100 Posts!

Can you believe this is the 100th post on Fondue You Love Me? I really really can't.  It's been such a great experience and I get entirely too much joy looking at all of the published and scheduled posts. I'm so proud of all that I've accomplished with this blog and I feel like I've found a drive to try new things. I am so thankful for Joe and Jessica for reading and helping and suggesting ideas. They've done so much and I love them for dealing with my nonsense. I have so many great things planned for the blog and I can't believe in just a few short months, I've already shared myself 100 times. I am so happy to have my little blog and see the number of views of grow each month. I've been really trying to improve the quality of each post and really give a variety of my interests. I'm looking forward to August when my baby blog turns a year old but until then, look forward to 100 more posts including recipes, craftiness, nephew lovin', and a whole lot more sass. Because it's my blog, yo.

Wednesday Writings

The menu for your last meal.

Spinach Artichoke Dip from Applebee's

Fried Pork Dumplings from Hunan Gardens

Baked Potato Soup

Steak, medium rare, grilled by Joe

Zucchini, Broccoli, and Carrots

Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter

Shrimp Pasta made by Joe

Chocolate Cake with Mint Chip Ice Cream

That's why it would be my last meal.

Grilled Chicken and Lemon Basil Pasta

Oh my lord, you are going to hate me. And I am so not sorry. This pasta will ruin your life. You will seriously consider giving up all other foods to just eat pasta forever. This lemon basil pasta is seriously amazing! It's light and creamy and just so dang good. The lemon is the best part of this dish. It makes the sauce just so dang good. I did not want to stop eating. You just have to try it. And then curse the nutritional gods that pasta isn't the only food we need to survive! And of course, it's from my favorite woman ever, the Pioneer Woman.

Salsa

I am not a salsa person. I don't like most salsa that comes in jars, with one exception. Newman's Own has some pretty tasty salsa but I wouldn't sit down with a jar and snack on that. I only eat their salsa when my mom buys it and even then it's like 5 or 6 chips and I'm done. Anyways, my problem with jarred salsa is the chunks. I don't like chunks in my salsa. Neither does Joe. So when I found a recipe that specifically said to blend it up, I knew I needed to try it. Plus it's from the Pioneer Woman and when I read about how picky she is with her salsa, I knew if her salsa wasn't for me, there would be no salsa ever for me. But it is the salsa for me and I am completely addicted. I have never sat down and snacked on chips and salsa before but I'm out of salsa now because I can't stop once I start snacking. It is just so good.

Friday Faves

It's just been one of those weeks.

1. Good Mythical Morning

Do you know Rhett and Link? Because you really should. They do awesome videos like "Dope Zebra" and "Rub Some Bacon On It". But they also do this cool little show every day. And I'm a tiny bit obsessed. They talk about some cool stuff and they always make me laugh. So you definitely need to go check them out.

2. McDonald's

Makes everything all better. And shamrock shakes are da bomb.

3. Liam's Easter Mail

I wish I could show you but this time I will make it a surprise for Jessica. Needless to say, it is the coolest gift ever.

4. Lemon Basil Pasta

Get ready for this post because I am obsessed. Too dang good.

5. Suit Up Night

Yeah, I was the only girl there. Because no one can hang like a bro like me.

Shrimp Pasta

When Joe and I first met, he made this for me and I became hooked. I could eat it every day for the rest of my life and it is always my answer to the question, "If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?" Joe and I always say it's our first favorite food cooked in our second favorite food over our third favorite food. I am absolutely obsessed with this dish and I can't believe it has taken this long to post it on this blog. I introduced my sister to this dish and she is also addicted so it's safe to say it's amazing.

Shrimp Pasta

• 15 Large Pre-Cooked Shrimp, tails removed
• 3 Cloves of Garlic
• 2 T Butter
• 2 T Oregano
• 1 T Italian Dressing
• 1/3 lb Spaghetti
• Parmesan Cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and return to pot and add 1 T of oregano.
2. Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add garlic and let cook for 3 minutes. Add 1 T oregano and shrimp and cook until shrimp are heated through. Add the Italian dressing over the shrimp and cook until warm. Toss with cooked pasta and serve with Parmesan cheese.

