MandiCrocker

Oreo Truffles & Thoughts of Winter...

2012-01-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

Chicago finally got some snow which has been beautiful and magical. But being plum tuckered out in mind, body and soul due to these 80 hour work weeks I've been hard up to find any magic in this dreary winter day. Then I finally got the chance to check out my friend Stacer's beautiful video she made. I absolutely love this song and it reminds me how delicious winter can be... and there's the cutest, most inquisitive kitty!!! :) :) :)

(snow)day from stacymarie on Vimeo.

In other news, my friend Miss Ashley is having me do some wedding favors for her at the beginning of February. Oreo Truffles... I had heard of their greatness but had yet to partake of their succulent nature. ;)

They are pretty tasty! Ground up oreo cookies (1 pkg) and cream cheese (8oz), dipped in chocolate (or almond bark)? Sheesh!

So fun!!! I haven't been able to do much baking lately so this was a treat! A good test run for sure. :)

And here's my deep thought of the day (prepare yourself):

I was brushing off my car yesterday and while my fingers and toes were freezing, I had a flashback memory that when I was in highschool (and my parents ALLOWED me to use my car-- parents just don't understand, man!) my dad would scrape down my car for me. He did this every morning for my mom and I. Every morning. It wasn't for any kind of appreciation but just because it's what you do. It's what you do.

My dad would do stuff like that all the time but for whatever reason it hit home yesterday. I couldn't help but take a look at the men around me and wonder if there are any of them left that have this kind of unshowy selflessness or have that kind of heart that they go out of their way for someone & see it as nothing. I know A LOT of women like this... but it seems the guys are few and far between. Maybe that's my poor perception-- is that unfair?

I don't know-- but it was a nice little reminder on the kind of guy I'd like to bring into my life this next time around. It's strange to think such a simple act could be seen as heroic. But for a girl like me, you might as well be slaying dragons.

Warmest Winter Wishes,

MandiCrocker

2012: A Year of Celebration

2011-12-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

What a growing, transitional year! It has felt soooo good-- like my soul is a boxer that's decided to take up yoga. Ha! :)

2011 was a huge year for me in regard to letting go and moving forward. It's been a year of what I call 'doing the work'-- trusting the unknown, learning to be alone in the healthiest of ways, having the courage to take a painful step forward and say yes to love & possibility & hope & life when everything in my being wanted to cling to a past of darkness, fear, familiarity and sadness.

It's been a miraculous & empowering year full of ups and downs. From healing heartbroken wounds & job firings to trips to Hawaii & the creation of the (soon to be world famous!!! haha) Salted Caramel Creme Brulee cupcake, I couldn't begin to be more grateful for all of it. Where I was a year ago and where I am at today are two completely different places. I have a life! I have a great job! I make a difference!
Reflecting on this year and looking forward to 2012, I told BF that this could possibly turn out to be the greatest year of my life. By my birthday in October, everything, everything, everything will have changed:

1) I will have officially worked myself out of FIVE YEARS worth of credit card debt and I will be off of my debt consolidation program, the one that I've been making rent-worthy sized payments to for years. I've gone from being a struggling, stressed-out, bitter and resentful person that pays for meals in change to being a struggling but joyful person that while still paying for meals in change find herself inspired by all the beauty around her. This financial battle has been one of the most dramatic & defining story lines of my life and... I can see the finish line!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO WRITE THAT BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2) For you astrology folk, Saturn, the planet that puts you through the ringer for two years to cause you personal growth, will have left Libra. What a perfect and horrible time to go through a heartbreak or to start a business! Ha! She makes you do the work. She doesn't give you any easy answers but like a good teacher, you come out prepared, capable, confident and completely on top-- and able to take on anything. This confidence is soooo exciting!!!

3) Finally, I'm going to kick ass at my job!!! Since I've been at the tea shop I've grown the company 13.4% in sales over last year. I just have a gut feeling big things are going to happen for me professionally with this tea shop in 2012 and it excites me! I have the best team & the cleanest, prettiest store in Chicago. I'm so, so proud! I know this turns out incredibly well.

So while I am barely scraping by and I'm still paying for meals in coins, I can't not be RIDICULOUSLY excited for 2012.  My life is going to continue to change dramatically and this is only the beginning!!!

As I told BF in a ginormous realization a couple of days ago... "BF, I feel like the work I've been doing is over.  I feel like I'm ready. It's just about enjoying it now." And UGH. :) What joy!!! What freedom!!!!

"THE WORK IS OVER. THIS IS A YEAR OF CELEBRATION!!!"
Let the countdown begin. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Happiest of New Years, everyone!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
MandiCrocker

Life Updates & The Road To Hana

2011-10-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Sorry, I've been MIA. But yes, Ben, I got a job!!! I'm the new General Manager of a popular, growing tea shop company in Chicago. Though I've been in management for years now, I've only ever been an Assistant Manager. I'm fully confident in my abilities and truly believe I'm going to do a dynamite job for them. At the same time, it's slightly terrifying; I'm going to be running my own store downtown!!! All I've ever wanted was an opportunity and now I'm being given one by people that believe in me. It's time to walk the walk. Pressure's on! It's a huge challenge, a ton of hours... but I'm VERY excited. :)

In other news, my beautiful BF gave me a free ticket to go see 'Red' at the Goodman Theater. It was AMAZING. It was definitely a 'life moment,' a moment where you know you're exactly where you're supposed to be, fully present. I knew that the show was about an artist but didn't expect to walk away feeling speechless, moved, needing to process... I'm not art aficionado but I know the creation of art is supposed to be thought provoking, a dialogue starter... it's supposed to make you feel something. This play is definitely a work of art and I was incredibly moved. Not to mention, my favorite color is red- fiercely so. As the last line of the show was spoken, I broke into tears. If you get a chance to go see it, you really should.

So that's been me! And now on a completely different note... :)

I'd love to show you more Hawaii?!! How 'bout it, folks!!??? :) :) :)

Joan and I did 'The Road to Hana Tour' with Polynesian Adventures. I would HIGHLY recommend it. It's an eight hour tour around the island of Maui. You can drive yourself, and a lot of people do, but it's definitely not for the faint of heart! Much of this insanely curvy winding road is one lane and while part of me would have loved to lolly-gag this adventure, stopping wherever I chose for however long I wanted to be there, it's pretty dangerous. I can imagine it would be incredibly stressful to drive and the person driving would miss out!

Anyway, it was the highlight of my entire trip... completely gorgeous. Our first stop was Ke'anee Peninsula. These pictures, OF COURSE, do it no justice. (Toootally reminded me of the Dharma Initiative houses from Lost- ha!)

Another 'life moment' happened prior to this trip to Hawaii due to my friend Stacy. We used to work together at a cafe in L.A. but over the past couple of years have bonded over Facebook, and even more so, over similar break-up experiences. She, too, moved from L.A. in pursuit of a loving relationship that ultimately failed.

The awesome news is that Stacer later found the love of her life in a handsome and tall UPS man. He delivered a package!!! Yeah, he did. :) :) :) :) :) They are now married & have traveled all over together. Her story has been an encouragement to me. On my worst days, she'll remind me to believe that real love is possible and that there are still good guys out there.

All this to say, that while Stace & 'The Tall One' were vacationing in Hawaii, they climbed a volcano. While on the top, she made a wish for me to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, fire, wind and lightening. I'm not sure what the wish was... But I'm 8,000,000% sure Pele played a part in me coming to Hawaii! Again, this trip was deeply spiritual to me.

In fact, I talked to Pele the entire trip like Mikey talked to One-Eyed Willie in The Goonies!

I love, love, LOVE this black rock. It was wet & shiny & smooth. Having no money, I put a bunch in my backpack for friends in L.A. I was going to send them out as a way of having them believe in their own adventures, that anything is possible. I suddenly felt weird about it. So I said, "Pele, I hope it's okay I take these stones. I'd like to send these to my friends as a way of having their own adventure. I don't mean you any disrespect." It seemed okay.

Of course when I got home, my Noica flipped out. "You don't take rocks off the island!!! That's the one thing you don't do!!!" Apparently it's all curses, death & destruction. I told her I talked to Pele and I thought she was cool with it, so Noics calmed down and said, "Okay, as long as you guys talked."

But knowing that I got a weird feeling when I took them to begin with, I didn't feel right about it. I did some research and decided to send those mothers back!!! I really think Pele was cool with ME having them but I figured better safe than sorry. So they're back in Hawaii now and Pele and I are still cool. :)

So don't take rocks off the island!!!!

I still couldn't believe I was in Hawaii... I had to take this picture to believe I was really there. I love the idea that I was touching fresh igneous rock (in the grand scheme of things) created by a volcano!!!! (I guess igneous rock from a volcano is kind of redundant). :)

I really wish that these pictures did Ke'anee justice. Everything just sparkles and shines.

I love these twisted tree roots, too!!!

A Japanese man was perched up on one of these crazy trees. His daughter was below him... I thought it was really cute.

If you were to turn around, you'd see this church built in 1856. (This, too, TOTALLY reminded me of Lost-- what!??? I can't help it!!!)

Our tour guide, Lehua, took pictures for everyone. She asked if I wanted to do the hang loose symbol in my picture because that's what Hawaiians do and I'm sure she was trying to be a fun tourguide, which she totally was. But it's so funny--- it hurt my soul! While I understand it's a part of the Hawaiian culture, it's also what tourists do that are on vacation. She didn't know my story. She didn't know the miracles that allowed me to get there, that Pele and I were on a first name basis. She thought I was another silly tourist that wanted a picture for their Christmas newsletter.

Now don't get me wrong-- I'm not knocking anyone having fun on their vacation. In another circumstance, I'm sure I would have! But for whatever reason, it made me sad that she didn't know the deep respect I had for her home, for this magical place. The way the stars aligned, this trip was a spiritual journey not a vacation. I politely declined and the look on her face told me she thought I must be the most boring person alive. I can't believe she couldn't read my soul. ;)

But that was just the start of my day... These feet traveled all over Maui and there's much more to come!!!

