Saturday, January 31, 2009
Dresses. Check!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
On a Lighter Note
I have lost a total of 6.5 pounds, including the 4.5 i first reported. I don't have a goal weight if that's what your pondering. Im not aspiring to weight what i did 4.5 years ago. When i met juju i was a slim 100 pounds. I'm not necessarily proud of that, but that was that. And if you do the math, 4-4.5 pound constant weight gain a year X 4.5 years = 20.25 pound (roughly). Basic math. 100+20.25=120.25. Ewy. Its a lot rougher when you see it on paper, screen. I don't think i have really stated my original starting weight. But there is it. There i was. 120.25 pounds. And not that 120.25 pounds is a lot, i can already see some of you rolling your eyes calling me a skinny bitch, but 120.25 was not where i wanted to be, or where i felt comfortable. It was where i pudged out of certain clothes and startled myself in the mirror as i frantically looked for the camera ( they say the camera adds ten pounds). I just wanted to feel good in my own skin again. And i know I'm not going to be in the low 100s forever. Bones get heavy, you make the transition from Young Lady to Women, blah blah blah. Simply put, at this point in my life, I want to be young, fit, and happy. I am a few months away from getting married. I am a few months away from wearing a bikini beach side. Need i say more?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Mrs.Lonely
Its funny how you tend to miss someone more when they are in another state. I mean i could go a day without Juj, but 64 1/2 hours?!!? That's enough to drive a sane person mad! Mad i tell you. Ok well maybe not mad per say. But lonely, needless to say. Juju has been wanting to go to the Detroit auto show for years. We have been to the Chicago and Milwaukee one in the past, but i guess the Detroit one is bigger and has more luxury cars that don't make it to Milwaukee. So finally he did. He and his family ventured on a last minute road trip to Michigan. They have family in Grand Rapids, so they were to stay there and drive out to Detroit for the show.
But Juju leaving for the weekend really made me realize how much i really feel his absence. Don't get me wrong, i worked all weekend so its not like i had time to physically sit around and miss him, its the fact that he was far far away. I got off of work, it was cold, i was hungry and no Juju to go home to. =-/ The next day ditto, well except i had Burger King for dinner. Bad, i know.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Semi-Homemade Pizza
-sorry reader, this one is long enough to go in the bible-
I stopped at the store and picked up organic fire roasted tomatoes, organic baby mushrooms, an organic green pepper, regular ole' low moisture mozzarella, pepperoni (commercial, nothing fancy) and then proceeded to look for a whole wheat crust. I knew i was too hungry to wait for the dough to rise and all that good stuff, so i figured i would just get a premade one. (*note semi-homemade) Well to much of my disappointment the one brand of wheat crust just happened to be on sale and SOLD out! C'mon, who the heck is wiped clean of whole wheat pizza crust?!? Ugh. At this point, my dogs were barking and my stomach was growling. I had 2 choices, get the regular thin crust (the only thing left) or stop at another store before going home. So i took my chances and went to a second store in search for my whole wheat pizza crust.
I get there, go directly to the designated premade pizza crust area to find that they were completely out. At least the other store had a few thin crusts and some personal size ones. I was outraged! not to mention hungry. Luckily i found the refrigerated pop-out-of-the-can-and-roll-out-yourself kind. Of course not in wheat, but at this point in my odyssey i was too tired to go anywhere else and this let down led me down the wine aisle. 2 please.
I got home and proposed my pizza making idea to my mom and was excited to see that Gaby & hubby were still there. We usually get together at my moms [my] house every Sunday, and since i have been working on the weekends now i rarely see them. So we all rolled up our sleeves and started cutting, washing, greasing, unrolling, pureeing.
I eyeballed everything, the sauce, the toppings, the cheese. So here is my version of the recipe. Note, i made 2 that's why i have double of everything. Adjust to recipe yield desired.
2 cans of Pillsbury classic pizza crust
2 cans organic fire roasted tomato chunks or stew (i chose them pre-fire roasted, i figured it would take too long to do it myself) =-)
1 pkg of sliced pepperoni, i think i maybe used a cup total, you'll have left overs
1 organic green pepper
2 bricks (8oz) of low moisture mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp of grated romano cheese
2 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese
unknown amount of basil (dried)
unknown amount of oregano
a smidgen of garlic powder (no more, no less)
Preheated the oven to 425 degrees.
Pop open can of crust and unroll onto a greased 15x10 inch dark or nonstick cookie sheet.
Top! spread sauce, sprinkle 1 tbsp of romano and parmesan cheese over sauce. Add pepperoni, sliced mushrooms & green peppers. Sprinkle with the desired amount of cheese. I actually used one entire 8 oz brick per pizza. Now that i think about it, i might have used it in excess. But who doesn't love cheesy pizza?
Sprinkle with love and pop into oven for 12-15 minutes.
Cooking time in high altitude or slanted houses may vary. Please hold vigil at oven while baking.
The pizza was incredible. It would honestly knock out the most established competitor's. While the pizza was in the oven, Jesse (Gaby's Hubby) ran to get a movie.
When we were younger, my siblings, my mom and I would make french bread pizza on Sunday afternoons. I'm not sure if it was ever every Sunday, but we made them often. I think we made it often. Ok to be quiet honest i remember the eating the pizza part the most. So any how, this Sunday at work, i was thinking about dinner all day long. Sad, i know. I wanted to make something healthy but delicious. I finally came to the conclusion that i would try to make the healthiest organic (as possible) pizza. Oh man, i couldn't wait to leave so that i could run to the store to pick up my ingredients.
