marathon training are wedding details. This weekend, we got the maracas that will be painted with our logo on it and the date and put on each place-setting. We also got the straw fans that will be on each chair for the ceremony. In addition to keeping guests cool in the Mexican sun, they'll also have the programs attached to them. So those are both interesting upcoming projects that I hope to take advantage of my bridesmaids for.
One of my bridemaids who was also one of my college roommates is a designer. She has a company called Luxe Design and she completely outdid herself with our fabulous invites. They're passports...and they're spectacular! I can't wait to send them out!
But other than that...nothing new. :)
Monday 1/18/10
A fabu recipe!!
Choc-nut banana and fruit kebabs
Serves 2
50g dark chocolate
½ tsp oil
¾ cup of finely chopped mixed nuts (I used a mix of cashew, pistachio, almonds and peanuts)
1 banana, peeled and cut into 8 chunks
125g strawberries, halved
1 kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into 4-6 chunks
1 nectarine, cut into 4-6 chunks
wooden skewers
Line a small baking tray with baking paper. Melt dark chocolate and oil in a small bowl in the microwave. Place nuts in another bowl. Dip each banana chunk into chocolate, making sure it is covered evenly and transfer to nut bowl (I found it best to use a spoon rather than fingers). Use a fork to cover with nuts and transfer to lined baking tray. Place in fridge to allow chocolate to set – I left mine in for 2-3 hours. When banana is ready, thread banana and fruit chunks onto about 4 wooden skewers in colourful patterns. Serve cold or, if you wish, place in freezer overnight and serve frozen.
Monday 1/11/10
For the past year and a half I've been dealing with crazy knee pain. I went to the physical therapist, I had an MRI and no one seems to have a good reason. I have some Arthritis from old soccer injuries, but it shouldn't be so bad that it stops me from running. So...I've been trying different things and have finally found the cocktail. One Ibuprofen 30-minutes before a run, a medicated, Icy Hot-like pad on my knee and inserts in my shoes so I run on the middle of my foot rather than the outside. Anyway...long story longer, I did my first 5-mile training run this weekend with no knee pain. I'm elated...and ready for the remaining 21.2 that awaits me for the Madison Marathon.
Tuesday 1/5/10
So for the second year in a row I got the stomach flu for the holidays...here's the kicker...from the same family! Last year my best friend's husband gave me the gift that keeps on giving and this year it was my best friend. I'm thinking we'll exchange gifts in June this year. So just as I finally started to feel better, Marc got a head cold that's got him beggin' for Kleenex. We're quite the healthy little family right now.
I'm excited to get back into the groove of things...back to the gym and now training for the Madison Marathon in May. Back to eating normal amounts of food and getting normal amounts of sleep. I'm getting married in three months so It's coming down to the invites and the details. It's fun to see it all come together.
Thursday 12/31/09
Marc and I had a fabulous Christmas with his family in New Jersey! I'm IN LOVE with his new cousin Casey and learned that Clifton, New Jersey is a pretty groovy place. The 15 1/2 hour drive was grueling.... It wasn't that bad on the way back because we left from his mom's house in Pennsylvania so that took off an hour or so, plus you get the long states of Pennsylvania and Ohio done in the beginning. I know it's all a mind game, but it just wasn't quite as on-going on the way back. If it seems like I'm babbling a bit it's because I've been filling in on the morning show all week and I'm all outta whack! Tonight we're just going to a friend's house for game night...their kids will be there and it'll just be a nice, quiet night. Be careful if you're going out! Even if you're the designated driver...some people on the road aren't quite as responsible so keep the eyes peeled and the hands at 10 and 2. Talk to you in 2010!!
Wednesday 12/23/09
So tomorrow I'll fill in on the Magic 98 morning show and then...jump in the car and start the drive to Jersey to spend Christmas with Marc's family. We're even bringing our dog, Luna. It'll be a haul that's for sure.... I'm actually looking forward to it...it'll be our first extra-long road trip and I'm curious to see if we both survive. We should stroll into his aunt Bev's house around midnight on Christmas morning. Marc has a nice, small family so it's a little less hectic than my family get-togethers are. His cousin, Amy and her husband Don have a new little girl named Casey so it'll be great to meet her too! She's not even a month old so we had some fun buying her Christmas presents as you can imagine.
My brother is coming in from Boston tonight and I'll be heading out his way tomorrow...it's rather ridiculous really. We opened Christmas presents via our computers on iChat earlier this week. That's how I'll be there as they all open presents tomorrow night too...I'll be iChatting with them so it'll feel like I'm right there...then get to see their faces when they open their gifts too. What did we do before computers?
Here's hoping your Christmas is fabulous and you get to where you need to be safe and sound.
Monday 12/14/09
Friday was the Holiday Wish fundraiser and it's goin' down in the books as a successful one. We raised almost $8,000 which means...combined with other donations and our sponsors...we'll be able to distribute over $18,000 to local families who need it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your help!! It means so much!
Friday also marked the day we lost a fabulous Magic listener, Suey Starczynski (She's picture number six, opening the red door). Maybe you remember her from the first Concert for Gilda's Club a few years ago. She came in with a spectacular pink bandana and a HUGE smile ready to get some donations rolling in to build a Gilda's Club here in Madison. Her story was one of courage, strength and pure determination. Suey spent 13 years trying to beat that dang Cancer but ultimately she had a higher calling. Please join me in sending prayers and positive thoughts to her husband, two teenage girls and a huge community of friends and family.
Monday 11/30/09
I totally forgot to tell you about my NYC trip to see "The Lion King." I went with Mr. Fabulous himself, Sunday Smooth's Mark Van Allen. He had never been to the city before and I used to live there so it was fun to show him around. We got in late Friday night so went to the lounge and the club at our hotel. The next morning we got up to see the Today Show...we even got on TV, check it out! (I'm in a beige coat with an orange scarf and Mark is to my right.) Then it was the mad dash to see as much as possible...Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Canal Street, Chinatown, Little Italy then back to the hotel to get ready to see "The Lion King." It was the most impressive Broadway show I've ever seen. I would highly recommend getting tickets when the show comes here to Madison. Tickets go on sale Saturday, 7am at the Overture Center. Anyway, then Sunday morning we strolled Central Park and then headed to the airport...it was 36 hours of fabulousness!
Friday 11/27/09
My mom and I go shopping every Black Friday morning. We decide on Thanksgiving after looking through the ads, where we'll start. This morning we started at 4:00 at Kohl's, then Shopko, then Farm and Fleet, Target, Sears and finally Boston Store. We stopped around 8 to grab breakfast at Cool Beans and then carried on. It's never about the things that we NEED to get it's just a fun morning of being together doing something rather ridiculous.
I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving! I have my big family get-together tonight and cannot wait for a second night of turkey, mashed potatoes, squash, cranberries and gravy...I LOVE gravy....
Thursday 11/19/09
In the journey that is the life of my nephew, Carter...our family has had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. My sister has made some lifelong connections with other moms here and in other parts of the country, who have babies with heart conditions...they call themselves "heart moms." Along this journey there have been definite celebrations; going home from the hospital after 3 1/2 months, Carter quickly growing out of his clothes, a baptism we prayed so hard for and a successful fundraiser for the Herma Heart Center, the place that saved our "little bug" and will keep him healthy for years to come. There have also been sorrows; the loss of babies we got to know through the hospital and "heart mom" support groups. It seemed to be a bad couple of weeks that we just kept getting the word that another angel earned its' wings. With every time, I found myself holding Carter that much closer, that much longer.
One of my sister's "heart mom" friends was one of these moms who had the unfathomable day of having to say good-bye to her little Matthew. But before she did, they lovingly took away all of the tubes and the monitors and the wires and had professional pictures taken by a fabulous organization called, "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep." What a beautiful way to remember your child and to acknowledge his or her existence making a difference in the lives of all who had the priviledge of meeting them. I was so touched by this that I just had to share it with you.
Tuesday 11/10/09
I'm a little embarrassed to say I spent most of the weekend inside. I know it was gorgeous and my neighbors will be the first to tell you that I have lawn work to do...but Saturday was spent running errands and then at my sister's house with my spectacular nephew. Then Sunday I was on the radio 'til 3pm and then off to my parents for dinner. The darkness creeping up on us so dang early is a surprise every single year. It really takes time to get used to. It's hard to look at the clock and see 4:30 and it's dark...although I do like getting up for the gym in the morning and it's starting to get light.
So did you read in the paper this morning that Madison is the 8th healthiest city for women to live in? That's according to Self Magazine's November issue. Eighty five percent of us find time to exercise on a regular basis and that number even beat the number one healthiest city, Burlington, VT. We have one of the lowest average body-mass indexes of all areas the magazine checked out and our cancer and heart disease mortality rates are about 15 percent lower than average. That's a huge thumbs up for you sister friend! Click here for the run-down of the top 100 cities.
Wednesday 11/4/09
Wow what an afternoon! The President of the United States was here...in our little city. I so wish he could've gotten a gyro at Parthenon's or taken the gorgeous drive down John Nolan...but I understand...he's got lots to do. It was so cool to watch Air Force One land at the airport...albeit just on TV, but it was still amazing. I will remember this day as long as I live.
I SO agree with what he said about inspiring our kids to reach high...and to do that we need to lead through example. NO...not by spending 90 hours a week at work so you can afford to send your kids to the best summer camps and buy only the most expensive clothes.... It's quite opposite really. By being there to teach 'em a thing or two. With positive reinforcement and actually taking the time to have dinner together...talk about your day. I know it's sounds so cliche and rather old-school but it's so true. How can you hold teachers responsible for educating the kids if some parents aren't holding up their end of the deal? The kid couldn't care less about a math test if all they can think about is that their dad missed their baseball game last night. I know I'm sort of on a soap box here and I guess I'm out of line a bit because I'm not a parent...but I'd sure like to believe that I wouldn't blame a teacher if my kid wasn't learning something because first and foremost...that's MY kid. Okay...I'm stepping down and will cease preaching.
Thursday 10/29/09
I just have to tell you about a place to avoid if you're ever headed to Fish Creek in Door County. A place called Cedar Court Inn.... We made reservations there but then ended up not having someone to watch our dog, Luna so we had to find a dog-friendly hotel. It was eight days out and not once was there a mention of a cancellation fee...until we had to cancel. We were charged $25 for NOT staying at the hotel, and giving them plenty of time to have someone else rent the room. They completely blew me off when I said it's not on your webite or the reservation confirmation you emailed me, nor did you say anything when I called to cancel...it was in a form letter emailed to me as a cancellation confirmation. THEN...a woman named Janet wouldn't have anything to do with discussing the possibility of waving the fee. It's a perfect reminder that next time you have good customer service or someone goes out of their way for you...thank them, because they could always take the easy way out and act like Janet.
Tuesday 10/27/09
I'm headed out of town this weekend for my very first vacation in Door County. Yes, I'm a born and raised Madisonian but never made the venture over there. I'm very excited. My brother-in-law's sister is getting married, if you can follow that. So we'll leave Friday night after work and make our way back sometime Sunday. We'll be in Bailey's Harbor so if you know of any great things or places to see, let me know...I'm clueless.
We did some serious strength training this morning at the gym so my arms and chest are pretty much useless. I've 99% committed to doing the full Madison Marathon in May so I guess I better get used to it. Yes, I'm getting married in April...why not add one more stressful thing?? :)
Wednesday 10/21/09
I'm a bad friend...we haven't talked in weeks!! So sorry. I first wanted to say thank you for donations and positive thougths and prayers for Push, Pull, Pedal...a fundraiser for the Herma Heart Center. Team Carter raised $6,200 and the event itself raised over $24,000! We're so lucky to have such an amazing place just a short car ride away. The UW hospital can do most things, but when it comes to congenital heart defects, even they send 'em to the Children's Hospital in Milwaukee. I hope you never have to be there, but if you do, you'll be very, very impressed. So from me and my family, thank you!!
I guess I've been layin' low the last couple weeks. This weather makes me want to get home from work, put on comfy clothes and eat soup! Tonight I'm going to make a grilled cheese sandwich and warm up the fabulous organic roasted red pepper and tomato soup I get at Woodman's and curl up with the last couple chapters of my book. I can't wait!
Wednesday 9/30/09
Miley Cyrus has a song out called, "The Climb" and every time I hear it I think of my fabulous nephew, Carter. "There's always gonna be another mountain. I'm always gonna wanna make it move...."While other babies were smiling at their parents for the first time, Carter was enduring yet another surgery. While other babies were being held by all their loved ones, Carter laid in his hospital bed dreaming about what it would be like for even his mommy and daddy to hold him. While other babies cried when they needed something, Carter was silent because of his ventilator that helped him breathe. I tell you all of this not for your pity but so you could hear how far he's come thanks to the amazing care he got at the Herma Heart Center at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. We were able to get passed all of those heart-wrenching things because we knew with the help of everyone working at the hospital, Carter would be able to do all of those things in time...but we had to wait a little longer than everyone else. I don't know how he did it, but after 99 days in the hospital, seven surgeries and more procedures than I care to mention, Carter got strong and healthy enough to head on home for the first time. He'll need the Herma Heart Center for lots of future visits including two more surgeries...so we've got to keep this place running in tip-top shape. For all babies with heart problems...those we've lost, those that are here now and those who will grace us with their presence in the future...I'm participating in a fundraiser this weekend called Push, Pull Pedal. If you'd like to sponsor me just click here...please know that every penny counts. If that's not in the budget, please think of me Saturday as I walk for Carter and for all "heart" babies. Thank you!!
Monday 9/21/09
I made thee most spectacular pancake bake this weekend thanks to the Taste of Home magazine. If you would like to make it a bit healthier...I used two egg whites and two whole eggs, whole wheat flour, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Craisins, Splenda and Splenda brown sugar and it all turned out perfectly. Even the three-year old cleaned his plate....Enjoy!
Friday 9/18/09
I think we've finally rounded the kitty corner. Piper came upstairs for the first time in weeks...strutted through the living room and jumped into a window in the porch. I sat down next to her and she was purring and getting into my lap. Then she jumped down and sprawled out in front of the patio door. We started her on a steroid Wednesday and I think it's the trick we've been looking for. So now her personality is back...we just need to get her to start eating again. Once we jump that hurdle we can take out the feeding tube and hopefully get back to normal. Man oh man has this been quite the process. Thanks for all of your positive energy on this one...it was exhausting.
I'm in a wedding next weekend for my dear, dear friend Jenna. If you're in the Stoughton area...let me apologize ahead of time...we're quite the rowdy group once we're all together. Jenna and I were ballerinas together starting around 5 years old so it's kind of cool to sit back and think of all the things we've been through together and now to see her marry the love of her life. She, in turn, will be in my wedding as well in April. LOVE the girlfriends!!
Wednesday 9/9/09
So we're in week three of the cat mystery. Piper seems to be doing a little better but still isn't eating on her own...so we continue to feed her every six hours through a feeding tube in her neck. That's also how we give her her meds. This weekend she caught a mouse in the basement so she can't be feeling that bad.... Meanwhile, we still think it's a bacterical infection that started this whole thing off so will be adding antibiotics until we find the one that kicks this dang thing. It's really, really frustrating to watch her be upset and not feeling well...I tried brushing her last night and she hissed at me for the first time ever. She's such a good little girl and I just wish it was over with and she was sleeping on my head again instead of hiding downstairs all day and night. We'll see...only time (and the right antiobiotic) will tell....
Friday 9/4/09
SOOOO excited for a long weekend! And the weather looks absolutely spectacular too. Finally, cuz we deserve that.
The wedding planning is coming right along. I'm working with the wedding planner, Estefania who is a huge help in getting everything organized on her end so that when Marc and I get there we can enjoy more of our vacation rather than be running around doing wedding stuff. I custom ordered the bridesmaid's purses from an artist in Poland and they should be at my door any day...I absolutely cannot wait to see them! My mom got her dress last weekend and everything seems to be coming together. April will be here before we know it, I'm sure.
Hope you have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend...maybe see ya at Taste!!
Saturday 8/29/09
I hope your week wasn't as long as mine. My cat, Piper has spent more time at the vet this week than home. She's now on three antibiotics, fluids and feeds we give her through her new feeding tube. Hopefully this will do the trick. We pulled two teeth, had an ultrasound and a liver biopsy amongst many other things...now we're hoping it's a bacterial infection and she's on her way to feeling better. She was a nice shade of yellow thanks to her billiruben levels but I think it's getting better...either that or I'm just getting used to her as a yellow cat. It's quite the process of getting up in the middle of the night to feed and medicate her. If you have animals you know you'd do anything for them and any amount of money or time you have to give them...it's worth it. So...cross your fingers that my baby girl starts to feel better.
Thursday 8/20/09
It was a fabulous weekend with family and friends...all in celebration of Carter. My sister set up a montage of pictures that ran on her computer all afternoon at the get-together after the baptism. It was hard to see some of the pictures from early on in the hospital but it's also amazing to be reminded of just how far he's come.
We've just had a great fundraiser fall into our laps....It's called "Push, Pull, Pedal and it's October 3rd in Monona. It's for the Herma Heart Center which is in the Children's Hospital in Milwaukee and that's where Carter spent the first 3 1/2 months of his life. For his story and to see pictures of my precious nephew click here.
Wednesday 8/12/09
Carter is getting baptized this weekend! A day we prayed and hoped for for quite a while now. He'll be five months old in a couple of days and he's moving right along getting stronger and stronger every single day. He smiles and laughs and most definitely keeps us giggling. I was thinking maybe a pony for a baptismal gift would be a little over the top.... A car?? Okay, maybe just a donation to his college fund.... He's most definitely the apple of my eye and I'm so proud to be his auntie.
Wedding plans are coming right along. I found THEE most gorgeous purse online and accidentally ordered it. I LOVE it! I can't wait to see it. I also got the orange Dahlia hair clip I ordered...it's beautiful. All of these little things sure are fun to get as we put the big picture together. I'm sure April will come quicker than we expect it...hopefully we're organized and ready to go!
Monday 8/3/09
Craziness...just craziness!! This weekend was jam-packed. I started Saturday morning off at the gym, then went to a baby shower, then broadcasted with Amy Hudson at the Madison Mustangs football game, then hosted the last couple hours of Saturday at the 70's. Sunday I threw a baby shower for a dear friend at Cheeseburger in Paradise and then headed to my sister's house to spend as much time as possible with my nephew, Carter. He's fabulous by the way, if you were wondering. :) I was driving home yesterday thinking holy cow am I tired!! I had to come to work today so things would slow down!
Last week I noticed my cat, Piper wasn't eating. I brought her to the vet and she had two infected teeth. So this morning I dropped her off at Spring Harbor and realized I'm a total wimp...I was fighting back tears as I walked out with her empty carrier and Dr. Sondel said, "You got it Lanette...she'll be fine." It's always hard because your animals don't understand that you'll be back and they always look so scared. I left a little bit of my heart there today so I'll be super happy to pick her up at 4:00.
Sunny and 85 today...it's about time...enjoy it!
Monday 7/27/09
So I found my wedding dress! My mom, sister and cousin went with me to David's Bridal last week and it was the first one I tried on. After trying on about 15 more dresses my sister and cousin were laughing because they didn't understand why I was even trying on more dresses...the first one was it. The second time I put it back on I knew...it was perfect. The girls even picked out their bridesmaids dresses at the same shopping trip! They'll be wearing clover green and carrying orange dahlias. I think it'll look gorgeous. My dress is comfy and light-weight and exactly what I was looking for. How exciting!
Monday 7/20/09
Wow what a weekend! As one of my dear friend Jenna's bridesmaids in her September wedding I helped throw her bachelorette party Saturday night. We did wine tasting and a Betty Lou Cruise and it was fabulous. Of course there was tons of fabulous food, great drinks and proof that there is a God...a chocolate fountain. By the end of the night there were not many things I hadn't tried dipping in the fountain. It was SO yummy!
Then yesterday was my family reunion in Dodgeville. I wait all year for some of the dishes I can count on being there. The casseroles are to die for! I love that kind of food! Most were teasing Marc about the engagement..."are you sure you want to do this?" By the time we got home around 5 last night it was a 'plop on the couch and watch TV' sort of night. I was so full that was about all I could do anyway....
Thursday 7/16/09
So I found a dress I love, but I think I'll keep looking to find a better pricetag. I've narrowed it down to a style at least so I hope it'll get a little easier. I tried on a bunch of those gorgeous A-lines but I looked like a little girl playing dress up. So the 'fit and flair' is what I'm looking to find. Keep your fingers crossed please.
I made the yummiest sweet potato fries two nights ago and have to share this simple recipe with you. Take a large sweet potato, peel it and cut it into whatever shaped fries you'd like. Soak them in cold water for 20-30 minutes (this helps them get crunchy on the outside). Put 'em on a baking sheet that you've put cooking spray on, then shake a little olive oil on em. Here's the mixture you sprinkle on 'em...1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper. Then bake 'em on 450 for 20 minutes, flip and bake another 5 minutes. Mmmmm...enjoy!
Friday 7/10/09
Tomorrow is a day I'm really looking forward to. My mom, best friend and hopefully my sister (if Carter lets her) are going to Brandi's Bridals to look at dresses...for me and them. I know the girls will be wearing a grass green of sorts. I figured I didn't want to compete with the vibrant colors of Mexico so thought either green or blue would be good earthy colors...and since my sister did blue, I'll do green. There...that was easy. Hope the dress shopping is just as easy.
My mom got her dress for my sister's wedding at Brandi's and so did the mother of the groom as well as Karin's veil and shoes. I LOVED this place so I've got my hopes up that we can get everyone squared away and get the ball rolling. Keep your fingers crossed!
Wednesday 7/1/09
What a week! I've managed to try on some wedding dresses, see my nephew multiple times and deal with this fabulous poison ivy that's now traveling up my leg and down my hands. I'm kind of glad it's been a bit chillier so I don't have my poison ivy legs in shorts for everyone to wince at.
Marc and I are headed to the Poconos to visit his parents for the Fourth of July. We'll have a cookout and just relax...man am I looking forward to that!
My brother Bradley is doing much better after his surgery. In case you didn't hear me talking about it.... Brad flew in Saturday morning for a surprise visit from Boston for my nephew Carter's homecoming cookout Sunday. We took him to the airport for his flight home after his 36-hour visit and he tripped down some stairs. He broke his arm pretty badly and after an ambulance ride, an overnight stay at St. Mary's and then surgery Monday afternoon to put a metal 't' plate and 8 screws in his arm and wrist he's feeling much better. He's just got to figure out how he's going to get home without paying a bunch of airline fees and with only one arm. Selfishly, I'm glad he 'had' to stay longer and I'm very happy he's getting to spend so much time with Carter.
Happy Fourth!!
Tuesday 6/23/09
Good news all around! A week ago today Marc and I got engaged. We're planning on an April wedding in Cozumel so it will be fun to plan as well as actually experience. I was making lasagna and he came into the kitchen with a blue Tiffany's box...it was very 'us' to say the least.
Also...tomorrow is the big day that my nephew, Carter is finally coming home!! Three months and one week after he was born he'll get his first chance to meet his kitties Milo, Sabrina and Bella and his Pug, Baxter. It is going to be odd not going to the hospital every free chance I have but other than the fabulous nurses and doctors...I'm not going to miss it at all!
Now get a load of this...I'm in my girlfriend Jenna's wedding in September in which I'm going to be planning the bachelorette party with the rest of the bridesmaids tonight. I'm throwing my dear friend Sara's baby shower in August, another girlfriend Peg is getting married in October in Door County. Plus my cousin Karra got engaged this weekend as well! It's a plate full of my favorite desserts, but it's a full plate no less. Somewhere in there I'm gonna plan my wedding...somewhere.... :)
Friday 6/5/09
My nephew is SO close to breathing on his own and I thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts for his quick healing. He'll be 12 weeks old on Tuesday and has had 5 surgeries, more narcotics than I care to talk about and set-backs galore. BUT...he has remained just the biggest sweetheart of a baby boy through it all and hopefully soon he'll be home.
Thursday 5/28/09
I'm headed to my first Brewers game in forever tomorrow night. I don't even know who they're playing right now, I just can't wait to go. I want a ballpark frank with the works. I'll pay for it later but you have to have a big ol' hot dog when you go to a baseball game. I might even have some Dippin' Dots if I get all wild and crazy. There's something about little freeze dried ice cream balls that make me happy. We're going with a bunch of friends for Marc's birthday so it'll be extra fun surrounded by good friends...and it looks like the weather will hold out too! Not that it matters now that we have that fabu roof whenever we need it! Go Brew Crew!!!
