Monday, February 28, 2011

Pomegrante Bark

Haven't tried this - yet. I'll update with pics once I have the time to try it.

Pomegranate Bark
Makes about 50 small bunches

3 pomegranates
1 16 oz. package dark chocolate morsels (I used Ghirardelli’s 60% cacao)
Cooking thermometer (optional)

Remove seeds from pomegranate into a bowl or dish. When performing this task, make sure not to wear anything that you wouldn’t want to be stained. De-seeding pomegranates can be a messy process! Or, wear an apron. That is, if you don’t mind your apron possibly becoming stained!

When all of your pomegranate seeds are out, lay wax paper on a flat surface. Using your fingers or a spoon, separate the seeds into small bunches of 5-10 on the wax paper to dry.*

Melt the chocolate! To do this, you will either need a double-burner or can easily create one by placing a stainless steel bowl over top a pan of boiling water. To temper your choco so it’s perfect-o, watch this how-to YouTube video! I do not own a cooking thermometer, which is why I listed it as an optional accessory. I just heated the chocolate until it melted, and let it cool for a minute or so before spooning it over the seeds. It didn’t have the “perfect” shiny surface of a tempered chocolate, but it looked fine, and still tastes delicious to me!

Spoon the chocolate over your bunches, or if you’re feeling confident in your bowl of melted chocolate juggling skills, slowly drizzle the chocolate from the bowl!
Leave your chocolate covered seeds to dry at room temperature (around 60 – 70°F). Do NOT put them in the freezer! I’m not positive how refrigeration would work, but whatever you do, don’t freeze them! The chocolate will shrink and expand on the pomegranate seeds, causing the chocolate to crackle, and they won’t taste the same.
When the chocolate is completely dry, serve and enjoy!

*For a similar and quicker result, lay your pomegranate seeds covering a flat tray. Drizzle the melted chocolate over top! Once drizzled, use a spoon or spatula to smooth the chocolate over the seeds. Add an optional garnish of small white or colored sprinkles for added texture and visual pizazz. Once fully dry (I let mine sit overnight, at room temperature), break into bite-size chunks with a sharp utensil or separate them from the tray, and break them into bunches.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Stars on Ice

Another fun, low-key promotion at The Rose Garden. Thanks Smuckers!!



Thursday, February 24, 2011

Bearded-Hat!!

Hell yes!! I ordered this item maybe two weeks ago and it just arrived. Thank you Danielle Lee of Poor Girl Couture. I got to pick the hat color(s) and beard color. Only $25!! ORDER YOURS TODAY!!





Wednesday, February 23, 2011

This 5 year old knows what's up

If only all little girls felt this way, oh what a wonderful generation of strong, smart, confident women we would have!!!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

ORA Valentine's Ball

What a fantastic night!! Kaleena asked me to be her date to the ORA Foundation Valentine's Day Charity Dinner held at The Benson Hotel. Dinner, drinks and auction followed by sweating on the dance floor to the f^&%ing amazing DJ Yaz.









Wednesday, February 16, 2011

This makes me happy

I'd love for a rocker boyfriend to sing this anthem to me... alas, just listening to it makes me 1) rock my ass off and 2) feel happy.
Happy Wednesday everyone.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Water Leak

Note from management:
We have found a leak on this property. The water will be shut off between 8am and 5pm so ProDrain can fix the issue. We may need to enter your apartment during this process. Removal of sidewalks will happen, please be advised of the noise and mess this process will cause. Thanks to everyone for your help and understanding.

(That is my bedroom window.)

(I hope this doesn't create a sink hole and I slide into a muddy pit in my sleep.)

Friday, February 11, 2011

I'm suffering from PPMS

I'm not the only one who has dating on the mind. Thanks Jennifer Willis for THIS awesome article in the Oregonian.

PPMS = Portland Passive Male Syndrome.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

FML when it comes to A&P

Epic fail. What? Failed - BIG TIME - my A&P midterm. Why do the teachers give you the grade at the beginning of class? I felt like shit through the entire lecture. Trying to do the math, adding up the required points needed to pass the class with a C - pathetic. Don't think it's possible.

