(4.10.12) I tell you, Aldi has some great picks. I picked up a spinach artichoke dip from there the other day. For my cowboy party last month, I picked up spinach dip from Hy-Vee, and it was terrible. I hate wasting food but could not force myself to eat that. I figured Aldi's couldn't be any worse. Ta Da! It is very good. It's quite zesty too. I've never had a zesty spinach artichoke dip, but I like it. If you're hosting a party, I'd recommend checking out Aldi and Trader Joe's. I also hear The Cheese Shop in Des Moines is a great place for meats/cheeses. I just found out today you can eat there too. I just thought it was retail only. I would really like to check that place out.
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Gianna and I partying it up after the baptism (4.8.12) We make a cute pair, don't you think? I'm very thankful I was able to go back to Chicago this weekend to celebrate my 9-week-old niece/goddaughter's baptism on Easter Sunday. I haven't seen Gianna in three weeks, and it's amazing how much she's grown. She's longer, a bit heavier and so much more alert. She's awake more and looking around a lot. She cried less too. It was cake changing her diaper and her outfit compared to a few weeks ago. She is so loved by all of the family. I'm so blessed to be one of her godmothers, and I can't wait to share that special bond with her as she grows.
(4.7.12) Saturday night was the first time I'd ever gone to a bar with my cousins and brother. My one cousin and brother just turned 21 in the past few months, while my other cousin is 25. When the whole family gets together at my grandma's house in northeast Iowa we just eat, play games, sleep and be merry in her little house which is about the size of a double wide trailer. There's not even a bar in her town; we'd have to drive 20 minutes to get to a watering hole. But this past weekend, the family was in my hometown in Chicagoland where there was a bar not even 5 minutes away. So my brother and younger cousin decided we should go out. It wasn't as weird as I thought. We had fun talking, trying new drinks, playing pool, and we even got in some swing dancing. I also decided to play match maker for my 25-year-old female cousin. She's in college full time while working retail full time, she wants to be a professor, and loves her family, dogs, art and the outdoors. She's a sweetheart and just hasn't been able to meet any quality guys. She's not in a rush to settle down, but I figure there's got to be one or two good guys left out there.
The next day I woke up with my body hurting because I was stuck sleeping on a mattress on the floor. My grandma asked me if I drank too much the night before. Give me some credit Grams! I'm not going to get sloshed on Easter Eve. (4.6.12) Who's been in every store in Valley Junction? Not me, but I've got one more crossed off the list: The Lagniappe (which means "something extra" in French Creole, according to someone who works there). A jewelry, art retail store is on the first floor and a half, and on the top floor is a small cafe/wine bar with a great outside terrace. I enjoyed my large mocha for $4 on the terrace over the noon hour. It was a bit windy and brisk, but I managed to get sunburn on my neck (dam Irish skin). Seems like a trendy, off the beaten track for a small party. I also thoroughly enjoyed being asked if I wanted a glass of wine at 11:35am. Had I not just ran 6 miles, I would have said yes (I didn't have to work that afternoon).
(4.5.12) UPDATE: I added another new Merlot to the list of wines I really enjoy. It was the perfect combination of dry and sweet. Great with spaghetti and bread or by itself. It is called Souverain of Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. The label says it's a blend of ripe plum and blueberries. For as much wine as I've drank, you'd think I'd be better at deciphering the flavors. I'm not quite there yet. I can only hope one day...
(4.2.12) Another new record one mile run under my belt! I sliced 10 seconds off my time from last week for an 8:19 mile. That is my fastest mile since junior high - which I think was right around 8:15. Next week, I feel my lifetime best mile comin on. Stay tuned.
I also had tater tot casserole for the first time. It must not be a northeast Iowa thing. It was very good though! (4.1.12) What a beautiful Sunday! I had to work and honestly accepted my lazy morning. Needless to say, I could have done something new out in the nice weather, like a photo shoot, but I did not. All new that I got in was a turkey wrap from Dahls, which was very good, and a cobb salad at Americana, which was delicious. The small salad was $6 vs. the large at $11. I chowed down the small and regretted not ordering the large. Something about the avocado dressing and special hard-boiled eggs hit the spot perfectly.
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