Holy Moly! Lobster Ravioli!

After Matt defeated me in a tennis match on a hot muggy July evening, the last thing I wanted to do was come home and cook an elaborate meal. But why sacrifice the palette of delectable cuisine, when you can heat up a hearty and tasty dinner in a matter of 10 minutes? I'm not talking about anything instant like mac-n-cheese or ramen either...

So, I did a little research online and found that you can get super reasonable and delicious lobster stuffed ravioli's from Trader Joe's at $2.99 a pack (in the coldcuts section). I grabbed a bottle of creamy alfredo sauce, and a batch of fresh asparagus to complete the menu. I threw in some crushed red pepper flakes, garlic salt, and italian herbs to my sauce for a zesty kick with a spicy lingering aftertaste. I threw the seasoned asparagus on a evoo coated grill pan and grilled them up! In about 10 minutes, everything was ready!

It was so yum, that it got another "add it to the list"! I think anything that gets added to the list will be blogged about! Hopefully it'll keep you reading for more simple dinner ideas!

Panini Bikini

I told myself yesterday that I was going to blog about panini's! My whole inspiration came from one of those moments when you happen to surprise yourself of your own capabilities! This one sprouted from the cooking department.

So, the other day, Matt and I were contemplating on what to have for lunch. At first we thought, "Mmm Panera sounds yum!", but since we're trying to manage our budgets, I volunteered to make our own paninis! It was actually pretty simple, and not expensive at all! I just bought some Foccacia bread from Kroger, threw together some frozen grilled chicken strips on the skillet and seasoned it, put some provolone and spinach in the bread and pressed it on the grill pan for 15 secs on each side. I even managed to improv a mayo concoction of lemon pepper, garlic salt, and a drop of white wine vinegar so it wasn't so dry! It turned out to be pretty tasty. I knew it had to be good once I got the "Make sure you add this one to the list!"

I'm soon to try the chocolate/nutella panini. That just looks sooo delish! Maybe I'll give Athens' former Uncle Otto's some credit and add some banana slices!

Refound Passion

It's been since Jan since I've posted anything. Life has been good and oh-so-crazy! With each and every day there is always something going on in the different avenues of my life! I wanted to share with you my most recent musings in the art department. Through my good friend and mentor at work, Mary Erna, I have found a new safe haven to persue my passions in fine art and painting. Here at the mueo studio, I've found myself losing track of time painting and sharing good company with like-minded folks who have this instinctive need to create. I know this sounds self-indulgent, but whenever I come here, I feel like it's a getaway from everything and I can clear my mind and really focus on improving the way I see.

The current painting I am working on now, which captures the treelined pathway at the Champ Elysees, is actually a surprise b-day gift for Matt's mom. I'm somewhat happy with how it's turning out with the texture and monet-ish qualities. But I foresee at least 4-8 more hours of work into it until it's done! Check back and I'll show you a progression from beginning to framing it at the end!

Blue Skies and Green Pastures

I know it's been like decades since I've posted! The beginning of this year has already been extremely jam-packed full of fun events and busy schedules... but, I feel like with this new year ahead of me, I want to take the time to really embrace NEW opportunities each month. I've made it a goal to try at least something life-changingly new. So far, I have scoped out what adventures await me...

Jan: Figure drawing classes, Kansas City trip, Wailers Concert
Feb: Enota Sweat Lodge, Columbus trip?, Delta Spirit Concert
Mar: Snowboarding in New Hampshire
April: Charleston, maybe a 5k?

Even though those might not sound like super life-changing occasions, I've never been to any of these places before... And I think going to new places, seeing new cultures, and experiencing new environments can really bring out something surprising in you. It's all about keeping an open-mind...exploring...and most of all, learning.

So watch out 2009!! I'm coming full force and ready to pounce with sweet ambition! Moo.

Belay! Belay On!

I'm really surprised I have never gone rock climbing back at Ramsey after having adventuring out to Atlanta Rocks this weekend! It's so much fun getting to challenge your mental strength and physical endurance to get to the top. We had Maggie, our certified climber, help guide us with move strategies and for belaying our butts!


After learning "the ropes" we got checked by Mr. Shady Instructor Greg that we could tie the correct knots and belay others to be able to climb the wall.

Here's a nice action shot of Matt attempting his way to the top! There were so many ways to maneuver up the wall, but only so many routes to get there by using the right nubs. Stay away from the brain nubs!


My favorite part, but Leslie's absolute worst, was coming down from the crazy tall heights. Make sure you trust your belayer before flying back down the wall! Commitment issues? What??

After much fun and laughs, I know I will definitely be back for more...as soon as my wrists and arms stop quivering from our initial rock climbing session! Climbing! Climb on!

4th & Swift Birthday

For Leslie's birthday this year we tried a new place for an urban, yet intimate dinner, 4th and Swift. The loft-style atmosphere of this restaurant evokes a contemporary flavor, as their menu brings the freshest local ingredients to the table.

We all were excited to try a new spin on the entrees that have been known to be American staple comfort foods, like Fried Pickles and Truffle Devil Eggs. Not only did we have a cozy space to celebrate birthday times, we also got a first-hand view of the kitchen team artfully concocting our gourmet eats!


There's our food all lined up to be served!


I ordered the super delicious Bank Diver Scallops with Pumpkin Risotto, topped with pumpkin seeds and golden raisin pesto. To top off our palette for dessert, Leslie shared her wonderful log of Toblerone (under the table)!

Louleepalooza Time!

Cheers to Louisa and Lee's Birthday! The Back to the 70's & 80's theme brought us all back to the days of tacky, neon-colored apparel and retro hip beats! With full decor in check along with a decent amount of booze, we had some good times bringin' it back to the days of our youth.



We had moments of laughter and nostalgia as we had some interesting party moves from folks that like to strip, to kids that like taking chocolate peppermint schnapps shots. Ugh!

It's crazy to say that the clothes we acquired for our gettup are being sold in retail stores today as everyday wear! Whoever wears this stuff normally kinda scares me?! Stirrup pants. Really?