Café de Paris- French for “Fiancé”

On the evening of December 30^th 2011, Tre had suggested we dine at a French cuisine restaurant in Columbia, “Café de Paris” which is consistently ranked in the “55 Best Baltimore restaurants” awards. With only thoughts that we were enjoying a date-night out, we dressed and were on our way. Upon arrival, restaurant owner, Erik Rochard, greeted us at the formal entrance of a classical, romantic styled foyer in a jovial spirit as he recited a French proverb about love. We were soon escorted by the hostess into the main dinning room as we walked across terra-cotta tile, and wood floors to a more private area of the restaurant decorated with  Bistro Style white table clothed tables, romantic candle lighting, and parcels of French memorabilia to complete the ambience.

 Once seated, the chef for the evening greeted us at our table. Tre excused himself to “the gentleman’s room” which I attributed to his neurotic protein supplement diet and used as a chance to review the menu selection which boasted savory entrees ranging from Beef Bourguignon or Roasted Pork Tenderloin to Double Crab Cake or Saumon Grille Ratatouille. Tre returned, and after the chef informed us of several more menu selections, we both selected the Café’s popular “Formule” pre-set menu, which included a choice of appetizer, entrée and desert.

Each entrée was artisan crafted and absolutely delectable! Our dinner conversation ranged in topic from our summer travel plans to early relationship memories and was full of relaxed sighs and laughs. After my main course of Saumon Grille, I was certain that I would be unable to squeeze any room for dessert, so Tre “suggested” that we share a dessert. I selected the “Profiteroles” which are puff pastries stuffed with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with warm chocolate sauce.

Several minutes later the chef returned and placed the dessert plate on the table. I quickly noticed the beautiful arrangement and drizzled chocolate and strawberry heart shape, but, hold up, what is that silver-ish color food inside the heart? The chef must have read my mind because, at that moment, he turns the plate so that I am able to clearly see a ring positioned in the middle of the plate. At this moment, my heart starts pounding in my chest and I clearly remember thinking, “This moment is happening now!” At once all my mind exploded with inner conversation, thoughts and emotion, ranging from, “ooooh, this boy is sneaky, I always thought I would know when he would ask!!” to “oh my gosh, I’m seriously about to be…ENGAGED….that equals a wedding which equals children, which equals…..I thought about my dad, mom, and Robert, and about how from early on (nearly 5 years ago) how early in our relationship (in our ‘just friends’ stage) I had tried to deny, yet had that stubborn nudge that I had met a man I wanted to be with for the rest of my life…and how that moment was here, through everything…deployments, school, career, moves, and the surprises of everyday life, here is my best friend in life who has seen me at my best and worst and is wants to continue the journey with me, as much as I with him.

Before I knew it I was laughing, crying, and felt lightheaded. Although I may have stared in Tre’s general direction as he broke the question, I honestly do not recall anything he said! It was all a blur, but I do recall saying “yes” which was prefaced by a million, “oh my gawd, ooooh, my, gawd, OH….MY….GAWD!” With tears streaming down my face we sealed the proposal with a kiss as everyone in the restaurant applauded. Tre motioned for my trembling hand as he placed the ring on my finger. Compliments of a patron, we were served champagne as we continued our dessert with nothing but smiles!

And so yes, Tre and I are engaged! The following day his father flew in from Ohio to spend a morning brunch with us! I will certainly be sure to chronicle the wedding planning process through my blog using videos and pictures.

'Fit-It-Freezer-Fast' Meal Idea: Lasagna Pasta

Several weeks ago I prepared one of my fiancés favorite dishes- homemade lasagna. Aside from using more than 10 distinct cheese varieties, artisan organic pasta, and over 15 herbs and spices, is my ‘special blend’ of stewed tomato sauce that makes this dish a hit. The meat and sauce preparation requires nearly 80 minutes of marinating and simmering and makes all the difference in creating a hearty, authentic tasting Italian cuisine.

Needless to say, this dish is not a meal I would even consider cooking during the work week, which is why I purposely make a larger quantity of sauce than I’ll need to use for the lasagna. I’ll typically freeze the leftover sauce in freezer bags or storage containers to use to create other meal ideas when I’m in a pinch for time but want to enjoy a flavorful meal. Before leaving for working I’ll simply take out a container (typically 32 ounces of sauce or more) and leave it in the sink or fridge to defrost. When I arrive home all I have to do is boil wholegrain bowtie noodles, top them with the heated lasagna sauce, and sprinkle an Italian shredded cheese blend overtop the pasta to create a hearty meal that only requires 2 pots and 20 minutes!

Here are several pictures of the preparation and final product:

 (I froze the sauce a cottage cheese container!)

(Twenty minutes later, dinner is served!)

