Thursday, February 28, 2008


Shooters Bar
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

I took a few more photos of Shooters Bar for my friend Shae. I took photos for her in October, but some of them needed to be a larger file so they would print clearly. She is using some photos I took for advertising and for their franchise information. Very exciting!

I noticed while I was taking pictures, that the little figures on Foosball (not sure if that is correct spelling) have little smiley faces :) I wonder if the little faces turn mean when they are in a game :)

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Whispy Sky


Whispy Sky
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

The clouds in the sky today looked like pulled pieces of cotton balls... and it looked perfect on the baby blue sky.

Nothing really new to report... Jim helped a friend move some stuff tonight with his truck so I decided to play with a new recipe, and it turned out pretty darn good. I'll post it soon!

Monday, February 25, 2008

Sunday drink-e-poo


Sunday drink-e-poo
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

Yesterday was such a nice day that we decided to take advantage of it and go walking around Town Lake. We have spent so much time working on the kitchen that we haven't really taken any time to just relax together. We walked around the lake and then over to Barton Springs and watched people and their dogs frolic in the water.

After the park, we decided to find a porch and relax. We came across Little Woodrows so we stopped for a drink. I decided to go with the frozen Mimosa... YUMMMMM! It was perfect frozen mix of orange juice and champaign. Our Sunday was a perfect mix of sun and relaxation!!!

Sunday, February 24, 2008


The Ultimate Beef Stew
Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence
I was off on Thursday so I wanted to make a recipe that took a little extra time, and I decided on a Beef Burgundy. Which I found out is pretty much like a stew. This recipe came out really tasty, but it took some time to cook. I actually forgot to add the pea's but we didn't miss them! The horseradish creamy sauce added a new depth of flavor to the meat. Jim doesn't care for it, but I recommend trying it if you like horseradish.


1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, for frying, plus more to drizzle

3 tablespoons butter

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 to 3 pounds beef chuck shoulder roast, cut into 2-inch pieces (this cut is also called chuck shoulder pot roast and chuck roast boneless)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 bottle good quality dry red wine (recommended: Burgundy) -I used a bottle of Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir. It was on sale and the wine guy at the grocery store recommended it.

8 fresh thyme sprigs - only used 4 sprigs

6 garlic cloves, smashed

1 orange, zest removed in 3 (1-inch) strips

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves- didn't use this, not a fan of cloves

2 bay leaves - I used one bay leaf

2 1/2 cups beef stock

9 small new potatoes, scrubbed clean and cut in 1/2

1/2 pound carrots, peeled and sliced

2 cups frozen pearl onions, a large handful

1 pound white mushrooms, cut in 1/2 - didn't use these, we don't care for mushrooms

1/2 pound garden peas frozen or fresh

Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish


Horseradish Sour Cream, recipe follows, for garnish


Preheat a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with the oil and butter.
While the pan is heating, arrange the flour on a large dish. Season the cubed beef with some salt and freshly ground black pepper and then toss in the flour to coat. Shake off the excess flour and add the beef chunks in a single layer to the hot pan, being careful not to over crowd the pan, you might have to work in batches. Thoroughly brown all of the cubes on all sides. Once all the meat has been browned remove it to a plate and reserve.


Add the wine to the pan and bring up to a simmer while you scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon being sure to loosen up all those tasty bits. Once the wine has gotten hot add the browned meat, thyme, smashed garlic, orange zest strip, ground cloves, freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste, bay leaves and beef stock. Bring the mixture up to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the liquids start to thicken, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 1/2 hours.


After 2 hours add halved potatoes, sliced carrots, pearl onions and mushrooms, along with a pinch of sugar to balance out the acid from the red wine. Turn the heat up slightly and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes more, until the vegetables and meat are tender. Add the frozen peas during the last minute of cooking. Season with salt and pepper and remove the thyme sprigs.
To serve, place the stew in a soup bowl, garnish with parsley, drizzle with olive oil and add a dollop of Horseradish Sour Cream. Right before serving add a slice of Toasted Peasant Bread, half way submerged in the stew.


Horseradish Sour Cream:

1 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Chives, finely chopped, as garnish


Combine sour cream, prepared horseradish and a drizzle of olive oil in a small bowl and mix until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper. Add a dollop of the mixture on top of the stew and garnish with chopped chives.

