I have an iPad, iPhone, computer, Google TV, Apple TV, Comcast, Netflix… I get stuck in a YouTube loop, you know the ones, you go on looking for ONE thing and end up spending an hour drifting off into the land of side videos and find out you just watched your 24th video about talking animals… Yeah, that YouTube loop. We exercise on our Wii Fit. I text my husband and family. I also text and email clients for job number two all the time! Facebook is where I keep in touch. I find interest in Pinterest. I even met my husband on line, no not a dating site! A Boston chat room through Yahoo, remember those? I made fun of his screen name.

Technology is an amazing thing, but I miss the little things. Here are some that I really miss, and I try to keep alive, and why they are so important.

1. The hand written letter or card. There is nothing better than checking your mail and finding a card or letter from a long lost friend. I am a membef of a couple of birthday card clubs, yeah dorky, but it’s great. Around my birthday I recieved cards from all over the US and even places further. There is just something about someone taking time out of thier day to sit down and write to YOU. If you miss someone, instead of sending them an email, try a card or letter. It does the soul good.

2. Hanging out with someone while they are disconnected. How many times have you been out with a friend and it takes all you can to get them to look up from thier phone as they text or tweet or update thier status. I know that I have been guilty of this. It’s hard to break away. Shut off your phone if you can, or keep it in your pocket.

3. A hug. Yes, that little thing! A virtual hug is one thing, but there is nothing like a big squeeze!!!

4. Photo Album. Like a real live one that you can hold onto. Or a picture in a picture frame. In our bedroom we have an electronic picture frame. It’s nice, but nothing like a picture you can hold in your hands or put in your pocket.

5. A real conversation. I love messaging my friends around the world, but there is nothing like hearing a voice!

What do you miss?

Nothing says Fall in New England quite like The Big E in West Springfield! Begun more than 90 years ago, the Eastern States Exposition was intended to provide a way to develop and showcase the declining farming culture of the region; today, it does that and more. Over the course of 17 days each September, “more than one million people attend the … autumn extravaganza of entertainment, exhibits, and agriculture” (see their <a href=”http://www.thebige.com/ese/aboutus/History.asp”>website</a> for the full history). Some have been going for generations and some are inevitably first-timers but, somehow, everyone in attendance is having the best day ever – probably because there really is something for everyone! There’s a huge carnival set up on the grounds with lots of rides and games for kids <em>and</em> adults – but, to get to it, you have to make your way through all the concessions. You want fried food? You can get just about anything you want in fried form at the Big E: dough, pickles, butter and Kool-Aid (yes, you read that right). There’s a lot more than just food & rides, though. The New England states are all represented, too, with the best they have to offer (from Vermont maple syrup to the Maine baked potato). On the agricultural side of it, you can see cows, llamas, sheep, goats, piglets, chicks, alpacas, horses, and – if you can believe it – more. There are giant pumpkins, pepper flowers (what?!), mums…the list goes on and on. Needless to say, it’s easy to lose track of time and literally spend an entire day roaming around! The fair is running through September 30th, so you still have time to make it out there. Check out <a href=”http://www.thebige.com/fair/”>TheBigE.com</a> for all the info you need… and just GO!

Everyday eyeglass wearers understand how important choosing the right frame and style is. Glasses have a huge impact on your appearance, state of mind and how others perceive you. A study by the UK’s College of Optometrists finds that people who wear glasses even do better in job interviews. Traditionally my experience buying glasses is that they are expensive, on average $300 per pair making owning multiple pairs/styles cost prohibitive. The worst part is selecting the frames, trying on pair after pair while huddled in front of a tiny mirror at the eye doctors. I always feel rushed and make this important decision in just a few minutes when you really should get to test drive them for a little bit. That was the old way to buy eyeglasses thanks to www.warbyparker.com , which has made the process of glasses shopping so unbelievably easy.

Here’s how Warby Parker does it:

First visit www.warbyparker.com. Then select 5 frames to try on at home for FREE. That’s right totally free. My trial frames arrived 3 days after ordering them. Once the 5 day trial is up simply use the enclosed UPS shipping slip and send them back.

Now it’s time to buy some glasses; simply log in to warbyparker.com select your frames and upload or email your prescription. I was able to take a pic of my script via iPhone and emailed it to them. Super easy!

My new glasses arrived 5 days later, they are perfect – I love them. All Warby Parker frames are just $95, so having multiple styles is totally doable.

