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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Memories of Christmas in MA

I'm back from MA. Our flight was cancelled Thur, but we we able to get on the train back to DC. For $400 (1 way) and for an 8 hour trip. It wasn't that bad though, there's definitely more leg room than on a plane.

Anyhoo, here are some highlights from my Christmas. I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays as well.

Oystering:

then eating the oysters:
 
E pulled his back jumping on the rocks, so we spent some time in the house. I worked on a puzzle like an idiot savant (aka, I drank wine and wouldn't stop working on the puzzle until forced)
 
For Christmas Eve, we have a traditional Swedish Smorgasbord. I can be picky, so I avoid the herring, meatballs, ham, and eat a bunch of cheese :)
 
We also visited the Sandwich Glass Museum:
 
 

Now our tree is down and I have some gift cards burning a hole in my pocket...

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Massachusetts Oystering

We arrived safe and sound yesterday in Cape Cod, MA. I proceeded to horrify my in-laws by eating my way through their kitchen. Breads, cookies, egg nog, you get the idea.

Today, we had to work for our food. We put on our waders and went out into the ocean for some oysters. We came home with 5 and some mussels we pulled out of the reeds.

Now, we'll be good if I don't impale my hand on an oyster knife or get food poisoning. (Oh, this morning, I fell down the stairs, screaming, and everyone came running over. I don't need any more accidents).

Ho Ho Ho

Friday, December 21, 2012

Christmas on Friday

I am ready for Christmas- shopping, wrapping, and packing done.
Christmas cards were sent out a while ago:

Next year I'm asking Santa for a dog so I can include him in the picture. Too bad E and the cats are against me. (The cats don't really like me and only sit with E, thus I need a dog to be my friend).

Anyhoo, we got out or work early today- whoo hoo! I used that precious time to sit on the couch and catch up on The Wire. I just started- it's good, heart-warming Christmas viewing. I'm also catching up on my taped Real Housewives of Miami (RHMIA). I can't get enough of Mama Elsa:


E and I also opened all our presents from my family today since we're leaving tomorrow. I got a lot of good loot.
I'm pretty impressed the hubs got me these Larimar earrings:


"Larimar awakens feminine power and soothes the emotions." Hmmmm...

Merry Christmas a little early!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

A Cheapinger Flies

For Christmas, we are flying to my in-laws in beautiful but brisk Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
The flight we got in Sep. was relatively priced (I saved $100 for the 2 of us to fly out at 7am Sat. instead of 10a); however, now the airline is getting us with the checked bag fees!
This is an insult to my penny pinching ways. $25/ checked bag each way.
Here's what I'd rather get with $50 (that assumes, I get the 1 checked bag and E jams his stuff into the carry-on):

This purse is actually $59.50 at Banana Republic, but I'm sure I could scrounge up a coupon ;)

I have tried to pack in a carry-on, but it doesn't seem to be fitting. I will pare down though. I will not check a bag.
I might have to wear the same jeans and sweatshirt everyday, but the in-laws won't mind, right?
By the way, I've done almost everything in this article. Sweaters take up a lot of room and MA is cold.




Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Sibling Adventures

This past weekend, both my brothers were in town. We celebrated my one bro's (30th) Birthday and got to do some Christmas-y stuff since this year I'll be at the in-laws.

We began Sat. shopping at the beer/ wine specialty store and I forced them to buy this (along with the plethora of other items they got):
Note: they said it actually wasn't too bad.

I then forced everyone to do some cultural shizz since it's DC. We went to the Ford Theater and it was closed for A Christmas Carol. Oops.
Thankfully, the Peterson House across the street, where Lincoln passed, was open. My brothers were thrilled, as they love museums!

They did have a cool tower of all the books ever written about Lincoln.



We ate lunch, and walked to the Botanical Gardens to see their Christmas decor. We stopped to take some photos in front of the Capitol. Some people pose strangely for pics. We mocked them via imitation:  


Sat. night was dinner at Honey Pig, a Korean BBQ. It was delicious and fun, so we will be going back. E and the bros got their revenge on me by ordering octopus.  


We watched Lincoln Sunday (see, I love a theme!) and had cake and presents. (I thought Lincoln was a little bit slow and boooring in some parts, but DDL should win the Oscar for Best Actor)
 

I made a Paula Deen stawberry cake, which turned out well, except it was pink, for a man.

Happy Birthday to P!


Monday, December 17, 2012

Remembering

I have not yet written anything regarding the unthinkable shootings at Sandy Hook. I can't wrap my mind around it and cannot think of anything else to say that everyone hasn't already said. 
Tomorrow, I'll be participating in the blogger day of silence.

