Halloween Carnival and S.S.S.

On friday, my work finally hosted our annual Halloween Carnival for the kids here on Caserma Ederle. It was a long stressful process getting ready for this event, and I am glad to see it done and gone. I was in charge of the picture taking booth, and man was it draining. I thought it would be a piece of cake, but it wasn't at all. I had to listen to so many parents yelling at me because they were "next," and that I needed to take another picture because the one before made their kid look awful. UGH! I feel so bad for those who work with Santa and the Easter bunny.

However, my friend's and I had fun dressing up for the event. I didn't try on my costume until the day before and I didn't realize how short it was until that time. So, I had to make a last minute trip the day of the carnival and buy some tights I will never wear again. Anyways, here is a picture...


After the carnival, I came home to the Fab four for a barbeque. The boys grilled the steaks while Justine and I made a couple of side dishes. It was a nice night to spend with friends.

{Saturday}
It's that time where I start cleaning out the pantry, so it is grab whatever you can get your hands on night. I had a P.B.&J. Yummy!

{Sunday}
Breaded Chicken
Stuffed Portebello Mushrooms from Two Peas and their Pod

{Monday}
Loaded Salad Night

{Tuesday}
Salmon
Potatoes
Asparagus

{Wednesday}
Leftover Night

{Thursday}
Sticky Chicken
Lima Beans

{Friday}
Lasagna
Salad

It took a lot of energy to go to the commissary this weekend for groceries. I have been super tired, and the headaches I have been having for the past three weeks have been hurting me more than ever. But there you go, my meal planner for the week. ** Side Note: My meal planner has caught on to other people over here. sooo exciting...

I hope everyone is having a very Happy Halloween this weekend! Be safe. Until next time, later.

"I Want To Be A Billionaire"

Okay, so I was having a very frustrated evening because I was trying to figure out this one song, and after about two hours of searching and talking to my cousin and sister.....We figured it out!

So, what do I do? I blare it! I am in such a better mood now.All my reader's should find a song they like, blare it, and dance like a crazy person..That's what Gregg and I did and it was amazing!

Tell Me 10, Just 10 Things

(1.) Eating pizza and drinking wine with hubby next to me is the happiest moment I can have in my marriage

(2.) Love the night's it storms and you can stay in and just chill.

(3.) Missing the chocolate festival this year slightly broke my heart.

(4.) I am having the major urge to start decorating for Christmas even though its only the end of October.

(5.) Justine dyed my hair, so I feel much better.

(6.) Gregg having staff duty every four days is draining on him and myself.

(7.) Is getting nervous now that winter is approahing over here.

(8.) Is stressing my Halloween costune is not going to get here in time.

(9.) Kiko makeup is becoming my one important everyday item.

(10.) Finding out Old Time Pottery is closing made my heart sink a bit.

There you go, just 10 things!

All Pumpkin and S.S.S.

So, it is finally the weekend...Hooray! At work we have been busy getting ready for the Halloween Carnival we are having on Friday, so it has been somewhat stressful. Now, I get to enjoy some downtime for the first time in a really long time. Gregg has been having staff duty every four days and that has put some heavy burden on Gregg and I. Another reason why I am happy to the wecome the weekend with open arms.

The weekend started with coming home from work to babysit my best friends little, Logan. It was actually not hard to do because he just followed me around watching me clean up a bit. He is about 16 months, so I put him to work..lol. I gave him a wet wipe and taught him how to clean a coffee table. He absolutely loved it! We also spent the night giggling, giving high fives, and dancing to the hubby's jam.

Afterwards, Justine and Taylor came over. Justine and I spent the night baking Pumpking Bread. I got the recipe from Jessica at Love From Texas, and if you want the recipe...just click here. It tunred out to be delicious. I have never had anything pumpkin before, so I was dying to try it.

During the process, I wanted to use my food processor since it is something I haven't used it before. Justine and I were having trouble trying to figure out how to put it together, and during the process I sliced my hand open. It bled pretty bad and is still pretty sore.

After making the pumpkin bread, Justine colored my hair and my roots can't be even more happier. It was about time it got taken care of. Then, Gregg, Taylor, and myself decided to go down the street so the boys could have a couple of drinks...I had to stick with my yummy water since I was driving. Then we came home and I decided to crash. I made strict instructions that I did not want any alarms set, all the shutters closed, and no distractions. I was going to sleep in until my hearts content...and thats just what I did. It felt great!