There’s more to love about Warby Parker; they donate a free pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair of glasses that they sell.

Great people, awesome company – check them out.

In the spirit of the season I thought I’d share a recipe that will add a little “fall” to breakfast in your house. I love anything pumpkin flavored and so does my husband. This breakfast is both easy and inexpensive to make!
<strong>Pumpkin Pie French Toast</strong>

<strong>Ingredients</strong>
• 14 slices whole wheat sandwich bread
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp homemade pumpkin pie spice
• Butter and syrup for serving
<strong>Directions</strong>
• Set out the bread for dipping.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin and pie spice until smooth.
• Dip each side of the bread and cook on a hot, greased griddle or skillet. Flip after 1 – 2 minutes.
• Once all are cooked, serve with butter and maple syrup.

When I was little, the last thing I’d ask my mother before I left for school was always “What’s for supper?” My mum’s an awesome cook and I always wanted to know what dish I could look forward to at the end of a long & grueling day of 3rd grade. As I got older, I tried to get her to teach me her tricks in the kitchen; sadly, however, I could never really catch on (her lack of patience with my learning curve didn’t help too much, either – but that’s another post on a completely different blog). Fast-forward to today and I’m useless in the kitchen – unless you count clean-up, which most hungry people don’t. I keep wanting to take a stab at making <em>something</em> but the recipes always feel like a science project to me. I need something easy! I need encouragement! I… may have found what I’m looking for.

<a href=”http://shine.yahoo.com/”>Shine from Yahoo!</a> is quickly becoming one of my go-to sites (you may recall <a href=”http://www.apartmentrentalnews.com/article/read_any_good_books_lately”>this</a> post). I’ve just discovered they have a <a href=”http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/join-shine-supper-club-170000821.html”> Supper Club</a>, which is a little forum where they give you food themes & challenges; once you’ve attempted their challenge, you go back to the forum and discuss your experiences with everyone else who tried it. It’s sort of like a support group for people who fear the kitchen – whether it’s because they don’t know how to throw a dish together or because they’re bored with the ones they’ve been making. It’s a really great feature on the site and I think it’ll really help people like feel a little more at home in their own kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner like me or you’re some sort of master chef, if you’re up for a challenge – give it a try!

Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup chopped apple
2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Italian-style dried bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Combine apple, cheese, and bread crumbs. Set aside.
2. Flatten chicken breasts between sheets of waxed paper to 1/4 inch thickness. Divide apple mixture between chicken breasts, and roll up each breast. Secure with toothpicks.
3. Melt butter or margarine in a 7 inch skillet over medium heat. Brown stuffed chicken breasts. Add wine and 1/4 cup water. Cover. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.
4. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Combine 1 tablespoon water and cornstarch; stir into juices in pan. Cook and stir until thickened. Pour gravy over chicken, and garnish with parsley. Serve.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 139 | Total Fat: 5.1g | Cholesterol: 46mg

My favorite holiday is just around the corner. Halloween is the best, what more can you ask for; awesome decorations for outside and inside your home, ridiculous costumes, and an excuse to eat your favorite candy. I love driving home this time of year and seeing the houses in the Halloween Spirit. Front doors decorated and Jack-O-Lanterns out on the steps, the spookier the better!

I have been seriously slacking in the scary decoration department the last couple years. I feel like Halloween is not done up the way I remember it being as a kid. I remember my very first Halloween trick or treating with my family, I was a Ballerina. The first house that we went to was a monstrous Victorian house. It was all dark and there were candles in the windows. My sisters and I held onto each other as we tiptoed up to the door, looking all around in case something were to jump out at us, and the only noises you could hear was howling sounds and the scary music playing in the background. It was always an issue of which one of us going to ring the doorbell, and of course I was always chosen because I am the youngest. We could hear each others chests pounding as we waited for that door to open and have no idea what to expect or what was going to answer it. And when it did Trick or Treat!!! We were going to get candy! And as we walked across the lawn on to the next house we weren’t as scared as we were before. I miss those days and being able to trick or treat, why did I ever stop?

Lets all get into the Halloween Spirit this year and make this one better than the last. Whether you dress up and go to a Halloween Party, or hand out candy or even stay in and watch a scary movie, have a fun with it. That is what this holiday is all about!!!

As many of you know, I just recently got engaged this week! We are so excited but overwhelmed at the same time. There is so much that goes into planning a wedding and trying to keep the stress levels down. Here are some great pointers that I’ve already put to great use.

