A Heart Song Day - Day 206

I usually end a day with cookie baking. Today I began the day with butter, sugar, flour, chocolate chips and toasted pecans...all the ingredients for my Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies. After work at Costco today, Mike and I have an invitation to dinner at Tom, Susan and Christopher's home. I promised to bring cookies and intended to bake them yesterday, but laziness got in the way. Besides, the smell of freshly baked cookies is a pretty intoxicating way to begin a beautiful day. The good mood I was in definitely affected the outcome of the cookies. They were perfect. Soft in the center with a light crisp on the edge. I couldn't resist having one.

Two of the guests from last night's party stopped by my demo table at Costco - Rachel and Dario. We talked about how nice the party was and how it put them in a party mood. My friends Steve and Tom are doing a renovation on their home. In a few months they want to have a Colombian themed open house and would like me to help. How cool is that?! My only challenge may be finding a friend to help me. As I have mentioned before, I live my life at a frantic pace. I think it is normal. My friends do not. They get tired and some how don't have the same enthusiasm for catering that I do.

Whoever doesn't believe in the power of a smile and an open heart is crazy. Today I was a people magnet. I received gift and gift of great conversation...all thanks to a smile. Days like today make my heart sing. How appropriate! I did start my day with a cookie...a HeartSong cookie.

Once again Susan outdid herself for dinner tonight. We had blue cheese and bacon burgers, orzo salad, roasted asparagus, roasted sweet and white potatoes and an amazing applesauce spice cake for dessert served warm a la mode. Mmmmmm! It was the exclamation mark on a heart song day.

Many hugs and days begun with a cookie,

Kathy

Catering With Vicky - Day 205

Today was the polar opposite of yesterday. The air was soggy. The sky was gray. It was one of those days best spent in bed under the covers. That is exactly what Mike and I did until just before 10:00 this morning. The rest of the morning and afternoon was spent accomplishing absolutely nothing.

This evening was another story. My friend Steve called me last week to see if I would be interested in helping set up and serve a surprise birthday party for the wife of a friend. Since I am cash starved and have dreams of a catering business...the answer was YES! I recruited my friend Vicky to help me. Both of us had no idea what we were getting into when we pulled up to the Raffa home. Jeannie Raffa took us around for a brief tour of the surroundings and then we were on our own. We set out appetizers and set up the buffet with the Italian feast catered by Stefano's Trattoria. Vicky cleaned dishes. I made sure everything was replenished. And finally late in the evening we were able to sneak a taste of the food from the comfort of the butler pantry. The food was delicious. Vicky and I concurred this was what I should do for our annual Christmas party. That way I could actually talk to people. Having the food catered is a good idea, but I like the idea of hiring someone like me and Vicky to help us serve and clean up even better. At the end of the evening we were both exhausted, but pleased with our accomplishment. Jeannie appreciated the help and actually got to enjoy the party. Mission accomplished. Thanks Vicky...you made it fun!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Starting a Movement - Day 204

Today was glorious. The air was crisp. The sky was blue. It was the perfect day to start a movement. A movement for change. For growth. For encouraging others. For saying thank you. For paying attention to the details that differentiate between good and great. For having fun doing what you do. For enjoying the ride. For enjoying each others company. For showing respect. For showing compassion. For setting high standards...and living up to them. For being consistent. For giving a damn.

Today was the perfect day to start a movement. With the help of my friends...today, I did. Here's to the Power of Good. Let's go move something!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Saying Thanks With Style - Day 203

Several weeks ago Mark and his son Kenny helped move Jim out of our home and into his new house. Unfortunately Jim didn't have the resources to compensate them for a job well done. Being cash starved, I didn't have the resources either, but I thought it was important to do something to say THANKS! My solution was a dinner invitation.

Since I was preparing the meal after work, the menu had to be simple. I opted for a favorite - Chicken with Prosciutto and Sage, Yellow Rice and Roasted Asparagus. For dessert, Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches and Chocolate Dipped Berries. Before Mark, Kenny and a surprise guest, Joel (Kenny's 2 year old son) arrived I lit a fire in the fireplace to take the chill off the night air. I got all the food prep done, but still needed to cook everything. The guys sat at the bar and kept me company while I cooked. They even humored me while I practiced my goofy plate presentation and blog picture taking. Judging from the empty plates and Mark's second helping, I think my thank you was well received. It was nice to have company on a Mike-less evening.

Saying thanks was not so hard. In fact, it was down right fun!