(I prepared enough to take as lunch for the next day!)

What’s great about preparing additional quantities of freezer friendly foods such as sauces, vegetable blends, meat stocks is that you’re able to quickly reproduce a meal that typically involves time intensive processes such as slicing, marinating, and simmering without the cumbersome task of gathering ingredients and using multiple dishes. Plus, it typically doesn’t require extra dishes or time to make ‘just a bit more’. I still have another container of lasagna sauce which I think I’ll use as a base  for a crock-pot chili stew or Italian sauce…or perhaps a lunch time lasagna sub meat sauce or nacho dip? See, the possibilities are endless! I'd love to hear some of your 'fix-it freezer fast' ideas, please comment below!



Three's Company

Early Saturday evening, Tre and I were able to catch up and enjoy the company of one of his former chiefs (whom over the years has become more like family) at a relaxed home dinner. Afterwards, we went to watch the movie, “The Help” which was one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time! It was an especially enjoyable evening during which I became aware of the complimentary hospitable personalities Tre and I have. While generally similar, our styles are distinctive-- he’s especially great at steering conversation and provides precision in balancing conversation between politics and humor, and I love playing the role of dinner hostess and creating atmosphere! We had been looking forward to spending time with our dear friend for a while so it was great that we were able to see her!

When hosting a dinner with a specific guest in mind, it’s always courteous to keep in mind the food preferences of your guest. In this case, Tre had reminded me that Ms. Shelia was from the Carolinas and enjoyed your typical southern/homestyle foods, which helped me determine what dishes to prepare. I am happy to say that before, during, and after the meal I received compliments on all the dishes. With the exception of the Stovetop stuffing, everything was prepared from scratch down to the chicken gravy! Below is a list (and pictures) of the 3 course meal!

Appetizers:

Thin Crisp Triscuits with Creamy Spinach & Red Pepper Dip

Sliced Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Seedless grapes

Main Course:

Stuffed Pepper Onion Whole Chicken wrapped in bacon

Sweet Potato Casserole topped with marshmallows

Whole Cut Southern Style Green Beans

Stuffing

Fresh Green Mix tossed Salad

Cornbread

Dessert:

Fudge Brownies topped with Tin Roof Ice-cream, Chocolate Syrup, drizzled with caramel and sprinkled with whole peanut M&Ms

Beverages:

Peach Orchard Juice

Wine

Sweet Tea with fresh sliced lemon 

New Style Series Coming!

As anyone around me knows, I love finding and sharing a great bargain. When it comes to beauty and fashion related purchases I especially love using products and styling outfits whenever I’ve found a jaw dropping ‘design deal’ that looks like I paid more, when really I paid less….waaaaaay less! My fellow beauty bargain fashionistas will know that when shopping on a budget it’s the thrill of the hunt through discount stores, and the clearance racks of designer department stores that makes the job of stealing high priced style truly an adventure!

Below you’ll find pictures of several clothing/accessory items I picked up during several shopping trips at the mall during the month of July. Virtually all of the items were either sale, clearance, or just reasonably priced. Because I am a huge advocate of beauty on a budget, I wanted to not only show you pictures of items I picked up during shopping hauls, but go one step further in showing how easily and effortless it is to style these items to achieve trendy, chic looks. Over the next several weeks as I incorporate these items into my existing wardrobe, I’ll show how I styled the item(s) using the blogpost title, “How I styled it” to give you an idea of how these items can be styled according to occasion, season, body type, and personal style preference. So, if you’re curious about how to recreate fashion trends, need some style inspiration, or slightly curious about how to find and style ‘looks for less’ items stay tuned!

(purchased at H&M, $7.00)

(purchased at Wet Seal, $4.99 buy one get one free)

(purchased at Forever21, $ 4.99)

(purchased at Charolette Rouse $0.99)

(purchased at H&M $10.00)

(purchased at Forever 21, $5.99)

(purchased at Forever21, $1.50)

Weekend Adventures in Virginia Beach

Although I rarely look forward to the 4 hour (and sometimes longer) drive to Virginia Beach to visit Tre, I have to admit it’s a great place to explore as a frequent visitor. The city and surrounding towns host an abundance of attractions which include historical Williamsburg, amusement parks, museums, fabulous shopping, one-of-a-kind restaurants, chic downtown life and of course…the beach (which boast the most impressive northeast boardwalk as far as I’m concerned)!

Several weeks ago, we went out to brunch at an independently owned neighborhood bistro, aptly named, “The Broken Egg Bistro” which serves delicious and authentic breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections in a fresh, hip environment with stellar service. Saturday morning we just had to go back and enjoy another entree from our new favorite eatery. The food was so good I forgot to take a picture of our plates before we ate!

