#3.11 Salsa baked fish

Baked Tilapia with Peach Mango Salsa

Are you ready for the easiest recipe ever? When I am a busy bee and this is my go to recipe that is quick and easy...not to mention tasty and healthy. I usually make this in the toaster over so I don't even have to wait for the oven to preheat!

All you need is mild fish I like to use either Mahi Mahi or tilapia, old bay seasoning and fruit salsa (pineapple, peach or mango and the chunkier styles work really well).

1) Place fish on cookie sheet or foil lined pan. Spray with cooking spray
2) Sprinkle old bay seasoning on top (or for a bit of kick cajun spices)
3) Spoon salsa over fish about 2-3 Tbsp each filet. Make sure most of fish is well covered.
4) Bake at 350 for 20 min or so depending on fish thickness.

While that's cooking I usually steam some fresh veggies and serve with cous cous (it takes only 5 minutes to make). Ta Da dinner made in 25 min or less!

#27 paint night

With our new found freedom for next two weeks a couple if girls in my program and I were able to schedule an evening of fun at Wine & Canvas in Strongsville. I've never painted a picture before and I had a blast. Definitely one of my favorite completed list items.

adding the cardinals

I'm not sure how it is at other places but this was all you no penciled in shapes but some guidance through out the composition! I was surprised at how large the crowd was and quite the mix of ages. The wine was flowing and people seemed to be having a blast no matter what the end product looked like. I will for sure be doing this again soon!

end product

#3.18 Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables

So it's finals week and that means I de-stress by cooking! I was pursuing my favorite food blog site and this was the post of the day. It fits as a list item for another vegetarian meal and surprise this doesn't have spinach in it like 90% of all the other ones I've made lately. I even branched out and tried cooking eggplant for the first time!!

 I highly recommend checking out Budget Bytes site or her cook book.  All the recipes are made with easy to find ingredients and is budget conscious in time and money. Plus everything usually is great to freeze for a later date. Bonus for those busy students! The website is super organized and I love the flavors and ethnic food recipes. There isn't a recipe yet I haven't enjoyed. Check out some of my older posts for some favorites: summer vegetable tian, naan, fall harvest roasted veggies and sausage

easy peasy steps...mmmm

Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables
     Total time: about 1 1/2 hrs   Cook time 1 hr          servings: 12
Ingredients

• 1 c  broccoli 
• 1 small eggplant 
• ½ lb. (4 medium) carrots 
• 1 medium squash (yellow or zucchini) 
• 1 package mushrooms
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 small red pepper
•  1 tsp garlic powder 
• 2 Tbsp olive oil 
• salt and pepper 
• 1 tsp dried oregano or italian seasonings blend 

• ¾ lb. (12 oz. box) uncooked ziti 
• 1 cup (8 oz) low fat ricotta cheese 
• 1 large egg 
• 2 cups shredded low fat mozzarella, divided 
• salt and pepper 
• 1 (24 oz.) jar tomato basil marinara sauce, divided
• the more flavorful your sauce the better!

Instructions

1.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Chop the eggplant, squash, mushrooms into small cubes (1/2-3/4 inch), cut the carrots and pepper into matchsticks, slice the onion, and cut the broccoli into small florets. Place chopped veggies into large bowl.
2.  Drizzle veggies with 1-2 Tbsp olive oil, ¼ tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and a generous amount of freshly cracked pepper. Toss the vegetables well, until evenly coated with oil and spices
3.  Cover two baking sheets with foil and spray with nonstick spray.  Divide vegetables and place in an even layer on baking sheets. Sprinkle remaining oregano and garlic powder. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly charred on the edges. Stir once, half way through roasting. Remove and reduce oven to 375 when complete.
4. Cook the pasta until al dente [boil for 7-10]. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot with the burner turned off. Add the 2/3 jar of sauce and toss to coat.
5. In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, the egg, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, ¼ tsp salt, and a generous amount of freshly cracked pepper. Stir until even.
6. Coat a large casserole dish with non-stick spray (9 x13 rectangle might work but you want high sides to fit all the layers). Spread ⅓ of the pasta and marinara sauce mixture over the bottom. Layer ½ of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then ½ of the roasted vegetables. Repeat these three layers, then end with one final layer of pasta and add reaming 1/3 jar of sauce and the final cup of shredded mozzarella.
7.  Cover loosely with foil and bake the casserole for 20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove cover, turn off oven and let it sit for 10 more minutes until cheese on top is melted and slightly browned on the edges.

recipe adapted from budget bytes

#4 watch a sunrise

My favorite spots to view the city from my hometown: Huntington Beach

I had a plan to watch the sunrise [list item #4] at the beach huddled in a blanket (maybe viewing a comet) with a thermos of something warm. But instead by accident I guess I caught my sunrise driving in to a super early weekend shift downtown. I'm glad I got a chance to be alone in a quiet car watching the Cleveland sunrise early one morning while I was driving in to work.

