stephanie's happy list

I sent Stephanie the forecast for sunny L.A. last week since we're going tomorrow (and I'm just getting around to posting this, so it's a bit dated) and in response, she sent me her happy list.

I love happy lists.

1. Mariners’s game tomorrow with 4 of my favorite ladies! (2 of which are my mom and Nana who are riding the school bus down! You can guess the other 2). And yes, Petes is one of these :)
2. Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale starts next Wednesday. I’ve already made a list of things I hope go on sale.
3. SATC2 in one week!
4. My new sundresses that I can’t wait to wear in LA
5. The banana in my kitchen that is getting smooshier every day, making it the perfect candidate for banana pancakes this weekend.
6. Regina Spektor on my Pandora (I'm so right there with her.)
7. Possible date with potential future baby daddy
8. Thisclose to finishing a 5-star Sudoku sitting on my desk.

For a little eye candy, I thought I'd also include this rad picture. First, because I love ballerinas and danced for YEARS. Second, because Stephanie danced for YEARS too. Danced right into my heart. (hehe)

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MIA

I've been a little MIA the last couple of days because I'm at a conference in DC for work.

Learning lots of cool things.

Some things about how the media is changing, which then included this new site. A model that might be replacing police blotters. Kinda weird, huh?

A winning dress?

The dress for the dozen weddings I'm going to this summer. I know it's black and not especially summery, but it's so darn cute. The sweetheart top kind of wins me over. Oh, and the straps can be tied in front (like above) or like a standard halter.

What do you think? Is it a winner?

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Little girl gives herself a pep talk

Need a smile?

I think she's on to something.

<a href="http://video.au.msn.com/?mkt=en-au&amp;from=&amp;vid=f4325f13-9646-4590-8aa9-c7db792049c4" target="_new" title="Little girl gives herself a pep talk">Video: Little girl gives herself a pep talk</a>

Petes Eats

In case you haven't noticed, I've become obsessed with trying new recipes these days. Well, obsessed with eating, in general. So I've decided to add a new post theme, which I have eluded to once before: Petes Eats.

One thing I'll note about this recipe is that the chives are a must. They really add a lot of flavor. Since chives are usually sold in packs that would feed Jon & Kate + 8, I've thought of a couple ways to use them in other ways - mix with cream cheese and slather on a bagel with some turkey or add to a weekend omelette. Yummm...

Also, I'd like to try and compare this recipe with Martha's Rigatoni with Goat Cheese Pasta.

Pasta with Goat Cheese and Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients
2 bunches asparagus (2 pounds total), tough ends removed
4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
12 ounces cavatappi or other short pasta
1 small log soft goat cheese (5 ounces), crumbled
2 to 3 tablespoons snipped fresh chives, for garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Place asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet; dot with 1 tablespoon butter, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, tossing occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes; cut into 2-inch lengths.

While asparagus is roasting, generously salt boiling water. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Set aside 1 1/2 cups pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.

In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, remaining 3 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup pasta water. Season with salt and pepper, and whisk until smooth. Add goat-cheese mixture and asparagus to pasta; toss to combine, adding more pasta water if necessary for sauce to coat pasta. Serve pasta garnished with chives.

Like kids in a candy store

About a month ago, my parents went to Hawaii for the first time. Since I had my first trip to paradise last summer, I was completely won over by everything to do with Hawaii... even the sun-induced blisters. (Mads and Autumn are going in the next couple months and I'm trying to think of a way to fit in their suitcases.)

Anyway, throughout their whole trip, I received dozens of texts along the lines of: That's it--we're moving here, we're buying a place, on our way to the LUAU, drinking a tasty lava flow, it's 90 degrees and sunny!!, etc. Needless to say, they were having the time of their lives.

Then I saw the photographic proof of all of the fun they had and I thought I'd share. Makes me want to go back. Like now.

Dear Expedia,
Please post another slammin' deal on air and hotel to Hawaii.
Thank you,
Petes

Simply a bowl.

I've been eyeing this bowl at Anthro for a couple months now. The blues and oranges would go perfect with my kitchen. I find it odd that I couldn't stop thinking about a bowl. So I went on down to U-Village this weekend and bought it. It was $10 well spent.

Do you ever find yourself eyeing something completely random?