"Cooking With Garlic" A Delightful Dessert

If you all remember, last week I said that I was going to start posting some of my favorite recipes! I decided to title all recipe posts as "Cooking With Garlic" because I am the "Garlic" in "Half Gaelic, Half Garlic"

Today's recipe will be one that does not include garlic........I have chosen a favorite dessert!

I wish I could take credit for this one, but I can't....

None the less, if you are having a dinner party and you serve this for dessert.....it will definitely create a WOW Factor!

Deep-dish Apple Pie



Recipe compliments of the Barefoot Contessa

4 pounds of Granny Smith apples, peeled , quartered, and cored
1 lemon, zested
1 orange, zested
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup of sugar, plus 1 teaspoon to sprinkle on top
1/4 cup of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Perfect Pie Crust, recipe follows

1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water, for egg wash

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

Cut each apple quarter into thirds crosswise and combine in a bowl with the zests, juices, 1/2 cup sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Roll out half the pie dough and drape it over a 9 or 10 inch pie pan to extend about 1/2 inch over the rim. Don't stretch the dough; if it's too small, just put it back on the board and re-roll it.

Fill the pie pan with the apple mixture. Brush the edge of the bottom of the pie crust with the egg wash so the top crust will adhere. Top with the second crust and trim the edges to about 1 inch over the rim. Tuck the edge of the top crust under the edge of the bottom crust and crimp the 2 together with your fingers or a fork. Brush the entire top crust with the egg wash, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar, and cut 4 or 5 slits.

Place the pie on a sheet pan and back for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until the crust is browned and the juices bubble out. Serve warm

Perfect Pie Crust

12 Tablespoons of very cold unsalted butter
3 cups of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of kosher salt
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/3 cup of very cold vegetable shortening
6 to 8 tablespoons(about 1/2 cup) ice water

Dice the butter and return it to the refrigerator while you prepare the flour mixture. Place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of the food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse a few times to mix. Add the butter and shortening. Pulse 8 to 12 times, until the butter is the size of peas. With the machine running, pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse the machine until the dough begins to form a ball. Dump out on a floured board and roll into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Cut the dough in half. Roll each piece on a well-floured board into a circle, rolling from the center to the edge, turning and flouring the dough to make sure it doesn't stick to the board. Fold the dough in half and place in the pie pan, and unfold to fit the pan. Repeat for the top crust.

My family absolutely loves this pie....I am embarrassed to say this, but when I make it, I usually double the recipe and make two at a time....Let's just say, that in a matter of days....as in two, both pies are gone.....if anyone needs me, you can find me a the gym permanantly chained to the treadmill!!!

Don't let the pie crust intimidate you....it is not hard to make.....I was never one to make my own pie crust before this recipe, but this one is almost foolproof!

Oh and I almost forgot.....it is best served warm with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Bon Appetit!

Calling All Fashion Designers!

This morning Sarah decided she wanted to try to get dressed by herself.......she is becoming more independent each day......she wants to do everything herself...and gets very frustrated when you try to help her....so I let her try........


I can't figure this out....these need to go somewhere.......but where?



My head seems like a logical place.........let's see if this works!


Here we go....my new, fashion forward look....a hairband for a necklace, and underpants as a hat!!!! Look out fashion designers everywhere.....a new trend is about to take America by storm!


This is what happened when I tried to fix her clothes........we call this the "scary face".....when she gets mad or frustrated, she makes fists, holds her breath, and shakes.....not her best look! We also experienced our first temper tantrum.....she actually threw herself on the ground while making the face and kicking her feet.......



After a couple of minutes, I was able to diffuse the situation.......got the underpants where they belong, and even got pony tails in her hair.....with bows....the bows don't even make it in her hair on good days, she hates them and rips them out........I would say we made a very miraculous recovery!

I think after this mornings events......it is safe to say we are entering......THE TERRIBLE TWO'S........


Wish us luck :)

Staying Cool At The Pool!

Sarah is getting ready to goggle up for some serious swimming!



Sarah snuggling with Coachie(My Dad) before a swim!



Eating a snack while drying off!



Back in the pool ......getting a ride from my big brother Nick!




Chillin out in the baby pool!


Just like everywhere else right now.........it is has been hotter than hot, so we decided that if we were going to enjoy the outdoors this weekend, the only way to stay cool was at the pool!