Chicken with Prosciutto and Sage
From Martha Stewart's Cookbook - Great Food Fast

Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Ingredients

Serves 4

* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* Coarse salt and ground pepper
* 4 fresh whole sage leaves, plus 4 minced leaves
* 4 (6 to 8 ounces each) chicken cutlets
* 4 slices (3 ounces) thinly sliced prosciutto
* 4 teaspoons olive oil
* 3/4 cup dry white wine
* 1/3 cup reduced-sodium canned chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon cold butter

Directions

1. In a shallow bowl, stir together flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
2. Lay 1 sage leaf lengthwise on each cutlet, then wrap a prosciutto slice around middle of each cutlet, encasing sage. Flatten with the palm of your hand to help prosciutto adhere to the chicken. Dredge cutlets in seasoned flour; tap off excess.
3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Cook 2 cutlets until golden brown and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove cutlets, and keep warm. Repeat with remaining 2 teaspoons oil and 2 cutlets.
4. Add wine and broth to skillet; cook over high heat until reduced by three-quarters, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool 1 minute. Add butter and minced sage; stir until butter is melted, about 30 seconds. Spoon sauce onto plates; top with cutlets. Serve immediately.


Many hugs,

Kathy

Chocolate Dipped Day - Day 202

Take a nice ripe berry...any kind. Delicious in its own right, but dip it in chocolate and it becomes divine. It is amazing to me how something so simple to make can look so beautiful and taste so good.

Beatriz ordered cookies from me for her party tonight. She was pleasantly surprised when I delivered the cookies this morning with an added bonus platter of chocolate dipped strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Tonight I dipped berries for Marks...yes, two Marks. Kenda's husband, Mark made a facebook request for chocolate covered raspberries...stat. I aim to please, so he will be getting a special delivery in the morning. My co-worker, Mark and his son are coming to dinner tomorrow night and I thought a chocolate dipped berry platter would make a nice simple dessert.

A day dipped in chocolate is a very good day!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Baking Soothed My Soul - Day 201

Angst filled my work day. I was angry, frustrated and defeated. My only solace was the promise of an evening filled with cookie baking and chocolate dipping. Unfortunately my frustration carried on into my baking evening...at least for a short while.

I am a firm believer in the affect mood can have on your baking results. If I am in a grumpy mood, something almost always goes wrong. Tonight was no different. In the middle of the baking cycle for a batch of Dark Chocolate Tri Berry Cookies, my oven decided to spontaneously shut off. I ended up ruining 12 cookies...the ones I was going to take to Carolynn tomorrow. I think my poor old oven felt my bad vibes and decided enough was enough. I had to smile and let it all go. I let the baking soothe my soul and the subsequent batches turned out just fine. The resulting cookie platter I put together for Beatriz paired with the chocolate dipped strawberries, blackberries and raspberries made everything right in my world.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Random Acts of HeartSong - Day 200

This morning I filled my bushel basket with HeartSong Cookies and headed out the door. Random Acts of HeartSong was my mission of the day...along with proof and job delivery all over the state of Florida.

First stop was Kenda's home to drop off a bag of Dark Chocolate Tri Berry and a bag of Antioxidant Filled Oatmeal Cookies. I received a smile and an ear to listen to my ramblings in return. Then it was on to work. Kat, Carolyn and Danielle were the next random act recipients. Kat's eyes lit up when she saw the Dark Chocolate Tri Berry - a cousin of her namesake cookies - Kat's Dark Chocolate with Sour Cherries.

My work travels took me to Tampa for a rush job and cookie delivery. Kim was delighted to see me pull up. She loved the printing job, but I think she loved the cookies even more. Eugene was next on my random act list. He always helps me unload the boxes at the dock with absolutely no complaints. The big smile on his face when I gave him the tiny bag of cookies was so cute...like a little kid getting a lollipop at the doctor's office.

Gainesville was the next stop on the Random Acts of HeartSong Tour. Pam and Tabrisha jokingly told me it every proof bag included cookies, I would be getting many more jobs.

Smiles were plentiful. Pounds were gained. Tummies were happy. I deem the Random Acts of HeartSong Tour a tremendous success.

Interspersed in between the deliveries today were a few tears...the result of a heart to heart talk with my brother. Anger and disappointment are not things I handle very well. But I dove in head first and am glad I did. Michael and I had the opportunity to work through some feelings we had suppressed and the discussion was very therapeutic. I took some of my own advice. I ventured outside my comfort zone and came back better for it. After all, this is where growth happens...here and wherever a bunch of HeartSong Cookies are.