Wednesday Writings

What ten questions are you going to ask to figure out the object in a game of I Spy?

1. What color is it?
2. Can it be eaten?
3. Would it fit in a bread box?
4. Could you describe it to me in 4 words or less so that I could draw it?
5. On average, how many times a day would I see this object?
6. Does it have a "friend"? (another object that goes with it)
7. Is this an object you have to actively engage with like a computer or passively engage with like a picture or piece of furniture.
8. Is it something someone would steal?
9. Does it often come in a lot of other colors?
10. Are there potentially more in this building?

Knotted Headband

I love to crochet. It's a skill I try to hide. I've always been afraid that people judge me. It's kind of an old lady thing. But it's really easy because most of the time, if you make a mistake, it doesn't take long to fix or you can incorporate it. Crocheting is really easy to modify and improvise. I've loved making stuffed animals in the past and I'm sure I'll go back to that at some point, especially when Liam is old enough for safety eyes and small details but right now I'm pretty satisfied with projects that I can work on for an hour. I don't really have the time for multiple pieces or remembering rows and counting lots of stitches. This headband came together in an about an hour and a half because I got to row two ripped it back to the chain row and started over. This is a great beginner project. My little love loves it and I can't wait to alter the pattern a little and make it for the grand little love! Check out my pretty little love modeling her new headband below! If you have a great pattern for a simple project, send it my way because I need simple projects that aren't scarves.

Snow

You remember my complaining when I introduced my winter bucket list? Yeah, well for whatever reason I still put a walk and a snowman on there. Anyways, this week Grand Rapids got 19 inches of snow and they're saying to plan on more. It's not packing snow for a snowman so I just took some pretty picture on campus to show you how lovely the snow looks around campus. Even the though snow looks pretty, I'm not sure why they have tours of high school juniors and their parents walking around with a windchill below zero but whatever. I'm not an amazing photographer with my little digital Kodak camera and it was really cloudy but GVSU does take amazing care of it's buildings and landscaping so it is a really pretty campus and that is what drew me there so here are my pretty pictures of snow.

The Cook Carillon Tower houses 48 bronze bells that ring every 15 minutes. They are actually 2 minutes early so you know if you are eating lunch or walking slowly, speed it up because you are about to be late. They play Christmas carols in December and bring in musicians in the spring to play and you can even peek in and watch from time to time.

You can't actually see cars from the main campus. All the main parking lots are hidden by buildings or man made hills and landscaping. Even most of the residence halls are fairly removed from parking lots.

The university arborist takes care of all 4,800 trees on GVSU's campus and they are all native to Michigan. GVSU is also home to a 7 acre arboretum as well as 4 gardens.

The Cook-Dewitt Center is the auditorium that overlooks the Valley. It is home to a huge old fashioned pipe organ and there are a lot of alumni weddings here in the spring and summer. It will always hold fond memories for me because they hold freshman orientation in this building. 

Friday Faves

Well, this has by far been the most difficult week since the beginning of Fondue You Love Me? but I'm determined to find five amazing things that happened this week.

1. AST Scavenger Hunt

Our beautiful chaplains hosted a scavenger hunt for us on Wednesday night. We ran around like crazy people but it is completely fine because team Damsels in Success won! We were the only team to not only accomplish all 18 tasks and arrive back first but also the only team to follow the directions for each picture. Along with our scavenger hunt, we created happiness jars and got personalized Valentines. It was really what I needed this week.

2. South West Egg Rolls and Homemade Salsa

Once again, Joe and I proved our culinary genius with some homemade salsa and south west egg rolls. The salsa is the perfect consistancy and has the right mix of spicy and sweet and sour flavors. The egg rolls are filled with beans and corn and spinach and have tons of flavor. They were so yummy dipped in sour cream or the salsa. They both will happen again soon. The salsa made the perfect snack and the egg rolls reheated nicely in a toaster oven. Yum!

