Our DIY 'Cafe Rio' dinner

I mentioned a few posts ago that I was going to recreate our favorite food from Cafe Rio with the help of this recipe. I first used this sweet pork recipe over a year ago, and liked it, but I couldn't remember being blown away.

Well, I did it again, and this time, we were pretty dang close to being blown away; it turned out really really good. This time though, I chose to use Dr. Pepper instead of Coke. I don't know if that was the "secret" to the success or what, but it just turned out better this time. I didn't use the exact same type/cut (?) of pork that this person suggested, just because they didn't have it at my grocery store. I can't really remember what I used, sorry...but it was close enough.

Here are some low quality pictures of our high quality grub that night. I also made some homemade pico and guac. Just thinking about it makes me almost salivate.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was great. This year we had a 'real' turkey {don't ask} and were able to enjoy it with family.

My parents and sister came down to Phoenix, and it was perfect weather while they were here. We were incredibly blessed to have most of the days off from work while they were here. Sadly, I did come down with a nasty head cold, but that didn't stop me from enjoying my family.

Unfortunately we didn't take very many pictures, but here is just one from the feast. My mom insisted that Wolfgang be the first to cut into the turkey. So he did.

What is that, a beach towel as a table cloth/large pot holder on the table, you say? Why yes, yes it is. Gotta make do with whatcha got, right?

My mom and I did all the cooking, while my dad watched sports games at their hotel room (we don't have a tv), and Wolfgang and Jessie hiked Camelback. I'm glad I had cooking as an excuse, because climbing that beast was definitely a one time thing for me.

The holiday festivities consisted of eating {obviously}, weighing ourselves periodically on Thanksgiving day {it has become my tradition}, napping, movie-watching {The Descendents was really good. Complete with great acting and beautiful scenery- Hawaii of course}, a lot of board game playing, sister date of hair cut and dyeing, meeting sister's boyfriend for the first time, and more.

It was a great time had by all.

Costco

Yesterday I was getting my Thanksgiving shopping on. I don't want to be doing the last minute shopping thing and have to deal with a bunch of crazies, so I've bought what I can, early. One of those items included:



In case you can't tell what that is, it's a 20 lb turkey in our small freezer! This is the first time I've ever bought a real turkey; I'm pretty proud of myself. Although I can't say I'll be preparing it on my own, my mom will be here to help me! {Sorry for all the "!!" 's, can you tell I'm really excited for next week?}

Something else I got at Costco yesterday that I'm excited about, are these:



3 Big ol' tubs of HUMMUS! You know I love hummus. When I got to the register with just one, the cashier told me, "you know, you can get 3 of those for that price." So he made the little grocery packer guy go get me 2 more {sorry guy!}. I was pretty excited. All three for only $12. Two are the, "roasted sweet bell pepper" and the other is "avocado and cilantro." I just tried the bell pepper one a little while ago and it's delightful. I ended up giving one to my friend last night, because I knew we didn't need/wouldn't be able to eat all of them.

Right now, I've got a copycat recipe of Cafe Rio's (our favorite Mexican place) sweet pork simmering in the crock pot. This is our 2nd time making it, I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm sorry that a lot of my posts have just been about FOOD lately, but I don't promise that they'll get any better. But let's be real, would you rather me writing about work, or food?

That's what I thought.

Someone has to do it.

This morning as I was walking by a school full of small children on a chaotic playground, i watched as there were several adult women sporatically situated around the grounds. You could tell that they were routinely watching all the children in their vicinity, to make sure they were safe, and whatever else.

First, i thought to myself, those poor women. But within a few seconds, I was a little less negative, and thought, what great women they are. You see, I tend to complain when I have to deal with bratty and extremely obnoxious kids while I'm at work. It doesn't happen every day, and when it does, it only happens for a few hours, at the most. I can tolerate children, but I dont take great joy in being around them. I have the freedom of doing different things in my work day, so i can actually "take a break," if you will, when I've just about had it. But these women? They are probably lucky if they have a break from them, for just their short lunch breaks. I've always had appreciation for everyone and anyone who is in the field of education and especially those who have to deal with the little ones, whether it is in school, day care, etc. But today, that appreciation was even more increased.

tried and approved.

I've been meaning to share some recipes I've tried for the first time in the last couple of weeks, and now I'm just getting around to it.

I think I've mentioned before, that I love all things pumpkin (except pie!) and so I have been trying new recipes with pumpkin in it. I still have a few more to try that I'm pretty excited about.

(Please note that as usual, all of these photos come from the recipe website.Click on the word "recipe" to be taken to the website)

With that said, let's start things off with one of my all time FAVORITE cookies:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip!

Recipe

In this cookie recipe, I accidentally put in a whole can of pumpkin, when I was suppose to only use a cup. I then adjusted the dry ingredients accordingly, and they turned out perfect. I've already used this recipe twice. Husband and co-workers approve :)

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Recipe

I had been wanting to try a pumpkin soup but didn't know what recipe to choose, so I ended up using a recipe a friend had tried and approved.

I didn't used parsley and bacon bits, and it was still good. This makes a BIG thing of soup!