Many hugs and Random Acts of HeartSong,

Kathy

Hankering - Day 199

Ever so often a word pops into my head and it just won't leave. Today "hankering" is that word. I have no idea how Webster's defines it, but to me it means a longing or craving that must be satisfied. The last few days I have had a hankering for Mediterranean flavors. Yesterday I picked up taboule salad, multi grain flatbread, spinach artichoke hummus, feta crumbles and rotisserie chicken. For lunch I satisfied my hankering in the most delicious way. I made a grilled flatbread sandwich stuffed with hummus, shredded chicken and feta crumbles. I served it (to myself) with marinated olives and taboule salad. Mmmmmmmm, it was absolutely delicious! Mike's tummy was still not feeling very adventurous. His hankering was satisfied with soda crackers and chicken and rice soup.

Yesterday, my friend Vicky challenged me to go a full month eating only the food from my freezer and pantry. If you saw both, you would realize I could probably go three months. She wants me to start in March. Being creative and using what I already have won't be a problem. Staying away from eating out will be the challenge. I love to cook. I hate to clean. Unfortunately cooking at home means cleaning up the kitchen. Ugh! I told her I accept her challenge for a week. A month may be pushing it.

This morning when I was getting ready for work, I suddenly had a hankering to reconnect with my grandmother. Last night was a tough night and I needed some comfort. I plopped myself down on the bench in front of Mema's dressing table we just relocated and applied my makeup just like I watched her do so many times as a little girl. I stared into the same mirror she gazed into and somehow I felt better.

I love the people I work with at Costco. They actually missed me the last two weeks! I received a hug from Lili, some disinfecting wipes from Vera and talk about cell phones from Daniel. You know, I kind of missed them too. Customers even missed me. Paul and Deborah kept me company for a while, Anthony stopped by to say hi, Ying brought me a muffin tasting and talk of her upcoming trip to Italy. Has everyone in the universe enjoyed a fabulous trip to Italy but me?! Did I mention...I WANT TO GO TO ITALY! Kenda told me if I put it out there, it will come true. It's not working...yet.

Tonight I made Mike more soup and me another grilled flatbread sandwich, this time filled with rotisserie chicken salad and a slice of provolone cheese. After dinner I decided it was time to bake a healthier cookie. I modified Vicky's Best Ever Oatmeal Cookie recipe, substituting the Crisco for butter and adding Antioxidant Fruit blend - a mixture of dried cherries, blueberries, cranberries and plums. The resulting cookie may not be healthy, but it is healthier...and very good!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Sick Day - Day 198

Poor Mike. He has been sick for almost 24 hours. I think maybe he finally got sick of me complaining about my job frustration or maybe it was the eggs and catfish he had yesterday for breakfast. Whatever it was...it was not good. I felt so bad for him today, but could do nothing but make sure he was hydrated and stay out of his way. Late this morning I headed out the door for errands and coffee with my friend Vicky. Coffee with Vicky turned into a four hour mutual therapy session. She helped me work through some of my challenges. I helped her with some of hers.

After errands I picked up Matzo Ball Soup for Mike. I hoped the Jewish Penicillin would do the trick. He at least ate a little and Maddie happily finished it off.

Tonight Mike and I were supposed to go to a soup party at my sister-in-law, Kevina's home. Needless to say, that was out of the question. But I had promised to bake cookies for the party...so bake cookies I did. I made Dark Chocolate Tri Berry. Mmmmmm the smell was intoxicating, but I didn't eat even one. I dropped them off and sprinted out the door. For some reason I felt awkward and totally out of place. I was late. My ex-husband and his wife were there. I was alone. I have been in this situation before and did not feel bad. Tonight I did.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Happy Retirement Dee ! - Day 197

My friend Dee just retired last week from Darden after...well, I can't remember, but many years. To celebrate, we got together for lunch today at The Ravenous Pig with our mutual friend Kenda. What a nice time we had! I have known Dee for years through work, but never really had the opportunity to just sit and talk. At almost seventy years old, Dee is amazing. I love the way she savors life and new experiences. She goes ballroom dancing several times each week and has me convinced to join her next Tuesday. I love to dance and have always wanted to take ballroom lessons. The lessons are very inexpensive and Dee gushes that the exercise is great and the people are fun. If Dee can do it, so can I.

I only hope when I can retire...at ninety, I will have the same spirit that Dee has.

