Latest & Greatest

I just want to say again that yesterday's post about grammar, spelling and punctuation by no means is a statement that I am perfect in my own writings I just really enjoyed them and wanted to share. Thanks for pinterest for making it so easy...

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Today I stopped for a delicious onion bagel {yes I love them} on my way in to work and a lady actually asked me, "When are you due?" It took me by surprise because she was the first stranger to ask me!! It looks like the baby bump is here and ready to rock :)

Speaking of rocking it. I went to Tarjay last night for some tops and I hit the major clearance jackpot. See that white shirt? $4.24 and the sweater, $6.??. And they're not maternity so you will probably be seeing me wearing them non-prego as well. The pants were the only item I paid full price for, I figured as the temperatures are just dropping like crazy here in the Valley of the Sun {sarcasm} I better get ready for cooler digits with some maternity bottoms I can wear to work.

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Last night I made some cookies from a dear friend. I like to have a good nickname for a recipe so I know it isn't just "that one chocolate chip cookie" so this one will either be called VerRona's Cookies or Mr. G's Favorite Cookie. {VerRona's husband Tyler aka Mr. G loves them} Here's the recipe she gave me:

Oatmeal Chocolate/Butterscotch Chip Cookies aka VerRona's Cookies aka Mr. G's Favorite Cookies

Cream together:

1 cube butter

1 cube margarine {I don't have margarine so I just did 2 sticks of butter}

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

Add: 

2 large eggs

Mix well

Add:

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

Mix well

Add:

2 cups white flour

Mix

2 1/2 cups whole oats

Mix

Add:

2 cups chocolate (or butterscotch) chips {I did an 11oz. bag of butterscotch chips and about half a bag of milk chocolate chips}

1/2-1 cup chopped nuts {I did NOT add nuts since my hubby isn't nuts about nuts}

Mix

Spoon onto cookie sheet

Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes {I am always hesitant on baking times since I know each machine is different, I put mine in for 10 min and they came out perfect!}

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Tomorrow I'm headed out to Wooster, Ohio for the National Beef Ambassador Contest. Details in a nutshell: I am our state chair for this contest and so I am the chaperone {hilarious I know} taking our contestant back to try her hand at winning! Our Arizona Beef Ambassador and the National Ambassadors serve year long terms where they travel around assisting at events and advocating about agriculture and beef. Especially about the benefits of beef in a heart healthy diet and how you can incorporate and enjoy beef as the power-packed, nutrient-dense vitamin that it is! For up-to-date facebook updates and tweets follow National Beef Ambassadors on Twitter and Facebook!

Grammar

Source: thevintageapple.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Source: None via Chelsea on Pinterest

Source: cafepress.co.uk via Sara Freeman on Pinterest

Source: theoatmeal.com via Sara Freeman on Pinterest

Source: theoatmeal.com via Sara Freeman on Pinterest

Source: theoatmeal.com via Sara Freeman on Pinterest

Source: theoatmeal.com via Sara Freeman on Pinterest

Source: theoatmeal.com via Sara Freeman on Pinterest

Source: theoatmeal.com via Sara Freeman on Pinterest

Source: piccsy.com via Dawn on Pinterest

Source: cafepress.com via Deborah on Pinterest

I do not claim to be perfect when it comes to spelling, punctuation or grammar - however, I respect it and will

try my best to uphold it's rules and regulations. I hope you enjoyed this fun little post :)

Arizona Restaurant Week - Recap

Last week was just plain delicious. Arizona Restaurant Week was a success in my mind.

Beckett's Table was my first stop last Tuesday with my friend Lauren. We really enjoyed the atmosphere of the whole place, it was warm and inviting. The staff was super on their A-game, I swear my cup of water was never more than half empty and it was a small glass! One of the main reasons we wanted to eat here was the smores dessert option which we had previously read about, also - they are not open for lunch so getting there isn't easy for us since we typically branch out at lunch time.

{My phone photo with the PW seventies action}

Now I've copied and pasted quite a bit from the restaurant week website but I liked it...

Chef Justin Beckett brings together what matters to him most: family, friends and honest, incredible food. The result is an irresistible hangout for his discerning Arcadia/Biltmore neighbors, people who expect comfort and sophistication in equal measure and get it here.

