Tag: food

Bearing Witness

Posted on by Kelsey Leetzow

Standing at a wedding recently, I thought “the only thing I have to do right now, the only purpose for me being here, is to bear witness to this moment. That’s why we’ve been invited here. To sit. To watch. To witness as these two people commit themselves to each other.”

Wow. How powerful is that? I don’t have to do anything. I just have to be here.

I think that’s actually the way it is with a lot of life. Particularly in relationships. You don’t have do anything. I mean of course you do. But one of the biggest things in marriage and in friendship and even in family is being witness to another person’s journey. To his or her life. To watch it and to say I see you.

One of my best friends had a baby recently. Of course, I’ve been putting pressure on myself to take all kinds of food over there since before the baby was even born. I’m sure food would be nice and welcomed. But most of all I think our friends just want to spend time with us. To hang out like we did before the baby. To be around and present while they navigate this new chapter. To bear witness to their journey.

On the flip side, I’ve got a friend going through a break-up. There’s nothing we can do to fix it. To put these two people back together. Sure we can help with some logistical things. We can provide meals or distractions. But more importantly than that it’s being there. We’re here. We see you. We love you. It’s ok. It’s going to be ok.

Every September, I get into a weird funk. I’m super moody and reflective. It’s like a dark night of the soul kind of thing. This weekend I was talking to some girlfriends about it and they were like oh yeah, it’s September already. You’ve gotten like this every September since we’ve known you. They can’t take away the emotional discomfort I feel in September, but them acknowledging and validating my experience — witnessing it — made me feel less alone.
Sometimes in life, you don’t have to do anything. You don’t have to fix it, you don’t have to make it better or take it to the next level even. You don’t even have to be the absolute best version of yourself. You just have to be there. To bear witness.

link love

Posted on by jplatt27

I found the perfect time to go to the grocery store: Thursday night at 8:45. Just got back from a super quick trip to pick up a few things for breakfast on Saturday morning and it was a dream! There was no one in the store so I was able to zip around, getting the few things I needed — and a few extras that caught my eye. My good mood probably helped with the zipping!

Happy weekend! Some links for you:

A super indulgent smoothie I drank four times this week

I love taking myself on dates so I loved this post about a girl who dated herself as a rebound (Good share, Colleen!)

I always say “sometimes saying no to others means saying yes to yourself” so I love my friend Jess’ idea to capture your no’s. And check out her email course, 30 Days of Gutsy, too!

Love this idea for connecting with friends!

I’ve been thinking about making these pancakes again for a couple weeks now…maybe this weekend?

And a quote from a book I’m reading:

“Loneliness is an invitation to recognize that our hearts have more capacity to love. The same way hunger pangs tell us when we need nourishment and energy, loneliness is our heart’s way of encouraging us to engage.” ~Shasta Nelson, Friendships Don’t Just Happen

 

link love

Posted on by jplatt27

snow covered rooftops.jpg

It’s a snow day–for everyone in DC but me and my colleagues. I can’t believe the university I work for isn’t closed. Seriously, I can’t believe it. On the bright side: I’m glad I have new Hunter boots to wear and I’m taking this as permission to wear leggings to work 🙂

If you’re enjoying the beautiful snow fall from the comfort of your couch–maybe in your robe while drinking coffee with your Christmas mug (like Mike), here are some links to enjoy while you relax. Enjoy!

The salad version of comfort food. We’ve made this twice now. I’m obsessed.

As a book lover, I love this idea for a Secret-Santa.

Should is a warning sign. Yes.

Completely agree with this video about the best workout.

You’ve got to download this wallpaper. I couldn’t agree more.

Stumbled on Elizabeth’s blog this weekend and am fascinated by her 30 Days of Hair Series. I’ve watched beach waves and blowout and can’t wait to watch more. I’ve recently been getting into beauty more and these hair tutorials are perfect. Not only does she have videos, she has a list of exactly the products she’s using right on the post. Brilliant! Don’t you love when exactly what you need/want shows up at exactly the right time?  I do.

Pretty sure this is the best Buzzfeed ever. As a huge Home Alone fan, I literally laughed out loud.

This question is radical and will change the way you think about goals. (Click this link and watch the video.) And then, if you’re in the DC area and want to be in a soulful book group that really gets into how you want to answer this question, email me. I’d love to have you.

Any links you’re loving lately? Please share in the comments!

hello 2013

Posted on by jplatt27

The past two days have been just what we needed. After 9 jam packed days in PA, we needed these two days to decompress and do our own thing.