3. Joe

Joe is the very best friend in the whole world. I would not have made it through this week without him. He is the absolute best and I will never be able to do enough to repay him for everything he has done for me! I just love him so much.

4. Retail Therapy

Joe and I went shopping over the weekend and I got two cute new dresses as well as a new blazer for Suit Up night and a new top. I'm in desperate need for clothes that don't have letters so be prepared for plenty of retail therapy pictures in the coming weeks.

5. Easter!

I am getting so excited for all the Easter things I have planned. Liam's Easter present is here and it is just so dang precious. I can't wait to send it to him and post about it! I won't ruin the surprise this time, I swear! I can't wait for what I have planned for spring break and all the blog things I am going to work on!

Wonton Soup

My 20th birthday was my first birthday with Joe. He took me to the restaurant that would ruin my life. Hunan Gardens in Kalamazoo has the most amazing fried pork dumpling appetizer in the world. It is so good that I get this craving and nothing will satisfy it until I have some dumplings in front of me. Ever since then, I have loved pork filled dumpling anythings. Like the Chinese buffet down the street from my house? They have pretty great pork dumplings too. Almost as good as Hunan Gardens. And you can get super expensive frozen dumplings from the store that are pretty close too. And this wonton soup. Yummy pork filled dumplings in a chicken broth with bok choy. It was so freaking good! Not the same but it was comparing apples and oranges. These dumplings have a delicate wrapper and a nice ginger-y lightly seasoned pork filling. I realized I love this soup so much because the dumplings are so much better than all the little bits floating in the broth. You can find the recipe from Spoonful.com here. This will definitely be happening again as Joe and I both really enjoyed this recipe!

Joe making the magic!

Oh and happy Valentine's Day!

Wednesday Writings

What did you wear to prom? How did you get your outfit, and what happened to it?

To my senior prom, I wore a navy blue asymmetrical dress with silver beads. Getting it was one of the best memories I have with my mom. She surprised me by taking me to this boutique as opposed to a chain store and we sifted through their very packed special occasions room to find a dress I liked. Mom found this one and I loved that it wasn't over the top or too girly. My mom got too excited which made me realize getting a wedding dress one day is gonna suck with her. I had it altered and ended up wearing it again for formal 2 years later. One of the straps broke so now it's hanging in my closet at my dad's house. I may get the strap fixed or I may not. I don't know. I've considered giving it to a charity but I'm also pretty attached to it because Mom was so excited. So whenever Dad forces me to clean out my room, I guess I'll figure it out then.

Berry Oreo Balls

I was so excited when I started this journey. I was inspired by a really common sorority treat that involves crushing a package of Oreos and mixing it with a block of cream cheese and topping it with chocolate. And I was like, "Hey, you know what would make this a special Valentine's day treat? Using the berry ice cream flavored Oreos!" And then it of course was not that easy. It took me approximately a million years to crush the Oreos. And in case you've never attempted to melt white chocolate chips, it's really hard. I burned three attempts at it. The last attempt melted them but it was not pretty. In short, these Oreo balls were supposed to be a beautiful Valentine's day treat and instead they are not so pretty. But they are incredibly tasty. The berry flavor is really yummy and I'm sure you could find an easier way to make these than my epic fail journey. To make your own Oreo balls, just crush a package of Oreos and mix it with an 8 oz. package of cream cheese.

Creamy Rice Pudding

The Scene: It's -4 with the windchill out. We've been getting snow for two days. The roommates have gone out and I've decided not to risk my life driving to my 6-9 history class. I know I should be upstairs getting some reading done or maybe a draft done for the next paper I have due but I want something to eat plus I've been fighting off a headache all day. I miss days like this at home. Laying on the couch with the dog. Having Dad to make dinner and watching the news in a house where I don't pay the heating bill.