We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.
Also, think of making a donation to the Newtown Youth and Family Services:
 
ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."
Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

I am so thankful for my own family and that this weekend I had both my brothers in town. Sometimes you don't know how lucky you truly are.
I will be posting about our sibling adventures later. 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Office Christmas Party- AKA Kim the Scrooge

I did wear my Christmas brooch which makes me happy, even if they aren't really in style. :)

Ugh, not good at and hate "selfies" Hate the word "selfie" as well as "jelly".

Here are my rants.
  • It's always the same freaking people that participate. I am getting tired of spending $30 to make a big salad or dessert for every office party and there are some people that NEVER bring in anything, but sure do like to eat.
  • If you're going to a party where there's a lot of people (like 50) and there's a lot of food, it's still impolite to eat a bunch of one thing on your first pass. Don't pile up 4 egg rolls on your plate just because you got to the line first. There are people at the end of the line motherf*#@er.
  • Please RSVP. I asked multiple times for people to accept their calendar invites so we could get a count. Of course, 7 people are on site today and wanted to "buy in".
  • Then, I'm just a baby, our boss had door prizes and prizes for games. The contractors that bought in and are never here (seriously, this was their first day here, EVER) won most of the prizes. Not the employee that's been here for 10 years busting their butts and made food for the party.
I guess I should try to be happy:
  • I actually love more than 80% of my co-workers.
  • There was more than enough food, even though I thought we'd run out.
  • I am fortunate enough to have a job where we have a holiday party and I can make a big salad :)
  • My Christmas shopping is DONE!


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Holiday Party Time

Tomorrow is the office Christmas (AKA Holiday) party. It's during the day and I'm not sure what I will wear, but my nerdy old lady Christmas brooch will probably make an appearance :)

This is moi walking to the holiday party last year:
The caption that went out to the entire staff was "OMG, they sent TWO trucks"

I do know what I'm bringing this year, a nice Oriental Slaw. Glad I'm back to feeling better, because I can't wait to be a fatty at the Potluck (bacon wrapped lil' Smokies in brown sugar- do want).


Anyway, my brothers are also coming to visit this weekend. One turns, gasp, 30. (He's younger than me, so that's a double gasp).
I plan on making another Paula Deen treat for them, but that will be a surprise for a later post since occasionally the bros read this blog. (One brother said I needed to diversify my posts if he was going to be a follower- I guess he doesn't like thoughts on Real Housewives, baking, clothes, etc.)

Monday, December 10, 2012

When you're sliding into 3rd

and you feel a greasy turd....
well, we all know how the rest of that little ditty goes.
Speaking of, I had a stomach flu most of last week. Of course, it was the last day my mom was in town and I didn't even get to see her off.
Tuesday evening, we went to the Botanical Gardens for some live music. The Botanical Gardens are a (free) must see if you're in DC.

I spent the rest of Tuesday until 5am Wed, curled up in the fetal position clutching generic Pepto on our bathroom mats. Ugh, I slept on our bathroom floor. And I didn't even care.

When I was feeling better, I set up the cookies and banana nut bread sweat shop (with only 1 employee unfortunately)
This insulted E's photography skills since it was too "staged".


I also watched Hope Springs (geriatric porn) and Dark Shadows (ehhh) and Lifetime's Undercover Christmas (Awesome!)

Monday, December 3, 2012

An Evening in the City

My mom has been in town since Thur. (thus the lack of posts), but we had a fabulous weekend.
Friday, we did some shopping, ate fro yo, and then met E for dinner in DC.
After dinner, E had class, so we walked around DC at night.

Note: never underestimate comfortable shoes. I wore riding boots and might have complained a little. My mom offered to get me some comfortable shoes- like something flat and stylish like Naturalizers. E thoroughly enjoyed this conversation.

Anyway, here are some pics of us at night.

The White House at night. One of the protesters/ proselytizers scared my mom. Country folk aren't used to the city crazies.

I'm not really good with an iPhone camera.

More to come on our Scottish Saturday in Alexandria Old Town.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

My Love/ Hate With Costco

The hubs sent me this post. I'm glad to know the VP likes Costco AND eats their samples.

How do I love Costco, let me count the ways:
Samples, samples, and more samples!
Wine and beer- supersized!
The cheapest party food around.

Sometimes I loathe Costco:
The grody samples (does anyone say "grody" anymore?)
The parking,
the crowds, (cart gridlock in a store's aisles, only at Costco)
and the masses gathered at the sample station. I feel (mildly) bad elbowing a granny out of the way for my free hummus sample.
Out of stock ribs or fruit platters

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Old Dog, New Tricks

That's it. I'm old.
Something about 31 feels old.
Here's how I know:

Today in the bathroom, under the harsh fluorescents, I spotted a grey. Maybe more, it was too shocking to look closely.