Happy Retirement Dee!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Chilly, Chili Night With Dennis - Day 196

For the last few weeks I have had a hankering (love that word) for Chili and Jalapeno Cornbread. Tonight I got to satisfy my craving thanks to my friend Dennis. Dennis invited me to dinner at his house and it was oh so good. The chili had just the right amount of heat, lots of spice, beans and ground beef. I talked Dennis into experimenting with the cornbread by adding creamed corn, cheddar cheese and jalapenos. I think he was pleased with the results...I know I was. We talked about our families, work and life. Dennis needs to write a book...or a screen play about his family. They are full of stories and that is what life is all about. As I was driving home, I reflected again on just how fortunate I am to have friends in my life like Dennis. I must sound like a broken record, but...life is good, damn good.

Many hugs and chilly chili nights,

Kathy

Dining for Women - Day 196

A couple of weeks ago my friend Lynne suggested I attend the next meeting of Dining for Women. She thought my love of food, talking and the Power of Good would make this a perfect fit for me. She was right. Kim Button, an Eco-Wellness Consultant and Founder of a company called greenWell, is the organizer of the local chapter of Dining for Women. The group meets monthly for dinner and lively conversation. Each month a different charity is featured with optional donations made by the attendees. This month's charity was Unitus, www.unitus.com, a group that coordinates microfinance loans for deserving women around the world.

While I talk about the Power of Good, Kim is actually living it. I only spent an hour with her, but she already has my admiration.

Infusion Tea was the site of the meeting. I have passed by many times meaning to stop, but never did. I liked the comfortable ease of the restaurant and the food was healthy and tasty. Kenda and I shared our choices - Veggie Quesadillas and Greek Pizza accompanied by hot tea of course. This was such a soul satisfying end to a whirlwind of a day that took me to Gainesville, back to Orlando, to Tampa and then back to Orlando again.

Another highlight of my day was delivering my "baby" to a client in Gainesville. My client friend Margaret, Jarrod and I have been working for the last few months on a beautiful art book highlighting Margaret's paintings. Today I got to deliver the first of the books to Margaret and the look of pride on her face was priceless. Unfortunately, I was in such a hurry I forgot to take a picture. She called me the "midwife" of the project and paid me the ultimate compliment that the book would not have happened without my help. She and all her collaborators did all the hard work. My role was limited, but I was still so proud as if it were my own.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Check out this article in today's Orlando Sentinel about Cafe Italiano. Thanks for the heads up Karen. This is the restaurant I wrote about several weeks ago.


February 17 2010, 7:14 AM EST

James Lauro is continuing a restaurant legacy rarely heard of in Orlando. His
parents Salvatore and Antoinette opened Cafe Italiano in 1965 on Semoran
Boulevard with little money and Antoinette's family recipes brought from Naples,
Italy.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/food/os-cafe-italiano-culinary-hall-of-f
ame-ce20100217,0,3907910.story

Visit OrlandoSentinel.com at http://www.orlandosentinel.com

Fun Squared - Day 195

Today I stopped to smell the ocean breeze. What a gorgeous, fun day! My work travels took me down to Jupiter for the day to meet a client I had spoken to over the phone for years, but never met in person. Jeff was awesome. A recent transplant from upstate New York, Jeff is soaking in all that Florida has to offer. He shared stories of paddle boarding for 7 miles in under 2 hours, an upcoming trip to the Keys for a 12 mile paddle boarding adventure and explained kite boarding to me. His exuberant love of the Florida life opened my eyes to a new appreciation of just how magical our state can be.

I get bogged down in the billboards, chain restaurants and theme parks. And forget the beauty of the coast and the charm of a one of a kind restaurant like the delicious dive we visited for lunch. The Food Shack is located in a strip center at the intersection of US 1 and Indiantown. You would walk right past it if you didn't know better. But once you step inside, you will be back. The decor is eclectic, the menu island inspired and the taste delectable. We started the meal with a Fried Tuna Basil Roll. Oh my...it was yummy and served with a fantastic spicy fresh fruit salad. Jeff humored me by staging the food for my blog photos. For my lunch entree I ordered a fish plate - a nice size piece of Wahoo, blackened and served with coconut rice, cucumber salad and more of the mmmmmmm fruit salad. Jeff ordered a seared tuna sandwich that looked equally delicious.

As good as the food was, the conversation was even better. Jeff has a joy of life that is contagious. The part of my job I enjoy the most is the opportunity it affords me to meet a variety of interesting creative people. Today was one of those really good days. I took the time to stop and smell the ocean breeze and it smelled so fresh and good.

I took a back road back home from I-95 - Highway 46 from Mims to Sanford. It was beautiful...lots of water, marshy areas, wide open plains, palms and birds...very Florida. It was nice to have my eyes wide open.

