Mexican Hash

Tonight seemed like a good night to use up some of the ingredients in my fridge that were days away from going bad. My first thought was to use the shrimp and this divine hot sauce I have. Key Lime Habanero Hot Sauce, whoo wheee, what a kick! I found it at Target and I am convinced that they will discontinue it, so I think I better stock up!

Also in the fridge were some black beans and an avocado. In the freezer i always have frozen cooked rice, perfect for quick cooking. I found this rice also from Target called Lime Cilantro Rice mix and I make the whole thing, use the amount i want and freeze that rest.

So into the skillet I sauteed some garlic in olive oil then I add the beans, rice, avocado, shrimp some salsa and the habanero sauce. Then drizzled some lime juice on it and add a bit of salt, pepper, oregano, paprika and red pepper flakes. The great thing about cooking and using recipes is that you can substitute. Let's say you don't like avocado, add some corn instead. Or maybe beans aren't your thing, just use some more salsa or maybe add chopped mushrooms for substance. Not a fan of cilantro, use parsley. Chile powder too hot for you, use some paprika. Be creative and have fun! Cooking should never be a headache, if it is, call me!

I loves Chloe Paddington bags!

I understand that it is frivilous and insane to pay $1000+ for a purse... but if someone said I had to pick one designer bag to own I would have to pick the Chloe Paddington bag. I have borderline at times coveted this bag, although i have come to terms that a whole village in some countries could be fed for a year for the price of a Chloe bag.

But it is fun to look.

Funny story: When I was in Jewelry Design school at Minneapolis Tech. College we shared a floor with the fashion design kids. Everyday I would see the fashion boys and girls prance around in their latest creations, it was the equivalent of Jr. High Project Runway, so tre dramatic. The fashion kids always looked amazing while the jewelry kids, such as myself were always in t-shirts and jeans... because seriously, jewelry making is messy! One day i was riding the elevator up to our floor when the one and only fashion diva of the fourth floor fabulous fashion freaks stepped into the elevator. She had on her monster huge sunglasses, party dress, hipster boots and a CHLOE PADDINGTON BAG. Could it be that i was in the same proximity as a CP bag? It was just too good to be true. I felt my heart racing and my palms began to sweat! Oh that bag, the supple leather, the lock, the key, the hardware, the engraved "Chloe"... oh what joy. I could hardly contain myself, so i blurted out, "I love your bag!!!" Fashion Diva barely even acknowledge my lowly existence, she looked down her pointy noes at me and very flatly said "OH."

Whatevs! I wanted to say to her, "Puh-leeeze, if you were really cool you would be taking fashion design at Parsons in NY and not at a community college!! And your bag is probably a fake too!"

But being the bigger person, I just smiled and said, "It is really nice, your bag that is, not your attitude."

No, I'm just kidding. I said, "Your bag is swell, but the ruching on your dress is atrocious!"

Ok fine, I didn't' say that either!

Or did I?

A Breather....

I have been going non stop from Friday after work up until Sunday night. But everything was very laid back and relaxing, it doesn't feel like I had fun to the point of exhaustion this weekend.
After work on Friday I decided to go visit my parents and brother and just hang out. We had a really fun night of making homemade pizzas and playing games. My brother completely dominated in Yahtzee, after getting 2 Yahtzee's we all realized that defeat was eminent! We also played Fact or Crap, which everyone really enjoyed so much so that on Saturday after noon we had to play it again. Saturday was laid back, too. We went out sledding on the four wheeler and then we watched a movie. The highlight was taking a trip to Hutchinson, the "Big Town" near my parents house. We spent hours in Target just walking around and having some laughs. While my mom and I were in the makeup isle my dad was in the valentine card isle, and we heard him laughing so hard and we were 10 isles down! Apparently he found a really good card for my mom. Our final outing was to the Chinese Buffet, which was good, but seriously, after you've been in China, all American Chinese food pales in comparison. Seriously, it just does.
After all that family time I met up with Shannon, Jaime and Cindy for a little night out in H2Otown... Nothing fancy, just the girls having a good time. Sunday I went to church then was invited over for chili at Sarah's house. Sarah and Francisco made some darn good Sante Fe Chile! Ellen and I then went over to visit the beautiful Norelle! What a sweet baby! So content and pretty! Megan and Jake are such good parent's too, they look like old pros!!!
After the baby visit Ellen and I made a stop at Border's books so I could get this book I heard about... The Gaslight Effect, by Robin Stern. You can do your own research on this book, but lets just say I could relate. So spot-on its scary!
Then Ellen and I rented a movie and ate some snacks and then it was time for me to go to bed...
Good long weekend... lots to do, but never overwhelming. Nice.