Today I spent my time catching up picking up the house, and finishing up school work for the week. I had a major headache so I didn't want to do much of anything crazy. Now, I am just eating pizza, drinking wine, and watching The Back Up Plan. Life is good right about now...

{Saturday}

Order Pizza King

{Sunday}

CrockPot Pork Chops

Mashed Potatoes

Corn

{Monday}

Loaded Steak Salad

{Tuesday}

Chicken Drenced in Bread Crumbs

Pasta Side

Peas

{Wednesday}

Leftover Night

{Thursday}

Spaghetti

Green Beans

{Frisday}
Teriyaki Steaks

Mashed Potatoes

Spinach

Oh yum, its going to be a good week at our house! I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend, and the week ahead.

Our New Baby; Well, Gregg's New Baby!

We said goodbye to the Nissan Sentra and although it was a little tough to do, it will be a lot less stressful on us. We are now the proud owner's of a 2001 Chevy Corvette! So nice!

Gregg knows all the specs; I just look and say, "Pretty!" lol

Trying to hold back the biggest grin. : )

Commissary Frustration

** This is going to be more of a venting post more than anything, so feel free to skip over if you do not feel like hearing me ramble about my feelings. **

Today I did my weekly grocery shopping like I always do, and the trip left me with frustrated feelings. In the past two months, our commissary has been going under some reconstruction with their fridges to make them more energy effiecient and to keep items colder. I understand they would like to perfect there business, but I will fill you in later on why this is a problem.

So, during a two week period, they take away a section, trying to keep some favorites, and work "diligently" on the fridges. After they are done with that section, they move on to the next fridge.

When I walked in today, I came to find the produce section missing. I searched all over the store for iceberg lettuce and a couple of tomatoes. It took about two rotations until I finally found what I was looking for. However, since they don't carry all the produce they usually do during the process, I am going to have to cancel my stuffed portebello mushrooms meal. I was upset, but it didn't even come close to the emotion I got when I had to break the news to Gregg.

Also, finding out that Gregg now has a lactose deficiency I can only buy skim milk. And guess what? The commissary just so happened to be out. And, not just out of skim milk, they were out of lowfat milk, and reduced fat milk. All they had was whole milk which does not do in the household anymore. So, now Gregg is going to have to live without milk for a few days which is also breaking news. This boy LOVES his milk!

So, I understand all of our products get imported from the states, but the running out has been happening for awhile. They are out of items for days and days! So, don't you think they would make bigger shipments? Well, they don't...we all just have to suck it up.

And back to my fridge repair comment, the commissary here has limited hours it is open. They are CLOSED on Monday's. Now, here goes my frustration....Work hard all day on the day you have it closed for restocking...DUH!!!!!

I am also getting tired of how much money I loose when I go to the commissary. Everyone seems to think we get a special price at the commissary, but we don't. Everything is the same price, we pay a "surcharge" in which we aren't suppose to pay taxes, and we have to tip the bagger's that take our groceries out the car (you don't have a choice, they have to do it). Its just a bit much!!

Okay, so I'll end it here because I could seriously go on and on. I am hoping someone thats works for DECA reads this, and takes in the consumer's feelings!! Oh, and an ICE comment will be filled out.

Girl's Night and Saturday's Supper Schedule

Nothing really happened over the week except the usual. However, last night was quite eventful with having a girls night. A bar here in Italy closed for awhile to relocate and change their theme. It is called Art Cafe, and before it was a small place that consisted of many teenie-boppers. We didn't know what to expect at the new opening of Art Cafe, and lets just, it was interesting but fun.

Here are my favorites before we head out for the night

This is where it become interesting...The whole place was packed with biker rocker's. There is now a stage at the new place that will hold many bands playing all throughout the night.
At Art Cafe, it was happy hour so we got 2 for 1 drinks. Our friend Karolina was behind the bar, so she gave us a few free rounds which is always a plus!

After awhile, we decided to relocate to our favorite Italian bar that is located near Nicole's house (blonde below). All of us girls that went out for the night are pictured below with the owner. Some how we always end up getting to know owner's or bartender's at places like this...maybe we are just that much fun. haha.

Then the owner brought out the sparklers...oh yes!

On a side note, I have my best friend back!!

When the night was over, I came back home and crashed. Today was spent with hubby time. We pretty much snuggled in the bed watching movie after movie and devouring Avogada food.