I stopped at the store and picked up organic fire roasted tomatoes, organic baby mushrooms, an organic green pepper, regular ole' low moisture mozzarella, pepperoni (commercial, nothing fancy) and then proceeded to look for a whole wheat crust. I knew i was too hungry to wait for the dough to rise and all that good stuff, so i figured i would just get a premade one. (*note semi-homemade) Well to much of my disappointment the one brand of wheat crust just happened to be on sale and SOLD out! C'mon, who the heck is wiped clean of whole wheat pizza crust?!? Ugh. At this point, my dogs were barking and my stomach was growling. I had 2 choices, get the regular thin crust (the only thing left) or stop at another store before going home. So i took my chances and went to a second store in search for my whole wheat pizza crust.
I get there, go directly to the designated premade pizza crust area to find that they were completely out. At least the other store had a few thin crusts and some personal size ones. I was outraged! not to mention hungry. Luckily i found the refrigerated pop-out-of-the-can-and-roll-out-yourself kind. Of course not in wheat, but at this point in my odyssey i was too tired to go anywhere else and this let down led me down the wine aisle. 2 please.
I got home and proposed my pizza making idea to my mom and was excited to see that Gaby & hubby were still there. We usually get together at my moms [my] house every Sunday, and since i have been working on the weekends now i rarely see them. So we all rolled up our sleeves and started cutting, washing, greasing, unrolling, pureeing.
Here is gaby, using her Food Network poses.
I eyeballed everything, the sauce, the toppings, the cheese. So here is my version of the recipe. Note, i made 2 that's why i have double of everything. Adjust to recipe yield desired.
2 cans of Pillsbury classic pizza crust
2 cans organic fire roasted tomato chunks or stew (i chose them pre-fire roasted, i figured it would take too long to do it myself) =-)
1 pkg of sliced pepperoni, i think i maybe used a cup total, you'll have left overs
1 organic green pepper
2 bricks (8oz) of low moisture mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp of grated romano cheese
2 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese
unknown amount of basil (dried)
unknown amount of oregano
a smidgen of garlic powder (no more, no less)
Preheated the oven to 425 degrees.
Mix the tomato with basil & oregano. Add the smidgen of garlic powder. This is all to taste, and optional of course. We had to drain out some of the tomato juices, the consistency was too watery.
(Im not sure why it looks like we spread strawberry jelly on our pizza, but rest asure it was tomato sauce)
Pop open can of crust and unroll onto a greased 15x10 inch dark or nonstick cookie sheet.
Top! spread sauce, sprinkle 1 tbsp of romano and parmesan cheese over sauce. Add pepperoni, sliced mushrooms & green peppers. Sprinkle with the desired amount of cheese. I actually used one entire 8 oz brick per pizza. Now that i think about it, i might have used it in excess. But who doesn't love cheesy pizza?
Sprinkle with love and pop into oven for 12-15 minutes.
Cooking time in high altitude or slanted houses may vary. Please hold vigil at oven while baking.
The pizza was incredible. It would honestly knock out the most established competitor's. While the pizza was in the oven, Jesse (Gaby's Hubby) ran to get a movie.
We popped open the bottle of wine and had pizza and watched The Women. Im really glad i decided to cook something instead of stopping at the drive thru. It was nice spending that time cooking with my family.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Cookies
On Saturday night my FMIL (aka 'evelyn','Edi', 'mami', 'eveling') Irma and I made cookies. This was a LONG time coming. See these were originally supposed to be Christmas cookies, then became Hanukah cookies, then new years cookies, then 3 wisemen day cookies. So we figured, how bout we jump ahead of the game and make Valentines day cookies. So i busted out my multiple hearts, and X&O's. Irma got her Gingerbread men and mami got her angels. It was like there was a cookie party and someone forgot to tell the Easter bunny, but i digress.
We were to make about three different batches of cookies. Eh. Only one made it.
The first recipe was called Mexican Wedding Cake, although they are cookies. And i actually have the recipe for this one.
1c butter
3/4c confectioners' sugar
1tsp. vanilla
2c flour
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream butter. This can be done by hand, electric mixer or food processor.
Add sugar to the creamed butter. Mix well
Mix in flour and vanilla. Dough will be thick. Do not become frightened.
Once thoroughly mixed pinch off small amounts of cookie dough, about the size of a quarter and roll into 1inch balls.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart from its neighbor.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until bottom is browned. Keep an eye on them, our first batch became Cajun style.
Let cool for a few minutes and then roll in confectioners' sugar. And Enjoy!
These were super easy to make and tasted great.
Now we also attempted to make "spritz cookies" but those were just awful and we didn't have a cookie press so they became very difficult to work with. So i wont even get into those.
The third batch never stood a chance against the clock. We all called it quits around 11:30.
I will post pictures of the cookies once i find my cable that connects my camera to my computer. You havent seen it have you?
Mix in flour and vanilla. Dough will be thick. Do not become frightened.
Once thoroughly mixed pinch off small amounts of cookie dough, about the size of a quarter and roll into 1inch balls.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart from its neighbor.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until bottom is browned. Keep an eye on them, our first batch became Cajun style.
Let cool for a few minutes and then roll in confectioners' sugar. And Enjoy!
These were super easy to make and tasted great.