Happy Halloween, everyone!!!

MandiCrocker

Birthday Adventures

2011-10-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

What an amazingly special birthday!!!

I'd already been feelin' the love hardcore due to the amount of friends & family that have come out of the woodwork to help me financially and/or feed me during my current bout of joblessness. I was more than ready to happily watch the day pass me by just because these blessings had me bursting with gratitude. And I LOVE to be celebrated, mind you. Attention is my middle name! ;)

Apparently, my roomies and Chicago friends, who have gone to infinity & beyond for me, thought otherwise. Due to my situation, they went even MORE above & beyond which left me completely blown away. I am the most blessed, luckiest, nauseatingly loved gal in the entire universe of the United States of America!!!

First, Chef, who I haven't seen in 26 million years took me to Magnolia Bakery.

There's nothing I love more than trying out a new bakery, eating delicious things, enjoying a conversation all over a cup of 'Joe. We tried a carrot cake cupcake, chocolate cupcake and their banana pudding. YES on the banana pudding though I might need to eat 12 more pounds of it to be sure.

I love Chef. He loves food as much as I do and he's a really quality human being. Thanks for being awesome, Chef and for my treats!!!!

Later that week, Boogs and I went to the zoo. The other roomies met up with us and chaos ensued. William Shakespeare-esque chaos. You can't take us anywhere really!

William is so gentle...

And devilishly handsome...

Noica always gets the boys, though. *sigh*

Since Jordon has been staying with us, he's really packed on the pounds. He likes to blame me for all of the treats but everyone knows everything I make is incredibly healthy???

In fact, I was carrying 575 pound bag of sugar in my purse. You never know when someone may be in need! (By the way, this picture is super hideous of me but I think it's hilarious-- I look like Rachel Dratch!!!)

THEN!!!... THEN YOU GUYS!!!!

NOICA BOUGHT ME

A NEW HEAD OF HAIR!!!

I'M A REDHEAD!!!

I LOVE my new red hair!!! It's super fun!!! My blond nappy mane was finally long enough to donate to Locks of Love. In fact, the hairdresser cut off AN ENTIRE FOOT OF HAIR!!!??? Rapunzel much!!??

And then my roomies planned a 'family dinner' that really was a total birthday bash-- we had a BLAST! :) :) :) This is me & my beloved BF!!!

Jordon & Noica cleaned the entire apartment & Noica decorated!!!

BF!!! She's so funny, BF... She's my BF!!!!

When I was a brunette, my ex had 'Mandi Muppet' made for me one Christmas. She's super awesome and I decorated her in the sash & tiara BF bought for me last year on my birthday!!! When I found out Jordon had Animal, well... they became FAST friends!!!

These are my friends. These people are nuts.

I felt very, very, very loved. And then once Booger sucked my brains out, I felt very, very, very confused.

Look what Noica did!!! Candlelight & shiny gold tablecloths!!?? WHAT!!??? :) :) :) BF totally gave me lesbian eyes all night!!!

It just occurred to me I never made a wish. I find this fascinating. Usually, I put my entire heart & soul into my wishes because my spirit is tired & desperate-- it's my one chance to fix my life!!! I was so happy this year & having such a good time, I completely forgot. HA! SUH-WEET!

BF's birthday is later this month... She made sure we all knew it!

My guuuurl Christine. She be thug from the streets of Maryland. I'm just tough because I was on my highschool bowling team. I've got a forearm that can kill!!!

My sweet pea, Jordon, bought me a stress ball for my birthday! When you squeeze it...

THAT happens.

And it makes the most disgusting noise.

It's what the word 'moist' sounds like.

We maaaay have been slightly excited by the Nickelodeon-esque ooze & the inappropriate noises it was making because we squeezed too hard and suddenly the stress ball was oozing. Jordon took it upon himself to shove it up his nose to dispose of it.

It was terrifying!

The pained look on Roomie #3's face... :(

Awww, we had an awesome night!!!

And it just wouldn't be a roomie picture if Veronica & I didn't stick something up our noses!!! :)

If you were to add up the ages of my roommates & I, we would collectively be eight years old. There are lots of buttsucking jokes... Needless to say, I got a card with a butt on it.

Jordon also bought me a muppet animal watch!!! Whenever I wear it, I'll think of him and remember this awesome, awesome night!!!

He is going back to L.A. soon and this makes me very sad because I love him. :(

I also love Booger, too!!! GINGERS UNITE!!!

We were trying to imagine what 'buttsucking' actually looks like. I think we're fairly spot on.

And finally, my beloved BF... This picture makes me laaaaaaugh and laaaaaaugh... She is just too happy-- like a little piggy in mud to be in my arms, lol...

I AM LOVED. :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Birthday love & more birthday love,
Carrots!!!

Introducing Maui!!!

2011-10-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

You guys!!!! *sigh*

I have Oahu luau pictures to post but I just can't do it. Maui is just too breathtakingly beautiful, I can't wait any longer. I HAVE to take you on vacation!!! By far my most favorite island of the trip-- it's like a dream!

Are you ready?!!!! Put on your sunscreen & sunglasses!!! Grab your bathing suit & beach towel, folks-- you're going to need it!!! MAUI HERE WE COME!!!! :) :) :)

This was our balcony terrace from our room. Can you imagine having breakfast in front of this view every morning??? It was HEAVEN.

Beautiful fresh air, no humidity... That's Molokai in the background, another island of Hawaii.

I mean... COME ON!!!!

I WAS HERE!!!!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

This was the view from the outside hallway. Doesn't it just look picturesque!? See the rainbow on the left hand side!!?? Hawaii is full of rainbows!!!

Maui is soooo much different than Oahu. It's a slower pace, it's less touristy... it's soooo chill. You can breathe here... the world stops. :)

While Joan was doing laundry one morning, I explored down by the beach. One of my favorite moments from this trip. I had begun to feel better and got some quiet 'me time' to just sit & reflect. All I did was breathe... deep breath after deep breath. For the love of monkeys in Uganda, look at this water!!!!

Hawaii has always been on my list of places to go but due to where I was at a few years back financially-- not to mention in life-- a trip like this seemed like an impossibility. I dug my feet in the sand & just stared at this view in utter gratitude. I couldn't believe my eyes.

It was sooo quiet, soooo serene, soooo peaceful. I'm a person that needs alone time in order to function and this was just perfect, perfect, perfect.

It's like the cover of a magazine! Can you imagine sailing every day like this!!!???

The sand was even fascinating to me!! Pebble-y and grainy! :)

There was hardly anyone around. It was... I mean, JUST LOOK AT IT!!!!

What a gift. Anytime I feel stressed, all I have to do is look at these pictures & remind myself of the exact feeling I had sitting in such stillness. This place healed me in so many ways....

I came back from Hawaii feeling like a different person. A person with strength that was finally ready to move forward. A gal excited about how far she's come based on where she was a year ago.... Someone excited about the changes that she'd been making that would make this kind of magical manifestation possible. And even more so... an adventurous gal who is super psyched about what's next. :)

I feel the need to reiterate the absolute stillness here. It's just soul-filling.

I dug my hand deep into the sand and took this picture as a way of acknowledging that I was here. I wanted to experience, touch, taste & feel everything I could in Hawaii.

And wanted her to remember me...

And as soon as I was here, I was also gone. Maybe it's just me but I can't help but feel that Hawaii is a deeply spiritual place. I felt the breeze go through me like a wall of healing. The waves lapped up on shore and in my heart with the playfulness of a child. That inner, whole, complete voice inside me was so quiet yet so powerful & strong. God was everywhere here and I just took it in.

In a moment's time, Hawaii had her imprint of me. She knew my entire history, my past and future. And I knew, sitting in the ocean letting the waves wash over me, that everything was going to be okay.

So I took a seat in some shade and said some prayers of thankfulness.

I laid back in the sand & looked up at the lush green & blue sky above me...

And that is when a speck of sand by my head moved at a furiously fast pace. I nearly lost my sh*t!!!

I thought it was a spider but it wasn't. It was this little guy-- a Speedy Gonzalez sand crab!!!

And that is when I was done with the beach. ;)

I never know who actually reads my blog... But it is my sincerest wish that anyone reading it today gets to experience a place like this at least once in their life. I hope you can live vicariously a bit through these pictures and use them in some way to manifest your own journey here. It really is healing. It really is heaven on earth! I am so lucky & blessed to have gotten to visit someplace so magical. :)

Have a terrific day, everybody. Big hugs to you all,

Oahu: Pearl Harbor

2011-09-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

My dad has always been fascinated with WWII ships and aircraft. When I was little he would take my brother & I to go see various submarines or ships like the USS Intrepid. So of course when Joan & I took a quick tour through Pearl Harbor he was very much on my mind. It's added to my mental bucket list-- Return to Pearl Harbor with my Pops.

This was the first time that Oahu felt like Hawaii to me. Everything was very lush & green. In Waikiki it's hard to imagine a Hawaii without a ton of hotels & tourists but at Pearl Harbor I could picture what the lush landscape would have been like years ago and could imagine the men working on the base.

It's really beautiful at Pearl Harbor and I'm having difficulty describing how it feels. It's somber but the beauty embraces you. These islands are so luscious & alive, they want you to move past sadness. You can feel the sad history here but Hawaii kisses it away in the most loving way. That's how magical these islands are...

Seven US ships were lined up in the harbors when the Japanese attacked. Although the incoming planes were seen on radar, the attendant on duty called off a warning because they were expecting US planes with a shipment. Soon thereafter, "Air Raid Pearl Harbor. This is not a drill."

One of these ships was the USS West Virginia.

This is the anchor from the USS Arizona.

I really wish I had more time here. All I remember being taught about the attack on Pearl Harbor is that there was one and that it was the breaking point of what got us into WWII. When you can see history in front of you, it makes an impact. You learn so much.

Our flag standing over various plaques with names of lives lost that day.

The USS Bowfin submarine is in the background.

A seven sided memorial dedicated in 2005 to the Marines who lost their lives.

