Dose of silliness

I love my Netflix, and love that the instant stream section is upping its anty and getting a TON of new TV shows and movies for me to watch. I love it even more that I can watch on my iPad in bed. If I could figure how how to connect my DVD player or Wii to the internet, I'd instant stream there too. That said, I'm not so sure about the recommendations feature. Just for the laugh factor, here's what Netflix recommended me today. 

I'm pretty sure that Meerkat Manor does not have a strong female lead, when it is animals. Needless to say, I first was confused, and then I laughed.

Anyone else love their Netflix? How do you watch your instant stream?

Nutella Cookies

A while back, my friend Stacy at Every Little Thing posted an amazing sounding recipe for nutella cookies. Now, I know that this will sound insane, but I have never tried Nutella before. Everyone I know insists its heavenly, in Spain my friends bought it in massive quantities. I was skeptical, but I picked up all the ingredients and my first ever jar of Nutella, and gave the recipe a whirl. Given my not so great track record of late with baking, I was nervous. But, the cookies turned out SO delicious. I'm not usually a fan of chocolate, but these were different.

They're basically chocolate chip cookies with a twist, the Nutella gives them a richer, almost nutty flavor. I took them to work and they were a hit with my co-workers and my roommate. I was surprised at how easy the recipe was, and I will be making these again. The only downside, would be the calories- I made sure to give plenty away!

The recipe:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup + 1 tbsp Nutella

1 cup chocolate chips

Mix up the flour, baking soda and salt in one bowl. Mix up the butter, sugars, eggs/tofu, and vanilla in another. Combine, then mix in the Nutella. Use an ice cream scoop or a spoon to separate the dough into balls. 

Bake at 375 degree for 8-10 minutes.

Then be prepared to enjoy the delicious cookies!

        

Cinque Terra, Italy

I'm once again in a reminiscing mood, and wanted to share a few of my photographs and  memories from one of the most beautiful places I visited when I studied abroad. It is hard to believe that it was three years ago, that I met my family over Easter in Italy, and went to the Cinque Terra. We were staying in the Tuscan region, and it was a two hour train ride. You can hike between all five towns, and my family hiked between Monterossa and Vernazza. We had the most amazing lunch in Monetrossa, feasting on fresh fish, calamari and caprese salad and then began our hike

Turns out, that is the most difficult hike of all the cities, and my family is NOT the most naturey of people. The hike was long, and through the mountains, on narrow pathways where at times we'd have a good couple hundred feet drop off right into the water on our side (which freaked my Dad out that we'd somehow fall to our death). We were all exhausted by the time we finished and had gelato in Vernazza. But wow, the view as we made our descent into Vernazza (just look at that amazing photo above) left us awestruck. I twas worth it.

My entire trip to Italy was unbelievable, from the scenery, and the food, and the gelato. I'd love to go back to Italy some day. But for now, I'll just look through my photos. Below, are just a few of my favorites.

    

        

Inspiration of the day

via

Reflecting on 2010

I've neglected my blog over the holidays; spending two weeks back in my hometown distracted me from everything online related, aside from being online for my job. Christmas and New Years has come and gone, and they were lovely. I had a wonderful white Christmas, filled with oodles of family, food, and laughs. Of course, there were presents too, but it was more about my family. I mourned the horrendous University of Michigan football loss in the Gator Bowl, and went to hockey games, as well. But, its great to be back in the District, and getting into my routine again. I have a lot of posts lined up, as a result of my neglect.

I entered 2010 in a rough patch. I was jobless, single, and living at home, and just sad. What a difference a year makes. I brought in 2010 in Chicago, IL and it started with a bang. I had hoped by doing something special for NYE it would mean 2010 would be better. I was able to get an amazing internship, and moved to Washington, DC on a whim. I knew one person, and moved alone, and lived completely alone for the first time. I explored my  new city, tried new restaurants, and loved every thing about it (despite the horrible metro). I visited Philadelphia on 4th of July, and had a family wedding in my back yard. I met The Detroit Tigers. I finally have a real job I absolutely love. I moved into a new apartment and got a roommate. This has been an amazing growing year for me, and I've learned a lot about myself. I know I can be independent and live on my own. I'm teaching myself how to cook, and on my way to becoming an "adult."

2010 was a better year for me - but I think 2011 will be even better as I grow in my job and continue get more comfortable in DC and develop my social life. I have lots of goals (and a few minor resolutions) I hope to achieve this year. Those will be a whole nother post.I hope my blog will continue to evolve and grow as I do. 

I hope all my lovely readers had a wonderful holiday season, and are just as excited for the new year and "new beginnings" as I am!