Parmesan Garlic Chicken

Recipe

This turned out really good, and it's SO easy. Next time I think I'll use a little less seasoning on each chicken, just because it was a little too strong in some places.

Golden Graham S'mores Bars

Recipe

I love s'mores. These were dang yummy!

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Recipe

Fun and easy. I think it would be great for snacks for a party, etc. Next time I think I'll buy some kind of dipping sauce for it; I'm thinkin' some of that glorious Raspberry Chipolte sauce from Costco. I'm about to salivate just thinking about it.

I didn't use bacon, and they were just fine.

Iced Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies

Recipe

Enjoyable and different than what I'd usually make! I didn't use the "100% pure maple syrup." It was so dang expensive for a little bottle! And I knew I wouldn't use it again. I just used regular syrup instead, and it worked out just fine.


Ok, so I have more recipes for snacks and treats than actual food. Wellll...you're right. But in my defense, I'll have you know that Wolfgang and I rarely are able to have dinner with each other lately b/c of our works schedules, so why would I make delicious dinner if I can't share it with him? And re-heating is not the same. Aaaaannnnd I like sweets.

I really hope you try one or two or all of these.

Happy Friday!

Laugh of the day.

How can you not think Ellen is funny?

Just do it.

I decided after 6 years, it was time to get a new pair of tennis shoes. I had a hard time finding ones I could tolerate (all the shoes right now are so bright with neon colors!) but found some at a beloved DSW. This turned out great, because I had a $10 coupon from there, just for signing up for their rewards program.

I'm not even a pink kind of girl at all, but I like these. I hope they will be as good to me as my last ones!

Yep, 5 cans in my cupboard. I believe in all things pumpkin this time of year. Although I'm still not a big fan of plain ol' pumpkin pie. Weird huh? I'll soon share my recent pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe. (my FAVORITE!)

Rain, Rain...we're glad you're here.

It is currently pouring y'all!

I love the sound and smell of rain. For some reason when it rained in Hawaii, it didn't have that distinct smell, and I came to miss it.

Tomorrow's high is supposed to only be 61 degrees. 61!! sheesh. Good thing I work indoors tomorrow.

Happy and Aloha Friday.

The cure.

Having a bad morning? I've got just the cure for you.

Step 1. If you are able to download apps, go right now and download Smacktalk. (don't have anything where you can download apps? well then, proceed to step 2, which will be shared shortly). Have fun and take out your anger/stress with these cute little furry animals by making them say ridiculous things. I personally suggest laughing and making weird sounds for an optimal experience.

Step 2. Eat something really unhealthy.

Step 3. Take a nap.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go take care of Step 2 and 3.

Have a great day!

It made my day.

Warning: the following post contains some bragging.

Alright I'm sorry, but I have to brag about, well, myself.

About 2 months ago or so, I went "above and beyond" and did something really nice for a guest. Without giving you every little detail and making this longer than it needs to be, let's just put it this way: incident happens, I have a nice little package sent to a guest's room for a kid, which, in order to make complete, I go out of my way to buy something little extra at Target. I see family the next day, they are incredibly nice and complimentative (not a word? I don't care) and even send me a nice and sincere card.

A few days later, my manager shares my story at a meeting with the rest of the other managers/leaders of the hotel.

Now fast forward to today. My manager comes back from her meeting, beaming and so excited to talk to me. She informs me that in the meeting, a new manager over the Sales & Marketing department had shared a story.

The other day, he was giving a property tour to a representative of a multimillion dollar company. The rep puts him on the spot and says, "Ok, tell me why I should pick your hotel to host our meetings (event, etc.)? What sets you a part from the others?" The employee said he was cut off guard by the question, but then quickly remembered, my customer service story. He proceeds to tell the story to the potential client, and the client is very impressed and touched. After this scenario, the client sends the employee an email or card, thanking him for the visit and tour, and then proceeds to say that he is going to tell his boss (did I mention multimillion dollar company, boss?!) about the story, I mean, my story.

Isn't that SO COOL?! It made me so proud and just smile ear to ear. It helped me realize that even though I'm just a Recreation Attendant, I can actually make a small impact in my work place. I'm not just a worthless pool girl!

And that my friends, is what made my day today.

Happy Halloween!

This year, we did absolutely nothing for the "holiday" this year. It's not really that tragic, because I never really go out of my way to do anything special for Halloween anyway. I don't even know if we had trick-or-treaters, because we both were at work tonight. Although I do have some regret of not doing our family tradition this year {sorry mom} of the jack-o-lantern sloppy joes {this is when I would usually link that to a previous post when I blogged about it in years past, but remember, Google suuucks and deleted all my previous photos...#*&#%$(*&...}

I also kind of wish we would have went to a haunted house, I really enjoy going to them, even though I'm a complete pansy.

Instead, I watched a few minutes of Ellen's show today while at work which of course, was Halloween themed. I forget how much I love Ellen until I watch her show. I laughed a lot. She's hilarious.

I hope you enjoyed your day and ate lots of candy and dressed up in ridiculous outfits, if, of course, that's your thing. If you just watched Ellen instead as well, then two thumbs up for you too.