Anyone???

I would like to put an invite out there to anyone who would be interested in writing a guest post here.  I am open to any topics.  I would love to share ideas, humor, knowledge etc.  I love reading guest posts and being introduced to new people on other blogs I follow, so please don't hesitate to jump in!  Please message me if you are interested.    

Thanks!

 

The Pines...It's Time!

This Friday, March 29, a very special movie to me is opening in theaters.  The Place Beyond the Pines, starring Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes (among others) is set to hit the big screen.  I am spending time this weekend reliving my awesome summer of 2011 when I had the excitement of this movie being filmed practically in my back yard.  I haven't heard any details about a local opening here where I live, or even exactly where it will be showing this weekend, but I will find it.  I can't wait to see the finished product! :)
(The video at the bottom shows just how friendly Bradley Cooper was in his time here.  Awesome guy!)

(Courtesy of my friend, Amy)

(Courtesy of my friend, Amy)

Ryan and Eva (Courtesy of my friend, Amy)

(Courtesy of my friend, Amy)

(Courtesy of my friend, Amy)

Ryan

Ryan's dog, George

Bradley

Bradley and me (awful pose, but he took the pic and it went off late)

Question About Camping

This is how we roll

Over the years I have learned I have some crazy phobias.  One of the most annoying is the one I have about staying in strange beds, so hotels and rentals went out the window when it came to traveling.  The first time Jamie and I went to Cape Cod together, we almost went back home the first night because I was so anxiety ridden over sleeping in a "public" bed.  Public bathrooms bother me too, but not as much as the beds.  I managed to stay, but each night I slept covered head to toes.  Socks, sweats and a sweatshirt, WITH THE HOOD UP.  Go ahead, laugh.  I realize how ridiculous it sounds, but it's true.  All of that, and I won't travel without my dogs either.  I am most definitely the quintessential high maintenance traveler.  I also learned I am not a good camper, and I need my own bed, bathroom, running water and electricity.  Who knows why Jamie didn't leave me before now.  Anyway, last year we decided a travel trailer was the only way I would be happy.  I was skeptical knowing how I was grossed out camping in years prior, but to our surprise, it worked out perfectly!  I have my own bed, bathroom, running water and electricity.  The dogs come along comfortably and other than some cramped quarters, all is well.  We started the season of in Schroon Lake at Medcalf Acres Campground.  It was great!  We had a site right on their lazy river with river access.  We also love Cape Cod. We like to stay in Eastham and had a great experience at Atlantic Oaks.  We were about a mile from the ocean and steps from great food and activities.  So, my question to anyone reading this is...

Where would YOU recommend camping that is dog friendly, has full trailer hook ups and preferably on the water?  I would love any and all recommendations for anywhere in the northeast.

Thanks

Happy finally :)

The boys

A Whole New Casual Friday

I really can't believe what I just read!  Today I stumbled upon an article from The Daytona Beach News Journal about how one particular company in Florida has casual Fridays (yes, like many companies), but with BEER!  There is an actual beer cart that comes around as a reward for work well done that week.  To make this story even more strange, the business is a healthcare staffing company!  This idea seems so incredibly nuts to me.  I have some serious questions for and about the people in charge here.

1. The article says the employees stay longer on "Beer Fridays" and get more work done.  How much quality work is actually getting done in that time?  I know after I have a beer, I am not going to be quite as motivated to crank out some more work late on a Friday night.

2.  Why would a supposedly responsible employer be promoting drinking in a society where we have so many people with addictions, financial issues and legal problems to begin with?  What about the worker who is a recovering alcoholic?  What about the worker who, after a beer at work, will go drink the night away with his/her coworkers?  What about driving home from work after Beer Friday?  Is everyone in the workplace over age 21? 

3.  Isn't there a line that should be drawn between your work life and your social life?  Doesn't that keep intact a level of professionalism?  Like going to work in your pajamas...it would just cross a line.

I have a social drink now and again.  I'm not uptight about drinking.  I am not even saying I cannot see what fun this would be at the end of a work week.  Sounds great to kick up your heels and relax with your colleagues.  I just think the risks far outweigh the payoff.   There is a time and a place for everything.  I think the last thing we all need is our boss rolling into our offices with a cooler full of Millers!  I would prefer wine anyway ;)

What are YOUR thoughts? 

A Birthday Feast

This post seems kind of absurd being that not too long ago I was posting about new my health goals, but I didn't expect to travel the health route on my actual birthday, so I gave myself a free pass...and a free pass it was!

Appetizer
Raindancer Boneless Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parm Sauce and Blue Cheese:
OH MY WORD these are delish!  I don't know what or how they mix up that garlic parm sauce, but it's the best around (that is if you like garlic).  They don't soak the chicken in the sauce, but instead it comes with plain breaded chicken and a dipping container full of garlic parmesan sauce...so you can control just how much you want to dip.  I normally would not eat such an odorous item on a work night, but I threw caution to the wind and had a few.  I did kindly warn my coworkers this morning that I might stink!  Garlic has a way of sticking with you after washing and brushing your teeth!  Either I smelled OK or they were just being nice...but nobody went running from me!

Dinner
Raindancer Grilled Prime Rib and our own Homemade Wild Rice with Cream Cheese Sauce:
In my opinion, The Raindancer is one of the best places to get a good piece of prime rib.  They are simply just consistently good.  With a side of horseradish sauce, the whole thing is just perfect.

Early on in my relationship with Jamie I was introduced to his mother's rice with cream cheese sauce.  As far as I know, this was her own concoction.  It was an instant favorite of mine.  I even shared it in a cookbook my school put out.  Yes, I will share it here too.  I don't have ideas of holding family recipes hostage.  I think they should be shared and enjoyed.  It's very simple but very tasty.  All credit goes to my mother in law, Sandy.

1 box of wild rice cooked as directed 

For the Sauce:
Make a base of butter, flower and milk.  Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of flour.  Pull off stove and add 3/4 cup of whole milk and the juice from a can of mushrooms.  Heat, stirring until thickened.  Add 1/2 to a whole (depending on taste...I prefer a whole) package of cream cheese, 1 can of shrimp and the mushrooms.  Stir until heated and mixed through.

Dessert
A secret gem is hidden in Gloversville.  I am sure Gloversville residents are aware, but anyone else may not be.  I am not so sure I should give this out...I feel like this is a much bigger secret than a family recipe, but here it goes...Rauch Bakery is the bomb!  All of their baked goods are great, but there is just something about their brownies!  I don't know if it's the nuts mixed in or the perfect texture frosting on top, but they are addicting!  Seriously and truly...stop in and try one (or anything).  You will not be disappointed.  From what I understand, you must get there early in the afternoon to have a shot at grabbing a few.  They sell out fast!    

Have I made you hungry yet?