And, I am back again with my weekly meal planning schedule. This is for you reader's that have trouble coming up with those weekly dinner's and need a little boost to help you out. So, this is what Gregg and I are having this week. Last week's meal got shifted a little bit due to our schedule changing, but it was still nice to have a plan and have the food ready in my fridge. So, here it goes...

{Saturday}

Balsamic Chicken - Chicken cooked in a mixture of Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic, and Wine

Pasta Side - The Parmesan one with a few added mushrooms on my part

Green Beans - My favorite!

{Sunday}

Baby Back Ribs - recipe taken from Steamy Kitchen

Corn

Garlic Cheese and Jalepeno Bread

{Monday}

Loaded Chicken Salad

Just add everything you can think of into your salad and wahlah!

{Tuesday}

Stuffed Portebello Mushrooms - got the recipe from Two Peas and their Pod

{Wednesday}

Leftover Night

{Thursday}

Chicken Alfredo

Asparagus

{Friday}

Shepard's Pie - a new favorite of mine!

Hope this is a nice addition to the blog for you reader's...it sure does help me out a lot! Until next time, later.

Guess What I Am Going To Be For Halloween...

Yep, Snow White! I can't wait for it to get here...Just one more week. On the 29th, we have our Halloween Carnival that I have to work at. My work is making us dress up again, and I wanted to be something spectacular this year (last year I was a nerd).

Over The Weekend

This weekend was a whirlwind, but I sure did enjoy it! It was spent with our best friends Justine and Taylor. As you know, Friday was spent having a barbeque. Saturday consisted of getting things ready for the week like cleaning, grocery shopping, and spending quality time with the hubby.

On Sunday, I met up with Justine once again and we took a trip to IKEA. I racked out with two great pieces. Gregg and I needed a shelf to hold all our movies. We are racking up and need a way to keep them organized. So, I ended up with this shelf. I love it! Its great for our movies, and later in life I can add some baskets and put odds and ends in them if I am tired of the movie feel.

I also got a new down comforter since the one I had got ruined. The feathers inside did not dry all the way when it got washed and it started to smell moldy. So, I went out and got another one! I also got a duvet cover to put it in so it won't get dirty so fast. Isn't it gorgeous? I'm talking about the gray swirly part, by the way....

The night was spent ordering pizza and playing drinking games. It was a night filled with laughs and making memories. Gregg and I have some great friends, and I seriously don't know what we are going to do when it comes time to seperate in our near future.

On Monday, Justine and I got tired of sitting around at the house all the time. So, we made the boys get up and take us to the winery. It was a goegeous day to be out and about. The air was a little chilly, but the sun helped keep me a tad bit warm. The day also gave me a chance to wear my new boots with my black skinny's. Oh, I love fall! Anyways, here is a picture of us two after enjoying asiago cheese, green olives, speck, and vino!

After the winery, we decided to go out to dinner. I showed all of the them this great Italian place I found a couple of months ago...Al Company. Gregg ordered a steak that cost 20 euro...so, he was a happy camper and I had Spaghetti with Duck Sauce. This was the first night I have ever had duck. Since living in Italy, I have come to experience a lot of different animals. Since I have been here, I have tried Fish eggs, Octopus, Duck, Rabbit, Lamb, and Horse. Sometimes I knew what I was getting and other times I didn't. The next two animals here I have not experienced is Emu and Alligator...I don't know if those two will happen..Eww. Anyways, back to dinner...it tasted great and got raves all around. It was a great way to celebrate Christopher Columbus day!

I noticed I missed Top 2 Tuesday and Tuesday's List and I am very sorry. I really don't have a favorite room or too many crock pot recipes, but I do plan on reading everyone's responses like I always do!

Right now, I am getting ready for my cleaning spree and about to sign up for new classes! I think I am going to hit on two psychology classes this time so I can get them out of the way. It seems like these gen-ed classes are getting old and I need a break. Hopefully, I can hop into two great classes next time and pass with flying colors.

A Little Bit of Everything

I am probably becoming the worst blogger ever once again...It's seems like I pop on here to play those theme days like Top 2 Tuesday, Tuesday's List, Wordless Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, and Friday Fill-In. I find them a lot of fun to do, but I know I should keep you reader's informed on what's going on in the home.


I have been working a lot these days again, and its because we have gotten busier than ever. The money is nice, but it seems like I get to miss out on a lot of hubby and friend time. For instance, Gregg, Taylor, and Justine all walked a couple of blocks the other night to grab a kabob and drink while I was working. Jealousy kinda kicked me in the butt, but I brushed it aside as best I could.