We met Coachie(My Dad) who just loves to sit out in the sun and go swimming......he has called a couple of times this summer to see if we wanted to bring the kids swimming and it just hasn't worked out, so this weekend we called him and said we wanted to go!

The couple of times we have been swimming this year it has been at a friends.....they have a beautiful pool, but it isn't really baby/toddler friendly.....

Sarah was just loving the fact that she could run and play in 12 inches of water without having to cling on to me for dear life. As a bonus, this pool had an area right next to the baby pool that was set up as a play area....they put an outdoor carpet down on the pavement and set up some kids tables and chairs. They also had about 6 different Little Tikes Playhouses and Kitchen sets. When Sarah laid eyes on these.....she lit up like a Christmas tree.

As much as she loved the play area, the pool itself was just as fascinating to her.
Nick being the great big brother that he is, gave up some of his time in the big pool to play with his little sis.....he would throw these little pool torpedos that we brought along with us, and Sarah and I would try to find them. As we picked them up one at a time....Sarah counted....1, 2, 3, 4.....then she would say....Again!

We did experience our first complete head dunk during this trip.....she did great.....not a tear was shed..........until she got her first mouthful of water! The poor little thing cried for a couple of minutes.....I think her throat was burning because she asked for her juice, but as soon as she got a drink, she was back in the water for more pool time fun!

It was a fun afternoon and by the time we got home, Sarah was exhausted and ready for a nice long nap! The kids had a great time with Coachie and we can't wait to do it again!

I Love You...I Love You

For the past couple of weeks all we hear day and night, in the house or driving in the car, is Sarah singing the Barney song! I am not sure why, because she doesn't really watch Barney all that much.......the couple of times she has seen the big purple guy must have really had an impact on her!

We were cracking up the first time we heard her do this........last night I was giving her a bath and she started singing and even tried to incorporate some of the hand motions.......of course the video camera was no where to be found.

This afternoon after we finished eating lunch, I brought the camera out to see if we could get her to do a repeat performance.....the minute she saw the camera, she decided she wanted no part of it.....

What would any good mother do??? Bribe her with chocolate of course!

I had a little help from Nick....he is leading her around with the chocolate........listen for her....she keeps saying "some" that means I want some!

We had to prompt her on some of the words....OK, on a lot of the words......then when we tried to end the video, she kept singing...so we went with it.

Hang in there if you can, it is only 2 minutes long and it is my first attempt at video.....not sure how to edit just yet....but I am working on it....Any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated from all of you who are familiar with video editing!

Children Of The Corn! (3 Words Sunday)

I feel as though we are living in the middle of the classic Stephen King movie/novel.....Children Of The Corn.....are we in Nebraska or Pennsylvania???

I took this picture yesterday...this is the edge of our property line.........we are being invaded!

Nick looks so small in comparison to the huge stalks.......

Does anyone need some corn?


I took this picture 8 weeks ago in approximately the same spot..........can you believe how fast this stuff grows? In a matter of 8 weeks it has grown over 9 feet.....I guess all the rain we have been getting is good for the farmers and their crops!


Here is the view from our house........I actually think I took this shot while standing at the bottom of our deck before the corn started to grow.

We love the farm house that is back there.....it is so beautiful in the winter.......when it snows, it looks like a scene in an Ansel Adams portrait....it is part of the reason that we picked this particular lot........the view is very pretty. Not so sure the farmer is too excited to see new homes going up where it once was all farm land. In comparison to some of the other communities in this area.....we still have a lot of wide open space. During the fall and winter months we often get deer running through.....we also have a family of red fox that live around here somewhere because we often spot them early in the morning running around our yard.

Now......I can handle fox....I can handle deer, but if I see scary looking children coming from those corn fields......we're outta here!

Friday Photo Fun!

Late this afternoon, Pat went golfing with his brother, his nephew, and my Dad.....we knew that they were going to be gone for a while, so the kids and I were going to be flying solo for the evening.

It didn't take long to decide what to do.....we were in the mood for some shopping at the new outdoor mall. I needed to pick up a couple of things and Nick wanted to go to B*rnes and Noble......I figured we would either go out for dinner or get takeout......we decided on Thai takeout........ Sarah loves Chicken Pad Thai and so do I.....Nick loves rice and anything with Chicken!