It helps a little to know my friends that are nurses also failed A&P II. They graduated. They are now proud RNs working in hospitals and clinics.

It's just so damn devastating. It's so public too. Whenever you have a test everyone asks, "How'd you do??" And I have to respond, "Uh, I failed." Then they laugh, say yeah, right and then I have to prove it.

No, look at the freaking score (pass the scantron around) - then they make their "eek" face and mutter so sorry...

Next term will be two years I've been at school. TWO YEARS!! Still no degree, not even close. Granted, I switched majors, but the light at the end of this very long tunnel is just a speck of light. I'm feeling a bit lousy and want the weekend.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Super Bowl XLV

Whew, am I glad this weekend is over!! I worked so much! I finished a Jack Daniels promotion at two bars in Vancouver, WA. Big Daddy's OT and Charlie's Bar & Grill.

I'm ready to do some reading for class tomorrow and get to bed early.

Posing with a Jack Daniels' fan at Big Daddy's OT.

Karlin and all her hotness, posing with a Jack Daniels' fan.

Those crazy Steelers' fans at Charlie's!!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Portland Seafood & Wine Festival

It's that time of year AGAIN!! Wow, can't believe it, but it's my 3rd year bartending at this fun-tastic event.
Didn't take as many pictures as I would like but enjoyed myself thoroughly - caught up with old friends, made new friends and some cash. It was a good festival this year and can't wait till the next one.


Killer, prepping.

Me, goofing around.

Killer, goofing around.

Tag Team, back again.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Disillusions

Hmmm, well... yes, going to blog about DATING!!!

I feel that I have been lucky to find attractive, funny men to spend an evening with as often as I want. The negative side; no one sticks. Nothing is clicking. A little before Thanksgiving, I thought I had met a man that was charming, smart and grounded enough to focus in on but he turned out to be somewhat of a liar. I got over that quickly, disappointed in myself that I wasn't able to identify his fraudulent tactics right away; none the less, I pressed on.

Lately, I've been agreeing to allow my girlfriends to introduce me to their single male friends. I am hesitant with this because if something goes sour or if I discover the guy's actually a creep, it can cause friction within the friendship. This latest guy is witty, sexy, quirky and appears to be available... but after two good dates and one smokin' hot make-out in his car, I'm having that suspicious feeling that he is a hit'em and quit'em type of fella. Granted he hasn't "hit'em" (er, me) but he has lost interest all ready. (Because when he asked if I wanted company at home, I told him it was too soon). It's been three days and not even so much a text message from him.

It's more frustrating then heart breaking!! It's this trend - presenting a false-self, that is making me seriously annoyed with dating. Almost as if I need a break from it. I really enjoy spending time with my friends but for the past year, it's been really sucky that I'm always the third or fifth wheel when going out.

I tell myself to keep an open mind (and heart) - that someone who's looking for someone like me is out there. It's all about timing or who you know or (fill in the blank). I'm in absolutely no rush to find myself a boyfriend. I've learned a lot about myself this past year. I've grown a lot and feel like I know what I want and won't settle for anyone less. This has also helped me present the best of myself to people. No more bending my rules to fit around someone elses' - lets just connect on common ground and discover how amazing similarities can be.

I guess I'm blogging because I'm feeling a little frustrated. I've had two midterms this week (and yes, it's only Tuesday), I'm sick and have a very busy weekend; working two big gigs (Portland Seafood and Wine Festival and Jack Daniels promotion for Super Bowl Sunday).

I have these moments sneak up on me - when I'm having things go really well or not so well and that's when I wish I had someone to lean on. Those are the times I wish I had a steady man in my life. Otherwise I'm quite content being single.

Yes, I have really wonderful and supportive girlfriends that hear my doubts and celebrate my victories... but there's just some things only a boyfriend can make better.

To have the sweet consistency of a great guy would be, well, great. I'm learning to trust again and I tell myself with these feelings of frustration do not let that turn into bitterness. I cannot allow what one man did to me ruin the potential for all men.

To sum up, I'm doing well, just maybe with the midterms and sickness I'm feeling lonely and wish I had some amazing guy to hang out with tonight, that would be there for me. But my dog Sophie, a pizza and Netflix will suffice.