One day at work, my activity was to make creepy crawler cupcakes with the teens. I love baking, so I jumped on this project with open arms. Now, teens are not advanced in the decorating department, so I tried to find something very easy. So, this was my goal...

And, this is what the teens ended up accomplishing...

It was nothing like the picture I grabbed online, but they did great anyways. I told them they could do whatever they felt they liked best. Some teens might have gotten a bit messy, but theytasted yummy. I certainly enjoyed eating the leftover cupcakes in the kitchen. : )

I am doing horrible in my math class this session. I did okay my first week, and then it has seems to go downhill from there. Sometimes I even have my weeks I feel like I have made A's on my week's work and quiz, but get the opposite when I look at my Portfolio. I will never take a math class online EVER again, and I encourage everyone not to as well.

Justine has her hubby back as of Tuesday, and Gregg has his best friend. We can't be any more happier for them. This weekend we had a barbeque, and had a blast. I marinated some steaks in a garlic and herb mix, made green bean casserole (to die for), Gregg's spinach mix, and Justine made yummy potatoes. Dinner was followed by The Karate Kid which was very entertaining. We skipped dinner this night because everyone was falling asleep, so we called it a night.

I finally started my search for Italian black boots...and, I am proud to say, I found them! They are super cute, and I love them. I found them yesterday at a store here in the mall. I will have to take a picture of them the first time I wear them. I am able to wear them under some jeans or over some skinny's..They are just perfect. My next goal is some new black pumps and brown boots.

Now, on to something new...

I am thinking about starting my own section on here for myself. Lately, I have been planning my meals for the week on Saturday and going shopping for all the items that day. I find it easier to make it through the grocery store faster and I feel as though I save money. So, I am going to called it Supper Schedule and post it every Saturday or Sunday. I just need to figure out how to make myself a cute little icon/button for it.

New Edit:

******New Button Done!*********

I will go ahead and fill you in on what's for supper this week!

{Saturday}

Trying a recipe I made up...

Take Cajun seasoned rice, add shrimp and scallions, and mix.

Black Bean and Corn mixture for the side

(I'll let you know how it goes...)

{Sunday}

Creamy Chicken and Dumplins

I got the recipe from KevinandAmanda

{Monday}

Hamburgers on the Grill

Zestie Fries

{Tuesday}

Potatoes in the Crock Pot

Chicken

Some sort of Vegetable from the cabinet

{Wednesday}

Leftover Night

{Thursday}

Chili

{Friday}

Breakfeast for Dinner

Sunny Side Up Eggs

Bacon

Biscuits

So, there you have it...This weeks menu all planned. I hope some of you can get some dinner ideas from this new fun post idea. I know I get tired of trying to come up with new ideas, so hopefully this will help. Can't wait to plan next week's meals.

Tuesday's List: DVR

If you would like to particpate in Tuesday's List, go to Love From Texas.

Okay, so I don't have the amazing DVR selection that everyone else seems to have these days...So jealous! Also, being over in Italy makes it hard for me to watch shows that the states hold and if I do get them, they are season's old.

So, I will just tell you about the old season's that I like to watch over here that I get every now and then.

Brother's & Sister's
I love it more and more I watch it; Sorry Dad!

Army Wives

I connect with this show, so I enjoy the stories. Also, I like that this show stays so true to what actually happens rather than making up a lot stereotypes that people have about the military.

Grey's Anatomy
It will forever be on my list to watch...period, the end.

And my guilty pleasure over here is Keeping Up with the Kardashians
I know its a bit rediculous, but I actually find it interesting. Plus, its nice knowing I like being under the radar and not famous.

Top 2 Tuesday: Kitchens

This weeks Top 2 Tuesday category is Dream Kitchens! I think every girl at some point in time think about what they would truly love to have in their kitchen. My list is easy, but long:

Dark/Cherry Wood Cabinets
Stone Walls
Stainless Steel Appliances
Island
Lots of Counter Space
Granite Counter Tops
Built in Ice Machine
Wine Rack
Red Kitchen Aid Mixer
Gas Stove and Oven
Ceramic Tile Floors
Deep Sinks
Walk-in Pantry
Long Bar

Yea, is that too much to ask for? I hope not...


I absolutely fell in love with this kitchen the second I saw it! It has everything I could want in my kitchen and more. Look closely, it even has a RED Kitchen Aid mixer on the counter. The only thing I would probably change in thsi kitchen is the bar stools...everything else can stay!