The weather has been really beautiful the last two days.....we had a lot of rain and thunderstorms earlier this week, and as a result, it cooled off and took the humidity out of the air.

It was a beautiful night to go run around and play in the yard..........of course I brought the camera to see if I could get some photos of the kids in action.....we all had a lot of fun. Even Rudy thoroughly enjoyed running around and chasing the ball with the kids.

I think we might have a new photographer in the house.......Nick is starting to catch the camera craze......he took the photos of Sarah and I. It was really nice to hand the camera over so I could be in a picture or two!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Christmas In July!

All month I have been hearing about "Christmas In July".....local radio stations are doing special giveaways and contests, so I thought.....this would be a good post topic.....and what better day to post it than July 25th......we have exactly 6 months until Christmas......can you believe it?

I wasn't blogging last Christmas, so I thought I would share some of the fun from "The Half Gaelic, Half Garlic" 2007 Christmas Eve Extravaganza!

We have had some major shin digs since moving into this house......we had always said that we wanted a house that we could entertain and accomodate lots of people for family get togethers and parties.....we have done a pretty good job so far.........we just had our first annual 4th of July party, we have also hosted the last two St Patrick's Day parties.....for obvious reasons(Half Gaelic), but Christmas 2007, we had the pleasure of hosting the Christmas Eve Extravaganza!

The "Garlic" side of the family always does a big Christmas Eve celebration....for all of my childhood it was hosted by my grandparents. The one I talked about HERE.....anyway, after my Grammy passed away, my Aunti Em has always hosted the party. This year we decided to do it and give her a break. We always have a wonderful time no matter where the party is, as long as we are all together, that's what counts.

Take a look.....do you think the ladies in this family know how to have a good time....I also included a couple pictures of Christmas morning and the kids opening some gifts....it was complete chaos.......and all of the adults were feeling......cough, cough....a little rough.....we went to bed at 4am and the kids woke up at 6am....no one looked pretty that morning!!!

I am going to leave you all on this one.....this was Pat's Christmas present to me........you know how I talk about my little problem with OCD and being a complete neat freak who constantly cleans......Pat thought this would be the perfect gift for someone with my condition........

He bought me a tool belt.....a really good one I might add....from H*me Depot and filled it with all of the cleaning supplies that I use.....thought it might make my life a little easier!

The rest of my family was hysterical when I opened this.......me......not thinking it was funny....I tried to put it on like a good sport....the thing was so darn heavy, I could barely stand up!

So.....Pat.....if you are reading this....you have 6 whole months to get me a gift......start shopping now, because a toolbelt isn't cutting it this year!!!!

(Just so you all don't think he is really this cruel, this was not my only gift.....he did pull through with some good stuff too)

The Look Of Guilt

Do you think that is the look of guilt or what! Guess why Rudy just got scolded? He just peed on our living room carpet!

I am not sure what is up with him lately.....he is going to be 3 in September and we are way beyond the days of having accidents in the house.....but something has gotten into him these last couple of weeks.

We have had a tremendous amount of thunderstorms pass through, which he hates.......before I even realize we are getting a storm, he is already running up the stairs to hide under our bed, then we cannot get him to go outside to go to the bathroom because he is scared. I do think that is part of the problem, but it is just happening way to frequently.

I would say he was mad at us for leaving him when we went to Las Vegas, but he wasn't even in a kennel, he stayed with my Mom and Dad......and this did start before our trip.

Our entire first floor is wood or tile, this is the only room that has wall to wall carpet....and it's white.....so of course, that is where he picks to do his business.

You know me....OCD, queen of the clean freaks....so this just infuriates me, especially after just paying to have our carpets cleaned. A month ago, Nick got extremely sick in the middle of the night and let's just say he didn't make it to the bathroom and we were left with a huge vomit stain. It would not come out, so I called the professionals....I only really needed that spot cleaned upstairs because we have only been in this house a little over a year, but they said that they have a minimum charge to come out and I should take advantage of the situation and let them do another area.....guess which room was just cleaned? Looks like they might be making another house call!

We love our Rudy....I can't imagine our life without him. We spend a lot of time with him...he is fortunate that I work from home most of the time, so he is not alone and he is not starved for attention....trust me! He is so much a part of our family.....and when they can't tell you what is wrong,.....it is just very frustrating!