This is a Regulus missile (like the one at the USS Intrepid, Pops!) and were used on various submarines. On June 8th, 1959 a Regulus I missile like this one was loaded with 3,000 letters and launched a hundred miles away from The USS Barbero (a submarine), traveled over 100 miles & 22 minutes through the Atlantic Ocean. It 'landed' at Mayport Naval Air Station in Mayport, Florida to deliver mail that the U.S. Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield had written to key political figures such as President Eisenhower. Each envelope had a picture of the Regulus I and said "First Official Missile Mail."

And now we have e-mail, folks...

The USS Bowfin. Unless we're talking sandwiches, I am just not submarine material. The thought of being submerged miles below an ocean gives me the heebie jeebies. So much respect for the guys that do this.

A very, very big torpedo.

There was a circular area where people could sit & pray. For the life of me I can't remember what it was called. I want to say it was 'The Reflection Circle.'

I found these quotes haunting.

The trees in Hawaii are so fascinating & beautiful...

It was incredibly peaceful here.

The USS Arizona Bell when she was inducted...

The little bell is one that was salvaged as well...

This was a Japanese Torpedo that was found by divers.

The ONLY thing I can remember from movie 'Pearl Harbor' (because it was a terrible movie) were the guys stuck inside of the Arizona that were tapping. I had completely forgotten about it until I read this plaque...

We always remember the attack on Pearl Harbor which was followed by our retaliation on Hiroshima (*shudders*). But what most people don't think about-- I never thought about, anyway-- the aftermath of what happened & what that meant for Hawaii. Something else most people don't know is that, today & especially back in the 40's, Oahu had a strong Japanese population. The social climate became ice cold after the attack, with curfews instated, etc... I can't even imagine what that must have felt like for Japanese American born citizens.

In case you get lost... :)

After walking around Pearl Harbor, we had the opportunity to go see the Arizona Memorial.

I hear that unless you arrive very early in the morning there's a great chance you won't make it. There are ferries that bring you to the Memorial and only a certain amount of tickets. I'm glad we didn't miss it. These big white markers resemble where the ships were docked the day of the attack.

The Arizona Memorial actually rests above the ship.

Protruding barbette...

2-9 quarts of oil leak from the vessel a day called the 'black tears' of the Arizona. Divers go in regularly to maintain the ship's stability as there is still half a million gallons of oil.

The plaque inside.

The flag looking up out of the Memorial.

The shrine.

So many names here, so many lives lost. "These men are still right under my feet," is all I could think.

The USS Vestal, a repair ship, was damaged in the attack but fixed & continue to serve our country until she was finally stripped down & her parts sold off from '49-50.

USS Missouri was also repaired & has had quite a life fighting for our country in WWII, Korea and even the Gulf War. After being a valiant force to be reckoned with for so many years, earning many awards, she rests now back home in Pearl Harbor.

If you get a chance, you should go... Again, this entire trip was such a gift and I couldn't be more thankful to Joan for taking me. More of Hawaii to come... wait til you see Maui!!!

Much love,

MandiC.

Pumpkin Half Moon Cookies

2011-09-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! :)

Question: It's fall but is it too early for pumpkin? I feel like September & October are the best fall months for apple treats and November & December are pumpkin months due to all of the pumpkin pies during the holiday festivities. Therefore, I always feel bad using pumpkin earlier in the season (when I should be making apple treats) because come December I know I'll be bored with pumpkin. I know this makes zero sense, it's just how my little brain works. I'm weird. :)

Anyway! My friend Booger loooooves him some pumpkin and when I hear these kinds of things my little baker heart dies inside until I'm able to stuff his face with exactly what he wants. Soooo... I scraped my pennies together & got some pumpkin. Are we cool with this? Too soon? You forgive me?

YOU DON'T CARE EITHER!?

YOU LOVE PUMPKIN, TOO!?

YAY!!! :) :) :)

For my favorite Boogs, I came up with a MandiCrocker original! I'm sure you've heard of or seen these guys before, right? Half Moon Cookies? In upstate New York, this is what they look like. A cakey, fluffy vanilla or chocolate cookie with a chocolate and vanilla buttercream frosting.

In New York City & other cities, they're thinner and chewier cookie, a bit flashier & glossy. The ones I've tasted have had a hint of licorice flavor in their chocolate and the frosting is a fondant glaze. I don't like them nearly as much but hey, I'll still eat 'em.

Well, I thought it might be fun to do something more seasonal so I came up with a.....

PUMPKIN HALF MOON COOKIE!!!! :)

As far as I know they've never been done before. I could be wildly wrong, I've just never seen them anywhere. So don't get your knickers in a bunch! :) I based this recipe off of the kind that feel more like home to me-- the cakey ones.

These lovely ladies are a fluffy pumpkin cookie with half spiced cream cheese frosting & half brown sugar glaze.

I think a spiced caramel frosting or something maple-y would work really well, too! They're really flavorful & tasty. Boogs ate THREE!!! :) :) :)

Because there is so much moisture in pumpkin, these cookie's bottoms will get a bit soft as the days progress & a little bit soggy. The cookies will still be good, it's just all of the moisture from the pumpkin. (If you make pumpkin cupcakes or pumpkin bread, the same thing will happen to the tops!) I only say this as an extra precaution. If you're making them for a special event, I don't recommend making them the night before.

Anyway, here's the recipe. I hope you enjoy them!!! They're really delicious. The owner of the restaurant I'm trying to work at called them 'outstanding.' Give 'em a try! Maybe they'll become a part of your annual fall holiday festivities!

And remember... IT'S FALL PEOPLE!!! THE BEST SEASON EVER!!! IN JOY IT!!! :) :) :)

Pumpkin Pie Spice & Brown Sugar,

MandiC.

PUMPKIN HALF MOON RECIPE:

Cookie Ingredients:

2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 1/4 c. granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 c. pumpkin (ex: Libby's Pure Pumpkin)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Line sheet pans with parchment paper.
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin pie spice and salt in medium bowl.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
Stir in flour mixture until combined.
Using a large ice cream scoop, drop a full scoop of dough onto the parchment papers.
Bake for 8-13 minutes or until springy to the touch.
After cookies cool completely, flip them over and frost half of each cookie with the below frostings.

Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

4 T. Butter

4 oz. cream cheese

2 cups powdered sugar

1-3 tsp milk

Beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth & fluffy.
Add in the powdered sugar and beat.
Add in the milk until the frosting is at spreading consistency.

Brown Butter Glaze:

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

3 T. butter

1 T. milk

1 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

In a small saucepan heat & stir until butter melts.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of powdered sugar & vanilla.

Go On: 'A Love Letter To The World'

2011-09-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone remembers what they were doing on September 11, 2001. I was working at a phone company back home in New York and by the time the second plane struck the towers the management staff and I had been gathered around the tv in our conference room. For me, it was dream-like. I was confused just as much as anybody and certainly didn't have the awareness to know how this would change the world.

We've all dealt with this historic event, especially as each anniversary passes, in our own way. For most of us, it's a day that reminds us to pray for our country and for the families of those who lost someone.  And on our petty days, a reason to complain about what an annoyance it is to stand in line for two hours at the airport. But for others, this tragic day wasn't one day or a yearly reminder to 'never forget.' It was an event that truly changed lives, caused devastation and upheaval to families that are still, and may always be, in a healing process.

After a moving visit to Ground Zero in 2006, just as work began on the new memorial, my sister, Darci Monet, was inspired to write a song about the people of New York. Despite the daily reminder of what occurred right in front of their eyes, these people still went about their day courageously, carrying on their business, living their lives. The city still went on... Once back in L.A., she finished the song she titled 'Go On' with her then-cowriter Levi Kreis and recorded it for her second album "Fusion".

I'm sooooo, sooooo proud to announce the music video release of 'Go On.' Not only is the completion of this video a personal milestone for my sis and an inspiration based on the amount of teamwork and fundraising it took to come together, but the song itself and its message is beautiful and inspiring not only for New Yorkers but to anyone that faces struggle.  This truly is a 'love letter to the world'... a love letter to YOU!!! :) :) :)

I hope you enjoy it but more importantly, I hope it reminds you to 'go on' in your own lives in a way that only brings more love into this world...  Feel free to spread the love & share this video with family & friends!

So without further ado...

Singer: Darci Monet
Songwriters: Darci Monet/ Levi Kreis
Producer: Jacole Kitchen
Director: Chris Gregson

'Go on, little brothers & sisters,'
MandiCrocker

Manifesting Hawaii

2011-09-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

I want lots of things and my wall is a snapshot of my perfect life: Paris, Dancing, Writer,Yoga, Acting/Comedy, Successful Business Owner, Poker Player, etc. One of these posters is 'Travel' and one of the places written on this poster is Hawaii. This wall is no holds barred, man! By society's standards, it's crazy to dream one of these things let alone all of them. But I don't edit myself, what sounds awesome goes on the wall!

I had created 'vision boards' in the past but these collages always went from being big dreams to wish lists. I would look at them sadly & think, "Gosh, that would be nice--someday," but I never really believed 'someday' would come because how on earth does 'someday' happen? I couldn't wrap my brain around it and when I tried to make plans I'd always come up short-- not enough money, don't know the right people, etc.

This time, however-- maybe out of desperation, hitting rock bottom, awareness from the break-up? I don't know-- I just straight out believed. There's no timeline to this wall, no pressure... Just the acknowledgement that I want these things in my life. Not only do I believe they'll come to fruition but I believe they are already true. Every morning I wake up & think, "Well universe... It'll be real interesting to see how you make this happen but I know it does! It's on my wall! EVERYTHING RADICALLY CHANGES TODAY!" It seems sooo silly, so simple. And yet... like magic-- like magic!!!-- In the strangest way that makes ZERO sense... I was offered an all expense paid trip to Hawaii.

How does that happen!?

My ex's mom-- my ex's mom!!!?-- had bought this trip ages ago as a honeymoon for her & her fiancee. He tragically passed away a year ago and because she had no one to go with, offered the trip to me. (Yes, comedians... "I went to Hawaii with my ex's mom on her dead fiance's honeymoon.")

