Happens for a reason

I'm the type of person who is gun-ho about superstition, fate and signs which makes me believe everything happens for a reason. I got laid off two weeks ago that led me to feeling devastated and frightened. I have never been without a job since I was seventeen, especially now that I'm an adult with responsibilities to bills and a mortgage. Luckily I have a very supportive husband and family members who stood by me through this saying I would find a job in less than a month. Sure enough, I did!

Let's back up the trolley here and refer to why everything happens for a reason. The job I was laid off from, I was not happy and was already looking for other job opportunities... unfortunately I did not find one in time. This new position I was offered sounds promising and has potential for movin' on up. I will admit that I really have not excelled as much as I could have in my previous jobs because, well, I think I was afraid of the responsibility that comes with growth. Now, after I've had two weeks doing nothing but taking the time to really search for a job that appeals to me, I want to be able to climb the corporate hierarchy and be recognized for my hard work and dedication. Maybe this is the reason I was laid off after all; to find a job that sounds promising by not being afraid of change and to really excel, not only for myself but for the company as well.

Have you ever been laid off and how did you cope?

Valentine's Day

This is the first year Dan and I decided to stay home for Valentine's Day, which I think was the best one yet. For our appetizer we had traditional cheese fondue with cubed french bread, vegetables and Granny Smith apples as dippers. I rarely make fondue because it's such a hassle but while Dan and I were at Wegman's scrounging around for our ingredients, lo and behold in the cheese section was a packaged easy fondue pack with all the cheese necessary. The best part? Just add the wine! At that point I was sold. Not only is it cheaper than buying Gruyere and Emmantaler cheese separately, but it's also shredded.

I followed the instructions on the package, because really.. there was only one thing to do: Add the wine! After five minutes of stirring and reaching the desired consistency, we digged dipped in!

Dan turned on some soft jams with a roaring fire which made things even better. Who can't resist some Backstreet Boys, I mean, c'mon.

Yummy goodness

Occasionally our cat, MacGyver would be creepy in the background which just made the night more entertaining.

 

 

Then it was time for the main course featuring Filet Mignon with a Rich Balsamic Glaze and luckily it was simple which means really no preparation needed.

Filet Mignon with a Rich Balsamic Glaze

(Recipe found here)

 

• 2 (4 ounce) filet mignon steaks  
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste 
• salt to taste
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar  
• 1/4 cup dry red wine

1. Sprinkle freshly ground pepper over both sides of each steak, and sprinkle with salt to taste.

2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place steaks in hot pan, and cook for 1 minute on each side, or until browned. Reduce heat to medium-low, and add balsamic vinegar and red wine. Cover, and cook for 4 minutes on each side, basting with sauce when you turn the meat over. I actually did not follow this part of the recipe as the reviews mention the sauce is too thin. So I heated the balsamic vinegar and dry red wine with a generous pinch of brown sugar in a small pot on medium-high heat to thicken it up. Wasn't as thick to my liking but it was still good.
 

3. Remove steaks to two warmed plates, spoon one tablespoon of glaze over each, and serve immediately.

After dinner, we had some champagne, slow danced a little and watched 'Stuck in Love'. Overall, one of my favorite Valentine's so far.

How was your Valentine's Day and what did you do to celebrate?

Throwback

It's Thursday and you know what that means?! One more work day until the weekend, yippie! But really, it's also Throwback Thursday which I rarely participate in because who wants to see the embarrassing years of our youth? Well, I bring to you some adorable throwback pictures of me and my younger sister, Ashley which may be embarrassing for her, but it's not her blog so deal with it.

Grammy and I, circa 1986

I must say I look quite adorable looking, probably reaching out for a sugary treat of some sort. What can I say? I started young..

Ashley and I, circa 1996 (I think?)

As you can see, she is not thrilled at all. I believe she wanted to wear the pink tutu instead, but obviously it didn't happen. Despite her grumpy look, we both look cute.

Dress up, circa 1994 (Guessing..)

When I was young and youthful, I spent most of my time at my Grammy's and there was not a lot to do. So I dressed up in her clothes! This outfit was my favorite of hers because it sparkled and the fabric was so soft. 

Looking at old photos of me or anyone is something I enjoy highly too much. I could look through your old photo album and hours would pass. Don't even get me started on home videos!

Super Bore

I don't really watch or follow football, however, being married to a sports enthusiast it's kind of hard to escape it all, so even I was not impressed with this year's Super Bowl. Even the commercials were meh, although the Budweiser commercial with the puppy and Clydesdale pulled at my heart strings, no matter how much I watched it.

Honestly, the most important thing for a Super Bowl party is the FOOD... right?! I was designated to bring desserts, surprised? Dan wanted cupcakes and I made another experimental dessert found on Pinterest.

Cute, huh?

These were a big hit and gone quickly (who knew something so simple would have a great outcome?) because who doesn't like cupcakes and chocolate?! 

Fruity Brownie Pizza
(from a Pinterest)

• 1 boxed brownies mix (for a 9x13-inch pan)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup oil
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 cups diced strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12-inch round (rimmed) pizza pan with nonstick spray; set aside. (You can also use the disposable round pizza pans.)

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, water and oil. Stir until just combined. Pour into the greased pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the brownie pan from the oven and allow to completely cool in the pan on a wire rack. 

In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread evenly over the top of the cooled brownie round and top with strawberries and blueberries.  

I really liked this dessert but it was really sweet, even for me and that's saying something! Although towards the end of the night, it was almost gone so that's always good sign.

How was your Super Bore, I mean Bowl?