Monday 5/18/09
Here's a little tidbit about me that I might not have previously shared...I love power tools!! For Christmas Marc got me this Craftsman chainsaw-like device. I named her Alice and I love her. Yesterday I went nuts cutting down weed trees that my wonderful neighbor has let grow along the fence line. Then, as most good lawnwork days do, I got the bug and continued along the side of the house and ended in the front. You can barely see the house with the amount of stuff I have next to the street waiting to be picked up and turned into mulch. Then I got my cordless weed wacker I got for my birthday last year and went nuts along the fence and around trees and under the deck and by the gardens and...okay you get the picture. It was great! Hope you had a successful day getting things done too!
Monday 5/11/09
Happy Mother's Day a day late! We had a great day of grilling out steaks at my parents house with my grandma Hansen and my uncle Dave and aunt Mary. We got done eating and it didn't even look like we had touched the mounds of food that still sat on serving platters untouched. Oh but we did...and then we somehow made room for angel food cake and ice cream. Even our dog Luna was exhausted after watching all the food disappear. I got my mom flowers because she and I both love them...but one of these days I'm going to figure out the best gift. What do your give the one person in your life who has known you nine months longer than everyone else? The women who has taught you to stand up for what you believe in, to treat people with respect and to lovingly accept life's lessons with open arms and learn from them. There's no Caribbean vacation, no spa, no computer gadget that can ever show her how much I love, look up to and admire her so I can only hope I say and show it every day. Love you mommy!
Monday 5/4/09
Thank you SO much for your donations, thoughts and prayers for the Lake Walk Saturday in Oconomowoc. We had a team of over 75 people and we raised more than $6,500 for cancer research. I have to believe that every time there's a fundraiser like this we're closer and closer to a cure for cancer. My friend Jaime got the last minute green light from her oncologist to come to the park and see her team before we started the walk...then she was off to the hospital for more tests. They'll be collecting her stem cells over the next couple of weeks and then at the end of the month she'll be getting a stem cell/bone marrow transplant. Continued thoughts and prayers for a successful transplant and a speedy recovery are MUCH appreciated.
Thanks again!
Saturday 4/25/09
Hope you're enjoying Saturday at the 70's! Man it sounds good today with the rain fallin' and the thunder a-rollin'!
I wanted to take a second to ask for your help. Next week at this time I'll be walking for one of my dearest friends in the Lake Walk 2009. Her name is Jaime and she and I have been friends since college. About a year and a half ago she was diagnosed with Hodgekins Lymphoma when she was 5 months pregnant with her second child. She fought it...and won...until 7 weeks ago. It's back... and man oh man is she putting up a fight the second time around. She lives in Oconomowoc which is a good thing because their Cancer Center is known nation-wide for what they're able to do. So, I'm walking for Jaime, I'm walking for her two little girls and husband, I'm walking for those at the Cancer Center, I'm walking for your loved ones who have, will or did battle cancer and I'm walking for you who chances are, have been touched by cancer. Click here if you'd like to make a donation. Just type in "Lanette Hansen" and you can read all about Jaime and see a picture of her and her fabulous little girls. If you can't make a donation, please send your thoughts and prayers for strength and perserverance. Every ounce counts! Thank you...from the bottom of my heart.
Thursday 4/23/09
All is good on the Carter homefront. He's not only off his ventilator but he's also off the C-PAP and now is just on high flow oxygen of which he's slowly being weaned. He's begun feedings and for the first time we're hearing his sweet, little voice. It really is quite the miracle.
Tuesday 4/21/09
So are you responsible for this SNOW today?! Last night we had our heat on and Friday we'll flip on the A/C...it's just another crazy Wisconsin spring.
Hope you were able to enjoy the first Farmer's Market! What perfect weather. We were at the gym trying to figure out what you can get this time of year. We figured out radishes and potatoes as far as fresh produce. But...pastries, cheese curds and strawberry jelly are NEVER out of season, thank God for that! :)
Good luck to everyone running Crazy Legs Saturday!
Wednesday 4/15/09
Sorry about the delay in another blog entry...my world has really just been all about Carter and getting him home. My brother Bradley was just in town from Boston to meet his new nephew for the first time. I made a big ol' sign that said "uncle Bradley" for when he came down the escalator at the airport. He was gonna kill me but he couldn't help but smile.
Carter has been making steady progress. Of course we'd love for him to be home, but he's doing what he needs to do in order to get healthy and get outta that hospital. Thank you for keeping Carter and all of our family in your thoughts and prayers.
Wednesday 4/1/09
Wow, it's been quite the crazy couple of weeks. I am now officially an auntie and I've loved every single second of it. On St. Patty's Day Mr. Carter Everett was born and he made his entrance known with a big wail and the signature peeing on the doctor. He's absolutely gorgeous and I'm sure I'll have pictures for you soon.
At 20 weeks along my sister and brother-in-law found out they were having a boy...and that he had Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect. He had a couple things that had to be repaired with surgery...so when he was six days old the little man had an 8-hour, open-heart surgery. He's doing super and he's such a strong little champer. He's in the hospital and every day tubes for various meds. and other things have been taken away as he gets better and better. My sister and brother-in-law have been rocks for Carter, each other and the rest of the family. They're taking things day by day and hopefully within the next couple weeks Carter can come home and meet his older brother Baxter (A very spoiled, wanna-be human Pug). Prayers and positive thoughts are always welcome!!
Monday 3/9/09
My college roomies and I had a great weekend full of laughs, memories and pictures easily used for bribery later in life. Hartland, WI is just a diamond in the rough that I had no idea about. It's "hometown USA" during the day and then at night we walked into a restaurant called Zin that was absolutely fabulous. I had the cornmeal encrusted grouper and it was to die for! Our poor server...we hadn't seen each other in a couple months and there were 10 of us who may or may not have done some sort of pink shot before we left the house. She had to put up with a lot and she remained very professional...I was very impressed.
One of my roomies there this weekend is Jenna. We've known each other since I think around five years old. She's from McFarland and I'm from Madison so we were in ballet at Virginia Davis School of Dance together until we graduated from high school. She went to UW-LaCrosse and then toured around the world with "Up With People" and somehow we both ended up at UW-Milwaukee living on Downer Avenue together. Anyway, she's getting married in September and asked me to be in the wedding. I don't know the color scheme yet but I'll keep you up to date. :)
Friday 3/6/09
Wow is this weather great or what!? Marc and I had the patio door open until late last night and actually forgot it was even open because it was just so nice out. This weekend it's supposed to get cold again and we might even see snow tomorrow night but if we have days like yesterday and today to break it up, it's not so bad.
I'm headed to Oconomowoc to hang out with my college roomies this weekend. We try to get together as much as we can...which is usually every few months. It's not that we live far apart from each other it's just trying to work around four people's crazy busy schedules. One of my roommates was diagnosed with Hodgekin's Disease Lymphoma when she was five months pregnant with her second daughter. She was in remission for a couple months but now that her girls are 4 and 1, she just found out her cancer is back. So...here we go again. Chemo, a stem cell and bone marrow transplant and cross your fingers...a road to recovery. If you have any suggestions for how to help please e-mail me. I'd appreciate any words of wisdom. Meanwhile, prayers and positive thoughts are needed...thanks!
Monday 3/2/09
It's Dr. Suess' birthday today and Linda Allen, the principal at Chavez Elementary told me this morning that he'd be 105 if he were still with us. That would definitely get him a spot on the Smuckers Birthday List with Willard Scott. Anyway, I celebrated with the champers at Chavez earlier today reading Dr. Suess books. Next time you have a chance to read a Dr. Suess book...do so out loud and see how many times you shake your head in disgust with yourself thinking...man...this is hard! Then see if you can do it in front of a first grade audience hanging onto your every word. I think I'm still starry-eyed and a little tongue-tied. All in all it was a great morning and it's just one more reason to LOVE what teachers do every day. I don't know how they do it, but they certainly do. My (Cat in the Hat) hat's off to every teacher out there!
Thursday 2/26/09
I was just out running errands and with the pending ice and snow storm...it was everyone's great idea to get out and get things done so they don't have to worry about it tonight. Two quick stops should've taken a half hour but was much closer to an hour.... Right as I got back to work the rain started so it was perfect timing.
I don't think I told you that I got my hair chopped. Khloe at RZ and company did it and man oh man does she know what she's doing. She put in a couple blondes and a red and the length is now above my shoulders. I've gotten a TON of compliments on it so it has to be good. I'd like to think that many people couldn't lie to me all in the same week. :) Hope to see you out soon so you can check out my new sassy hair.
Tuesday 2/24/09
Sometimes you just have to sit back, take a deep breath and think...seriously???????? My dear college roommate is no longer in remission, a co-worker is in the middle of a medical emergency as we speak, a girlfriend lost the baby she was so excited to carry, my sister will watch her newborn son be prepped for heart surgery in just a few days and everything that could've gone wrong during my uncle's recovery, did. Let me be clear...I'm not complaining, I'm not whining, I just thought bad things came in threes...not fives!!!!! I'm now going to emotionally eat a Shamrock Shake. :)
Friday 2/20/09
Here are some pics of the annual Running of the Brides at Filene's Basement in Boston this morning. The first picture has a girl I know in it. She's on the left holding her friend's (the future bride's) dresses. Notice as you flip through...people are holding signs saying, "play nice". This is just hysterical.
Wednesday 2/18/09
I picked up my new elliptical machine last night. It was quite the feat to transfer it but once that was finally done we were ready to go. Marc got it put together last night and this morning we both worked out on it for a little while. It's great to have that as an option if I don't get to the gym in the morning for one reason or another, or as a chance to get a second workout in after work. Even if it's just 20 or 30 minutes before dinner I'll take it! How exciting!
Monday 2/16/09
Two baby showers down...one to go. Yesterday was fabulous at Bunky's Cafe! We had the whole place to ourselves and everyone kept commenting how eclectic and fashionable the restaurant is. I really couldn't have done it any better thanks to the owner Teresa and her fabulous hubby who makes THEE best carrot cake I have ever tasted. It's just so nice when it all comes together like that. I would HIGHLY recommend Bunky's for any private parties you have. They have the coolest space and the food is to die for not to mention the service is untouchable. You must try it if you haven't already.
So between Valentine's Day Deliveries and two live broadcasts this weekend mixed with a CRAZY trip to Woodman's Saturday evening and the baby shower yesterday I'm walking around like quite the zombie today. I think I put deoderant on today...but I can't say for sure...it's a blur.
Tuesday 2/10/09
Saturday was the first of two baby showers for my sister. I'm throwing the second one on Sunday at Bunky's Cafe. The colors are green and blue and the theme is "Oh the Joy of a Boy". THEN...I'm throwing a "sprinkle" for my best friend on the 28th. It's her second child so instead of a full-out shower, it's a sprinkle. Some people call it a "diaper dump" but I've never been too fond of the word "dump" and definitely not while referencing a newborn because we all know the image that pops into your mind...so...moving on. The colors are pink and orange and the theme is "She's Oh So Sweet". Yep...candy everywhere. I can't wait!
Sunday night was a girl's night. Three friends I've known since high school or before and one married a high school friend and fits in just perfectly. We went to see "He's Just Not That Into You" and it's hysterical. A little too real in some parts because you think...oh my I remember being that pathetic. You also find yourself picking out couples in your life and pin-pointing the movie characters they resemble. It's great for a girl's night and would also make a good date movie too. Then we went to eat at the new Laredo's in Fitchburg where two of the four girls proceeded to tell us they're due a week apart in September. Guess I'll be drinking the margarita I just ordered for you while you were in the bathroom was my first thought...but after that it was a big, huge WOW...we've come a long way since ballet and high school basketball. Now we're five girls, four husbands, one boyfriend, four kids, two on the way, two dogs, two cats and I think there's a goldfish in the mix too. Funny how life just keeps moving huh....
Tuesday 2/3/09
Now this is just crazy. Thursday night I went to St. Mary's to see my best friend's new little girl Tess. On my way there I called my sister and turns out she's there too! She's due in March and her blood pressure shot up so they admitted her. I stopped in triage to see my sister and then went around the corner to meet Tess. It's one of those insane nights you just have to shake your head at and chalk it up to fate.
I took the day off yesterday and was way too excited to get my oil changed in my car. I don't know when you have the time to do it otherwise!? I'm just glad to be in the clear for a few months now. I also had the morning to see my girlfriend Sarah and her two girls Grace (4 1/2) and Julia (4 months). We had some coffee and muffins and fruit and it was so nice to not be on a time frame. If we don't have one before Grace is old enough, she's going to be the first female President of the United States. She's SO smart and just gets it. Mark my words....
"Biggest Loser" is tonight! Enjoy!
Thursday 1/22/09
Can you believe they got rid of Damien last night?! I agree it was great game-playing by Jillian's team but I didn't see that coming at all! And Kristine from the purple team jumping for over two hours?! Who know she had it in her? Now THAT's a good ol' Wisconsin girl playin' to win! If none of this makes sense to you then you're not a "Biggest Loser" fan. It's an awesome show and I highly recommend it...Tuesday nights.
I'm almost done getting everything planned for my sister's baby shower. The colors...robin's egg blue and lime green which are coincidentally the colors of the baby's room too! Carter Everett will be here soon so hopefully she gets everything she needs to make life a little easier the first few weeks. This is the first time I will be an aunt so I'm very pumped. We're having the shower at Bunky's Cafe which is on Atwood Avenue here in Madison. Great food, spectacular ambiance and an amazing staff...just the perfect place!
Thursday 1/15/09
I know the most popular New Year's resolution is to lose weight and get back in shape. I tend to be a little biased when it comes to gyms because I start out every morning at my favorite place to be...Orange Shoe Gym. Today I found out about something I think could help you if that is indeed your resolution. It's called "Orange Crush" and it's a really cool cardio class that works with balance, agility and function while pumping up your endurance, burning fat and tightening up. I always hear, "working out is so boring" but this class certainly is not...it's different each and every session. The crazy part is that you'll become just as nuts about Orange Shoe Gym as I am and find yourself actually looking forward to go to "Orange Crush". No matter if you're just starting to get back in shape or if you're already there, this class will push you to where you want to be.
Wednesday 1/7/09
Happy birthday, a day late to my spectacular brother Bradley.
Hope you're having a fabulous New Year! I haven't made any big ol' resolutions or anything...but I do hope if you've made any they're coming along perfectly. Most people wanna lose a couple pounds...and that makes me think about how the newest season of "Biggest Loser" started last night. It's the heaviest contestents yet and I was almost in tears last night as each one weighed in. There are some pretty awesome people this season who are gonna have amazing lives once they're able to figure out why they got to that point and then smash the scales. The purple team is a mother/daughter team from northern Wisconsin so I'm a little partial, but I LOVE Tara from the green team. She's tough and sassy and I like her.
On this same topic, I made a wonderful dinner last night...ginger glazed Mahi Mahi. Make sure to use lite, low salt soy sauce though...here's the recipe. Enjoy!
Wednesday 12/31/08
Happy New Year!!! I think we tend to reflect a little more at the end of a year. Funny, because six months ago you didn't much care that it was 2008, but now it's a little saddening to see it go. We had a big ol' wedding for my sister this year, one of my best friends in the world fought and conquered Lymphoma in 2008 and there were many friends who brought new little champers into the world. Yep, 2008 definitely had its highs and its lows but all in all I give it an 8 out of 10. (If it had a Mexican vacation in it, it would've been a 9.)
Have a great night tonight. Stay safe!
Monday 12/22/08
Well, today we closed the book on "Holiday Wish 2008." The numbers have been calculated and the summaries have been filed. All the checks, letters, gift cards and anything else we could get our hands on were sent out Friday. We were able to help over 100 families with over $17,000 thanks to your help and donations.
I got a phone call on the air Saturday from one of our recipients. She had just gotten her mail and in it was a Holiday Wish check and some mall gift cards. I could barely understand her through her tears but the universal, "thank you so much" came through loud and clear. Her husband was killed in a car accident and now, not only was she left to provide a memorable Christmas for her 6-year old son, but that 6-year old son turned 7 on December 23rd and he wanted a party. I can't imagine looking into the face of your child and not being able to do anything about his or her diappointment. This cash provided peace of mind and reminded her that someone cares.
I think I speak on behalf of each one of our recipients when I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Happy holidays!
Wednesday 12/10/08
I'll admit it...I love the reality show "America's Got Talent." That's the show with David Hasselhoff and Sharon Osborne as a couple of the judges. Anyway, there was a guy on there this past season named Eli Mattson and he's from Wisconsin. He's a singer and a piano player and he's spectacular! The first round he introduced himself to the judges and sang this song. He sat down the next night and did an Elton John song...another night he performed an Alicia Keys song that knocked my socks off! Although he completely deserved first place, he got second. The good news is, he's going to be at the Claddagh Irish Pub in Greenway Station this Saturday at 9:00. Tickets are 15 bucks and you'll love him! I promise! See you there!
Tuesday 11/25/08
I had my college roomies over for dinner Saturday. Jac and Jenn came in from Oconomowoc with their hubbies and we started our progressive dinner at our other roomie, Jenna's condo. The night started with an announcement that Jenna and her boyfriend Josh got engaged at The Grand Canyon the week before so it was off to a great night! We did appetizers at Jenna's and then went to my house for dinner. Between the four of us this year we've had two new babies, an engagement, a Lymphoma diagnosis, a remission from Lymphoma and a whole bunch of good ol' fashioned fun. It's been quite the year and I'm so blessed to have such amazing, strong, powerful women in my life. Friends just mean everything don't they....
One month 'til Christmas!! Holy cow where did 2008 go?
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. We'll do our HUGE extended family Thanksgiving Saturday at my uncle Bob and aunt Linda's. I'm bringing an appetizer and a pie. I think I'll make Pigs in a Blanket...those are always a hit with the adults AND the kids. It's never too hard to make a kid eat a hot dog ya know?! How fun. I have a pretty dang amazing family so it's a great time to catch up. Hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving!
Friday 11/21/08
This is the earliest I've EVER started my Christmas shopping. Usually Black Friday is my first attempt. Not so much because I must get the hottest and coolest new stuff...my mom and I just love to go an be a part of it. People are just crazy. We definitely scout out the different things we'd like to pick up but in no way are heart-broken if we don't grab 'em quickly enough. We just laugh our way through the day. Magic 98 plays all Christmas music that day too. We call it the Sneak Preview to 98 Hours of Christmas Magic and it's fabulous! I think it's because Mother Nature decided to skip right over fall and go directly into winter that I've got the Christmas bug early this year. Oh don't worry, I haven't forgotten about Thanksgiving...it's my favorite holiday of them all and I can't wait!!
Tuesday 11/11/08
Marc and I went to Lake Geneva over the weekend and it was spectacular. We were shopping on Main Street and the city crews were getting the holiday decorations up. It was a nice getaway without a whole bunch of travel time. We ate dinner at the yummiest place called Sopra. We just got a bunch of appetizers...we had prosciutto and fig on spinach, stuffed, grilled calamari and some butternut squash soup. They have a great selection of beers too! Marc and I were saying we'd even just drive there with friends to have dinner and drive back...it's that good. It's always nice to find a new restaurant that you just love.
I'm remembering a week ago I was in a short sleeve shirt waiting to vote and was warm. Today we woke up to temperatures in the teens and that's just not right. I actually like winter but I feel like we skipped fall!
Wednesday 11/5/08
I am so proud of my fellow Americans. No matter who you voted for, you voted, and that's all that counts.
I had a fabulous girl's weekend with a couple of friends. We shopped for 10 hours on Saturday which is crazy alone but then when you add to the mix that one of the girls is 7 months pregnant...that's just nuts! We went to Ikea and Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall so we were all about the savings. The most expensive thing I bought...dinner. I succeeded in getting my God daughter's birthday present but that's as far as I went when it came to buying for other people. I guess I'm not ready quite yet to focus on the holidays.
Friday 10/24/08
Day 10 of this cold and I think I'm finally over the hump. Man did that one knock me on my butt! I don't know the last time I was sick but it was years ago. Whew...glad this one is on the way out. You have my sympathies if you're dealing with the same one I had...it's a monster.
I'm starting to get excited for the holidays. I've started a list of what I want to get everyone for Christmas. If I plan and start spending the cash now it doesn't come as quite the shock as when I get them all at one time. Snow on Sunday could really get people thinking about "the most wonderful time of the year."
Tonight Marc and I are going out for dinner and will probably enjoy a night in after that. The rain, wind and cold makes you want to put your fuzzy socks on and cuddle up on the couch...with a bottle of wine of course. Come on we're not THAT lame.
Wednesday 10/15/08
My visit with my brother in Beantown was fabulous! We got his new place all organized and decked out so he can actually have people over now without having to apologize for the mess. It's an awesome space and I'm really jealous because the area is so great too. We went and got lunch, then got some drapes at Pier 1, then got a coffee and walked back to his place...I was waiting for Norman Rockwell to jump out. It was the first walk around the area I had taken and it was just beautiful. Older houses with the huge, beautiful front porches and of course the very nice landscaping. It didn't hurt that the fall colors were at their peak, some on the sidewalk, some still on the trees...and that wonderful fall smell...I was in heaven. Then we got back to his house, rolled up our sleeves and got back to work organizing, decorating and throwing out. Hopefully I can go back for St. Patrick's Day and the place will be all done and we can be a little less pressed for time to do things.
I've come to the conclusion that I just need to accept this cold I've been fighting. I haven't been sick in years...I hate it! I'm usually not one to take any pills or anything either but I am this time. You know you're not a kid anymore when you just don't have time to get sick. So here's my white flag...I'm definitely waving it...this cold is stronger than I. Dang it!
Wednesday 10/1/08
I'm headed to Boston Friday night to visit my brother Bradley. He bought a condo a couple months ago and I'll be there turning his bachelor pad into a home. It'll be so fun spending someone else's money!
I made a fabulous soup last night. 2 cans of Campbell's cheese soup, 2 cans of milk, a medium jar of Pace Picante (1 1/2 cups), 3 cups of cubed cooked chicken, a diced red pepper, a diced onion. Bring it to a boil and then cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. I know! How easy is that?! 1 1/2 cups of the soup is 300 calories. So pair it with a salad and you've got a filling, yummy, low cal dinner. Enjoy!
Hey did I tell you I'm gonna be an auntie?? My sister is due March 25th and I can't think of anything I'd love more. I LOVE other people's kids so I intend on spoiling him or her rotton. She and her husband are going to find out what they're having in a few weeks. Hopefully it's a boy or a girl but we haven't ruled out a monster that's been making my sister SO sick. Aunt Lanette...I like it!!
Wednesday 9/24/08
Did you just die that L.T. and Tom were voted off last night's episode of "Biggest Loser?" I was completely bummed cuz those two just crack me up!! They spiced it up a little. It was a fabulous show though with chef Rocco DiSpirito hanging out for a while and making some fabulous, quick and healthy meals. Click here for all of them. I'm hoping taking a look at these reminds you that you don't have to be a crazy good chef in order to make the quick meals you need with your busy life and still think about nutrition too. Happy cooking!
Tuesday 9/23/08
So I'm having problems with my left knee. I was hoping to run a half trail run in Kettle Moraine at the end of next month but...it ain't happnin'. I've just got to stop messing with it and head to the doctor. It'll probably just be stretches, maybe some physical therapy, but definitely a prescription of "stay the heck off your knee Lanette!" Total bummer! I've been able to get on an Eliptical machine lately so that's nice but I miss my runs. Especially this time of year...you forget you're working so hard because of the sights, sounds and smells of fall everywhere you turn. Can you tell I'm moping a little? BUT..."Biggest Loser" tonight!! That's good news!
Tuesday 9/16/08
In honor of a new season of "America's Biggest Loser" beginning tonight...here's Jillian Michael's hotcake recipe. (You'll find it in her spectacular book, "Making the Cut")
I can't believe I've never shared with you...one of the most fabulous and easiest recipes ever! 3 eggs, 3/4 cup non fat cottage cheese, 1/4 cup whole wheat flour. Separate the eggs from the yolks into two different bowls. Add the cottage cheese and flour to the yolks. Whip the whites and add to the yolks. Pour enough batter for a pancake onto a hot griddle and cook just like any other pancake. Top with sugar-free jelly or jam...NO...not syrup. Each pancake is about 140 calories and you'll get about 4 pancakes from that recipe. Enjoy!!!