When I got the e-mail I nearly crapped my pants. I was VERY aware Hawaii was on my wall and VERY aware I had no way financially of making that happen on my own. VERY aware that all expense paid trips happen to other people not me and yet here I was having it handed to me on a silver freaking platter!!! (Which reminds me of Pretty Woman: "You're like Cinder-f*ckin'-rella!)

For the record, I have NEVER been that girl. I've been the girl who looks at other girls wrongly with judgment & thinks, "Wow, must be nice for them-- trust fund baby." But this time it was me. I was going to Hawaii & I was NOT a trust fund baby. WHO THE F BOMB GETS FREE TRIPS TO HAWAII THAT AREN'T TRUST FUND BABIES!!!???? ARE YOU LISTENING!!?? I DO NOT GET FREE TRIPS TO HAWAII!!! ....OH YES I DO. :) :) :)

Needless to say, learning to believe in possibility has changed everything for me over the past few years and this trip to Hawaii makes that belief even more 'ridiculous.' I was the girl that believed anything was possible but now I'm the girl that also believes I can have everything!? Who knows what I'll believe next year! My wall is magic!!!

ANYWAY!!!! All that to say... HAWAII!!! DO YOU WANT TO SEE IT!!!??? I WANT TO SHOW YOU HAWAII!!! :) :) :)

This is Joan, my angel...

Regardless of the outrageous circumstances, I couldn't be more thankful to Joan for this absolute gift. All she had initially asked is that I bring spending money. That seemed easy enough at the time working a million hours a week at the pub. Cut to the past two months where I've been jobless and completely broke. She paid for everything, everything, everything. I did my best not to feel like a ginormous butthead.

And just when I thought, "Stop beating yourself up. This is a gift. Enjoy it!!!" I would start hacking so hard I was afraid I was going to lose an eyeball. Because, oh yeah... I forgot to mention I WAS SICK. I brought a sore throat & chest cold with me to Hawaii. And to make matters worse, I did end up getting Joan sick by week's end. :(

There are so many pictures this will probably take 4 or 5 posts! We went to Oahu for four nights and then Maui for three. Dreamy!!! Don't worry, this blog is just precursor for YOU to go on your OWN trip. :)

We stayed at the Aston Hotel on Waikiki Beach. Big Toe was psyched! He said he could get used to this.

This was the view from our room. THIS WAS THE VIEW FROM OUR ROOM!!!!

This was the pool from our view off the balcony.

Waikiki TOTALLY reminds me of Santa Monica except it's cleeeeean. While it is SUPER touristy, the skies are blue, the breeze is constant and I didn't see one syringe!

This is exactly how I imagined California to be but its not. HA! Whoops! ;)

Every morning in Oahu there was a complimentary breakfast poolside and a hula dancer would entertain us. This is Miss Hawaii 2011 actually. And a ginormous bird that apparently ate a tennis ball.

This was another hula dancer. Oh my God, I looooved her red dress. She was beautiful and mesmerizing. As I wrote on Twitter, 'Hula dancers are the veelas of the muggle world!"

In Hawaii there are no seagulls only pigeons! And they are not afraid of people, let me tell you. This one swooped down and snatched a muffin out of some dude's hand. DEVILS! ;)

At breakfast they had this amazing toasted coconut coffee. Yes, they have coconut coffee in the states but this had flecks of coconut hair in it. See the floaties!? You can't really tell in the picture but there was real, live coconut people-- It's not just old coffee flecks! :)

One morning we got a free breakfast for listening to somebody's shpeal about what you can do on the island. It might as well have been a McDonald's breakfast with the following exceptions: 1) It was free, 2) THERE WAS HAWAIIAN FLOWER ON MY PLATE!!!! :) :) :) (I'm easy to please) and 3) HAWAIIAN PINEAPPLE IS THE FRESHEST, JUICIEST, MOST FLAVORFUL PINEAPPLE OF ALL TIME!!! :) :) :)

Then I had to leave the shpeal because this is what happened-- Cough, hack, wheeze, cough, cough... hold breath... wheeze, cough, bruise ribs, eye watering, prayers to God, cough, hack, cough, cough... Go to bathroom again for water. YAY!!! In between bathroom trips, I took this picture. I did try to find my joy where possible!

At the breakfast, they also gave us flowers for our hair! If you're single they go on the right side behind your ear. If you're taken, on the left side. They put mine in back because with all of the coughing, they thought I was allergic to the flowers-- HA!! But seriously, nothing feels more beautiful than flowers in your hair!!! Am I right, guys!? ;)

Okay, I lied. Nothing feels more beautiful than flowers in your hair and my SEXYTIME JAMMIES!!!!

Okay, even better... Flowers in your hair, sexytime jammies... AND THIS VIEW!!!??? *sigh* This was my favorite moment on Oahu. I had an hour of alone time and I just sat on the terrace & snot-drooled all over myself. It was hideous... yet peaceful. :)

At the shpeal there was a Maui Divers Jewelery Tour. They picked us up, we toured their jewelry store & then they dropped us off at a souvenir shop called Hilo Hatties. On the tour, we passed some pretty interesting places... Dog the Bounty Hunter, anyone?

This was an old palace back in the day. And if I heard correctly, I believe this is where the 'police offices' are in the new Hawaii Five-O? Is that right? I was lucky to remember what bus I was on, folks. Miss Karen, this trivia is for you!!!

And then this is where the old 'police offices' supposedly were on the original Hawaii Five-O. In the older palace across the street.

Joan & I had lunch at our hotel one day at The Tiki Grill. I had pulled pork quesadillas. It was DELICIOUS. Pulled pork anything in Hawaii is to die for. They know how to cook their pigs, let me tell you. Tender, juicy, flavorful...

Joan got some sizzling hot & spicy fajita thing. That was ridiculously delicious, too!!!

And we'll stop there for tonight, little lambs. Don't worry, the story continues tomorrow as does our adventure! Tomorrow Joan & MandiCrocker will travel to Pearl Harbor & go to a luau!!! But for tonight... sweet, sweet dreams... I can almost hear the ocean... xoxox....

And hey! What do we think about this new layout!? Do we like it? :)

Juicy Pineapple & NyQuil,

MandiC.

Summer Adventures

2011-09-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Can you even believe it's mid-September? Father Time shows little concern for processing our emotions, circumstances or growth-- He just keeps ticking away as the world keeps spinning. And we're just supposed to keep up? The nerve! ;)

I was hired at two jobs and immediately following, and in PERFECT TIMING let me tell you, I came down with an awful sore throat which is trying to move into a chest cold. My thoughts to the demons inside trying to kill me? "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!!!"

I've had to postpone my training which ultimately is me postponing getting paid. AND... I'm headed to Hawaii on Thursday for a week (all expenses paid-- it's a long story) which also postpones things. Needless to say I am UBER ready for Hawaii but financially have had about 12,000,000 'Why, God, Why?' dramatic moments:

But now that Christmas is almost here (cause that's where Father Tizzle is going with all of this, I know it!), I figured I better recap the adventures of summer. It wasn't all firings, food poisoning, exes being married, sore throats & pennilessness... I had lots of fun as well and I'm choosing to focus on that! YAY FUN!!!!

This is Jordon. Everybody say Hi Jordon!!!

See? He's super friendly. Jordon is my friend from L.A. that's staying with us for the summer to take comedy classes.

He's one of my favoritest funny people in the world-- and that's saying a lot! I was very tired. I look very tired.

V, Jordon and I thought it would be just precious to bond at Music In the Park. It was lovely...

We hate each other.

Ver-noica is no fun at all either.

This is just an example of why Chicago is awesome. They have this huge ampitheater in the middle of the city where people can come every Monday & Wednesday night, picnic and listen to various symphonies. It's beeeautiful!

There are these crazy water fountains with people's faces (I think they're kinda creepy honestly) in Millenium Park as well that people play in all summer. So we watched for a bit...

The highlight of the summer was definitely my trip to L.A. But the runner up??? HELLLOOOOO, New Kids on the Block & Backstreet Boys LIVE TOGETHER IN CONCERT!!???

*swoon, swoon, faints*

SO FUN!!!

Chicago has the most brilliant thunderstorms. Too much heat & the sky lets loose in rage. One night at the pub I had to walk home in one of these storms. I was COMPLETELY soaked through after only two blocks!

I was outside MAYBE three minutes.

TORRENTIAL. I love it!!!

Okay, umbrellas are cool, too.

My friend Mary was in town for business and stayed at The Four Seasons Hotel. Fancy, fancy! She took this picture & because I never see my profile, it's occurred to me that Eljah Wood and I have very similar noses.

We'd have the sexiest, big bridged-nosed children.

Just another reason we're MFEO.

*sigh*

And look! It's black and white... DEEP.

Mary is so super sweet & invited me to go with her to U2 because she had an extra ticket. I'd never been to Soldier Field before!

It's a pretty cool place! The U2 set reminded me of kid friendly Nickolodeon Studios in Burbank- HA!

This was my second time seeing U2. They're always great in concert!

Noica, Mary and me!

It was a VERY fun night. :)

Also in the summer there are a ton of festivals that go on citywide. My friend Christine & I went with her friends to go see 16 Candles, an awesome 80's tribute band. We just danced & danced & danced... :) :) :)

My friend Dena Hysell produced a movie with Jenna Fischer & Chris O'Donnell called 'A Little Help.' Noica & I went to support!

My friend Millie Trachtenberg (aka: Millie TrachtenCandaceBergen) is also in it!

Another street festival I went to was Market Days in Boyztown. Those boys know how to party!

Later that night, Boogs & I went to karaoke!

I love my Boogs. :) :) :)

And that has been my summer thus far!

Here's to a a reeeeally uneventful fall!!!

Hahaha... please?

Sore Throats & Legwarmers,

MandiCrocker

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Cake

2011-09-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

About a month or two ago, I heard that Southern Living was doing a recipe contest for the cover of their December issue. The contest was to take one of their already established cake batters (Red Velvet, Chocolate Velvet, Coconut Pecan, Vanilla Bean or Sour Cream Mix Cake) and come up with fillings, frosting and a catchy name, to create an original finished product.