Yesterday, I didn't wear face makeup because I thought it was getting into my crow's feet. Today, I'm wearing it because, by God, I looked like a tired mess yesterday.

I can't lose weight as easy or eat like I used too. A week of binging on sweet and home-cooked meals, ehh, I could watch what I ate and work out really hard and loose it pretty quickly. Not so much anymore. This morning I told E, I don't think the bottom button on my coat with close because of my butt!

I wear flats at work more than heels. Actually, all the time I wear flats. Because they are comfortable.

My skin is doing weird stuff. I get hives on my hands when they get too dry or pollen hits them. Oh and my back and shoulders look like an Appaloosa horse.


Nice to know Channing Tatum has the same issue. Sun damage is NOT sexy though.

Instead of being negative, I'm going to age gracefully ;) Just Kidding! I'm taking recommendations for a good colorist in the DC area and some good eye creams. 



Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Give a Recipe, Share a Recipe

E made the MOST delicious muffins this weekend!
Here's the recipe:


I love browsing AllRecipes and other websites for recipes. I'm already getting excited for holiday parties! What should I bring to my office's holiday potluck?

Monday, November 26, 2012

Monday Monday

Back in the swing of things & it feels pretty good not to be like this:

and more like this:

Today is Cyber Monday- the day for online shopping. Between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and now Cyber Monday commercials, emails, etc,  I am thoroughly disgusted with consumerism right now.
I just want to enjoy the holidays like when I was a kid. Remember Rudolf? That was my favorite.


If you do participate in Cyber Monday, beware of identity theft. This article made me think!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Deck the Halls

Ho Ho Ho!
The Brown's like to decorate right after Thanksgiving (well, I do ;))
Our pre-lit tree was out in two places. I changed the fuse (which i had to call my dad to find out how to get those little buggers out of the socket- a flat-head screwdriver, not a toothpick) and it was still out, so I fabulously added another string of lights over the "out" section.
We have a lot of ornaments- far too many for our little tree. The phrase "20 lbs of crap in a 5 lb bag" comes to mind (and to E's mouth); however, I like looking at the final product all December!

 
A close up of my favorite ornament(s):
 

I also love these guys:

When I was visiting Tennessee over Veteran's Day, I noticed some of my parent's neighbors had already decorated! I like to decorate "early" but the day after Thanksgiving is as early as I go. When do you decorate?

Friday, November 23, 2012

Thanksgiving 2012

We cooked, we ate, and we conquered Thanksgiving 2012:

 
Everything turned out really good- the turkey was exceptional & I highly recommend taking the time to brine your turkey beforehand.
We took a walk through Old Town after dinner to make room for dessert and gave the ducks (and seagulls and geese) their Thanksgiving feast :)
 
Black Friday, we did not go out into the craziness, and instead went to the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, MD. This is a FREE museum and had some awesome exhibits. My favorites were the medical abnormalities preserved (like a crazy leg with elephantitis) and then the kits of the 1800s (oh the dental kits brought a chill down my spine). 
 
 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Finding Money

What a great feeling it is to find money lying on the floor.
Ethan recently found $3 in the parking lot and we started discussing all the times we have found money. Last Thanksgiving was one of the best stories:

Thanksgiving 2011, E and I drove to Pittsburgh where my little brother lives. (We just have been switching between his place and my place every year for Thanksgiving).
Anyway, he needed to run out for some last minute items (as we all do on Thanksgiving), actually I think it's because I was a brat an NEEDED Diet Coke. My brother drove me to the local store, and we are walking into the Giant Eagle together when at the same time we spot a $20 bill lying in the parking lot.

Instinct took over and I shoved my brother to the side and dove for the money. He was like "geesh Kim, you can have it".
I was mortified as soon as I stood up. My brother had purchased a ton of food for a Thanksgiving feast for us, and here I was knocking him out of the way to get a $20. Plus, we are no longer kids fighting with each other.



Ethan did find a $100 bill once which was a cooler story since it doesn't involve violence and it was more money.
Here's to a Thanksgiving with no family fights!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Gobble Gobble Prep

I am super pumped about stuffing my face (of course seeing my lil' bro too).
We like to have fun together. By apparently my bro knows how to "Rock on" while only know how to give you the"I love you" sign.

I always love to hear what people do for Thanksgiving, there are so many neat traditional dishes people have.
Once, in college, I went with a sorority sister for Thanksgiving and they had a broccoli, mayo, bacon salad. Another friend I know always had pimento cheese with crackers as part of their spread.
Anyway, here's our menu. (Note, this is the same amount of food my parents make for 10 people, so I'm looking to pick up DC "orphans" to help us eat all this.)

