Ghost Wine

A friend of ours has been kind enough to help us with Husband’s car this fall. I wanted to give a Halloween-themed gift to say thank you, but I knew that he probably wouldn’t want candy.

But, I knew he would love wine. And, somehow, my one tiny creative brain cell came up with an idea to make it more festive for Halloween…

I picked up a regular bottle of wine. [I used the same complicated selection process that I always do, which goes like this: 1) Decide which wine has the best-looking label, and 2) Buy that wine.] In this case, I bought the bottle that was orange and black.

Then I cut a hole in a sheet of tissue paper and slipped it over the bottle. I used black marker to make the eyes.

And that’s it! Drink or treat.

  

What I'm loving this week

1) Yoga class

Earlier this week, I went to yoga class with a friend. It had been years since I last went to one. I loved the class, and I had almost forgotten how great it feels to stretch. I’m hoping to make this a weekly thing.

2) Bakery boxes

For Christmas, my mom gave me a set of these cute boxes for baked goods. I used them for the first time this week to give some cupcakes to a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. I loved that the boxes made my baked-at-home-from-a-box cupcakes look like bakery material. (Let’s just hope that she’s not disappointed when she realizes that they’re not actually from a bakery!) I did end up using the Peeps to top the cupcakes.

3) The Office

Yesterday I saw a preview for an episode of the Office that will feature a guest appearance from Will Ferrell, and I think I shrieked with excitement. Steve Carell and Will Ferrell are probably our two favorite comedy actors – I can’t wait to see them together again.

What are you loving this week?

Welcome, Neighbors

Even after 3 years of living here, I still feel grateful every time I think of the sweet woman that welcomed us into the neighborhood with a plate of freshly-baked cookies. It left such an impression on me that I decided I would do the same for any new neighbors.

A couple moved into the house a few doors down from us recently, and I made them brownies this weekend. I always attach a note that says “Welcome to the neighborhood!” with our name and phone number. (I figure that might help them, if their memory is as poor as mine, so they don’t have to ask themselves afterwards, “Now what was her name again?”)

The husband, who answered the door, seemed very appreciative. His wife wasn’t there when I stopped by.

Not long after I dropped off the brownies, our doorbell rang. It was the husband with his wife, who said, “I just had to meet my new best friend who brought me brownies!” This fellow brownie-lover seems like a girl after my own heart.

We already made plans with them to get together one weekend.

This all confirms what I already knew – any reason to make brownies is a good reason.

Visitors!

My parents are friends with a couple who are, no doubt, the happiest people I know. The wife always has a huge smile and a kind word. The husband is always quick to respond in conversation with a “That’s terrific!” or “It doesn’t get any better than this!” My parents and I have known them for over a decade now, and they have become like family to me. Plus, the wife, whose nickname is “Kodak” because she’s always taking pictures, took some impromptu pictures after our wedding reception, which turned out to be the best of our wedding and rank among the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. Anyway, I was so excited to hear that they would be passing through our town this weekend on their road trip to see family. Maybe it’s because they are such great people (or maybe we haven’t had visitors in a while), but I think I went a little overboard with the planning. I made them a welcome bag with some goodies and postcards of the area. We took them on a little tour of our town and then out to dinner. And because it’s her birthday soon, I made a special cake for her that we had at our house for dessert. I wanted to do something different for the cake, so I decided on key lime cake, based off of the recipe for my absolute favorite cupcakes. The recipe is from Tasty Kitchen. I followed it pretty much as is, except I added 3 drops of green food coloring to give it a light green color. Since it's a cake, I baked it at 375 for about 24 minutes. And don’t tell – but I used store-bought icing. I topped it with a few candy lime slices I found in the candy aisle. The cake was a big hit, and the visit was wonderful. It also made me smile when my usually-quiet Husband stopped our friend before he was leaving and said, “I can’t let you leave without hearing your signature phrase.” Our friend smiled and said, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” Indeed, it doesn’t.

New Group

At our last duty station, on a whim, I joined a women’s book group through our church, and I absolutely loved it. I was by far the youngest one in the group (most of the women were my mother’s age, and some were closer to my grandmother’s age), but I felt like I fit in anyway and I learned so much from those ladies. I often think of that group and what a wonderful experience it was. I’ve been dying to join a women’s book group or bible study since we got here, but it had never worked out. All of the groups that I had heard about met during the day, when I work. I made a casual comment to my friend about wanting to join an evening group, and sure enough, she called a couple weeks later letting me know about a new group that was starting up. I went to my first meeting this week, and it was wonderful! The ladies are closer to my age, and surprisingly, a lot of them are military spouses as well. I initially thought that I wouldn’t know anyone in the group, but it just so happens that 2 of the ladies I had met before through a mutual friend. I never anticipated that I’d find a group like this here before we moved, so it has been a nice surprise. I’m liking 2011 already.