Thursday 9/11/08
It's sort of an odd day today. It's already been seven years since that infamous day and I think we get kinda torn as to how we should feel. This is the first year I woke up and it wasn't the first thing I thought of. That doesn't mean I've forgotten how I felt on that day, that doesn't mean I've moved passed the loved ones lost on that day, that doesn't mean I'm okay with what happened. I think it does mean that hopefully we've begun to heal...as a nation, as a family, as human beings who were knocked up side their heads that day and thrown to the ground with force most of us had never felt before.
I'm still trying to figure out if I was fortunate or unfortunate enough to be living in New York City at the time. I watched from my living room what should have been a horror movie on my TV but sadly was the real thing. For days, fighter jets and helicopters flew outside my windows close enough to feel like I could touch them. I watched as the gigantic Red Cross liner floated in and as President Bush flew over to catch his first glimpse of the unimaginable. The insanely huge and blinding lights used by the crews sifting through the rubble lit up my entire apartment from sun down to sun up but it didn't matter, I wasn't sleeping anyway. The fire department next door was one of the first on the scene...they left with 12 guys and only three came back to their families.
So no, I haven't forgotten, I've just tried to move on. The only difference being that September 11th, 2001 is now a scar and not a gaping wound. Remember how you got it, remember the pain, but no need to bandage anymore. It's time to ease off on the actual incident and how you got the wound and focus on how you can avoid getting another one.
Tuesday 9/9/08
Congratulations to Stef...YOU are an Ironman. (If you've ever been at the finish line you've heard that line a couple times and are hopefully giggling a little.) Fourteen hours and nine minutes later...2.4 miles of swimming, 113 miles of biking and 26.2 miles of running...I felt bad for getting a slice of Ian's pizza while waiting to catch her on her second loop of the run, but I hadn't eaten since breakfast come on! My hat is off to everyone who competed this weekend...you are spectacular!
Friday 9/5/08
My birthday is in one week from today! How exciting. I love birthdays. Let me rephrase that...I love MY birthday. It's an excuse to celebrate with a great dinner and fabulous presents. I think this year we'll go to a new restaurant on the east side of Madison called Africana. It sounds spectacular and nothing like I've ever eaten before.
So I heard this morning at Orange Shoe Gym that they're going to be doing a crazy boot camp-like training session. I'm yet to find out all the information but you can bet I'll let you know all about it when I do. I'm thinking this is gonna be strangely fun yet totally challenging.
Speaking of challenging...Ironman is this weekend and I'd like to wish all of its participants a HUGE good luck. My friend Stef will be one of them and the hair stands up on my neck when I think about it because I'm nervous, excited, emotional, proud and determined for her all in the same breath. DO IT!!!!!
Monday 8/25/08
Marc's parents just left this morning after an awesome visit. Friday we went to Milwaukee because they wanted to see Lake Michigan. We ate at Rock Bottom Brewery outside along the river then got pictures with the newly dedicated Fonz statue on the River Walk. Saturday morning we went to the Farmer's Market and got goodies to make a spectacular dinner. Sunday Marc and his dad went crazy with home improvements...it's crazy how far one sheet of MDF can go. He made shelves for an otherwise unusable closet in the living room, fixed the two bottom steps on the deck and made new shelves for the garage. He also took down the green light above the garage and replaced it with a clear bulb...I've been meaning to do that for years. The best part is that they did that while Marc's mom and I went to The Montage and spent a whole bunch of money on things we "needed". My parents and grandma Hansen came over to cook out yesterday afternoon after stopping at Sloppy Lobster to get some fabulous tilapia and we sat around talking all night long. See, told ya it was an awesome visit.
Tuesday 8/19/08
My workout at Orange Shoe Gym this morning was a lot of arms and now I'm struggling a bit trying to type but it's a 'good hurt' right? Maybe I'll call it that tomorrow. Today, it just hurts.
My sister and her new husband started their day-long journey back from their two-week honeymoon in Phuket. They're 13 hours ahead of us so they'll leave on a Wednesday from Thailand but return here on a Tuesday. Don't shed any tears for them though...they're in business class so will probably have a glass of wine, recline in their nice, leather seats and sleep the entire trip. Rough huh? Karin and I have talked only once and I think it's the longest we've ever gone without chatting. It'll be nice to have her back in town.
Monday 8/11/08
Man have we had gorgeous weekend weather lately! Although that gives you no excuse to sit around inside and veg, it was so nice to soak it all in. I got a ton of lawnwork done in preparation for Marc's parents coming to stay with us next week. They'll get here next Thursday and stay through Monday and I can't wait! Between the laughter and the delicious food, a visit with them is always one to remember. Hopefully we'll have nice weather so we can show them around a bit. I think we'll spend a day in Milwaukee because Marc's mom wants to see Lake Michigan and being that's where I went to college, I have an idea of where to go and what to see. We'll most likely do the Farmer's Market Saturday morning and then some shopping down State Street. If you know of something fun going on the weekend of the 22nd, let me know!!
Wednesday 8/6/08
Whew!! It was wonderful. It was spectacular. It was fabulous. And now it's all over. My sister's wedding was hopefully perfect in her eyes. The weather was gorgeous and everyone cleaned up very nicely. :) We stayed at The Edgewater Friday night so Saturday I woke up at 6 and went on a run around 'The Square'. The Farmer's Market vendors were just getting set up and the sun was warm but not hot yet. It was my time to reflect on the momentous day that was about to unfold. The colors seemed brighter and the birds chirped sweeter in my point of view. I took a deep breath and went up to the room to greet the hair stylists who were there to make us pretty. I was rather calm until I saw my mom and dad walking her down the aisle...that's where I lost it. Dang it! You would've too though...oh my was she beautiful! Jim McGaw and Amy Abbott were the DJs and they did a knock out job. I danced the night away with my 4-year old friend Abbi...I wonder if she was as sore as I was Sunday morning. Somehow I doubt it. So now I have two brothers and that's kinda cool.
Tuesday 7/29/08
I have to tell you about this past weekend's celebration, because it was a big one! Now hopefully you can follow along here. My cousin Christy was adopted in Indiana, raised in Pennsylvania and just moved to Madison. She and her birthmom, who lives in California found each other in February and have met up a few times since then. Coincidentally, and this is just crazy, Christy's birth family is all from the Milwaukee area...so... Sunday was Christy's golden birthday and man did we have a party. A bunch of us from our family traveled to Milwaukee to celebrate and meet Christy's new family...she's got 8 new aunts and uncles and way too many cousins to count. They are a spectacular family full of love and respect for each other and it was so cool to just stand there and take it in. I am so honored to have been a part of it. Honored...and full still two days later. Of course I have to talk about the food...homemade enchiladas and tacos and a fruit salad to die for. The blender was going full speed making the yummiest margaritas and I've been dreaming about the homemade guacamole. Mmmmm...life is good.
Thursday 7/24/08
Oh I'm so sorry for slacking...I'm a bad friend. Things have just been so crazy with my sister's wedding now only nine days away. I think the ducks are almost completely in a row so I'm not too worried about things going way wrong. It's just time consuming that's for sure. A week from now I will be in a massage chair getting a pedicure at New Self...I might be a little biased but I think I SO deserve that.
I'm finding that I'm extremely emotional lately too. I'm not usually a crier but man, the thought of being a part of my baby sister's best day of her life...that's slightly moving ya know? I think of what an amazing woman she is now and how far she's come from trying to brush out her naturally curly hair with her Strawberry Shortcake brush to create a gigantic fro. All while saying, "No curly q's". She hated her curly hair and now those gorgeous locks are going to be all pinned up with a veil to top it all off. Yep, it's going to be a very overwhelming, absolutely spectacular day and I can't wait!
Thursday 7/10/08
Eric Hutchinson is coming to The Majestic tonight and it is going to be quite the show. If you like Jason Mraz, this guy is right up your alley...or if you don't have plans tonight and are up to see a great show...I HIGHLY recommend it! Marc and I NEVER agree on music except when it comes to Eric. Come on, you know you wanna...it'll be so worth it!
Wednesday 7/9/08
So I went camping last weekend. Here's the rundown...Six adults, three kids, five dogs, two pop-up campers, one tent and a partridge in a pear tree! We had fabulous weather and if you've never been to Yellowstone Lake Park I highly recommend it. They have a gorgeous beach and a really nice waterfront area for the dogs as well. Marc and I went with two of our favorite families, one has a 2 year old with another on the way and the other has two girls ages 3 and 1. Can you see where this is going? By the end of the trip Marc was hiding in the tent claiming he was 'just resting' when in reality I know he was hiding from the kids who had now begun to melt down. I'm not sure what the moral of the story is but it definitely goes down as the most interesting camping trip I've ever been a part of that's for sure.
Monday 6/30/08
Okay...where did June go?? I have yet to really get outside and enjoy a gorgeous day to the fullest. With all the rain and winds we've had my peonies are in rough shape so nice weather or not, I've gotta get out there and take care of them. Pretty soon I'll be 'that neighbor'.
Hopefully tonight Marc and I will get to Pasqual's. We'll be celebrating his new job at Isthmus! Talk about Madison summed up in a newspaper...I'm very excited for him. In a total selfish twist...I'm counting on him to get our blanket down asap for each of the Concerts on the Square now that he's right there. :)
Hey we all have our priorities....
Tuesday 6/24/08
I was just reading that Yoga is being offered at Quivey's Grove. It's outdoors on their beautiful grounds at 5:30 Monday evenings. How wonderful will that be? It's just a matter of getting out of work on time right? We always have such good intentions.... Anyway, I'll try if you try.
I'm so excited for the first Concerts on the Square tomorrow night. Man do I need a friend downtown who can put a blanket down at what...4? I'm crossing my fingers for nice weather. We're forecasted to get a couple showers tomorrow night but hopefully that's just way off. Every year about this time whether it's our amazing farmer's market, the zoo, the Concerts on the Square, I'm reminded of what an awesome place we live in. Here's hoping you find some time to do at least a couple of the things Madison has to offer this summer.
Tuesday 6/17/08
So we're about six weeks out from the big wedding. Everything starts to overlap at this point. I sent out the shower invites, just to turn around and order the bachelorette invites. I got the take home gifts for the shower on the 29th which I should've been really excited about, but it only reminded me that I've got to get the gifts for the bachelorette party on the 12th ordered. Whew...take a breath Lanette. Put it all into perspective....
I am so lucky that I didn't have any problems with water in my basement or anything from the crazy weather we've been having. I see the pictures and can't believe this is happening! My heart goes out to you, your family and friends...anyone who's been affected by the flooding and storms.
It was mind-blowing to read Friday evening that journalist Tim Russert passed away. I was/am a huge fan! I felt like he started the week off with what was going to be important in the next coming days. Hearing his co-workers, friends and family reflect on his life and character makes me so happy that he was as amazing of a man as I'd hoped. We've lost a huge part of a history-making run for president.
I guess planning for my sister's wedding isn't so crucial after all....
Thursday 6/5/08
Funny how I always seem to find the time to write in my blog on Thursdays. Maybe it's because I can see a light at the end of the tunnel as far as the work week goes? Who knows??
I just finished the invites for the bridal shower I'm throwing for my sister June 29th. I'll get those out this weekend so everyone has a couple weeks to get it planned into their busy schedules. I figured we'll be a month out by the time the shower comes around so everyone will really be watching what they eat...I'm just going to do a big ol' salad bar. 'Build your own' per say. She had her first dress fitting Sunday and looked just amazing!
Can't wait to see you at Dogfest Sunday. I'll be there with my Black Lab/Border Collie mix Luna so come and see us!!
Thursday 5/29/08
Congratulations to all of last weekend's Madison Marathoners!!! There were 1,500 for the full, 2,500 for the half and 1,000 running the quarter marathon. If you've never been at the finish line of a marathon, I'd highly recommend it. It's one of the most overwhelming experiences I've ever had and is actually quite indescribable. Remember these runners have just been in a race against themselves...they can't blame the ref, nor the goalie or the kicker if the outcome isn't favorable...it's you against you and it's a total mind game. I've watched people do cartwheels over the finish line, seen people uncontrollably sob and helped catch the occasional collapse too. It's physical AND emotional. Four months of training comes down to this one day. Most will never do a marathon again but will always be able to say they're part of 1% of the world that has finished 26.2 miles.
I did the quarter marathon and finished at 1:07 which is seven minutes slower than what I wanted to be but it was definitely a stepping stone to my full...someday....
Thursday 5/22/08
Marc's birthday was a great time! We rented a projector, speakers and of course the needed cables from Full Compass and showed an outdoor movie. Our garage is set back a little from the house so it made the perfect "movie screen". We had amazing burgers, potato salad and coleslaw from Knocke's and loaded up some bowls with Marc's favorite...Cool Ranch Doritos. We showed the movie "Super Bad" so there was definitely part of the crowd who loved it, and others like my mom who stood on the deck, watched a little, smiled, nodded her head and headed back into the house. But she tried right?! It's a movie that's rather vulgar and disgustingly funny if you're in the right mood. It was the birthday boy's pick.... Just for the record I would've chosen "27 Dresses". :)
Tuesday 5/13/09
I can't believe I forgot to tell you about our girl's night out last weekend!! One of my girlfriend's daughters got accepted to Marquette Law School, one of my girlfriends finally recovered from some medical stuff and the rest of us just needed to turn off our brains and have some fun. We rented a limo and headed out. We started at Eno Vino which USED to be a favorite of all of ours. We got there around 11pm, ordered a round of drinks and soon after this manager comes over telling us we're too "high pitched" and we needed to quiet down. I'm sorry...did we make a wrong turn into a library or were we in a bar area close to midnight??!! We didn't even finish our drinks...we left. Now a GOOD manager would've sat down, bought some drinks and explained that the people next to us were trying to enjoy a romantic evening and he hoped we'd understand. Nope, he did just the opposite...made a whole bunch of otherwise good customers mad and lost a ton of cash in the meanwhile. It was so completely rude and I just felt like venting. I know it's a place to which I'll never go back. That's too bad.
Friday 5/9/08
So Marc got all inspired and tore down all the paneling in our three-season porch on the front of our house. It's a farm house that's over 100 years...so...the paint under there is obviously lead-based. I've got to now find a paint to go over it that as Bob Vila tells me, is "encapsulating." I've only found a couple places online so we'll see. Meanwhile guess what I'll be doing this weekend...cleaning up Marc's mess. :)
Thursday 5/1/08
Happy May Day!! It's turning out to be a spectacular day...68 right now with just a little rain coming tonight. Right on!
I'm very excited to watch Gray's Anatomy tonight. What did I do Thursday nights without it?? Oh yeah, got an extra run in, maybe some laundry...you know, the responsible stuff. Now I'm SO excited to make a yummy, healthy shake in my Magic Bullet, sit on the couch and take in an hour of someone else's drama and dysfunction. It truly is perfect!
Friday 4/25/08
My weekends have just been jam-packed of stuff going on so I haven't gotten a good chance to get out and clean up my flower gardens and outdoor living areas. It's only supposed to be 48 on Sunday but it will be the first day I have to get a good start. It's just a lot more fun in the sun, but this will have to do. I've gotta get it done soon or I'm gonna be 'that neighbor'. You know who I'm talking about.
We have some new tunes on Magic I am SO completely in love with. Alicia Keys, Pink, Leona Lewis...love them!! Hope you love them too!!
Friday 4/18/08
I can't believe I didn't fill you in on my girls' weekend!! It was fabulous!! We seriously shopped at Tanger for 5 hours!! Then we went back to our amazing room at Great Wolf Lodge, we treated ourselves to a condo with a fireplace, a little patio, a little fridge...like I said...amazing, and well worth it! We got in our swimsuits, grabbed Long Island Iced Teas and relaxed in the hot tub. We got the courage to leave the warmth of the spa for just a few minutes to do two laps on the Lazy River, but then we went back to the tub. After a while of that we got ready to go out for dinner. Did you know that Marley's has a shuttle?? They came and picked us up for Pete's sake!! We had a great dinner and then danced the night away. Both Kat and Joeli are moms so we were just giggling the whole way back to Great Wolf (in the shuttle again) that we were out 'til bar time. That hasn't happened in forever!! We got up the next morning and hit the waterslides and the hot tub once more until it was time to check out. We grabbed brekkie at this great place famous for the cinnamon rolls...and now we know why!! Mmmmm!! We've decided we're going to try to do this at least twice a year. We all agreed the best part was getting ready to go out to dinner. No kids, no animals, no hubbies, just the girls. It was like being in college again!
Sometimes we forget as mommies and wives and caretakers and whatever role you take on, that we need to refresh every once in a while by leaving it all behind. Don't lost sight of that! Believe me, you need a girl's weekend!!
Tuesday 4/8/08
So last night I wanted to make a fun dinner to watch the NCAA finals but of course I didn't want to be all fatty. For these types of events I crave nachos and anything fried you can dip in a yummy sauce...and let's not forget the beer to wash it all down. So I hit the internet looking for recipes. I found oven-baked french fries and a great breading for chicken and shrimp. When all was said and done I had healthy, home-made french fries, shrimp and chicken and dipping sauces...sodium-free ketchup, fat-free/low-cal Ranch dressing and sugar-free barbeque sauce. Applebee's eat your heart out!! It was so nice to feel like I was eating bad-for-you food without having to go nuts at the gym this morning out of guilt. I didn't go out to grab beer but if I had, I would've grabbed the MGD 64...only 64 calories a bottle my friend and under 3 carbs!! Just wanted you to see that you can still feel like you're indulging like everyone else for things like big games, but you don't have to break the bank on calories and fat! If you'd like the recipes just e-mail me, lanette@magic98.com. Happy Tuesday!
Monday 4/7/08
Holy cow this weekend was insane. Between the emceeing, the live broadcasts and on-air work too I'm on a three-second delay. I can't think of anything other than napping. Now I know why cats live such happy lives!
Amy Abbott and I had a ton of fun both Saturday and Sunday at Pet Supermarket on Odana Road. This is a fantastic new place with fabulous owners if you'd like to stop by and see for youself, it's about a block and a half down from West Towne Mall next to Ginza. Say 'hi' to Paula and Jim!
This weekend I'm going to the Great Wolf Lodge with my girlfriends Kit and Joeli. It will be filled with shopping, eating, drinking, gambling, dancing, relaxing and craziness I'm sure. They're both leaving behind little ones so they won't know what to do with all their extra time but I'm sure it won't take them long to catch on. If you're headed up to the Dells for anything, I've just given you fair warning....
Monday 3/31/08
So the Winnie the Pooh adventure wasn't SO bad. I do now have total respect for Bucky Badger however. It's like you're all alone in the big ol' head of the costume just hearing your self breathe...and sweat...holy cow it was hot in there!! The kids loved it and yes, there was great cake and ice cream waiting for me after I changed so I guess it's all in a hard day's work. I will never make Bucky do push-ups at the football games again though...poor thing...I don't know how he does it!!
Juli Hinds and I are hosting the greatest event this Friday. It's a Red Ribbon Affair for the AIDS Network at the Monona Terrace. (More info here.) If you would like to come out and support a very important cause in my book, we'd love to see you!!
Friday3/28/08
I was wrong...I'm eating jelly beans as we speak!! I came in this morning and Chris Murphy dropped a whole bag on my desk. He said now's the time to get 'em because they're all on sale! It's now six hours later and half the bag is gone. I'm so weak against the jelly bean!! It's not a fair fight!!
This weekend I'm going to be Winnie the Pooh at my best friend's son's 2nd birthday party. What would we do without Mallatt's?? Seriously...thee place to go for costumes!! Anyway, I'm hoping all the champers don't get scared of me and go running because that could be quite the complex for both me and the kids! As long as there's cake waiting for me at the end of the shin-dig I'm fine. Bonus if there's Blue Moon ice cream...then it'll all be worth it! Wish me luck!
Tuesday 3/25/08
Okay, I think I got my fill of jelly beans. Man I love those things!! It was a great day of family, food, laughs and of course...stories. Whenever my family gets together we tell stories...you know, the ones from when you were little that make you cry cuz you're laughing so hard. It just wouldn't be a holiday without them.
Right around 3pm I always start thinking about what I'm going to make for dinner. I have a whole wheat Boboli pizza crust that I think I'll put some veggies and shrimp on with a little cheese, and presto...a yummy, most importantly, low fat, low calorie dinner. Yes, you CAN eat pizza without the guilt! Hopefully I'll get home, go on a run, get dinner ready and be sitting on the couch in time for "America's Biggest Loser" at 7! If you don't watch, I'm a little disappointed in you, if you do...I'm so sick of that Mark guy I can't stand it!! He's gotta go!!
Thursday 3/20/08
I don't know why I'm so surprised we're getting snow tonight and tomorrow. We ALWAYS get a snowstorm in March that sort of knocks us off our feet because we were just starting to get a taste of spring. But this winter...this winter has been so long and so cold and gave us so much snow that I guess I was hoping this year would be different. POP...there goes that dream bubble!!
I'm excited for Easter! A huge dinner... yep, I'm excited!! Last year the Easter Bunny got me jelly beans (which are my favorite!), Zone Bars (which I eat every day) and a brand new...bra. Yep, a bra. I don't know how the Easter Bunny knew my size but he did. Funny how you get to be so thankful for those things you forget to buy for yourself.
What are you doing for the game tonight?? GO BUCKY!!!!!
Wednesday 3/12/08
I don't know about you but this time change is killin' me! It sounds so simple...I mean, what's one hour? It just throws me off completely! Today is the first day I felt somewhat awake when I got out of bed. I'm at Orange Shoe Gym by 6:30 so it had just started to be light when I woke up...now we're back to square one! It's just harder to get up when it's still dark. I sure hope you're coping a little better than I am!
I'll be running the quarter marathon in this year's Madison Marathon May 25th with the intent to run the half next year and the full the next year. It's just so hard to train in the winter...I despise running on a treadmill so we'll see how it goes. Come on, join me...ya know you want to!!
Thursday 3/6/08
It was spectacular!! The Poconos are so beautiful! We got in Saturday afternoon to a sunny, 50 degree day. Sunday was about the same. Monday we drove (2 hours) to Philly, one of my favorite cities in the world, and we weren't wearing jackets because it was almost 60 degrees! Then Tuesday it was a cold rain all day and Wednesday it was snowing...we got all the weather possible!
I'm completely in love with Marc's parents. His mom makes me laugh...hard! Then when she laughs...it's all over. His dad is the cutest man ever...I just wanted to pinch him. Not to mention he's an amazing cook. Seriously, I had to refrain from putting my entire face into the mashed potatoes and just eating...thought that might be a bad first impression. They've got the greatest friends and family. I could've listened to their accents all day! One of their friends decked us out in no, not Steelers gear but Giants (Thanks Diane). They thought that was pretty great. I took out my Red Sox hat just for fun but thought better of it as I looked around and saw I was a little out-numbered...then sat down and watched the Yankees game with everyone else. Now...I truly am off to the gym to work off the pasta, the meatloaf, the homemade maccaroni and cheese, the cannolis, the seafood crepes, the french toast with bananas...you get the picture.
Wednesday 2/27/08
I'm off to the Poconos Saturday! Marc's parents live there so we'll obviously be staying at their house. I'm SO excited to leave Wisconsin snow. Even if they had the same amount, which they don't, it'd be someone else's snow so it wouldn't be quite as annoying to look at. Sounds like Sunday will be a big family get-together so I'm excited to put some faces to the names. Marc is Italian so I plan on taking in all the wonderful items Italian cuisine has to offer...Seriously, I could eat Italian food all day long. I could've died happy the day I found whole wheat gnocci at the grocery store. So, I'll be back next Thursday hopefully relaxed and ready to work off the 5 pounds I've gained!
Monday 2/18/08
Whew...what a weekend!! Valentine's Day, a wedding, a baby shower, a HUGE family dinner and hours of shoveling the heaviest snow ever!! I was actually thinking it would be nice to come back to work so things would slow down a little. I am such a creature of habit and schedules that when I'm off of either of them, I'm exhausted. I'm definitely feeling it today that's for sure. Tomorrow I'm hoping to be back on track and full of energy...meanwhile, today is turning out to be quite difficult.
I just have to share with you this fabulous story though. My cousin Christy is 26 years old and was adopted by my aunt and uncle at birth in Indiana. She's got her Masters in Library Science and in October moved here from Pennsylvania to see if there were some opportunities in Madison she wouldn't have otherwise found. (As of yet, she's still looking, so if you know of anything please let me know.) Anyway, last week, after years of searching she and her birth mom Janet found each other. On Valentine's Day Janet flew in from California and they met for the first time. On Friday, my aunt and uncle flew in from South Carolina and I was so touched to be there as my aunt Joanne and Janet saw each other for the frist time. They shared a hug full of thankfulness, gratitude and of course plenty of tears...for them and everyone else in the room. Christy has two half brothers and lots of aunts, uncle and cousins...the crazy part is lots of them live here in the area! Her birth dad, turns out, lives in Milwaukee!! We had a huge family dinner Saturday night and got to meet some of Christy's new family...they're just beautiful...every single one of them!
