Fab Friday Faves 2.27.15

Happy Friday darlings!  I won't complain about the cold this week... don't get me wrong, it is still awful, but it looks like the end might be in sight.  By the end of next week it is looking like it could be around 9c.  I won't hold my breath but it's something.  This week was still pretty quiet as it was cold, but there was a great Brunch, a trip to the mall and a couple trips to Target.  Oh and into Manhattan for a filming of the Rachael Ray Show.  Next week is my birthday week and for my birthday Nicole and I are going into see a taping of The Chew and then I have a massage booked so it should be a great day!   Everyone have a great weekend and see you next week!

1. This year was one of the first years in memory that the Hudson and East Rivers have froze almost completely.  You may think, it's a river in the Northeast, of course it's going to freeze.  But you have to remember it has a high salinity and constant traffic, it is almost unheard of!  Some of the ferries have even had to be shut down.  This is a picture of the Hudson I snapped when out for a walk the other day.  I wouldn't want to be out on a boat in this!

2.  One of my favorite drinks are Caesars (the Canadian, tastier, version of Bloody Mary's) and as part of my birthday presents, my parents got me a bottle of Dill Pickle Vodka from a great Saskatchewan distillery Last Mountain Distillery.  The Vodka was made specifically with the Caesar in mind, so as soon as I got it back to NJ I had to try it out.  So good!

3. I decided to make Red Beans and Rice with Andouille sausage for the first time because I know Josh loves it when the southern guys bring it in at work.  It turned out so delicious I can't wait to make it again.  Stay tuned for the recipe!

4. On Wednesday when we went to the Rachael Ray show we were very lucky to get some kitchen gadget swag!  We got the Wilton Shot Glass Mold, the Norpro Ravioli Rolling Pin, and Cuisipro Mini Ice Cream Sandwich Maker.  Pretty great swag!  I tried out the Ice Cream Sandwich Makers yesterday and love them!  They turned out so cute and delicious.

5. It has been awhile since I had a picture of my fur babies in my blog, so here they are my Jinx and Smudge <3



Today I'm linking up with:

Jennie @ The Diary of a Real Housewife
Nicole @ Adventures of a Wild Sunflower
Tif @ Bright on a Budget
Lauren @ Style Elixir
Clare @ Fitting It All In
Amy @ The Farmer's Wife
April @ A.Liz Adventures

Liebster Award

Earlier this week I was nominated for a Liebster Award by The Winding Spiral Case, a fellow blogger who is a resident MD in Alberta, Canada.  Check out her blog for study tips from someone who obviously knows lots that work, recipes and day to day life of a resident Doctor.

So I was a bit clueless as to what a Liebster Award was, and the point of the whole concept.  Liebster is the German word for endearment.  The idea of this award is to acknowledge bloggers, especially lesser known ones and helps bloggers discover and connect with others. I love this idea!

The rules are that you must answer ten questions posed by the blogger who nominated you, then nominate eight bloggers (preferable with less than 200 followers) and pose ten new questions to them.  So here I go with my answers!


What is your favorite beverage?:
-I would have to say Caesars for alcoholic and water and the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Winter Dream latte for non alcoholic.

What is the favorite thing about the city that you live in?:
-Jersey City is a very diverse city (actually the most diverse city in the USA) so there are many cultures here which means lots of amazing food.  There are great restaurants and bars all over the place.  We also have one of the best views in the world!  Fun fact: Did you know that Jersey City actually owns the Statue of Liberty, not NYC?

What do you think is one of the most important character traits to have?:

-I would have to say especially lately politeness and regard for others.  I feel like manners in a lot of places have become a thing of the past and it makes me very sad.  Be kind and courteous, it will make you and everyone around you feel so much better!

What is your favorite TV show?:

-hmmm this is a tough one.  I love Live with Kelly and Michael, Elementary and The Affair.  Oh, and the Goldbergs.

What is the story behind your blog name?:

-I am a prairie girl in the big, scary world!  Self explanatory!

What is something awesome that you have seen or experienced?:

-I have been blessed enough to see many awesome and amazing things. Seeing my baby brother for the first time, finding out when I was cancer free, getting engaged and married are more personal ones.  Seeing Machu Picchu and whales breaching with the Napali Coast of Kauai in the background are two big ones as well.

Are you and introvert or extrovert or somewhere in between?:

-I am very much in between, I am shy and actually hate talking in front of more than 2 or 3 people, and I prefer to be around people who can make conversation and are talkers because I am horrible at making conversation.  On the other hand, I like to joke around and am not afraid to confront someone when they make me angry or upset.  I am also not shy about sharing pretty much anything with people that I know well and are close to me.

Are you an early bird or night owl?:

-I think my internal clock is set for being an early bird.  I am always much more awake in the morning and actually very chipper first thing.  When I was working I also got way more work done in the first few hours of the day.  I got to bed early (usually asleep by between 10 and 11) almost all the time except for when I have to be up later.  