Every December issue of Southern Living has featured a cake with white frosting... That whole December holiday snowfall thing... (Yeah, sure... RACISTS!) So the one rule you had to stick to was to make sure you had a primarily white frosting.

One of my creations?

CINNAMON HOT CHOCOLATE CAKE

I used their Chocolate Velvet Cake recipe, filled the layers with a Spiced Cream Cheese Filling and frosted the outside with a Chipotle Whipped Cream Frosting. Get it? So it would taste like one of those dreamy Caribou Coffee holiday drinks! It's definitely one of those moist, wet cakes that is even better the next day, after it sits & the flavors meld together.

Sadly, Southern Living didn't want me or I would have heard by now. But! This means I get to post my original recipe! What was Southern Living's trash, hopefully can be your treasure!? I hope you enjoy it!

Who needs $1,000!? I WON A FOOD BABY!!!! :) :) :)

I didn't have time to frost it like I wanted so she's fairly ugly! :)

CHOCOLATE VELVET CAKE INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 (16-ounce) package light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation

• Melt semisweet chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH for 30-second intervals until melted (about 1 1/2 minutes total time). Stir until smooth.

• Beat butter and brown sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer, beating about 5 minutes or until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Add melted chocolate, beating just until blended.

• Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to chocolate mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Gradually add 1 cup hot water in a slow, steady stream, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in vanilla. Use immediately, following directions for desired cake.

• Spread into 3- 8 inch rounds. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

SPICED CREAM CHEESE FILLING:

16 oz. cream cheese (2 pkgs)
8 oz. unsalted butter (1 stick)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. nutmeg
Dash of allspice
1 cup of mini semi-sweet chips

Preparation

To make the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter on med-high speed until smooth, light and fluffy, scraping down the sides as you go. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and beat until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.

CHIPOTLE WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING:

3 cups heavy cream
½ cup of powdered sugar
1 T. adobo chipotle sauce
Pirouette Cookie (optional)
Chocolate Shavings (optional)
Red Hots (optional)

Preparation

With a whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Add the ½ cup of powdered sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the chipotle sauce until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.

TO ASSEMBLE CAKE:

Place one layer of cake on a platter, cake board or plate. Spread half of the Spiced Cream Cheese Filling onto the cake, being sure to leave an inch of room from the edge of the cake. Repeat with second layer of cake and spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on the top. Top with remaining cake layer and put in the freezer for 15 minutes to solidify. This will make the cake easier to frost.

To frost: Spread a very thin layer of the Chipotle Whipped Cream Frosting on the cake. This is the ‘base coat’ and helps to keep crumbles from getting in the pretty white frosting when you do your second coat. Once the base coat is complete, put in the freezer for another five minutes. Again, this helps in the frosting process.

Finally, cover the cake with the remaining frosting, using a spatula to make the sides as even as possible. We want to make this look like a giant hot chocolate with whipped cream so once the cake is covered, use a pastry bag with a star tip to create five big rosettes on top and in the middle of the cake. Then create three rosettes on top of those to give the frosting some height. Right before serving sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings and red hots. Stick the Pirouette cookie on the top like a straw.

Whipped cream & cinnamon kisses,

MandiCrocker

Heart Homework

2011-09-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

I'm a firm believer in listening to your heart. Your heart is only ever trying to help you and make you better. Your head, on the other hand, is always looking to maintain the negative status quo through self doubt and rationalization.

When things get stressful it's so easy, habitual and human to go straight back to those feelings of impossibility, worthlessness and thinking 'the world is against me' thoughts. As my Beautiful BF said today, "We wouldn't let anyone treat us as poorly as the way we treat ourselves." But! When I make the conscious effort to be aware of my thoughts, I get the conscious opportunity to change them. YAY!!!

I had no fun when I lived in a world of impossiblity so instead, I 'practice' listening to my heart--to God-- that inner voice inside me that is whole, complete and all knowing. For today's lesson, boys and girls, we're going to take these lies and find the truth in them. Let's call this 'Heart Homework,' shall we? ;)

The thoughts I'm about to share are pretty brutal, be warned, but they're very real thoughts that cross my mind. They're also easier to share because I know I'm not alone. We're all human so I hope you'll join in this exercise with me. I know a majority of you probably wouldn't post your innermost demonic thoughts on a blog for all the world to see but writing this blog helps affirm where I'm at and what I'm learning. It helps me and I hope it might help you. :)

Directions: Write down all of your lies and worries that you tell yourself. Place your hand on your heart, clear your mind and listen to the all-loving voice inside you. It's the truth.

MANDICROCKER LIE: I'm never going to find a job. I'm scared.

HEART TRUTH: Oh, Mand. Don't be scared. You are going to find exactly what you need.

MANDICROCKER LIE: I'm going to be in financial ruin until I find something.

HEART TRUTH: There is no need to worry. Even in the worst of times, you've always been taken care of. Continue to choose love and a million doors will open for you.

MANDICROCKER LIE: I'm not smart enough to finish my business plan.

HEART TRUTH: You're brilliant. You're a powerhouse. A business plan is nothing in comparison to what you're capable of and will accomplish.

MANDICROCKER LIE: This isn't happening fast enough. I sound like a broken record and everyone's watching.

HEART TRUTH: You're exactly where you're supposed to be. Everyone's watching because they're your fans. You are loved.

MANDICROCKER LIE: Why do I have to struggle so hard? Everyone else's life just seems to fall into place.

HEART TRUTH: You are learning a great many things. Everyone has their own journey.

MANDICROCKER LIE: I've gained eight pounds and I'm fat & disgusting.

HEART TRUTH: Be kind to yourself. You are whole and complete right now.

MANDICROCKER LIE: I don't like who I am right now.

HEART TRUTH: You are not your cirucmstances. Your circumstances do not define you. You sparkle and shine with love.

MANDICROCKER LIE: I'm scared I'm going to wake up tomorrow and go back to feeling hopeless.

HEART TRUTH: All that matters is the choice that you make right now. 'Everything radically changes today.' And right now. And right now. And right now.

MANDICROCKER LIE: Dr. Beth is a horrible person that dragged me to Weber Bakery out in the burbs and forced me to eat delicious things.
HEART TRUTH: Okay, now you're reeeeeally full of shit, my dear.

Weber Bakery, you were DELICIOUS!!! I got all of this for $4.29!!! :)

HIGHLY RECOMMEND. :)

(Thanks Dr. Beth!!!)

Be kind to yourself, folks.

X's and O's,

MandiCrocker

Supporting Local: Collard Greens & Eggplant Pizzas

2011-08-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

While home with a bout of food poisoning, I watched Food Inc., a documentary about the scary goings-on in our monopolized food industry. Especially being in that condition, I was greatly inspired to be better about supporting local farms and buying organic. I am no longer going to be an idiot consumer! (See? Even food poisoning can be a blessing!)

I did a few google searches and came across Irv & Shelly's Local Organic Delivery Service. For $30 I got a mix of fruits & vegetables delivered that have lasted me two weeks! Amazing!

And while you can pick and choose certain items, I kinda wanted to be surprised. I got: pluots, cantaloupe, peaches, beets, arugala, mini yellow squash, green beans, eggplant and a tomato.

I also got collard greens. COLLARD GREENS!?? I was hoping I might get something that might be a challenge! I've never had collard greens in my life so it was fun to make them for the first time. (And boy, oh boy, are they delicious!!!)

So here's a couple of ideas for collards and eggplants! I used a recipe I found off of All Recipes for the collard greens and I just kind of 'winged it' (wunged it? wang it?) with the eggplant pizzas. I have to say they were really good & super easy!! :)

These are collard greens. (So that's what they look like!) You chop them into 2 inch pieces and mince two cloves of garlic.

In a large pot on med-high heat, you chop up and fry bacon until it's crisp. Add chopped onions until tender. Throw in the garlic until fragrant.

Throw in the collards and saute until the greens begin to wilt.

Like so!

Add the chicken broth and spices. Cover & simmer for 45 minutes. I hear it's great to eat with cornbread. As my sister said the Nashvegans say, "I like my collards with some sop in 'em."

The eggplant pizzas are sooo easy! :)

Turn those little guys on their sides. Chop off their green stems and slice them lengthwise in 1/2 inch pieces. Fry them on both sides with some olive oil (I used bacon grease from the collards) for a few minutes per side.

Add tomato slices & a few pieces of fresh basil.

Betty Basil plant has been lookin' so pretty lately!!

Organic tastes delish!!! :)

Then add some pizza sauce & mozzarella.

Bake at 425 until the cheese is melted & bubbly.

And forget to take a picture of the finished results.

*sigh*

I didn't forget to take a picture of this little guy though!

A Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Brownie Bar.

It's a mouthful... a delicious, delicious mouthful. :)

Recipes below-- And please don't forget to check out Food Inc and Irv & Shell's Organic Delivery Service! They're awesome! :)

IN JOY!!! :)

Love,

MandiC.

COLLARD GREENS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 slices bacon
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 pound fresh collard greens, cut into 2-inch pieces

In a fairly large pot heat the oil over med-high heat. Chop up the bacon and throw into the pot. Cook until crisp. Add onion and cook for about five minutes, until tender. Add garlic and saute until fragrant. Add collard greens, and fry until they start to wilt.

Pour in chicken broth and add spices. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until greens are tender. IN JOY! :)
EGGPLANT PIZZAS
INGREDIENTS:
2 small eggplants
1 T. olive oil or butter
1 medium tomato, sliced
10-12 fresh basil leaves
1 cup pizza sauce (Try to find organic!)
1- 2 cups of Mozzarella Cheese (I used 12 cups cause cheese is my middle name)

Chop off the green stems on both eggplants. Slice those guys lengthwise in half inch slices. In a tablespoon of olive oil or butter fry the eggplant in a skillet for 3-5 minutes per side, or until nice & browned.