This recipe is so freaking good. I absolutely love the rice pudding. Dad used to make this for me and Jessica all the time. It's creamy and warm. The flavor is like warm vanilla ice cream over rice. So so yummy. I just love this stuff. And a whole batch to myself means snacks all the time. I've even been known to eat it for breakfast. It's just a nice warm way to wake up in the morning. The recipe we use comes from da internets. The only tip I have for you is to follow the instructions exactly. It may seem like it will never get thick and creamy but it will. Also, stir stir stir. It will never come together if you don't stir. I hope you enjoy this big batch of love.

Friday Faves

Friday again?! Time really does fly. Not that this week has been super fun. Just a lot of studying as usual but you know. Eventually Friday comes and you can't believe you made it through another seven days of studying...

1. History

History and I are in love right now. We are in that honeymoon stage. You know, where I rape everyone with my vast history knowledge? Yeah. I killed Uriah in a cheesecake versus cheesepie argument. I gave Margie a lesson on Animal Farm. I got an A- on my German History paper and a B+ on my Colonial American History paper. I taught the chapter how the colonists died. (Eat your bean with rice or pasta or you'll die like the colonists too.) The picture above is from my German History class. My professor has a large collection of German Marks printed during WWI that are worth more now than they were back in the day. You can't use them any more since Germany adopted a new currency after WWII and now they have the euro but you can buy WWI German Marks for like 50 cents in Germany or on Ebay. They were so incredibly cool. This note is for 100,000 Marks and you would need a huge bundle to buy even a loaf of bread during WWI. History raped.

2. Kate and Sabrina

Kate, Sabrina and I have been having a blast together this week. We started off by going to the piano bar in downtown Grand Rapids, Mojo's. We danced and had a blast. Kate and I laughed hysterically as guys danced with Sabrina without even asking her. She was such a trooper. She would dance for the whole song, turn around and thank them and then walk away. Sometimes they would take the hint and sometimes they would come back for round two of rejection but either way, we had fun. Then last night we went to Peppino's to do a little more dancing. We didn't spend quite as much time there because as is typical for a Thursday night in a college town, it was absolutely packed. That and Pep's is notorious for their terrible service and it took us forever to get anything so we didn't want to spend the whole night waiting for water or menus or drinks or our food or a straw because the waitress forgot it the last two trips she made it to our table.

3. Fancy Hair and Make Up

My sister has created a monster. I used to impress people with my ability to get out the door in 30 minutes no problem. Now I spend at least that blow drying and straightening my hair. Then if I'm going to do a bump or something of that nature, we now are up to 25 minutes. My face doesn't take forever because I'm fairly loyal to the products I love and eventually I'll do a post so Jessica can see how my routine has changed but between showering and dressing and hair and make up, I take a good hour to get ready. But now it feels weird to leave the house when I do not look exactly like the above. Not being fantastic looking every day means I'm going to run into someone who is important enough to deserve fantastic me. So now I wake up an hour early just to look like this. I feel rather silly.

4. Studying at Panera

I have found a new love for studying at Panera. Their food is a little expensive but their menu includes calorie counts and their food is as close to homemade as you can get in this type of restaurant. This Thursday I enjoyed a strawberries & cream scone and some ginger peach tea. The scone is much bigger than the picture gives it credit for. I don't have a big appetite anymore so this was a whole meal for me but I'm sure it would make a fine snack too. The best part is the Panera team is just so nice. They refilled my mug with hot water when it got cold without charging me and had no problem when I asked for an extra tea bag. They don't bother me while I'm studying. It's busy without being distracting and they play pretty generic music so it's the right noise level for me to get stuff done when I don't want to go to campus or stay home. And I totally recommend their broccoli cheddar soup!

5. Sisterhood Bonding

I had an absolutely fantastic time with these lovely ladies as we acted ridiculous and showed our Educational Consultant, Justina, just how crazy the Gamma Xi chapter gets. Someone's face is missing from this photo because I'm fairly certain we had seven people in that pile, not six. But anyways, our Friday night bonding session included Margie's stalker-ish Mitchell Musso story, yelling about whether or not Happy Feet 2 is just Happy Feet 1 backwards and hearing Justina's stories about the haunted chapter house at Central. It was a blast and I wouldn't trade moments like these for the world.

Heart Attack!

