Library Time!

Hello Everyone!

It's Library time!

Yeah for reading!

So for the past couple weeks I read the book The Pact by Jodi Picoult.  Oh was it good!!! Some of her books just tug at some really incredible societal issues it's crazy.  This story is about a suicide pact between two teenagers in love.  I didn't know how I was going to handle this book, but it so much more than the plot line.  The relationships and secrets that develop and form are really compelling.  Their have been very mixed reviews on this book - either you like it or don't.  I suggest you read it just so you can decide for yourself!

After The Pact, I started up on Too Close to the Falls again.  I stopped it because I just couldn't get into it.  I think I might be too young for it - but I am sure I will probably try to read it again at some point.  Each time I try to read it I get a little further but then I lose interest.

So now I am onto the book The House I Loved by one of my favorite book's author Tatiana De Rosnay.  Tatiana wrote Sarah's Key, which if you have not read you should have yesterday it is that good!  This book is really good so far - set in Paris during the mid - late 1800's its a love letter written by a widow to her deceased husband.  During this time the Parisian government is trying to modernize the city forcing people out of their homes to build newer and better buildings.  There is a secret the widow has kept for her entire life that she is trying to tell her husband about - a lot of back story, but I really am intrigued to find out what the secret is.

After that I plan on reading The American Heiress followed by the Bridal Quartet by Nora Roberts that my friend Angela recommended me to read!  I am very excited to get into this series!

Keep on reading!
xoxo Sarah

Home Sweet Home Wisconsin

Happy Monday all!

This past weekend, Zachary and I traveled to WI to visit my parents and sister who live just north of Milwaukee.  Even though the weather was cold and rainy we found some great indoor activities to do.

Saturday afternoon, my mom took Zachary and I to Cedarburg, WI which is a great little town just near my parents.  They have great festivals throughout the year at their cute downtown area.  We went to the Cedar Creek Winery there which is definitely one of their best attractions.  We had a wine tasting as bought some wine to take home with us!  It was a great afternoon!

SOURCE: HERE

On Saturday evening, Zachary and I decided to take the party to the Third Ward of Milwaukee where we had some more wine an appetizer at the Milwaukee Public Market.  In all the years I lived and grew up in WI, I had yet to go to the Milwaukee Public Market - and oh what fun it was!  It's like a gourmet bizarre of local eateries and groceries.  You can go there - have some oysters and beer or just shop and get some local cheese and bakery items!  Zachary and I went to the Theif Wine location in the market.  They have a great variety of wine to choose from.  Zachary and I picked up a bottle of sherry there - we needed to try some because of our love of Frasier!!  Anyways, this is just a great modern location for any food needs and desires you might want!  I highly recommend it!

Lastly, Zachary and I went to dinner at Water Buffalo just a couple blocks from the market.  Zachary and I had a great Asian flavored calamari appetizer, a salad, and some great entrées!  Zachary had braised short ribs and I had open faced lobster ravioli!  Absolutely delicious and reasonably priced- I wish I had my camera with me!  Unfortunately it was spur of the moment so I didn't have my camera on me!  But what a great casual modern feel!  

This weekend was a lot of fun back at home!  It makes me miss WI and my family but at least they are close!  To my mom, dad, Kate and Beau - I love you and miss you all the time!

Go Pack Go!

xoxo Sarah

Tea of the Week!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Sorry this is a little delayed!

Today's Tea of the Week is Trader Joe's Peppermint Tea which has no caffeine in it.  It's not as strong as the tea I posted here about the other peppermint tea I enjoy.

It just has a subtle peppermint taste to it that is just perfect!

Have a cup of tea today and relax!
xoxo Sarah

Lobster Paella

I first saw this recipe on my friend Katie's Blog!  I thought this paella looked so amazing I just had to make it!

I made this one night for Zachary and myself.  I forgot the peas at one point when I took the pictures, but I added them after!  But this dinner has to be one of our favorites.  Ina Garten is a genius!

The recipe is HERE. It's totally easy and totally delicious!  I really recommend you trying it and it is definitely a great spring/summer dish.  The most fun with this dish is definitely playing with the saffron threads!