Now we also attempted to make "spritz cookies" but those were just awful and we didn't have a cookie press so they became very difficult to work with. So i wont even get into those.
The third batch never stood a chance against the clock. We all called it quits around 11:30.
I will post pictures of the cookies once i find my cable that connects my camera to my computer. You havent seen it have you?
Friday, January 16, 2009
What's in the name?
125 days until i become Mrs.Juju.
When i first started this blog, it took me a while to come up with the name. I brainstormed and even asked for suggestions from a few friends. Although the main purpose of this blog was to document our planning and preparation for our wedding, it has evolved to much more then that. I remember, before i had any followers, i would tell myself that i had anonymous readers that didnt want to officially 'follow' my blog. And then one day, as i was showing my sister gaby i noticed this
I was exctatic! I had a follower, i rolled my mouse over to the icon to find that Juju was my first follower. I nearly fell over my chair laughing. A good laugh thought, because it took me by surprise because he hadn't mentioned anything. He was my first groupie, my first supporter.
I chose "Becoming Mrs.Juju" vs 'our road to marriage', 'a journey to the aisle', etc., because i realized, my blog life wont end once i become married. Matter of fact, that only begins one of many new chapters in my life. I came to 'Becoming Mrs.Juju' because it means more then many people think. Cute? Yes. But also figuratively and literally, that is what will happen on the day of our wedding and all the days following that. I will become one with him. As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” (Ephesians 5:31) And no matter how long we are married for, i will never stop Becoming Mrs.Juju. Everyday i will learn something different and encounter a new decision, obstacle, or adventure. Everyday i will become a bigger part of him, of 'us'. Everyday i will become a new person, wear a new hat and become a better wife than the day before. One day, god willing i will become a mother and thereafter a grandmother. I will always and forever be mrs.Juju, but i will never stop becoming his wife, or the mother to our future children. I will never stop Becoming Mrs.Juju.
When i first started this blog, it took me a while to come up with the name. I brainstormed and even asked for suggestions from a few friends. Although the main purpose of this blog was to document our planning and preparation for our wedding, it has evolved to much more then that. I remember, before i had any followers, i would tell myself that i had anonymous readers that didnt want to officially 'follow' my blog. And then one day, as i was showing my sister gaby i noticed this
I was exctatic! I had a follower, i rolled my mouse over to the icon to find that Juju was my first follower. I nearly fell over my chair laughing. A good laugh thought, because it took me by surprise because he hadn't mentioned anything. He was my first groupie, my first supporter.I chose "Becoming Mrs.Juju" vs 'our road to marriage', 'a journey to the aisle', etc., because i realized, my blog life wont end once i become married. Matter of fact, that only begins one of many new chapters in my life. I came to 'Becoming Mrs.Juju' because it means more then many people think. Cute? Yes. But also figuratively and literally, that is what will happen on the day of our wedding and all the days following that. I will become one with him. As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” (Ephesians 5:31) And no matter how long we are married for, i will never stop Becoming Mrs.Juju. Everyday i will learn something different and encounter a new decision, obstacle, or adventure. Everyday i will become a bigger part of him, of 'us'. Everyday i will become a new person, wear a new hat and become a better wife than the day before. One day, god willing i will become a mother and thereafter a grandmother. I will always and forever be mrs.Juju, but i will never stop becoming his wife, or the mother to our future children. I will never stop Becoming Mrs.Juju.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Who's a Loser?!?
I am!
I would like to report a 4.5 pound weight loss. That's right, I just shaved off a year of expansion in two weeks. I have to say its not as easy as i thought. Its a lot easier to gain than to lose, that's a no brainer. But I have to say, its nice not living with the fear that, at any given moment, my button could fly off and injure an innocent bystander. I'm being a responsible citizen.
In the last two weeks, i have been to the gym at least 10 times. I have also been making better food choices. I have been keeping a journal of everything i consume in a day, not to mention counting the calories. I have been eating about 1350 to 1500 calories a day in combination with regular visits to the gym. It has not been easy, there is a lot of temptations out there. You don't know how many times I've craved a strawberry pecan sundae from Leon's. Or wanted a second serving of carbs. BUT, i did not succumb to temptations. I do still reward myself with 1 serving of snacks, whether it be chocolate covered pretzels (yumm-o) or maybe kettle corn popcorn. I think that i have been successful thus far because i don't deny myself from having a tasty snack, i didn't cut out sugars or chocolate. I felt that if i did, the moment my palette would have a bite of the 'forbidden' fruit i would binge.
I'm happy with my efforts and results so far. I cant wait to give you another update, hopefully it will be a loss just as good as this one.
I would like to report a 4.5 pound weight loss. That's right, I just shaved off a year of expansion in two weeks. I have to say its not as easy as i thought. Its a lot easier to gain than to lose, that's a no brainer. But I have to say, its nice not living with the fear that, at any given moment, my button could fly off and injure an innocent bystander. I'm being a responsible citizen.
In the last two weeks, i have been to the gym at least 10 times. I have also been making better food choices. I have been keeping a journal of everything i consume in a day, not to mention counting the calories. I have been eating about 1350 to 1500 calories a day in combination with regular visits to the gym. It has not been easy, there is a lot of temptations out there. You don't know how many times I've craved a strawberry pecan sundae from Leon's. Or wanted a second serving of carbs. BUT, i did not succumb to temptations. I do still reward myself with 1 serving of snacks, whether it be chocolate covered pretzels (yumm-o) or maybe kettle corn popcorn. I think that i have been successful thus far because i don't deny myself from having a tasty snack, i didn't cut out sugars or chocolate. I felt that if i did, the moment my palette would have a bite of the 'forbidden' fruit i would binge.
