Spicy Chicken Giardiniera

Have you ever had a meal at a restaurant that you simply could not get out of your head. For the past few weeks Joe has been in agony reminiscing about a chicken dish we had at this small Italian eatery back in November.

Spicy Chicken Giardiniera

First, let me start off by revealing that cold weather makes us (Joe and I) seriously crave spicy food. I don't know what it is but when the temperature drops the extra hot sauce comes out... and it has been especially cold here in Chicago.

Me and Cindy (Courtesy: Cindy Cieluch)

So when my friend, the incredibly talented photographer, Cindy Cieluch came to visit from Montana and invited us to a nice dinner at La Scarola a few weeks ago we were hungering for heat!  To our delight we saw Pollo alla Pasquinelli on the menu.  This dish had it all: chicken sauteed with onions, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, prosciutto and then smothered in a sauce made of gorgonzola and hot giardiniera.  

Pet Therapy

Meet the two loves of my life...

Joe and Ruby

My fiance enjoys a cuddle with our dog Ruby every day after work.  Like clockwork he walks through the door of our Chicago condo, kicks off his shoes, lies down on the couch and Ruby hops up on his chest.  The entire event is frustrating for me... you know, the person who feeds, walks and pets the dog all day only to be ignored the moment Joe walks through the door.  (So this is what it is like to be second favorite?)

Any given Tuesday

If you are a dog owner, or really any kind of pet owner, you know the power of our furry friends to drain away all of the day's stress and frustrations.  It is almost like magic.  Almost immediately after that big wet nose nuzzles up to Joe he melts into a completely relaxed state.  Plus it is so adorable!!!

Destination: Grand Haven, Michigan

The day after Christmas always seems like a haze.  I am a little hungover from all of the food, drinks and festivities.  I am also a bit stir crazy.  Day-after Christmas shopping seems to be the perfect solution to get out of the house and stretch my legs.  Instead of heading to the mall (which I HATE) Joe and I decided to get our "shopping local" on and make the half hour drive to Grand Haven, MI.

"Coast Guard City, USA"

Grand Haven is popular tourist destination nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan.  The town is known for boating, fishing and its picturesque lighthouses.  There is also a huge Coast Guard presence.  So big that President Bill Clinton signed an act of Congress to officially designate the town "Coast Guard City, USA" back in 1998 (random Jeopardy fact for the day!)  It is also where Joe's sister lives.

Best Brunch in Grand Haven

Our first stop was Dee Lite Bar and Grill right on the town's main drag Washington Avenue where we met up with Joe's family.  (I mean, who can shop without a little bit of nourishment??) This is such a cute, eclectic neighborhood spot with amazing egg dishes and tasty coffee.  I had an incredible egg white spinach wrap filled with lots of asiago cheese and roasted red peppers that would make Pop-eye proud.  If you are looking for a place to grab brunch this is the place to go!

Packing up Presents for Christmas Travel

So like many folks out there I am preparing to pack up and head home for the holidays.  Specifically my soon-to-be in-law's home in South Western Michigan.  Ever since we moved to Chicago two years ago we have enjoyed the quick three hour journey to visit with his parents and the holidays is no exception.  With two adults and a dog packing us up is never really a problem... but Christmas means presents... lots and lots of wrapped presents!!  

I love, love, love all of the wrapping options at World Market!!!

 Ladies (and some Gentlemen) you will understand my struggle!  I spent hours and hours of time personally wrapping these gifts to give our family for the holidays.  I picked out every bow, craft-fully curled every ribbon and color coordinated every box and piece of wrapping paper.  

Our Home Depot Christmas Tree :-)