 I was filled with a sense of awe at the sheer beauty between the mixture of nature and man's  ingenuity. I watched the shimmer of pinks and orange reflect of the windows of the sky scrapers and shadows dance on the bridges. I was amazed at how beautiful the lake was and on a bitterly cold morning humans have found a way to create a home and enjoy this space. One could say that I was in awe:an experience of such perceptual vastness you literally have to reconfigure your mental models of the world to assimilate it.

almost magical

Anytime I watch the sunrise or sunset I start to contemplate and reflect on life. How many other days have I seen the legs of sunlight streak across the sky but don't notice it as I am too engrossed in my current task? This wasn't a life changing event or anything but more like a life appreciating event. It gave me a boost on the early morning to enjoy what I have and look forward to what is yet to come. It let me freeze time for a moment and see things through a different light.

Later that day I stumbled upon a youtube channel called Shots of Awe. Jason Silva a "Performance Philosopher"  uploads short (he calls them philosophical espresso), inspirational videos in which he explores topics such as the miracle of life, the evolution of intelligence, and the advancement of technology. He is totally my new nerd crush. I wish I could speak as eloquently and passionately as he does. 

 I think he sums up life beautifully: "we fit the universe through our brains and it comes out in a form of nothing less than poetry we have a responsibility to awe" 

I never want to lose that childlike curiosity and wonderment. I always want my breath taken away by the sheer beauty, complexity or magnitude of life. I live for the AWE and I hope that you can too, shake up your routine, break some of those mental habits and appreciate those simple things in life. Get inspired.

Awe Video link

check out my other favorite video: Existential Bummer

#21.3 bueller..bueller

I couldn't help but think of my adventure to the art museum was a bit like Ferris Bueller's day off. There was playing hooky from studying and delicious local ethnic food. Sadly there wasn't a parade with awesome 80's dancing or skinny dipping in a neighbors pool. But I did look at priceless works of art and the new architecture of the museum is pretty similar to Cameron's' garage.

hmm both exquisite examples of artwork, but I'd take the Ferrari

Cleveland is well known for it's art museum and for the past 12 years has totally renovated the building. Well January 2014 it is officially completed and I will say it is as beautiful as the precious works of art it holds.

New atrium area

As you walk in the front doors it's the same dark and heavy stone entrance but keep going about 500 ft and the main atrium is the complete opposite. It's so bright and airy it took my breath away for a moment from the shear size and design.

mixing of the old and new

My favorite parts are the glass wings on either side of the building. I feel like I'm floating and I love seeing the statues blend in so well with the city in the background.There are a lot of the same favorite areas, but added some great elements for kids, interactive and technological enhancements and new organization of collections.

Asian wing

the kids area....reading & exploration 

armor court

interactive exhibit wall...you can create a tour and load on to your ipad

Walking through the medieval and ancient rooms I was thrilled to find that the cases are so well done they almost look like there is no glass in them.

I love a good art museum and can spend hours getting lost in works or ancient civilizations past. I like to use the artwork as a mini snapshot into past lives. As is Ferris' famous words: Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in while, you could miss it. I enjoy taking a break from the real world and reflecting on the beauty.

 Cleveland has a wonderful collection and along with the Met and Minneapolis' is one of my all time favorite art museums to come back to over and over! It is always free and has ample parking both on the street and garage. Wednesdays and Fridays it's open till 9 and the first Friday of the month there are MIX events. Usually DJ and other fun events in the atrium. Check out the homepage here.

#14 Opera glasses not necessary

Opera gets a bad wrap. The super soprano parts can be rough, but it really has a lot going for it. The costumes are amazing, it's filled with witty wording(yes some loses its eloquence in translation) and classic songs and story lines. You can't deny the talent a singer must possess to project and hold any of those notes. I've only seen one opera in my life in Louisville and it was final dress rehearsal and an English piece so not really the whole "opera" experience. I was curious to see if I really would like this art form and thought it'd be a great experience this year. I was not disappointed!