Rudy has some company in the dog house after this mornings episode........I might be joining him........Grandma isn't the only one teaching little Sarah naughty things.....when I saw the stain, I said...."Son of a .......you know what" I thought I said it under my breath and Sarah was in the other room, but apparently she has impeccable hearing.....Sarah has just learned her second curse word!

Tumbling With Coachie......

While we were away, Sarah really enjoyed her stay with Grandma and Coachie....that is what they call my Dad...he has never been a Grandpa or Poppy, he is "Coachie".

If you don't already know, my Dad is a wrestling coach and has been his entire life....when I was pregnant with Nick, we were trying to figure out what he would call my Dad......somehow Coachie was what we came up with and it stuck!

Anyhow, Sarah came away learning some new things after her visit last week.....she has mastered the "flip" Coachie used to do this with me and Krisit(my sister) when we were little. He would hold us up facing outward and then flip us down and we would land on our feet.....just like Sarah did up there in the picture!

She also learned a thing or two from grandma while we were gone........ Of course Mom had her out shopping each and every day, so I am sure she is on her way to becoming a shop-a-holic like the rest of the girls in this family....the obsession with shoes and handbags is just beginning...OK, I am exagerrating a little....the obsession is just with baby dolls at this point, but she learned something else......Mom, you are probably going to kill me for sharing this one, but I have to...it is funny!!!!

Sarah has been repeating absolutely everything that we say these days....I am thrilled, she is really developing her speaking skills and she is becoming a lot easier to understand....everything is coming out a lot clearer..........crystal clear! I am sure you might know where this is going.....My Mom was playing with Sarah, when she realized that she forgot something that was cooking in the kitchen and she said OH SH!T.....as soon as she said it, Sarah immediately started repeating her and continued to run around and say it!!!!

All I can say....I am glad she learned her new word from you and not from me!!!! We all better start watching everything we say in front of little Sarah!

BROTHER, SISTER REUNION

Nick and Sarah's reunion....this picture was taken Monday morning just as Nick walked through the front door for the first time in over a week. Sarah was so excited to see him......she squeezed him so tight, the poor kid could barely breath! I am not sure who was happier, Nick or Sarah?

Flowers....Just For You!

Would you like a flower?

I have lots and lots of flowers..... just for you!

They smell good too!

Sunday, Sarah and I went outside to cut some hydrangeas from the yard. Our shrubs are growing like crazy, so I figured we should take advantage of them while they are in bloom. A couple of snips later and we had enough to make a beautiful arrangement for our kitchen island.

Sarah was a big help......except once we got in the house, she didn't want to give up the flowers.....she wanted to run around the house with them like she did in the yard.....we lost one along the way, but there were plenty more where that one came from!

The little yellow dress.........this dress is one of my favorites and it has been sitting in her closet for over 2 years.....it was a gift from my Aunt Betty. She gave it to us right after our paperwork was sent to China....it has always held a special place in my heart......Betty is my godmother and has endured her own pain while waiting to adopt, so to me, this dress is very special. The dress was intended for our China Baby, but I could not hold onto it any longer....it fits Sarah perfectly......the reality is that we don't know when we will be going to China and we have no idea how old the baby will be when she is referred to us, so it seemed foolish to save this pretty little number! I am glad that Sarah was able to wear it.....it is so cute and perfect for running around on a hot summer day!

As for Nick.....he came back home this morning.....we really missed him while we were gone, but he had a fun week with his Dad, Step Mom, and new little brother. I got some great photos of the brother and sister reunion this morning.....Sarah was more than thrilled to see him after a week apart.......Check back tomorrow for the photos!

"Cooking With Garlic" Favorite Appetizer

If you haven't figured it out yet.....I LOVE Food and I love to cook!

As suggested by Bella's Momma, I am going to start doing posts of some of my favorite recipes. The title will always be "Cooking With Garlic" even though not every recipe will include garlic....I am the garlic in "Half Gaelic, Half Garlic" so I thought the name was very fitting.

This weeks recipe is tried and true.....it is sure to be a winner at any gathering or just for two!

Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, and Roasted Red Peppers on Baguette

Here is what you will need:

1 Baguette Bread(White, Wheat or Multigrain)
1 Ball of Fresh Mozzarella(It must be fresh, not pastuerized)
3 Ripe Tomatoes(I usually use vine or roma tomatoes)
1 Jar of Roasted Red Peppers(packed in water, not oil)
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh Basil
2-3 Cloves of Garlic
Crushed Red Pepper
Italian Seasoning
Kosher Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper

How to Prepare:

Seasoned Olive Oil: In a small dish, pour 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, add to that, one clove of garlic minced and crushed, a shake of red pepper flakes, two shakes of Italian Seasoning, a pinch salt and pepper, and a couple of basil leaves chopped really small, I believe the correct term is chiffonade. Set this aside.

Next, take 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and simmer it in a pan for about 20 minutes on low. It should reduce and thicken to about 1/4 cup...it should look more like a syrup when it is done. Keep a close eye on this so it doesn't burn. Set aside to cool.

Slice your mozarella, tomatoes, and roasted red peppers.

Slice your baguette bread, brush or drizzle with a little plain olive oil(not the seasoned olive oil)and put them in the oven at about 450 degrees for about 5 minutes on each side or until they start to get a little crispy. Keep a close eye on this too...every oven is different and it depends on how thin or thick you slice your bread.

When they come out of the oven, while they are still hot, rub them with a whole clove of garlic. Just peel the clove and rub it on the bread, the oil of the garlic will seep into the bread, without having to consume the raw garlic. I usually have 2 cloves ready, depending on how much bread you use.

Now it is time to plate! I usually put the bread in a bowl, then on a flat platter, I arrange and salt and pepper the tomatoes, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers. After that, I spoon the seasoned olive oil mixture over them. Next, I sparingly spoon the balsamic reduction over the cheese, tomatoes, and peppers. Do not go overboard...it is strong...a little goes a long way. I usually put the extra balsamic on the side with a spoon incase someone wants to add a little more.

I also take a nice sprig of Basil and place it on the platter.....it makes it look extra special!


This is one of our all time favorite things to eat on a Sunday afternoons......of course it is ten times better when paired with a glass or a bottle:) of Red Wine......Cabernet is usually our pick!

I hope you all like it as much as we do......if you have any questions, send me an email!

Happy Birthday Pat and 3 Word Sunday

Happy 43rd Pat.....so glad we had the opportunity to get away this week....it was wonderful! We have a special little family celebration planned for today....including some of your favorite foods.........french toast should start the day off right!

Luxurious doesn't even begin to describe this place.....we had a terrific trip! I could have just stayed in our hotel room for four days.....I have to say that it was the most glamorous hotel room I have ever stayed in......a special thanks to my boss for the beautiful upgrade!! The level of service in this place was spectacular and everyone was so friendly and willing to accommodate.

There were so many restaurant choices within our hotel that we only were able to eat at about half of them. I also really wanted to see the show that was playing at our hotel....Le Reve. It looks very cool, most of it is performed under water. The nights that we were able to go, the show was not playing, it started back up again the day we left, so we will have to do that next year when we go back.

What a town.....you definitely feel the vibe when you get off the plane....lots of hustle and bustle! We had some of the most incredible meals.....even our breakfasts were awesome....the attention to detail was amazing. I would have to say that my favorite meal was at Eme.rils Fish House with the Chef's Tasting Menu......that was definitely a meal to remember....the wine alone was fantastic! Right now I feel like a slug and will be in need of some extra workout time this week.....the clothes are feeling a little tight to say the least.

The spa treatments were unbelievable.....I have had my fair share of massages, but the girl I had for my massage on Tuesday was hands down the best massage therapist that ever laid hands on me. I actually requested her for my massage again on Thursday.....she was even better the second time around!

All in all, it was a trip that we will never forget......if you find yourself in Las Vegas, you definitely need to check out the Wynn...it will not disappoint. They are actually a couple months away from opening a new hotel within their hotel.....this is a common thing in Vegas......they are about to open Encore.....it is supposed to be even better that where we stayed.....I have a hard time believing it could get any better, but I guess they need to keep raising the bar.

So now, after complaining about the clothes feeling tight,......we are going to have a food filled day.....like any of us really need a piece of birthday cake!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Home Sweet Home!

It was very nice to live the life of luxury for a couple of days, but it feels great to be home.....and better yet, to have this little one jump into our arms and squeal with delight at the sight of her Mommy and Daddy!

