Cooking by the Book.

When it comes to cooking, I'm definitely a recipe girl. The fact that I'm not especially comfortable in the kitchen contributes to that—but I try. While I try to cook quick, healthy meals during the week, I love indulging on Sundays.

Last Sunday I decided to try a recipe from one of my newest books Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes by Giada De Laurentiss. I really like the modern look and layout of this book. But really, she had me at simple and delicious. The manicotti recipe I tried was super simple and didn't take much time at all. Mot importantly, it was delicious.

Boiling, filling, sampling.

This is the part where I usually burn my tongue.

Next up, I'd like to try some of her sauces. I had to settle for store-bought this time around.

Book 1: The Poisonwood Bible

As I mentioned just a few posts below, one of my 2011 resolutions is to read more books. Ten books to be exact. Less than one week into the year, we have our first finisher: The Poisionwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. And since I'm always looking for good book recommendations, I thought I'd share.

Earlier this year I read Kingsolver's The Bean Trees, which is a short, sweet read. At 560 pages, The Poisonwood Bible is much lengthier—but, as they say, good things are worth the wait. The novel revolves around the Price family, missionaries in the Congo during the 1960s, and is told through the mother and four daughters. Human rights, genocide, religion, government, family relationships, death, and the concept of home are just a few of the issues that shape the novel.

I found myself devouring this book. In the very first chapter, Kingsolver lets you know something big is going to happen to one of the characters—but leaves you guessing to whom. And while I became a little restless during the denouement, it was nice to read something that more or less wrapped up in the end. Kingsolver gives the reader the chance to follow the characters far past the climax, making The Poisonwood Bible one of the most satisfying books I have ever read.

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Now that I think about it, my high school Spanish teacher suggested this book to me way back when. She was ahead of Oprah on this one. Who, by the way, should quit putting those stubborn stickers on books.

Image: BarnesandNoble.com

Office Etiquette

I've spent about a year and a half in corporate America and have learned a lot—mostly about how annoying people are. So I thought I might do some venting today. Although I recently read that this might not be so productive after all.

(Awkwardly standing around—as I am in this picture—may in fact make many people's annoyance lists.)













For those who can relate and for those who will soon find out, here are the top five habits that irk me the most:

1. Marking every email with an (!) urgent signifier. You're the coworker who cried wolf. I will get to your email last.
2. Conversing directly in front of another person's cubical/office. Don't make me feel like the creepy one. You're the one talking about your child's bowel movements.
3. Eating halves of cookies, bagels, etc. I get that you're watching your calories. But how do I know that the person who ate the other half of this cupcake isn't the same person who doesn't wash their hands in the restroom?
4. Working up until your water breaks. I should never see bodily fluids on the floor in the hall. Know when to call it quits.
5. Making excuses for being late, nearly every day. Everyone is late sometimes. But if you're late every day because of traffic, you need to leave your house earlier. No, this one isn't funny.

Annoyances aside, the people I work with make everything worthwhile. And if it weren't for others displaying the aforementioned behavior, what would we talk about all day?

New Year's Resolutions

Black Eyed Pea & Sausage Soup for good luck in 2011.

I've decided to set several resolutions this year. Some are general, but most are pretty specific.

Here are a few:

• Read at least 10 books. I love reading (Englishmajorwhatwhat), but sometimes slack. This does not include coffee table books, which I am strangely addicted to.


• Run a half marathon. I'm about halfway there now. Very excited about this one.


• Save $XXXX. After a year of moving, decorating, and overspending, I have a definite goal for this one. I am determined to reach it and will share anything that helps me.


• Complete more DIY projects. Complete is the keyword here. I've got a few lined up that I hope to post in the coming months.


• Volunteer more of my time. My company offers many opportunites for this so I have no excuse here.

Here's to a new year, new beginnings, and new opportunities.

Post-Christmas Panini

When it comes to using new gifts, I get right to it. My mom gave me a panini maker this Christmas. And while it wasn't "Oprah's Favorite Panini Maker," it still makes pretty damn good sandwiches.

The first creation: a deceptively delicious combination of leftovers and lunch meat.

The thing I love about paninis is this: you can put almost anything on them, add some cheese, and have a great meal. This is especially good for using up leftovers. The panini pictured above was amazing. I used leftover marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, turkey, and leftover basil, red onion, and cucumber marinated in olive oil. Sandwich success.

A Very Foodie Christmas Tree

2010 marks my very first, very own, taller than 12" Christmas tree. To say I was excited about this first would be an understatement. To say I waited until Thanksgiving to put it up would be a lie. I promptly put it up on November 20 after a long day searching for the perfect trimmings.

Since I live with my boyfriend, I decided to forgo the pink-purple-sparkle route. Instead, we decided to choose ornaments depicting things we love. And apparently, we really like food. The ornaments include butternut squash, sushi, popcorn, and pie—and a few assorted non-perishables. Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with the result and the way it makes the apartment feel.

Because I can't resist popcorn.

And I'm known for collecting owls.

And we both love avocados.

Cold Floors. Warm Feet.

Sure, a pair of slippers may seem like a cliche holiday gift—but aren't they really one of the best? Hear me out on this.

Slippers make the cold weather a bit more pleasant for many, and are necessary for those who live in very cold areas. Slippers make taking the dog out more fun. Slippers are just plain cute. But what makes them one of the best presents? The fact that no one wants to spend more than $15 of their own money on something like a pair of slippers. The little extras that people don't want to indulge in themselves often make the most fantastic gifts.

So this year, I'm giving the gift of warm feet in the form of these faux-fur slippers from gap. The pom makes them everything a slipper should be, and the rubber sole ensures you won't ruin them after one ill-fated trip to let the dog out.

Available at Gap for $24.50 (Cream on sale online for $19.99).

Image: Gap.com