Bohemian National Hall Stage

I didn't want to go to a light opera (which seems to be popular) I wanted the whole shebang but to my dismay Cleveland does not have a regular opera company. I figured with the 2nd largest theater district, world class orchestra an opera company would be a no brainer. Guess not.

Off to find alternative methods to complete this task...

I rarely go to the movies and I do remember somewhere in the foggy depths of my brain an add during the previews to watch opera met at theater. I gathered my trusty Google search and found fathom events You can watch different operas through out the season from the Met. There are trailers, guides and previews for each show. They show in theaters all over the nation and you get nice comfy seat and no need to be so far away that the singers look like ants!

if you are going to the opera you better look the part!
Score got to re wear a bridesmaids dress

The shows are always on Wednesday nights with Saturday encore performances and each month there is a different showing. There are subtitles and you can get synopsis of opera on line. Tickets are just as much as a movie ticket. I know it's not the same as seeing it live but what a bargain. April 5th & 9th Pucinni La Boheme is playing! Check out more info at the Met's Live in HD homepage

I was just about to go to one of the fathom shows when I found randomly a group called Opera Circle. They perform a few times a year and lucky enough they were performing: La Traviata great Italian classic. (Moulin Rouge is pretty much based off of it)  Brindisi "the drinking song" is one of more well known songs from this opera..I've been humming it non stop since going. 

It was held at the Bohemian National Hall off East 55th and this is one of those old gorgeous buildings from the 1800's. It was a treat to explore during intermission and look at all the photos and native Czech outfits. The Cleveland Women's Orchestra accompanied the performers and they were just as amazing artists as the singers. The opera was a blast and I can't wait to go again! 

view from the balcony

#13 camp out...er in?

Let me attempt to justify this bit of craziness with it could have been the combination of being alone house sitting for a week, every friend unavailable to go out when I actually had a weekend night free, or being stuck inside from yet another snowstorm that this list item took the shape it did.

 I have been reviewing my list and saw there is quite a bit left to do including: #13 sleep under the stars.  My original intention was to go camping and well with only 3 months to finish and the never ending winter I wasn't going to take any chances and took some liberty to creatively fulfill this item.

a skylight with a open view to the sky

There was a perfectly good skylight, stars above + me sleeping below=close enough. Plopping down a sleeping bag in the middle of the living room would be too boring so I decided to go all out and have a indoor camp out. I put up a tent, made a fire, unplugged the electronics, and made some yummy snacks.

I love how tents go from this:                             to this:

in just a short amount of time.  I'm usually really good at putting up a tent by myself but I must have been rusty because this one took a few tries to get it right. There is always an extra pole or two in case you loose one right?

Now no camping trip is complete without a campfire. But I probably wouldn't win the best house sitter title if there was a fire pit ring burnt into the carpet. Instead I used a flameless candle and rolled up bits of paper bag to simulate my fire...volia and with half the mess to clean up in the morning!

fire pit...worked pretty well too

Dinner was grilled hot dogs and I made s'mores for a dessert treat. While I could have easily made them in the oven, I was missing that hint of burnt carbon so opted for the candle approach. It worked a lot better than I thought. Just be sure to skip the scented candle s'more a-la tropical paradise smell isn't all that appealing to the tastebuds.

sir can I have s'more please?

It was nice to unplugged from all electronics for the evening and I was able to look up through tent and see a couple stars before the next winter storm rolled in.

good morning...ugh more snow! 

Best sleep ever in a tent I will say...if only every camp site could be free of rocks and roots, but I guess that would be taking away a key part of camping.

This idea could be easily adapted for a really cute date night or even kids slumber party or like me when you've just had enough of the cold weather. If you don't have a sky light just improvise and hang up some twinkle lights you'll get the same effect

yep pretty much had to "rough it"

Other great camping things to not forget: flash lights and scary stories to share

You know come to think of it it's not the first time I've camped in the living room...east 18th ladies I believe we had one up for a while there around my 21st birthday. haha

On to more adventures.....

#26 The Abominal Snowblower

I have always liked power tools and the smell of fresh cut lumber puts an extra spring in my step. I don't shy away from driving the riding lawnmower, attempting to wrangle the heavy duty gas powered leaf blower, and can somewhat comprehend how to change over the house to a generator if need be. Over the past two years I have been having extreme difficulties with our snow blower.