Note to Self: Check out the Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar and Grill near Geneva. It is probably a biker bar, but it is in a really cool location. I need to learn more about it.

Today is realized I collect far more than smiles. I collect what is behind the smile...friendships. Cash Starved. Friend Wealthy.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Admiring Our Work - Day 194

As I mentioned yesterday, Mike and I worked hard to paint and refresh our bedroom. This morning when I pulled myself out of bed to head to work, I took a few extra moments to enjoy the room's new found serenity. The taupe color of the new paint has a calming effect. The new comforter is extra warm and comfy. We finally got to move the displaced furniture from the roommate days back where it belongs...and out of the clutter of our room. We pared down and simplified and now I never want to leave our bedroom retreat. Unfortunately...work beckoned.

Lunch today was eaten mid afternoon and was extra scrumptious. I picked up a Grilled Chicken Tostada Salad from Baja Kitchen. They fill a fresh tortilla bowl with very flavorful black beans, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, grilled green onions, grilled chicken and salsa. I topped it with extra salsa and fresh cilantro from the salsa bar. It was the bomb!

I am almost embarrassed to say, but tonight Mike and I ate out once again...at Sweet Tomatoes. I had grand plans of making spaghetti and meatballs, but our crazy schedules and errand running made eating out the best option once again. Potatoes are the stars right now at Sweet Tomatoes. I tried a yummy Yam Chowder with corn. It sounds kind of strange, but was really very good. The Rosemary Potato Foccacia Bread was also quite tasty.

Gotta run finish the White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies I am baking for my niece's party tomorrow.

Many hugs,

Kathy

My Heart's Content - Day 193

This morning started simply, but good. I prepared chocolate chip pancakes with bacon and hot coffee for my Valentine. We relaxed and read the paper before beginning our painting project. The rest of the day was devoted to painting our bedroom. We chose a soothing taupe color and were really pleased with the results.

Tonight Mike took me out to a surprise dinner for my Valentine's gift. He made reservations at Primo, an elegant, romantic restaurant at the J.W. Marriott. What an amazing decadent treat! The meal began with a basket of warm homemade bread. Then we shared an Antipasto Misti - Asiago Cheese, an assortment of Italian Meats, Marinated Olives, Crostini and a delicious Onion, Pepper and Fresh Basil Salad. Mike ordered the Orecchiette Bolognese. I savored the Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli with Poached Lobster. For dessert we shared a Chocolate Budino Cake with Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato. I loved the fact that Mike splurged on something that gave us both so much pleasure. It was so nice to be pampered and spend quality time with my honey.

My heart is very content. I love Mike!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Happy Birthday Victoria - Day 192

This is a momentous weekend for me...the first weekend I have had off in months. Mike and I had grand plans to refresh our bedroom with paint, furniture rearranging and new bed linens. Mike was very productive. I was not. While running errands this afternoon, I somehow managed to open the car door into my head. The result was a really nice gash, a sore eye socket and forgetting to call my best friend Victoria for her birthday. Victoria...if you are reading this, I promise to call you tomorrow.

This morning I dipped just about everything I could find in chocolate for Valentine's gifts for my mom, brother and friends. Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and Oreos took a dunk in the chocolate bath. Fresh blueberries were tucked into heart molds and covered with chocolate. Then I arranged, boxed and wrapped the tasty results. Judging from the reactions, this was time well spent.

Many hugs and Happy Birthday Victoria,

Kathy

Sobering News - Day 191

Today's frivolity of delivering cookies to co-workers, clients and friends hit a brick wall early this afternoon. Tracy, one of my fellow sales reps, just received the news that she has acute leukemia. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Tracy is a high energy person that eats right and exercises regularly. She has two young children and a loving husband. Last week she felt like she had a cold and was joking about her swollen ankles. Tomorrow she goes into isolation and will have to endure a battery of medical procedures. The news was a sobering reminder of just how fragile our lives can be. Tracy has a great upbeat perspective on life and I know it will serve her well in this battle. However, I also know she can benefit from all the positive thoughts that can be sent her way. Please join me in channeling the Power of Good to help her beat this thing.

Many hugs and good thoughts for Tracy,

Kathy

I'm Baaaack! - Day 190

Well I guess the Tasty Therapy Day did the trick to break the log jam in my brain. The thoughts are pouring out of me and most of them involve cookies and the Power of Good. While doctoring my coffee at the local Starbucks this morning, I came across an engaging fellow making small talk with me at the stand. He smiled and joked and made me happy. This deserved to be rewarded with a HeartSong cookie. Unfortunately all the bags in my car were already spoken for. Here goes the brain again...I thought I should keep a stash of individually wrapped cookies in the car for moments like this. I would call it "Random Acts of HeartSong" and photograph the smiles for my collection.

