An Ode to the Neighbourhood Ruiner. You know who you are...

We all know one.  Maybe it was a tattletale sibling or a know-it-all in high school.  Perhaps you it was someone who lived down the hall in residence at university or a neighbour with nothing better to do.  You know who I'm talking about- the classic Ruiner.  Someone who, no matter what, has to ruin things for everyone else just because they are not able to do the same things as you.  If they can't listen to their music loudly after 11, neither can you.  If you have awesome friends who enjoy your company and want to hang out on a Saturday night but they are all alone and have no one to hang out with, they have have to complain at 8pm so no one can have fun. If you... well...  you get the picture.

When we were apartment hunting two summers ago, there was one thing on T's must-have list and that was a patio.  At the time, I didn't really care, but I must admit that it is great to have a little outdoor space or at least be able to throw the door open to get some fresh air.  Our patio is severely under-used already because of a certain neighbour who smokes CONSTANTLY and our patios make an L shape facing each other.  I mean CON...STANT.  It makes it hard to sit out in the evenings because we would literally just be sitting there looking at one another and, after living here for almost two years and not acknowledging the other person, I think we're past the point of striking up conversation.  Although we have been shushed a couple of times when we're outside late at night, Smoking Lady doesn't seem to be that big of a ruiner (her lungs may have a different opinion).  She puts up with poker nights, games nights, football Sundays and birthday celebrations without complaint.

One of the reasons we were excited about our patio was to be able to BBQ.  We asked our landlord about it and she said, as long as no one complains about the smoke, we are good to go.  We bought one of those table top grills and went to cooking.  Everything was great for a few weeks.  Then... you know it... we got a knock on our door from a RUINER.  Although she doesn't live that close to us, she noticed T was out BBQ'ing and wanted to come have a chat.  She didn't want to rustle any feathers but informed T that she had received a complaint about her BBQ.  T explained that we had checked with the landlord and she explained that she was no longer able to cook outside so we shouldn't be either.  What... a... ruiner.

Since then, I've been trying to come up with a really yummy burger on our electric skillet and, after two years or mixing, adding, tasting, hmmm'ing and haaaa'ing, I've done it!  The secret- keep the meat super simple and then make one or two really delicious toppings to enhance the flavour.

Here's what you'll need:
1 lb ground beef
1 egg (beaten)
1/4 cup of plain oatmeal
1/4 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of ground pepper (or to taste)

Preheat electric skillet to 375 degrees.  Mix up all of the ingredients together in a bowl.  Form the mixture into 4-5 patties.  Toss the patties on the skillet for 4 minutes before flipping.  Try not to press them down or move them around.  4 minutes will put a good sear on the meat.  Flip the burgers and leave them for another 4-5 minutes.  If the meat isn't cooked all the way through, just keep them on a bit longer.  Try not to overcook the burgers as you will end up with a dense meatloaf patty instead of a juicy burger.  When patties are cooked through, through some grated Monterey Jack to melt.  I typically grill some onions while the burgers are cooking as it brings out the sweetness a bit more.  Toast buttered buns for 5 minutes on 350 degrees in the oven before serving.

Now for my new found favorite homemade topping- Garlic Aioli.  I searched online and stumbled upon this really simply but incredibly yummy recipe from All Recipes.com.  It went so well with the meat and gave the burgers a more restaurant/gourmet feel than the usual backyard style ketchup/mustard/mayonaise.

Thinly chop some lettuce and throw on a slice of tomato and you have yourself a delicious grown up style burger for the effort and cost of a quick weekday meal.  Enjoy!

Comments or suggestions?  I'd love to hear from you below or tweet me @darbyvt.

The happiest crazy I've ever been... Tales from a Bride-to-Be

Holy moly...  It has been one heck of a long time since I have visited all of your computer screens.  I've missed you and have been waiting on the perfect time to reconnect.  In truth, I've been a complete head case and I haven't washed my hair for about three days.

I won't even complain though because this is the happiest crazy I've ever been.  During our vacation in Jamaica last month, T popped the question and we're getting maaaaarrrrrrried!!  All of my ooo'ing and ahhh'ing at my friends' beautiful husbands and wives has paid off and I can't be more excited.  The love and support we have received over the past few weeks has been overwhelming in the best way possible.

