Hotel living

Since today is day 33 of living in this hotel with no end in sight, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't starting to lose it a little bit.  In honor of this, today's post is all about what I miss most about having a normal living situation - the kitchen.  Our life would be a million times easier if only we had a regular, fully functioning kitchen.  Not only would we be able to save so much money, but we would also be feeling healthier, and I would have something to actually look forward to in the evenings.  It turns out constant restaurant eating isn't actually as fun as they make it look on Sex and the City.  

Here's a picture of the "kitchen" in our hotel room:

That right cabinet you see there is actually the refrigerator.

And here are some kitchens I dream about on a daily basis:

Congratulations are in order...

again for my dear husband Lieutenant Junior Grade Podelnyk.  That's right, little ol' Colin has moved up in the world and is no longer an Ensign.  As of today you may refer to him as Lieutenant Podelnyk, or sir :)  Whatever works best for you.

Now enjoy these highly embarrassing photos from the first Navy ball we went to together back in 2006.   Apparently we didn't take any pictures together. 

From the ridiculously silly look on my face, and the ridiculously serious look on his, you would think we were polar opposites.  Extra credit to Alex (who is also sporting a ridiculously silly look) for noticing that we weren't :)

Embarrassing confessions

I have a confession to make.  I am a celebrity "novel" junky.  I've read it all from Perez Hilton to the Kardashians and let me just say, some are totally worth it, while others should get new ghost writers.  I've even gone as far as gifting someone (who will remain nameless for her own protection) Spencer and Heidi's "book." Your Welcome (to those of you who I didn't send this book for the gift of not having to forever explain why it's in your collection, and to that special someone who received it -  I know it's been enjoyed).

Some of my past favorites include Kendra Wilkinson's Sliding into Home (like you've never wondered what goes on in the playboy mansion!!  And it's worse!), and Perez Hilton's Red Carpet Suicide: A Survival Guide on Keeping up with the Hiltons (say what you want about him, but this book is hilariously true).

However, today I read a book that rocked my celeb loving world.  Let me introduce you to Tina Fey's Bossypants.  It is absolutely one of the best books I've ever read.  I don't care if you aren't into reading (or whatever), don't like 30 Rock, or have a "thing" against funny books - Go out and buy a copy.  Who cares how much it costs!  Do it!

I love this book on so many different levels.  I love it as a woman.  I love it as a fan of her work.  I love it as a fan of comedy.  I love it as a fan of reading.  And I love it as a fan of equality.  And I assure you you don't need to feel the same about all of these things as I do.  You WILL find something you love about this book.

So in conclusion yes, I have read Kardashian Konfidential (and it is the worst book known to man), but I promise you I'm right about this.  To make it easier for you, I'm including direct amazon links to my favorite celeb books.  Buy them!






It's funnier if you read his blog before he "changed" into a better person, but still good even if you just follow celebrity gossip.  Plus it's cheap.  Like real cheap.











What initially drew me to this book was the curiosity of a ridiculously old man having a ridiculous number of girlfriends, and while you will find the answer to all those gross mansion questions, you'll also probably be surprised that it's a pretty good book.  The best part about it is that you get to learn about Kendra without having to deal with that obnoxious laugh.









 This one's the kicker.  Like I said, worth every penny.  Without a doubt in my all time top five books I've ever read.  Please do yourself a favor (especially if you're a female, but it would be excellent education for males too), and buy this book.  Now.  The link is right there.  Super easy.






After being inspired by this read, I think I'm going to move on to Chelsea Handler and Ellen Degeneres.  Keep an eye out for how those fair on my list of celeb novel endeavors, now that I'm officially out.

Do you secretly read trashy celeb books, too?  What's your favorite? Have a different embarrassing (yet still PG-13) confession?  You know what to do.

Nap time.

Living Social

I know a lot of people have already jumped on the Groupon train, but have you started using Living Social yet?  It's a great service that I actually like better than Groupon.  They still have city specific deals, but they also have escapes (vacation packages), and family deals for most large cities.  Then, to top it all off, if you share the referral link they provide after purchasing the deal, and three other people use it to buy the same deal, you get yours free!  Awesome, right?  It's a great site that I highly suggest you all check out for some fun savings.  Who knows, it may just introduce you to some new activity in your city that you never even knew existed!  (And did I mention that they have an easy to use app for your phone, too?)

Today's deal is particularly enticing for us, since living in a hotel makes it difficult to get out and do things (we didn't really pack accordingly), we've been going to the movies way more than we normally do.  And with prices for tickets, popcorn, etc through the roof lately, I just couldn't pass this up!  The daily deal on Living Social today is $9 for TWO movie tickets through fandango!  That's 70% savings!  And with all of the awesome movies coming out this summer, how can you not?

Of course, here is my referral link: https://livingsocial.com/deals/57725?ref=personalized-link-box-13695481&rpi=13695481 don't feel like you have to click it, but it sure would be nice :)  And of course if you do score this deal, make sure to post your own link on facebook, blogs, in emails, etc!

What great deals have you scored through living social?  Have you ever gotten one of their "escapes?"  What movies are you going to see with your new super cheap fandango tickets?

Accidentally stumbling on Cabela's

Since I've been a lazy blogger this past week, I figured it was time for a little update.  This week, after unsuccessfully trying to sell Versa ourselves, we decided to give up and just buy a good quality Thule roof rack to help us make the trip.  Then, once we eventually make it back out west, we'll look into selling/buying again.  Unfortunately, fit kits for little Nissan Versa's are tough to come by, so we had to drive up to an L.L. Bean in Hartford to get the pieces.  On our way home Maggie was failing us, and we desperately needed a gas station, so we pulled off the freeway and ended up dead ending right into a giant Cabela's.  All of the sudden the dire hunt for the gas station seemed less important, and Colin's eyes just sort of glassed over.  I thought he just may have died.  Apparently, unbeknown to me, they have an "incredible fishing section."  Now, I'm not a huge fan, but Colin swears it's an amusement park for adults - ha.