Then I took it a step further. Once a week I would have a drawing for a HeartSong Cookies basket delivered by me to a deserving soul. Well..maybe twice a month. How about once a month and the basket would be brimming with lots of HeartSong goodness.

Playing 'Cookie Fairy" is my favorite role and today I got to do it all day long. Many smiles were added to my collection. None better than the photo sent back to me from Morgan and David. I giggled all the way to Tampa. I'm baaaack!

After getting a proof approved, I decided to stop at Mel's Hot Dogs in Tampa for a quick lunch on the run. The Mel's Special Hot Dog basket and Coke with crushed ice were oh so good. I don't have hot dogs or fries very often, but when I do, Mel's is the spot. The devil in me took a picture to send to my friend Rita who introduced me to Mel's. Hee hee...I know it drove her crazy.

Tonight was Tasty Therapy Day Part 2. Before I headed home to bake for the evening I picked up dinner at a new barbecue spot in Winter Park - Four Rivers. Parking is limited. The brisket is to die for. And the sides are amazing. I ordered a brisket sandwich with two sides - bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos and roasted corn. The smell was so intoxicating I could not wait until I got home to enjoy. I did manage to save half a sandwich to share with our dog Maddie. Maddie agrees Four Rivers is awesome!

After dinner, I baked and baked and baked some more. I rolled out and decorated Sandy's Sugar Cookies and made another batch of White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies. More smiles are in my future.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Just What The Doctor Ordered - Day 189

Today was Tasty Therapy Day. I began my therapy by making Sandy's Sugar Cookie Dough for tomorrow night's session of cookie cutter fun. White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies were next on the agenda. Thank goodness I didn't forget how to bake during my month long retreat from the kitchen. The cookies looked and smelled delicious.

Unfortunately I seem to be prone to heading to work on my vacation days and today was no different. I stayed at work for a couple of hours, ran errands and then headed to Brio to satisfy my Tuscan Taster addiction with my friend Dennis. Dennis was just what the doctor ordered. We pigged out on Margarita Pizza, Meatballs with Polenta and a Brio Burger. We talked a lot, drank a little and had a great evening together topped off by mini creme brulee. It doesn't get much better than this.

After dinner I continued therapy with Toasted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies and HeartSong Cookies gift bag assembly. I may not have accomplished as much as I hoped, but I ended the day with gifts for tomorrow and a calmness I have been missing the last few days. Mission accomplished.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Tasty Therapy- Day 188

For the last two days I have been feeling kind of funky. The funkiness shows up in full force every time I sit down at my computer to write my blog. My mind goes blank. I have so many ideas and thoughts going on in this head of mind, that I have a difficult time focusing on a singular thought. I think my favorite therapy is long overdue...baking. Tomorrow I am taking the day off to bake for my clients, family and friends. But mostly, for me. I need a day to unwind, find my happy place and celebrate HeartSong Cookies Week.

Tonight I spent the evening mall walking and eating at Moe's with my friend Sandy. Dinner completely negated the walking benefit, but the company was great and the food was tasty.

Bear with me for one more day. I promise better postings are just around the corner. I also promise to share the results of my tasty therapy.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Brain Dead - Day 187

Tonight I spent a wonderful evening with Vicky, one of my favorite people in the world. We talked about the changes we thought were ahead in 2010 and as usual solved most of the world's problems in our three hours together. I came away so relaxed and happy that when I sat down to write tonight's post, nothing came to mind. All that talking and problem solving left me brain dead. Hopefully this is a temporary affliction.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Super Relaxing Sunday - Day 186

Mike and I had a case of the lazies today and it was oh so nice. We climbed out of bed about 10:15, showered, dressed and headed out the door for our personal Super Bowl Party Part 1 at BJ's Brewhouse. BJ's has great Happy Hour and game day specials. All day for Super Bowl Sunday appetizers were half price, draft beers and cocktails were $1.00 off and house wine was $3.00 a glass. These specials are also available 3-7 pm Monday through Friday and 10 pm to close Sunday through Thursday. Mike and I ordered Angus Beef Sliders, Potato Skins, a glass of wine and a draft beer. Our bill came to $16.00. We left the restaurant happy, relaxed and with change in our pocket.

Then I tortured Mike by taking him shopping. The last few months have been very difficult sharing our home with a roommate. We need to change things up and do something to pamper ourselves. A fresh paint color and new bedding for our bedroom seem like the least expensive way to make a change. I dragged Mike to IKEA, Marshalls and Ross, but came up empty handed.

