5 things I hate to admit...

Hey, Eeka...this is cool. Similar to another blog I read that posts "Not Me Monday"...I love it! Here's my attempt at my "Five Things"

1. My dog owns nearly as many outfits as I do. Golf pants, luau dress, summer halter dress, mailman outfit, santa outfit...you name it, she's got it. Embarrasing, yes. Cute, yes. Wierd, YES YES YES!!

2. I love scary movies. Many people find them disgusting and can't believe someone would waste their time watching these flicks. Well, I like them. So there.

3. Our kitchen has been in the process of a makeover for 2+ years. The wallpaper is ripped off. When people come over, I tell them it's an "old world look"...but, really...it's just unfinished.

4. Sometimes in the morning, in an effort for those last 15 minutes of sleep, I convince my hubbie to shower first and I promise to make lunches. Instead, while he's showering I'm dozing :) As soon as the shower shuts off, I run frantically to the kitchen to make lunches. It's a fun little dance we do. I pretend he doesn't know I do this but...let's be honest, he does :) He's such a sport!

5. I love the smell of garlic on my fingers after cooking with it. What I find strange is the number of products out there designed to remove the smell from your hands (stainless steel bars, etc). After dinner, hubbie catches me with my fingers up to my face, just stiffing away. I think I have a problem :)

Eeka, this was fun...I'd like to tag Dani and Dannon :)

from Whiskey Tango to Martha Stewart...

I couldn't wait until the house was completely finished to post some pics of it. As my co-worker noted, we have gone from Whiskey Tango (blue house with yellow trim) to Martha Stewart (slate gray with white trim). We absolutely love it! Now we need to work on the front yard...

favorite thing #2

I thought I'd start blogging about my favorite things. I got this idea from a page I read periodically (http://www.1000awesomethings.com/) For a website it is, well...awesome. Anyways...for fellow Wichitans, I wanted to share my new favorite restaurant. Any time I get a chance to go out for lunch, I take a short drive to Sugar Sisters Bakery. It is a new-ish local bakery located just east of College Hill on Central that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. I couldn't even start listing the items on the menu that are my favorite because they are all so good.

Today I tried the three-cheese quiche. You're lucky I snapped a picture half-way through because it didn't last long! It came with an equally delish mixed green salad with homemade ranch. YUM-O! You have to try it out! You can check out their blog (see my blog list). So, that's my favorite thing #2. Stay tuned for favorite #3!

one of my favorite things...

I have a new favorite recipe I received from my soon-to-be brother-in-law. If you like Chai tea, you will absolutely LOVE this recipe. I will be honest...I thought about keeping the recipe to myself but I just can't. This recipe is SO much better than Starbucks Chai Tea Latte (and that's saying a lot because I really enjoy a good Starbucks drink!). Jason and I have gotten into the habit of making it each morning to take to work with us. See the picture...doesn't last long!! Let me know if you try it and what you think!

Recipe for Chai Tea (makes 2 cups…double as needed)

1 whole clove
1 whole cardamom pod
1 tea bag (I use Luzianne)
8 whole fennel seeds
1 slice of ginger
1 cup water
1 cup milk
1 ½ - 2 tablespoons sugar or Splenda

If you buy a mesh tea ball it makes for much less clean up when making the tea! You can put the clove, cardamom pod, fennel seeds, and ginger in the tea ball before placing it in the water.

Directions:

Place in pan: whole clove, cardamom pod, tea bag, fennel seeds, ginger, and water. Bring water to boil. Let boil for approx. 5 minutes. Add milk and sugar (or Splenda). Stir continuously and watch very closely…as milk heats up it will begin to boil and will boil over the side of the pan. As the milk starts to rise, remove immediately from heat.

If you did not use a mesh tea ball, strain spices and enjoy.
If you did use a mesh tea ball, simply remove and enjoy.