Deployment Care Package

My best friend here said goodbye to her husband just a few days ago, as he left for his deployment. She seems to be hanging in there, but I know that these first few days will be especially tough for her. So, I did the only thing I know to do in times like these: I made a deployment care package. Except this one is not going overseas. I made one just for her. (Although we will send her husband some care packages as well, as soon as we get his address.)

I call it a deployment survival kit. It includes: some nail polish, chocolate (of course!), a chick flick, popcorn, some mini bottles of wine, tissues, and stationery.

I’m not sure if this will make her feel better, but it was a nice chance for me to spoil a great friend. And is there ever not a good reason to buy chocolate?

Sweet Souvenir

My friend just got back from her trip to Germany, and she brought me the best souvenir.

How did she know I love that chocolate? Maybe it’s because when she asked me if I wanted anything from Germany before she left, I blurted out, “Milka chocolate!” Then, the polite side of my brain kicked in, and I added, “But you don’t have to get me anything, of course.” But, of course, she got it for me anyway. And the picture is not completely accurate because she actually brought me back 2 chocolate bars. I’ll give you one guess who ate the first one. (Hint: It’s not Husband.) I’m rationing this second one.

The Nameless Neighbor

I’ve slowly gotten to know the new neighbors next door. I first met them after they just arrived when I brought them some cookies. I made sure I left a note with our name and phone number so they could call if they had any questions. The lady called this weekend and left a message about a question she had, and when I called her back, we had a nice chat. She seems like a sweet lady. I found out that she is also a military wife, so we laughed about the mishaps of moving. We even decided that we’ll have to get lunch sometime. There’s only one problem. I have no idea what her name is. I know what her last name is from the caller ID, but it shows only her husband’s first name. Husband and I have even replayed her phone message, straining to hear what her name is, but the message is a little garbled and we’re still not sure. It’s silly because I know most people would just tell me to ask her politely, “What was your name again?” But, for some reason, I just feel bad and I can’t. Husband’s strategy is hoping that he runs into her outside and he can ask her, since he hasn’t officially met her yet. I’m pretty sure I’ll find out the name soon enough. Until then, she’ll be the nice lady next door, and I’ll be the clueless girl frantically trying to figure it out.

Hello, Cupcake

I have to say that one of the most important things that military life has taught me is to be welcoming to new people. It is very humbling to move to an area where you don’t have family and you don’t know a soul. Thankfully, we’ve had so many people that have welcomed us along the way that I always want to make sure to do the same.

There are a couple of new people on Husband’s team at work, and we decided to host a small lunch for them and a couple other friends this past weekend.

We had fajitas, Mexican rice, chips/guacamole, and fruit salad. I wanted to do something different for dessert, and I decided to make these key lime cupcakes . (I thought maybe the “lime” would fit in with the Mexican theme – maybe?) I was overjoyed at how they turned out. They were so, so good! This might just be my favorite cupcake ever. Really.

I followed the recipe as is, except I added a drop of green food coloring just to give it a little color. I also cheated and used store-bought vanilla frosting. I did add a small wedge of lime on the top for decoration.

Even if you don’t have any new people in town to welcome, then at least do yourself a favor and welcome these cupcakes in your life.

P.S. Husband liked these cupcakes so much that he said he is going to make them on his next day off. My stomach is hoping that his next day off is very soon.

Rainbow Sky

I’ve been a little bit in a funk the last couple days.

I think it’s mostly because a dear friend of mine is dealing with a very tragic and unexpected loss of a close family member. I feel just heartbroken for her (and a little helpless, too, since I live so far away from her).

But, last night, I happened to go to the window, and I saw this very beautiful rainbow that took up the whole sky. It’s a wonderful reminder that though things aren’t always perfect, things will still be ok.

And on a happier note, Husband and I have a fun outing planned for tomorrow, and I can’t wait. We are both ditching work. (Well, since we are not the rebellious types, we are both taking a vacation day, but ditching sounds much more exciting.)

Happy Wednesday.

Care Package

One of Husband’s friends has been deployed for a couple months, and I figured it was about time we sent him a care package.

Years ago when I was deployed, I loved getting care packages. It was most definitely the single most exciting part of my day. Many generous family members and friends sent me more care packages than I can count. I was humbled that so many people thought of me.

Now that I’m on the other side, I find it just as fun to send care packages. I love picking out snacks and candy the person might like, and I even enjoy packaging it up. (I guess the only part I don’t like is standing in line at the post office, but who does?)