Lay the eggplant onto a greased baking sheet. Cover with tomato slices & basil leaves. Spoon the sauce evenly onto each eggplant slice. Cover with cheese and bake on 425 until the cheese is melted & bubbly.

BEST. GIFT. EVER.

2011-08-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

Recently my new friend Catherine of Simply Solo asked me to guest write on her blog. She asked right before all the food poisoning, job loss and ex getting married hell broke loose so it sounded like a GREAT idea at the time. I was super flattered because her blog is awesome.

But on the day my ex got married, I had to sit with an open Word document and face my demons. What was I really, truly feeling?

Despite not knowing WHAT the hell is ever going on in my life (haha!!!), despite still feeling weak from being sick, my soul felt GOOD. I was overcome with love-- love for my life, love for this guy I loved for three years, love for my future... I wrote a blog for her called 'Adventure Is Out There.' (I know I've got 12 blogs with the same title but I can't help it).

This catchphrase belongs to one of my heroes-- Ellie from the Disney Pixar movie 'Up.' Her fearlessness and voraciousness for life is something I've taken on as a part of me. The more I've enveloped this spirit, the more I transform from coward into 'Fearless Adventurer!!!' ...The more I watch my life change.

Of course as soon as I sent it and she posted it on her site, my world fell apart. People seemed to really enjoy the blog and used words like 'inspiring' and 'brilliant.' HA!!! I, on the other hand, felt like the world's biggest fraud. I didn't feel very inspiring or brilliant searching through crappy jobs on Craigslist, wondering how on earth you spin being fired in an interview. But truly, those comments were SUCH a gift at such a rough time... I was sooo encouraged and blown away.

After my Powerless blog, where I basically made the conscious decision to let go of every ounce of fear I had about being jobless and the effect it would have on my finances, things have made a turn for the better. (Of course they did!!!) My roommate offered to cover my rent until I can pay her back which is HORRIFYING but a major blessing. I got a part-time job at an Irish/American restaurant which I've enjoyed thus far and I have another interview on Tuesday at a place in Boys Town where I'd REALLY like to work. (Hello, gay boys? LOVE!)

So while things are on the mend and my soul is recovering... it's still been a bit shaken... a REALLY nuts month...

Then...

Then..

Freakin' Ipod.

She is the BEST. She KILLS me. She always writes the perfect thing in my birthday card. She can sum up one of my long-winded blogs in two sentences. And she's the SH*T at sending me random, inspirational things. Remember this guy?

I CAN'T STAND HER I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!

So when she emails me under the subject heading 'It's A Major Award!' of course I'm going to be curious. She writes:

No, it's not a leg lamp, but you should be receiving a little something in the mail later this week (I do mean little, so don't get all excited or anything;) and I just realized it won't tell you who it's from! It'll be coming from CA (Oakland, I think) from some random third party, but it's actually from me just 'cuz you're amazing and inspiring & all that s*** :)

Love you!
- Kelli

The fact that Ipod thinks I'm inspiring in itself makes me want to cry... The idea that I've had ANY effect on ANYONE-- such as Catherine's blog-- makes me want to cry...

THEN TO GET THIS IN THE MAIL... ????

THIS!!???

OH MY GOSH, I HATE HER SHE'S SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You guys...

That's no little gift...

I was given the highest honor that can be bestowed...

The Ellie Badge.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW.

I lost... my... SH*T...

...even Betty Basil Plant cried...

In fact, I'm STILL crying... I just can't even put into words what this badge means to me.

*sigh*

I love my 'Pod... And I love you. And you know what? It's most certainly true...

"ADVENTURE

IS OUT THERE!!!"

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Love,

MandiCrocker

Powerlessness

2011-08-23T00:10:00.000-07:00

It's only in the past few years that I've learned anything is possible. In fact, I wasted many years prior viewing life as a series of impossibilities. What once were daily prayers for survival, "God, get me through this day" turned into dynamic affirmations, "Of course, I am powerful! I'm powerful beyond measure!" And with this positive spirit, and renewed sense of self, I've certainly seen my fair share of miracles and have watched my life change dramatically.

Yet here I sit-- laptop in front of me, knowing there's very little I can do about my current situation. I feel utterly powerless! I HATE this feeling!!!

Write resumes: Check. Visit potential employers: Check. Follow up on both of these things: Check. It occurred to me as I went into an open job call today that I know being fired, no matter what the circumstances are, is probably never going to look good. Which means: I am also powerless in how I am perceived regardless of any kind of injustice that's been done.

So what on earth do I do?

I've learned from previous bouts of unemployment that when I'm consumed with my need to 'have a plan' and 'figure this out,' it takes longer to find a job. As human beings, we like to have and maintain control over our lives. Problem is, when we do this, it never turns out as expected. Our scope of vision is so small because we typically base it off of how it's worked in the past. We're usually so busy fitting our life back into that box of history, we don't see the infinite possibilities outside of it.

So I'm not going to do that. The ONLY power I have in this matter is how I choose to accept it. I HATE this word powerlessness because it seems so backwards to feel the same emotion I used to back in my more helpless days. But what I've realized is that while the feeling of powerlessness is the same the context and my choices are completely different.

I don't have a CLUE how rent gets paid... or my parking... or my credit consolidation I've been paying off perfectly for the past five years (only six more months to go, we're really gonna f*ck this up now?). All hell could break loose financially at a moment's notice. But if God is going to take away my ability to work in such a weird, unexpected way, after being an exemplary employee... then there HAS to be reason for it.

Quite frankly, while sh*t could hit the you-know-what, I have to believe that even if it does, it's just not going to matter. It will work out beautifully regardless of being hunted down by Sallie Mae or seeing my already astronomically high APR's suddenly go through the roof. IT HAS TO.

When I choose to live my life in balance, making sure there are equal parts of work, pleasure and spirituality, it seems I'm not only happier and more fulfilled but that things pan out in the best and easiest ways. Key word: easy.

So I'm giving in completely. I have no choice. Maybe it's an absolute step of faith, maybe it's an absolute 'F*CK YOU!' to the universe (I haven't decided yet) but these are the cards I've been dealt.

I accept the fact that I am powerless over my current situation. As much as I want to tell August to go f*ck itself, it's not done yet. This is my lesson. Can I be content with this feeling, having no knowledge or hint of how the future works out for the good or even the bad? YES.

I say, "BRING IT, LAST EIGHT DAYS OF AUGUST!!!" Maybe my bills won't get paid, maybe in a week's time I'll be in financial ruin but I'll be damned if I'm going to put this on ME. This is YOUR game of cards. I triple dog dare you to call my bluff. I've got zero cares in the world, I just may fall asleep from the pure boredom of it all!

In fact, I dare you to not only pay my bills but for you to also find me an exorbitant amount of spending money for Hawaii in September! I dare you to still get me a passport & pay for the entire trip to Bali I committed to in November!! I dare you every dream I've ever had in a week's time! JUST DO IT ALREADY!!! THAT'S WHAT I'M THINKING!!!! In the words of Forrest Gump's Lieutenant Dan, "IS THIS ALL YOU'VE GOT!!!???" BRING IT, F*CKERS!!!! I'M NOT WORRYING JACK SH*T!!!!!

I see your lesson, Universe, and raise you everything. Who knew powerlessness could be so powerful?

Aces & Kings,
MandiCrocker

Blessings Of Summer

2011-08-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

How is it mid-August? This is terrifying.

As much as I love fall-- the cooler temperatures, the holiday festivities, better hair days... The idea of summer produce not being available any longer makes me sad. In the summer, everything is ripe and bursting with flavor. Soon berries and cherries will give way to pumpkin and gingerbread. Til then...

I made some blackberry muffins. If you'll allow me a moment to toot my own horn... They are ridiculously good. Almost like a coffeecake in muffin form. Crispy tops and flavorful berry insides... I can't wait to serve these in my store someday.

In other happy news, the pants Dr. Beth gave me a couple of months ago that I couldn't begin to fit into, zipped no problem today. EXCITING!!! I also went for a run tonight. Probably only a mile & half (which is laughable in comparison to my field hockey or Alaska marathon days) but I didn't feel at all sluggish or like I was going to die. I felt amazing. After the week I've had, I think my body just needed to run... I felt like a wild horse. I probably could have run to Idaho. HEE-HAW!!! ;)

Speaking of horses... A friend sent this to me recently. I like the concept. Who knows what life holds outside of blackberry muffins... But I like the idea of finding someone wild to run with.

Ooooh. DEEP. ;)

Smaller muffin tops and water bottles,

MandiC.

Adventure Is Out There!!!

2011-08-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

What a nutso week.

I committed to a trip to Bali in November, came down with food poisoning and my ex got married. After having just been asked to write a guest piece for Miss Catherine's 'Simply Solo' blog and deciding on the topic of 'life as adventure and happiness as a choice,' I can say with full confidence, I am NOT surprised I was let go from my job yesterday.

HOLY EMOTIONS, BATMAN!!!

Any one of those things could be cause for a day of sappy movies and a good cry but instead I'm listening.

Every single time (EVERY SINGLE TIME, AMANDA!!!), I get too comfortable where I'm at, the universe takes the retro shag carpet I'm standing on and pulls it out from under me. So there's absolutely nothing to cling to, you see. No safety net. It's annoying as hell (AS HELL, UNIVERSE!!!) but I know God is doing me a favor.

The more comfortable I am, the harder I work for someone else. When I work for someone else the more I stray from staying present, focusing on what I'm on this planet to do. The situation at work has given me every reason to grab my leadership skills by the cahones & be reminded of who I am and how important it is to make sure I accomplish my goals. I want to change lives. I want to help empower people by living lives of kindness.

The world needs to know that living in love and kindness is a possible thing, a lucrative thing... And that it can be a win-win for all parties involved. I want to be a respite for the community and be a boss people want to emulate.

I have ZERO idea what's next... NONE! ZIP! ZILCH! But being fired after being the Team Captain of the pub is too weird, random and unexpected that I can't not pay attention.

Like Ellie in 'Up' says, 'Adventure is out there!!!' Once again, I've been given no choice!