Uuuugggg, work was our next destination. Mike worked on his website project while I shoveled quotes and files out of my office. After an hour, the floor was visible. I still had a bunch of shoveling to do, but one hour is more than enough time to spend at the office on such a beautiful day.

Tonight was our personal Super Bowl Party Part 2. I kept it simple - Tortilla Chips with Fresh Mango Salsa, Celery and Carrots with Homemade Blue Cheese Dip, Baked Teriyaki Chicken Wings and Plant City Strawberry Shortcake for dessert. Mike and I gorged ourselves by the fire while the New Orleans Saints kicked the Colts butts on the field. I was rooting for the Colts, but am very glad the Saints won. New Orleans needed that win. Mike wanted that win. Now my Super Relaxing Sunday is complete and once again...life is good.

Many hugs,

Kathy

Goodbye Ophelia - Day 185

My friend Kenda is helping me with my cash starvation by selling bears from my Steiff bear collection on eBay. Our first listing just sold and this morning I kissed Ophelia goodbye and packed her up for her new life in New York.

Then I headed to work at Costco. Today the customers seemed to be embracing the festivity of Super Bowl weekend. Carts were filled to the brim with beer, chips, pizzas, chicken wings, burgers, buns and at least 50 bottles of Montepulciano (the wine I sell). The CDS demonstrators were in full force, offering tastings of brownie bites, chips and mango salsa, pita chips and hummus (extra good, served by Mom), cheese pizza, three kinds of chicken wings, spinach dip, All-American chocolate cake and Marcona almonds. It was quite a smorgasbord. Customers were hovering around every station like vultures. I have to admit on my breaks, I was a vulture too.

Kenda tells me almost daily that to make your dreams come true you must put your thoughts out into the universe. So Kenda...this one is for you. I want to go to Italy! I want to eat my way across the Italian countryside. I want to drink the wine...lots of wine. I want to appreciate the art and the history. I want to have my own stories to tell of the beauty of the countryside and the warmth of its people. I want to go to Italy...soon!

Well I don't have a stamp on my passport yet...I don't even have a passport. But I did take a trip to Sweet Tomatoes tonight with Mike and our BOGO coupon. The chilly night air made soup the perfect choice for dinner. I tried two - Sweet Potato Corn recipes seeChowder and Chili. Both were yummy, but I especially liked the chowder. The sweet potato was a nice compliment to the natural sweetness of the corn and the smokiness of the ham. You still can't beat Sweet Tomatoes for value. The two of use dined for just over $15.00 with our BOGO coupon.

If you haven't checked out "The Thin Chef" blog listed on my blog list, you definitely should. Her easy read writing style, gorgeous photography and mouth watering recipes make it one of my favorites. Just click and enjoy.

Many hugs,

Kathy

I Love Mike! - Day 184

I love Mike...and Brio Tuscan Tasters. Earlier today when I was planning my food day with Mike, he gave me a choice of Sweet Tomatoes or Brio for dinner. Of course I chose Brio. Work had gotten the best of me this week. But it was nothing a little wine, cheap eats and time with Mike wouldn't cure. Anxious to begin my weekend, I arrived at Brio a little after 5:00. I ordered a glass of Kaiken Malbec and a Margarita Flatbread Tuscan Taster while I waited for Mike to brave the traffic. Facebook kept me company. I announced my Brio Tuscan Tasters addiction to the world...or at least my little world of 39 friends. I watched people and let all my troubles fade away.

My weekend was off to a great start. But it got even better when I looked up to see Mike walk in the door. I love spending time with Mike. He has this amazing way of making me feel calm, secure and happy. He has the same affect on Maddie, our dog. I call him the "Dog Whisperer". I think he may be the "Kathy Whisperer" as well. We talked and laughed and shared a piece of yummy chocolate caramel cake and coffee.

Life is good and I love Mike!

Many hugs,

Kathy

I Live To Eat! - Day 183

Several years ago I had an epiphany. I would never by skinny, svelte or toned. And that was OK as long as I was happy in this flabby skin of mine. Being obsessed with food makes it very difficult to do without it. I wake up planning my food day. A trip to a nice restaurant is a cherished event. I may not remember what I did 10 minutes ago, but I can remember what I ate 10 years ago. I remember how it looked, tasted and smelled as if the plate was in front of me.

