Organ Donation

I’ve been reading a book called The Happiness Project, and the author’s husband has Hepetitis C.  In an effort to feel like she playing an active role in doing something to support her husband disease (there is a chance he could need a liver transplant at some point) she decided to get involved with the Organ Donor Network.  

It got me thinking that I’ve never really considered organ donation and that it is something that I think is a great thing.  There are 112,657 patients out there waiting for a transplant.   I think it is kind of a no-brainer.   If there comes a point where I no longer need my organs, it makes sense to donate them to someone else who could really use them.   If I could save a life, then that seems like a really important decision.  

After I signed up, I was encouraged to send this out to my family and friends.  “Today I made a commitment to help others through the gifts of organ and tissue donation. There are many people in our community waiting for the life-saving gift of a transplant and I am proud to be able to help them. I hope you too will decide to share the gift of life through donation and tell your loved ones. You can log onto www.DonateLife.net to get the facts about donation and register today.”

I encourage you to at least consider it.   

Resolutions 2012

Well it is a New Year and time for a new set of goals.    I’m sure I couple keep adding to this list but figured I better post it before I get carried away.   

• Eat more fish. I love fish and need to make it more often.  Plus, it is good for you.
• Eat less processed foods.   I need fresh, homemade food in my life.  
• Make new recipes out of my cookbooks.   I have so many cookbooks and rarely cook any recipes out of them.  If I try a new recipe it is usually one I ripped out of a magazine or saw online.  Time to go “old school.”
• Take more people photos.   I take a lot of food photos and forget to take photos of the people eating it.   I also need to do a better job of keeping up with my photos on a monthly basis (posting and sharing).
• Learn to use the settings on my camera.   This is an embarrassing one as it has been on my list before.   I have some mental block or something when it comes to getting my camera off of auto.  Seriously, I need to learn everything my camera can offer.  There are some awesome photos to be had.
• Live in the moment.   I need to enjoy the moment as it is happening.   I need to relax and focus.   Sometimes I get caught up and distracted by things I should be doing, forgot to do, or need to do and forget to just enjoy the moment I am in.
• Listen.  Like the above comment, I have a lot going on in my head and I find myself only half listening sometimes.  I need to give people my undivided attention.  
• Speak up.  The flip side of listening is to speak up and communicate better.   I need to open up more when something is on my mind.  I tend to keep my mouth shut to keep the peace but I’ve learned that in the end that doesn’t do anyone any good and usually can escalate the situation.   
• Multi-task less.  Don’t get me wrong, I am the ultimate multi-tasker, but I have so many projects going on that I wonder why I can’t anything done.  Well, I need to focus on one task at a time and finish before I start something else.   How nice will it feel to start crossing things off the list rather than having several open-ended things going on at once.  I think there is a theme emerging here….
• Wear more lingerie (sorry Mom).   I think it will make me feel pretty, sexy, and confident.  (And hopefully mu husband will think so too.)  
• Stretch more.   Not ready to commit to the yoga word but I certainly do need to stretch more.   I’m going to start with a goal of one day a week, even though I should really be doing it daily.  Baby steps.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff.  I need to stop stressing over things that are out of my control.  No more sleepless nights.
• Read more books.   I get overwhelmed by my magazine pile and tend to read those first, but because it is a never-ending pile I never get to my book pile.   I need to start balancing out the books and the magazines and let go of some of my magazine subscriptions.  
• Network.  I used to be a master networker back in the day (gosh that makes me sound old) and I’ve kind of gotten lazy.  I need to get back out there and expand my network.   After all, I love meeting new people and who knows what opportunities might open up.   

I am going to try to check in with my goals at the end of every month to see how I’m doing.   I’m hoping to not let these fizzle out as the year goes on.   Wish me luck.

What are your New Year resolutions or goals?  Talk to me…..

Thought of the Day

I read this somewhere last week and it has stuck in my head.

"Ignoring the facts doesn't change the facts."

Something to think about........  

Changes

Well, I’ve decided to change the focus of this blog back to my original goal.   Originally, I wanted it to be more of a personal blog, kind of an online journal of sorts with a variety of topics.   Well, as you can tell it has turned a little food focused.   I’m not saying it is a bad thing; after all my life tends to revolve around food.   But I want to get this blog back to it original roots and see where it takes me in that respect.   But, don’t worry change is good; I've decided to start a separate food blog.    Check it out here:  www.penelopethefoodie.com

Yes, I am going to try to maintain three blogs.  

1) A personal/fun one (http://livelearnanddrinkwine.blogspot.com)

2) A food one (www.penelopethefoodie.com)

3) A sparkling wine one  (http://blog.thesparklingqueen.com) 

Check them all out monthly!   You can also subscribe to each one so you are alerted when there is a new post.    Cheers!