I just thought in the middle of winter, swimming through all the politics, at a time when we tend to get a little bored and depressed I'd share with you a true story of faith and love. I found myself just stepping back and watching everyone with a smile from ear to ear. How truly, truly amazing!
Tuesday 2/12/18
Valentine's Day is in two days! I just love holidays.... It could be just a random Thursday in the middle of April but when you attach the title 'holiday' to it, it's just fun! So whether you have spectacular romantic plans, you're goin' out with friends or hanging out with your favorite sweatpants and fuzzy socks, allow me to wish you a happy Valentine's Day!!
I'll be spending mine at a rehearsal dinner. My girlfriend Jen is getting married Friday so it's definitely a time to celebrate! The bride is in town from Omaha so it feels like it's really happening now...it's going to go by so fast! Cross your fingers for nice weather for those traveling please!
Friday 2/8/08
So I'll admit it...I'm obsessed with Jillian Michaels from 'The Biggest Loser'. She's the trainer that is so hard core...I just love her! I got her new book 'Making the Cut' and It's pretty darn interesting. It's for people who are athletes looking to get cut...maybe lose 5 or 10 pounds, but get into the shape they always knew they could be in. It's a 30-day program of diet and excercise and I'm so geeked to get started. I've already made one of her recipes...it was chicken, onions, Granny Smith apples with nutmeg and pepper all scooped into a low-carb, whole wheat tortilla and it was fabulous! She's really into positive thinking and I TOTALLY agree with her on that. You make a decision every day to be the kind of person you want to be, you set your goals and you go get 'em. I'll be the first to say that there are definitely some mornings I don't feel like going to the gym but if my goal is to be way hot at my sister's wedding in August, I'm doin' what it takes to get there. I'm babbling, but I just love this book can you tell? Maybe you made a New Year's resolution to get healthy...even if this is a little harder than you want to go you can adapt it to your life, in the least get some good recipes and by all means soak in some great advice to get you where you want to be. Am I preaching? A little...it's just so important to respect your body and take care of it. Okay...I'm making a Michael's Frozen Custard run now...you want anything? :)
Thursday 1/31/08
Are you doing anything for the Super Bowl? I'm just not that interested. I'd LOVE a Giants upset but I won't be watching every second of the game I know that. Besides, I've got a mission on Sunday...it's to find gold shoes to match the dress for one of my girlfriend's weddings in two weeks. Hey, we all have our priorities.
The 45 degrees weather was just heaven-sent! I know I was in a better mood on those days. I get out of Orange Shoe Gym about 7:30am and we were all hanging out in the parking lot talking and laughing...when it's as freezing as it is today and yesterday, we all just rush into our cars with barely a 'see ya'! By the end of the day Tuesday, it was down to -11! Oh man am I ready for Spring!
Thursday 1/24/08
Oh my...I swear I didn't fall off the face of the Earth...I've just been snuggled into 25 layers of clothes every day which can make it hard to type. Holy cow can it get any colder??!! (Don't answer that.)
Let's see here, what's happened since the last time we've chatted. I LOVE my new haircut, Packers lost...cuz they forgot to show up and I've turned off my TV for a month. Yep, you read right. It's been eight days and I have to say it's not so bad. I catch up on my shows, "Biggest Loser", Oprah etc via the internet and I find I have much more time...for everything! My house is clean, the dog is always walked and I've even gotten some two-a-day workouts in. Don't get me wrong, Monday night I found myself throwing the dog's toys against the front door to see which one had the 'best bounce', but overall I think it's a good thing. Maybe in the end I'll have the TV on for my shows but not all the time as it was turning out to be. Meanwhile, I'm hoping McDreamy doesn't fall in love with that nurse because I'll be so bummed I missed it.
Thursday 1/10/08
I'm going to get my hair chopped today. I'm so embarrassed...last time I got my hair cut I brought in a picture of Jessica Simpson, this time it's Nicole Ritchie. Please don't judge. :) I am excited to get it cut though. My friend Chloe at RZ & Company is FABULOUS!! She's a family friend since I can remember, it's just a bonus that the girl can do hair!! I'm gonna go with some bangs...if I don't like 'em I can just let 'em grow out, no big deal. Wish me luck!
Meanwhile, I'm excited for the Wedding Planner and Guide Bridal Show this weekend. I'll be there with Amy Abbott Saturday 10a-12n and then I'll be back with my sister and the rest of her bridesmaids picking out fun stuff and hopefully winning a couple things too! I got an e-mail saying one of the girls I used to babysit for will be there too...why I thought...BECAUSE SHE'S GETTING MARRIED!! That hurt the age ego a little...youch!!
Thursday 1/3/08
I don't know what we did without the Magic Bullet? Have you seen this thing on info-mercials?? Marc got it for Christmas from my parents and it's spectacular! We ground coffee beans and it really does make a difference in the taste of the coffee. We each make a shake once a day...my favorite is 1/4 cup of vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, 8 frozen strawberries, 2 tsp peanut butter, 1 tsp whey protein and 3 ice cubes. It's like a frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwich...I will seriously, never buy ice cream again cuz this does the job. I have it at night for my dessert and it fills me up so I have no problem not snacking. Plus I'm also very ready to work out at 6:30 the next morning. Like I said...spectacular!!
Thursday 12/27
It was so nice at Orange Shoe Gym this morning to work muscles other than my jaw to eat whatever sugar was placed in front of me. There comes a point when you just go, fine...I'm eating it...I'll work it off next week. So if you need me this week, I'll be at the gym.
My Christmas was filled with family and friends. So many were in town I just couldn't get to everyone. My first friend in the world Wendy (I of course have a nickname for her and it's Dibby) just left this morning after being here for four days and I never got over to see her. It's just a good excuse to go down to Chicago to visit her!! My brother got into town from Boston yesterday so the next couple days will be all about Bradley.
Saturday my sister, her future mother-in-law, her future sister-in-law, my mom and I will head to New Glarus to Brandi's Bridal to see if we can get the moms dressed up for the August wedding. I'll let you know how it goes....
Monday 12/24
Hope you're loving "98 Hours of Christmas Magic" as much as I am. It really is the finest collection of holiday tunes...somehow the spirit of Christmas is truly captured in music and it's perfect! Tonight Marc and I will head over to my parent's house along with Luna, my sister and her fiancee Andy, and I think my gramma Hansen too. My mom makes stuffed squash which is absolutely spectacular! We'll open presents and then eat again I'm sure. Tomorrow morning we'll go to church and then begin preparing the traditional Christmas dinner with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and so on. Yummmeeeee!!
Hope you have an amazing Christmas...you've earned it!
Friday 12/21
It must be hard to have a birthday so close to Christmas. My college roommate Jaime is celebrating the big 3-1 today. I think when you're a wife and a mom like she is it really turns into just a passing thought. Well I hope she has time to celebrate it because I'll be the first in a long line to say that the world definitely became a better place the day she was born so it should most definitely be remembered. Happy birthday Jac!!
I was cutting some peppers for my dinner last night and thought the tip of my thumb would be a nice ingredient...yeah...I was an idiot and sliced my thumb. It's not so bad...it's just one of those places that is a complete chore to try and keep bandages on. I've got a Band-Aid and some Scotch tape doin' the trick right now. It's pretty sad looking.
Did you hear the Steeles this morning on the Pat and Bob show??!! Holy cow!!! They were all so gorgeous and talented and simply amazing. They didn't even know what they were going to sing 30 seconds before going on. It wasn't until Jearlyn sang a single note that her brothers and sister chimed in and they all sang together. I still have goose bumps!! If you're free it will be SO worth your while to catch them at the Overture Center tonight. Click here for tickets. Enjoy!!
Wednesday 12/19
The big, family Christmas dinner is Saturday already. We have a rather long tradition of doing a fondue. Way before it was cool, we were doing it. It used to drive me nuts as a kid because we'd do it on Christmas Eve night which is when we opened presents as well. If you've ever fondued before you know it's the longest dinner possible. I'd eat as quickly as possible and then started cooking food for everyone else. Oh my gosh could it take any longer...I have to open those presents! You'll be very surprised to know that I haven't changed a bit. I'm just able to mask it a little more than when I was a kid.
Luna is just fine after her big scuffle with Ziggy last week. She's still got the staple under her left eye but that can come out Sunday. She never scratched at it and never acted like it bothered her one bit. I don't think she's exactly worried about any scarring either. :) Although once the hair grows back I don't think you'll see it at all. Yay!!
Thursday 12/13
Tomorrow is the Holiday Wish Fundraiser. From 7am to 7pm we'll be taking your requests for a donation to Holiday Wish. You've heard a couple of the phone calls on-air with Pat and Bob and then replayed with Jim, but that's just a peek into the hundreds of families we're able to help behind the scenes. It's an exhausting, rewarding, powerful couple of weeks when we are reading all of your letters trying so hard to help as many as we can in every way possible. Needless to say, this is the time of year when we call in all our favors. I'd like to thank you ahead of time for anything you can do to help our 18th year of Holiday Wish!! THANK YOU!!!
Monday 12/10
Spent the morning at the emergency vet yesterday. Marc and I were dog-sitting for our friend's dog Ziggy. (A fabulous sweetheart by the way) We had a great night, Luna and Ziggy were playing the entire time. We woke up and were getting ready to go run some errands...I took the trash out and was walking up the steps on the back deck where Luna was waiting for me at the top. Ziggy decided he would like to wait at the top of the stairs too and Luna thought he was trying to steal her thunder. Just like that Luna turned around and they started fighting. There's only about 8 pounds difference between the two of them so there was really no bullying, but Luna ended up with a gash under her left eye. The doc was just going to clean it out but when he got a good look at it, it was bigger than he first thought. He had to put a staple in it to close it up so now Luna looks like a total bruiser but she doesn't seem to be in any pain. A long morning, but it all worked out. If you should ever need emergency vet care, www.vetspecialtycare.com is the place to go. It's a new place off Midtown Road and Dr. Wade Tate was SPECTACULAR!! (And the bill wasn't so bad either.)
Tuesday 12/4
Happy birthday, one day late, to one of the most precious human beings on this Earth...my God-daughter Reagan. She's fearless, funny, smart, and an absolutely gorgeous 8-year old. She lives in Colorado so I wasn't able to see her face but I got her a karaoke machine. One that she, her brother Matthew and her sister Amanda can play with together...and there's a video camera on it so they can watch themselves sing all silly on it. Their mom is my cousin Laurie and I totally need to ask for pictures...how funny! So happy birthday Miss Reagan Marie...love you!!
My brother didn't make it in for his weekend visit because of that crazy weather we had on Saturday. He was attempting to boost his miles and segments by doing a Boston to Minneapolis to Detroit to Madison trip. Had he not canceled, he would've had a nice, comfy I'm sure, stay at the Detroit airport. So, he stayed at home and will be back for Christmas. My sister's fiancee was supposed to be on that plane that skidded off the runway at the Dane County Airport. He was coming home from Taiwan for work and once he heard about the weather, came in Friday night instead. Good thing, cuz his birthday was Saturday and I don't think sliding around on an airplane is the best way to spend your birthday. Hope you're ready for some more snow tonight!!
Thursday 11/29
Went to a little wedding expo Tuesday night at the Marriott West with my sister and her sister-in-law to be. I wasn't too sure about it until Amy Abbott said, well there's gonna be cake there right? All of a sudden I couldn't wait to get there!! Mmmmm...Raspberry, turtle, orange, poppyseed...I was really doing my part to help my sister pick the right cake.
She just called me and said her wedding dress is in!! It's going to be the ultimate in sisterly fashion shows. Way better than the ones we had after crazy shopping sprees growing up. It's not a nutso, poofy dress so it shouldn't be too bad to get into a closet but we'll wait and see. I can't remember if I told you what we're wearing as bridesmaids...Tiffany blue, strapless, cocktail-length, two-piece dresses with a dark chocolate sash on the waist. It should be very pretty for an August wedding. Lots of pre and post mommies are standing up in the wedding so we'll see if anyone has to wear flip-flops down the aisle.
Mmmmm...I could really go for more of that raspberry cake right now....
Tuesday 11/27
I had a great Thanksgiving! About 10 of us Thursday and then the big ol' family shin dig Saturday with about 25 people. I got so lucky to have such a spectacular family...we have fun no matter what we're doing. Everyone brings something, everyone chows, everyone cleans up and everyone sits around rubbing their full tummies...and all along the way we're dying laughing and telling stories. Hope your Thanksgiving was just as perfect as mine.
I did get up Friday to get to Target with my mom about 5:45am. I got birthday presents for my God-daughter and sister's fiancee, Christmas gifts for Marc, high school friends, my cousin Megan and Luna and totally surprisingly not one thing for me! I'm SO proud of myself! Although there's a lot more to be done so hopefully I can stay strong!
On a sad note, a daughter of a very dear friend was killed in a car accident in Brown Deer Friday afternoon. If you can spare a second in your very busy schedule please keep their family in your thoughts. They head into the holidays with a gigantic void and I'm sure won't get a chance to enjoy the beauty of the season. Much appreciated!!
Wednesday 11/20
I for one, will not be one of the people who gains seven pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's! I just heard that number yesterday and completely freaked out! This is where I admit that I LOVE "The Biggest Loser" and found out on last night's show that pumpkin pie has the least amount of calories in it when compared to cherry, pecan and banana cream...240 calories per slice. No word yet as to if that's with or without whipped cream but I'll get back to you on that. (Please let it be WITH, please let it be WITH....)
I'm excited to hang out with TONS of friends from high school tonight. It's sort of a tradition around here to go out the night before Thanksgiving bcause everyone is back in town. My boyfriend is from New York and he said they don't do it out east so it'll be fun breakin' him in on gool ol' tradition. We'll be at the Essen Haus if you'd like to stop by...I think I've got Amy Abbott talked into going too!
Have a spectacular Thanksgiving! Mine will start with the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, then we're giving the dog a bath (I know, way glamorous), then we're headed over to my parents to eat and watch football all day...that last part is why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday...man I love those pilgrims!
Friday 11/16
Seriously, by 5pm my brain has turned off and I just want to go home and veg. Between the earlier dark sky, the nearing holidays and the the cold weather, I am useless in the early evening. I've found myself reading an e-mail or checking out some paperwork and not actually digesting a thing. Just simply spacing out and ignoring what's right in front of me. My thoughts have gone to what I can make for dinner, what I want to get Reagan, my God-Daughter for her birthday or the best was wondering if Meredith and Dr. McDreamy were finally going to live happily ever after on the next "Grey's Anatomy."
Women's Expo starts tomorrow with visits from Deanna Favre and Jenny McCarthy which should be interesting. Did you ever watch, "Singled Out" on MTV?? That's a show that Jenny McCarthy used to host and I remember thinking..."she's nuts...I like her." Now she's all grown up, an author and a mommy of a little boy with Autism so she's got some great things to chat about. I should know...I saw her on Oprah. :) We'll be there all day 10a-4p...see you there!
Wednesday 11/14
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. When you're not eating, you're watching football...it's a beautiful thing! Good luck to all of you who are running the Berbee Derby this year! It's so nice when you think about it...you burn your calories before you even eat them. Lauren, one of the trainers at Orange Shoe said the average Thanksgiving meal is over 3,000 calories can you believe it?!
I'm trying to get the perfect gifts for everyone. My future brother-in-law likes to work out, has a total sweet tooth and travels a lot...I've come up with a sweater. Think he'll like it. :) It's gotta get easier from here. Last year I was out on Christmas Eve finishing up which is total slacker I know, so I started early. Promise. Hope you're having better luck than I am!
Wednesday 11/7
I LOVE this time of year...it's so comfy and cozy. Fuzzy socks just don't seem quite as perfect on a 90 degree summer night ya know? This is so the hardest time to not put on a couple pounds though because for some reason carbs and fatty foods are just as cozy as my fuzzy socks. It's not as easy to get up in the morning and take a run when it's 30 degrees and windy either, so my advice is this...now's the best time to challenge your officemates to your own "Biggest Loser" contest of sorts. My boyfriend works at Zimbrick of Middleton and everyone who wanted to participate threw in 10 bucks and at the end of the challenge, winner takes all. It just seems when there's a mix of cash and someone to keep you in check you stick to it a little easier. Here's to lookin' hot in a pair of jeans! Game on!
Thursday 11/1
November??!! It's November??!! Oh my! One of my dearest friends in the world gets married in just over three months and my sister is getting married in August so I've been having fun listening and participating in all the planning. I guess time does fly when you're having fun!
I started my Christmas shopping last week and that's the earliest for me EVER! Honestly it was Christmas Eve last year and I went out to get it all done. I'm not a grinch, I just don't know where everyone finds the time to get it all done. It's not until I HAVE to get it done that I finally am able to pound it all out. I'm not saying I still won't be out on the Eve again, I'm just saying I've started....
Yesterday's Crytopquote was "A good scare is worth more to a man than good advice." Sad but true.
Tuesday 10/30
Marc and I totally had a blast from the past date night Friday. We went and grabbed dinner and then did the Madison Course at Vitense Golfland...WAY fun!! Then we headed to Point Cinema for the 9:30 showing of "Dan in Real Life" with Steve Carrel and Dane Cook...I'm officially recommending this to you. It's funny and cute and heart-warming and a great movie for most occasions. I haven't mini-golfed in years but it was very fun. By the way...yeah...I won!!
Is it wrong that I'm planning on carving pumpkins tonight? I've had great intentions to do this sooner than the night before Halloween but just couldn't get my butt off the couch! Now that I've got a serious hankerin' for pumpkin seeds, I think I'll actually get it done tonight! Hey I've got the candy for the trick-or-treaters, I feel like I'm ahead of the game! (Okay, so now half the bag is gone...but it's the thought that counts yes?)
Friday 10/26
I'm reading the greatest book called "Eat, Pray, Love" and I'm finding myself trying to figure out when I can spare a half hour at a time to sit and get a couple more pages in. It's spectacular...written by a woman who found herself married, living in a big house, supposed to be wanting to have children and coming to the harsh realization that she didn't actually want any of it. The book is written as she travels to Italy (Eat), India (Pray) and Indonesia (Love) and it's eye-opening at how she's able to walk you through her healing and self-examining. I think you could say it comes highly recommended. Yes definitely! So hopefully this weekend I'll have a chance to get further into her stay in India...my other glamorous plans consist of going to Orange Shoe Gym Saturday morning and cleaning my oven when I get home. See...glamorous!!
Sunday...Marc and I are going to go to Stoughton and shop on Main Street...possibly grab a pizza and a movie at the Cinema Cafe. Jim McGaw and I went to Stoughton's Clock Tower Gifts to deliver Mugs and Muffins yesterday and I forgot how unbelievably groovy Stoughton is. I started my Christmas shopping at that wonderful giftshop and I hope to continue Sunday. It's supposed to be a gorgeous, sunny 51 degree day so it should be perfect! Have a great weekend!
Monday 10/22
So I spent Friday night with Gooey...we went out to dinner at Red Robin and I got to use her as an excuse to color while I waited for my turkey burger. Then we went home and made peanut butter cookies with little chocolate stars in the middle. We ate a couple...okay she ate one I had three...and then hung out, watching TV in 'her' bedroom all night long. Remember when you could stay up until the wee hours?? Seriously, 10:00 came around and I was trying to figure out where I could catch a second wind! The next morning we went out for breakfast at Cranberry Creek in Monona and then hung out at my sister's house. She has a 9 month old Pug named Baxter so we were thoroughly entertained by his enthusiasm for tearing apart the living room chair while we made cherry chip cupcakes. Gooey is one of the Junior Bridesmaids in my sister's wedding in August so we looked at some dresses to see what she would like to strut her stuff in and then it was time for her to go. Oh my...she is just the most precious thing!!
Friday 10/19
I'm so excited...my little cousin (who am I kidding, she's 9 and almost taller than I) is coming into town from Rockford for a sleep-over tonight. Her real name is Megan but we call her Gooey for reasons she would hate me for if I told you. I held her when she was six hours old and I remember thinking there is no way I can ever love anything more. Seriously, the cutest baby I have ever see in my life. No weird-shaped head, no red splotches, just perfection. Okay so she didn't have hair for a little while and her dad referred to her as Yoda, but I swear she's since grown a full head of hair. She's the sweetest, most polite, fun little girl I have ever met...I just love her! Think of me tonight watching movies, eating junkfood and getting a manicure...you know basic slumber party stuff!
Monday 10/15
Oh my I had no idea it had been so long since we chatted! As I sit here chomping on my strawberries and grapes I've started thinking about how much our food selections change with the weather. I crave everything pumpkin this time of year. Marc and I went to breakfast yesterday at the Pancake Cafe on Nesbitt. They have a special...pumpkin pancakes!! Let's not forget to talk about the cinnamon, sugar and whipped cream on top to make this beautiful thing a masterpiece! I seriously woke up this morning thinking about them after an entire evening of wanting more of them! I ALWAYS do a trip to Michael's Frozen Custard for their pumpkin shake. Yes, they have this all year round but it just tastes better to me in October for some reason.
Choc-nut banana and fruit kebabs
Serves 2
50g dark chocolate
½ tsp oil
¾ cup of finely chopped mixed nuts (I used a mix of cashew, pistachio, almonds and peanuts)
1 banana, peeled and cut into 8 chunks
125g strawberries, halved
1 kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into 4-6 chunks
1 nectarine, cut into 4-6 chunks
wooden skewers
Line a small baking tray with baking paper. Melt dark chocolate and oil in a small bowl in the microwave. Place nuts in another bowl. Dip each banana chunk into chocolate, making sure it is covered evenly and transfer to nut bowl (I found it best to use a spoon rather than fingers). Use a fork to cover with nuts and transfer to lined baking tray. Place in fridge to allow chocolate to set – I left mine in for 2-3 hours. When banana is ready, thread banana and fruit chunks onto about 4 wooden skewers in colourful patterns. Serve cold or, if you wish, place in freezer overnight and serve frozen.
Monday 3/8/10
I had my first bridal shower yesterday and it literally brought me to tears. In honor of my wedding in Cozumel, my sister threw the shower at Casa Del Sol on Fish Hatch. It was absolutely beautiful...the cakes were from The Rolling Pin and they had the exact same flowers on them as the invites did. There were orange Gerbera Daisies on all of the tables and the take-homes were these fabulous, little sun tan lotions with my name and shower date on them. There were 30 of my favorite people there all who had taken time out of their busy schedules to get gifts and come celebrate with me. I'm just the luckiest girl in the world!!
PS...Everyone was talking about two things...the spectacular service and super yummy food at Casa Del Sol and the amazing, "Death By Chocolate" cakes from The Rolling Pin...I highly recommend both of them!
Thursday 3/4/10
So it may sound absolutely ridiculous to be training for a marathon at the same time that I'm planning my wedding, but it has actually turned out to be a complete blessing. I don't have time to spaz out about the little, teeny details about the wedding...cuz I've got running to do. Then of course after the running is icing and lounging. So that combined with the fact that we'll be in beautiful Cozumel...I'm really not worrying about a thing. Meanwhile, I have deep bruising on the outside of my left foot and a little on my heel from our 10-mile run Sunday. I'll be ankle-deep in an ice bucket the next couple of nights because I've got 11 miles on Saturday and I just don't have time to worry about any pain in addition to the regular wear and tear.
I love running because it's such a head game. It's you against you...you can't blame the goalie or the referee. You win or you lose based on you. When my head isn't in it and I would love to just give up I think of my reason to run this marathon in the first place...my nephew, Carter. That little bug had seven surgeries in the first 3 1/2 months of his life...if he has the strength and determination to get through that then his auntie Netty can run 26.2 miles. Carter...by the way will be a year old in less than two weeks...he's our pride and joy!
Monday 2/22/10
I left my voice in Wisconsin Dells at the Great Wolf Lodge...that's where my bachelorette party was this weekend. We had a blast! We shopped all afternoon at Tanger and then headed back to our beautiful condos at Great Wolf where we chowed and drank some amazing margaritas my sister made. Of couse we spent a bunch of time in the waterpark...okay...in the hot tub, then we got ready to go out and took a shuttle to a club called Marley's and danced the night away. It's rather humbling to look around and see all of these amazing women who are from many different parts of your life all come together to celebrate with you. By the end of the weekend everyone had exchanged emails and phone numbers and now we're all very excited for the wedding in Mexico. I had 15 friends there and little by little everyone has been emailing me the pictures from the weekend...and they're hillarious. I had a 'to do' list to follow with everything from 'kiss the head of a bald man' to 'dance on a table'...I got everything checked off by the end of the night so am very proud of that.