First Course

- Choice Of -
vegetable chop salad, razz-cherries, pepitas, cucumber, carrot, fennel, potato, tomato, green beans, celery, red bells, corn, champagne basil vinaigrette
{this is what we both had, those "razz-cherries" were divine! and the champagne basil vinaigrette I want again and again and again}
chicken meatballs; smokey tomato sauce, roasted red onions, eggplant; peppers, bread crumbs, basil
Second Course

- Choice Of -
fire roasted green chili pork stew, corn bread, cotija cheese


steamed white bass, farmer's market organics
{I had this, it had a delicious jalapeno/cilantro sauce on the plate and was served with some sort of black rice...I think, it's been a week people my memory is fading}
J's meatloaf, creamy yukon mashed, green beans, mushroom gravy
{Lo had this - it was AMAZING. I will go back for this, I kid you not. It was almost as if the meatloaf was carved off and then pan fried or something, it had the perfect crispiness to it!
Third Course
- Choice Of -
award winning fig; pecan pie, cream cheese citrus zest ice cream

chocolate dipped bacon s'mores, caramel, house-made marshmallows, whipped peanut butter, graham cracker
{we each ordered one, the cream cheese citrus zest ice cream was so delish, the pie was good but the s'mores stole the show - life changing folks. Seriously, I need more chocolate dipped bacon in my life - stat}

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Wednesday night took me downtown to Portland's and I have to tell you my life changed. Yep, I'm being serious. It was absolutely phenomenal food. The service was not bad but they seemed to be under staffed.


From the RW website: "Elegant little spot, perfect for a nosh, din-din or lunch while in the downtown area. The bar offers an engaging ambiance, well-suited to a date or just a friendly quaff amongst buds. And there’s a lovely list of New World wines and fine spirits to choose from. Overall, a classy joint. Wish we lived in the lofts right behind it. "- New Times

First Course

- Choice Of -

tempura Rock shrimp

sweet rock shrimp with jalapeño remoulade 

{super super tempting}

prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus
prosciutto di Parma wrapped around fresh asparagus with zesty Dijon cream sauce
{this is what I dined on to start - obviously prosciutto is practically bacon so I jumped on this...it really was perfect. There were about 4-5 spears wrapped together from the base-midway up in prosciutto}


Vine ripe Tomatoes; mozzarella locally grown tomatoes with fresh mozzarella
{my friend Kami got this}


classic Caesar
homemade anchovy-based Caesar dressing; crisp rosemary focaccia croutons
{my sister got this}
Second Course
- Choice Of -
Scottish Salmon sustainably raised in Scotland with white northern beans; raised greens with ruby port reduction
{Trisha ate this and was very happy}

blue cheese Bistro steak with creamy au gratin potatoes; Stilton blue cheese
{This is what I'm talking about. It was all I could have dreamed and hoped for, cooked to perfection, tasty, juicy a true treat to my taste buds.}


pan-seared Diver scallops large diver scallops with prosciutto-wrapped fresh asparagus; Dijon cream sauce
{Kami had this}


eggplant Napoleon layers of tender eggplant, portabella, fresh ricotta, mozzarella; red bell pepper


phyllo Chicken rosemary chicken, creamy Fontina; dried apricots baked in phyllo dough
Third Course
- Choice Of -
flourless chocolate torte dense torte made with Guittard chocolate
{And to top it all of I finished with this. I'm telling you people I don't even love chocolate, I was bummed that creme brulee wasn't an option but I dang near licked this plate when I was done, it was PERFECT!}

Tiramisu light; creamy layers of mascarpone cheese; espresso soaked ladyfingers


Portland's is open for lunch and I'm excited to go back and try out some of their other options!

Happy Monday!

Friday Fun

I've been crazy getting my October magazine out the door this week, it is {woohoo!} and I can't wait to tell you about two new places I tried this week - pure delight. But for today enjoy this little video about leadership :)

A little random rant...

Some of you may read this and think, "Wow, she's a debbie downer." Or maybe, "Hmm, somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

Think what you want but I'm in a very good mood I just want to share some things that have been bugging me...

1

I've mentioned it before, use your signal/blinker/stick that makes the light flash on your dang car. It's for your safety and MINE. 

2

When I meet a stranger and find out they are fans of that "other" school in Arizona I don't immediately start the trash talk. In fact, I see no other reason but to be polite and accept that they like the other school while I chose Arizona's First University. I mean no biggie but seriously, if I don't know you and you start trash talking me and my Alma Mater - especially if you haven't graduated from said school your defending - just please shut your mouth. It's not appropriate.

3

Source: thedailywh.at via Anna on Pinterest

I'm not kidding. Please don't be afraid to discipline your kid in public, they will thank you later. And I may even thank you.

I am certain I had other things to rant and rave about and will update this if I think of them later today!

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

WYB :: Meeting Today's Beef Demand

A good video...

I kind of thought the words went a tad fast so I watched it twice...and I'm pretty aware of the facts they were sharing. If you have any questions feel free to shout them out!

Turquoise Thursday :: Fashion

Not that I will be fitting in to any of the below outfits anytime soon here are some adorable finds!

Eliza J One Shoulder Dress at Nordstrom

Source: polyvore.com via Anna on Pinterest

I totally dig the gray, yellow, turquoise combo.

I think it's fun and funky.

Embroidered Cross Tee from Pinto Ranch - and it's currently on sale :) You're welcome.

Happy Thursday, the weekend is almost here!!