This particular care package includes: a variety of candy (Sour Patch Kids, Red Vines, Jolly Ranchers, and other non-chocolate candy), gum, chapstick, wet wipes, beef jerky, and a mini flashlight.

I’m always looking for ideas of other things to send. What are your favorite care package items?

Surprise By Mail

Yesterday, I was surprised to see the Fed Ex truck stop at our house. As the Fed Ex man was walking up to our door, I was trying to figure out what the package might be. Husband and I aren’t celebrating a birthday anytime soon, and I wasn’t expecting a package from work either.

It turned out to be a very thoughtful “just because” gift from a friend I haven’t talked to in so long. We were friends in college, but we don’t live near each other and we’ve kept in touch through sporadic e-mails over the years. I was the last one to send a couple e-mails, but I never got a reply.

I worried a little whether maybe I had said or done something wrong. But, I started to accept that maybe we were just growing apart. I’m definitely a loyal friend, but I would never want to force a friendship that isn’t there.

The gift was a pretty journal, which was very thoughtful, since I love to write. But the best gift of all was knowing that although many friendships fade away, there are still some that endure.

Reunions

Happily, this week has turned into the week of reunions. The first one will be when we go to the airport to welcome home Husband’s co-worker from his deployment. Husband e-mailed me yesterday, asking if I wanted to go. I responded with, “YES!” There are few things in life I’d be happier to do than to welcome home a military member who has served and sacrificed for our country. Usually I go a little overboard when I welcome home my military friends, and I bring balloons, signs, and noisemakers. But, in an effort not to embarrass Husband and his friend, I will restrain myself and just bring a balloon or two. I’m also hoping to get a couple of good pictures of him with his family. The next reunion will be this weekend when we go to a wedding for Husband’s friend from college, who is also in the military. It will be great to see our friends. And we might even get the chance to see some family in the area. I can’t wait. Oh, happy week!

No, really, it's a small world

I know I’ve said that it’s a small world before, but I think it may be getting even smaller. By sheer coincidence, I recently ran into a friend of my cousin’s who just got stationed here a couple weeks ago. I had heard a lot about him, but this was my first time meeting him.

We met, of all places, at the commissary. I had the advantage, since his (last) name was clearly displayed on his military uniform.

Oh, and if you ever want to freak someone out, ask that person a variety of questions, which show that you know personal information about him, without first telling him how you know that information.

I said, “Wait, is your first name, [first name]?”

“Yes.”

“Are you from [state]?”

“Uh, yes…”

“Do you know [my cousin’s name]?”

“Yes…” (By this time, he's looking at me in disbelief like I'm either psychic or nuts. It was hard to tell.)

Finally, I revealed that I was his friend’s cousin, and he seemed excited to see a familiar face, or at least in this case, a face that at least slightly resembles my cousin’s.

We chatted for a while, and it was nice to finally meet him. We exchanged contact information, and Husband and I are going to invite him over for dinner.

My cousin has another friend that will be stationed here soon. I’ll be sure to add “look for cousin’s friend” to my commissary list.

Entertaining, Part II

I think I can officially end my guilt about not entertaining. This weekend we’re hosting a big party for Husband’s co-workers. It’s a tradition for the person in Husband’s position in the unit to host a party for the other team members. I just found out about the party a couple days ago. Husband came home from work and after a couple hours, he nonchalantly said, “Oh, the party is going to be this weekend.” And then I proceeded to repeat everything Husband said in the form of a question. “This weekend?” “The party will be here at our house?” “We provide the dinner?” “There will be 30 people attending?” I’m not freaking out (yet) because Husband has assured me that a bunch of hungry guys will not care how clean the house is or if there are party decorations. This morning I purchased more hot dogs and hamburgers in one grocery trip than I’ve bought in my entire life. In other words, I think we’re set.

Entertaining

It seems like we haven’t hosted any dinners in our home for a while, so we had thought about inviting a group over this weekend. I had planned to make Pioneer Woman's lasagna (it is delicious!) and possibly this Dr. Pepper cake (I just found this recipe, and it looks so good!) for dessert. But then I realized that Husband has to work on a major project for his Master’s this weekend, and it probably wouldn’t be the best time to be entertaining. For the record, the guests wouldn’t bother him as much as my running around like a crazy person and cleaning before they arrived. Even still, I’ve got that lasagna on the brain, and I’ll probably make it anyway. It makes a LOT of food, so I plan to give some of it to friends. I’m convinced that somehow we will actually get to have our dinner party. Let’s just hope it’s sometime before we move!