Ice cream sandwiches and big stick popsicles,
MandiCrocker

Trip To L.A.: Grand Finale

2011-08-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

I have some psycho gastrointestinal bug and it's not fun! This is the first chance I've had all day to cross something off my list other than 'catch up on Netflix,' 'drink more water' and 'moan.'

What I've seen:
The Nines- Ryan Reynolds is HOT
Toy Story 3- Haven't cried that much since 'Up'
Winter's Bone- Awesome, gritty
Alice In Wonderland- Adventurous
Food Inc.- Informative & Inspiring
Almost 2 seasons of Mad Men- Depressing, Morbid and 'Hey, I like bein' curvy!!'
Blue Crush- "Like OMG, I totes LOVE this movie!!!"

So here's the last of my trip to L.A. Just some pics from a barbecue and a 'We know you only got 3 hours of sleep & just landed but come over now anyway so we can feed you wine and hot dogs' evening. I love these guys so, so much. :)

Marie's boyfriend Chris: 'It'd be a great picture if Mandi's hair wasn't in your face."

Is this better, Chris?

The Ipod & Me :)

Best roomie in the world of all time in the universe of the United States & forever & ever amen!!!

Jacoley Poo!

Jacoley Poo being a saucy minx!!

The evening started innocent enough...

And then the bottles were gone and chaos ensued...

There was some heavy petting...

Marie & Chris found two wild chickens in their backyard one day. They fed them because Chris & Marie feed everybody so of course the chickens never left. They adopted them and named them Bernard & Rose (Lost viewers, it's exactly what you think). Sadly, Bernard was attacked one night & is no longer... But courageous Rose goes on. Marie & Chris have even built her a little palace high up on a post so she'll be safe. She's so adorable & sweet. And Chris & Marie are the sweetest people to have a pet chicken. THEY HAVE A PET CHICKEN!!!!!

On Sunday we had a barbecue at my seester's place.

This is my favoritest B McKay. I'm looking for Elijah Wood.

This is right before B McKay slit my throat.

She's so funny like that.

You never when she's going to kill you!

Kurt put me back together again with a backrub.

SCORE.

My beautiful friends Candy & Seamus!

Marie & Chris...

This is me forseeing that I was going to have a gastrointestinal bug. It was a horrifying vision.

Brad MacDonald & Kurt re-enacting the final scene of 'Glory.' But no, really...

Muriel & my seester Jo Dianne!

Mama & Chris! Both working on their Top Gun look...

Anybody remember the CW marketing campaign for Gilmore Girls when they took it over? Lauren Graham & Alexis Bledel had huge legs & little bodies? This picture reminds me of that. That was the strangest ad campaign. Anybody? Anyone? Bueller? *crickets*

Love my Marie!!!

B McKay makes my dreams come true. I've always wanted a mustache made of licorice. Blond hair has got nothing on that red candy.

Me & B.

FOREVER.

AND EVER.

AND EVER...

And don't worry, you guys! Next blog I'm going to make something delicious & force feed it down your eyeballs! YAAAAY!!! :) :) :)

AND EVER,

MandiC.

Trip To L.A.-- Harry Pooter & Trips To Susina Bakery

2011-08-02T00:48:00.000-07:00

July was a whirlwind month- truly! Having cleaned my room and done some laundry, this is the first night I've been back that I've really carved out time for myself. Crazy! It feels gooood. :)

After a Tazmanian Devil-like existence in L.A., I've consciously made my life in Chicago a slow one. To be back in a more desperate energy and 'go, go, go' mentality-- being around others 24-7, it was an adjustment for sure! So it has been decided by yours truly that August will be all about relaxation, self care, eating healthy, and enjoying what's left of summer in a way that makes me happy. In other words, my spirit and psyche will be on vacation lounging by the pool. ;)

In the meantime... Here are some more adventures from my trip! :)

One of my favorite goofy things I miss about L.A. is that there are lemon, orange and avocado trees in peoples' back yards. That's nuts! We used to have an orange tree in Burbank. Ipod moved to an apartment with one as well... It made me happy. :)

Having spent three years of my life there as the Assistant GM, I had to go back to Susina Bakery! It's a gorgeous little bakery on La Brea & Beverly. This is my friend Moe! We used to work together at 'Hellcove Cafe' (AKA: The Cafe That Must Not Be Named) and then he saved me and brought me over to Susina. I love my Moey soooo, soooo much!!!

Moe fights with me over Ryan Reynolds. And Ryan Gosling... And Ryans we've yet to fall in love with. MINE!!!

He also likes to lick my face (!!???) and call me 'Mindy.' He pretends like he won't and I think maybe he has matured... But just then, when I've let my guard down and I think I might make it out un-slimed, he goes in for a big ol' wet one worthy of The Beast in The Sandlot. This was my pathetic attempt to get him back. DENIED. He revels in it... Because he's a ginger. And everyone knows they're made by the devil!

Moe is also a real gentleman. He's the kind of guy you want to bring home to mom! He is never vulgar or rude. He never uses inappropriate language and always treats a lady with respect. For this old fashioned girl, he's a breath of fresh air and a reeeeeal treat to be around. A REAL TREAT THAT MOE. *sigh*

I got to dust off my comedy improv chops (they're more like fatty grizzle these days) and do a show! My friends Karen & Tyler and I go waaaay back. They were low on castmembers that night & asked if I'd like to play in. It was awesome, awesome to be back on stage with them!

When I got back to Chicago, all of my co-workers at the pub asked how 'hard I partied' and if I 'hooked up with anybody.' HA! I'm kind of flattered they think I'm young enough or cool enough to be capable of a hook-up. *shudders* I want to get checked for herpes just thinking about it! (They're all in their early 20's mind you. I'm 8,000). But alas, no. Aside from a few bouts of drunkenness (I accidentally put a little too much vodka in my Ensure), this is how I 'party hard:'

MIDNIGHT SHOWING OF HARRY POTTER, B*TCHES!!!

Yeah! Puh-shuh! Accio, Mountain Dew!

*laugh, snort, high five*

This was pre-movie hangin' at Marie's house!

Accio hot dog bun for the giant wiener (!?) in my hand!!!

The Arclight (cause it's AWESOME) had up all of their HP posters over the years... *sniff, sniff*

Real, live costumes worn by the real, live actors! They were in those robes!!! Microscopic flakes of skin and germs are in those costumes!!!! ;)

DUMBLEDORE!!!

This is me with my friend Candy.

WHO'S EXCITED!!!???

My friend Lisa & I!!!

Marie!!! She has a shirt that allows you to Velcro whatever sayings you want on it. We're all nerds!!! I love my nerd friends!!!

Me & Miss Karen!!!

The midnight showing has always been a tradition for me, Ipod and Miss Karen. But over the past few years, our group expanded. Last year I was in Chicago and while I was happy to see Part 1 with Roomie V, I REALLY HATE to break tradition. :) Knowing this was the absolute last one (No tears, Ipod, it's not over!!! There's still butterbeer at the theme park in Orlando!!!) and thinking about July as a potential trip, it was IMPERATIVE to do this. Soooo worth it. :) :) :) :) :) (Hey, if you have to miss Comic-Con...)

************GIANT NERD ALERT*************

The 'cupboard under the stairs' in my room.

And for those fellow nerds out there-- WASN'T IT AWESOME!!!??? I really loved it! Super fun night!!! Anyway, I think there's one more L.A. trip blog & then we'll get back to some more previously scheduled food porn. But I hope you enjoy reliving these adventures as much as I do!!! Expelliarmus!!!

"He has her eyes...,"

MandiCrocker

Trip to L.A.-- Karaoke & Feeling Loved!

2011-07-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

When I first moved to L.A. my first friends that became family out there was a group of regulars at a gay karaoke bar called 'Apache.' It became 'Fuel' and now that club is an Armenian bar. Whatevs... So we've moved to a place down the street called 'Oil Can Harry's.' It was sooo fanastic to see old friends and for all of us to pay homage to such a sweet time in our lives.

I sincerely hope that everyone gets to feel and experience the same kind of love that I did when I went back home to visit L.A. I just had SUCH a blast. Having been through what I'd call a 'super strength extra growth' period over the past year & a half, it was AWESOME to be hugged and loved, I can't even tell you. I was even serenaded!!!??? Video below!!! Here's the adventure...

Me and my favoritest Ipod who so lovingly took off a week of work to be with me 24-7 and drove me all over God's smoggy earth...

See, you guys!!?? I didn't just eat!!! I also drank!!! HA! This was some kind of delicious tropical something-- I think a sweet & sour made with peach vodka & a splash of cran or something? GIRLY DRINK!!! Woo-woo! Two for one drinks... The party got started...

My friend Sue & I-- we go way back to my very first comedy sketch show--as most of us do!

Jacoley Poo!!!

Me & my seester, Dingy Dongy!!!

My other seester Jodianne. Or Jo Dianne.

(Depends on what's being delivered in the mail).

My gay husband Will!!! He kissed me for the first time that night. It gave me such hope. In only 825,000 more years, I might actually get him to impregnate me with delicious Latino babies.

My favoritest Marie Pettit!!! She sang 'Adelaide's Lament', hence the scrunched up face. She has a cold, you guys!!! A person can develop one!! Did you know this!!??? :)

My friends Jen (aka: My little lamb) & Les.

They luuuurve each other and are very sweet to

one another. It's beautiful. :)

Kirt!!!! Kirt helped get my brownies into 'Al's Chicken House.'

I'm a big fan of my towering Colgate-smile angel. :)

My friend David...and Kirt?

Prior to this trip, I didn't realize Kirt was a practicing serial killer. Now I know!

Then again, maybe I am, too?

Okay, you guys... This is about to get really, really real!!! ;) These beautiful people surprised me with a 'Mandy' serenade by Barry Manilow. The finale kills me everytime. It was AMAZEBALLS!!!!

You can't help but feel pretty special. :)

I'll never forget it!!!

Me & my favoritest Karen!

Me & my Hubby. This was post-smooch, hence the tousled hair. Awwww yeah!!! ;) (Not really). :)

My favoritest B McKay.