I can ride my bike AND take pictures!


I can ride my bike AND take pictures!
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

So my lazy ass did not prepare well for our upcoming Mexico vacation.... now I have to quickly firm up my bod. I have been biking and walking the kids. And when I remember, I do sit ups and push ups.

While riding my bike today I thought I would take my camera. I was on a very slow side street, with no cars, so I took some pictures while riding my bike. Slightly dangerous, but nobody was hurt doing this photo shoot.

Look Ma.... no hands!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Courtney's Bachelorette Party

We had a GREAT time on Saturday night! We drank, had a very delish dinner, rode around in a pink limo, had drinks spilled on us, Courtney got an impromptu lap dance from a stranger, danced like rockstars and spent time with my wonderful friends!!!

Dinner at the Belmont
Riding in our pink limo.... yes, I am kissing wine. It was really good! :)
Courtney and I
The ladies at a club downtown.... QuaAshley and I

Courtney with a little liquid courage, dancing for the crowds
Rachel and I.... I'm trying to do my best "blue steel" look
Erin placing Courtney's veil on her head.... Courtney had one rule... no penis things. Damn that woman... I wanted to hang penis things on her head :)

Courtney's cake.... everybody said it was great

Courtney and Rachel
Courtney opening up her gifts
Qua has a dance floor that is above an aquarium. It was pretty cool to see the sharks and sting ray's swimming around.




UT- Student reading


UT- Student reading
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

I went down to UT campus yesterday but I didn't find much political stuff going on. I guess they were waiting until later when the debate was going on. Of course, I didn't want to go then because I am sure that it would have been pure chaos.

I was a little nervous taking random pictures because I didn't wan to look like some stalker. But I kept to corners and didn't really take full frontal pictures, so I figure that would be okay :) The campus wasn't that busy but there was enough to take pictures of. I will be going back to visit the campus again, to see what other shots I can get!!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

making a wish


making a wish
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

I like wet dandelions better than dry ones. There is more definition of the seeds, which gives more depth to this little simple flower (or is it a weed??). We got some rain last night, so everything is damp. I am off today so I might run around and take some photos. I was also thinking about finding some of the political events to take pictures. Obama and Clinton are in town today for a debate, so I'm sure there will be some nuts out there which means great photo opportunites! We'll see if I get daring enough to go because i'm sure it is going to be crazy busy.

Little worker bee


Little worker bee
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

Jim cut some dry wall for the kitchen last night after he got home from work. I loved the way the light came down on the dry wall with the dust flying around.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

ATT marathon


ATT marathon
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

The ATT marathon changed it up a little bit and came from a different direction. I missed last year's, so it may have started then. We enjoy watching the runners going by, but feel pretty damn lazy as we sit, sipping our coffee, watching them run by.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Beware of Dog


Beware of Dog
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

Our little watch dog. I was in the front yard with my camera when a jogger ran by with her dog. Of course Taylor believes that she has to bark at every single person who walks/runs by the house. I wish I could have centered this picture a little more, but I knew I didn't have much time. Taylor was about to run to the other side of the house to bark at them over there. :o)

Thursday, February 14, 2008

New Shoes


IMG_1522
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

I saw these shoes in December but held off buying them because they were $70. I thought they would be perfect for work and still look good with a pair of jeans. As I was walking through Macy's yesterday I looked on the clearance isle and I found my shoes for $33!!!!!! HECK YEAH!!! There was only one pair, and they fit!!! I bought those suckers right away! I am so glad that I waited since the prices dropped over half! :o)

Wednesday, February 13, 2008


Finally, rain!
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

We finally got a little bit of rain yesterday. Not nearly enough for our crunchy lawn, but at least it was a little bit of rain. Life has been quiet, hence the lack of good photos! :)

Monday, February 11, 2008

Home Repairs



We spent most of our Sunday working on the kitchen.... again! :) This time we took down more wood, patched some holes, used this cool foam to make sure the walls are properly sealed so no critters can get in, put more dry wall up and installed lights over the bar area.