It's almost Valentine's Day!!! I like sending the nephew mail for holidays. For Valentine's Day, I'm sent him a heart attack! I decorated the outside of a box with hearts and put a stuffed monkey inside with lots of paper hearts so it's an "attack" of hearts when it arrives! I thought it was a sweet way to send mail to a kid. I <3 you, Liam!!!

Wednesday Writings

A houseplant is dying. Tell it why it needs to live.

Paul... Can I call you Paul? Paul... Paul, you want to live. You need to live. There is so much in this world that wouldn't be the same without you. This window sill. It would just be bare without you. But you make it green. You should live. Maybe grow a little purple flower some day. Because it would make someone smile. Wouldn't you like to make someone smile? Someone would smile at you with your bright colors and you could live in the happy sunlight. Maybe you give that person a hobby that makes them not want to die. A cheery little co-existent life, Paul! Wouldn't that be nice? So please don't die Paul. It's important.

DIY Tank Top

My biggest boy pet peeve? Muscle shirts. And women wearing a boy's muscle shirt with a sports bra. But I get the appeal. It's cooler and easier to move in. But I don't want to wear a shirt that looks like it belongs to a boy. And tank tops made for women are usually too tight. When we went to Cedar Point last summer, I made one of these tank tops and I absolutely love it. I used one of Joe's that was stained and he was going to throw away anyways.

1. Cut off the arms and neck. Cut them a little deeper that just the seam.
2. Turn the shirt over and cut a little deeper just off the back of the neck and the arms.
3. Using part of the shirt that you cut off, pull a strip through both sleeves and tie a double knot.

If you're like me and you don't like working out in just a bra, this is a great option. There are a lot of other variations on the internet. I have two more of Joe's old shirts to work with so I might try something different with the next one. 

Sorority Paddles

It took me a long time to learn the tricks to making a cool paddle. If you're not creative, it's hard to know what you're doing. I just finished Emily's "Tacky Christmas" Themed Paddle and I thought I'd give you a couple of tips for making a great paddle.

• Always make a plan before you start. There is nothing worse than getting started and realizing there was a way cooler way to do something.
• When you're painting, be a perfectionist. Nothing ruins the look a paddle more than smudges and lines that aren't quite straight.
• Details matter. Just because you're going simple doesn't mean you can't make every detail perfect. With the tacky sweater pattern, I painted a little "v" texture into the shapes so that it had that sweater look.
• Clear coat. It really is necessary. It makes the paddle look so finished and polished.
• If you're gonna go big, go big. Those Christmas lights light up and I searched everywhere for that mini garland.

Did you make a cool paddle? Send me a pic or a link because I'd love to see it!

Friday Faves

Happy February y'all. It has been a long week here in the arctic. In the past two weeks, we've gotten over two feet of snow. Spring has six weeks to get here or I will be packing a bag and living on the beach in Florida.

1. Mint

I am so happy mint is every where this year. I have always loved mint and I've had mint polish for a long time but I had so many beautiful options for a mint dress for my Valentine's date with Luke. I am so excited for it to get here. Plus I always have a blast online shopping with Jessica.

2. Dinner with Emily

Little love and I had dinner on Sunday night and it was so nice to catch up with her. I just love her. I made her that cute little headband so look forward to that post.

3. Valentine's Day

Luke and I got our Valentine's Day plans squared away since his work will be sending him to teach a couple of classes up north for a couple of days over February 14. By the way, do you know how many times that boy actually asked me what the date of Valentine's Day is? Seriously. But anyways, I am so excited because he let me have a choice and my Valentine's Day gift is a day trip to Chicago together over spring break in March. I am super excited about that! He doesn't know it yet but we are so going into the Vera Bradley store on Michigan Ave. :)

4. The SpeakEZ Lounge

Luke took me to this super cute bar last night and I think this may have to be a regular thing for me to bug him about. It was so small and out of the way. Their staff is so nice and it feels exactly what a speakeasy should feel like. And they have a delicious moscato.

5. This Song

If I can't be Felicia Day, can we at least be BFFs?