We arrived at my Mom and Dad's around 10pm last night and Sarah was sleeping. My Mom brought her down from her crib as she was wiping the sleep out of her eyes and when she saw us.........she practically jumped out of my Mom's arms and into mine......talk about a great feeling!

A couple of new little items since we left.....the word "mine" has been used by Sarah quite frequently, never heard that one before! She has always referred to me as Momma and she has called me Mommy a couple times last night and this morning. And oh yeah, the most important.....grandparents totally spoil their grandchildren!

Unfortunately we don't get to see Nick until Monday morning, he is still visiting with his Dad, but I have talked to him every day.....I think he is more excited to get home to see the gifts that we brought him, rather than us.....but I think that is a typical response from a 10yr old boy!

I have a busy day ahead....we have no food in this house and tomorrow is Pat's BDay.....the big 43....he said we did enough in Vegas to celebrate, but I feel the need for a special dinner and of course a cake!


Is it me......or has she grown in the last five days? We surely missed this little face every day!

Evidence that Sarah has been spoiled at Grandma and Coachie's house.....her new Abby Caddaby doll......Oh she so loves this dolly!

Ok.....gotta run.....tomorrow I will do a recap of the week with any highlights that I missed during my 2am posts!

Have a great Saturday!

Ahhhh.....Relaxation!

What a great last day here in Las Vegas. I woke up this morning feeling extremely rejuvenated from the allergy episode and lack of sleep. Pat and I had breakfast in our room and then we strolled down to the pool. Today was by far the best pool day yet.....not a cloud in the sky.

We just chilled out and soaked up the sun for a couple of hours then we had lunch at one of the restaurants exclusive to the Tower Suites guests....Tableau! You can eat inside or poolside....they have patio tables with umbrellas that shoot a cool mist on you while enjoying your meal. We chose to stay out and take advantage of the beautiful day....we had some wonderful salads and then returned to our loungers poolside for the afternoon.

After a day at the pool, we had scheduled 80 minute massages in the spa......they were SPA-Tacular....I was so relaxed that I fell asleep.

As I wrote last night, we were going to try to go back to Delmonico's to see if we could catch a glimpse of you know who, but being that is was our last night, we wanted to just stay in our hotel and try something new! Both Pat and I are fans of sushi, so we tried out the Japanese restaurant in our hotel.....Okada. I did not even know this restaurant existed, it is really tucked away in a corner of the hotel, but is was great. Pictured above was one of our appetizer's.......A Lobster Roll......it was excellent.

After dinner I finished a little shopping in the hotel while Pat took his chances on the casino floor.

We leave tomorrow at lunch time, so we are planning to get up and have a nice breakfast, then head to the airport for the long flight home!

It was a great trip, but I am anxious to see the kids......we miss them terribly!

Next stop.....Reality!

Day Two!

It has been a long day....I think the time difference is starting to catch up with me a little bit. I got up super early this morning had some coffee and decided to head out to the pool......we were expecting thunderstorms this afternoon, so we decided to make the most of the morning.

We came in for lunch at the Red 8.....incredible asian food.....Dim Sum and Pad Thai. Unfortunately I had a severe allergy attack that started right before lunch....my right eye swelled up and kept tearing, then I started with congestion.....not sure of what I had come in contact with, I immediately got some benadryl and went straight for the hotel room to lie down. I quickly realized that I had worn a very cute bathing suit cover up that I borrowed from my friend Shelly. She has 2 cats that hang out in her closet....guess who's allergic to cats? So I had a rough afternoon.....the benadryl knocked me out, but that is OK.....it poured all afternoon so I didn't miss any valuable pool time.

Pat has done quite well at the Black Jack tables.....now I just have to keep him away so that he does not give back all the money he won!

We went to see Danny Gans at the Mirage.....he was wonderful......an amazing comedian who does impersonations. After the show we had dinner at another one of Em.erils restaurants.....this time we went to his Steakhouse....Delmonico's. After last night's meal I could not do anything to heavy, so I went for the scallops....they were to die for! We also were given a tidbit while there.......Emer.il is coming in to Vegas tomorrow and will be at Delmonico's.......I think we might go back just to see him. We have reservations for a sushi restaurant, but we might have to pass it up.

Nick would just die if I could get an autograph from Eme.ril.....he is a big fan.

