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Sunday, August 24, 2008

An Excellent Low-Fat Way to Use Up Some Garden Veggies AND...

***UPDATE BELOW***

A WEDDING! :)

But first - the veggies. ;) Last Monday I wrote an article on FoodieView regarding more recipes using fresh from the garden or farmer's market produce. I highlighted some amazing recipes, so go check it out and click on the links - you won't be disappointed. :)

Antipasto Salsa

I also made mention of this Antipasto Salsa that I made from a Cooking Light recipe. I subbed our garden cucumbers for the zucchini as Hubbs won't eat raw zucchini (such a wus!) and hearts of palm for the artichokes.. but the rest of the recipe I stayed true. It was fabulous and I've made it 3 times since, each time it's eaten quickly. The last time I made it, I added some corn that I bought from a roadside stand and roasted on the grill - it was a terrific addition to the recipe. I urge ya'll to try this - even if you aren't a big salsa fan, this recipe could be used as a chop salad side dish as it's not very liquid-y as many salsas are.

Speaking of vegetables.. I'm getting married! squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! :D (okay so my getting married has nothing to do with vegetables but I couldn't think of a good segue.) :P

After almost 9 years, and my belief of why fix what's not broken? Hubbs and I have decided to make it legal. :) Why now? Because, yeah, after all this time he and I ARE married.. we don't have a piece of paper saying it's legit, but I can guarantee this is a marriage for sure. We're an old married couple actually. The honeymoon has been over for YEARS. hahahahaaa!

I guess the best answer I can give is that when I hit 40 - which I had always believed was just a number and nothing else - things did change for me, to my surprise. My way of thinking, mainly. Lots of "life's too short" popping into my thoughts these days. When he asked me to marry him 3 years ago, I happily accepted, but we didn't push the issue.. we had already made a commitment to each other and we're happy so that's all that mattered, yes?

Yeah, 40. Wow..

So I've been thinking about it and decided that HOLY SHIT I DO want to get married. I want that band around my finger.. I want our commitment to each other to be shared by God and the rest of the world. Damn.. I want a big party afterwards too. heeee!

He was at his brother's cabin a couple Sundays ago.. their mother had just passed so they were spending a quiet weekend together reminiscing and working through their grief. You know, the way men grieve.. by fishing and drinking beer? :) However they go about dealing with it doesn't matter, what mattered is that they WERE dealing with it and I was proud of him for it.. sometimes he bottles things up and I don't like that. He's not a screamer like I am. :P

That same day my mom came over and we sat and talked for hours - something we haven't done in a long time, it felt great. Somehow the subject of marriage came up and she says to me, "Lisa, why don't you two just do it for crissakes?? I know he loves you. I know you love him. You've been together for years and will be together for the rest of your years, so why don't you just do it??"

I told her I'd think about it. I do love him, very much. I can't imagine life without him next to me - he truly is my best friend - so yeah, I'd definitely think about it (as if I hadn't been already). Mom left about 30 minutes later. It took me about 5 minutes after she left for me to call him and say, "So.. I've been thinking.. wanna get married?" hahahahaaaaaa! He didn't miss a beat when he said, "Yeah, for 3 years now" So how is that for romantic? I'm sittin' on our sofa in my pajamas, he's got a fishing pole in one hand and his cell phone in the other hand as we decide to finally get married. :) Nope, no one can accuse me of being a traditional kinda gal!

November 7th and 8th are the days. Days? 'kay well, neither of us are very religious so a church wedding isn't a priority for us. We want to get married by the Justice of the Peace and then throw a huge bash afterwards in celebration. We're all about the party, yanno! ;) The original plan was to get married the morning of the 8th and then throw the reception that evening (which, btw, I will be catering myself - well with the help of some very special friends that is).. but as fate would have it - our J of P is taking classes this semester and is UNAVAILABLE on Saturday! HAHAHAHAHAAAA! So he asked if we minded having the ceremony Friday night instead. My first reaction was, "Screw you butthead. We'll find someone else." but then I got to thinking and realized that by actually getting married Friday night, I'd have all day Saturday to put this bash on, instead of getting up early and getting all prettied up for the ceremony, then dashing home afterwards to get unpretty and start cooking.. now I can even sleep in a bit on Saturday (as if my dogs would let me) and not have to worry about anything other than crankin' this thing out. Ahhh yes.. fate. Sometimes you just have to love it. :D