Nursery Inspiration

So the thought of starting on my little son's nursery somewhat overwhelms me. Maybe it's because I still have artwork stacked on the floor in my house and haven't had a chance to finish up decorating my own bedroom. Or maybe it's just the thought of all the things out there in "baby world" that just freak me out since there is just so much junk that they want me to buy...they being the marketers of it.

But nonetheless I am really excited and I think it will be relatively easy since it will obviously be a cowboy room. I already own some things that will incorporate perfectly into the room. Remember that Rockmount post? I most likely will be using the tin sign in his room. And my friend Hayley over at The Farmer and the Southern Bell is having a little boy and is also doing a cowboy room, she's practically finished but I stole/copied the idea for this cute western tin and bought one off etsy. I figure toys or someday shoes or something will go well in this. And it can always be re-purposed later down the road if it doesn't work in a kids room.

Source: etsy.com via Anna on Pinterest

Other than that, I have a blank canvas...ahem nothing done to date. I still feel like January 23 is quite a ways off so I'm not stressing just yet.

Miscellany Monday

uno.

I'm getting very excited for Arizona Restaurant Week! Every year it rolls around I want to go out to eat at all these fabulous places and I vow I will eat at at least 3 or 4 and then it comes and goes and I only hit up one place.

dos.

It's official football season is here. I really am more of a college sports fan but am becoming more and more aware of the NFL...for instance on Saturday night at my friends birthday party her hilarious hubby told me the mascot for Houston was the Oilers. I just realized this morning that they are in fact not the Oilers but the Texans.

tres.

I am 21 weeks today. thebump.com sent me my Monday email and informed me that our baby is the size of a banana. Which I find amusing since people call me Banana or Anna Banana or Anna B AND I brought a banana for a snack today. AND perhaps to just make it all come full circle I will be sure to listen to Jack Johnson's Banana Pancakes before this day is done...

cuatro.

For our Sunday early dinner yesterday the hubbs and I grilled steaks and enjoyed a salad with my mama's homegrown tomatoes and cukes and cheesy potatoes. It just so happened at the Ranch Rodeo I was at on Saturday they served us bbq beef and beans and cheesy potatoes thus leading to my cooking of them yesterday. What's not to love about cheesy spuds?!

cinco.

This weekend I'm headed to Yuma on Saturday to see my bff and her soon to be 4 week old son. I'm excited to see my friend but I'm really excited to love on the baby. I confessed to her, it's really all about him now...kidding. We can have all kinds of adult convo while I snuggle with him :) And, I have recently realized while burning photos of her baby shower that I haven't shared them on here so look this week for a recap from her shower. 

Happy Monday!

Oh, and just so you know, I've already listened to Banana Pancakes before I hit publish on here. So it's official, I can sleep tonight my day is complete :)

Link up with Carissa!

WYB :: Blessed

Just a reminder since I haven't said it in a while, I'm so blessed to do what I do.

As ranchers {I still consider myself one even though I have a job in town} we are proud to raise a safe, healthy product for you and your family to enjoy. 

Thank you for trusting us to raise your food, we take great pride in what we do.

Turquoise Thursday :: Rocki Gorman

I love Rocki Gorman.

I have admired her jewelry for quite some time. It's just amazing, truly special. I enjoy her fire red hair too :)

2008 NFR me, Rocki and my friend Mattie.

I enjoy knowing where she came from. Although she didn't grow up in the Southwest her love of it brought her here. I was only seven years old when I sold my first necklace in my parents’ boutique, located in of all places, Bayonne, New Jersey. My love of the Southwest began nearly 40 years ago when I took a trip with my parents on Route 66 to visit my family living in Las Vegas. As we toured New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada, I fell in love with the colors, shapes and stones used to create Indian Jewelry. My father began mining turquoise in Tonapah, Nevada. As my family headed back home, he traded with the local dealers and brought back quality handcrafted Indian Jewelry to sell in New Jersey.

I purchased my first piece last December from her at Cowboy Christmas in Vegas and since then have picked up some silver pieces. But today, I'm going to show off some of my favorites that have turquoise in them.

She uses the same model in all of her ads, she's just as gorgeous as the jewelry!

She uses hearts a lot and prior to falling in love with all things RG I wasn't too into heart jewelry but I do have a silver heart ring of hers that I adore.

This is a piece of her Antiqued/Pueblo Silver. LOVE.

No turquoise here but I couldn't help but share this.

Seriously, Rocki Gorman jewelry makes my heart go pitter patter. If you are ever in Santa Fe drop in and see her studio, or if you are in Vegas for NFR check out her booth. A lot of retailers carry her goods too!

Food Wordless Wednesday via Pinterest

Source: tokyoterrace.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: adventurescooking.blogspot.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: bakedperfection.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: australianfood.about.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: iammommy.typepad.com via Anna on Pinterest