-Budget for everything! Sticking to a budget might be the hardest thing to do when you want a lavish wedding. But once everything is said and done, you won’t be stressing over wedding debt.
-Plan a longer engagement. We are planning for a 2014 wedding which gives us plenty of time to explore our options and do a lot of DIY to cut costs.
-It’s all about who you know. If you want to cut costs, hire a friend or family member that specializes in photography or a DJ.

Remember that in the end you love each other and this day is about love not stress!

The Boston Globe recently published an article about Salem, MA. It was titled <a href=”http://bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/travel/2012/09/01/salem-without-its-masks/tYWxAg1dSlF4OLGYDJqsZL/comments.html”>”Salem without its masks, Night and day, city offers sights, scenes, arts, history, and food.”</a> We often think of visiting Salem in October given the amount of Autumn festivities and Halloween events offered in the “Witch City”. But the Globe correspondent, Steve Holt points out the many attractions offered in Salem year round! There are even a number of self guided walking tours throughout the city, available for download here: <a href=”http://www.nps.gov/sama/index.htm”>Salem Walking Tours</a>

<strong>Top 10 Highlights from the Boston Globe article:</strong>

1. Strolling For Snacks – check out Mike and Honey Green Grocer at 32 Church Street, a local favorite!
2. Secondhand Salem – stop into Witch City Consignment and Thrift at 301 Essex Street, known to many locals as “Jerry’s Army-Navy Store”.
3. Kids’ Corner – Enjoy toys and games at Mud Puddle Toys at 221 Essex Street for kids of all ages.
4. Treat Yourself – Beverage break! Enjoy coffee or a pint of craft beer at The Gulu Gulu Cafe at 247 Essex Street.
5. Dinner time – In the mood for dark wood and plush chairs? Check out the warm and cozy Tavern on the Green at 18 Washington Square for a historic and tasty meal.
6. Stay the Night – Sleep over at the family-owned Salem Inn, 7 Summer Street originally built in 1834.
7. Revolutionary Brunch – On the outside, it’s a late-18th century coffeehouse, on the inside it’s Red’s Sandwich Shop, 15 Central Street.
8. Cultural Shop – Salem’s cultural and artistic jewel, the Peabody Essex Museum is a must see located at East India Square.
9. Still Hungry? – Enjoy your second brunch at the Scratch Kitchen, 245 Derby Street for a casual and fun atmosphere, frisbee-sized pancakes or a North Shore beer.
10. Historic Endings – Before you head home, take the time to walk down Derby Street which showcases the Custom House, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, House of Seven Gables and many more of the city’s first homes.

Enjoy your visit to fun and historic Salem, MA!!

Although it’s not officially fall, it is September, so I’ve already started celebrating! Other than countless fall activities (like apple picking, pumpkin picking, the Topsfield Fair, hay mazes etc.), my favorite fall things are actually food – SURPRISE SURPRISE 😉

As for a beverage, it’s a toss up between DD’s pumpkin spice coffee and Shipyard’s Pumpkin Ale. The Shipyard Pumpkin Ale tastes amazing on its own, but lends itself to countless possibilities. You could add vanilla vodka, whipped cream vodka, spiced rum, or even Southern Comfort. The Shipyard website actually posts all of these recipes!
<img src=”{filedir_2}pumpkinhead.jpg” alt=”” height=”279″ width=”353″ />

For food, I LOVE fall comfort dishes – baked mac n’ cheese, butternut squash soup, apple cider doughnuts….
My next recipe to try, a Fall Salad seen below, comes from pintrest (of course!)

Ingredients
Candied pecans:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup raw pecans

Maple-balsamic dressing:
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 head endive, separated leaves
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1 apple, sliced
• 2 tbsp crasins
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan

Directions
To make the candied pecans, set a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the butter and sugar and once it has melted toss in the pecans and continue to toss to coat and cook evenly, about 1 minute. Transfer to a sheet tray lined with waxed paper (use 2 forks to separate pecans) while you prepare the salad.

Make the dressing by combining the diced onion, Dijon and balsamic vinegar in a large mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while you whisk to emulsify. Add the maple syrup and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Assemble salad by tossing greens, crasins and apple slices in a large mixing bowl with maple-balsamic dressing. Top with shaved Parmesan and candied pecans.
<img src=”{filedir_2}TU0409_Fall_Salad_lg.jpg” alt=”” height=”262″ width=”416″ />