I'm happy with my efforts and results so far. I cant wait to give you another update, hopefully it will be a loss just as good as this one.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Random Ramblings
I was beyond excited when this all occurred. At this point, i have come to terms with it, have stopped smiling, and am now ready to share with you.
We bought our first Christmas tree!! Eeekk! ( oh no, i squealed. This means i wasn't ready ) It is so pretty. It is 7.5 feet tall and pre lit. I'm sure it doesn't have as many light as i would like, but nothing a couple of extra strands of lights cant take care of. We got an amazing deal on it, that's why we couldn't pass it up. We also purchased a tree skirt, one of those plush quilt-like ones, a green and red jingle bell wreath and last but not least... Christmas cookie cutters! I had to work hard to convince Juju to get the jingle bell wreath. He was afraid it would sound too much like a convenient store every time someone would come in. We decided to get it, again, great deal on that too. The cookie cutters weren't much of a battle, he likes cookies. Enough said.
The true reason for our visit to Michael's was to purchase our aisle runner, which i had been looking for weeks. Since I'm a frugal bride and will try to do a lot DIY ('DIM'-do it myself) projects, i was looking for a cloth aisle runner which i will personalize by adding our monogram, since you cant do it on the plastic ones. Oh and i was looking for a specific pattern. And now, that we have came to an agreement about the main & accent colors of our wedding, i can finally buy the paint and get started.
We also purchased a "Bowdabra" to make our bows ( for the pews ), hence the name. We bought a spool of practice ribbon to figure out what type of bows we want. lets see... what else did we buy... hm. Oh yeah, a few silk flowers to toss around a few bridesmaids bouquet ideas. I think that's it. All in all it was a very successful shopping trip to Michael's.
I'll let you know as soon as I start on my DIM projects.
We bought our first Christmas tree!! Eeekk! ( oh no, i squealed. This means i wasn't ready ) It is so pretty. It is 7.5 feet tall and pre lit. I'm sure it doesn't have as many light as i would like, but nothing a couple of extra strands of lights cant take care of. We got an amazing deal on it, that's why we couldn't pass it up. We also purchased a tree skirt, one of those plush quilt-like ones, a green and red jingle bell wreath and last but not least... Christmas cookie cutters! I had to work hard to convince Juju to get the jingle bell wreath. He was afraid it would sound too much like a convenient store every time someone would come in. We decided to get it, again, great deal on that too. The cookie cutters weren't much of a battle, he likes cookies. Enough said.
The true reason for our visit to Michael's was to purchase our aisle runner, which i had been looking for weeks. Since I'm a frugal bride and will try to do a lot DIY ('DIM'-do it myself) projects, i was looking for a cloth aisle runner which i will personalize by adding our monogram, since you cant do it on the plastic ones. Oh and i was looking for a specific pattern. And now, that we have came to an agreement about the main & accent colors of our wedding, i can finally buy the paint and get started.
We also purchased a "Bowdabra" to make our bows ( for the pews ), hence the name. We bought a spool of practice ribbon to figure out what type of bows we want. lets see... what else did we buy... hm. Oh yeah, a few silk flowers to toss around a few bridesmaids bouquet ideas. I think that's it. All in all it was a very successful shopping trip to Michael's.
I'll let you know as soon as I start on my DIM projects.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Found'em!
So I have finally found the girls dresses. After a lot of dresses and a lot of laughs, Dulce, Pita & I selected one lucky dress (upon Juju's review) to be apart of our wedding.
Drum roll.... 
That's right, Champagne with a watermelon sash. Its still to be determined whether the sash will be worn with a block knot or bow to the back, or to the front like in the picture. I bet your wondering what happened to the green right? Don't worry, i am too.
That's right, Champagne with a watermelon sash. Its still to be determined whether the sash will be worn with a block knot or bow to the back, or to the front like in the picture. I bet your wondering what happened to the green right? Don't worry, i am too. Juju wanted champagne, i wasn't too keen on it, but once pita stood next to me in my dress, it looked incredible. I cant wait. My girls are going to look so beautiful and elegant. And they are less expensive than some of our previous choices.
Oh and let me tell you that we also booked our cake. So that's done as well. The only thing i have to take care of is the flowers. I received a recommendation for a lady who is a stay at home mom, but she runs her own flower business to continue to be foster parents. Isn't that nice? I hope everything goes well with her, it'd be nice to think that she was able to continue to foster children with a little bit of my help.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
No Gym. No Way!
Today was the first day i didn't go to the gym, I feel guilty. My legs automatically went on Elliptical mode and i was walking funny for about an hour. Kidding. But on the bright side, i consumed low calorie healthy options today. I even contemplated waking up early and heading to the gym before going to work, but i just couldn't bring myself to doing it.
And tomorrow, i know for a fact i wont be able to make it. Dulce, Pita and I will be going to try on Bridesmaids dresses. This is it ladies and gentlemen, we will come to a decision on dresses tomorrow. Which we should, i mean there is only 4 1/2 months to our wedding. Oh and as we work through our commitment issues, Juju, yet again changed his mind on the dress.
Lets tally, shall we.