Both days consisted of breakfast out, shopping, relaxing, napping, straightening our apartment, and more relaxing.  We had nothing to do and no schedule, just kind of did what we felt like when we felt like it.

Though not nearly as intense as last year we continued some beginning of the year rituals–we did a little organizing and purging and had a mini-budget conversation.

We capped off our break and began the new year with one of our favorite meals. (This is tonight’s dinner–last night we ordered Chinese.)

I’m looking forward 2013 and all the new year brings. Cheers!

Talk to me:

How did you start your year?

two for two going on three for three

Posted on by jplatt27

This week marks our third week of new recipes.

We’re making it a priority to try one new recipe per week.  Cooking is one of our favorite things to do together and this is a fun way to make sure our weeknights don’t get away from us.  (Read this morning’s post for more on the background here.)

So far we’re two for two on choosing good recipes and recreating them well.

The first week we made a recipe I’ve been wanting to make for like 3 years: Rachel Ray’s Greek Beef Tenderloin in Togas.

This was a great, balanced meal and though it looks difficult, it really wasn’t.  It was a little time consuming but so worth it.  And the recipe made 6 servings so we had lunch for two days in addition to this dinner!

I loved that the steak, orzo, and vegetable salad recipes were all listed in one.  It was a complete meal in one recipe–no need to worry about finding multiple recipes to complete a meal.

Last week, our second week, we made Seared Scallops over Wilted Spinach and Parmesan Risotto from SkinnyTaste.

This dish was so satisfying.

Mike’s thoughts:

“one of the best meals we’ve ever made”

“This is restaurant quality.”

I agree. It was delicious. And again, relatively simple. We love risotto so that wasn’t a problem and the scallops and spinach were super easy in a skillet.

Tonight, we’re trying Tyler Florence’s Cheese Fondue recipe! Hoping we go three for three!

a new recipe for balance

Posted on by jplatt27

If there’s one thing I want in my life it’s balance, something that’s not always easy to come by.  My weeks are always packed and I find myself at one of two extremes: either go-go-go or zonked out in front of the TV until bed.

But I recently found a new way to create balance during the week.

A few weeks ago I made Jessica‘s BBQ Spiced Salmon with Pineapple Jalapeno Salsa.  It was the first time I had cooked in months–or cooked something new. Ok, kind of both.  No, I don’t count pancakes.

It felt so good.

I’m telling you, cooking is good for the soul.  Or good for mine anyway.  There is just something about cooking, especially something new, that grounds you in the present moment.  The brightness of the foods, the fresh smells while prepping and the hearty smells while cooking, the sound of onions and garlic hitting a hot pan, the feel of actually doing something with your hands.  It’s awesome.

I was so happy to serve Mike a delicious dinner, impressed with the finished product, and completely energized by the whole process.

It was then that I decided that I need to prioritize this.  If I don’t make room for it in my life, my week nights will get away from me.  In our discussion about the dishes, when I asked Mike if it was about something bigger like wanting to spend more time with me, he said that he did miss us cooking together.

I decided that we should make one new recipe a week together.  Mike liked the idea so it’s our new thing.  One new recipe a week is my new recipe for balance. One new recipe a week to keep me grounded and to connect with my husband.

It’s great.  We’re making new meals and we’re spending quality time together. Win-win.  (You know I love win-wins!)

And we’ve been sitting at the table to eat which is so nice and not the norm for us.

I love this idea! It’s really helped me to be present on weeknights and has actually made my evenings seem longer and more energized. I hate when I feel like I just come home and do nothing.

Check back this afternoon to see what we’ve made so far!

I’d love to know:

What do you do to balance your weeks?

mike's birthday surprise (and mine too!)

Posted on by jplatt27

Mike’s birthday was on Thursday.

Remember our gift giving policy? Well I had a great idea…

His present came in a box and included a chocolate cake and something else that Mike goes nuts over…

No, I didn’t pop out of a cake.  😉

I ordered pizzas from Lou Malnati’s in Chicago and had them delivered on his birthday!

I was so excited about this gift, telling all of my co-workers about it and how I made a fake reservation for dinner that we wouldn’t use because once Mike saw the pizzas he was going to want to heat one up and eat it right then.

I was also a little nervous about getting Mike to meet me at our apartment and not the restaurant so he could get his gift but luckily Mike’s pretty agreeable and when I said “I want to bring the car home and don’t know what time I’ll get there, let’s meet at home” he said “sounds good.”

The package was waiting for Mike at the door when he got home (lucky!) and he said it was such a nice surprise.

When I walked in, he said “thanks for my present!” and I was like “oh, yay! it’s here!”

