My Go-To Party Dish

Last summer I needed a dish to bring to a neighborhood block party, but wanted to bring something other than your standard potato salad or coloslaw. My mom suggested macaroni cheese. I had made homemade (not from a box) mac and cheese once before and it ended up being incredibly bland so I was worried about finding a recipe that would have a lot of flavor and be easy to make. I came across a recipe that sounded good, so I went with it. The neighborhood loved it and everyone asked for the recipe. It has now become my go-to dish whenever I am asked to bring something. It takes some time to make, but it's pretty simple, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser.



Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound macaroni

1 (11 ounce) can condensed cream of Cheddar cheese soup

1 1/2 cups milk

14 ounces extra sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (I've also used sharp yellow cheddar which was fine)

1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes

1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Salt and pepper to taste (I usually do about half a tsp of each)

Directions:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and reserve.

In a large saucepan over low heat, warm soup and add milk; stir. Add 1/2 of cheese to soup and remove mixture from heat when cheese is melted.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Add macaroni and tomatoes to soup; stir and pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with bread crumbs and remaining cheese.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is a golden brown; serve. (I cover it with foil after the first 15 minutes).

What I'm Reading: Nineteen Minutes

I just finished reading "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult. Without giving anything away, it's about a high school student named Peter that is bullied relentlessly, and feels the only way to stop it is to shoot his bullies. Picoult used the Columbine shooting for the majority of her research, so there are many similarities. I was in 5th grade when Columbine happened and still remember that day all too well so this book hit a little too close to home. Although it was quite intense at parts, I really enjoyed reading it. So often Jodi Picoult's books make you think, and this book did exactly that. Although Peter shot and killed people in this story, you can't help but feel sorry for him and what he had to endure. The book brings up the topic of "battered woman syndrome" and you ask yourself if that would work in Peter's case. Women in abusive relationships sometimes end up killing their partner or spouse because in their mind, they have no other way out so they use battered women syndrome as their defense. Is Peter's situation the same? Or could the school have done more to protect him?



*We also read "House Rules" by Jodi Picoult, which I HIGHLY recommend. It's another book that makes you think about the legal system, and whether or not it works for people that are "different."

Fashion Friday- Belts

I absolutely love fashion. Unfortunately, I live in a city (and state for that matter) that doesn't really appreciate fashion. Even if I just wear heels people ask me "What's the special occasion?" Can't a girl just wear a cute pair of shoes without any alterior motives? Part of the problem could be that I'm already 5'9" so to some people, heels might be a bit excessive. Anyway, enough venting. Every Friday I will post something related to fashion. It might be a trend I'm wearing, or could be a trend that I love, but could never pull off.

Right now I am bananas (my ode to a fashion icon, Rachel Zoe) for belted dresses and rompers. I tend to stick to dark, neutral colors, but for this summer I love floral dresses with a brown belt. Living in the mountains it's imperative to always have a cardigan or light jacket with you since its "never summer" here. You could belt the dress and wear the cardigan on top, or put the belt over the cardigan. The best part of belting the dress is that it's flattering on everyone because you place the belt at the smallest part of your waist. I saw this outfit at the J. Crew outlet, but it was way too expensive. I loved this outfit so I took the picture for future inspiration.




I also think belted rompers are fabulous. Unfortunately, my legs are too long to pull off this look. However, I love how this work for Kim Kardashian. Her waist looks SO tiny! (Warning: The Kardashian are my numero uno fashion inspiration so I imagine there will be a lot of pictures of their outfits on here).



My final look is something I could definitely see myself wearing. Like I said, I love wearing dark colors. People always want me to wear my color, but for me dark colors are easy and I feel comfortable, yet sexy in them. Again, the belt makes her waist look itty bitty!

Nothing is permanent

It's been awhile, but I'm re-entering the blogging world. I promise to do my best to update this whenever I can!

I have been living and working in the Breckenridge area for 8 months now (can't believe it's been that long), and it has been quite the ride thus far. I'm very blessed to have great job, but it has been an adjustment living in the mountains. Most people move to the mountains because they dream of skiing everyday and living the mountain lifestyle. This season broke all records as far as snowfall is concerned; we had over 500 inches!  I also knew no one when I moved up here, so had to make all new friends (which isn't as easy as one might imagine). Along with all of that, let's throw adjusting to a brand new job into the mix. Although there have been some rough days along the way, I am a strong believer in learning from every single experience.

1. I have learned that I can live on my own, completely independent. I will admit though, when I have questions (like how to bake chicken breast) I call home. But, I'm learning and that's what matters.

2. When I was sad and lonely, I did something about it. Even though it would have been easy to sit on my couch, eat my feelings, and feel sorry for myself, I didn't. I put myself out there and made friends, and they have been great.

3. I also learned that it gets better. It might not seem like it, but eventually things will turn around. Nothing is permanent!

4. Netflix is a girl's best friend (only cause my apartment won't let me have a dog). I found some great shows on instant que. I recommend Brothers and Sisters, Hot in Cleveland, Desperate Housewives.

5. Finally, I've learned that I'm strong and I can handle what life throws at me. As the saying goes, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!

Who dat!!! Saints win!!!

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints!!! A month ago I couldn't have cared less about the super bowl. But then, I wanted the Saints beat the Vikings and I become a Saints fan! I guess that kinda makes me a bandwagon fan...oh well! I was cheering for the Saints cause I know how much the city of New Orleans needed this. When a sports team does well, everyone is happy and everyone has hope! Yeah, Katrina was 4 years ago, but the city is still being put back together. I also wanted the Saints to win because New Orleans has never had a championship, so it's about time. Reggie Bush is pretty easy on the eyes so that makes cheering for the Saints a no brainer! GO SAINTS!!!