So a nice ceremony Friday evening, followed by a nice dinner out. This will be attended by some of the most important people in my life. Although we are going to have the ceremony performed by the J of P, I am still having a bridal party.. not so much because I wanted a lil tradition in my marriage, but because I wanted these people to be standing next to me when I say "I do!" I've been blessed to have my mom with me and both a Matron of Honor (one of my oldest and dearest friends, Kim), a Maid of Honor (my sister, Sam) and two bridesmaids (well, one of them doesn't know yet as she's off galavanting in the old country, so shhhh) Ivonne is back from Italy, so I finally got to ask her and she has agreed to be my bridesmaid! YAY!! Hubbs has asked his brother to stand up with him, and that just tickles me pink - I love him as if he were my own brother. Oh and that first bridesmaid I mentioned.. you might be familiar with.. she writes a lil blog about her phenomenal baking but much more importantly she is MY baking guru. :) Helene of Tartelette. AND if that wasn't blessing enough.. Helene is also going to bake and design our wedding cake!! Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! How fakkin lucky am I?? :D

And if all of that wasn't amazing enough, the hall will be decorated by two incredibly special men in my life. They've both got impeccable taste and I know the hall will be stunning. I CANNOT wait!

So that's my news, kids - as if I needed another excuse to neglect this here lil blog o'mine.. I can guarantee you won't be hearing much from me for another 3 months as I've 12 fakkin short weeks to make a party for 100 or so guests come together. Leave it to me, to wait 9 years to finally make the leap, and then schedule said leap RIGHT NOW.

har!

xoxo

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Comments on "An Excellent Low-Fat Way to Use Up Some Garden Veggies AND..."

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8/24/2008 10:43 AM) : 

YAY! Congrats! It will be so fun!

 

Blogger mimi said ... (8/24/2008 10:55 AM) : 

awesome!!! congrats on the great news, what a terrific way to celebrate! you are going to have such a rocking party i know we all can't wait to hear all about!

 

Blogger Kalyn Denny said ... (8/24/2008 11:09 AM) : 

Congratulations on the news. You already have a good relationship, so now you get to celebrate it with a party!

 

Blogger Kalyn Denny said ... (8/24/2008 11:12 AM) : 

Had to come back and say I'm definitely making this salad!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8/24/2008 12:09 PM) : 

Aww, congratulations, that's so exciting to hear! :)

 

Blogger Mary said ... (8/24/2008 1:55 PM) : 

See you're not batshit crazy! It sounds like everything is coming together beautifully! (It's very exciting getting ready for a wedding isn't it?)

Oh yeah, and that salad looks great!

 

Blogger glamah16 said ... (8/24/2008 2:35 PM) : 

Congrats! I am so happy for you! I live with my parner for some years now and am about to turn 40, so I know that feeling of the commitment , but making it all official. Life is short and we are lucky to find our true partners.All the best!
BTW: I cant wait to see that wedding cake.

 

Blogger Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said ... (8/24/2008 2:52 PM) : 

Wonderful news! Congrats to you both. As someone who lived with my husband for 10 years before we got married, I can tell you that getting married doesn't change a thing -- but it's fun, and your friends and families will be so happy to celebrate with you.

 

Blogger Jenny said ... (8/24/2008 6:25 PM) : 

Woohooo! What do you want me to bring to the party! I wouldn't be much help with the wedding cake, but could help some other way! :-)

(Hehe nice way of trying for an invite, isn't it?)

I'm thrilled for you both and can't wait to see the pictures!

 

Blogger Barbara said ... (8/24/2008 7:22 PM) : 

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. That's fabulous news.Congratulations. We were married by a JP 28 years ago and this year on our anniversary we renewed our vows in a church.