# of times Lorena changed her mind= 0
# of times Juju changed his mind = 2
I'm taking home the gold on this one. =-)
And tomorrow, i know for a fact i wont be able to make it. Dulce, Pita and I will be going to try on Bridesmaids dresses. This is it ladies and gentlemen, we will come to a decision on dresses tomorrow. Which we should, i mean there is only 4 1/2 months to our wedding. Oh and as we work through our commitment issues, Juju, yet again changed his mind on the dress.
Lets tally, shall we.
# of times Lorena changed her mind= 0
# of times Juju changed his mind = 2
I'm taking home the gold on this one. =-)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Noodles & Co
I bet you were expecting to hear another booger story! Ha! Wrong! In this case, I'm the noodle and Juj's is the company.
I feel like an over cooked noodle. We have been to gym for 4 days straight. I know, I know, my muscles needs a day to recover. My body hurts all over, it literally hurt to get out of bed this morning, i almost had cookie just shove me off. Once on the floor, I'd figure it out from there. Besides the pain, I'm feeling excited, I feel a bit more energized. Not quiet like the bunny, but i feel like I'm actually getting things done. Its nice to have a work out buddy, in this case, Juju. You almost feel guilty making it known that you don't want to work out, or that your tires, or that you cant take it anymore. Maybe he feels the same way sometimes too. But for the sake of not being the one who "gave" in, we will work out till we're bones!
I feel like an over cooked noodle. We have been to gym for 4 days straight. I know, I know, my muscles needs a day to recover. My body hurts all over, it literally hurt to get out of bed this morning, i almost had cookie just shove me off. Once on the floor, I'd figure it out from there. Besides the pain, I'm feeling excited, I feel a bit more energized. Not quiet like the bunny, but i feel like I'm actually getting things done. Its nice to have a work out buddy, in this case, Juju. You almost feel guilty making it known that you don't want to work out, or that your tires, or that you cant take it anymore. Maybe he feels the same way sometimes too. But for the sake of not being the one who "gave" in, we will work out till we're bones!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Reunited
and it didn't feel so good.
We were all smiles on our way into the gym.
Yesterday was our first day back to the gym. How cliche. January 1st, 2009, at the gym. what was i doing this day last year....hmmm Oh Yes i remember, Sledding.
We looked a bit pityful on our way out.
We were all smiles on our way into the gym.
Yesterday was our first day back to the gym. How cliche. January 1st, 2009, at the gym. what was i doing this day last year....hmmm Oh Yes i remember, Sledding.
We looked a bit pityful on our way out.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
We partied
Juju's family held the new years party, like they usually do. It was great fun. There was a lot of hard work and heart put into the preparation for this party. Remember the Coquito? well we brought it out that tonight. We all ate dinner a little bit later then usual and we mingled for a bit and before we knew it midnight was right around the corner. 5 minutes to, Nico (Juju's dad), Irma, Juju and I scrambled to fill the glasses with champagne.
Juju enjoyed popping the champagne open, and every time he did, all of us in the kitchen nearly hit the floor fearing for our safety. Here he is at New Years, he didnt have time to pour his into a glass. Bottoms up!
Here is Jessica, Chris, Andray and Me. Well really this was supposed be a picture of me and her but the boys jumped in as you can see.
This is Irma and I. Finally a face to a name huh? This is Jujus aunt.
Here is Nati (Natali) and me. Nati is Irmas daughter, sister to Mon and Juanito. Follow me? Oh and she will be in my wedding too. 
This is one of my favorite pictures. We are all taking a shot of 'Palo Viejo' (Old Stick) which is like this old school Puerto Rican Rum. Boy oh boy, was that not smooth. 
Here is Mon and Juju. Im not sure what was said, but look at Juj's face. And last but not least... Gordo! He was thrilled it was New Years as well. 
Happy New Year Every One!!
Not Donating Anymore!
Juju and I were members of Bally's a few years back. We were on a kick, and then laziness kicked our butts. Month after month we were donating our dues. And we both became very out of shape. I have been a steady 4.4 pound a year weight increase. I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but after 4 1/2 years, that's a whole 20+ pounds heavier. Again 20 pounds, not that much, but when you slowly being to not fit into anything, but sweats, then its a problem. I always joked that i would one day walk into work with elastic waist pants.
Then one day, deleting through my spam emails i saw an email from Bally's. It had a one year renewal offer that was extreme cheap. I mean cheap.I mentioned it to juju so we decided to both renew for one year.
And so begins our story, our quest, to go back to the weight we were when we first met. We have a little under 140 days until our wedding. We each have a target weight and we will be working very hard to achieve it, except this year, we are 200% committed to getting and staying healthy.
Then one day, deleting through my spam emails i saw an email from Bally's. It had a one year renewal offer that was extreme cheap. I mean cheap.I mentioned it to juju so we decided to both renew for one year.
And so begins our story, our quest, to go back to the weight we were when we first met. We have a little under 140 days until our wedding. We each have a target weight and we will be working very hard to achieve it, except this year, we are 200% committed to getting and staying healthy.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Conductor
Its hard to believe this year is over. Tomorrow it will 2009. The beginning of a new year, a chance to set (new) goals, a chance to actually keep them. An opportunity to make amends, to bury the hatchet. A shot to change or touch the lives of others, to make a difference. This year, i will jump on the weight loss resolution 'wagon', like i have many years in the past. But this year, i have my own.