Since I'm not really into the whole thing, I spent most of the time looking at all the "unique" items they sell.  This one was definitely my favorite:

"Hurry Honey, get the baby hoochie!!!"  I mean really?  There's nothing better that they could have named this?  Do they also sell a fully grown hoochie?

Apparently even guns get cold feet.  Who knew?

Now, I'm sure they're not promoting hunting house cats on purpose, but this looks a whole lot like a persian cat catching a bird.  Of all of the animals stuffed on this giant mountain in the middle of this store, the "cat" was the only one not labeled.  Suspicious, no?

I'll admit, the museum they had about local animals was pretty cool, but I still prefer my animals warm and cuddly over cold and stuffed.  Luckily, we made it out without purchasing anything, but Colin did fall in love with something that prompted him to rush toward me and say "Honey, I need about $350..."

After quickly reminding him how ridiculously overpriced that backpack was, he proceeded to walk around wearing it while he looked at everything else this giant super store had to offer.  The last section we visited was the sea of camo.  I was pretty sad to find that they didn't have anything in pink.  I guess there just isn't as many fields filled with cupcakes, rainbows, and cotton candy to hide in these days.

All in all, I guess I can admit that it was a pretty fun detour.  It definitely wouldn't have been my first choice for a visit, but Colin loved it and I never would have known about the existence of "baby hoochies" otherwise.  Next time, maybe we'll unexpectedly dead end into a giant comic book store or Coach outlet. 

Guest Blogger Tuesday

Today's guest blogger is my very own one in a million mother! Along with many other great traits, she raised me with unreasonable expectations when it comes to food thanks to her amazing skills in the kitchen.   For this post, she is going to detail an Easter favorite - grilled rack of lamb!  Read more to find out how to make this elegant meal in your own home - no expensive trip to a restaurant necessary!

Summer Grilling

Some of my favorite recipes are so simple, yet elegant enough to serve to guests.  I had the good fortune to introduce my son-in-law Colin to his first taste of grilled rack of lamb a la Kathleen.  I know he was squirming and wishing he could go out for pizza when he heard what we were having for dinner, but with a simple marinade and perfect grilling we ate some of the most succulent lamb.  After that I do believe Colin understood why Kristin looks forward to her mama’s rack of lamb.

We’ve had the first taste of beautiful warm weather here in Portland, Oregon and it’s time for a get together with good friends!  Michelle has become one of my dearest friends, favorite grilling partner, Sous Chef and hostess extraordinaire.  Not to mention that fact that I’m in love with and godmother to her English Bulldog “Swayze” and so enjoy the company of her partner Rodney. I love them all and this will be the first of many joint-grilling experiences documented this summer for the blog.

Michelle and I decided on a menu of Marinated Grilled Rack of Lamb with Garlic Shrimp and Whipped Potatoes. Of course, you need a veggie to balance out the protein and the starch, so I suggest grilled asparagus drizzled with olive oil, salt & pepper.

You can safely assume that 1 rack of lamb will feed 2 people, however on this night we decided that with the addition of  1 ½ lbs of (12-15 count) shrimp, 2 chops per person and sides, would feed 4 hungry adults.  Double the marinade recipe if making 2 to 3 racks.

Marinade

1 cup red wine (I use either a pinot or a cab)

1/3 cup EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

2 tablespoons chopped rosemary + 2 sprigs

3 cloves chopped (or crushed) garlic

¼ teaspoon garlic pepper

½ teaspoon coarse sea salt

Combine all ingredients (except 2 sprigs of rosemary & 2 crushed garlic cloves) in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well. 

1 Rack of Lamb (trimmed leaving a small cap of fat and frenched*)

1 large plastic ziplock bag

Rub the rack with the 2 remaining cloves of garlic and a sprinkling of salt & pepper.  Shred the remaining 2 sprigs of rosemary into small clumps and place on the top of the seasoned rack.  Add to plastic bag and pour in the well-shaken marinade.  The meat can be refrigerated from 2 hours to overnight.

All dressed up and ready for the marinade!

Make sure to remove the lamb from the fridge at least 1 hour before grilling. The meat should be at room temperature to assure even cooking. Preheat your grill to 400 degrees (high) for a quick sear.  When ready, place the rack meat side down on a lightly oiled grate to sear for 2 minutes, flip and sear the backside for 2 minutes.  Reduce the heat to 350 degrees and grill for approximately 6-8 minutes per side until done.

Using an instant read thermometer  to gauge interior temperature of the meat assures proper cooking of your lamb.  Here are some in varying price ranges via Amazon.com:

Internal temperatures for lamb
Rare - 120°F

Medium Rare - 125°F

Medium - 130°F

Testing the internal temperature

Let rest for 10 minutes and cut into individual chops for serving.

The finished product!

* Frenching a rack of lamb is removing the meat, fat and membranes that connect the individual rib bones that gives the rack a clean look for an elegant meal and is a butchering technique you can do at home with a little practice. With a sharp knife trim the meat and fat from around the exposed rib bones starting from the point closet to the meat and working downward to the tip. You should be left with clean exposed rib bones.  For a more thorough and easy explanation click here.

And that's it folks! One scrumptious rack of lamb dinner!  So fancy, yet easily made in your own home.  For the sake of space, click in to read mom's recipe for the barbecued shrimp!