Goodbye 2011

Saturday, December 31, 2011

It's been a great year, 2011. Our first full year of marriage, the hubs last full year of undergrad, and so much more.

I've learned a lot about myself, and life this year.  It comes down to one line that I discovered when I first moved to Chicago, "live your life." As many of you know this has a very permanent place with me. I found a new, but similar quote on Pinterest recently that I think is something good to keep in mind, as well.


My 2012 wish for everyone: 

"Explore. Dream. Discover."

Little Victories

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Today my BIL (brother-in-law) commented on a Facebook post that I made saying "enjoy the little victories."

It's a PTO day miracle! I slept 'til 9:00!
 ·  · Yesterday at 9:45am near Chicago

So, I thought to myself, "what a good piece of advice." And, here I am at the end of a great year reminiscing about some little victories.

*Reading more books.
*One pound less on the scale.
*Making "friends" with a CTA bus driver.
*Paying off the car. (O.K. that might be a big victory!)
*Halas and Winnie sitting six inches away from each other on the bed.

This is just a snippet of some of my little victories of 2011. What would yours be?

Merry Christmas

Sunday, December 25, 2011







Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with the ones they love.

We'll be spending it at "home" in the Mitten.

A quiet afternoon with our little family - perfect.



It's Like One Mind

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Well, I've decided just now that girls may not be all that different.

I was forwarded these two YouTube videos today, and found them to be quite accurate.

Episode One:


Episode Two:


I mean, shut up! I know we all like to think we're individuals and whatnot, but maybe we're not so unique after all.

I hope you enjoy this little afternoon treat as much I did! And also, that you only have two days left in your work week like I do!

Happy Tuesday!

Let's Go Green

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Side note to clear up my title for this post:
*Meaning environmentally friendly green, not root for the Spartans.

Well, this year time has really gotten away from me, and I didn't even think about holiday cards until this week. So, you're not going to get one for the Silvermans this year. Sorry.

Instead, I thought I would share with all of you my blog, and wish you merry greetings this way.

Here are some photos that could have been contenders for our holiday card:






Here are some phrases that we could have used for text in our holiday card:

"May your holiday season and new year be blessed with peace, love and joy."

"Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a very happy new year."

"Our halls are decked, our souls are jolly, we're festively dressed and singing, by golly!"

*All card quotes were found on Vista Print where I would have ordered said holiday cards.

Next year, hopefully, I'll get my act together and take care of this in a more timely manner. Until then, we've had a wonderful 2011, and can't wait to see what 2012 has in store. We hope the same for you!

Hugs,

Mallory, the hubs, and the creatures

The Holidays Have Arrived!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Ok, so it's been much too long since I've posted. It's been a crazy few weeks, so I'll try to catch you up in as few words, and as many photos as possible!

So, November flew by so fast! I mean, I really don't know how it was even so possible that it went so quickly. I think most of the month was pretty "normal," and then there was VEGAS! What a great time! We spent three full days, and four nights seeing shows, visiting with family, walking the strip, and of course a little gambling in there too. We were welcomed by the in-laws with a fantastic "Thanksgiving Care Package" (as I like to call it).


We saw 'Jubilee' at Bally's on Thanksgiving night, followed by 'O' at Bellagio the next night. I'd recommend Jubilee if you want to see a traditional burlesque. O, however, was totally different and completely amazing! We had front row, center seats. We could see the performers' eyeballs. I wish we could have taken pictures to show you, but it wouldn't have done it justice. Just do me a favor, and next time your in sin city, go see O.



Our Vegas vacation ended on Sunday with a long day of travel on very little (I'm talking three hours people) sleep. Pick up the pooch, home, order pizza, and pass out! Fast forward (without really needing to fast forward) three days, and we're headed to Michigan!

Our Michigan weekend was great. It was full of variety. Dave shadowed a surgeon for half a day, and I spent time with my dad and sister. We visited Grandma, and played many rounds of double solitare. Not even kidding she beat me 90% of the time. I have no idea how, she must be magic. Our Friday afternoon was followed by a wonderful group dinner, and drinks with amazing friends.


On Saturday we attended St. Joe's annual holiday ball at the EMU convocation center where the Eagles play basketball - except transformed into a black tie event venue!




We had a wonderful night, as you might be able to see.