Though he knew what was inside (see outside above) and was smiling from ear to ear and sitting on the edge of the couch excited to open it, he waited for me to get home to open it, knowing that I’d want to take pictures to share with you all. He cut it open, took out one pepperoni and one sausage pizza, and a chocolate cake, said something like “sweet, thank you!”

“Should we go?” he says…

I was like “oh, you still want to go to dinner? I only made that reservation to keep you off of my trail.  I thought you’d want to stay in and eat the pizza immediately.”

Literally I thought he was going to go nuts over this.  I guess I thought he’d start drooling uncontrollably and jump up and down like a puppy.  Apparently he has more restraint that I thought.

But he said he was looking forward to going out for dinner and drinks and relaxing.  While I was surprised, I totally understood and thought he might feel that way.

Luckily I hadn’t cancelled our reservation as I’d planned to do, so we headed down to the waterfront for dinner. (check that off the summer to-do list!)

gorgeous view of the Potomac and the Kennedy Center

 What a view, huh?

It was a gorgeous night and we got a great table at Sequoia.

To be honest, the food wasn’t that great but it was still a relaxing, enjoyable dining experience.

Then, Friday night we had one of the pizzas for dinner.

O.M.G. was it delicious.  I honestly wasn’t crazy about the pizza when we got it in Chicago in the fall but this one was so so so good.

Mike was going nuts.  He had a smile on his face the whole time he was eating it. I think this gift makes the “best of our relationship” list!

And we still have one pizza and the chocolate cake left!  My mouth is watering just thinking about it!


 

what's for dinner? wednesday: 2 for 1

Posted on by jplatt27

Saturday morning I put buffalo chicken in the crock pot. Isn’t making lunch on a weekend such an accomplishment?

After my favorite Saturday morning activities I went to the grocery store to get a few things for lunch and thought “we should go for a picnic!” I ran home, packed up everything for lunch, and called our friends John and Mindy to see if they wanted to meet us. They agreed! Isn’t calling a friend at the last minute and saying “hey-what-are-you-doing, do-you-want-to _____” and having it all work out just the best?

We had a picnic in Lafayette Park across from the White House. The weather was GORGEOUS. We had our buffalo chicken sandwiches, caught up, and then had a frisbee toss.

The next day was the 5k for Girls on the Run. When I got home we used the leftover buffalo chicken and made a pizza! Isn’t using leftovers in a different way so satisfying??

Between the 5k and eating a heavy pizza, I was kind of a zombie after that.  Regardless, the pizza was delicious and the sandwiches the day before were yummy!

Here are the recipes for both. (Do I owe you because it’s been so long since my last what’s for dinner wednesday? post?)

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Make this buffalo chicken recipe in the crockpot.

When the chicken is finished, put it on some nice big rolls.  Sesame seeds add a nice touch.

Serve with pickles, blue cheese, and maybe some potato chips.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Make this buffalo chicken recipe in the crockpot (or use leftovers from the sandwiches above).

Saute some about half a red onion, chopped.

Make a Pillsbury pizza crust according to package directions. After you pre-cook the crust it a bit, top with blue cheese dressing, onions, buffalo chicken, monterey jack cheese. Cook until the crust is done.

Top with watercress for a pop of freshness. Some chopped celery would add a nice crunch too!

Let’s chat:

What do you usually do for lunch on the weekends?

Have you turned leftovers into something special recently?

To see what we had for dinner tonight, like Things After the Rings on Facebook!

A Wonderfully Ordinary Wednesday Evening

Posted on by jplatt27

Last night was a really good night.  It may seem like it’s nothing special because it was just a Wednesday night at home but these kinds of nights are kind of out-of-the-ordinary for me. So, this ordinary, run-of-the-mill Wednesday night filled with normal things and with a blend of relaxing and productivity is very special to me.

Warning: this post is full of digressions and small details.

I got home from work and immediately sat down at the computer to do some writing.  I even sat there with my jacket on for a little while.  Usually I come home and change my clothes first. thing. But I was motivated and wanted to jot my ideas down while they were fresh so I did.  I wrote for about 20 minutes or so until Mike got home.

I greeted him: “Hello! What are you doing?”

He responds: “Just walking in the door.”

Me: “Why are you laughing?”

Mike: “Because I just walked in the door, that’s what I’m doing.”

Riight.

Usually we get started on dinner right away but I suggested we get in bed for a bit. I took off my skirt and cardigan and climbed into bed in my underwear and blouse. It was one of those ahh, this bed is soo comfortable feelings where you just melt into the bed and your stress falls away. Mike changed out of his work clothes and joined me and had the exact same reaction until he said “can you move over? I’m not liking this…” I readjusted.