Sorry about my voice today...but please know it was very well-earned. :)
Tuesday 2/9/10
Two months from today I'll be marrying Marc. I'm so excited to see the whole day come together with all of the preparations we've done. I hope it feels very 'us' and everyone has a great vacation with memories of friends and family that last a lifetime. It's rather humbling to see people you love working so hard on showers and bachelorette parties and ultimately being at the wedding...all in the name of family or friendship. I hope to be able to soak every second of that in and cherish it forever.
I cannot say enough how lucky I am for my friends and family and of course Marc!!
Wednesday 2/3/10
So tomorrow is my day to choose my favorite songs for Jimmy McGaw's 5 @ 5. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be...and although my all-time fave is Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" I'm fully aware that there are many who would roll their eyes and quickly change the station...so I have spared you from that.
I've chosen Earth Wind and Fire's, "September"...because it's a song you just can't sit still and listen to. After a long, crazy day at work...it's what you need to hear. I had the honor of seeing EWF and Chicago perform in Milwaukee a few years ago and "25 or 6 to 4" was the last song they did...together. There were 18 people out on stage and each one was playing an instrument and then singing...it was amazing and I think of that every time I hear it. Uncle Kracker's new song, "Smile" makes me feel happy and I hope it does the same for you too. I am a die-hard Whitney Houston fan. Yes, she's made some dumb choices and yes, she's doing her best to right those dumb choices...but none of that can erase the amazing music she gave us in the 80's and 90's..."I Wanna Dance With Somebody" is definitely one of them. My favorite song on Magic right now is "Hey Soul Sister" by Train. I first heard it when my fiancee, Marc and I were in Jersey visiting his family for Christmas and fell in love with it. Not only is it a spectacular song, but I think about my amazing future in-laws when I hear it and count my blessings.
Hope you enjoy 'Lanette's faves' on tomorrow's 5 @ 5!!
Monday 1/25/10
So the official marathon training begins tomorrow. The good news...it's just four miles. I'm pretty pumped to get some serious mileage under my belt though. When I'm in Cozumel for my wedding I've got to get a long run in there at some point so I've already started to pray for strength for that one.
In between marathon training are wedding details. This weekend, we got the maracas that will be painted with our logo on it and the date and put on each place-setting. We also got the straw fans that will be on each chair for the ceremony. In addition to keeping guests cool in the Mexican sun, they'll also have the programs attached to them. So those are both interesting upcoming projects that I hope to take advantage of my bridesmaids for.
One of my bridemaids who was also one of my college roommates is a designer. She has a company called Luxe Design and she completely outdid herself with our fabulous invites. They're passports...and they're spectacular! I can't wait to send them out!
But other than that...nothing new. :)
Monday 1/18/10
A fabu recipe!!
Choc-nut banana and fruit kebabs
Serves 2
50g dark chocolate
½ tsp oil
¾ cup of finely chopped mixed nuts (I used a mix of cashew, pistachio, almonds and peanuts)
1 banana, peeled and cut into 8 chunks
125g strawberries, halved
1 kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into 4-6 chunks
1 nectarine, cut into 4-6 chunks
wooden skewers
Line a small baking tray with baking paper. Melt dark chocolate and oil in a small bowl in the microwave. Place nuts in another bowl. Dip each banana chunk into chocolate, making sure it is covered evenly and transfer to nut bowl (I found it best to use a spoon rather than fingers). Use a fork to cover with nuts and transfer to lined baking tray. Place in fridge to allow chocolate to set – I left mine in for 2-3 hours. When banana is ready, thread banana and fruit chunks onto about 4 wooden skewers in colourful patterns. Serve cold or, if you wish, place in freezer overnight and serve frozen.
Monday 1/11/10
For the past year and a half I've been dealing with crazy knee pain. I went to the physical therapist, I had an MRI and no one seems to have a good reason. I have some Arthritis from old soccer injuries, but it shouldn't be so bad that it stops me from running. So...I've been trying different things and have finally found the cocktail. One Ibuprofen 30-minutes before a run, a medicated, Icy Hot-like pad on my knee and inserts in my shoes so I run on the middle of my foot rather than the outside. Anyway...long story longer, I did my first 5-mile training run this weekend with no knee pain. I'm elated...and ready for the remaining 21.2 that awaits me for the Madison Marathon.
Tuesday 1/5/10
So for the second year in a row I got the stomach flu for the holidays...here's the kicker...from the same family! Last year my best friend's husband gave me the gift that keeps on giving and this year it was my best friend. I'm thinking we'll exchange gifts in June this year. So just as I finally started to feel better, Marc got a head cold that's got him beggin' for Kleenex. We're quite the healthy little family right now.
I'm excited to get back into the groove of things...back to the gym and now training for the Madison Marathon in May. Back to eating normal amounts of food and getting normal amounts of sleep. I'm getting married in three months so It's coming down to the invites and the details. It's fun to see it all come together.
Thursday 12/31/09
Marc and I had a fabulous Christmas with his family in New Jersey! I'm IN LOVE with his new cousin Casey and learned that Clifton, New Jersey is a pretty groovy place. The 15 1/2 hour drive was grueling.... It wasn't that bad on the way back because we left from his mom's house in Pennsylvania so that took off an hour or so, plus you get the long states of Pennsylvania and Ohio done in the beginning. I know it's all a mind game, but it just wasn't quite as on-going on the way back. If it seems like I'm babbling a bit it's because I've been filling in on the morning show all week and I'm all outta whack! Tonight we're just going to a friend's house for game night...their kids will be there and it'll just be a nice, quiet night. Be careful if you're going out! Even if you're the designated driver...some people on the road aren't quite as responsible so keep the eyes peeled and the hands at 10 and 2. Talk to you in 2010!!
Wednesday 12/23/09
So tomorrow I'll fill in on the Magic 98 morning show and then...jump in the car and start the drive to Jersey to spend Christmas with Marc's family. We're even bringing our dog, Luna. It'll be a haul that's for sure.... I'm actually looking forward to it...it'll be our first extra-long road trip and I'm curious to see if we both survive. We should stroll into his aunt Bev's house around midnight on Christmas morning. Marc has a nice, small family so it's a little less hectic than my family get-togethers are. His cousin, Amy and her husband Don have a new little girl named Casey so it'll be great to meet her too! She's not even a month old so we had some fun buying her Christmas presents as you can imagine.
My brother is coming in from Boston tonight and I'll be heading out his way tomorrow...it's rather ridiculous really. We opened Christmas presents via our computers on iChat earlier this week. That's how I'll be there as they all open presents tomorrow night too...I'll be iChatting with them so it'll feel like I'm right there...then get to see their faces when they open their gifts too. What did we do before computers?
Here's hoping your Christmas is fabulous and you get to where you need to be safe and sound.
Monday 12/14/09
Friday was the Holiday Wish fundraiser and it's goin' down in the books as a successful one. We raised almost $8,000 which means...combined with other donations and our sponsors...we'll be able to distribute over $18,000 to local families who need it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your help!! It means so much!
Friday also marked the day we lost a fabulous Magic listener, Suey Starczynski (She's picture number six, opening the red door). Maybe you remember her from the first Concert for Gilda's Club a few years ago. She came in with a spectacular pink bandana and a HUGE smile ready to get some donations rolling in to build a Gilda's Club here in Madison. Her story was one of courage, strength and pure determination. Suey spent 13 years trying to beat that dang Cancer but ultimately she had a higher calling. Please join me in sending prayers and positive thoughts to her husband, two teenage girls and a huge community of friends and family.
Monday 11/30/09
I totally forgot to tell you about my NYC trip to see "The Lion King." I went with Mr. Fabulous himself, Sunday Smooth's Mark Van Allen. He had never been to the city before and I used to live there so it was fun to show him around. We got in late Friday night so went to the lounge and the club at our hotel. The next morning we got up to see the Today Show...we even got on TV, check it out! (I'm in a beige coat with an orange scarf and Mark is to my right.) Then it was the mad dash to see as much as possible...Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Canal Street, Chinatown, Little Italy then back to the hotel to get ready to see "The Lion King." It was the most impressive Broadway show I've ever seen. I would highly recommend getting tickets when the show comes here to Madison. Tickets go on sale Saturday, 7am at the Overture Center. Anyway, then Sunday morning we strolled Central Park and then headed to the airport...it was 36 hours of fabulousness!
Friday 11/27/09
My mom and I go shopping every Black Friday morning. We decide on Thanksgiving after looking through the ads, where we'll start. This morning we started at 4:00 at Kohl's, then Shopko, then Farm and Fleet, Target, Sears and finally Boston Store. We stopped around 8 to grab breakfast at Cool Beans and then carried on. It's never about the things that we NEED to get it's just a fun morning of being together doing something rather ridiculous.
I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving! I have my big family get-together tonight and cannot wait for a second night of turkey, mashed potatoes, squash, cranberries and gravy...I LOVE gravy....
Thursday 11/19/09
In the journey that is the life of my nephew, Carter...our family has had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. My sister has made some lifelong connections with other moms here and in other parts of the country, who have babies with heart conditions...they call themselves "heart moms." Along this journey there have been definite celebrations; going home from the hospital after 3 1/2 months, Carter quickly growing out of his clothes, a baptism we prayed so hard for and a successful fundraiser for the Herma Heart Center, the place that saved our "little bug" and will keep him healthy for years to come. There have also been sorrows; the loss of babies we got to know through the hospital and "heart mom" support groups. It seemed to be a bad couple of weeks that we just kept getting the word that another angel earned its' wings. With every time, I found myself holding Carter that much closer, that much longer.
One of my sister's "heart mom" friends was one of these moms who had the unfathomable day of having to say good-bye to her little Matthew. But before she did, they lovingly took away all of the tubes and the monitors and the wires and had professional pictures taken by a fabulous organization called, "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep." What a beautiful way to remember your child and to acknowledge his or her existence making a difference in the lives of all who had the priviledge of meeting them. I was so touched by this that I just had to share it with you.
Tuesday 11/10/09
I'm a little embarrassed to say I spent most of the weekend inside. I know it was gorgeous and my neighbors will be the first to tell you that I have lawn work to do...but Saturday was spent running errands and then at my sister's house with my spectacular nephew. Then Sunday I was on the radio 'til 3pm and then off to my parents for dinner. The darkness creeping up on us so dang early is a surprise every single year. It really takes time to get used to. It's hard to look at the clock and see 4:30 and it's dark...although I do like getting up for the gym in the morning and it's starting to get light.
So did you read in the paper this morning that Madison is the 8th healthiest city for women to live in? That's according to Self Magazine's November issue. Eighty five percent of us find time to exercise on a regular basis and that number even beat the number one healthiest city, Burlington, VT. We have one of the lowest average body-mass indexes of all areas the magazine checked out and our cancer and heart disease mortality rates are about 15 percent lower than average. That's a huge thumbs up for you sister friend! Click here for the run-down of the top 100 cities.
Wednesday 11/4/09
Wow what an afternoon! The President of the United States was here...in our little city. I so wish he could've gotten a gyro at Parthenon's or taken the gorgeous drive down John Nolan...but I understand...he's got lots to do. It was so cool to watch Air Force One land at the airport...albeit just on TV, but it was still amazing. I will remember this day as long as I live.
I SO agree with what he said about inspiring our kids to reach high...and to do that we need to lead through example. NO...not by spending 90 hours a week at work so you can afford to send your kids to the best summer camps and buy only the most expensive clothes.... It's quite opposite really. By being there to teach 'em a thing or two. With positive reinforcement and actually taking the time to have dinner together...talk about your day. I know it's sounds so cliche and rather old-school but it's so true. How can you hold teachers responsible for educating the kids if some parents aren't holding up their end of the deal? The kid couldn't care less about a math test if all they can think about is that their dad missed their baseball game last night. I know I'm sort of on a soap box here and I guess I'm out of line a bit because I'm not a parent...but I'd sure like to believe that I wouldn't blame a teacher if my kid wasn't learning something because first and foremost...that's MY kid. Okay...I'm stepping down and will cease preaching.
Thursday 10/29/09
I just have to tell you about a place to avoid if you're ever headed to Fish Creek in Door County. A place called Cedar Court Inn.... We made reservations there but then ended up not having someone to watch our dog, Luna so we had to find a dog-friendly hotel. It was eight days out and not once was there a mention of a cancellation fee...until we had to cancel. We were charged $25 for NOT staying at the hotel, and giving them plenty of time to have someone else rent the room. They completely blew me off when I said it's not on your webite or the reservation confirmation you emailed me, nor did you say anything when I called to cancel...it was in a form letter emailed to me as a cancellation confirmation. THEN...a woman named Janet wouldn't have anything to do with discussing the possibility of waving the fee. It's a perfect reminder that next time you have good customer service or someone goes out of their way for you...thank them, because they could always take the easy way out and act like Janet.
Tuesday 10/27/09
I'm headed out of town this weekend for my very first vacation in Door County. Yes, I'm a born and raised Madisonian but never made the venture over there. I'm very excited. My brother-in-law's sister is getting married, if you can follow that. So we'll leave Friday night after work and make our way back sometime Sunday. We'll be in Bailey's Harbor so if you know of any great things or places to see, let me know...I'm clueless.
We did some serious strength training this morning at the gym so my arms and chest are pretty much useless. I've 99% committed to doing the full Madison Marathon in May so I guess I better get used to it. Yes, I'm getting married in April...why not add one more stressful thing?? :)
Wednesday 10/21/09
I'm a bad friend...we haven't talked in weeks!! So sorry. I first wanted to say thank you for donations and positive thougths and prayers for Push, Pull, Pedal...a fundraiser for the Herma Heart Center. Team Carter raised $6,200 and the event itself raised over $24,000! We're so lucky to have such an amazing place just a short car ride away. The UW hospital can do most things, but when it comes to congenital heart defects, even they send 'em to the Children's Hospital in Milwaukee. I hope you never have to be there, but if you do, you'll be very, very impressed. So from me and my family, thank you!!
I guess I've been layin' low the last couple weeks. This weather makes me want to get home from work, put on comfy clothes and eat soup! Tonight I'm going to make a grilled cheese sandwich and warm up the fabulous organic roasted red pepper and tomato soup I get at Woodman's and curl up with the last couple chapters of my book. I can't wait!
Wednesday 9/30/09
Miley Cyrus has a song out called, "The Climb" and every time I hear it I think of my fabulous nephew, Carter. "There's always gonna be another mountain. I'm always gonna wanna make it move...."While other babies were smiling at their parents for the first time, Carter was enduring yet another surgery. While other babies were being held by all their loved ones, Carter laid in his hospital bed dreaming about what it would be like for even his mommy and daddy to hold him. While other babies cried when they needed something, Carter was silent because of his ventilator that helped him breathe. I tell you all of this not for your pity but so you could hear how far he's come thanks to the amazing care he got at the Herma Heart Center at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. We were able to get passed all of those heart-wrenching things because we knew with the help of everyone working at the hospital, Carter would be able to do all of those things in time...but we had to wait a little longer than everyone else. I don't know how he did it, but after 99 days in the hospital, seven surgeries and more procedures than I care to mention, Carter got strong and healthy enough to head on home for the first time. He'll need the Herma Heart Center for lots of future visits including two more surgeries...so we've got to keep this place running in tip-top shape. For all babies with heart problems...those we've lost, those that are here now and those who will grace us with their presence in the future...I'm participating in a fundraiser this weekend called Push, Pull Pedal. If you'd like to sponsor me just click here...please know that every penny counts. If that's not in the budget, please think of me Saturday as I walk for Carter and for all "heart" babies. Thank you!!
Monday 9/21/09
I made thee most spectacular pancake bake this weekend thanks to the Taste of Home magazine. If you would like to make it a bit healthier...I used two egg whites and two whole eggs, whole wheat flour, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Craisins, Splenda and Splenda brown sugar and it all turned out perfectly. Even the three-year old cleaned his plate....Enjoy!
Friday 9/18/09
I think we've finally rounded the kitty corner. Piper came upstairs for the first time in weeks...strutted through the living room and jumped into a window in the porch. I sat down next to her and she was purring and getting into my lap. Then she jumped down and sprawled out in front of the patio door. We started her on a steroid Wednesday and I think it's the trick we've been looking for. So now her personality is back...we just need to get her to start eating again. Once we jump that hurdle we can take out the feeding tube and hopefully get back to normal. Man oh man has this been quite the process. Thanks for all of your positive energy on this one...it was exhausting.
I'm in a wedding next weekend for my dear, dear friend Jenna. If you're in the Stoughton area...let me apologize ahead of time...we're quite the rowdy group once we're all together. Jenna and I were ballerinas together starting around 5 years old so it's kind of cool to sit back and think of all the things we've been through together and now to see her marry the love of her life. She, in turn, will be in my wedding as well in April. LOVE the girlfriends!!
Wednesday 9/9/09
So we're in week three of the cat mystery. Piper seems to be doing a little better but still isn't eating on her own...so we continue to feed her every six hours through a feeding tube in her neck. That's also how we give her her meds. This weekend she caught a mouse in the basement so she can't be feeling that bad.... Meanwhile, we still think it's a bacterical infection that started this whole thing off so will be adding antibiotics until we find the one that kicks this dang thing. It's really, really frustrating to watch her be upset and not feeling well...I tried brushing her last night and she hissed at me for the first time ever. She's such a good little girl and I just wish it was over with and she was sleeping on my head again instead of hiding downstairs all day and night. We'll see...only time (and the right antiobiotic) will tell....
Friday 9/4/09
SOOOO excited for a long weekend! And the weather looks absolutely spectacular too. Finally, cuz we deserve that.
The wedding planning is coming right along. I'm working with the wedding planner, Estefania who is a huge help in getting everything organized on her end so that when Marc and I get there we can enjoy more of our vacation rather than be running around doing wedding stuff. I custom ordered the bridesmaid's purses from an artist in Poland and they should be at my door any day...I absolutely cannot wait to see them! My mom got her dress last weekend and everything seems to be coming together. April will be here before we know it, I'm sure.
Hope you have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend...maybe see ya at Taste!!
Saturday 8/29/09
I hope your week wasn't as long as mine. My cat, Piper has spent more time at the vet this week than home. She's now on three antibiotics, fluids and feeds we give her through her new feeding tube. Hopefully this will do the trick. We pulled two teeth, had an ultrasound and a liver biopsy amongst many other things...now we're hoping it's a bacterial infection and she's on her way to feeling better. She was a nice shade of yellow thanks to her billiruben levels but I think it's getting better...either that or I'm just getting used to her as a yellow cat. It's quite the process of getting up in the middle of the night to feed and medicate her. If you have animals you know you'd do anything for them and any amount of money or time you have to give them...it's worth it. So...cross your fingers that my baby girl starts to feel better.
Thursday 8/20/09
It was a fabulous weekend with family and friends...all in celebration of Carter. My sister set up a montage of pictures that ran on her computer all afternoon at the get-together after the baptism. It was hard to see some of the pictures from early on in the hospital but it's also amazing to be reminded of just how far he's come.
We've just had a great fundraiser fall into our laps....It's called "Push, Pull, Pedal and it's October 3rd in Monona. It's for the Herma Heart Center which is in the Children's Hospital in Milwaukee and that's where Carter spent the first 3 1/2 months of his life. For his story and to see pictures of my precious nephew click here.
Wednesday 8/12/09
Carter is getting baptized this weekend! A day we prayed and hoped for for quite a while now. He'll be five months old in a couple of days and he's moving right along getting stronger and stronger every single day. He smiles and laughs and most definitely keeps us giggling. I was thinking maybe a pony for a baptismal gift would be a little over the top.... A car?? Okay, maybe just a donation to his college fund.... He's most definitely the apple of my eye and I'm so proud to be his auntie.
Wedding plans are coming right along. I found THEE most gorgeous purse online and accidentally ordered it. I LOVE it! I can't wait to see it. I also got the orange Dahlia hair clip I ordered...it's beautiful. All of these little things sure are fun to get as we put the big picture together. I'm sure April will come quicker than we expect it...hopefully we're organized and ready to go!
Monday 8/3/09
Craziness...just craziness!! This weekend was jam-packed. I started Saturday morning off at the gym, then went to a baby shower, then broadcasted with Amy Hudson at the Madison Mustangs football game, then hosted the last couple hours of Saturday at the 70's. Sunday I threw a baby shower for a dear friend at Cheeseburger in Paradise and then headed to my sister's house to spend as much time as possible with my nephew, Carter. He's fabulous by the way, if you were wondering. :) I was driving home yesterday thinking holy cow am I tired!! I had to come to work today so things would slow down!
Last week I noticed my cat, Piper wasn't eating. I brought her to the vet and she had two infected teeth. So this morning I dropped her off at Spring Harbor and realized I'm a total wimp...I was fighting back tears as I walked out with her empty carrier and Dr. Sondel said, "You got it Lanette...she'll be fine." It's always hard because your animals don't understand that you'll be back and they always look so scared. I left a little bit of my heart there today so I'll be super happy to pick her up at 4:00.
Sunny and 85 today...it's about time...enjoy it!
Monday 7/27/09
So I found my wedding dress! My mom, sister and cousin went with me to David's Bridal last week and it was the first one I tried on. After trying on about 15 more dresses my sister and cousin were laughing because they didn't understand why I was even trying on more dresses...the first one was it. The second time I put it back on I knew...it was perfect. The girls even picked out their bridesmaids dresses at the same shopping trip! They'll be wearing clover green and carrying orange dahlias. I think it'll look gorgeous. My dress is comfy and light-weight and exactly what I was looking for. How exciting!
Monday 7/20/09
Wow what a weekend! As one of my dear friend Jenna's bridesmaids in her September wedding I helped throw her bachelorette party Saturday night. We did wine tasting and a Betty Lou Cruise and it was fabulous. Of course there was tons of fabulous food, great drinks and proof that there is a God...a chocolate fountain. By the end of the night there were not many things I hadn't tried dipping in the fountain. It was SO yummy!
Then yesterday was my family reunion in Dodgeville. I wait all year for some of the dishes I can count on being there. The casseroles are to die for! I love that kind of food! Most were teasing Marc about the engagement..."are you sure you want to do this?" By the time we got home around 5 last night it was a 'plop on the couch and watch TV' sort of night. I was so full that was about all I could do anyway....
Thursday 7/16/09
So I found a dress I love, but I think I'll keep looking to find a better pricetag. I've narrowed it down to a style at least so I hope it'll get a little easier. I tried on a bunch of those gorgeous A-lines but I looked like a little girl playing dress up. So the 'fit and flair' is what I'm looking to find. Keep your fingers crossed please.
I made the yummiest sweet potato fries two nights ago and have to share this simple recipe with you. Take a large sweet potato, peel it and cut it into whatever shaped fries you'd like. Soak them in cold water for 20-30 minutes (this helps them get crunchy on the outside). Put 'em on a baking sheet that you've put cooking spray on, then shake a little olive oil on em. Here's the mixture you sprinkle on 'em...1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper. Then bake 'em on 450 for 20 minutes, flip and bake another 5 minutes. Mmmmm...enjoy!
Friday 7/10/09
Tomorrow is a day I'm really looking forward to. My mom, best friend and hopefully my sister (if Carter lets her) are going to Brandi's Bridals to look at dresses...for me and them. I know the girls will be wearing a grass green of sorts. I figured I didn't want to compete with the vibrant colors of Mexico so thought either green or blue would be good earthy colors...and since my sister did blue, I'll do green. There...that was easy. Hope the dress shopping is just as easy.
My mom got her dress for my sister's wedding at Brandi's and so did the mother of the groom as well as Karin's veil and shoes. I LOVED this place so I've got my hopes up that we can get everyone squared away and get the ball rolling. Keep your fingers crossed!
Wednesday 7/1/09
What a week! I've managed to try on some wedding dresses, see my nephew multiple times and deal with this fabulous poison ivy that's now traveling up my leg and down my hands. I'm kind of glad it's been a bit chillier so I don't have my poison ivy legs in shorts for everyone to wince at.
Marc and I are headed to the Poconos to visit his parents for the Fourth of July. We'll have a cookout and just relax...man am I looking forward to that!