 

Blogger Peabody said ... (8/24/2008 9:07 PM) : 

Congrats to you again my dear!
I think Friday night actually works out a lot better since you are insane and doing things yourself!

 

Blogger Valentina said ... (8/24/2008 9:15 PM) : 

Congratulations Lis. you are such a lovely person. this is a truly lovely post for many reasons.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8/24/2008 9:50 PM) : 

Oh, sis, congrats again! And Helen is making your wedding cake! How awesome is that. So happy for you! Hugs!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8/24/2008 10:33 PM) : 

Many congratulations! I hope you two have a wonderful marriage weekend!

In other news, that salad picture is gorgeous!

 

Blogger Brilynn said ... (8/25/2008 12:55 AM) : 

That's wonderful news Lis, congrats! It sounds like it will be a really fun day.

 

Blogger Helene said ... (8/25/2008 12:10 PM) : 

I can't wait for that weekend!! With all your little helpers it will be ok...I am not saying it will be a walk in the park but nothing that a little vodka can't help :)
Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

Blogger Jennywenny said ... (8/25/2008 12:46 PM) : 

Congratulations! Have lots of fun!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8/25/2008 5:45 PM) : 

Congratulations! Yeah, I'd say that you guys have been married in your hearts for years now, and are just making it official.

But dayum on catering it all yourself - that's going to be a *lot* of work. You'll be too exhausted to enjoy the honeymoon, LOL. ;)

 

Blogger Cooking Confections said ... (8/25/2008 7:42 PM) : 

Lis: I have been following your blog for sometime now and just love it. Congratulations!! A wedding and a rocking good party -what could be better? Possibly, Helene making the wedding cake. She, too, has been my inspiration. I just love her site. All the best.

 

Blogger eldivenlerim said ... (8/26/2008 4:20 AM) : 

congratulations, your salad looks very yummy:) thanks for sharing....

 

Blogger Lisa said ... (8/26/2008 1:42 PM) : 

Congratulations! Can't wait to hear the details and see the food and the CAKE!!

 

Blogger Katie Zeller said ... (8/26/2008 3:22 PM) : 

Congratulations and Best Wishes!!!!
We got married, eloped to Reno, actually, then had a 2-day bash at our house over the weekend... Which I catered with the help of friends... Much more fun than a 'proper' wedding... (I think)

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8/27/2008 9:07 AM) : 

Congratulations! So happy for you.

 

Blogger Sara said ... (8/27/2008 11:10 AM) : 

ok, first, that salad looks great. I love hearts of palm more than artichokes. And corn in salad is awesome.

second, congrats again! your post is beautiful, and i may have just had to grab a tissue while reading. while i am sorry that we won't hear much from you in the next few months i am so happy that you and w are so happy. all the best, and for the love of god, get as much help as you can from those around you!

 

Blogger Morven said ... (8/27/2008 8:28 PM) : 

CONGRATULATIONS to you both. I think Squeeeeeeeeeeee is definitely the word!

 

Blogger Lis said ... (8/28/2008 6:30 AM) : 

Thanks everyone! Things have been progressing slowly, but surely.. still looking for that elusive ring, but thanks to lots of help from John who I now dub, "My jewelry Guru" tee! I know that in just a couple short weeks, I'll have the ring of my dreams (Okay well a much smaller version as the ring of my dreams weighs approx. 10 lbs. and wouldn't really uhmm fit any of my chubby fingers) and know that we got a good deal on it! :)

Helene sends me links for wedding cakes on an almost daily basis so I can get ideas of what I want.. and working with her is so lovely - have I mentioned how damn lucky I am?? :)

And.. AND.. Ivonne is back from Italy and has accepted the job of being one of my bride's maids! Now I know everything is complete! I'm SO HAPPY!! :)

And oh yeah, doncha worry - there will be LOTS of pictures of the cake and food! ;)

Hugs and thanks again for all the well wishes!!

xoxo

 

Blogger Andrea Meyers said ... (8/28/2008 7:38 AM) : 

YAY! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you all. And you are extremely brave to tackle the catering yourself! But it sounds like you will have some fabulous sous chefs (tee hee). I'm sure you will have quite the party and I can't wait to see photos of the cake!