We're less than a month into our engagement and I'm already starting to understand why brides can turn a little nutty while planning for their big day.  Every bride friend I know has seemed so calm, gracious and friendly but, I know now, there is a bridezilla inside every woman just waiting to come out.

Just in the past week I admit to having done the following:
1.  Planned at least 3 weddings already on Pinterest that will likely, in no way, resemble my our actual wedding
2.  Decided to drink several beers on my birthday which ended in weeping in my best friend's arms while asking her to be my maid of honour (she said "yes"!)  Another friend was later found sitting alone at the bus stop down the street with a bag of 15 McD's burgers (atta boy!)
3.  Refused to drink Steamwhistle for the rest of my life because their really gorgeous event space is booked up until November 2014
4.  Broke down crying at the dinner table on Mother's Day infront of my future in-laws while being asked very general and not-at-all emotional questions about our plans.  My favorite advice afterward came from a newly wed friend which wasn't "Awww... are you ok?" or "What happened?!"  It was "Oh yeah.  Get used to it.  It won't be the last time that happens."  :)  Thanks E!
5.  Yelled "I'm getting really pissed off!" in a crazy demonic voice I've never heard before when T left the room for two seconds while I was talking to him about wedding stuff
6.  Caught T staring at my ring and actually believe I will wake up next to Gollum one day
7.  Got in the habit of taking "dance breaks" during wedding planning which turn into muffin baking breaks which turn into Candy Crush breaks which turn into tweeting Chris Harrison to officiate the wedding which...  you get the picture.

My friends and T's cousins have been instrumental in reminding me that all of this really is supposed to be fun and I have to see the humour in it to keep myself (and poor T) as sane as possible.  I promise I won't be "that girl" that shares cute lyrics or quites from Jerry McGuire (but maybe Titanic).  I won't post 12 million pictures of my ring (ok... just one!)

After seeing this pic, my Dad told
me I watch too many wedding shows on TV

...or engagement photos kissing by a brick wall (stucco is the new brick anyway!).  But I may share silly antidotes that will hopefully make you laugh or at least consider eloping with the one you love.

**If any wedding vendors or venues are reading this right now, I will completely sell out and shamelessly promote your products in exchange for free stuff.

Questions?  Comments?  Marital advice??  Write me a note below or tweet me @darbyvt.

Back to cooking next time :)

A timely inspiration and GRC Week 10: Salsa-Stuffed Muffin Meatloaf

When was the last time you were truly inspired by someone?  Have you sat across from someone lately who goes about their life and career with such passion and care that it just oozes out of them?

I've been off the wagon a bit over the past few weeks.  It's been difficult to be focused and to figure out what I need to be working toward in the not-to-distant future.  It may sound strange but I really look up to people who have their shit together.  Luckily, I don't know too many people my age who really have it all figured out but that's what your 20's are for right?!  That whole decade (or at least a good chunk) is a time to make mistakes, stay out too late, get day drunk, cry in public washrooms and just figure out where you fit.

Today I met for coffee with a woman who is the epitome of shit-togetherness.  A work colleague introduced us to chat about some potential professional development opportunities and I walked away feeling like a new person.  She has been in her profession for more years than I but she was so insightful and lovely to hang out with.  As cliche as it sounds, she really opened my eyes to the fact that I'm putting myself in a much smaller box than I should be.  I've started to believe that what I do now is simply what I should continue doing but that's not at all true.

So what's next?  I have no idea.  I was too captivated by my coffee date's loveliness and I forgot to beg her to tell me what to do now.  I'll start with picking up Life of Pi and see where that takes me.

As I head to the kitchen to make some dinner, I will leave you with this flavour (and protein!) filled Salsa-Stuffed Muffin Meatloaves from CBC's Best Recipes Ever.  I love this recipe because you could easily substitute the beef for any other ground meat or meat substitute.  Using salsa as a sauce instead of something with a lot of sugar is a great way to make a meal a bit healthier.  Pair it with some cooked carrots or green beans and you're set!