Jim sporting the tool belt

Blech... all of that insulation flew every where when he ripped out the dry wall

I debated long and hard on whether I should post this picture or not.... The first thing I think of when I see this picture is... "Holy shit, does my ass really look that big,,, badonkadoka butt!!!" But I thought this picture was interesting so I swallowed my pride and decided to post this. We had to put up a new piece of dry wall, and my upper body strength isn't great, so I figured I would just hold it up with my legs while Jim put the screws in to hold it up. It actually worked out really well! Now, I'm off to run 1000 miles, do 6000 squats and only consume water. :)
Our new lights! They give off so much light, and are much smaller than the one fixture that was there before. (if you look at one of the pictures above you can see the older fixture)


Ohhhhhh, pretty!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Check out that rack!!


I came across this product that was listed on a blog and I thought it was hilarious. The Wine Rack (http://firebox.com/product/2061?src_t=hfp ). It is a sports bra that has the ability to increase a woman’s bust size two cups, but will also carry up to 25 ounces of liquid (for those of you like me and didn’t really know how much 25 ounces is, it is a bottle of wine). I don’t think I would buy this (but I won’t rule it out), it is a great invention. My only concern would be how hot the liquid would get as it sat in the bra bladder, next to my body. Obviously you would have to put in a liquid that tastes okay when hot, or make sure that you can have access to a glass with ice!!! Well ladies… isn’t this what you are wishing for, as a Valentines Day gift? :0)
Saturday Night

We went downtown for some drinks on Saturday night to celebrate Vanessa's birthday. We started at Brown Bar then went over to The Marc (or is it The Mark... whateva :). It was a fun night out!!

Vanessa and I
Vanessa with her boys... Mike and Charlie
Vanessa and Lindsey are dancing like wild women!
Jimmy, Lindsey and I
Jim, Nick and Chris
Jim, Mike and I
The cute couple
The Brown Bar
Jim, Matt and Chris
Lindsey and I



Hot Mama


Hot Mama
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

Here is the birthday girl, Vanessa. We went out last night for her birthday, and had a great time. This picture is a tad fuzzy, but Iove the window and the background, and of course my beautiful model :) More pictures on my blog from the night out!! :)

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Kitchen

We are still far from being done in the kitchen, but we are steadily working on it. Last weekend I took the wood off of the wall near the washer and dryer while Jim changed out some of the electric thingy's (that is the technical word for electrical plugs).
Before
After

Hopefully we can put up dry wall on our bare wall. I am working on Sat, but off on Sunday. I wish we had more time to dedicate to the renovation, but work keeps getting in the way!
Golden-Crusted Brussels Sprouts Recipe







I have wanted to try brussel sprouts for the longest time. I was curious to see how they tasted and what their texture was like. I found a couple of recipes that didn't seem like they offered a lot of flavor and a couple of more complex recipes that has to many ingredients. So I found the recipe below, and I think it is a keeper! I will say that we both liked this recipe (Jim hasn't had brussel sprouts before either) and I will continue to look for other recipes that use them. They had a slight nutty taste and had a texture of like a warm thicker lettuce.




24 small brussels sprouts

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for rubbing

fine-grain sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup grated cheese of your choice (I used parmesan)

Hot Pepper flakes (the original recipe didn't call for this, but I thought it might be good and it was)



Wash the brussels sprouts well. Trim the stem ends and remove any raggy outer leaves. Cut in half from stem to top and gently rub each half with olive oil, keeping it intact (or if you are lazy just toss them in a bowl with a glug of olive oil).Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your largest skillet over medium heat. Don’t overheat the skillet, or the outsides of the brussels sprouts will cook too quickly. Place the brussels sprouts in the pan flat side down (single-layer), sprinkle with a couple pinches of salt, cover, and cook for roughly 5 minutes; the bottoms of the sprouts should only show a hint of browning. Cut into or taste one of the sprouts to gauge whether they’re tender throughout. If not, cover and cook for a few more minutes.Once just tender, uncover, turn up the heat, and cook until the flat sides are deep brown and caramelized. Use a metal spatula to toss them once or twice to get some browning on the rounded side. Season with more salt, a few grinds of pepper, a dusting of grated cheese and the pepper flakes. While you might be able to get away with keeping a platter of these warm in the oven for a few minutes, they are exponentially tastier if popped in your mouth immediately.




Friday, February 08, 2008

Country Building


8
Originally uploaded by chunkychewie1

I love all of the old rustic buildings in the pastures. The rust on the building gives great depth to the building. I couldn't believe that there were NO clouds on the day I took these pictures!!!