What is something on your bucket list?:  

-Pretty much see as much in the world as I possible can!  For specifics, I would love to climb a high mountain (not the highest, or even the 20th highest, but a decently high one), I want to zipline in every country that I go to, and I want to drink wine in the French countryside and Napa Valley.  Oh and I want to hug a sloth and a koala (and any other animal that is huggable).

How many times have you moved in your lifetime and to where?:

I'll do a timeline:  Cypress Hills, SK to Maple Creek, SK to Kyle, SK to Clearwater Lake, SK to the farm at Kyle, SK, to Saskatoon SK, to Canora, SK to Yorkton, SK to Saskatoon, SK to Langham, SK to Long Island City, NY to Langham, SK, to Anchorage, AK, to Lima, Peru, to Jersey City, NJ.  

So a lot of times.  

Here are the blogs I am nominating:

Nicole @ Adventures of a Wild Sunflower

Claire @ Que La Vida es Breve

Ashley @ A Cute Angle

Sarah @ Sarahphrasing Life

Mel@ Vancity Voicebox

Mel @ Daily Ramblings Life, Love and Health

Ashley @ Peaceful Simple Life

And my questions for you all to answer!:

1. Why did you start your blog?

2. What is something that makes you smile?

3.What is your most prized possession?

4. If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

5. What is your favorite blog post that you have written? (please include the link!)

6. If you won 50 million dollars in the lottery, what would be the first thing you would do?

7. If you could live anywhere on earth, where would it be?

8. What is something you love about where you grew up?

9. What is your favorite movie of all time?

10. What is one quality about yourself that you feel you need to work on?

Have fun with this ladies!  It is a great way to get to know each other!

*Recipe* Broccoli Bacon Salad

This is one of those recipes that I've eaten for a long time, but for some reason this last time when I was back in Saskatchewan, mom made it and I couldn't get enough.  I tried it out yesterday and made it just like mom's but there is lots of room for substitutes and add ins I am sure.  Enjoy and let me know if you come up with any add ins to make it even better!

Ingredients

-3 heads of broccoli
-1 small red onion, diced
-1.5 cups green grapes, halved.  I prefer grapes but you could also use 1 cup raisins/dried cranberries
-1 cup sunflower seeds (I used a mix sunflower and pumpkin seeds)
-1 package bacon (or 1-2 cups of Real Bacon Bits)
-1 cup Mayonaise (I would suggest real mayo, not Miracle Whip)
-1/4 white sugar
-4 Tbsp. red wine vinegar (any kind of vinegar would work just fine)
-1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

-Cook the bacon in the oven or a pan (I really prefer the oven, SO much easier) until crispy.
-Meanwhile, wash and cut stems off broccoli and chop into bite sized pieces.

-Add broccoli, grapes, sunflower seeds and onion in large bowl.  At this point it is probably time for a glass of wine.

-Chop bacon into bite sized pieces and add to bowl.  Or just dump in the Real Bacon Bits.  Set aside.

-Whisk together Mayo, sugar and red wine vinegar.  Pour dressing over salad, add cheddar cheese  and mix thoroughly.

-Let rest in fridge for at least 3-4 hours.  Overnight is fine as well as the salad tastes better when the ingredients have marinated.  That's it!  Enjoy!

Fab Friday Faves 2.20.15

Good morning on another frigid, record breaking cold Friday in NY and NJ.  I feel like a broken record and the weatherman says there is no end in sight!  I was looking on Timehop on Wednesday and it was in the 60s (17c) when we lived in NYC 4 years ago.  How fair is that?  It was a quiet week, Nicole ventured into the city one day and I scored some awesome Old Navy clearance deals.  I also got an awesome massage at Massage Envy.  I scored us tickets fro Rachael Ray for next week and The Chew for my birthday.  How excited am I?  Everyone enjoy your weekend, I hope it is warmer where you are!

1. I made out pretty well for Valentine's Day this year!  From my parents I got the I <3 Bacon Calendar, I love you more than cupcakes sign and cute wrap bracelet.  From Josh I got probably the most gorgeous flowers I have gotten from him. the roses are the size of my hand!  I also got a ring I have wanted for quite sometime and picked out while I was in Saskatchewan at Peoples.  It is currently away being sized but I was so spoiled!

2.  While I was back in SK, I got Josh and I a Hospital Home Lottery ticket.  It is a great cause with the proceeds going to Saskatoon's three major hospitals.  The fact that I could win a fully furnished, gorgeous house, several different vehicles and trips, cash and holidays also makes it worth the 100 dollars!  Wish me luck!

3. Yesterday I had this yummy Edible Arrangements delivery just in time for breakfast!  Thanks Josh for thinking of me!  Loooove chocolate covered strawberries!

4. For Valentine's Day (well actually on on Sunday) we went to Edward's Steakhouse just a few blocks away in Jersey City. We had gotten a gift card for Christmas from Josh's parents so we thought we would take advantage of that and get a great steak at the same time.  The place was super cozy and cute and the service was amazing.  I got the Poivre Sirloin and OMG it was to die for!  Josh loved his too and I was also a fan of the special Valentine's champagne drinks, oh and the creme brûlée for dessert wasn't too shabby either!