Finally, the perfect end cap to the weekend, another group meal - brunch. It was nice to end the weekend the way it began, with all of our friends and family together.

I've done my best to give you an overview of the past few weeks. They went by so quickly, and it was an exhausting, yet fun time. I can't tell you, though, how happy I am to be home, and getting back into the "normal" routine.

The final holidays of the year, and end of 2011 is sure to be passed before we know it. With two family Christmases, and a wedding on New Year's Eve, it's sure to be a great time!

Happy Friday!

A Weekend in Food

Sunday, November 13, 2011

This weekend has been one of some pretty amazing food, and I have myself to thank for part of it!

On Friday the creatures and I had the house to ourselves while the hubs worked a long shift. I took that opportunity to claim the kitchen for the evening!

I started the night with a quick stop at Trader Joe's to pick up supplies.

My first creation of the evening was a delicious Pesto Chicken Pizza. The inspiration for this came from a recipe that I found on Pinterest. I, however, used a pre-made whole wheat crust.




*Disclaimer: Please excuse the partially eaten photo of this pizza. I was starving when I finished cooking it, and had forgotten to take a photo.

I would highly recommend not only this recipe, but making your own pizza using a pre-made crust. It was a quick meal, and you can really get creative with the type of pizza you want to chow!




Next up was a Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie recipe that I also found on Pinterest. This one I followed almost 100%, with a simple substitution of a pre-made pie crust.



*Another disclaimer: I didn't really let my pre-made crust thaw all of the way prior to putting it in the pie dish. Thus the jagged and misshapen edge. Thankfully, this does not effect flavor!

I (and the day after, Dave) really enjoyed this dessert. I think it would be great, too, with a generous scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream ~ yum!





My final creation of the weekend came on Saturday morning! After the dust had settled from Friday night, I was ready to head back into the kitchen. This was probably my personal favorite of the weekend. Another great Pinterest find, Cinnamon and Sugar Biscuits!




These biscuits are amazing! I didn't make them in a bunt pan as the recipe shows, but in a square glass baking dish. Since there are only two of us, I chose to make a smaller portion. However, for larger get-togethers I would certainly do the bunt pan style - it certainly presents better than mine.





Unfortunately, I did not bring a camera to our neighbors house last night. The hosts made a delicious spread of Nepalese cuisine. So many things that I had never tasted before, and all were delicious. A night "in" with good food, drink, and the most important part, great friends was the perfect evening! Hopefully this little gang of six will continue our dinner parties, and maybe next time will be our turn to host.

*Final disclaimer: we are not nearly as ethnically interesting as our pioneer hosts, but will do our best to provide you with a well balanced yummy meal!

Today is sure to be a great cap for our weekend. Relaxing at home, some Bears (vs. Lions) football, and babysitting our favorite three year old Sophia. Can't wait!

Start the Day with a Laugh

Thursday, November 3, 2011

It's always good to start your day on a positive note, I think.

For our next book club meeting we are reading Bossypants by Tina Fey. I read it on my Nook during my commute to and from work each day. I have been enjoying the book in it's entirety (with a thumbs up to many chapters, one of which being Don Fey), but today I found it particularly funny.


The current section I'm reading talks about the creation and process of casting 30 Rock. I have never actually watched the show, but am pretty sure I will add it to my DVR when I get home. Tina discusses how they came about writing the show, and the various comedians that have contributed. She gave several people 'MVP' jokes and quoted them throughout the chapter. Seriously, hysterical. The Loyola basketball player sitting next to me who was studying for some business class on his laptop surely thought I was a crazy person, and possibly somewhat distracting as he kept discretely (not so much) staring at me.

Picture it. Headphones in ears. Nook in hands. Laughing so hard I'm crying. Not even kidding.

If you're ready for a new read and are looking for something lighthearted, I highly recommend Bossypants by Tina Fey.

Happy reading!




High Fives

Friday, October 28, 2011

Well, nothing too exciting this week, really, but I thought I'd share with you a little something that was forwarded to me earlier in the week.

If you know me at all, you know how much I love high fives. High fives are great for congratulatory events, but I never thought to use them this way ...


This is for the day when everyone you encounter is stupid, can't do their job, or asked a question that you've already answered. For those days in the future I will urge you to remember this post, in hopes that it will give you a little chuckle, and not actually inspire you to follow through with it's words.