Please send along your comments, suggestions, recipes or life-changing moments in the comment section below or on Twitter @darbyvt

My unhealthy obsession with all things Reality TV and GRC Week 9: Coconut Shrimp & Spicy Mango Sauce

While watching Jeopardy last week, I was asked what category I would do really well in.  The first thing to come to mind, which will not surprise anyone who knows me, is Reality TV.  It may come as a surprise, but my first encounter with reality television came just five years ago when I was living with a couple of friends while I was training for a new job during the summer months between leaving Nova Scotia and moving to Toronto.  I think it all started with Biggest Loser, Big Brother (three times a week!) and then came The Bachelor.  It was Jake's season when poor Ali had to pick between her career or a douchey pilot who eventually picked a super weirdo backwoods headcase (Vienna of course).  It's as though the reality gods were calling to me.  Since then, I've never looked back.

I'm not picky when it comes to content or budget in my shows.  I've watched, and gotten completely hooked on, tons of different shows.  I can spell Kardashian backwards (in English and Armenian), I know every rich housewife in America (and Vancouver), I side with Olivia in Jerseylicious, I'm part of a Survivor pool run by T's family and I've cheered along with Conveyor Belt of Love (which was on for about two days between a Bachelor/ette season and The Bachelor Pad).  OMG- don't get me started on Real World, The Challenge, Buckwild and the Teen Mom series.  What is WRONG with Jennelle??  Barbara, you're a saint!  I find Food Network and food competition shows are getting a bit old but that won't stop me from tuning in to Hell's Kitchen every week to see what names Ramsey will come up with to call his contestants.  Who will be known as "Big Boy" this season?

I struggle with trying to figure out if I would take up the opportunity to be on a reality show.  I dont' think I would be overly exciting as I don't have a funny accent, I hate confrontation, I'm not very competitive, I'm not a pregnant teenage high school drop out and I'm in a serious relationship.  I'm a complete entertainment dud.

I knew my big break would come in the form of emailing for tickets to be in the Big Brother Canada studio audience.  I got a response back that tickets were not available but I was welcome to join a rush line which consisted of me showing up at the Big Brother house, waiting in a room void of furniture for over three hours and finding out five minutes before taping that two tickets were available and we would get seats.  This was great except for the fact that T was driving from work and trying to get there on time while getting lost on the way and having three security guards try to close the studio doors as T was running toward them trying to get in on time.  We made it by the skin of our teeth while the crowd was going wild and Arisa's hair was being fluffed.  Pheeeewwwww.

If you ever have the opportunity to be in the studio audience of a show, I would recommend it.  It was really cool to see a little bit of the behind-the-scenes; especially of a show that is so hush-hush production-wise.  Because I've watched lots of live shows like this before, I knew that the only way to get on camera was for T and I to react really dramatically to everything that takes place.  We weren't allowed to take any pics during of after taping so I found a pretty good example of one our signature reactions:

Poor Danielle.

It was also The Bachelor finale which ended well with Whiny McWhinerson (Lindsay) heading home and Catherine receiving the final rose.  My friend Kelly and I try to get together as often as we can to watch "The Bach" so, for such a special episode, we made a little wine and dinner date out of it.  I got to see her new house and hang out with her super adorable baby, Cooper.  It would be rude of me to show up empty handed so I tackled a neeeeeewwwwww recipeeeeeee for GRC Week 8.

Perhaps it's the growing anticipation of our upcoming Jamaican vacation, but I tried my hand at whipping up some Coconut Shrimp & Spicy Mango Sauce from a really great gluten-free website called Simply Gluten-Free (go figure!).

Coconut Shrimp & Spicy Mango Sauce

This tasty appetizer was surprisingly super easy, and relatively mess-free, to make.  As I live in Canada and it's March, I didn't exactly have access to good quality fresh mango so I bought a bag of frozen mango like the recipe suggests.  I had prepared and half baked everything before I left the house which I wouldn't recommend doing with shrimp.  It seemed to make the shrimp a bit soggy and then they over-baked when I went to warm them up again.  They only take about 10 mins to cook so just prepare and cook everything at the same time instead.  Very refreshing and yummy for shrimp lovers.

Keep the comments and recipe ideas coming!  Thanks for reading.  Comment below or tweet me your thoughts and food ideas @darbyvt.