My brother Bradley is doing much better after his surgery. In case you didn't hear me talking about it.... Brad flew in Saturday morning for a surprise visit from Boston for my nephew Carter's homecoming cookout Sunday. We took him to the airport for his flight home after his 36-hour visit and he tripped down some stairs. He broke his arm pretty badly and after an ambulance ride, an overnight stay at St. Mary's and then surgery Monday afternoon to put a metal 't' plate and 8 screws in his arm and wrist he's feeling much better. He's just got to figure out how he's going to get home without paying a bunch of airline fees and with only one arm. Selfishly, I'm glad he 'had' to stay longer and I'm very happy he's getting to spend so much time with Carter.
Happy Fourth!!
Tuesday 6/23/09
Good news all around! A week ago today Marc and I got engaged. We're planning on an April wedding in Cozumel so it will be fun to plan as well as actually experience. I was making lasagna and he came into the kitchen with a blue Tiffany's box...it was very 'us' to say the least.
Also...tomorrow is the big day that my nephew, Carter is finally coming home!! Three months and one week after he was born he'll get his first chance to meet his kitties Milo, Sabrina and Bella and his Pug, Baxter. It is going to be odd not going to the hospital every free chance I have but other than the fabulous nurses and doctors...I'm not going to miss it at all!
Now get a load of this...I'm in my girlfriend Jenna's wedding in September in which I'm going to be planning the bachelorette party with the rest of the bridesmaids tonight. I'm throwing my dear friend Sara's baby shower in August, another girlfriend Peg is getting married in October in Door County. Plus my cousin Karra got engaged this weekend as well! It's a plate full of my favorite desserts, but it's a full plate no less. Somewhere in there I'm gonna plan my wedding...somewhere.... :)
Friday 6/5/09
My nephew is SO close to breathing on his own and I thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts for his quick healing. He'll be 12 weeks old on Tuesday and has had 5 surgeries, more narcotics than I care to talk about and set-backs galore. BUT...he has remained just the biggest sweetheart of a baby boy through it all and hopefully soon he'll be home.
Thursday 5/28/09
I'm headed to my first Brewers game in forever tomorrow night. I don't even know who they're playing right now, I just can't wait to go. I want a ballpark frank with the works. I'll pay for it later but you have to have a big ol' hot dog when you go to a baseball game. I might even have some Dippin' Dots if I get all wild and crazy. There's something about little freeze dried ice cream balls that make me happy. We're going with a bunch of friends for Marc's birthday so it'll be extra fun surrounded by good friends...and it looks like the weather will hold out too! Not that it matters now that we have that fabu roof whenever we need it! Go Brew Crew!!!
Monday 5/18/09
Here's a little tidbit about me that I might not have previously shared...I love power tools!! For Christmas Marc got me this Craftsman chainsaw-like device. I named her Alice and I love her. Yesterday I went nuts cutting down weed trees that my wonderful neighbor has let grow along the fence line. Then, as most good lawnwork days do, I got the bug and continued along the side of the house and ended in the front. You can barely see the house with the amount of stuff I have next to the street waiting to be picked up and turned into mulch. Then I got my cordless weed wacker I got for my birthday last year and went nuts along the fence and around trees and under the deck and by the gardens and...okay you get the picture. It was great! Hope you had a successful day getting things done too!
Monday 5/11/09
Happy Mother's Day a day late! We had a great day of grilling out steaks at my parents house with my grandma Hansen and my uncle Dave and aunt Mary. We got done eating and it didn't even look like we had touched the mounds of food that still sat on serving platters untouched. Oh but we did...and then we somehow made room for angel food cake and ice cream. Even our dog Luna was exhausted after watching all the food disappear. I got my mom flowers because she and I both love them...but one of these days I'm going to figure out the best gift. What do your give the one person in your life who has known you nine months longer than everyone else? The women who has taught you to stand up for what you believe in, to treat people with respect and to lovingly accept life's lessons with open arms and learn from them. There's no Caribbean vacation, no spa, no computer gadget that can ever show her how much I love, look up to and admire her so I can only hope I say and show it every day. Love you mommy!
Monday 5/4/09
Thank you SO much for your donations, thoughts and prayers for the Lake Walk Saturday in Oconomowoc. We had a team of over 75 people and we raised more than $6,500 for cancer research. I have to believe that every time there's a fundraiser like this we're closer and closer to a cure for cancer. My friend Jaime got the last minute green light from her oncologist to come to the park and see her team before we started the walk...then she was off to the hospital for more tests. They'll be collecting her stem cells over the next couple of weeks and then at the end of the month she'll be getting a stem cell/bone marrow transplant. Continued thoughts and prayers for a successful transplant and a speedy recovery are MUCH appreciated.
Thanks again!
Saturday 4/25/09
Hope you're enjoying Saturday at the 70's! Man it sounds good today with the rain fallin' and the thunder a-rollin'!
I wanted to take a second to ask for your help. Next week at this time I'll be walking for one of my dearest friends in the Lake Walk 2009. Her name is Jaime and she and I have been friends since college. About a year and a half ago she was diagnosed with Hodgekins Lymphoma when she was 5 months pregnant with her second child. She fought it...and won...until 7 weeks ago. It's back... and man oh man is she putting up a fight the second time around. She lives in Oconomowoc which is a good thing because their Cancer Center is known nation-wide for what they're able to do. So, I'm walking for Jaime, I'm walking for her two little girls and husband, I'm walking for those at the Cancer Center, I'm walking for your loved ones who have, will or did battle cancer and I'm walking for you who chances are, have been touched by cancer. Click here if you'd like to make a donation. Just type in "Lanette Hansen" and you can read all about Jaime and see a picture of her and her fabulous little girls. If you can't make a donation, please send your thoughts and prayers for strength and perserverance. Every ounce counts! Thank you...from the bottom of my heart.
Thursday 4/23/09
All is good on the Carter homefront. He's not only off his ventilator but he's also off the C-PAP and now is just on high flow oxygen of which he's slowly being weaned. He's begun feedings and for the first time we're hearing his sweet, little voice. It really is quite the miracle.
Tuesday 4/21/09
So are you responsible for this SNOW today?! Last night we had our heat on and Friday we'll flip on the A/C...it's just another crazy Wisconsin spring.
Hope you were able to enjoy the first Farmer's Market! What perfect weather. We were at the gym trying to figure out what you can get this time of year. We figured out radishes and potatoes as far as fresh produce. But...pastries, cheese curds and strawberry jelly are NEVER out of season, thank God for that! :)
Good luck to everyone running Crazy Legs Saturday!
Wednesday 4/15/09
Sorry about the delay in another blog entry...my world has really just been all about Carter and getting him home. My brother Bradley was just in town from Boston to meet his new nephew for the first time. I made a big ol' sign that said "uncle Bradley" for when he came down the escalator at the airport. He was gonna kill me but he couldn't help but smile.
Carter has been making steady progress. Of course we'd love for him to be home, but he's doing what he needs to do in order to get healthy and get outta that hospital. Thank you for keeping Carter and all of our family in your thoughts and prayers.
Wednesday 4/1/09
Wow, it's been quite the crazy couple of weeks. I am now officially an auntie and I've loved every single second of it. On St. Patty's Day Mr. Carter Everett was born and he made his entrance known with a big wail and the signature peeing on the doctor. He's absolutely gorgeous and I'm sure I'll have pictures for you soon.
At 20 weeks along my sister and brother-in-law found out they were having a boy...and that he had Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect. He had a couple things that had to be repaired with surgery...so when he was six days old the little man had an 8-hour, open-heart surgery. He's doing super and he's such a strong little champer. He's in the hospital and every day tubes for various meds. and other things have been taken away as he gets better and better. My sister and brother-in-law have been rocks for Carter, each other and the rest of the family. They're taking things day by day and hopefully within the next couple weeks Carter can come home and meet his older brother Baxter (A very spoiled, wanna-be human Pug). Prayers and positive thoughts are always welcome!!
Monday 3/9/09
My college roomies and I had a great weekend full of laughs, memories and pictures easily used for bribery later in life. Hartland, WI is just a diamond in the rough that I had no idea about. It's "hometown USA" during the day and then at night we walked into a restaurant called Zin that was absolutely fabulous. I had the cornmeal encrusted grouper and it was to die for! Our poor server...we hadn't seen each other in a couple months and there were 10 of us who may or may not have done some sort of pink shot before we left the house. She had to put up with a lot and she remained very professional...I was very impressed.
One of my roomies there this weekend is Jenna. We've known each other since I think around five years old. She's from McFarland and I'm from Madison so we were in ballet at Virginia Davis School of Dance together until we graduated from high school. She went to UW-LaCrosse and then toured around the world with "Up With People" and somehow we both ended up at UW-Milwaukee living on Downer Avenue together. Anyway, she's getting married in September and asked me to be in the wedding. I don't know the color scheme yet but I'll keep you up to date. :)
Friday 3/6/09
Wow is this weather great or what!? Marc and I had the patio door open until late last night and actually forgot it was even open because it was just so nice out. This weekend it's supposed to get cold again and we might even see snow tomorrow night but if we have days like yesterday and today to break it up, it's not so bad.
I'm headed to Oconomowoc to hang out with my college roomies this weekend. We try to get together as much as we can...which is usually every few months. It's not that we live far apart from each other it's just trying to work around four people's crazy busy schedules. One of my roommates was diagnosed with Hodgekin's Disease Lymphoma when she was five months pregnant with her second daughter. She was in remission for a couple months but now that her girls are 4 and 1, she just found out her cancer is back. So...here we go again. Chemo, a stem cell and bone marrow transplant and cross your fingers...a road to recovery. If you have any suggestions for how to help please e-mail me. I'd appreciate any words of wisdom. Meanwhile, prayers and positive thoughts are needed...thanks!
Monday 3/2/09
It's Dr. Suess' birthday today and Linda Allen, the principal at Chavez Elementary told me this morning that he'd be 105 if he were still with us. That would definitely get him a spot on the Smuckers Birthday List with Willard Scott. Anyway, I celebrated with the champers at Chavez earlier today reading Dr. Suess books. Next time you have a chance to read a Dr. Suess book...do so out loud and see how many times you shake your head in disgust with yourself thinking...man...this is hard! Then see if you can do it in front of a first grade audience hanging onto your every word. I think I'm still starry-eyed and a little tongue-tied. All in all it was a great morning and it's just one more reason to LOVE what teachers do every day. I don't know how they do it, but they certainly do. My (Cat in the Hat) hat's off to every teacher out there!
Thursday 2/26/09
I was just out running errands and with the pending ice and snow storm...it was everyone's great idea to get out and get things done so they don't have to worry about it tonight. Two quick stops should've taken a half hour but was much closer to an hour.... Right as I got back to work the rain started so it was perfect timing.
I don't think I told you that I got my hair chopped. Khloe at RZ and company did it and man oh man does she know what she's doing. She put in a couple blondes and a red and the length is now above my shoulders. I've gotten a TON of compliments on it so it has to be good. I'd like to think that many people couldn't lie to me all in the same week. :) Hope to see you out soon so you can check out my new sassy hair.
Tuesday 2/24/09
Sometimes you just have to sit back, take a deep breath and think...seriously???????? My dear college roommate is no longer in remission, a co-worker is in the middle of a medical emergency as we speak, a girlfriend lost the baby she was so excited to carry, my sister will watch her newborn son be prepped for heart surgery in just a few days and everything that could've gone wrong during my uncle's recovery, did. Let me be clear...I'm not complaining, I'm not whining, I just thought bad things came in threes...not fives!!!!! I'm now going to emotionally eat a Shamrock Shake. :)
Friday 2/20/09
Here are some pics of the annual Running of the Brides at Filene's Basement in Boston this morning. The first picture has a girl I know in it. She's on the left holding her friend's (the future bride's) dresses. Notice as you flip through...people are holding signs saying, "play nice". This is just hysterical.
Wednesday 2/18/09
I picked up my new elliptical machine last night. It was quite the feat to transfer it but once that was finally done we were ready to go. Marc got it put together last night and this morning we both worked out on it for a little while. It's great to have that as an option if I don't get to the gym in the morning for one reason or another, or as a chance to get a second workout in after work. Even if it's just 20 or 30 minutes before dinner I'll take it! How exciting!
Monday 2/16/09
Two baby showers down...one to go. Yesterday was fabulous at Bunky's Cafe! We had the whole place to ourselves and everyone kept commenting how eclectic and fashionable the restaurant is. I really couldn't have done it any better thanks to the owner Teresa and her fabulous hubby who makes THEE best carrot cake I have ever tasted. It's just so nice when it all comes together like that. I would HIGHLY recommend Bunky's for any private parties you have. They have the coolest space and the food is to die for not to mention the service is untouchable. You must try it if you haven't already.
So between Valentine's Day Deliveries and two live broadcasts this weekend mixed with a CRAZY trip to Woodman's Saturday evening and the baby shower yesterday I'm walking around like quite the zombie today. I think I put deoderant on today...but I can't say for sure...it's a blur.
Tuesday 2/10/09
Saturday was the first of two baby showers for my sister. I'm throwing the second one on Sunday at Bunky's Cafe. The colors are green and blue and the theme is "Oh the Joy of a Boy". THEN...I'm throwing a "sprinkle" for my best friend on the 28th. It's her second child so instead of a full-out shower, it's a sprinkle. Some people call it a "diaper dump" but I've never been too fond of the word "dump" and definitely not while referencing a newborn because we all know the image that pops into your mind...so...moving on. The colors are pink and orange and the theme is "She's Oh So Sweet". Yep...candy everywhere. I can't wait!
Sunday night was a girl's night. Three friends I've known since high school or before and one married a high school friend and fits in just perfectly. We went to see "He's Just Not That Into You" and it's hysterical. A little too real in some parts because you think...oh my I remember being that pathetic. You also find yourself picking out couples in your life and pin-pointing the movie characters they resemble. It's great for a girl's night and would also make a good date movie too. Then we went to eat at the new Laredo's in Fitchburg where two of the four girls proceeded to tell us they're due a week apart in September. Guess I'll be drinking the margarita I just ordered for you while you were in the bathroom was my first thought...but after that it was a big, huge WOW...we've come a long way since ballet and high school basketball. Now we're five girls, four husbands, one boyfriend, four kids, two on the way, two dogs, two cats and I think there's a goldfish in the mix too. Funny how life just keeps moving huh....
Tuesday 2/3/09
Now this is just crazy. Thursday night I went to St. Mary's to see my best friend's new little girl Tess. On my way there I called my sister and turns out she's there too! She's due in March and her blood pressure shot up so they admitted her. I stopped in triage to see my sister and then went around the corner to meet Tess. It's one of those insane nights you just have to shake your head at and chalk it up to fate.
I took the day off yesterday and was way too excited to get my oil changed in my car. I don't know when you have the time to do it otherwise!? I'm just glad to be in the clear for a few months now. I also had the morning to see my girlfriend Sarah and her two girls Grace (4 1/2) and Julia (4 months). We had some coffee and muffins and fruit and it was so nice to not be on a time frame. If we don't have one before Grace is old enough, she's going to be the first female President of the United States. She's SO smart and just gets it. Mark my words....
"Biggest Loser" is tonight! Enjoy!
Thursday 1/22/09
Can you believe they got rid of Damien last night?! I agree it was great game-playing by Jillian's team but I didn't see that coming at all! And Kristine from the purple team jumping for over two hours?! Who know she had it in her? Now THAT's a good ol' Wisconsin girl playin' to win! If none of this makes sense to you then you're not a "Biggest Loser" fan. It's an awesome show and I highly recommend it...Tuesday nights.
I'm almost done getting everything planned for my sister's baby shower. The colors...robin's egg blue and lime green which are coincidentally the colors of the baby's room too! Carter Everett will be here soon so hopefully she gets everything she needs to make life a little easier the first few weeks. This is the first time I will be an aunt so I'm very pumped. We're having the shower at Bunky's Cafe which is on Atwood Avenue here in Madison. Great food, spectacular ambiance and an amazing staff...just the perfect place!
Thursday 1/15/09
I know the most popular New Year's resolution is to lose weight and get back in shape. I tend to be a little biased when it comes to gyms because I start out every morning at my favorite place to be...Orange Shoe Gym. Today I found out about something I think could help you if that is indeed your resolution. It's called "Orange Crush" and it's a really cool cardio class that works with balance, agility and function while pumping up your endurance, burning fat and tightening up. I always hear, "working out is so boring" but this class certainly is not...it's different each and every session. The crazy part is that you'll become just as nuts about Orange Shoe Gym as I am and find yourself actually looking forward to go to "Orange Crush". No matter if you're just starting to get back in shape or if you're already there, this class will push you to where you want to be.
Wednesday 1/7/09
Happy birthday, a day late to my spectacular brother Bradley.
Hope you're having a fabulous New Year! I haven't made any big ol' resolutions or anything...but I do hope if you've made any they're coming along perfectly. Most people wanna lose a couple pounds...and that makes me think about how the newest season of "Biggest Loser" started last night. It's the heaviest contestents yet and I was almost in tears last night as each one weighed in. There are some pretty awesome people this season who are gonna have amazing lives once they're able to figure out why they got to that point and then smash the scales. The purple team is a mother/daughter team from northern Wisconsin so I'm a little partial, but I LOVE Tara from the green team. She's tough and sassy and I like her.
On this same topic, I made a wonderful dinner last night...ginger glazed Mahi Mahi. Make sure to use lite, low salt soy sauce though...here's the recipe. Enjoy!
Wednesday 12/31/08
Happy New Year!!! I think we tend to reflect a little more at the end of a year. Funny, because six months ago you didn't much care that it was 2008, but now it's a little saddening to see it go. We had a big ol' wedding for my sister this year, one of my best friends in the world fought and conquered Lymphoma in 2008 and there were many friends who brought new little champers into the world. Yep, 2008 definitely had its highs and its lows but all in all I give it an 8 out of 10. (If it had a Mexican vacation in it, it would've been a 9.)
Have a great night tonight. Stay safe!
Monday 12/22/08
Well, today we closed the book on "Holiday Wish 2008." The numbers have been calculated and the summaries have been filed. All the checks, letters, gift cards and anything else we could get our hands on were sent out Friday. We were able to help over 100 families with over $17,000 thanks to your help and donations.
I got a phone call on the air Saturday from one of our recipients. She had just gotten her mail and in it was a Holiday Wish check and some mall gift cards. I could barely understand her through her tears but the universal, "thank you so much" came through loud and clear. Her husband was killed in a car accident and now, not only was she left to provide a memorable Christmas for her 6-year old son, but that 6-year old son turned 7 on December 23rd and he wanted a party. I can't imagine looking into the face of your child and not being able to do anything about his or her diappointment. This cash provided peace of mind and reminded her that someone cares.
I think I speak on behalf of each one of our recipients when I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Happy holidays!
Wednesday 12/10/08
I'll admit it...I love the reality show "America's Got Talent." That's the show with David Hasselhoff and Sharon Osborne as a couple of the judges. Anyway, there was a guy on there this past season named Eli Mattson and he's from Wisconsin. He's a singer and a piano player and he's spectacular! The first round he introduced himself to the judges and sang this song. He sat down the next night and did an Elton John song...another night he performed an Alicia Keys song that knocked my socks off! Although he completely deserved first place, he got second. The good news is, he's going to be at the Claddagh Irish Pub in Greenway Station this Saturday at 9:00. Tickets are 15 bucks and you'll love him! I promise! See you there!
Tuesday 11/25/08
I had my college roomies over for dinner Saturday. Jac and Jenn came in from Oconomowoc with their hubbies and we started our progressive dinner at our other roomie, Jenna's condo. The night started with an announcement that Jenna and her boyfriend Josh got engaged at The Grand Canyon the week before so it was off to a great night! We did appetizers at Jenna's and then went to my house for dinner. Between the four of us this year we've had two new babies, an engagement, a Lymphoma diagnosis, a remission from Lymphoma and a whole bunch of good ol' fashioned fun. It's been quite the year and I'm so blessed to have such amazing, strong, powerful women in my life. Friends just mean everything don't they....
One month 'til Christmas!! Holy cow where did 2008 go?
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. We'll do our HUGE extended family Thanksgiving Saturday at my uncle Bob and aunt Linda's. I'm bringing an appetizer and a pie. I think I'll make Pigs in a Blanket...those are always a hit with the adults AND the kids. It's never too hard to make a kid eat a hot dog ya know?! How fun. I have a pretty dang amazing family so it's a great time to catch up. Hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving!
Friday 11/21/08
This is the earliest I've EVER started my Christmas shopping. Usually Black Friday is my first attempt. Not so much because I must get the hottest and coolest new stuff...my mom and I just love to go an be a part of it. People are just crazy. We definitely scout out the different things we'd like to pick up but in no way are heart-broken if we don't grab 'em quickly enough. We just laugh our way through the day. Magic 98 plays all Christmas music that day too. We call it the Sneak Preview to 98 Hours of Christmas Magic and it's fabulous! I think it's because Mother Nature decided to skip right over fall and go directly into winter that I've got the Christmas bug early this year. Oh don't worry, I haven't forgotten about Thanksgiving...it's my favorite holiday of them all and I can't wait!!
Tuesday 11/11/08
Marc and I went to Lake Geneva over the weekend and it was spectacular. We were shopping on Main Street and the city crews were getting the holiday decorations up. It was a nice getaway without a whole bunch of travel time. We ate dinner at the yummiest place called Sopra. We just got a bunch of appetizers...we had prosciutto and fig on spinach, stuffed, grilled calamari and some butternut squash soup. They have a great selection of beers too! Marc and I were saying we'd even just drive there with friends to have dinner and drive back...it's that good. It's always nice to find a new restaurant that you just love.
I'm remembering a week ago I was in a short sleeve shirt waiting to vote and was warm. Today we woke up to temperatures in the teens and that's just not right. I actually like winter but I feel like we skipped fall!
Wednesday 11/5/08
I am so proud of my fellow Americans. No matter who you voted for, you voted, and that's all that counts.
I had a fabulous girl's weekend with a couple of friends. We shopped for 10 hours on Saturday which is crazy alone but then when you add to the mix that one of the girls is 7 months pregnant...that's just nuts! We went to Ikea and Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall so we were all about the savings. The most expensive thing I bought...dinner. I succeeded in getting my God daughter's birthday present but that's as far as I went when it came to buying for other people. I guess I'm not ready quite yet to focus on the holidays.
Friday 10/24/08
Day 10 of this cold and I think I'm finally over the hump. Man did that one knock me on my butt! I don't know the last time I was sick but it was years ago. Whew...glad this one is on the way out. You have my sympathies if you're dealing with the same one I had...it's a monster.
I'm starting to get excited for the holidays. I've started a list of what I want to get everyone for Christmas. If I plan and start spending the cash now it doesn't come as quite the shock as when I get them all at one time. Snow on Sunday could really get people thinking about "the most wonderful time of the year."
Tonight Marc and I are going out for dinner and will probably enjoy a night in after that. The rain, wind and cold makes you want to put your fuzzy socks on and cuddle up on the couch...with a bottle of wine of course. Come on we're not THAT lame.
Wednesday 10/15/08
My visit with my brother in Beantown was fabulous! We got his new place all organized and decked out so he can actually have people over now without having to apologize for the mess. It's an awesome space and I'm really jealous because the area is so great too. We went and got lunch, then got some drapes at Pier 1, then got a coffee and walked back to his place...I was waiting for Norman Rockwell to jump out. It was the first walk around the area I had taken and it was just beautiful. Older houses with the huge, beautiful front porches and of course the very nice landscaping. It didn't hurt that the fall colors were at their peak, some on the sidewalk, some still on the trees...and that wonderful fall smell...I was in heaven. Then we got back to his house, rolled up our sleeves and got back to work organizing, decorating and throwing out. Hopefully I can go back for St. Patrick's Day and the place will be all done and we can be a little less pressed for time to do things.
I've come to the conclusion that I just need to accept this cold I've been fighting. I haven't been sick in years...I hate it! I'm usually not one to take any pills or anything either but I am this time. You know you're not a kid anymore when you just don't have time to get sick. So here's my white flag...I'm definitely waving it...this cold is stronger than I. Dang it!
Wednesday 10/1/08
I'm headed to Boston Friday night to visit my brother Bradley. He bought a condo a couple months ago and I'll be there turning his bachelor pad into a home. It'll be so fun spending someone else's money!
I made a fabulous soup last night. 2 cans of Campbell's cheese soup, 2 cans of milk, a medium jar of Pace Picante (1 1/2 cups), 3 cups of cubed cooked chicken, a diced red pepper, a diced onion. Bring it to a boil and then cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. I know! How easy is that?! 1 1/2 cups of the soup is 300 calories. So pair it with a salad and you've got a filling, yummy, low cal dinner. Enjoy!
