A Leap of Faith

*This post may contain content that is not what this house betch would normally blog about. Warning as things may get inspiration, sappy, and downright emotional.*

OK, so now that the warning is out of the way, I have some exciting things to tell you. 

I

LEFT

MY

JOB

TO 

FOLLOW

MY 

DREAMS

Do you know the video, David after the dentist where the little boy just got out of a procedure, is all doped up on medication and is just staring at the world, like "HOLY CRAP WHAT THE WHAT IS GOING ON?!" That is me right now. As I'm sitting here typing this, I am David, in his car seat, staring around me saying the exact same thing, "is this real life?" 

So some background: A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to leave my corporate job where I was making great steady money, health insurance, paid vacation time and many other perks (free soda whenever I wanted...I have a diet coke addiction I'm working through). All of those things sound great, right? Well, yeah they were, but after a while you have to think, "What makes me happy?" Yes the money makes me happy but am I doing something that I truly believe in, something that I feel happy to wake up to do every morning. The answer to that was no for me. 

I have always wanted to go out on my own and have my own communications/marketing consulting company. So what better time to do it than the present, right? Yeah except at the present I am planning a wedding and studying to be a personal trainer. So probably not the best time. But I was always really bad with timing. Ask any of my family or friends... you can always count on me being 10 minutes late to everything. 

Anyway, Friday was my last day at my old company. TODAY is my first day, working for myself. Making money for myself. If I don't work, then money doesn't come in. It is a HUGE risk that I'm taking, definitely a leap of faith, but its the happiest I've been in a long time (career-wise).  I'm not going to lie to you though and tell you all is fine, and I'm jumping around my home office with joy. Today, as I was driving back from breakfast with a good friend, I started to cry. OK, I'll admit, I wasn't crying, I was balling. Flat out BALLING MY EYE'S OUT! I'm scared - shitless. But after I got all of my tears out, I stood up, put on my big-girl-who-is-now-her-own-boss pants and got my day started. 

So far 2015 has been a HUGE year for me. I'm getting married, training and becoming certified to be a personal trainer, and decided to leave a steady paycheck to work for myself and pursue my dreams and work on projects that I WANT to work on. How cool is that to say that I have accomplished all of this and it is only March 2nd. That is pretty damn incredible. So basically, what I'm trying to tell you is, go for it. Just go for your dreams because life is just too damn short to waste your time doing something that you aren't passionate about. Take that leap of faith. I'm telling you, it is scary as anything. It will be a HUGE jump that you may not think you will make it over the ledge, but guess what, you will! And if you need help getting over that ledge, reach out to family, friends and loved ones for support. I will support you! I will grab your hand like my family, friends and Chicken Man (Scott - the fiance) are doing for me. It just takes the crazy little idea of a dream and making it your reality.

*END inspirational and emotional post*

PS. I wish I had a recipe for your guys today. But in an attempt to make wings for dinner last night with Chicken Man, the oven caught on fire and the entire house filled with smoke...so no recipe today. Check back later y'all!

Sick New Kicks

Happy national hangover day!!!! No seriously? Is anyone struggling getting to work? I think I am still in a food coma after the mass amounts of wings, chips and bbq I ate last night. Can anyone tell me WHY the NFL has the Superbowl on a Sunday? I mean really, think of the rest of us who have to trek into work the next day. UGH so inconsiderate!

Speaking of Superbowl, I feel the only reason to watch is for the commercials and half time show. My favorite commercial was the Fiat commercial and the puppy Budweiser commercial. That puppy was so CUTE!! EEEEKKK! What was your fave?

Anyway, aside from the mass amounts of food that I consumed yesterday, sadly, I don't have any great recipes to share. I tried to keep it simple and just made pulled BBQ chicken in the crockpot. Nothin' special. But, there is something I want to brag about from my Superbowl sunday festivities. I went to the gym. And not only did I go to the gym, but I got to wear my new Nike Sneakers. VOILA!

Women's Nike Free 5.0 V4
LEOPARD!

I have been eyeing these babies on Pinterest for the past year, and after an INSANE search, I FOUND THEM! With free shipping too! WOOP WOOP!

Also, I just really liked my entire ensem that I wore to the gym yesterday.

Nothing too crazy, but I was going for the black and pink look. Do you do the same thing when you are at the gym, your sweat game is strong and your clothes game is even stronger, you just go into your workout in total beast mode. I'm a believer, if you look good while working out, you'll work out harder. And of course I had to throw in a flexed muscle like a true bro.

