Back to the Kitchen

One of my biggest regrets from my freelancing days is not taking more advantage of the time I had to cook. I really love to cook...but with both of us working full-time, it seems to be one of the first things to go! Most of our go-to meals make us look like a couple of college students...pizza...chicken fingers...macaroni and cheese...cereal...(yikes...it's a little embarrassing to post something like this!)

I knew something had to change, but I didn't know what. I would try buying healthy things at the grocery store, but we always ended throwing stuff out before we used it. My boss and I frequently have conversations co-miserating about our similar dinner-time frustrations. Then she found an absolute gem...Saving Dinner...claiming it not only saved their dinners, but also their budget as well as their sanity!

So I bought it, and it's absolutely wonderful! Meals are laid out a week at a time, including menu, recipes, and (the best of all) - a pre-sorted grocery list! This is our second week and it has been wonderful! I can't recommend it enough.

Tonight's recipe was especially delicious, and I thought I'd pass it on for those of you who may be needing to try something new. Enjoy!

TUNA FUSILLI
12 ounces fusilli
2 T. butter, divided
1 onion, chopped (I thought this seemed like a lot, so I only used a half, but use your discretion)
1 clove garlic, pressed (I used minced...worked fine)
1 12-ounce can tuna in water, drained
1 t. basil
1 jar roasted peppers, diced
1 package frozen green beans (thawed)
2 t. flour
1 c. milk
1/2 c. low-fat Cheddar cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add onions and garlic and saute till translucent. Add drained tuna and basil, mixing well. Add diced peppers and green beans; mix well and remove from skillet.

In the same skillet over medium heat, add remaining butter and add flour gradually, whisking well to form a roux. Add milk and keep whisking until mixture is fully incorporated. Keep whisking and add cheese. Allow sauce to thicken, careful not to let it boil.

Add tuna mixture and pasta back into the cheese sauce, add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

Serving suggestions: steamed broccoli/baby carrots/salad (Although we just had it as-is, and it was fine!)

The Little Things

I suppose that every other person in Chicago with a blog is posting
about the same thing today, but I don't care. It's just too good to be
true. 65 DEGREES IN FEBRUARY!! I could definitely get used to this
(remind me why I don't live in California again??) It is amazing what
just a little sun and warmth can do for my attitude. Spring, hurry up
already! Too bad that tomorrow it is going to drop 20 degrees,
preceeding a temperature slide that will take us back to 30's and snow
on Saturday. I think I just felt my depression return.

The best thing about warm weather? (well, one of them) The return of
cute shoes. It's well past time for my clogs and UGGs to go back on
the shelf. I think my flats were beginning to think I forgot about
them. So I celebrated by reintroducing my favorite pair to the outside
world. What a fabulous day!

Design Nugget - Checkland Kindleysides

I've been trying to pay closer attention to websites, web design and other interactive media recently. It's the area I know the least about, and have the least experience, so I'm really trying to intentionally steepen my learning curve in hopes of getting better.

Today I came across a site that absolutely blew my socks off. Design, flash, colors, navigation...I love it all. It's so fresh and unexpected I can't stop looking at it.

Only one word: gorgeous.

Struggling

As if the weather isn't bad enough, I got this email from my sister this morning:

"The temperature on my way to work this morning was -17 (without windchill. I think it was -35 or so with). The temperature when I go to Florida is 76. Can't wait for that 93+ degree difference!!! You sure you can't come??"

Thanks for that. I hope you get a blistering sunburn and then get eaten by a shark.

Oh wait–both of those things would be more desirable than going outside right now...

Design Nugget - Mistake Yourself

I was reading through an old Comm Arts this week in search of web inspiration, and stumbled across this article. It's not often that I take the time to read too many articles (I know, SHOCKER, I would rather look at the pictures)...and it's really ironic that this is the one that I happened to read.

This is one of the best articles I've ever read when it comes to creative inspiration and the creative process. I am a classic example of what she talks about when she says, "When you get good at something, you repeat it." It's one of the reasons I am SO GLAD to be working at an agency and not at home, BY MYSELF. It's so easy just to do what you know, or tweak what you know, to make it look good for the next project or the next client.

I love what she says about not wanting to think outside the box, but to trip over the box because of something random she's intentionally done to lead her there. I love that! And it's so true! My best things have come because of a letter I've accidentally typed that suddenly turns into a beautiful graphic element...or a button I've accidentally pushed in a program that causes the most unexpected effect...or even conversations, catalogs, commercials, etc.

I'm not quite sure exactly how to apply this little nugget to my life and my work quite yet – but I am glad to at least be aware of it, and to be actively trying to make mistakes and to veer away from what I know.

Enjoy!

And We're Back!!

You know it's been a long time since you've posted when your URL doesn't automatically come up when you start typing it in your browser. (*sigh) I guess the holidays will do that to you. I absolutely checked out this Christmas...from everything. I wasn't even checking emails...and I get them on my phone! Pathetic, maybe, but also SO wonderful.

Awhile back, I mentioned that I would be posting some of the Best/Worst Inventions Ever. Since I haven't posted once since then, I figured it was about time–and so here are two of the Best Inventions Ever:

1. Dunkin Donuts Coffee

2. Fingerless Mittens

DD's newest location (that I'm aware of) is about 2 blocks from our house, also conveniently on our way to the train station. (I should also mention that almost simultaneously a Papa John's also opened on the same corner...) This is going to do a lot for my outlook this winter. If you haven't tried their coffee yet, you must. It is simply the Best. Ever. (Aside from Ugly Mug...we're talking on-the-go-immediate-satisfaction-coffee-stop-coffee here.)

(On a design note: how LONG has Dunkin Donuts had their logo? While watching one of the best-ever, must-see-every-year Christmas movies, "While You Were Sleeping," I noticed that despite the dreadfully outdated and oversized clothes, the DD packaging looks nearly identical! And I still love it! Hey, if it's not broke, don't fix it.)

The fingerless mittens are courtesy of my sister and J.Crew. I must say, they make it quite a bit easier to operate a phone or an ipod on the train or on the go...while not having to remove your entire glove.

Sew Crafty!

If you haven't discovered designmom, well, you probably should. It's not just about design. In fact, it's very little about design...she's very well-rounded in her exploration of crafts, projects, kids, clothes, cards, decorating, design, etc.

Today's post was so good I had to share it with everyone (assuming that most of you don't read designmom)...you have to check out Spoonflower. You can upload your own design and have custom fabric printed - $18/yard and no minimum! My friend Keri does textile design and I've always been envious. Now I can try it out...How fun!