  • Turkey (brined of course)
  • Mashed Potatoes & gravy
  • Stuffing (not homemade, just good ol' delicious Pepperidge Farm)
  • Biscuits (this year, we're trying Grands wheat biscuits, but I feel a little nervous about that)
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Jellied Cranberry (a white trash classic)
  • Pumpkin Pie
  • Apple Crisp
My parents always make a Waldorf salad (like a fruit salad with a mayo dressing and celery), which I think is unusual for most folks. It's too hard to make, so I'm omitting it from our menu this year.


Monday, November 19, 2012

They See me Cleanin', They Hatin', Tryin' to Catch my House Dirty!

That's right folks, this past weekend was a Kim Cleaning Jihad (that's what my husband calls it).
With holiday guests coming to stay with us very soon, I decided to thoroughly clean the apt.
Here are a few of my favorite (cleaning) things & tips:

1. Clorox Wipes & Swiffer wet wipes are both the bomb.com

2. Scrubbing Bubbles - a bathroom classic

3. For the kitchen stainless steel appliances- olive oil on a paper towel

4. For the cat hair on the couch- rubber kitchen gloves with ridges on the tips (works for all pet hair & on any upholstered/ carpeted surface)

We try to put blankets down everywhere to catch the fur & then just have to wash those. I'm rethinking putting plastic on our couch.  

This weekend, we also bathed the kitties. My lil' bro is very allergic to cats. What most people are allergic to is their dander, soooo, I hypothesize that bathing them helps reduce their dander, thus, minimizing allergy symptoms :)
It seemed to help last time my brother came to visit.

Friday, November 16, 2012

I Heart Bake Sales

Not really, I have a sweet tooth that's out of control & does not need to be encouraged. This week, there were multiple bake sales at work. One was to raise money to donate to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief. Since E and I lived in NYC and still have friends up there, we wanted to help.
Since I was travelling from TN the night before the bake sale, my sweet hubs baked some delish coconut, chocolate bars for me to take in.
I sampled a tiny bit as quality control & boy where they good.
Day of, I said I would resist the temptation and just make a contribution.

This is what happened:
Oh yea, the saran-wrapped bar is the chocolate coconut bar I brought in, then bought for myself :)

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Hometown Weekend

This past looong weekend (for me), I went to Knoxville, TN, my hometown.

The Sunsphere from the '81 World's Fair is our famous landmark

I took the Megabus, which was $15 ROUND TRIP! Which is way less than gas or flying. You might be thinking, but Kim, the bus, a public bus for 9 hours, really?! I promise, it's very clean and is mostly students going to VA Tech (since it's stops in Blacksburg before Knoxville).

I would highly recommend bringing entertainment for your ride on the Megabus since they have outlets to charge your laptops, tablets, etc. I watched movies the entire way there and back, which included:
The final season of Curb your Enthusiasm (*****) (these are my stars for my rating system)
Madea's Witness Protection (***)
The Campaign (****)
Think Like a Man (***)
Moonrise Kingdom (**)
Rock of Ages (**)

Some highlights included a birthday party for my dad. I of course took zero pictures on my trip.
Looking at old family photos (to finish out my family photo wall project).

This is moi circa 5th grade. No wonder my father thought I would be an engineer like him. Don't worry, this is not going on the photo wall.  

Had a father/ daughter day which included viewing Skyfall (*****), visiting McKay's the biggest used bookstore I've ever seen, and visiting the new Publix (I really wanted to go- hahaha).

Me & my Pops last year. I had to crop my pesky brother out.

Shopping with my mom.

New shoes!

Oh and of course eating, eating, and more eating!
What do you like to do when you go home?

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Stayin' Warm

This morning was freezing. I saw one girl with bare legs but I was dying in nylons and my winter coat. I actually wished I had worn gloves. I'm sorta a wuss though. E said he would choose my dad or brothers over me to be a partner in the Amazing Race.

As I stood on a windy Metro platform, I pondered all the fun ways I could warm myself up.

1. Quit shaving my legs and get a nice warm, soft fur. I suppose I should have started this last month or so.

2. Along with the above, I need to give up nylons in favor of pants.
These are pretty cute though right?

3. Drink a glass (or 2) or red wine of liquor (otherwise know as "warm me up juice") before I leave for work. Morning are cold yo.

4. Start eating chocolate and carbs for some winter weight to keep me warmer. Bears do it. 

5. Carry my warm, fuzzy cats around in a Baby Bjorn.
Right, I can't pick up my f*ing cats without them howling like I am torturing them. Let me tell you, the vet is fun.

Also, why in God's name does my iPhone weather App show it sunny & 73 degrees?


Good thing I'm headed to Tennessee this weekend and the forecast high for the weekend is 70 :)


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