    

My First (and last) Brazilian Blowout

I got my first Brazilian blowout this week.  

I know friends that have gotten them and loved them and when I saw a Groupon for one, I couldn’t resist.   (I’m a Groupon addict.)   And, I would never pay the full $250 price for a blowout.   I decided to try it because I have very thick hair with a natural wave to it that takes forever to blow dry and style.  If I want to straighten it, I have to add on another 30-40 minutes to my get-ready time.   So, I was excited at the prospect of smooth straight hair for up to 2 months.  

As the original Brazilian blowout promises “Through the use of a Brazilian Super Nutrient Complex and a proprietary polymer system, the Brazilian Blowout actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle.”

Q. What kind of look will you get from the Brazilian Blowout?
A. The hair will be left totally frizz-free, shiny, effortlessly manageable and with plenty of body and bounce. There will still be the option to wear hair curly/wavy (depending on the hair type) and the freedom to blow dry hair smooth and straight in a fraction of the time invested prior to receiving the treatment.

Q. Is the Brazilian Blowout going to make my hair straight?
A. If your hair is wavy, the Brazilian Blowout will make your hair appear naturally straight and healthy. If your hair is very curly, it will minimize frizz while enhancing the appearance of the natural wave/curl. If you have straight, frizzy hair, this treatment will eliminate frizz and promote radiant shine.

I had heard it could take more than two hours but it actually took less than an hour, and I have a lot of hair.   My stylist was kind of crabby so it actually was kind of uncomfortable.    When I got there she washed my hair aggressively (as in it hurt) and then when it was wet she combed a chemical through it, blow dried it, and then flat ironed it.   Apparently the heat of the flat iron is what seals the chemical in.   

I was told it would last longer if I wash my hair less often (not a problem for me as I usually wash my hair every other day) and if I buy the special shampoo and conditioner – for $70!  

I wasn’t sure what to tip her because the original price was $250 but it took her less than an hour?  She was also crabby and it wasn’t that pleasant of an experience.  I settled on $20 and still feel like it was too much.   I also felt like I "had" to buy the shampoo and conditioner.   Which I did, but later returned it when I found it on amazon.com for $50 for both.  

Total cost: $75 Groupon + $20 tip + $50 shampoo and conditioner = $145

Verdict

Now that I’ve washed it I can’t really tell a difference.   My hair does not “appear naturally straight and healthy.”  I will definitely have to spend time flat ironing it to get the look I had when I left the salon. 

I would not do it again.   I don’t think it was worth the cost.  And now that I’ve done a bit more research (which I should’ve done before) it turns out that the FDA warns against it citing dangerously high levels of formaldehyde. (http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/news/20110907/fda-brazilian-blowout-hair-straightener-is-dangerous)

And after further research on the Original Brazilian Blowout site, I found this…… 

WHAT TO EXPECT: When you arrive at the salon, the process is as follows.

1. Stylist will shampoo your hair with the Brazilian Blowout specially formulated Anti-Residue; Professional Shampoo to prepare your hair for the optimal smoothing result.
2. After towel drying, your certified Brazilian Blowout stylist will divide your hair into sections and begin to comb the Brazilian Blowout Professional Treatment through each section of the hair from root to tip; lightly dusting each section with the solution.
3. Solution will surround each hair shaft with protective protein layers to smooth and flatten the cuticle.
4. Stylist will then blow-dry your hair as straight as possible with a flat or round brush.
5. Once the hair is dry, the Stylist will divide the hair into four sections and begin using a flat iron to further straighten the hair in 2-3 inch sections.
6. Once complete, the Stylist will rinse the hair (no shampoo), towel-dry and apply the Brazilian Blowout Masque to further seal in the professional formulation. After 60 seconds, the stylist will rinse the hair once again and towel dry.
7. The Stylist will then apply the Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Serum to further seal the cuticle and assist in detangling the hair prior to the final blow dry.
8. The Stylist will then blow dry the hair straight one final time and style as desired.

You will leave the salon in approximately 90 minutes with beautiful, smooth, healthy radiant hair!  (http://www.brazilianblowout.com/bb_original)

Well, my cranky stylist never did the last 3 steps (6-8)!   No wonder it was so quick!   I just wrote a note to the salon asking for an explanation.   I will let you know if I hear back.    I’m seriously NOT happy.  

Update:  I sent the salon a friendly note telling them that my experience was not quite up to par and asking for an explanation why the last 3 steps were not followed.    I got a response within three hours:

"Thank you so much for letting us know about your experience, and we do apologize that you were not happy with your service. Due to the fact that everyone at the salon is self employed, I wanted you to know that I forwarded your email to Kelly and informed her that I was sending this email to you, and for her to contact you to rectify the situation. Again, our apologies and we hope to see you in our salon again sometime!"