Now this is not just any dinky snow blower, I'm proficient with a basic one.This particular machine is nicknamed "the beast" by my dad. It is 10 horsepower, 24 inches wide, 6 speeds of pure metal machine able to take down all levels of lake effect snow. All season long I have tried my best to tame the beast. 

 With multiple tutorials from my dad I still could never manage to get it going, hold down all the levers, and turn knobs to direct snow flow and steer at the same time. Phew my hand is cramping just thinking about it! Last year was a complete flop as it might have gotten away from me (what can I say in mittens I'm all thumbs) but it was an ugly bush anyways.

Boss Savannah Kitty is checking my progress

 First attempt this season with the step by step run down fresh in my mind...Beast wouldn't start. Haha there is an electric start option I will not be defeated so easy! I promptly got one swipe done and it no longer would grind. hmm no luck I hung my head and shame and put it back in the garage and let my dad handle it in the morning.

hand shoveled about half of this and said who I am I kidding!

Second attempt couldn't get it started even with electric start option harumph it was only 1 degree outside. Third attempt: as luck would have it my dad was out of town and we got a good 5+inches overnight. I started to shovel by hand, crazy idea and decided today is the day...I will conquer the beast!

woot woot

She started right up like a beauty and while it wasn't the prettiest job I was able to finish all of the drive and sidewalks! Yes I stopped before getting too cocky as the spout kept getting gummed up with wet snow. This made me think about and item on my list: build a snowman. I've been thwarted recently from completing because the snow has been so odd this year terrible packing snow not to mention the negative double digit windchill. 

got another 4 inches today alone!

I thought this heavy wet snow had all the makings of great snowman snow.  You never know when the last snowfall will hit. Who am I kidding this is Cleveland we will have snowfalls at least until St Patricks day. I totally misjudged this snow and it was terribly grainy and fine. Not a great start.

Tada item #26 complete!

Sigh making a snowman seemed so much easier as a kid! I sure my neighbors were watching me and thinking why is a grown woman on her hands and knees in the yard? Sorry folks just trying to make a snowman. Since I was feeling extra accomplished after my snow blowing and the temperature was above 25 degrees I would not give up. With a lot of elbow grease I was able to pack together enough snow create a mini snowwoman. I can't help but smile when I look out the window at it. Maybe as it warms up a bit I can gather a few more people to help build a bigger one. Until then it was fun to take a break from everyday life and be a kid again.

Time to go snow blow again...I'd help but I'm still tired just watching!

# 25 & 29 Rock Climbing Class

I really like to try adventure sports. I've been zip lining through West Virginia and Costa Rica, ocean kayaking, cayoneering (rapeling down water falls), hiking, and climbed a mountain on a snowmobile just to name a few.

My all time favorite though is white water rafting. I took a class in college fell in love and try to go every couple of years! This was a trip where we went "surfing".  I actually managed to stay in the boat.

Kendall Cliffs

I wanted to try something new and spotted this rock gym near where I was living earlier in the year. I had been once when I was in middle school and had a blast so thought it might be fun to try again.  So headed out for a study break and met up with W for an adventure date night.

W and I took the Rock 101 course and got certified to belay so now we don't have to worry about finding someone to do it at the gym. Sweet! plus bonus another item off the list...go to a fun class!

another item completed

Rock Climbing was a great trust building date. You really have to believe your partner is there for you if you fall (which I did). You also have to support each other and solve problems together. I do think it's funny how I claim I'm not afraid of heights, yet every time I'm strapped into a harness and about 20 feet off the ground have that fleeting immobilizing fear until someone snaps me out of it. Thanks W for all the encouragement! It was nice to work together and step out of a comfort zone, plus it gave us some good memories to laugh at later together. We will definitely be going back soon...well after our muscles soreness wears off.

lots of walls to choose from

 Kendall cliffs is attached to Appalachian Back Packers store. Kendall Cliffs is the only professionally-designed and built rock gym in Ohio. The  gym has a combination of textured plywood and “natural” rock surfaces with 7,000 square feet of climbing surface with a peak height of 35 feet. The staff/instructors were super nice and it is a great facility! Lots of walls, automatic belay machines & bouldering cave. We went at 5 pm nice and slow by 7 pm the place was jam packed! There hours vary by season so check out the website for open times. 