I have been assigned conductor, but i have no one on this wagon yet. Its open to anyone who wants to join.
This year, on my wagon, I will try to be a better person overall. I will try and be a better daughter, a better sister, a better friend, a better fiance, and soon, the best wife i can be. I will turn the other cheek, give the benefit of the doubt when the doubt is the only thing present, believe in peoples genuine intentions to do good. Continue to believe that every panhandler really needs it and that God is in that person. Show the people i love how much i really love them, be grateful for the smallest things in life, be grateful for them. Celebrate life. Celebrate the end of someones life. Live and love without fear. Remember that no one likes to be taken for granted, please and thank you are the magic words. No one lasts forever, every person in your life, every aunt, every cousin, your mom and your dad, sister, brother, they will all pass one day, do you want to live with the regret that you didn't do what you could to make the most of your time together?
I'm sorry if I've saddened you, sometimes, we need to stop and reflect on how we are living our lives. But don't worry, if you feel guilty of anything. You have a whole year to make it better. Tonight, when we yell "happy new year!" lets mean it.
So to all my readers out there (if any lol) Happy New You!
I have been assigned conductor, but i have no one on this wagon yet. Its open to anyone who wants to join.
This year, on my wagon, I will try to be a better person overall. I will try and be a better daughter, a better sister, a better friend, a better fiance, and soon, the best wife i can be. I will turn the other cheek, give the benefit of the doubt when the doubt is the only thing present, believe in peoples genuine intentions to do good. Continue to believe that every panhandler really needs it and that God is in that person. Show the people i love how much i really love them, be grateful for the smallest things in life, be grateful for them. Celebrate life. Celebrate the end of someones life. Live and love without fear. Remember that no one likes to be taken for granted, please and thank you are the magic words. No one lasts forever, every person in your life, every aunt, every cousin, your mom and your dad, sister, brother, they will all pass one day, do you want to live with the regret that you didn't do what you could to make the most of your time together?
I'm sorry if I've saddened you, sometimes, we need to stop and reflect on how we are living our lives. But don't worry, if you feel guilty of anything. You have a whole year to make it better. Tonight, when we yell "happy new year!" lets mean it.
So to all my readers out there (if any lol) Happy New You!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Coquito
I don't have an interesting story behind it, nor do i know if its traditionally used on certain days. All i know that its puerto rican and it is Gooooood. 
Last night Irma, my FMIL and I, after having a glass of wine, embarked on our adventure. I had never made coquito before so i was thrilled to learn how to make it.
I'm going to tell you whats in it, but i couldn't tell you how much of what because we hispanics, tend to not follow recipes, we see 'teaspoon' but we read 'chililin'. So here goes:
*Coconut milk: how much? depends on how big of a batch your trying to make
*Coconut cream: ditto
*Condensed milk: a lot. it gives the coquito its sweetness.
*Vanilla extract: un chililin
*Bacardi Rum: I know exactly how much i used (3.75 cups), it really doesn't count though, because we made a lot of coquito and it depends on how strong you want it. Generally you don't drink like a cup full of coquito, more like 3-4 oz
*Cinnamon: Use sparingly, and from a lesson learned; don't leave cinnamon stick in there, it ferments and the taste is beyond strong
*And i want to say we also added evaporated milk.
Mix.
Test.
Add Bacardi. Mix.
Test.
Add more condensed milk.
Add Bacardi. Mix
Test.
Add Bacardi.
Test.
Stop Laughing.
A little more bacardi. Test.
Stop Laughing and quietly, and as straight as possible, sit and enjoy a cup of coquito.
Good Times.
Last night Irma, my FMIL and I, after having a glass of wine, embarked on our adventure. I had never made coquito before so i was thrilled to learn how to make it.I'm going to tell you whats in it, but i couldn't tell you how much of what because we hispanics, tend to not follow recipes, we see 'teaspoon' but we read 'chililin'. So here goes:*Coconut milk: how much? depends on how big of a batch your trying to make
*Coconut cream: ditto
*Condensed milk: a lot. it gives the coquito its sweetness.
*Vanilla extract: un chililin
*Bacardi Rum: I know exactly how much i used (3.75 cups), it really doesn't count though, because we made a lot of coquito and it depends on how strong you want it. Generally you don't drink like a cup full of coquito, more like 3-4 oz
*Cinnamon: Use sparingly, and from a lesson learned; don't leave cinnamon stick in there, it ferments and the taste is beyond strong
*And i want to say we also added evaporated milk.
Mix.
Test.
Add Bacardi. Mix.
Test.
Add more condensed milk.
Add Bacardi. Mix
Test.
Add Bacardi.
Test.
Stop Laughing.
A little more bacardi. Test.
Stop Laughing and quietly, and as straight as possible, sit and enjoy a cup of coquito.
Good Times.Monday, December 29, 2008
Booked
I bet you're wondering whether or not i was able to meet my goal of having the photographer, DJ, cake and flowers booked by the Christmas. Yes and No. Technically we didn't get all 4 listed above, but could we substitute the flowers for the guy's tuxes?!
We booked our DJ, photographer and cake. Well, we haven't really booked the cake because i don't feel comfortable sending the check via mail and the cake lady is out of town for the holidays. I haven't really looked around for other flower people, specially right now with holiday hours, people are closing early and on vacation. Juju did get started on researching limos, but since we have a whole football team we are going to need at least 3 limos. I'll let you know how that goes.