On tomorrows agenda......shopping and spa time!





Here is the culprit of the nasty allergy attack....this cute little coverup must have picked up the cat dander and when I put it on over my head......let's just say the end result was not pretty!
I wouldn't take off the old sunglasses all day! Pat took this picture of me first thing this morning....before the allergy attack obviously!

Bam!

Can anyone guess where we ate dinner tonight? If you are food network fan...I bet you figured it out!

We had a spectacular dinner at Em@erils New Orleans Fish House in Las Vegas. They have an incredible menu with lots of great choices, but we decided on the Chef's Tasting Menu.....6 courses paired with the perfect wine for each course........I got through the second course and was already full, but I made sure to at least taste each course.........the food was phenomenal!

If you are true food and wine freak like we are, you might be interested in this menu......if not, skip to the bottom!

Course 1: Blue Crabmeat, mixed baby greens and Red onions, tossed in a creamy bacon dressing with vine ripe tomato and creole spiked croutons. Wine: Perrier-Jouet Brut N/V

Course 2: Seared Maine Sea Scallop on Asparagus, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Wild Mushrooms & Fettuccini Pasta with Lobster Cream and Parmesan Cheese. Wine: Dog Point Cineryard Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Course 3: Pan Roasted Atantic Salmon on Grape tomato, blue crabmeat and apple smoked bacon risotto with carmelized onion reduction. Wine: Keenan Chardonnay 2006

Course 4: Pecan Crusted Texas Redfish with grilled vegetables, stome ground grits and creole meuniere butter sauce. Wine: Vision Cellars Pinot Noir 2005

Course 5: Grilled prime fillet of beef on yukon gold poatoes, Maine Lobster and spinach with Foie Gras Gravy. Wine: Provenance Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Course 6: Chocolate fudge brownie with vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Wine: Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port 2001

Good god....I have never seen so much food in my life.....keep in mind they were smaller sized portions, but still it was a lot of food.....like I said, I at least tasted each course. I think it is safe to say, I won't be eating too much tomorrow!

We had a great day....we woke up and had breakfast in our room, went down to the pool for a couple hours, Pat and I each had a massage, and then went to dinner. Pat is hitting the black jack tables as I type this.....I am hitting the sack.

Tune in for more fun and adventures tomorrow!

I have a ton of pictures, but this wireless is not cooperating....I might have to wait until I get home to post the rest!

Viva Las Vegas!

We made it!

It was a long trip.....we were delayed at the airport, so we didn't get checked in until 10pm Las Vegas time......but not to worry, we will get plenty of rest......look at our room.....yes, there is a massage room in our hotel suite!!! When we checked into the hotel tonight we had quite a surprise waiting for us......my boss had arranged for us to be upgraded to a suite. He is the best!

I may not ever leave this place.....it is absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait to get some photos of the lobby area tomorrow.....the decor in this place is stunning.

I had to put these pics in a slide show.....my wireless access is painfully slow so I didn't even attempt to edit and upload in the normal manner.....it is now 1:30am and I am heading to bed......will try to post more tomorrow evening. We are hitting the pool first thing in the morning.....they had some rain here this afternoon, but tomorrow it is going to be sunny and 100 Degrees!

3 Word Sunday.....Visits and Vacation

It was a long and quiet ride home today. Nick and Sarah were both sad to see their cousin go back to Rhode Island. Nick looked pitiful as he said goodbye.....we didn't have tears, but I think it was close.

We are ready for our child free get away.....Mommy is trading in her flip flops this week for some sexy stilletos.....they are a little dusty, but still in good condition.....and a fresh pedicure to go with them......

As excited as we are to get away.......I am starting to have those pangs of guilt about leaving the kids behind! I know they are in good hands, but I still worry.

I will be taking the computer along, one of the down sides of being in sales.....even when you are on vacation, you need to be connected.....since I will be taking my laptop, you know I will be checking in and most likely posting some pictures too!

We have already made some dinner reservations and booked some spa time......can't wait to see what happens to me out in that sun......I am the palest I have ever been in my life. I tanned today at a salon to try to get a little color but I see sunburn in my future.....the latest weather forecast said 112 degrees........YIKES.....I usually use an SPF 4, but considering how pale I am....I will be kicking up to an SPF 35 or 50!

Next post......from Sin City!