I also liked Meryl Streep's kitchen in It's Complicated. Its cute and homey. If I was to walk into this kitchen, I would have the want to bake something. Its a truly family style kitchen, but elegant for entertaining friends.

If you would like to join in on Top 2 Tuesday, go to The Undomestic Momma.

The Best Mommy In the World

Tonight, I was having my weekly ritual. I finish up any last minute homework for the week, and then cuddle up to watch Brother's and Sister's while I sip on some Moscato wine. This is pretty much the only show I look forward to watching during the week since AFN does not get many selections. Also, I know I am quite behind everyone back at home since they are playing old episodes right now. However, they are not old to me...It's been awhile, but I am happy I get that time to myself at night.

Anyways, back to my point...The more and more I watch this show, the more it makes me miss Mommy. Nora Walker reminds me so much of her that its not even funny. Nora is comforting, harsh, loving, disappointed, great listener, nosy, and more. She does everything in her power to make sure her children are happy, and I think that is what makes a great mother. Everyone seems to think Nora might be a little too much into her children's lives, but what mother isn't? I would actually be kind of upset if my mother didn't want to know what's going on, wouldn't you?

Mom and I use to watch this show weekly, and now that I am not there, its a bit different. Now that Gregg and I are getting closer to our ETS date, the more and more I wish the time would fly by to get here so I can spend some time with her. I don't think anyone else I know has a relationship with their mother like I do. Mom and I always spent a lot of time together, and I always told her everything; maybe even some things that shouldn't even be said to a mother. No matter what though, mom always stood by with a listening ear. Grant it, I did get my conversations with her that ended up in her being disappointed or a little bit angry, but those are the moments that teach us how to live correctly.

I heard the market at the Agricenter just recently passed by this year, and I am jealous of all the girls that got to go with their mother's. I am also jealous of all the mother/daughter luncheons that are being held right now, and all the vino drinking/show watching nights that get to be spent with Mom.

So here is to Mom, my Mom, whom I am very grateful for. I love you and miss you so much. Can't wait to come home so I can see you again...

Latest picture of us taken together March 2010

A Little Distraction

I am on this thing to give myself a little bit of a distraction from my current to-do list item of the day: Midterms! Ugh! Today, I am working on my Social Psychology midterm and I am going up against some questions like: The major advantage of using the experimental as compared to methods such as survey and direct observation is that it allows you to detect causative relationships. Briefly show why this is the case. OR Give a specific example showing how the social world both constructs people though social interaction and at the same time is being constructed by that same interaction. The second part refers to how group norms are constantly being changed through the interactions of group members. Think about having to do about 15 of those kind of questions. Can we say boring?..eek.

So, what did I do today? I woke up just as my husband was going to sleep. I hate the different schedule thing because it truly messes with my head and I don't get a good night's rest. Sad thing is, he loves staying up all night while I like getting up early. I honestly do try and stay up some nights on the weekend, but always seem to crash around that midnight mark.

Our post here in Vicenza holds a case lot sale once or twice a year and this weekend was that time. So, I headed up there to stock up on some toilet paper, paper towels, and laundry detergent. I was excited to get all this stocked up so I won't have to worry about it for awhile....Wait, is it sad that I am excited abot stockign up on toilet paper? Something must be wrong here.

After that I headed to work. My shift was from 13:00 to 20:00...yep, thats 7 hours with some teens. Luckily, their homecoming game started at 13:00, so we locked up the center and watched their football game. I think it has been four years since I have last seen a high school football game. It was nice to be in that atmosphere with great weather all around me. Once the game was over, I had to head back to the center for a little less than 5 hours.

Once that was all done, I could finally come home. Tonight, I did something a little different on the dinner ritual. I made my own spicy sauce for chicken wings. It was a different kind of recipe, but it didn't taste bad. Like I have said in previous post, I have been wanting to try new things in the kitchen and I finally did. Hopefully this is the beginning of many more things.

Oh yea, and somewhere during the day...I did something I swore I would NEVER do. I gave in and got a Twitter account. Why, oh why did I do this? I just know some many people have it and get on it all the time. Many people even post things from their phones to the site. I am just very confised on how Twitter works though. I tried navigating through the site today, but gave up after about ten minutes. Also, I know some of you have your Twitter status's rolling along your blog page; how did you get that on there? Anyways, if you are on Twitter, you can find me by amandarauwolf.

Also, I have been debating the Christmas Card idea this year....Should I give in and send them out or just forget it? What are your ideas on Christmas cards?

Guess its back to midterms...ugh.