5. Nicole introduced me to the Dunkin' Donuts White Chocolate Raspberry Latte. Wow!  For sure my new favorite Dunkin's drink and right up there for my favorite latte of all time.  They also do an iced latte and mocha.  I hope they keep them around as a regular drink, not just for Valentine's!


Today I'm Linking up with:

Jennie @ The Diary of a Real Housewife
Nicole @ Adventures of a Wild Sunflower
Tif @ Bright On A Budget
Amy @ The Farmer's Wife
Clare @ Fitting It All In

Winter Visit to SK

It's been a while since I have been back to Saskatchewan in the winter, but I thought I was due for a trip to see my family and friends.  So I sucked it up, and on January 30, I flew from Newark to Saskatoon.  My parents and brother were waiting to pick me up and I was starving!  I had won a football bet against Jim and I got to chose where to eat, and I chose one of my old favorites, Rock Creek Grill.  I also ordered the same foods that I always used to get a Caesar (the drink not the salad for my American friends), guacamole blackened scallops, and their boneless dry ribs.  Delicious!

 We got back to Kyle late and stopped in for a visit at the neighbors as they were leaving the next day for a month on the West Coast.  By the time we got to the farm, I was ready for bed!  When I woke up the next day, the first thing I did was grab my baby bunny, Patrick for some cuddles.  Man I miss this little guy!

Jesse wanted to go for a drive so I joined him.  Oh, driving on backroads with a teenager.  haha.

I got home and decompressed from the drive, and Miranda and Courtney came out to drink some Pisco that Miranda had brought back from Peru and no one would drink with her.  I whipped up some iced Pisco Sours and we drank, a lot.   I miss this girl so much!

The part I was most excited for was White Bear.  I think I have talked about it before, but these are the best chicken wings in Canada (that is actually true) and he best I have had, anywhere in the world!  So I always look forward to this when I come home.  I ate so much I should have probably exploded.  Erin and James also joined us there.  So good to see them!

After a ridiculous amount of food and drink we headed back into Kyle for a hockey game, the Elks vs the Lakamos.  I think Kyle ended up winning 11-1 or something.  Ya we rock.  I had such a good time with all of my favorite people!

On Sunday, It was Jesse's 16th birthday!  He wanted to go to Swift Current to practice driving because he was going for his license there the next day.  We survived, and these are a couple pictures from the trip.

When we got back I went to visit the cats.  These are a couple of them and some pics from the back yard.

Later that night, Grandpa and grandma came out for supper and cake and a visit.  It was also the Superbowl and I think grandpa and grandma learned some new vocabulary haha.  It really was a fun night.

Monday was the big day!  Jesse went for and got his license, I was so proud!  I got this awesome toque and my first Roll up the Rim to Win from Tim's in a long time.

We went to Houston Pizza for lunch and I got poutine, yay!  It was heavenly!

Tuesday was a pretty nice quiet day.  It was the warmest of the days of my trip... -10C I think so I went out to the Landing for a walk and some picture taking.

And I went to play with the cats some more.  I really miss having 20 cats (not just 2) to bother.

Jesse bought me these Ketchup Doritos.  Only in Canada and that makes me very sad.  I don't like Doritos at all but these were by far the best ones I have ever had!

Michelle came out late Tuesday afternoon and did my lashes.  you can check out my blog on that here.  We had a great visit and my lashes turned out great.

Wednesday night was more hockey, but first, I had to go take some pictures of the gorgeous sunset.

Kyle actually ended up losing this game but it was a nail biter!

The moon when we got home was so pretty.  I miss the moon and stars!

I got up to say goodbye to my brother before he went to school on Thursday morning, and noticed this gorgeous sunrise starting.  I thought i would go out across the road and take some pictures, unfortunately, the steps were covered in frost and I fell and did a couple flips and a handspring down to the bottom.  I am still recovering.  My neck is killing me still 2 weeks later!  I managed to still hobble out to the road to get some nice pics.

Lazy ticker on the couch!  Friday was another quick trip to Swift Current to grab some things I wanted to get to bring back to the US with me.

 I've been having a hard time finding a picture for my new blog design that I love, so on Saturday, I made Jesse take me out to one of our other farms to take some pictures of me, and also get some stuff of mine from the farmhouse that I wanted to bring back.

Saturday was also crafting day.  Mom and I baked some sharpie art.  Really fun and relaxing and it turned out great.

Oh and White Bear again!  More wings and Mussels.

Sunday was my last day :( I went for a visit with there cats, had a great lunch and went to one last Elks game that Miranda and Courtney again came out for.  Then just relaxed and had one last visit with the family.

Bye Bye Saskatchewan!  See you soon!  Was so good to see everyone that I got to see, and for those of you that I didn't we will see you this summer!