I was impressed by the responsiveness and will let you know if I hear from the stylist.    

UPDATE:  I never did hear from the stylist and after 2-3 weeks went by I let the salon know that I hadn't heard from her and go no response.   I also had major hair breakage.   I will not be getting a Brazilian Blowout ever again, and I will certainly never go to Salon Intrigue (Minneapolis) again.  

New Recipe of the week: Bacon & Leek Risotto with Poached Egg

This recipe has been sitting in my “Recipes to Try” file and I finally had the perfect fall night to try it out.  My husband isn’t a big egg guy, so I decided to make it during a cooking night with a girlfriend who just had a baby girl.  Her adorable daughter is named Julia after Julia Child.   I love it!   

Original recipe: Bacon and Leek Risotto with Poached Egg

·  PREP TIME: 50 minutes

·  TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes

·  SERVINGS: 6

Recipe by: Jill Dupleix

Photograph by: Nigel Cox

Ingredients

·  6 large eggs

·  5 cups low-salt chicken broth

·  1 tablespoon olive oil

·  6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

·  2 cups thinly sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only; about 2 large)

·  1 1/2 cups arborio rice or medium-grain white rice (about 10 ounces)

·  3/4 cup dry white wine

·  3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

·  1 tablespoon butter

·  2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

·  Fresh Italian parsley leaves (for garnish)

·  Additional finely grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Preparation

·  Bring large skillet of water just to simmer over medium-low heat. Sprinkle water with salt. Working with 1 egg at a time, crack into small bowl and slide egg into simmering water. Cook eggs until whites are cooked through but yolks are still runny, 3 to 4 minutes. Using slotted spoon, carefully transfer poached eggs to medium bowl filled with ice water. DO AHEAD Eggs can be made up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate in same bowl of ice water.

·  Bring broth to simmer in medium saucepan; cover to keep warm. Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp, stirring occasionally. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Add leeks to drippings in pan; cook until soft but not brown, stirring often, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer 2 generous tablespoonfuls leeks to small bowl; reserve for garnish. Add rice to pan; stir 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine; stir until absorbed, about 2 minutes. Add 1D2 cup warm broth to saucepan; stir until broth is absorbed. Repeat adding broth and stirring until rice is tender but still firm to bite and sauce is creamy, stirring almost constantly, about 23 minutes total. Add bacon, chopped parsley, butter, and 2 tablespoons cheese. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

·  Meanwhile, heat poached eggs in medium skillet of simmering water just until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.

·  Divide risotto among 6 bowls. Top risotto in each bowl with poached egg. Sprinkle egg with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley leaves, additional cheese, and reserved leeks.

My Variation:  

-          I did not have any white wine on hand so I just skipped it.

-          I just fried the eggs instead of poaching them and kept the inside runny.

-          I did not add butter or parsley.

-          I added more parmesan – what can I say, I LOVE cheese! 

My photo:

 

Verdict:  I would definitely make this recipe again.  It was really good.  For dinner I never think of using egg as my protein but I really liked it.  This recipe would definitely do the trick when I'm craving comfort food this winter. 

New Recipe: Monster Cookies

Saturday was National Homemade Cookies Day, and of course I couldn’t let that day go by without making some homemade cookies.    My husband requested cookies with M&M's in them and I love peanut butter, so I decided to make Monster Cookies, which I’ve never made before. I found lots of variations online.  Some included raisins, or chocolate chips.  I decided to just go with oatmeal, peanut butter, and M&M's.  

Here is the recipe I decided to use:

Monster Cookies
From your Everyday Home Cook
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
4 1/2 cups oats (quick cooking or old-fashioned)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup M&M’s chocolate candies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Beat together butter and sugars.  Add eggs, vanilla extract, and baking soda, and mix well.  Mix in peanut butter until well-blended.  Add oats and stir until combined.  Mix in chocolate chips and M&M’s.

Drop cookies by ice cream scoopful (or normal sized) about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.  Let cookies cool on baking sheets before moving to wire racks.  Store in an airtight container.  Makes 2 dozen “monster” cookies, or 4 to 5 dozen regular-sized cookies.

Here is the link:  http://www.everydayhomecook.com/2011/01/monster-cookies/

My note:   As I mentioned, I did not use chocolate chips.  I used 2 cups of M&M’s instead.   I also didn’t have enough oatmeal, I was about 1 ½ cups short.   This may be the reason I burnt my first batch?   I set my timer for 15 minutes and at 9 minutes they were flat and burnt.   I don’t know if it was because of my lack of oatmeal or what, but I would keep an eye on them if I were you.    My second batch turned out really yummy (although a little flat also).   

Verdict:  I will definitely be making these again.   However, they are dangerous as I LOVE peanut butter and don’t know when to say when.   

Enjoy!