Here are a few of the weekly specials: 
Monday Ladies Night 

Tuesday: College/Safety Forces/Active Duty Night 

Thursday: $10.00 Thursdays 

Friday: Family Night

#9 Catching Fire

 My original list item was to go to a midnight movie premier which surprisingly I've never done.  After a grueling 2 weeks of traveling to 2 grad school interviews, 6 exams, 40 hours of work and 25+ hours of class I thought this movie would be the perfect motivation and celebration of surviving it all.

Midnight wasn't the 1st showing option so I went to the non curfew breaking 8pm Thursday night showing of the Catching Fire.  Not as exciting as other movie premiers I've heard of, but it was fun to be in a full theater to see every ones reactions. There only were a few people dressed up as tributes, but the movie more than made up for lack of enthusiasm in the line.

waiting in line with all the tweens

Don't worry I won't have any spoilers in this post so fear not and read on. Catching Fire is my favorite book in the series and I've read it over 4 times. I love how the characters evolve in this story and more insight to their world is developed. I only hoped that this movie would capture the intense emotions and  the simmering agitation of the population as well as in the book.

I was a bit disappointed with the first movie. I felt it lacked some depth of Katniss without hearing her inner monologue and it focused way to much on forcing a love triangle. Plus their entrance costumes were really lame. Not everything can be as great as what you imagine from the book I guess.

Catching Fire glowing embers entrance costume..much better!

I was not disappointed with this movie at all and I would even venture to say it's better than the first one. It seemed like all aspects from actors, costumes and script were really hitting their stride with this movie. If you haven't seen the first one watch it first, there is just too much to know before watching this one.

I love all of these!

The costume designer Trish Summerville totally nailed it! The costumes were one of my favorite parts.  They were beautifully done and really intricate. Effie Trinket is wearing Alexander McQueen from Autumn/Winter 2012 in the above purple dress. The Monarch dress was awesome, and all her shoes don't get me started!

Those are hand painted feathers. McQueen Spring 2011

My other favorite part about this movie is that the characters all seemed to have matured and grown into thier parts. The new characters they introduced were spot on and returning characters seemed a lot more comfortable in their roles. I have know doubt that Woody Allen is the best Haymitch and President Snow I can finally detest, he was just too nice in the last one for me.

This movie follows the book very closely with a few additions like the last movie. It's mainly more development behind the scenes of game creation with President Snow and Plutarch Heavensbee. I think this addition really helps tie the story together more from an overall story line view.

Anyways this movie really is about all of the characters, not just Katniss. It was entertaining and if you liked the book I"m sure you'll love the movie. It's a bit more violent and darker than the first one so I don't think it's best to take the little ones to this. I am curious to see how the other two movies will play out.

If you haven't seen the trailer yet take a peek

# 20 Send Holiday Cards-Boo Yeah

I love getting real mail

When I lived out of state I made an effort to keep up with friends through sending cards or letters.  I think that this is an important lost form of communication. Really when is the last time other than a birthday card you got some fun mail?

cutest stamps ever these were just begging to be used!

Since moving back to Ohio and being closer to the ones I love I sort of slacked in my letter sending. I would send letters for every holiday big and small, and while I usually didn't receive any back it made me feel good to send some cheer and warm thoughts on to others.This list task #20 send Holiday cards was the rekindle that spirit and I forgot how much I missed it.

cards check now to find addresses

I picked Halloween because it is my favorite holiday. Not for the normal reasons people might say (I really could do without all the scary stuff), but because it is a kick off of the holiday season. I love the dressing up, the weather cooling down, and the gorgeous backdrop of the changing of the leaves. Halloween signals for me the beginning of celebrated times with family and loved ones in the upcoming months.

another list item completed!

I purchased a set of quirky Halloween cards from an acquaintance's business: Colette Paperie. She is just brilliant! Her cards make me laugh every time and even in those times you probably shouldn't be laughing. Glad to find someone with a similar sense of humor.

this just makes me giggle

Check out the website here to purchase or find what retail stores carry her cards.  The company is based in Cincinnati, but cards can be found all over the states! Colette Paperie was so easy to work with (sorry about the million questions I had about my order). The shipping was super fast and the quality of cards is fantastic. It was nice thick paper for the cards and envelopes. I love supporting local small businesses. Hmmm what can I send next!

These seriously crack me up!

Happy Halloween everyone!