jessd

Pretty Things

Although I don't actually have an income yet, that hasn't stopped me from shopping like I do! Just a few things I've treated myself to recently thanks to the generosity of my loving parents and their graduation gift. Thank you!

As Promised...

I'm less enthralled with banana bread than I was when I initially mentioned it last week. That's kind of how it goes with me considering I don't really like bananas. I like the way banana bread makes the house smell as it bakes, and I like the first few slices, and then I'm over it. But I didn't want to leave you hanging in case you actually like it and were looking forward to trying a new recipe.

Leave it to Martha... here's the recipe. 

I'm working on a few new posts, but first need to get a few things accomplished so I don't feel like such a bum.

Summer of the Kitchen

With no big European or Asian travel plans for my summer of fun, I've set many closer to home goals - cooking more while trying new recipes, Pacific Northwest road trips, quality time with friends and family, and some good old fashion projects (sewing, painting, etc.).

There are no words that express how happy I am to have replaced the ongoing to-do list I've had for the past two years (powerpoint presentations, financial statement analysis, team meetings...) with my summer to-do list - activities to feed the soul rather than the brain.

The first success I wanted to share...

Thai Basil Chicken (adopted from Cooks Illustrated)

This dish was so authentic our house smelled like a thai restaurant for two days following its preparation. Super delicious and fairly healthy to boot. Click on the image (left) to see the recipe. You'll have to invest in some fish and oyster sauce to make this dish, but if you have an Asian market nearby you'll pay far less than half the price you'll pay at a traditional grocer. Another way to make it more economical - plant some basil! We always have a basil plant growing in a pot for homemade pizzas.

This dish should look something like this (right) when you're finished. Serve with some rice!

Now I'm going to go for a run to compensate for the half of a loaf of banana bread I'll likely eat before writing more tomorrow when I'll share the recipe for it. It's a good one!

My So Called Life... as an MBA

I decided that I didn't need the mounting guilt that came with not writing enough here while also attempting to crank out the last mountain of work before wrapping up this grad school thing. I'm happy to report that the papers are written, presentations given, parties attended and diploma received... now the summer of fun begins. I was tremendously fortunate to have accepted a job offer back in February. A job that starts in September. Therefore, I get to spend the next two and a half months doing whatever I want. Camping. Sewing. Cooking. Napping. All of those things I love but didn't have time for over the past two years.

It's a dream come true.

So I'm starting my summer of fun in Ashland, Oregon. The TMF has been down here shooting photos for a well known catalog company for the past few weeks so after getting my diploma on Saturday I headed down to keep him in line company. My days consist of sitting outside coffee shops eavesdropping on conversations, eating lunches in the park, browsing the consignment shops, and just generally enjoying life in a small town where everyone knows each other and things just move at a slower pace. It's a lovely way to unwind from several weeks of exhausting celebrations and settle in to what life will be like for the next couple months. 

Seriously, I must have been some type of unappreciated martyr in a former life because I'm not sure I could ask for much more.

Thanks for your patience. It feels good to be back.