 

Blogger Marisa said ... (8/28/2008 8:22 PM) : 

Congrats!! I'm so excited for you!!

 

Blogger MyKitchenInHalfCups said ... (8/29/2008 2:40 AM) : 

I'd be speechless but it's just not in my genes! Such wonderful, incredible news!! Being gone so long, had such a good time but missed out on all this beautiful news. Our youngest son's wedding was wonderful fun - wedding party walked to the court house from his house! Nice that his 93 year old grandfather could hoof the 1.5 miles;0) Weddings should be personal and a party! There's was.
After many vegan attempts, I got two cakes that made it to the party and got happy smiles.
Big Hugs and Congrats!!

 

Blogger Proud Italian Cook said ... (8/29/2008 2:35 PM) : 

Lis, Congrats to you on the great news! Can't wait to share this special day with you, by way of your photo's. Please take lots!!!

 

Blogger ms s loveridge said ... (9/01/2008 12:20 AM) : 

aaaaaaaaa CONGRATULATIONSSSSSS!!!! =)))

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (9/01/2008 12:26 AM) : 

Wow, congrats Lis! That's wonderful news!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9/02/2008 8:33 AM) : 

congratulations....first time here...and i know i have a riot to catch up with....

 

Blogger Fifi Flowers said ... (9/02/2008 8:38 PM) : 

That looks delicious and I like low-fat that tastes GOOD!
I found your site via Tarlette... I see it's eclair season!
Off to look at your YUMMIES!
Congrats!
Fifi

 

Blogger natalia said ... (9/03/2008 1:54 AM) : 

Ciao Lis ! I'm very happy for you both ! It will be great !And I agree that having the party the day after is a great choice ! Tantissimi auguri !

 

Blogger Belinda said ... (9/04/2008 1:39 PM) : 

Wow! I'm so excited for you, Lisa! And from reading your blog and getting to know you over the past year or so, I have no doubt that you and your sweetie are perfect for each other and will definitely live happily ever after together. I can't wait to read more details about all of the planning. :-) A BIG congratulations to both of you!!

 

Blogger avesta said ... (9/10/2008 10:35 AM) : 

How exciting and fun! Congrats! I catered half the food for my wedding..I wouldn't have been happy if I didn't have anything there that had my personal touch and flavor..and my guests loved it as I'm sure yours will too!

 

Blogger Argus Lou said ... (9/16/2008 7:36 AM) : 

Congratulations and celebrations!
Wish you two all the very best in life, a fun wedding and a loving, nurturing marriage. Cheers!

 

Blogger Theresa said ... (9/20/2008 12:50 AM) : 

Good for you! We waited nine years, too, to make it "official," but like you said, it was already a marriage...

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9/26/2008 8:30 AM) : 

Well I just read the update!!! I am so excited for all of you. It'll be so much fun! Wish I could be there but ....I'll be there in spirit!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9/29/2008 9:03 PM) : 

What a loser friend I am. I didn't even see this. It's. Gonna. Be. Soooooooo fun.

 

Blogger ewald said ... (10/03/2008 6:39 PM) : 

Delicious stuff!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10/03/2008 7:04 PM) : 

Out of this world!

 

Blogger Adrian said ... (10/04/2008 1:58 AM) : 

Ok, that salad looks soooo good!!

I'll make this salad! ^^

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10/04/2008 11:24 AM) : 

Congratulations!
I'm getting hungry. ;-)

 

Blogger A said ... (10/05/2008 12:23 PM) : 

I just found your blog and LOVE it! You rocketh, and congrats on the big 3 year decision! The salad looks fabulous, I'm off to try it!

 

Blogger Manuela © said ... (10/09/2008 6:08 AM) : 

Congratulations :)

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11/10/2008 1:19 AM) : 

Congratulations and this veggie dish looks fantastic. Good luck with all.

Shelly B.,
Nibbles of Tidbits

 

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