I feel a lot better now that we have a few more things taken care of. The girls will be ordering their dressed the third week of January. On the 7th, candy, pita (her lil sis)and I will go to the bridal shop to try on a different style we found. Nothing is decided though, we might still go with the original dress we found. who knows?
We booked our DJ, photographer and cake. Well, we haven't really booked the cake because i don't feel comfortable sending the check via mail and the cake lady is out of town for the holidays. I haven't really looked around for other flower people, specially right now with holiday hours, people are closing early and on vacation. Juju did get started on researching limos, but since we have a whole football team we are going to need at least 3 limos. I'll let you know how that goes.
I feel a lot better now that we have a few more things taken care of. The girls will be ordering their dressed the third week of January. On the 7th, candy, pita (her lil sis)and I will go to the bridal shop to try on a different style we found. Nothing is decided though, we might still go with the original dress we found. who knows?
Friday, December 26, 2008
Feliz Navidad!
Sorry, i hit the SAP button. After a long day of making tamales, I ran to pick up bunuelos (Mexican Pastry) to take by abuelas & Irmas house. I ran home took a shower and got ready to make my first Christmas eve stop at abuelas, Jujus Grandma. We got there, and mingled as people continued to arrive. I wasn't there very long, back home they were waiting for me to eat Christmas eve dinner. I left my secret Santa gift with juju and headed back to my house.
I got home, ate and we did our traditional opening of the gifts at midnight. All the kids, with the exception of the littlest one who fell asleep around 11, ransacked the Christmas tree to find their presents.
Cookie was a bit tired, so as soon as she opened her presents she fell asleep.
On Christmas day we tend to relax at home. Our celebrations and festivities are held on the 24th, which works out great because we usually go by Irma's house on the 25th.
At Irma's house we had dinner and drinks, we also played tri bond. Thanks to my super smart partner (Juju) we kicked butt.
Here we are looking happy as ever after winning by default.
This picture is so cute, Adriansito is teething, so he tends to dispose of excess saliva. Onto Juanitos head.
He was also having a blast on his rocking chair. I attempted to sit in it, which i was able to just fine. Getting out was the problem, I stood up and it was stuck to my behind. They wedged me out. All was good.
I bet your wondering what we got for Christmas right?
None the less.... A walking couch!
I got home, ate and we did our traditional opening of the gifts at midnight. All the kids, with the exception of the littlest one who fell asleep around 11, ransacked the Christmas tree to find their presents.
Cookie was a bit tired, so as soon as she opened her presents she fell asleep. On Christmas day we tend to relax at home. Our celebrations and festivities are held on the 24th, which works out great because we usually go by Irma's house on the 25th.
At Irma's house we had dinner and drinks, we also played tri bond. Thanks to my super smart partner (Juju) we kicked butt.
Here we are looking happy as ever after winning by default.
This picture is so cute, Adriansito is teething, so he tends to dispose of excess saliva. Onto Juanitos head.
He was also having a blast on his rocking chair. I attempted to sit in it, which i was able to just fine. Getting out was the problem, I stood up and it was stuck to my behind. They wedged me out. All was good.I bet your wondering what we got for Christmas right?
None the less.... A walking couch!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Pasteles vs Tamales
Pasteles are the Puerto Rican version of Tamales, and vice versa. Traditionally, they are made for holidays or special occasions, due to the fact that they take more than a day and a half to complete.
The pasteles came first this year, juju's family (including an aunt and her kids) and i gathered at his house to begin the process. I'll try and explain it, but don't take my word, I've only been around twice when they are being made.
The 'dough' consist of a few fruits and vegetables, i think. **I was asked to make a correction. Pasteles contain no fruit, Platanos (Green Bananas) are considered vegetables, I deeply apologize for the misinformation**It has platanos, gineos, yuca and patato. You have to process all those ingredients together until it becomes the consistency of baby food, that in itself takes a while. Im not sure if its the platanos or the gineos that are extreme hard to open. Think of a banana, you know how you just 'fold' the top stem part and just peel? Well, these you literally have to take a knife to it, and they make your hands black due to sap residue from the tree they once called home.
The part that really takes its toll on you it cutting the meat. You have to cut the meat to about 1/3rd of an inch squared. Doesn't sound too bad right? But when you have to do it to 25+ pounds it sounds nearly impossible. The clock ticked away as Irma ( jujus aunt), Evelyn (My FMIL) and i cut the meat. It was late, everyone else was sleeping, and there we were, almost delusional, with sharp knifes. We cut the last piece of meat at a little before 3 am. We had to stop, we were endangering our fingers.
We still had to actually assemble the pasteles and cook them. That we did the next day with a bit more help. One person cut the foil, another added the dough and the meat, another person folded the aluminum closed, counted and stacked them.
Pasteles are delicious. But i see why they only make them once a year.
For the tamales the process is very similar. My family and i gather early on the 24th of December to begin to prepare the tamales we will have for dinner that same night. There is prep work that goes on behind the scenes a few days before the 24th, my mom prepares all the salsas that we will use to fill the tamales, hand kneads the corn dough, grates cheese, basically anything that will ensure that we are efficient as possible on the 24th.
Tamales are made out of corn dough and filled/stuffed with meat/salsa, cheese/salsa, plain, and even raisins and coconut. Once the dough is properly mixed and kneaded, we spread the dough on corn husks, and they move down the assembly line to be filled with the designated ingredients. The corn husks get removed before they are consumed, its funny though, when people don't know that you are supposed to remove the husk, and they try and eat with corn husk and all. Its quite a sight, seeing that corn husks are nearly impossible to bite through.