I think Taylor Swift was at my 23rd Birthday... My Favorite Things about February and GRC Week 8: Baked Grapefruit

Well, it's Justin Bieber's birthday which can only mean one thing...  February is oooova!!!  I am welcoming March with open arms.  Not only do the winter months turn me into a total hermit but the past month has been stacked with appointments, wires, bandages and overall gloom.  I'm certainly looking forward to longer days, better weather and (hopefully!) far fewer doctors.

February wasn't all bad though as I got to spend some time some time in the kitchen, organize some finances (am I the only one who likes doing taxes?!) and catch up on some books and music.

Here are a few of my favoriiiiiiiiiite thiiiiiiiiings from the past few weeks:

Favorite pre-made food item:  Organic Creamy Butternut Squash Soup by Imagine

This soup is just souper (get it?!).  It comes in an easy-to-pour carton (kind of like a giant juice box)
and is yummy yummy yummy.  I found it a bit bland my first couple of tries but I now add curry powder, ground nutmeg, fresh ground pepper and cinnamon when the soup is starting to get hot and that does the trick.  Most of their soups are also dairy free, gluten free and kosher!  I've only been able to find this brand at Metro but I'm sure the company would be more than happy to tell you where else they sell.  This soup is really thick and would be delicious to use as a sauce for veggies or proteins.  

Favorite album:  Red by Taylor Swift

Don't judge!!  Taylor Swift is friggin' awesome.  I don't care if you think her Grammy speeches are annoying or if you're still mad about the whole John Mayer break up.  This girl can write one heck of a song.  I've been weeping over this new album for the past two weeks.  If you don't love her Top 40 songs, take a listen to some of her other tunes because she's such a great storyteller.  I wish T-Swift hadn't have been in elementary school when I was starting high school or else I would have learned so much from her precautionary tales and probably begged my parents to send me to an all girls' school if those would have existed where I'm from.

Some of my favorite non-Top 40 tracks- "22", "Treacherous" and the real on-the-floor-in-fetal-position-crying-my-eyes-out-flashbacks-to-my-23rd-birthday kicker "The Moment I Knew" which is found on the bonus disc 2.  

Favorite Cosmetics product:  Conceal FX Camouflage Concealer by Cover FX 

Wait... what?!  A cosmetics product?!  I know, I know.  I'm certainly no beauty expert and my typical make up routine consists of eye liner, mascara and some powder.  But that's only if I'm going to a public place where sweat pants are not appropriate (obviously the grocery store and McD's are places I do not wear make up).  I asked the advice of my lovely and talented esthetician friend, Kendra on how to cover up some scar action.  She recommended the Conceal FX and it's awesome.  It not only completely hides my scars but it helps with general redness and dark under-eye circles.  They sell the Cover FX line at Shopper's which is super convenient.  The worst part?  I had to buy Xtra Light.  I need a vacation...

Favorite (healthy) snack:  Baked Grapefruit (GRC Week #7)
When I saw a friend's Instagram pic of a baked grapefruit, I was intrigued.  I've had baked apples and dried fruit but had never considered heating up the oven and popping a citrus fruit inside.  I hadn't had grapefruit since I was a little kid so I decided to give it a go.  Initially, after a quick google search, I topped the grapefruit with honey and cinnamon before baking.  I didn't love the consistency of the honey on the finished product.  After consulting with my friend, she told me she uses brown sugar.  Ding ding ding.  We have a wiiiiinnnnner.  Sprinkle a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon on this puppy. Put it in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes and you've got yourself a tasty, refreshing and healthy treat.




Do you have any recipes or favorite products that you want the rest of the world to know about?  Comment in the section below or tweet me @darbyvt.

Essential Weekend Reading and Thai cooking (GRC #7- Red Coconut Chicken Curry)

I'm not sure if this is a total blogger faux pas but I'm going for it.  My blogging dream is to have readers biting their nails in anticipation for my next amazing and hilarious post.  I've been trying to impress you all with my culinary adventures and my health-related escapades as of late.  I watch about a million hours of reality TV just incase there is someone that I can't not make fun of on a public forum.  I look for inspiration everywhere.  This week, that inspiration came from another blog.  Which I am now going to blog about.