In other news. I have cute dogs...

Zoey Bear rolling her eyes at her parents. Ugh the teenage years are starting!

Miley has the LARGEST NOSE IN THE WORLD

GOSH LINDSAY YOU HAVE THE WORST ADHD AND YOUR BLOG IS SO BORING.

QUIET INTERNAL THOUGHTS, I'M TRYING TO WRITE A BLOG HERE!

A Feast Fit for Greek Gods and Goddesses

I have had some SERIOUS cravings for greek food recently. Now, I know the first thing you are probably thinking, cravings? Does that mean..... Nope, unfortunately, I'm not. I know it would bring me one step closer to being a house betch. But I've got some things I'd like to accomplish first! Now I know the next thing you are thinking of is, can this woman really do everything? She can conquer the most amazing french toast in the world and cook a mean greek meal...well, yes I can, but sorry boys, this gal is already half way down the aisle. Okay fine, I wont lie, this meal required help...a lot of help. I'd like to introduce you to two new characters in my life, my Sassy Sista, Jenna and her lovely boyfriend, Veggie Kenny.  Sassy Jenna is self explanatory, but Veggie Kenny has basically ruined all of our lives by becoming vegetarian. I mean really???? I remember when they first started dating he could eat about 5 pounds of filet in one sitting. Now all of the sudden he is this vegetarian. My Sassy Sis and I try and tempt him with delicious meats...he isn't budging...DARN! Here is a picture of the two. I do have to admit, they are the cutest.

Major height difference, much?

So before I get into the recipes, I have to come clean. I have failed you my fellow readers. I bow my head in shame. I can not for the LIFE of me figure out dolmades. I have tried two recipes so far and each one I'm getting closer, but no cigar. At this point, I'm a little grape leaved out and don't think I can ingest another for some time. So if you have a recipe, email me, send smoke signals, a carrier pigeon, or just comment below to let me know! Here is a picture of the dolmades. Yes they look delicious but the taste, eh not so much.

Check out that presentation

I will say the winner with these is the rice mixture. For Dolmades you are supposed to scoop a teaspoon of the rice mixture on the grape leaf and roll it. Here is a picture of Veggie Kenny rolling up those grape leaves like its NOBODYS BIDNESS.

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling. Get those Grape Leaves GOING!

Here is the recipe for the rice mixture. I think this would be great to make as a side with lamb chops or a steak.

Shopping List:

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (white or brown)

2-3 Tblsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Medium white onion, chopped

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

1tsp salt

1 large lemon, juiced (use some zest for later)

Half of a 32oz container of vegetable or chicken stock

Directions:

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, sauté the onion in 2 tblsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a few minutes, then add in the rice and herbs and continue stirring until the onion has softened. Slowly, pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for another 12 minutes until your rice is al-dente. Once the time is up and the rice has soaked up all of the stock, stir in the lemon juice, and if you want a little extra, POW add some lemon zest. Remove from heat and serve!

Now for the Greek Lamb with Mint Yogurt

Shopping List for the Lamb:

4 large garlic cloves

2 Tblsp chopped fresh Rosemary

1 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Kosher salt and pepper

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 Lemons)

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup red wine

2 racks of lamb, frenched and cut into 8 chops each

Place the garlic, rosemary, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse until the herbs are finely minced. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and red wine and combine. Place the chops in a glass or ceramic dish just large enough to hold them in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the chops, turning to coat both sides. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight, but I let them sit for 4-5 hours and they were AMAZBALLS!

When ready to cook, prepare a grill with one layer of hot coals or turn a gas grill to medium-high heat. Remove the lamb from the marinade, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and grill for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove to a platter, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and set aside to rest for 10 minutes. Serve hot with the cold Yogurt Mint Sauce.

Shopping List for the Yogurt Mint Sauce:

6 Scallions, white and green parts, chopped

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

2 Tbsp minced fresh dill

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp lemon juice

7 ounces greek yogurt

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Place the scallions, mint, dill, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and puree until it's a coarse paste. Add the yogurt, salt, and pepper and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Here are some more pictures of food from the evening! Lots of laughs, wine and fun! What do you think my next feast should be?

Sassy Sister ready to chow down

Another angle of the feast

This is what no make up and hours in the kitchen looks like