We basked in the glory of our comfortable bed and our little reprive. Mike said “My feet are cold, let me get in here” as he put his cold feet between mine.  We snuggled in together.

I was about to doze off when he asked me how my day was.

“It was good,” I said sleepily.

“Now’s not a good time to chat?”

“No, I’ll chat.  If I want to chat at all I better do it now since the Flyers are on tonight and you won’t be available then.”

I told him about my day, a small accomplishment at work. Then, he shared about his day.  Then…

“Do I still have that thing in my nose?” I ask holding my nose open and pointing.

“What thing? I don’t see anything.”

“Like right there. I can feel it, it hurts kinda.”

“Close your nostril.”

We stayed in bed for a while chatting briefly and cuddling.  This 30 minutes in bed was such a nice break from the usual.

I volunteered to make dinner while Mike relaxed on the couch. He was excited when I offered and I was happy to do it.

While making dinner I boiled some eggs, something I’d been meaning to do all week.  And when I cracked them for breakfast this morning they were perfect.

Here’s the method we used from Real Simple. Yes, we had to Google because neither of us knew the right way and when I called my mom she didn’t answer.

It’s funny–that’s the first thing that comes to mind when I imagine my mom not being here anymore and me wanting to call her for something. That I won’t be able to call her to tell me how to boil an egg. And I never wanted to Google it because of that. But as I was thinking about this last night I’m like I Google a million other things. It’s fine to Google things there’s a method for.  What will be really sad is when my mom isn’t there for me to call when I’m sick (like I did every day I was sick last week–she’s probably glad I’m better) or when I’m upset or need help with my future kids. It’s fine to Google how to boil an egg.

We watched an episode of Modern Family while we ate BLT’s.  We’re watching from the beginning on Netflix. It was the Valentine’s Day episode in the second season.

Then I hopped up to do my project: make chocolate chip cookie dough peanut butter cups for book club on Friday. Mike did the dishes quick while I read through the recipe and collected the ingredients.

I worked happily on these little gems, squealing with delight as they started to come together. Mike was yelling in anger at the Flyers.

In between the three phases I wrote a blog post and did the dishes. I finished the peanut butter cups, finished the dishes, finished the blog post and got in bed to read.

Lights out at 9:55. Good. night.

I’d love to know:

What’s a great Wednesday night for you?

What are some things you call your mom for?

 

What's for Dinner? Wednesday: BLTs

Posted on by jplatt27

We hosted some friends for a small brunch on Easter Sunday. I think it was the first time we’ve hosted that we were actually ready for the guests when they arrived. We had a minor spat and were super flustered prepping for our Super Bowl party, and when we hosted a Christmas party a few years ago we were rushing to finish homemade spanakopita triangles as the start time drew near. Oh, and we had friends staying with us at the time that witnessed this stress. Nothing like getting frustrated with your spouse in front of a friend.

Though this was a huge victory for us, being ready in time wasn’t the only way we prepped for success. We  invited a great group of friends. We planned a full menu: blueberry muffins, scrambled eggs, bacon, porkroll sandwiches*, homefries, and dessert pizza. We also told our friends exactly what to bring: stuff for mimosas and a fresh fruit platter.

Breakfast turned out great and everyone had a nice time.  I love hosting friends (hence my resolution to host once per month), I love feeding people. It was a good day. [I intended to have pictures taken at brunch so I could post about it.  I delegated this task to Mike.  He didn’t take any pictures and I totally forgot while the brunch was happening. Working on that.]

How does this relate to What’s for Dinner? Wednesday, you wonder. Well, we had about a pound of bacon leftover. So when we made our grocery list and menu for this week, Mike suggested we have BLTs.

A classic American sandwich, the simple BLT has a nice combination of flavors and textures.  You have the crunch of the lettuce and toast, the juicy tomato (must add a touch of salt to truly bring out the flavor), the crisp, salty, meaty bacon, and that special something that mayo adds.  And yes, you must use real mayo. [No, Hellman’s did not sponsor this post.]

Mike gobbled these sandwiches right up.  And then ate a third of my sandwich that I didn’t want. He now has a stomach ache.  I’m not sure if that’s from the 2.33 sandwiches he ate or from the mayo that was “best before Jan. 24, 2012.” Oops.

*Porkroll is a breakfast meat common in SE PA and Southern New Jersey. It’s like ham but much better. When we moved to DC we realized we had friends that had never had porkroll and we wanted to share the goodness. Oh, and this is my specialty.

Talk to me:

What’d you have for dinner?

Have you ever had porkroll? If you came over for breakfast, would you try it?