Truth is, there aren't a ton of blogs out there that make me excited.  I have some favorites but nothing that gets me running across the room to my laptop whenever I see a new post pop up.  That all changed last night when I found 52 First Dates.  You have to check this out!  The writer (very Gossip Girl-eqsue  mystery woman), La Blonde, is in her 20's and trying to find love in this crazy city of Toronto (been there!).  She has a goal of going on 52 dates during the year and she blogs about each one.  I love her sense of humour and honesty.  If you haven't been on the site yet, catch up this weekend as date 18 is just around the corner.  I don't know how this girl doesn't have a TV or movie deal.  La Blonde is super charming and lets all of us girls live vicariously through her journey.  Love, love, love her.

I also love, love, love Thai food (smooth transition, n'est pas??).  I really enjoy the comfort and refreshing characteristics of a good curry.  This week, I ventured a bit outside of my usual ingredients and put together this Red Coconut Chicken Curry from Canadian Living as recipe #7 of the Great Recipe Challenge.

Red (sort of...) Coconut Chicken Curry 

Although the ingredients list is long, all of the components are really essential to create the depth and flavour profile found in a curry.  My grocery store was sold out of red curry paste so I went with green.  After doing a bit of digging around, I learned that there isn't a huge difference in flavour between red and green curry pastes.  It is mostly the color that is different and the ingredients you use to create a red curry taste or a green curry taste.  I left out the eggplant because I think it's the weirdest and most unpleasant vegetable on Earth.   However, I did add in some water chestnuts for a bit of texture and crunch.  If T liked shrimp, I definitely would have added some in.

Otherwise, this is a really fresh tasting dish.  If this is your main course served over rice, it will only make 2-3 portions.  Certainly not close to 6.  We give this a D&T stamp of approval with a 7.5/10.

Add a little international flavour to your weekend!

Please leave your comments and recipes in the section below or tweet me @darbyvt.

Is that a heart monitor or are you just happy to see me?! GRC Week 6- Cheesecake for Two

Well...  we did it!  We all survived another Valentine's Day.  I don't think it's as bad as most people do.  In fact, I spent my whole day yesterday feeling very loved without a single flower, corny card or box of chocolates.  And I'm happy about it!!  I think February 14th is a great excuse to reach out to friends and family and wish them a great day.  Sure sure...  I doooo have a significant other but we never make a big deal out of things.  We went for dinner after work and hung out for the evening at home.  No embarrassing at-work flower deliveries or PDA.  But now it's the 15th and we can all go back to texting at the table and putting on our sweats the minute we get in the door at night.

Speaking of hearts, I have this little gem strapped to me 24/7 for 14 days:

It's a very stylish and oh-so comfortable heart monitor that is (hopefully) the last step in clearing me for any kind of medical concern since my fainting incident a few weeks ago.  It's like having a light weight baby that you don't have to feed.  I'm getting pretty good at dressing to disguise it but running out of options for being in public.  I'm a bit of a cyborg.  T came up with the idea that, if I put the monitor on my back, I'll look like the people on reality TV with mic packs.  Truuuue...  I still have to wear a scarf when leaving the house to cover up the electrodes on both collar bones.  I don't know how T keeps his hands off me...  Did I mention that the vast majority of people are allergic to the jelly on the electrodes so I'll likely have massive red circular welts all over me for the next month??  Hot stuff coming through.


With all of my time hiding inside like the Hunchback of Notre Dame and love being in the air, I decided to try a dessert this week for the Great Recipe Challenge (Week 6).  I'm not a huge dessert lover but I wanted to give it a go for a special occasion.  I made Cheesecake for Two from the Weekend Gourmande.

I've been under the impression that cheesecake is really complicated and time consuming but this wasn't at all!  I purchased two pyrex oven-safe bowls (2 cups each) at the grocery store.  I added in chocolate chips after mixing everything together as the recipe suggests.  This was definitely more than enough for two people.  In fact, T and I split one and couldn't even finish it.  It could easily be divided into four smaller portions.  Great for impressing dinner guests!  I made the hearts on top by placing a small heart-shaped cookie cutter on top of the cooled cheesecakes then dusted cocoa powder through my tea infuser onto the cut-out.  So cute!  We give this a D&T stamp of approval with an 8/10.  It's not life changing cheesecake but it's really yummy and easy to make.  There are lots of variations with fruit toppings or lemon filling.

Have a great weekend and keep that love flowing!  Comment below or tweet me your suggestions or recipe ideas!  @darbyvt