After breakfast we drove downtown to do a bit of shopping at the McArthur Mall which is the city’s top-rated mall boasting over 100 shops with everything from Nordstrom’s, Coach, and specialty stores. Compliments of my boyfriend I found a gorgeous fitted grey blazer from H&M, along with a black braided belt and several hair accessories which I’ll need for my growing locks! After dropping him off at the Apple Store (actually I spent about 20 minutes browsing in the store as well…I can’t wait to get an iPad) I had almost 90 minutes to independently browse through several shops.

Later that evening we went out for smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Café and attended a pool party at his apartment complex. I ate the best chicken and steak flatbread tortilla prepared by a local vendor! During the raffle giveaways Tre won 2 free tickets for bowling which we used Sunday afternoon. I’m a decent bowler, and can typically break 100, but due to my weak wrists, if I use a ball that’s over 5lbs my writs start hurting. I mention that tidbit as a contributing factor to how Tre won all three games (boo, lol!). He sensed my disappointment and tried to make me feel better with an offer of Baskin Robbins ice cream.

With the heat advisory warning we decided against going to the beach, or being outdoors for too long so we didn’t take a trip to the beach this time. Great food, shopping, indoor entertainment and a poolside party made the weekend very enjoyable indeed!

(1 scoop of snickers and 1 scoop of vanilla)

(1 scoop of snickers, 1 scoop of praline and cream, 1 scoop golden ribbon)

Lunch Idea: Grilled Chicken & Bacon Mixed Green Salad

Summer is definitely “salad season” and as one of my favorite foods, I’m always recreating menu salads at home. What’s great about salads is that the combination of dressings, fruits, cheese, vegetables, meats and greens are virtually endless throughout the year making the preparation of this entre a creative one! And if that weren’t awesome enough, salads are a great low-calorie way to fill up on tons of nutrient rich vitamins such as vitamin c, iron, calcium, and vitamin k with very little effort. They are also a rich source or carotenoids, lutein, and provide lean protein and dietary fibre and are an excellent meal or snack option.

Here’s a quick “Grilled Chicken/Bacon Mixed Green Salad” I prepared for lunch today.  This is definitely a salad that “eats like a meal” and one that my “meat-a-tarian” boyfriend has approved! This salad is a quick prep for a day-time guest lunch or family dinner meal.

Ingredients:

Four Cheese Mix Blend (shredded Monterey jack, cheddar, quesadilla and asadero)

Red and Baby green romaine salad blend

Cucumber

Tomato

Purple Onion

Bacon

Chicken Strips

Salad dressing

                                       

Preparation:

Cook chicken strips and 2 slices of bacon in skillet using medium heat. Slice vegetable toppings to preference. Allow bacon to cool and crumble into small pieces. Add salad toppings onto plate of mixed greens. Add favorite dressing and enjoy!

From fridge to feast, this salad takes less than 20 minutes to prepare! I like to use the nutritional calculator at http://nutrition.saladworks.com/nutrition/CYO  which allows you to enter your ingredients and calculates the nutritional information of any personalized salad you create! Salads are a quick, accessible, and healthy way to compromise on calories, not flavor. Seconds please!

Bargin Beauty Buy: L.A Color Candy Shop Eyeshadow Palette

Earlier today I dashed into Dollar Tree to grab a few items, but before I headed to the checkout lane I had to stroll through the cosmetics isle. I'm glad I did because I found a gorgeous eyeshadow palette by L.A Color Cosmetics. The pigmentatin, beautiful color-coordinated combinations and smooth texture rival any department or drugstore color selections. This observation brings me to one of the fabulous things I love about makeup;once its on your face no one knows what the brand is (Mac or Maybeline? Revlon or Makeup Forever?) so its not necessary to always spend big money on "high-end" products, especially because eye shadow colors are easily duplicated, so why pay when you can just look like you did?

Here's what you'll get and what I love about this product:

1. It's a 12 color eyeshadow palette (10039 Candy Shop) featuring a balanced mix of medium sheer to bold matte colors and varying hues of pinks, blues, and greens and neutral colors. This palette can easily create natural yet flirty daytime looks and transition you to a gorgeous night time smokey eye or color grabbing look!

(indoor florescent light)

(outdoor, natural light)

2.  The colors are extremly pigmented and easily picked up on a synthetic brush. Given a eye primer, the powder glides on smoothly and lasts all day. The colors are buildable and can easily go from subtle sheer to bold and brassy!

3. Packaging is light and sturdy and each of the shadows sits securely in the compartments.

4. Comes with a duo sponge eye shadow applicator and "snap-shut" container.

For $1.00 this is a true beauty bargin buy that shouldn't be missed. Keep your eyes out for this ultra fun mix!! I'll be running back to my Dollar Tree asap before they're gone!