YUMMY!
xoxo Sarah

Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches with Peanut Butter Filling

For Admin Professionals Day, I decided to bring a treat for the office.  I made these cookies that I found on the blog, Joy the Baker. She has great culinary and creative ideas!  This blog is really fun.

The cookies were extremely easy to make and super delicious!  Don't worry I only had one - but I could have had the whole batch!  And what is great, the oatmeal cookie in general is delicious!  The nutmeg and cinnamon in this cookie tastes amazing!  I think I have definitely found a staple oatmeal cookie!

Click HERE for the recipe!

Enjoy Joy!
xoxo Sarah

Happy Admin Professionals Day

Happy Administrative Professionals day to everyone who is out there who supports leadership!

My recruiting manager, Mari, sent me these today to celebrate!  Aren't the beautiful!

xoxo Sarah

White Chicken Chili

Last weekend, Zachary's brother, Sean, came over so I decided to make my mother-in-law's famous White Chicken Chili.  I have had the ingredients for a couple weeks but I haven't had a chance to make it yet!  So I was so excited to have this opportunity to try and make this!  

It is super easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious!  We ate it with Panera bread bowls because that is what the guys loved to eat it with!   

Here is the recipe:

White Chicken Chili

4 chicken breasts

1 onion, diced

4 oz. can of chopped green chilis

1 jar of salsa

1/2 c. corn oil

4 cups of warm water or chicken broth

2 tsp parsley ,dry

2 1/4 tsp oregano

1 TBLS & 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 TBLS & 1/2 tsp ground cumin 

2 1/4 tsp garlic powder 

1/3 cup chicken broth

4 cans northern  beans, with liquid

Dice chicken breasts and saute with onion in corn oil.  Add all ingredients EXCEPT beans and simmer for 15-20 min.  Add beans and liquid and simmer 15 min more.  Add a little cheese and sour cream on type if you would like as well!

Muy Delicioso,

xoxo Sarah

Tea of the Week!

Good Evening!

Today's tea of the week is whatever tea YOU are drinking!

I want to know what tea you like? What new teas should I try?  Have you heard of any good ones lately?  Are they green teas or bedtime teas?  Are they caffeinated or caffeine-free?


Let me know your thoughts!

I'm listening,
xoxo Sarah

Pig Roast!

Last Thursday, I had an amazing meal at a place in Chicago called Frontier.  My leadership team decided to go to Frontier to recognize the business and effort put into the past first quarter of 2012.

I just had to share about the meal we had.  We had a PIG ROAST!  The last time I had a pig roast was in Hawaii on Zachary and my honeymoon in Hawaii at the luau we went to.  Not only was the pig delicious, but the sides were incredible as well.

With ordering the pig roast (has to be done 5 days in advance), we had a caesar salad with amazing polenta croutons.  Then we had succotash as well as johnny cakes.  Last side to come out before the pig was an amazing baked macaroni and cheese.  Everything was so delicious.

I would definitely recommend this place to anyone that wants to go for a big party and for a good time.  There was great atmosphere, great service, and great food!

xoxo Sarah

Library Time!

Hello everyone!

So I know I haven't written about the books I have been reading in a while because I have actually just been reading 1 book!

In the past two weeks, I have been reading the same book Bel Canto by Ann Patchett.  I tried to read The Healing (like I wrote in my previous post), but I just couldn't seem to get into it.  So I decided to move onto Bel Canto.  It was a difficult read - it took me two weeks (around 300 pages) - but what a PHENOMENAL book.

It's about a party that is held hostage by terrorists somewhere in South America.  There is a mixture of culture all over - Russia, Italy, Japan, Spanish, English...so many differently languages trying to communicate in one story.  There is suspense and -believe it or not - romance as well.  The reason why all of these people are at this party is to celebrate the birthday of a very important businessman from Japan.  His favorite Soprano opera singer was asked to come sing for the party, even though she normally doesn't do private engagements.  They have all come to this party to see her perform.  And there the story begins.

I say it is a must read - even though it might be difficult - the way Ann Patchett writes how the individuals communicate in all the different languages - by silence or by an interpreter - it's genius.

Next book on the list is The Pact by Jodi Picoult.  I have heard it is a great book!