Hey did I tell you I'm gonna be an auntie?? My sister is due March 25th and I can't think of anything I'd love more. I LOVE other people's kids so I intend on spoiling him or her rotton. She and her husband are going to find out what they're having in a few weeks. Hopefully it's a boy or a girl but we haven't ruled out a monster that's been making my sister SO sick. Aunt Lanette...I like it!!
Wednesday 9/24/08
Did you just die that L.T. and Tom were voted off last night's episode of "Biggest Loser?" I was completely bummed cuz those two just crack me up!! They spiced it up a little. It was a fabulous show though with chef Rocco DiSpirito hanging out for a while and making some fabulous, quick and healthy meals. Click here for all of them. I'm hoping taking a look at these reminds you that you don't have to be a crazy good chef in order to make the quick meals you need with your busy life and still think about nutrition too. Happy cooking!
Tuesday 9/23/08
So I'm having problems with my left knee. I was hoping to run a half trail run in Kettle Moraine at the end of next month but...it ain't happnin'. I've just got to stop messing with it and head to the doctor. It'll probably just be stretches, maybe some physical therapy, but definitely a prescription of "stay the heck off your knee Lanette!" Total bummer! I've been able to get on an Eliptical machine lately so that's nice but I miss my runs. Especially this time of year...you forget you're working so hard because of the sights, sounds and smells of fall everywhere you turn. Can you tell I'm moping a little? BUT..."Biggest Loser" tonight!! That's good news!
Tuesday 9/16/08
In honor of a new season of "America's Biggest Loser" beginning tonight...here's Jillian Michael's hotcake recipe. (You'll find it in her spectacular book, "Making the Cut")
I can't believe I've never shared with you...one of the most fabulous and easiest recipes ever! 3 eggs, 3/4 cup non fat cottage cheese, 1/4 cup whole wheat flour. Separate the eggs from the yolks into two different bowls. Add the cottage cheese and flour to the yolks. Whip the whites and add to the yolks. Pour enough batter for a pancake onto a hot griddle and cook just like any other pancake. Top with sugar-free jelly or jam...NO...not syrup. Each pancake is about 140 calories and you'll get about 4 pancakes from that recipe. Enjoy!!!
Thursday 9/11/08
It's sort of an odd day today. It's already been seven years since that infamous day and I think we get kinda torn as to how we should feel. This is the first year I woke up and it wasn't the first thing I thought of. That doesn't mean I've forgotten how I felt on that day, that doesn't mean I've moved passed the loved ones lost on that day, that doesn't mean I'm okay with what happened. I think it does mean that hopefully we've begun to heal...as a nation, as a family, as human beings who were knocked up side their heads that day and thrown to the ground with force most of us had never felt before.
I'm still trying to figure out if I was fortunate or unfortunate enough to be living in New York City at the time. I watched from my living room what should have been a horror movie on my TV but sadly was the real thing. For days, fighter jets and helicopters flew outside my windows close enough to feel like I could touch them. I watched as the gigantic Red Cross liner floated in and as President Bush flew over to catch his first glimpse of the unimaginable. The insanely huge and blinding lights used by the crews sifting through the rubble lit up my entire apartment from sun down to sun up but it didn't matter, I wasn't sleeping anyway. The fire department next door was one of the first on the scene...they left with 12 guys and only three came back to their families.
So no, I haven't forgotten, I've just tried to move on. The only difference being that September 11th, 2001 is now a scar and not a gaping wound. Remember how you got it, remember the pain, but no need to bandage anymore. It's time to ease off on the actual incident and how you got the wound and focus on how you can avoid getting another one.
Tuesday 9/9/08
Congratulations to Stef...YOU are an Ironman. (If you've ever been at the finish line you've heard that line a couple times and are hopefully giggling a little.) Fourteen hours and nine minutes later...2.4 miles of swimming, 113 miles of biking and 26.2 miles of running...I felt bad for getting a slice of Ian's pizza while waiting to catch her on her second loop of the run, but I hadn't eaten since breakfast come on! My hat is off to everyone who competed this weekend...you are spectacular!
Friday 9/5/08
My birthday is in one week from today! How exciting. I love birthdays. Let me rephrase that...I love MY birthday. It's an excuse to celebrate with a great dinner and fabulous presents. I think this year we'll go to a new restaurant on the east side of Madison called Africana. It sounds spectacular and nothing like I've ever eaten before.
So I heard this morning at Orange Shoe Gym that they're going to be doing a crazy boot camp-like training session. I'm yet to find out all the information but you can bet I'll let you know all about it when I do. I'm thinking this is gonna be strangely fun yet totally challenging.
Speaking of challenging...Ironman is this weekend and I'd like to wish all of its participants a HUGE good luck. My friend Stef will be one of them and the hair stands up on my neck when I think about it because I'm nervous, excited, emotional, proud and determined for her all in the same breath. DO IT!!!!!
Monday 8/25/08
Marc's parents just left this morning after an awesome visit. Friday we went to Milwaukee because they wanted to see Lake Michigan. We ate at Rock Bottom Brewery outside along the river then got pictures with the newly dedicated Fonz statue on the River Walk. Saturday morning we went to the Farmer's Market and got goodies to make a spectacular dinner. Sunday Marc and his dad went crazy with home improvements...it's crazy how far one sheet of MDF can go. He made shelves for an otherwise unusable closet in the living room, fixed the two bottom steps on the deck and made new shelves for the garage. He also took down the green light above the garage and replaced it with a clear bulb...I've been meaning to do that for years. The best part is that they did that while Marc's mom and I went to The Montage and spent a whole bunch of money on things we "needed". My parents and grandma Hansen came over to cook out yesterday afternoon after stopping at Sloppy Lobster to get some fabulous tilapia and we sat around talking all night long. See, told ya it was an awesome visit.
Tuesday 8/19/08
My workout at Orange Shoe Gym this morning was a lot of arms and now I'm struggling a bit trying to type but it's a 'good hurt' right? Maybe I'll call it that tomorrow. Today, it just hurts.
My sister and her new husband started their day-long journey back from their two-week honeymoon in Phuket. They're 13 hours ahead of us so they'll leave on a Wednesday from Thailand but return here on a Tuesday. Don't shed any tears for them though...they're in business class so will probably have a glass of wine, recline in their nice, leather seats and sleep the entire trip. Rough huh? Karin and I have talked only once and I think it's the longest we've ever gone without chatting. It'll be nice to have her back in town.
Monday 8/11/08
Man have we had gorgeous weekend weather lately! Although that gives you no excuse to sit around inside and veg, it was so nice to soak it all in. I got a ton of lawnwork done in preparation for Marc's parents coming to stay with us next week. They'll get here next Thursday and stay through Monday and I can't wait! Between the laughter and the delicious food, a visit with them is always one to remember. Hopefully we'll have nice weather so we can show them around a bit. I think we'll spend a day in Milwaukee because Marc's mom wants to see Lake Michigan and being that's where I went to college, I have an idea of where to go and what to see. We'll most likely do the Farmer's Market Saturday morning and then some shopping down State Street. If you know of something fun going on the weekend of the 22nd, let me know!!
Wednesday 8/6/08
Whew!! It was wonderful. It was spectacular. It was fabulous. And now it's all over. My sister's wedding was hopefully perfect in her eyes. The weather was gorgeous and everyone cleaned up very nicely. :) We stayed at The Edgewater Friday night so Saturday I woke up at 6 and went on a run around 'The Square'. The Farmer's Market vendors were just getting set up and the sun was warm but not hot yet. It was my time to reflect on the momentous day that was about to unfold. The colors seemed brighter and the birds chirped sweeter in my point of view. I took a deep breath and went up to the room to greet the hair stylists who were there to make us pretty. I was rather calm until I saw my mom and dad walking her down the aisle...that's where I lost it. Dang it! You would've too though...oh my was she beautiful! Jim McGaw and Amy Abbott were the DJs and they did a knock out job. I danced the night away with my 4-year old friend Abbi...I wonder if she was as sore as I was Sunday morning. Somehow I doubt it. So now I have two brothers and that's kinda cool.
Tuesday 7/29/08
I have to tell you about this past weekend's celebration, because it was a big one! Now hopefully you can follow along here. My cousin Christy was adopted in Indiana, raised in Pennsylvania and just moved to Madison. She and her birthmom, who lives in California found each other in February and have met up a few times since then. Coincidentally, and this is just crazy, Christy's birth family is all from the Milwaukee area...so... Sunday was Christy's golden birthday and man did we have a party. A bunch of us from our family traveled to Milwaukee to celebrate and meet Christy's new family...she's got 8 new aunts and uncles and way too many cousins to count. They are a spectacular family full of love and respect for each other and it was so cool to just stand there and take it in. I am so honored to have been a part of it. Honored...and full still two days later. Of course I have to talk about the food...homemade enchiladas and tacos and a fruit salad to die for. The blender was going full speed making the yummiest margaritas and I've been dreaming about the homemade guacamole. Mmmmm...life is good.
Thursday 7/24/08
Oh I'm so sorry for slacking...I'm a bad friend. Things have just been so crazy with my sister's wedding now only nine days away. I think the ducks are almost completely in a row so I'm not too worried about things going way wrong. It's just time consuming that's for sure. A week from now I will be in a massage chair getting a pedicure at New Self...I might be a little biased but I think I SO deserve that.
I'm finding that I'm extremely emotional lately too. I'm not usually a crier but man, the thought of being a part of my baby sister's best day of her life...that's slightly moving ya know? I think of what an amazing woman she is now and how far she's come from trying to brush out her naturally curly hair with her Strawberry Shortcake brush to create a gigantic fro. All while saying, "No curly q's". She hated her curly hair and now those gorgeous locks are going to be all pinned up with a veil to top it all off. Yep, it's going to be a very overwhelming, absolutely spectacular day and I can't wait!
Thursday 7/10/08
Eric Hutchinson is coming to The Majestic tonight and it is going to be quite the show. If you like Jason Mraz, this guy is right up your alley...or if you don't have plans tonight and are up to see a great show...I HIGHLY recommend it! Marc and I NEVER agree on music except when it comes to Eric. Come on, you know you wanna...it'll be so worth it!
Wednesday 7/9/08
So I went camping last weekend. Here's the rundown...Six adults, three kids, five dogs, two pop-up campers, one tent and a partridge in a pear tree! We had fabulous weather and if you've never been to Yellowstone Lake Park I highly recommend it. They have a gorgeous beach and a really nice waterfront area for the dogs as well. Marc and I went with two of our favorite families, one has a 2 year old with another on the way and the other has two girls ages 3 and 1. Can you see where this is going? By the end of the trip Marc was hiding in the tent claiming he was 'just resting' when in reality I know he was hiding from the kids who had now begun to melt down. I'm not sure what the moral of the story is but it definitely goes down as the most interesting camping trip I've ever been a part of that's for sure.
Monday 6/30/08
Okay...where did June go?? I have yet to really get outside and enjoy a gorgeous day to the fullest. With all the rain and winds we've had my peonies are in rough shape so nice weather or not, I've gotta get out there and take care of them. Pretty soon I'll be 'that neighbor'.
Hopefully tonight Marc and I will get to Pasqual's. We'll be celebrating his new job at Isthmus! Talk about Madison summed up in a newspaper...I'm very excited for him. In a total selfish twist...I'm counting on him to get our blanket down asap for each of the Concerts on the Square now that he's right there. :)
Hey we all have our priorities....
Tuesday 6/24/08
I was just reading that Yoga is being offered at Quivey's Grove. It's outdoors on their beautiful grounds at 5:30 Monday evenings. How wonderful will that be? It's just a matter of getting out of work on time right? We always have such good intentions.... Anyway, I'll try if you try.
I'm so excited for the first Concerts on the Square tomorrow night. Man do I need a friend downtown who can put a blanket down at what...4? I'm crossing my fingers for nice weather. We're forecasted to get a couple showers tomorrow night but hopefully that's just way off. Every year about this time whether it's our amazing farmer's market, the zoo, the Concerts on the Square, I'm reminded of what an awesome place we live in. Here's hoping you find some time to do at least a couple of the things Madison has to offer this summer.
Tuesday 6/17/08
So we're about six weeks out from the big wedding. Everything starts to overlap at this point. I sent out the shower invites, just to turn around and order the bachelorette invites. I got the take home gifts for the shower on the 29th which I should've been really excited about, but it only reminded me that I've got to get the gifts for the bachelorette party on the 12th ordered. Whew...take a breath Lanette. Put it all into perspective....
I am so lucky that I didn't have any problems with water in my basement or anything from the crazy weather we've been having. I see the pictures and can't believe this is happening! My heart goes out to you, your family and friends...anyone who's been affected by the flooding and storms.
It was mind-blowing to read Friday evening that journalist Tim Russert passed away. I was/am a huge fan! I felt like he started the week off with what was going to be important in the next coming days. Hearing his co-workers, friends and family reflect on his life and character makes me so happy that he was as amazing of a man as I'd hoped. We've lost a huge part of a history-making run for president.
I guess planning for my sister's wedding isn't so crucial after all....
Thursday 6/5/08
Funny how I always seem to find the time to write in my blog on Thursdays. Maybe it's because I can see a light at the end of the tunnel as far as the work week goes? Who knows??
I just finished the invites for the bridal shower I'm throwing for my sister June 29th. I'll get those out this weekend so everyone has a couple weeks to get it planned into their busy schedules. I figured we'll be a month out by the time the shower comes around so everyone will really be watching what they eat...I'm just going to do a big ol' salad bar. 'Build your own' per say. She had her first dress fitting Sunday and looked just amazing!
Can't wait to see you at Dogfest Sunday. I'll be there with my Black Lab/Border Collie mix Luna so come and see us!!
Thursday 5/29/08
Congratulations to all of last weekend's Madison Marathoners!!! There were 1,500 for the full, 2,500 for the half and 1,000 running the quarter marathon. If you've never been at the finish line of a marathon, I'd highly recommend it. It's one of the most overwhelming experiences I've ever had and is actually quite indescribable. Remember these runners have just been in a race against themselves...they can't blame the ref, nor the goalie or the kicker if the outcome isn't favorable...it's you against you and it's a total mind game. I've watched people do cartwheels over the finish line, seen people uncontrollably sob and helped catch the occasional collapse too. It's physical AND emotional. Four months of training comes down to this one day. Most will never do a marathon again but will always be able to say they're part of 1% of the world that has finished 26.2 miles.
I did the quarter marathon and finished at 1:07 which is seven minutes slower than what I wanted to be but it was definitely a stepping stone to my full...someday....
Thursday 5/22/08
Marc's birthday was a great time! We rented a projector, speakers and of course the needed cables from Full Compass and showed an outdoor movie. Our garage is set back a little from the house so it made the perfect "movie screen". We had amazing burgers, potato salad and coleslaw from Knocke's and loaded up some bowls with Marc's favorite...Cool Ranch Doritos. We showed the movie "Super Bad" so there was definitely part of the crowd who loved it, and others like my mom who stood on the deck, watched a little, smiled, nodded her head and headed back into the house. But she tried right?! It's a movie that's rather vulgar and disgustingly funny if you're in the right mood. It was the birthday boy's pick.... Just for the record I would've chosen "27 Dresses". :)
Tuesday 5/13/09
I can't believe I forgot to tell you about our girl's night out last weekend!! One of my girlfriend's daughters got accepted to Marquette Law School, one of my girlfriends finally recovered from some medical stuff and the rest of us just needed to turn off our brains and have some fun. We rented a limo and headed out. We started at Eno Vino which USED to be a favorite of all of ours. We got there around 11pm, ordered a round of drinks and soon after this manager comes over telling us we're too "high pitched" and we needed to quiet down. I'm sorry...did we make a wrong turn into a library or were we in a bar area close to midnight??!! We didn't even finish our drinks...we left. Now a GOOD manager would've sat down, bought some drinks and explained that the people next to us were trying to enjoy a romantic evening and he hoped we'd understand. Nope, he did just the opposite...made a whole bunch of otherwise good customers mad and lost a ton of cash in the meanwhile. It was so completely rude and I just felt like venting. I know it's a place to which I'll never go back. That's too bad.
Friday 5/9/08
So Marc got all inspired and tore down all the paneling in our three-season porch on the front of our house. It's a farm house that's over 100 years...so...the paint under there is obviously lead-based. I've got to now find a paint to go over it that as Bob Vila tells me, is "encapsulating." I've only found a couple places online so we'll see. Meanwhile guess what I'll be doing this weekend...cleaning up Marc's mess. :)
Thursday 5/1/08
Happy May Day!! It's turning out to be a spectacular day...68 right now with just a little rain coming tonight. Right on!
I'm very excited to watch Gray's Anatomy tonight. What did I do Thursday nights without it?? Oh yeah, got an extra run in, maybe some laundry...you know, the responsible stuff. Now I'm SO excited to make a yummy, healthy shake in my Magic Bullet, sit on the couch and take in an hour of someone else's drama and dysfunction. It truly is perfect!
Friday 4/25/08
My weekends have just been jam-packed of stuff going on so I haven't gotten a good chance to get out and clean up my flower gardens and outdoor living areas. It's only supposed to be 48 on Sunday but it will be the first day I have to get a good start. It's just a lot more fun in the sun, but this will have to do. I've gotta get it done soon or I'm gonna be 'that neighbor'. You know who I'm talking about.
We have some new tunes on Magic I am SO completely in love with. Alicia Keys, Pink, Leona Lewis...love them!! Hope you love them too!!
Friday 4/18/08
I can't believe I didn't fill you in on my girls' weekend!! It was fabulous!! We seriously shopped at Tanger for 5 hours!! Then we went back to our amazing room at Great Wolf Lodge, we treated ourselves to a condo with a fireplace, a little patio, a little fridge...like I said...amazing, and well worth it! We got in our swimsuits, grabbed Long Island Iced Teas and relaxed in the hot tub. We got the courage to leave the warmth of the spa for just a few minutes to do two laps on the Lazy River, but then we went back to the tub. After a while of that we got ready to go out for dinner. Did you know that Marley's has a shuttle?? They came and picked us up for Pete's sake!! We had a great dinner and then danced the night away. Both Kat and Joeli are moms so we were just giggling the whole way back to Great Wolf (in the shuttle again) that we were out 'til bar time. That hasn't happened in forever!! We got up the next morning and hit the waterslides and the hot tub once more until it was time to check out. We grabbed brekkie at this great place famous for the cinnamon rolls...and now we know why!! Mmmmm!! We've decided we're going to try to do this at least twice a year. We all agreed the best part was getting ready to go out to dinner. No kids, no animals, no hubbies, just the girls. It was like being in college again!
Sometimes we forget as mommies and wives and caretakers and whatever role you take on, that we need to refresh every once in a while by leaving it all behind. Don't lost sight of that! Believe me, you need a girl's weekend!!
Tuesday 4/8/08
So last night I wanted to make a fun dinner to watch the NCAA finals but of course I didn't want to be all fatty. For these types of events I crave nachos and anything fried you can dip in a yummy sauce...and let's not forget the beer to wash it all down. So I hit the internet looking for recipes. I found oven-baked french fries and a great breading for chicken and shrimp. When all was said and done I had healthy, home-made french fries, shrimp and chicken and dipping sauces...sodium-free ketchup, fat-free/low-cal Ranch dressing and sugar-free barbeque sauce. Applebee's eat your heart out!! It was so nice to feel like I was eating bad-for-you food without having to go nuts at the gym this morning out of guilt. I didn't go out to grab beer but if I had, I would've grabbed the MGD 64...only 64 calories a bottle my friend and under 3 carbs!! Just wanted you to see that you can still feel like you're indulging like everyone else for things like big games, but you don't have to break the bank on calories and fat! If you'd like the recipes just e-mail me, lanette@magic98.com. Happy Tuesday!
Monday 4/7/08
Holy cow this weekend was insane. Between the emceeing, the live broadcasts and on-air work too I'm on a three-second delay. I can't think of anything other than napping. Now I know why cats live such happy lives!
Amy Abbott and I had a ton of fun both Saturday and Sunday at Pet Supermarket on Odana Road. This is a fantastic new place with fabulous owners if you'd like to stop by and see for youself, it's about a block and a half down from West Towne Mall next to Ginza. Say 'hi' to Paula and Jim!
This weekend I'm going to the Great Wolf Lodge with my girlfriends Kit and Joeli. It will be filled with shopping, eating, drinking, gambling, dancing, relaxing and craziness I'm sure. They're both leaving behind little ones so they won't know what to do with all their extra time but I'm sure it won't take them long to catch on. If you're headed up to the Dells for anything, I've just given you fair warning....
Monday 3/31/08
So the Winnie the Pooh adventure wasn't SO bad. I do now have total respect for Bucky Badger however. It's like you're all alone in the big ol' head of the costume just hearing your self breathe...and sweat...holy cow it was hot in there!! The kids loved it and yes, there was great cake and ice cream waiting for me after I changed so I guess it's all in a hard day's work. I will never make Bucky do push-ups at the football games again though...poor thing...I don't know how he does it!!
Juli Hinds and I are hosting the greatest event this Friday. It's a Red Ribbon Affair for the AIDS Network at the Monona Terrace. (More info here.) If you would like to come out and support a very important cause in my book, we'd love to see you!!
Friday3/28/08
I was wrong...I'm eating jelly beans as we speak!! I came in this morning and Chris Murphy dropped a whole bag on my desk. He said now's the time to get 'em because they're all on sale! It's now six hours later and half the bag is gone. I'm so weak against the jelly bean!! It's not a fair fight!!
This weekend I'm going to be Winnie the Pooh at my best friend's son's 2nd birthday party. What would we do without Mallatt's?? Seriously...thee place to go for costumes!! Anyway, I'm hoping all the champers don't get scared of me and go running because that could be quite the complex for both me and the kids! As long as there's cake waiting for me at the end of the shin-dig I'm fine. Bonus if there's Blue Moon ice cream...then it'll all be worth it! Wish me luck!
Tuesday 3/25/08
Okay, I think I got my fill of jelly beans. Man I love those things!! It was a great day of family, food, laughs and of course...stories. Whenever my family gets together we tell stories...you know, the ones from when you were little that make you cry cuz you're laughing so hard. It just wouldn't be a holiday without them.
Right around 3pm I always start thinking about what I'm going to make for dinner. I have a whole wheat Boboli pizza crust that I think I'll put some veggies and shrimp on with a little cheese, and presto...a yummy, most importantly, low fat, low calorie dinner. Yes, you CAN eat pizza without the guilt! Hopefully I'll get home, go on a run, get dinner ready and be sitting on the couch in time for "America's Biggest Loser" at 7! If you don't watch, I'm a little disappointed in you, if you do...I'm so sick of that Mark guy I can't stand it!! He's gotta go!!
Thursday 3/20/08
I don't know why I'm so surprised we're getting snow tonight and tomorrow. We ALWAYS get a snowstorm in March that sort of knocks us off our feet because we were just starting to get a taste of spring. But this winter...this winter has been so long and so cold and gave us so much snow that I guess I was hoping this year would be different. POP...there goes that dream bubble!!
I'm excited for Easter! A huge dinner... yep, I'm excited!! Last year the Easter Bunny got me jelly beans (which are my favorite!), Zone Bars (which I eat every day) and a brand new...bra. Yep, a bra. I don't know how the Easter Bunny knew my size but he did. Funny how you get to be so thankful for those things you forget to buy for yourself.
What are you doing for the game tonight?? GO BUCKY!!!!!
Wednesday 3/12/08
I don't know about you but this time change is killin' me! It sounds so simple...I mean, what's one hour? It just throws me off completely! Today is the first day I felt somewhat awake when I got out of bed. I'm at Orange Shoe Gym by 6:30 so it had just started to be light when I woke up...now we're back to square one! It's just harder to get up when it's still dark. I sure hope you're coping a little better than I am!
I'll be running the quarter marathon in this year's Madison Marathon May 25th with the intent to run the half next year and the full the next year. It's just so hard to train in the winter...I despise running on a treadmill so we'll see how it goes. Come on, join me...ya know you want to!!
Thursday 3/6/08
It was spectacular!! The Poconos are so beautiful! We got in Saturday afternoon to a sunny, 50 degree day. Sunday was about the same. Monday we drove (2 hours) to Philly, one of my favorite cities in the world, and we weren't wearing jackets because it was almost 60 degrees! Then Tuesday it was a cold rain all day and Wednesday it was snowing...we got all the weather possible!