Finance=migraines?? No thanks!

So my original plan for school was to get a minor in spanish and major in business with an emphasis in marketing. Well, then the economy went to well, you know what, so I thought, "Maybe I should stay in school another semester and add a finance emphasis? Yeah that sounds like a good plan." So that's what I was going to do until I started my investments class this semester. It's a great class and its teaching me a lot of useful information, but finance is just not for me. I feel so far behind everyone else and am so frustrated. On top of that, I feel as though the "finance" people are a little cocky (no offense to any finance people) and I am just way too liberal to be in finance. So after much deliberation and my first ever MIGRAINE, I decided to drop finance. I will walk in May and then take one summer school class that I need to graduate and then I will be done!!!

Soon I will be starting another blog that will be dedicated to the Colorado Avalanche for my E-Marketing class. If you know me, then you know how much fun this will be for me! Stay tuned.

"All religions are essentially the same in their goal of developing a good heart so that we may become better human beings." -Dalai Lama

I'm back in the blogging world!

Well after my 7 month hiatus from the blogging world, I am back. So my last blog talked about training for a triathlon. Well I am so proud to say that my friend Sara Butash and I complete a sprint distance triathlon on August 23rd. The training wasn't too hard, but we were rarely in the mood to go to the gym. We were swimming so much that my hair turned green and I also got to the point where I loved running (unfortunately that didn't last long). Our triathlon was in Longmont so we drove down the night before because we had to be at the site at 7:00am! We swam about half a mile in Union Reservoir, biked 12 miles, and then ran 3.2 miles. It is nowhere near as difficult as an Ironman triathlon, but it was still something I can't believe I did. I was never a swimmer and I HATED running. My next goal is a half marathon next summer so I am gonna get back into running, which I am excited about.

I haven't been blogging because there wasn't really anything to blog about! Last semester was the semester from hell! I took 18 hours and had 4 group projects. One was an ad campaign for Wells Fargo and took so much time, but it was great experience. This semester I am only doing 15 hours, which gives me a lot of time to get back in the gym and maybe get a job! It was supposed to be my last semester, but after much kicking and screaming, I have decided to add a finance emphasis to my marketing emphasis and spanish minor. I love math so I think finance will be a good edition, even if it means I won't graduate until next December.

Not much as to report. I have to start another blog for my e-marketing class, but I don't know what to write about. I have to pick something I'm passionate about, but i just don't know what to choose. I was maybe thinking about doing a blog about cooking (yes, Julie and Julia is my inspiration), but I really wanna start cooking and it would be a good excuse. I could also do something political like health care reform, but let's be honest, that could get ugly! Any other ideas???

The pictures aren't in the right order, but whatever.

New Years Eve 2009

Sara and I hiked up to Hanging Lake...absolutely beautiful!!!

Mesa State reunion in Denver!

Right before the triathlon!

Triathlon training starts tomorrow...

So for those who haven't heard, my friend and I have decided to start training for a triathlon.  The triathlon we want to do is September 13th so that gives us about 13 weeks to train.  We need to be able to swim 0.6 of a mile, bike 11 miles, and run 3 miles.  I looked up triathlons and these things are hardcore!  I don't know if I am ready for that, but I think it is a great goal for myself.  This is one of those things that could be life changing just because I will have to push myself so hard to actually get to the gym everyday and do my workouts.  I hate running, but I think that will change once I actually get in "running shape."   Tomorrow our workouts begin with swimming 15 minutes and running 20 minutes!  I'll let ya know how it goes!

Back in the 303!!!

It's hard to believe I have been home for almost a month!  I definitely had the time of my life in Spain and wish it didn't have to come to an end.  But, luckily I haven't had too much time to sit around a really think about it.  I am taking two summer classes: Management and Finance.  Finance is really frustrating cause the professor goes so fast, but I will be happy to be done with it in 3 weeks.  

A couple of weekends ago I met up with a couple of old friends for drinks downtown.  We had appetizers and margaritas at Lime, then hit up Suite 200 because I have always wanted to go there, and then we finished up at Sushi Den.  We had a great time and ate a lot of good food!  

Kaulana, Kerri, and me at Lime

Kerri and me.  I have known this girl since I was born!

This past Friday my good friend Leah (from my days at Mesa State) came to visit me.  We made tacos and watched "He's Just Not that Into You" and I loved it!  Great book as well.  On Saturday we went shopping and then she went to Denver to go to a grad party.  It was so nice to see her!!  

6 weeks until Spain!

It's been awhile since I last wrote, but not too much has been going on lately.  I had a great Thanksgiving in Tulsa with my mom's family.  We had a Nintendo wii bowling tournament that was so fun!  My 89 year old grandpa even got in on the action!  Now I am just gearing up for finals.  It is hard to believe that this semester is almost over.  That means that I am getting that much closer to leaving for Spain.  I am very excited, but at the same time nervous since I am going to a country that doesn't speak english!  Hopefully I will get along with my roommates and meet some new friends!  And let's hope my "Senora" is nice (and a decent cook)!  While I am over there I will try to keep my blog updated so you can see what life is like in Espana!  First things first though, I need to get all my stuff into 2 suitcases...I dunno if it can be done haha!