Happy Reading!
xoxo Sarah

Hey Baby, I Hear the Blues A-Callin'

One of Zachary and my favorite things to do is to eat dinner and watch "Frasier" on Netflix.

I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.  I think this show is great!  I understand now why my parents loved it when I was little.  

SOURCE: HERE

What is your favorite feel-good TV show to watch?  Are you a "Glee" or "Smash" fan?  Or do you like watching Donald Driver on "Dancing with the Stars?"

Let me know!  I want to know!

Tossed salad and scrambled eggs,

xoxo Sarah

Tea of the Week!

Happy Tuesday!

This week's tea of the week is Lipton's Decaffeinated Green Tea.

You can find this at EVERY grocery story and it's just a great tea to sip throughout the day.  Today in Chicago there was only a high of 48 degrees, so this is the perfect tea to be sipping throughout the day!

I would love to know some more about your favorite teas that you have tried!  Are there any exotic teas I should be trying?  Let me know!



Happy Tea Time!
xoxo Sarah

Skinny Coconut Cupcakes - Easter Style!

Oh man so I am in LOVE with this blog called skinnytaste.com!  Everything on there looks delicious!  So I saw this one recipe that I thought was TOOO cute for Easter.  Since we were going over to my in-laws, I thought I had to make this.  Now - I have not been the biggest fan of coconut.  I mean I like my occasional Malibu and Pineapple - but straight coconut - not a big fan.  This though - CHANGED MY MIND!  Plus they are healthier than normal cupcakes.  Instead of piling on the frosting - they tell you how much should be on each cupcake.

Anywho here is the recipe if you would like to see:  http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/03/skinny-coconut-cupcakes.html

Aren't they just adorable!?!

xoxo Sarah

Italian Easter Bread

So I wanted to try something very different this year for Easter.  I found this recipe at browneyedbaker.com.

The recipe is a little intense - and it makes two breads - so if you would like the recipe click HERE.

This Italian bread was a labor of love - as usually Zachary is the bread maker in our family.

It's a sweet bread that is braided with an orange flavor.  It is very delicious :)

Take a look below:

Yeah for Bread!
xoxo Sarah

Easter Weekend

Happy Easter over to one and all!!

This past week/weekend was a time I was able to spend some time with family and able to reflect about what Easter is all about.  It's crazy to think that this is the most important holiday in Catholicism - because this is what Catholicism is built on -the resurrection of Jesus.

Zachary and I were able to celebrate with my mom and sister on Saturday, Holy Saturday, and at church today and with his family this afternoon!

All thought I can't be in Appleton visiting with my extended family - I hope they all know how much I miss them and love them.  It's hard to be away from family especially on holidays!

Well anyways - I hope that you were able to spend Easter with a little family as well!

Take a look at our Easter eggs Zachary and I colored on Thursday night!

Happy Easter from my family to yours,
xoxo Sarah

Holy Week - Good Friday

Good morning - Happy Good Friday/Happy Passover!

Passover and Good Friday fall on the same day maybe every 20 years or so - so this is rare occasion in the world of religion.

Today, Good Friday, is about the Passion of Christ.  It's about the sacrifice He made for all of us by dying on the cross.  From the hours of 12pm-3pm on Good Friday are the hours said to be when Jesus passes away.

When I was younger, and didn't have to work on Good Friday, my mom, sister, and I would take these three hours of the day to spend time with each other.  Music was off.  The TV was off.  No Reading.  You could take a nap or decorate Easter eggs.  So that is what we did during this time.

Remember to say a prayer during the hours of 12pm-3pm today.  Just as a remembrance for when Jesus dies on the cross.

How are you going to remember Jesus today?
xoxo Sarah

Homemade Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

When I was living at home in Mequon before I left for college, I hung out a lot at my best friend Michelle's house.   Kathy, her mother, would make this soup during the winter that was to die for.  It was an amazing homemade Chicken and Wild Rice Soup.

So when I finally got my first apartment in college my senior year, I asked Kathy to send it to me so I could make it for my college friends.  THEY LOVED IT!  So therefore, I have made Kathy's soup every year for my SNC girlfriends when we have our get-togethers.  The past two years, we have added Panera bread bowls to the soup to add some more fun to it!  I am very cautious about giving out the recipe so I am not going to post it on the blog quite yet - there are some secret ingredients you would never picture in soup!

