Waiting for Irene

We're hunkered down here in NJ, awaiting the storm. We've been told by 10pm midnight that we'll be hit with the worst. Both good and bad that we'll likely be sleeping through the worst of it. Our evacuation plan includes moving to our upstairs neighbors. We've moved all our valuables off the ground including our Dyson Animal, dog beds, shoes and the Wii. Sandbags are out front and out back. We are even using my basil plant to divert water! The car is parked on the highest level of the garage. iPads, cell phones and laptops are all charging. We have more than enough beer, vodka and wine to last for weeks as well as 6 bags of candy. I would say we're ready for whatever this storm brings us!

Izzy has cabin fever and so do we so we went for what may be the last long walk for a while. It is the calm before the storm. Starbucks is closed. Bars are packed.

From Scotland to Asian Chicken

Scotland was completely not what I would have expected. For starters, there was actually sunshine when I was there. But I was freezing the entire time. Not too much of a surprise there. It actually reminded me of Cape Cod. Beaches, boats, lighthouses, lobster and small, quaint towns.

In Glasgow, they were filming the new Brad Pitt movie, World War X. They had turned one of the squares into Philadelphia. I go all the way to Scotland and can't get away from NJ!

The hairdryer was affixed to the 2nd drawer of a small dresser. I'm pretty tall and had to sit on the floor every day to blow dry. Who thought this was a good idea??

The lone gas pump. They don't even post the price because this is your only option!

I drank a lot of beer, wine and way more whisky then I've ever wanted (which isn't a lot). I ate a lot of fresh seafood and Scottish beef. So when I came home, I actually wanted chicken. It was one thing that I had none of. And I even wanted to go to the gym! Two days later, I'm sore and exhausted.

I found this recipe on Gina's Skinny Taste and am not sure how I didn't find it sooner! I love Asian inspired recipes, especially ones that are healthy and don't remind you that it's healthy. For the recipe, head on over to Skinny Taste.

Adoptions and Baseball.

As many of you already know, our favorite (and only) little foster dog Mr. Peeps was adopted. He was picked up Friday night by a lovely couple who live in Manhattan. They took his leash and he went right with them like it was meant to be. Izzy barked and cried a bit the night he left but I think she got over it as soon as her toy bin came back out. She took inventory and made sure everything was there. One thing I didn't miss was picking them all up!

We've already heard an update from his new family. He cuddled with them the whole ride home and got to go to their family lake house for the weekend. He is now named "Murphy" and is loving life! Here is a picture of him snoozing under the hammock. His new dad said Murphy's snoring woke him up. Typical! Look at him smiling...living the good life!

Izzy spent the weekend at doggie daycare forgetting about her buddy and we headed off to Philly for a Phillies game. It rained 10 minutes before we got there and didn't start raining again until after we left. So lucky! The Phillies won, which was both good and bad. As a Red Sox fan, we are always thinking about who we could potentially meet in the World Series and I'm not sure we want the Phillies to be there. But, since we went to the game in honor of my grandfather, I'm glad they pulled out the win. 

I got to work from home and was more than excited to be able to watch all of the Today Show. As a Today Show junkie, I've been quite excited to be in touch with Joy Bauer's folks. They just let me know about a summer challenge that they're running. For two weeks, you'll get tips and tricks on healthy eating and exercise and be entered in their challenge. Click here to sign up or for more information. 

I'm heading across the pond for work tonight....food blog is back in full force when I get back!

Best Pasta Salad

I had to share this ridiculous picture of the pups when I picked them up from doggie day care. Peeps could barely make it out the door and into the car, he was so tired! Izzy appears to be looking quite annoyed at the fact that I'm taking pictures of her. Really mom? Ugh!

So this isn't the healthiest, but this is one of the best pasta salads I've ever had. There are definitely some ways to make it a bit healthier, but I'm fine with it just the way it is! Everything in moderation, right?

Adapted from Allrecipes

Ingredients:

• 2 (16oz) packages refrigerated tortellini 
• 6 oz sliced pepperoni, quartered
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 (2.25oz) can sliced black olives
• 1 quart grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 (6.5oz) cans artichoke hearts, quartered
• 8oz fresh mozzarella cheese
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (I use oregano and basil)
• Black pepper to taste

Directions:

• Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
• Combine tortellini, pepperoni, green onions, olives, tomatoes, artichokes and cheese in a large bowl. 
• Pour olive oil, vinegars, herbs and pepper over. Mix to combine. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.