I find it kind of funny that I have always surrounded myself with skinny friends. My skinny friend, Kenda likes food, but can go most of the day without eating anything at all. My skinny sister-in-law, Kevina does the same thing. I cannot comprehend that practice. Trust me, you would not want to be anywhere near me if I missed a meal. The witchy side of my personality rears its ugly head. I think the difference is Kenda, Kevina, Carolyn, Victoria and all the others, eat to live. I live to eat!

Right now I can feel every one of the extra 50 pounds I am carrying around. Since dieting doesn't seem to be an option for me, I need to step up the exercise or should I say, START the exercise. Tonight I met my friend Sandy at Crane's Roost and walked two times around the lake. The walk only amounted to two miles, but it was a start.

Many hugs and first steps,

Kathy

Fulfilling A Promise - Day 182

A couple of months ago, a customer named James came into Costco. He talked to me about wine and the restaurant he owns in East Orlando. Perpetual road construction and a troubled economy have taken a toll on his business...a business that was started by his parents in 1965. Wow...1965! Over 40 years in business is amazing. I think it qualifies as an Orlando institution. As James described his mom's homemade cheesecake and homemade ravioli, I knew this was a restaurant I had to visit. I promised James I would come to dine the following week. And then came the holidays, baking, more baking and work. My promise was unfulfilled and almost forgotten.

A couple of weeks ago, James stopped by Costco again. I was embarrassed that I didn't live up to my vow to visit. Once again I promised to stop by his restaurant. And tonight I fulfilled that promise with friends Kenda and Carolyn in tow.

Walking into Cafe Italiano was like stepping back in time. The decor had a comfort about it and we immediately felt at home. James warmly greeted us and showed us to a curved booth in the corner. He described some of his favorites from the menu and we followed his recommendations. Carolyn ordered Mahi Piccata - a nice size piece of fish served over angel hair pasta and topped with a delicate lemon butter sauce. Kenda chose Chicken Cacciatore - chicken tenders cooked with chunks of mushrooms, onions and peppers in a deliciously rich tomato and wine sauce. I opted for Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Meatballs - little pockets of cheese topped with a flavorful meat sauce and two yummy, nicely spiced meatballs.

No matter how full we were, we had to try Mom's Homemade Cheesecake and James' Homemade Tiramisu. Both were incredible. The New York Style Cheesecake had a silky smooth consistency that melted in your mouth and was topped with a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce that added just the right amount of sweetness. The Tiramisu was one of the best I have ever had. It was light, creamy with a wonderful espresso flavor. What a perfect ending to a promise fulfilled!

Many hugs,

Kathy

Make Lemonade - Day 181

Today I got to experience another first...an abscessed tooth. Not fun. I left work a little early to catch up on some personal errands neglected last week with my crazy work schedule. I actually got home while it was still light, walked Maddie and even had time to get in touch with my inner "Juanita" by picking a basket of lemons from the back yard.

Life has dealt me its fair share of lemons lately. It's time to make lemonade.

Well, not literally. I actually warmed up the leftover fried rice from PF Chang and pan fried some pot stickers, but it sounded good.

Many hugs,

Kathy

The Roller Coaster Ride of Life - Day 180

After a really nice weekend and dreams of the Power of Good, I had high expectations for this Monday. And then I drove to work. I was greeted by the front door with a trail of trash. This was the same trash that I saw last Monday and decided to see how long it would take for someone to pick up. Well after a full week, I decided it was my job. To me, this is one of the little things that makes a difference. This is the entrance to the business and it should not look like a garbage dump. Well that set the tone of my day. I feel like those around me don't care. They settle for average when greatness is in their grasp. This infuriates me and is a source of great frustration with my job. Down the slope I went after an exhilarating upward climb this weekend.

I stopped by to see Kenda to drop off a check for Mark and ended up having a breakdown. Out came all my feelings of frustration, dreams of my own venture and self doubt. Kenda listened to every word, offered encouragement and made me feel so much better. Wheeeeeee...I am on the upward climb again. Then it was back to work. Down I go. I stayed late after most of the staff had left to get my quotes and paperwork completed. Two of my co-workers stopped me in the parking lot to tell me how much they appreciate me. It was exactly what I needed to hear and totally unexpected. Here we go again...wheeeee. When I got home I cooked some pasta, warmed up the Italian sausage in tomato sauce I made last week for Mike, assembled a tomato, onion and olive salad, toasted bread and poured a nice big glass of wine. Then I sat down in the living room to revel in my time alone. No roommate...only me, Maddie, my wine and pasta. Yum. What a wild ride.

Did I mention I hate roller coasters?

Many hugs and upward climbs,

Kathy