BUT...I thought I would add some pictures of the soup for you to look at and drool over :)  Fun fact about this soup:  when I had my bridal shower,  my sister Kate asked Zachary questions about me for a game.  He answered that this was his favorite thing for me to cook for him!

Savor the Flavor!

xoxo Sarah

Campillo Cowls

So one of the things I love doing the most to reduce anxiety is knitting.  Four or so years ago I learned to knit from my mother-in-law in Michigan during vacation in the summer.  She bought me my first set of knitting needles and taught me how to make my first knitting stitch.  I can't thank her enough from that.

After I took a hiatus from knitting for three years, I picked it back up last year.  One of the things I fell in love with over the fall and winter were these infinity scarves, or "cowls."  It's extremely easy.  I found a pattern online and I changed it a little to my liking.  The pattern I saw called for a double stitch and a certain type of yarn.  One day at Hobby Lobby, I found Lion's Brand "Homespun" yarn, and I thought that would be perfect for just a single knitting stitch type of cowl.  So, I then took the yarn and I casted on 25 stitches and then knit until the scarf was 55 inches long.  After that, I connected the yarn together.  It created a complete circle, aka "an infinity scarf."

So I made many of these, but wanted to make sure my friends got them when I was with them the past weekend.  So here is a look at the cowls and my closest girlfriends from college modeling my cowls.  I hope you like!  I know they did :)

Happy Knitting!

xoxo Sarah

Holy Week - Holy Thursday

Good Morning!

As the most of you know, this is Easter week this week  Meaning we get together as families to go on Easter Egg Hunts, search for our Easter baskets the Easter Bunny hid, eat Lamb or Ham, eat A LOT of Chocolate, and other goodies too.

Yet, we have to remember the real reason we are celebrating Holy Week this week - The Resurrection of Jesus.  Today marks the start of Holy Week - it is Holy Thursday.  Today, we remember the Last Supper of Jesus and his apostles.

What are you doing to remember what Easter is truly about this week?  Are you taking time out of your day to just reflect a little about what is happening around you - being thankful for what you have?  That is what I plan on doing every day.  I am thankful for my family, my husband, my job, my home, food, warmth, kindness, my friends, and so much more.

Are you doing anything fun this week to celebrate Easter as well?  During this time of the year, I LOVE watching "The Ten Commandments" with Charlton Heston.  Zachary and I own the movie and I start off this week watching it - so we watched it this past Sunday!  Tonight, we are going to be decorating Easter eggs!

I can't wait to post pictures of that soon as well!!

Remember what Easter is truly about!
xoxo Sarah

Tea of the Week!

Last post for the evening!


I still have to be shown how to time my posts :)


But on Saturday morning I tried a new tea at Pam's house during girl's weekend (Pam's an amazing baker take a look at her blog: Cupcake Confessions). The tea that she gave me was called "Get Happy" tea by The Republic of Tea.  She found it at World Market but it is also in probably different locations as well!


This tea was caffeine-free and had an orange wonderful wake-up taste and scent to it.  It does not have a string to get the tea bag out of the cup when it is seeping - so you are supposed to let it seep the entire time you drink it. 


It comes in a cylindrical container - so take a look for it at the store!  I know I am going to :)


Get Happy!
xoxo Sarah

Crazy Awesome Food from Girl's Weekend!

So this past weekend with the girls, we all had our part in creating amazing snacks, drinks, meals for the weekend.

We had everything from avocado taco dip, mango salsa, fish tacos, red wine, Skinny Girl Margarita, fresh fruit, chicken and wild rice soup, key lime cheesecake - just to name a few!!!  Take a look at the pictures below!  I can't wait to try all these amazing recipes that I received from the weekend!

And this isn't even half of it :) Salud!

xoxo Sarah

Girl's Weekend 2012

Hey all!

Happy Tuesday!

This past weekend was an amazing weekend!  I was able to go back up to WI back up to SNC to get together with the bestest girls I know!  We had such an amazing time together!  All the food, drinks, laughs, recipes!  It was just a great time!

Here are some pictures from the weekend I thought I would share!!!

Yeah for friends!

xoxo Sarah