Victor and I spread the dough, the old fashioned, love filled way, while Gaby took the commercialized cold hearted way. Victor and i spread the dough onto the husk with the back of a spoon, sort of as you were making a PB&J sandwich. Gaby used a tortilla maker.
We gave her a hard time about it.
Once they are ready to be cooked, they are steamed for about an hour.
Cookie watched from down below. There she is in her Ho!Ho!Ho! shirt and her favorite green blankie.
Notice how we all practiced GMP. Safety and Cleanliness first, even cookie had to wear a hairnet. Poor thing, my brother demanded she wear a 'bodynet'
The pasteles came first this year, juju's family (including an aunt and her kids) and i gathered at his house to begin the process. I'll try and explain it, but don't take my word, I've only been around twice when they are being made.
The 'dough' consist of a few fruits and vegetables, i think. **I was asked to make a correction. Pasteles contain no fruit, Platanos (Green Bananas) are considered vegetables, I deeply apologize for the misinformation**It has platanos, gineos, yuca and patato. You have to process all those ingredients together until it becomes the consistency of baby food, that in itself takes a while. Im not sure if its the platanos or the gineos that are extreme hard to open. Think of a banana, you know how you just 'fold' the top stem part and just peel? Well, these you literally have to take a knife to it, and they make your hands black due to sap residue from the tree they once called home.
The part that really takes its toll on you it cutting the meat. You have to cut the meat to about 1/3rd of an inch squared. Doesn't sound too bad right? But when you have to do it to 25+ pounds it sounds nearly impossible. The clock ticked away as Irma ( jujus aunt), Evelyn (My FMIL) and i cut the meat. It was late, everyone else was sleeping, and there we were, almost delusional, with sharp knifes. We cut the last piece of meat at a little before 3 am. We had to stop, we were endangering our fingers.
We still had to actually assemble the pasteles and cook them. That we did the next day with a bit more help. One person cut the foil, another added the dough and the meat, another person folded the aluminum closed, counted and stacked them.
Pasteles are delicious. But i see why they only make them once a year.
For the tamales the process is very similar. My family and i gather early on the 24th of December to begin to prepare the tamales we will have for dinner that same night. There is prep work that goes on behind the scenes a few days before the 24th, my mom prepares all the salsas that we will use to fill the tamales, hand kneads the corn dough, grates cheese, basically anything that will ensure that we are efficient as possible on the 24th.
Tamales are made out of corn dough and filled/stuffed with meat/salsa, cheese/salsa, plain, and even raisins and coconut. Once the dough is properly mixed and kneaded, we spread the dough on corn husks, and they move down the assembly line to be filled with the designated ingredients. The corn husks get removed before they are consumed, its funny though, when people don't know that you are supposed to remove the husk, and they try and eat with corn husk and all. Its quite a sight, seeing that corn husks are nearly impossible to bite through.
Victor and I spread the dough, the old fashioned, love filled way, while Gaby took the commercialized cold hearted way. Victor and i spread the dough onto the husk with the back of a spoon, sort of as you were making a PB&J sandwich. Gaby used a tortilla maker.
We gave her a hard time about it.Once they are ready to be cooked, they are steamed for about an hour.
Cookie watched from down below. There she is in her Ho!Ho!Ho! shirt and her favorite green blankie.
Notice how we all practiced GMP. Safety and Cleanliness first, even cookie had to wear a hairnet. Poor thing, my brother demanded she wear a 'bodynet'
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Photos Anyone?
We booked our photographer! Eeek! We met with one of the photographers on Sunday. We were greeted by his adorable 1 year old son, wife and the fluffiest cocker spaniel i have ever seen. He was a looker (the dog), he was this rich chocolate brown with big brown eyes, not to mention he was very soft. But i digress.
We flipped through a few more sample books and asked 101 questions. Juju asked about the type of equipment he used, if i had gone by myself, he could have possibly shown me disposable cameras and i would have said "Where do i sign?" We opted out of an engagement session, which saved us a couple hundred dollars. Once all was said and done, including contract and deposit, Mark ( one of the photographers ) mentioned 2 words, Porter Cable, and Juju's eyes lit up like that of a kid on Christmas morning. They proceeded to discuss buffers and waxes and exchanged tips on detailing. I think that was Juju's highlight of the meeting. That's ok. I know how crazy he is about cars, specially when they are well taken care of.
We left and headed back home, where we were still in the process of making Pasteles. That (Pasteles making ) is worthy of its on blog. I'll be back.
We flipped through a few more sample books and asked 101 questions. Juju asked about the type of equipment he used, if i had gone by myself, he could have possibly shown me disposable cameras and i would have said "Where do i sign?" We opted out of an engagement session, which saved us a couple hundred dollars. Once all was said and done, including contract and deposit, Mark ( one of the photographers ) mentioned 2 words, Porter Cable, and Juju's eyes lit up like that of a kid on Christmas morning. They proceeded to discuss buffers and waxes and exchanged tips on detailing. I think that was Juju's highlight of the meeting. That's ok. I know how crazy he is about cars, specially when they are well taken care of.
We left and headed back home, where we were still in the process of making Pasteles. That (Pasteles making ) is worthy of its on blog. I'll be back.
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