Evening Tea

This week I hosted the monthly social for our unit’s military wife group. Let me just say that a couple years ago I would have never imagined myself as someone who would join a military wife group, let alone play host in my home for 20 women. Another friend volunteered to help me. We decided on a theme of a spring “tea” because we thought it would be fun and different. (And, it doesn’t hurt that I still have an enormous supply of tea, thanks to my grandma.) I usually get a little neurotic when I know people are coming over. (Let’s just say that if I knew with any certainty when the UPS man might stop by, I’d probably clean up for him, too.) But the days leading up to the social, I felt strangely calm. I even bragged to my mom on the phone, saying something about a “turning point in my life” and “finally getting it together as a hostess.” And then exactly 24 hours before the event, I had my freak-out session, as if on cue. I was in charge of making the finger sandwiches, and after spending hours trying out recipes and tasting the results, I decided that I just wasted hours of my life to make a boring old lunch sandwich. Husband came home that night to a very frantic wife. I made him try the sandwiches, but only after this disclaimer: “I’m in an emotionally fragile state right now, and the only feedback I can hear about these sandwiches is that they’re delicious. Otherwise, I might melt into a puddle on the floor, and you’d have to step in as host for the wives.” He tried them, and not surprisingly, remarked, “They’re delicious!” (True or not, I bought it.) Somehow, though, everything came together. That’s due in large part to my very talented friend. She brought bags and bags of cute fabric, tablecloths, and other décor that I didn’t even know existed. I was relieved when she told me that she used to work for a catering company because I was wondering how someone could just know instinctively that “if we raise the centerpiece, it’ll make for a more dramatic presentation.”

Everyone seemed to have a great time. And even after all my initial worrying, I had a lot of fun. I even thought that I wouldn’t mind doing it again – with my talented friend.

Date Night

Husband and I saw the movie Date Night this weekend for our own little date night. (Actually, I guess it was a date “day,” since we saw a matinee.)

I thought it was hilarious! And Husband liked it, too. (His hysterical laughter during the movie gave it away.) Steve Carell and Tina Fey were a great combination. And unlike some movies where the only funny parts are shown in the previews, this was pretty much funny from start to finish.

The movie also gave me the chance to make a dumb joke that night when we went out to dinner with our friends. Our friends told us that the restaurant we originally wanted to go to only accepted reservations.

“I thought we had a reservation. Aren’t we the Triplehorns, party of 4?”

They laughed politely, and we went to a different restaurant. Needless to say, our night had a little less excitement than the couple in the movie.

Weddings Galore

I think it was 2006 (or was it 2007?) that I called the Year of the Weddings because we had so many to attend. But, I’m finding that nothing so far compares to 2010. We’re not even halfway through the year yet, and we already have invites to 6 weddings. (Actually, it might be 7; it’s hard to keep them all straight!) I think we’ll probably be able to make only 2 of the weddings – the ones that are within a drivable distance. The others are all several states away, and sadly, we only have so much time off from work. I’ve already started thinking about wedding gift ideas. (Or, should I say, the “sorry-we-couldn’t-make-it” consolation prizes, since that applies to most of the weddings.) For one bride that I know loves Giada De Laurentiis, I ordered her the new cookbook and I’ll put together a cooking-themed gift.

For a friend of mine from the military, I’m going to give her a pretty cross and either a gift card or something else to go with it.

But, now I’m curious about what other people give as wedding gifts…

What is your favorite gift to give for weddings? Or, if you’re married, what was your favorite gift you received? And more importantly, is it bad if you buy a gift (ahem, say, a nice cookbook) that you secretly want yourself?

Wedding Details

Husband was lucky enough to be able to go to our friends’ wedding while on his military trip (TDY) this weekend. I was sad that I couldn’t make it, too, but I figured at least I could hear all the “details” from Husband. And this is the part where you should laugh at my own delusion. I was conveniently forgetting that this is the same guy who can have a 40-minute conversation with someone on the phone, and when I ask him what they said, he says, “Oh, nothing.” I talked to Husband on the phone right after the wedding, and here’s how the conversation went: Me: How was the wedding?? Husband: It was fine. Me: I mean, what was it like?? Husband: You know, just a standard wedding. Me: Was the reception nice? Husband: Yeah, you know, just the normal dinner and dancing. And here he just described every wedding I've ever attended. When he got home yesterday, I joked about his lack of details, and I said, “I’d ask you about her dress, but you’ll just say it was long and white.” And he said, “But it was long and white!” And so I have no idea: if her dress was strapless, if the groom got teary when he saw her for the first time in her dress, if the toasts were funny or touching, what song they danced to, what color the bridesmaid dresses were, if there were any cute favors on the tables, and much, much more. Thankfully, I’ll get to see my friend (the bride) when she gets back from her honeymoon, and I’m thinking she might have more to say about it than just “it was fine.”