I'm completely in love with Marc's parents. His mom makes me laugh...hard! Then when she laughs...it's all over. His dad is the cutest man ever...I just wanted to pinch him. Not to mention he's an amazing cook. Seriously, I had to refrain from putting my entire face into the mashed potatoes and just eating...thought that might be a bad first impression. They've got the greatest friends and family. I could've listened to their accents all day! One of their friends decked us out in no, not Steelers gear but Giants (Thanks Diane). They thought that was pretty great. I took out my Red Sox hat just for fun but thought better of it as I looked around and saw I was a little out-numbered...then sat down and watched the Yankees game with everyone else. Now...I truly am off to the gym to work off the pasta, the meatloaf, the homemade maccaroni and cheese, the cannolis, the seafood crepes, the french toast with bananas...you get the picture.
Wednesday 2/27/08
I'm off to the Poconos Saturday! Marc's parents live there so we'll obviously be staying at their house. I'm SO excited to leave Wisconsin snow. Even if they had the same amount, which they don't, it'd be someone else's snow so it wouldn't be quite as annoying to look at. Sounds like Sunday will be a big family get-together so I'm excited to put some faces to the names. Marc is Italian so I plan on taking in all the wonderful items Italian cuisine has to offer...Seriously, I could eat Italian food all day long. I could've died happy the day I found whole wheat gnocci at the grocery store. So, I'll be back next Thursday hopefully relaxed and ready to work off the 5 pounds I've gained!
Monday 2/18/08
Whew...what a weekend!! Valentine's Day, a wedding, a baby shower, a HUGE family dinner and hours of shoveling the heaviest snow ever!! I was actually thinking it would be nice to come back to work so things would slow down a little. I am such a creature of habit and schedules that when I'm off of either of them, I'm exhausted. I'm definitely feeling it today that's for sure. Tomorrow I'm hoping to be back on track and full of energy...meanwhile, today is turning out to be quite difficult.
I just have to share with you this fabulous story though. My cousin Christy is 26 years old and was adopted by my aunt and uncle at birth in Indiana. She's got her Masters in Library Science and in October moved here from Pennsylvania to see if there were some opportunities in Madison she wouldn't have otherwise found. (As of yet, she's still looking, so if you know of anything please let me know.) Anyway, last week, after years of searching she and her birth mom Janet found each other. On Valentine's Day Janet flew in from California and they met for the first time. On Friday, my aunt and uncle flew in from South Carolina and I was so touched to be there as my aunt Joanne and Janet saw each other for the frist time. They shared a hug full of thankfulness, gratitude and of course plenty of tears...for them and everyone else in the room. Christy has two half brothers and lots of aunts, uncle and cousins...the crazy part is lots of them live here in the area! Her birth dad, turns out, lives in Milwaukee!! We had a huge family dinner Saturday night and got to meet some of Christy's new family...they're just beautiful...every single one of them!
I just thought in the middle of winter, swimming through all the politics, at a time when we tend to get a little bored and depressed I'd share with you a true story of faith and love. I found myself just stepping back and watching everyone with a smile from ear to ear. How truly, truly amazing!
Tuesday 2/12/18
Valentine's Day is in two days! I just love holidays.... It could be just a random Thursday in the middle of April but when you attach the title 'holiday' to it, it's just fun! So whether you have spectacular romantic plans, you're goin' out with friends or hanging out with your favorite sweatpants and fuzzy socks, allow me to wish you a happy Valentine's Day!!
I'll be spending mine at a rehearsal dinner. My girlfriend Jen is getting married Friday so it's definitely a time to celebrate! The bride is in town from Omaha so it feels like it's really happening now...it's going to go by so fast! Cross your fingers for nice weather for those traveling please!
Friday 2/8/08
So I'll admit it...I'm obsessed with Jillian Michaels from 'The Biggest Loser'. She's the trainer that is so hard core...I just love her! I got her new book 'Making the Cut' and It's pretty darn interesting. It's for people who are athletes looking to get cut...maybe lose 5 or 10 pounds, but get into the shape they always knew they could be in. It's a 30-day program of diet and excercise and I'm so geeked to get started. I've already made one of her recipes...it was chicken, onions, Granny Smith apples with nutmeg and pepper all scooped into a low-carb, whole wheat tortilla and it was fabulous! She's really into positive thinking and I TOTALLY agree with her on that. You make a decision every day to be the kind of person you want to be, you set your goals and you go get 'em. I'll be the first to say that there are definitely some mornings I don't feel like going to the gym but if my goal is to be way hot at my sister's wedding in August, I'm doin' what it takes to get there. I'm babbling, but I just love this book can you tell? Maybe you made a New Year's resolution to get healthy...even if this is a little harder than you want to go you can adapt it to your life, in the least get some good recipes and by all means soak in some great advice to get you where you want to be. Am I preaching? A little...it's just so important to respect your body and take care of it. Okay...I'm making a Michael's Frozen Custard run now...you want anything? :)
Thursday 1/31/08
Are you doing anything for the Super Bowl? I'm just not that interested. I'd LOVE a Giants upset but I won't be watching every second of the game I know that. Besides, I've got a mission on Sunday...it's to find gold shoes to match the dress for one of my girlfriend's weddings in two weeks. Hey, we all have our priorities.
The 45 degrees weather was just heaven-sent! I know I was in a better mood on those days. I get out of Orange Shoe Gym about 7:30am and we were all hanging out in the parking lot talking and laughing...when it's as freezing as it is today and yesterday, we all just rush into our cars with barely a 'see ya'! By the end of the day Tuesday, it was down to -11! Oh man am I ready for Spring!
Thursday 1/24/08
Oh my...I swear I didn't fall off the face of the Earth...I've just been snuggled into 25 layers of clothes every day which can make it hard to type. Holy cow can it get any colder??!! (Don't answer that.)
Let's see here, what's happened since the last time we've chatted. I LOVE my new haircut, Packers lost...cuz they forgot to show up and I've turned off my TV for a month. Yep, you read right. It's been eight days and I have to say it's not so bad. I catch up on my shows, "Biggest Loser", Oprah etc via the internet and I find I have much more time...for everything! My house is clean, the dog is always walked and I've even gotten some two-a-day workouts in. Don't get me wrong, Monday night I found myself throwing the dog's toys against the front door to see which one had the 'best bounce', but overall I think it's a good thing. Maybe in the end I'll have the TV on for my shows but not all the time as it was turning out to be. Meanwhile, I'm hoping McDreamy doesn't fall in love with that nurse because I'll be so bummed I missed it.
Thursday 1/10/08
I'm going to get my hair chopped today. I'm so embarrassed...last time I got my hair cut I brought in a picture of Jessica Simpson, this time it's Nicole Ritchie. Please don't judge. :) I am excited to get it cut though. My friend Chloe at RZ & Company is FABULOUS!! She's a family friend since I can remember, it's just a bonus that the girl can do hair!! I'm gonna go with some bangs...if I don't like 'em I can just let 'em grow out, no big deal. Wish me luck!
Meanwhile, I'm excited for the Wedding Planner and Guide Bridal Show this weekend. I'll be there with Amy Abbott Saturday 10a-12n and then I'll be back with my sister and the rest of her bridesmaids picking out fun stuff and hopefully winning a couple things too! I got an e-mail saying one of the girls I used to babysit for will be there too...why I thought...BECAUSE SHE'S GETTING MARRIED!! That hurt the age ego a little...youch!!
Thursday 1/3/08
I don't know what we did without the Magic Bullet? Have you seen this thing on info-mercials?? Marc got it for Christmas from my parents and it's spectacular! We ground coffee beans and it really does make a difference in the taste of the coffee. We each make a shake once a day...my favorite is 1/4 cup of vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, 8 frozen strawberries, 2 tsp peanut butter, 1 tsp whey protein and 3 ice cubes. It's like a frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwich...I will seriously, never buy ice cream again cuz this does the job. I have it at night for my dessert and it fills me up so I have no problem not snacking. Plus I'm also very ready to work out at 6:30 the next morning. Like I said...spectacular!!
Thursday 12/27
It was so nice at Orange Shoe Gym this morning to work muscles other than my jaw to eat whatever sugar was placed in front of me. There comes a point when you just go, fine...I'm eating it...I'll work it off next week. So if you need me this week, I'll be at the gym.
My Christmas was filled with family and friends. So many were in town I just couldn't get to everyone. My first friend in the world Wendy (I of course have a nickname for her and it's Dibby) just left this morning after being here for four days and I never got over to see her. It's just a good excuse to go down to Chicago to visit her!! My brother got into town from Boston yesterday so the next couple days will be all about Bradley.
Saturday my sister, her future mother-in-law, her future sister-in-law, my mom and I will head to New Glarus to Brandi's Bridal to see if we can get the moms dressed up for the August wedding. I'll let you know how it goes....
Monday 12/24
Hope you're loving "98 Hours of Christmas Magic" as much as I am. It really is the finest collection of holiday tunes...somehow the spirit of Christmas is truly captured in music and it's perfect! Tonight Marc and I will head over to my parent's house along with Luna, my sister and her fiancee Andy, and I think my gramma Hansen too. My mom makes stuffed squash which is absolutely spectacular! We'll open presents and then eat again I'm sure. Tomorrow morning we'll go to church and then begin preparing the traditional Christmas dinner with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and so on. Yummmeeeee!!
Hope you have an amazing Christmas...you've earned it!
Friday 12/21
It must be hard to have a birthday so close to Christmas. My college roommate Jaime is celebrating the big 3-1 today. I think when you're a wife and a mom like she is it really turns into just a passing thought. Well I hope she has time to celebrate it because I'll be the first in a long line to say that the world definitely became a better place the day she was born so it should most definitely be remembered. Happy birthday Jac!!
I was cutting some peppers for my dinner last night and thought the tip of my thumb would be a nice ingredient...yeah...I was an idiot and sliced my thumb. It's not so bad...it's just one of those places that is a complete chore to try and keep bandages on. I've got a Band-Aid and some Scotch tape doin' the trick right now. It's pretty sad looking.
Did you hear the Steeles this morning on the Pat and Bob show??!! Holy cow!!! They were all so gorgeous and talented and simply amazing. They didn't even know what they were going to sing 30 seconds before going on. It wasn't until Jearlyn sang a single note that her brothers and sister chimed in and they all sang together. I still have goose bumps!! If you're free it will be SO worth your while to catch them at the Overture Center tonight. Click here for tickets. Enjoy!!
Wednesday 12/19
The big, family Christmas dinner is Saturday already. We have a rather long tradition of doing a fondue. Way before it was cool, we were doing it. It used to drive me nuts as a kid because we'd do it on Christmas Eve night which is when we opened presents as well. If you've ever fondued before you know it's the longest dinner possible. I'd eat as quickly as possible and then started cooking food for everyone else. Oh my gosh could it take any longer...I have to open those presents! You'll be very surprised to know that I haven't changed a bit. I'm just able to mask it a little more than when I was a kid.
Luna is just fine after her big scuffle with Ziggy last week. She's still got the staple under her left eye but that can come out Sunday. She never scratched at it and never acted like it bothered her one bit. I don't think she's exactly worried about any scarring either. :) Although once the hair grows back I don't think you'll see it at all. Yay!!
Thursday 12/13
Tomorrow is the Holiday Wish Fundraiser. From 7am to 7pm we'll be taking your requests for a donation to Holiday Wish. You've heard a couple of the phone calls on-air with Pat and Bob and then replayed with Jim, but that's just a peek into the hundreds of families we're able to help behind the scenes. It's an exhausting, rewarding, powerful couple of weeks when we are reading all of your letters trying so hard to help as many as we can in every way possible. Needless to say, this is the time of year when we call in all our favors. I'd like to thank you ahead of time for anything you can do to help our 18th year of Holiday Wish!! THANK YOU!!!
Monday 12/10
Spent the morning at the emergency vet yesterday. Marc and I were dog-sitting for our friend's dog Ziggy. (A fabulous sweetheart by the way) We had a great night, Luna and Ziggy were playing the entire time. We woke up and were getting ready to go run some errands...I took the trash out and was walking up the steps on the back deck where Luna was waiting for me at the top. Ziggy decided he would like to wait at the top of the stairs too and Luna thought he was trying to steal her thunder. Just like that Luna turned around and they started fighting. There's only about 8 pounds difference between the two of them so there was really no bullying, but Luna ended up with a gash under her left eye. The doc was just going to clean it out but when he got a good look at it, it was bigger than he first thought. He had to put a staple in it to close it up so now Luna looks like a total bruiser but she doesn't seem to be in any pain. A long morning, but it all worked out. If you should ever need emergency vet care, www.vetspecialtycare.com is the place to go. It's a new place off Midtown Road and Dr. Wade Tate was SPECTACULAR!! (And the bill wasn't so bad either.)
Tuesday 12/4
Happy birthday, one day late, to one of the most precious human beings on this Earth...my God-daughter Reagan. She's fearless, funny, smart, and an absolutely gorgeous 8-year old. She lives in Colorado so I wasn't able to see her face but I got her a karaoke machine. One that she, her brother Matthew and her sister Amanda can play with together...and there's a video camera on it so they can watch themselves sing all silly on it. Their mom is my cousin Laurie and I totally need to ask for pictures...how funny! So happy birthday Miss Reagan Marie...love you!!
My brother didn't make it in for his weekend visit because of that crazy weather we had on Saturday. He was attempting to boost his miles and segments by doing a Boston to Minneapolis to Detroit to Madison trip. Had he not canceled, he would've had a nice, comfy I'm sure, stay at the Detroit airport. So, he stayed at home and will be back for Christmas. My sister's fiancee was supposed to be on that plane that skidded off the runway at the Dane County Airport. He was coming home from Taiwan for work and once he heard about the weather, came in Friday night instead. Good thing, cuz his birthday was Saturday and I don't think sliding around on an airplane is the best way to spend your birthday. Hope you're ready for some more snow tonight!!
Thursday 11/29
Went to a little wedding expo Tuesday night at the Marriott West with my sister and her sister-in-law to be. I wasn't too sure about it until Amy Abbott said, well there's gonna be cake there right? All of a sudden I couldn't wait to get there!! Mmmmm...Raspberry, turtle, orange, poppyseed...I was really doing my part to help my sister pick the right cake.
She just called me and said her wedding dress is in!! It's going to be the ultimate in sisterly fashion shows. Way better than the ones we had after crazy shopping sprees growing up. It's not a nutso, poofy dress so it shouldn't be too bad to get into a closet but we'll wait and see. I can't remember if I told you what we're wearing as bridesmaids...Tiffany blue, strapless, cocktail-length, two-piece dresses with a dark chocolate sash on the waist. It should be very pretty for an August wedding. Lots of pre and post mommies are standing up in the wedding so we'll see if anyone has to wear flip-flops down the aisle.
Mmmmm...I could really go for more of that raspberry cake right now....
Tuesday 11/27
I had a great Thanksgiving! About 10 of us Thursday and then the big ol' family shin dig Saturday with about 25 people. I got so lucky to have such a spectacular family...we have fun no matter what we're doing. Everyone brings something, everyone chows, everyone cleans up and everyone sits around rubbing their full tummies...and all along the way we're dying laughing and telling stories. Hope your Thanksgiving was just as perfect as mine.
I did get up Friday to get to Target with my mom about 5:45am. I got birthday presents for my God-daughter and sister's fiancee, Christmas gifts for Marc, high school friends, my cousin Megan and Luna and totally surprisingly not one thing for me! I'm SO proud of myself! Although there's a lot more to be done so hopefully I can stay strong!
On a sad note, a daughter of a very dear friend was killed in a car accident in Brown Deer Friday afternoon. If you can spare a second in your very busy schedule please keep their family in your thoughts. They head into the holidays with a gigantic void and I'm sure won't get a chance to enjoy the beauty of the season. Much appreciated!!
Wednesday 11/20
I for one, will not be one of the people who gains seven pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's! I just heard that number yesterday and completely freaked out! This is where I admit that I LOVE "The Biggest Loser" and found out on last night's show that pumpkin pie has the least amount of calories in it when compared to cherry, pecan and banana cream...240 calories per slice. No word yet as to if that's with or without whipped cream but I'll get back to you on that. (Please let it be WITH, please let it be WITH....)
I'm excited to hang out with TONS of friends from high school tonight. It's sort of a tradition around here to go out the night before Thanksgiving bcause everyone is back in town. My boyfriend is from New York and he said they don't do it out east so it'll be fun breakin' him in on gool ol' tradition. We'll be at the Essen Haus if you'd like to stop by...I think I've got Amy Abbott talked into going too!
Have a spectacular Thanksgiving! Mine will start with the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, then we're giving the dog a bath (I know, way glamorous), then we're headed over to my parents to eat and watch football all day...that last part is why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday...man I love those pilgrims!
Friday 11/16
Seriously, by 5pm my brain has turned off and I just want to go home and veg. Between the earlier dark sky, the nearing holidays and the the cold weather, I am useless in the early evening. I've found myself reading an e-mail or checking out some paperwork and not actually digesting a thing. Just simply spacing out and ignoring what's right in front of me. My thoughts have gone to what I can make for dinner, what I want to get Reagan, my God-Daughter for her birthday or the best was wondering if Meredith and Dr. McDreamy were finally going to live happily ever after on the next "Grey's Anatomy."
Women's Expo starts tomorrow with visits from Deanna Favre and Jenny McCarthy which should be interesting. Did you ever watch, "Singled Out" on MTV?? That's a show that Jenny McCarthy used to host and I remember thinking..."she's nuts...I like her." Now she's all grown up, an author and a mommy of a little boy with Autism so she's got some great things to chat about. I should know...I saw her on Oprah. :) We'll be there all day 10a-4p...see you there!
Wednesday 11/14
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. When you're not eating, you're watching football...it's a beautiful thing! Good luck to all of you who are running the Berbee Derby this year! It's so nice when you think about it...you burn your calories before you even eat them. Lauren, one of the trainers at Orange Shoe said the average Thanksgiving meal is over 3,000 calories can you believe it?!
I'm trying to get the perfect gifts for everyone. My future brother-in-law likes to work out, has a total sweet tooth and travels a lot...I've come up with a sweater. Think he'll like it. :) It's gotta get easier from here. Last year I was out on Christmas Eve finishing up which is total slacker I know, so I started early. Promise. Hope you're having better luck than I am!
Wednesday 11/7
I LOVE this time of year...it's so comfy and cozy. Fuzzy socks just don't seem quite as perfect on a 90 degree summer night ya know? This is so the hardest time to not put on a couple pounds though because for some reason carbs and fatty foods are just as cozy as my fuzzy socks. It's not as easy to get up in the morning and take a run when it's 30 degrees and windy either, so my advice is this...now's the best time to challenge your officemates to your own "Biggest Loser" contest of sorts. My boyfriend works at Zimbrick of Middleton and everyone who wanted to participate threw in 10 bucks and at the end of the challenge, winner takes all. It just seems when there's a mix of cash and someone to keep you in check you stick to it a little easier. Here's to lookin' hot in a pair of jeans! Game on!
Thursday 11/1
November??!! It's November??!! Oh my! One of my dearest friends in the world gets married in just over three months and my sister is getting married in August so I've been having fun listening and participating in all the planning. I guess time does fly when you're having fun!
I started my Christmas shopping last week and that's the earliest for me EVER! Honestly it was Christmas Eve last year and I went out to get it all done. I'm not a grinch, I just don't know where everyone finds the time to get it all done. It's not until I HAVE to get it done that I finally am able to pound it all out. I'm not saying I still won't be out on the Eve again, I'm just saying I've started....
Yesterday's Crytopquote was "A good scare is worth more to a man than good advice." Sad but true.
Tuesday 10/30
Marc and I totally had a blast from the past date night Friday. We went and grabbed dinner and then did the Madison Course at Vitense Golfland...WAY fun!! Then we headed to Point Cinema for the 9:30 showing of "Dan in Real Life" with Steve Carrel and Dane Cook...I'm officially recommending this to you. It's funny and cute and heart-warming and a great movie for most occasions. I haven't mini-golfed in years but it was very fun. By the way...yeah...I won!!
Is it wrong that I'm planning on carving pumpkins tonight? I've had great intentions to do this sooner than the night before Halloween but just couldn't get my butt off the couch! Now that I've got a serious hankerin' for pumpkin seeds, I think I'll actually get it done tonight! Hey I've got the candy for the trick-or-treaters, I feel like I'm ahead of the game! (Okay, so now half the bag is gone...but it's the thought that counts yes?)
Friday 10/26
I'm reading the greatest book called "Eat, Pray, Love" and I'm finding myself trying to figure out when I can spare a half hour at a time to sit and get a couple more pages in. It's spectacular...written by a woman who found herself married, living in a big house, supposed to be wanting to have children and coming to the harsh realization that she didn't actually want any of it. The book is written as she travels to Italy (Eat), India (Pray) and Indonesia (Love) and it's eye-opening at how she's able to walk you through her healing and self-examining. I think you could say it comes highly recommended. Yes definitely! So hopefully this weekend I'll have a chance to get further into her stay in India...my other glamorous plans consist of going to Orange Shoe Gym Saturday morning and cleaning my oven when I get home. See...glamorous!!
Sunday...Marc and I are going to go to Stoughton and shop on Main Street...possibly grab a pizza and a movie at the Cinema Cafe. Jim McGaw and I went to Stoughton's Clock Tower Gifts to deliver Mugs and Muffins yesterday and I forgot how unbelievably groovy Stoughton is. I started my Christmas shopping at that wonderful giftshop and I hope to continue Sunday. It's supposed to be a gorgeous, sunny 51 degree day so it should be perfect! Have a great weekend!
Monday 10/22
So I spent Friday night with Gooey...we went out to dinner at Red Robin and I got to use her as an excuse to color while I waited for my turkey burger. Then we went home and made peanut butter cookies with little chocolate stars in the middle. We ate a couple...okay she ate one I had three...and then hung out, watching TV in 'her' bedroom all night long. Remember when you could stay up until the wee hours?? Seriously, 10:00 came around and I was trying to figure out where I could catch a second wind! The next morning we went out for breakfast at Cranberry Creek in Monona and then hung out at my sister's house. She has a 9 month old Pug named Baxter so we were thoroughly entertained by his enthusiasm for tearing apart the living room chair while we made cherry chip cupcakes. Gooey is one of the Junior Bridesmaids in my sister's wedding in August so we looked at some dresses to see what she would like to strut her stuff in and then it was time for her to go. Oh my...she is just the most precious thing!!
Friday 10/19
I'm so excited...my little cousin (who am I kidding, she's 9 and almost taller than I) is coming into town from Rockford for a sleep-over tonight. Her real name is Megan but we call her Gooey for reasons she would hate me for if I told you. I held her when she was six hours old and I remember thinking there is no way I can ever love anything more. Seriously, the cutest baby I have ever see in my life. No weird-shaped head, no red splotches, just perfection. Okay so she didn't have hair for a little while and her dad referred to her as Yoda, but I swear she's since grown a full head of hair. She's the sweetest, most polite, fun little girl I have ever met...I just love her! Think of me tonight watching movies, eating junkfood and getting a manicure...you know basic slumber party stuff!
Monday 10/15
Oh my I had no idea it had been so long since we chatted! As I sit here chomping on my strawberries and grapes I've started thinking about how much our food selections change with the weather. I crave everything pumpkin this time of year. Marc and I went to breakfast yesterday at the Pancake Cafe on Nesbitt. They have a special...pumpkin pancakes!! Let's not forget to talk about the cinnamon, sugar and whipped cream on top to make this beautiful thing a masterpiece! I seriously woke up this morning thinking about them after an entire evening of wanting more of them! I ALWAYS do a trip to Michael's Frozen Custard for their pumpkin shake. Yes, they have this all year round but it just tastes better to me in October for some reason.
Serves 2
50g dark chocolate
½ tsp oil
¾ cup of finely chopped mixed nuts (I used a mix of cashew, pistachio, almonds and peanuts)
1 banana, peeled and cut into 8 chunks
125g strawberries, halved
1 kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into 4-6 chunks
1 nectarine, cut into 4-6 chunks
wooden skewers
Line a small baking tray with baking paper. Melt dark chocolate and oil in a small bowl in the microwave. Place nuts in another bowl. Dip each banana chunk into chocolate, making sure it is covered evenly and transfer to nut bowl (I found it best to use a spoon rather than fingers). Use a fork to cover with nuts and transfer to lined baking tray. Place in fridge to allow chocolate to set – I left mine in for 2-3 hours. When banana is ready, thread banana and fruit chunks onto about 4 wooden skewers in colourful patterns. Serve cold or, if you wish, place in freezer overnight and serve frozen.