Happy Friday!

Change

Saturday, October 22, 2011

I've been thinking a lot lately about change. Specifically, how you know when it's time for change. Do you only make changes if it's a BIG difference, or is it okay to make minor changes?

Similarly, "if it aint broke, don't fix it." I can think of many ways that this does apply, but, if it's not broke and you still desire change, is that ok?

I'm a big list maker. So, I suppose the only way this might be solved is with a list for the old, and a list for the proposed "new." Over to the drawing board we go.

Onto the Next Adventure

Friday, October 14, 2011

I've been daydreaming a lot lately about another trip abroad.
My first trip was to Greece (Athens and Santorini) for our honeymoon.
It was an awesome trip, and so mesmerizing to see all the ancient monuments of the Greek Gods.
There is nothing that I have seen in the United States that even compares.

  

There are so many other places that I want to see around the world.
I'm having a hard time figuring out how to decide.
Some of the places that I want to visit are...
Ireland, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland.
(Not necessarily in that order.)

Let me know where you think our next adventure should take us.
The only requirements are ...
1. Overseas
2. Not Greece
3. Great food and drink

Happy Friday!

Amputation by Elevator

Monday, October 10, 2011

Thought of the day:

Why are we (and by we I do not mean me) in such a rush that we must stick our limbs in closing elevator doors, so not to have to wait for the next one? I mean, really.

This morning I was in the elevator, and when the doors were about four inches away from being closed a man sticks his arm in the opening. The doors open, he walks in, and we're on our way. So, I say to him (looking extremely frightened for his arm) "I don't stick my limbs in elevators." We continue to chat, and before walking out of the elevator he says "I'm not so dumb in my old age, am I?" I'm thinking "YES YOU ARE! You just stuck your arm in an elevator that was four inches from closing, and you're headed to physical therapy!" (I could tell this by the badge that he had on from the front desk.)


So, I got to thinking, how many people really lose their limbs from an elevator related accident!?

"In the study, conducted in 2002, the results showed that more that 11,000 victims have incurred an elevator accident injury from these unfortunate and disastrous incidents. This does not include the combined figures of 30 casualties yearly from elevator and escalator accidents."
http://www.mesrianilaw.com/elevator-accident-injury.html

Would you want to be one of the 11,000 victims of an elevator? My guess is, no. So, next time you think you're in a rush, and need to catch that near departing elevator, step back, and take a breath because there will surely be another elevator to service you in no time.

26 Days Until Halloween

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Let's get one thing straight, I don't do Halloween. Period.

Dave and I, however, have made an agreement that "every other year*" we'll dress up. So, this year Dave's idea is to dress up as characters from one of our guilty pleasures Jersey Shore. As Pauly D and Vinny did on a recent episode, Dave would like to wear this.


The other day, he tells me that he'll really need to work on his shoulders and arms more so he can "fit the part." Uh, ok. Then he sends me the link again, and says "the white one in extra large please..." Well at least he said please ... but really!? Continuing, "...we both know how much you like to buy stuff online."

Well, Mr., we'll just see how much more online shopping I do for you!

*To be clear, last year was the "every other year" to dress up for Halloween, lucky for me we had a wedding to attend, and I got out of it. So really this year I shouldn't have to dress up, right?! Right, because I really don't see myself as a Snooki, J Wow or Sammy. However, Dave might argue with the latter...


I Think I'll Start Blogging ...!?

Friday, September 30, 2011

I suppose I should just jump right in, eh?!

No, I'm not Canadian. A native Michigander relocated to Chicago, IL by way of Columbus, OH almost five years ago. I can't believe that I've been here almost five years - wow! You may be able to tell that I've moved a bit in my short 27 years ... only 17 times since I went to college, no big deal. However, for the past year and a half our little family has been settled in a cute apartment near Lake Michigan.

So, now that we're "settled" I thought I'd start a blog to chronicle our journey through life, while we figure out where it will take us. You see, with Dave pursuing a career in medicine we have a bit of a road ahead of us. There is the potential for no less than three more moves during this process, so by the end we should be professionals.

That said, things might get a bit crazy around here, but we'll do our best to keep it together.

Oh, ya, and happy Friday :)