We take the world's most partially hilarious pictures!!!

Me trying to seduce Gay Hubby.

It TOOOOTALLY worked for 3 & 1/2 seconds!!!

I can seduce Marie just fine!!! :)

And this picture pretty much just sums up the whole night.

I sang Adele's 'Someone Like You.' My seester, also having partaken in alcoholic spirits was feeling I needed a hug for this one.

So did my friend John...and...

Suddenly we have, what has come to be known as, the 'Mandipede.'

Seriously.

Could you FEEL any more loved!??? :)

Apparently, Brandy could.

And those were our karaoke adventures. Super fun night. Soooo, sooo great to see everyone out having a blast.

I love to sing! And I love YOU!!! :)

MandiCrocker-oke

Trip To L.A.- DELICIOUS THINGS I ATE!!! :)

2011-07-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a week in L.A. AMAZING, SUPER FUN, AWESOME TRIP!!!! Not only did I have a blast but I've never felt so loved in my whole life. I am sooo stinkin' blessed with the best friends and family on the planet. *swoon, swoon*

I took an overwhelming number of pictures so I'm going to post these in groups. My first group (surprise, surprise) will be DELICIOUS THINGS I ATE!!! Family Shmamily, Friends Shmriends... let's talk about ISLANDS. :)

I got off the plane, was picked up by the Ipod and we did not pass go or collect $200, we immediately drove to Islands. Islands is a burger chain in California, Arizona and Nevada. It is NOT in Chicago. *tears* As much as I love mom & pop shops, this Hawaiian bungalow themed restaurant is a chain that I can GET BEHIND. (And has also added to my behind- ahem). I started my trip with Islands. I also ended my trip with Islands. SO WORTH IT!!! Amen.

THE HULA BURGER W/ A SIDE OF RANCH

I ATE IT.

Next, I went to Black Angus. It's only located in the craziest of places-- California, Hawaii, Arizona, Washington & New Mexico. There's no rhyme or reason to that!??? This was not on my list of things to stuff in my face while in L.A. but Ipod got a coupon for a 'Feast For Two' or something which includes: Appetizer Platter, Two dinners (with two sides) and a dessert for $42 or something. We only ever go when we get the coupon so the fact that she got it WHEN I WAS THERE was MAGIC- a Christmas miracle!!! I danced around and clapped my hands in exultation and Ipod just laughed and continued to read her Nikki Finke blog.

BLACK ANGUS FEAST FOR TWO

I ATE IT.

It was gone before pictures could be taken. To quote my dear friend Mama, "One of the 784 reasons I love my Poods...you live in a city that has some of the best food in the WORLD and you are sooo excited about Black Angus and Islands!! YAAAAY!!" So true, Mama. So true.

Next I went to Al's Chicken House in Van Nuys with my seester, Dingy Dongy. This place is very special to me because this is where I sell my MandiCakes brownies. Camille, the owner, is a super sweet lady and VERY hard-working. I couldn't be more proud to have my desserts there!!

HALF ROTISSERIE CHICKEN DINNER

I ATE IT.

THEN, Camille made us try an enchilada. I am NOT an enchilada fan--chimichanga girl all the way & this was a D*MN GOOD ENCHILADA. You heard it here. Word.

I got half a rotisserie chicken with two sides which could feed an army. Their rosemary potatoes are super flavorful which I wasn't expecting in the way they looked (DANG GOOD!) & their mac and cheese was nice & sharp. I hate velveeta-esque mac & cheese. You can tell this is homemade. AND they give you a state-of-Texas size chunk of cornbread!! YUM!!!

Folks, this ain't even the tip of the iceberg...

Next I went to In N Out. In N Out is a place that had to grow on me when I first moved to L.A. Their fries are an acquired taste because they're handcut (which I always love) but cooked in vegetable oil rather than... ya know... beef lard. They taste different. But when you smother your fries in cheese, thousand island dressing and grilled onions (aka: 'Animal Style' on their secret menu), they are DIVINE. Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh and prepared daily. You can tell!

IN N OUT CHEESEBURGER MEAL

WITH ANIMAL STYLE FRIES

I ATE IT.

Are you ready for more!!??? I went to The Arclight which is a movie theater chain in Los Angeles. It's a little bit more expensive but the tickets are assigned seating. AWESOME. Especially when you're trying to get eight seats together for the midnight showing of Harry Potter (more pics to follow on that!)

The Arclight has the BEST caramel popcorn. Garret's in Chicago wins all contests, of course. But this corn ain't no Cracker Jack quality! It's really delicious.

CARAMEL CORN AT THE ARCLIGHT

I ATE IT.

Speaking of desserts... my seesters and I went to Aroma Cafe on Tujunga Blvd in North Hollywood. It's sister store is Alcove in Los Feliz. They serve REALLY delicious food and it has the best patio. They also serve $137 pieces of cake but can you really complain when a) your cake looks like this and b) it's the size of your face?

BANANA CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CAKE

I ATE IT.

I could only eat four bites. It was sooo rich and slightly too much for me. I think the bananas had a rum glaze on the top and that tasted a bit weird to me with the other flavors. My seesters got carrot cake and a yellow cake with chocolate frosting. The Ipod got an apple cinnamon crumble cheesecake. My sis Jo said her yellow cake tasted refrigerator-y. (Technical term).

This was my favorite. It was absolutely delicious without being too much. Yes, this ginormous piece of gooey cheesecake was 'just enough.' ;) If you ever go there, I highly recommend their turkey panini. I think that's the one thing in the entire state I didn't eat on this trip. HA!

Next this little piggy went to Eagle Rock to visit one of my favorite places... THE OINKSTER!!! I think I enjoy it so much because of the name... SU-WEEE! OINK, OINK!!! Ipod & I did some damage.

We are not alone, however!!! Guy Fieri's been here, too! I can check this off my 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" list!!!

Check it out!!!

CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH & FRIES

WITH GARLIC AIOLI

I ATE IT.

THE ROYALE BURGER

I ATE IT.

I couldn't decide between the two and have only ever had the chicken sandwich. So I ate half of both & brought the rest home for my seesters. SO FREAKING GOOD!!!! :) :) :)

If you're ever in the Pasadena/Eagle Rock area, you'll LOVE it. It's called 'The Oinkster' people!!!???

My last night I went to Mama's house and she and Mama's Momma made dinner for me. They don't just 'make dinner' either... The table is always set beautifully, there's always some kind of appetizer munchies and dessert. The way I feel at their house-- completely taken care of and loved-- is EXACTLY the feel I want at my MandiCakes storefront. I can't tell you how special and loved I feel when I'm there. They're just the best people in the world!!! I am sooo, sooo lucky!!!

And they make the most DELICIOUS food!!!

Who makes a salad like this for their friends!??

WHO!!??

WHO, I ASK YOU!!!???

That's right. Only Martha Stewart. Except this is BETTER because its 8,000% less Stepford wife and a 1,000,000% more comforting. :) :) :)

DELICIOUS & BEAUTIFUL HOME COOKED MEAL

I ATE IT!!!

They made me delicious tender steak and veggies with rice which I forgot to take a picture of because I was busy stuffing it into my piehole. But for dessert, helloooo... Peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream!!! SOOOOO GOOOD!!! I ate my face off. I really did.

Mr. Peabody was stuffed to the gills, too!!!

And those were most of my food adventures in L.A. this past week. JEALOUS!!??? You should be!! Tho I've gained 836 pounds (HA!) but well worth it on my vacation. :) :) :)

To Gluttony & Back-At-Home-Sugar-Withdrawl (It huuuurts!!!),

MandiCrocker

Samples, Samples, Samples!

2011-07-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting week or two...

I worked a ton of doubles over 4th of July & I'm afraid I've STILL yet to catch up on sleep! Working that much in 90 degree heat & humidity is one thing. I don't sleep well when it's hot and end up being 1,000,000% exhausted. On top of that, however, I also had a couple of cool opportunities come up that have left me an even busier busy bee! Here's the scoop... :)

I brought a Salted Caramel Creme Brulee Cupcake to the pub one night for Chef but he was unable to make it in. I heard the co-owner's wife saying she was about to leave so I asked if she wanted the cupcake to take home. She said yes but rather than take it home, she shared it with her table. At her table are a group of regulars, her friends, that I've waited on repeatedly. They're friends from the dock & they all boat together.

Needless to say, they FLIPPED OUT about this cupcake. (They were drunk).

Long story short, at this same table is the owner of a high end grocery store chain in Chicago. (Who knew!? I always called him 'Diet Coke & Chicken Tenders Guy!?'). He gives me his card and I follow up the next day. I set up a meeting with one of his managers to bring in some samples.

So! This is the part of the show were I get to tell you what I brought in. YAY!! I LOVE mini desserts. In fact I booked a wedding in Feb or March of next year. The couple wants a small triple layer cake for them but then a bunch of mini desserts for friends & family. SO EXCITED!!! :)
Mini desserts are just so stinkin' cute & because they're small-er-ish, you get to try more. :)

Per Chicken Tender's request, I made pies.

This is a mixed berry. :)

Then I made a blueberry.

And here's an apple! :)

He also mentioned cupcakes so I made a Brownie Cheesecake Cupcake: A layer of brownie, chocolate cake, a cream cheese filling and cream cheese frosting. YUM!!! :)

I also did some Salted Caramel Creme Brulee. I should have retorched this one before I took a picture. She looks a little tired. :)

Then I made some Grasshoppah Mint Brownies.

And a couple of fruit tarts...

... Tart shell, a hint (if you will) of raspberry jam, some pound cake, pastry cream & the fruit covered in an apricot glaze. The glaze doesn't really show well in these pictures.

And finally, my favorite!! Mini banana cream pies!!! A layer of chocolate ganache, caramel pastry cream, bananas, banana pudding and a bourbon whipped cream. SO FREAKING GOOD!!! In my world the streets of heaven are paved with banana cream pies and I'm going to lick everyone's feet.

The meeting went well. The manager I spoke with was really nice, said everything looked amazing and didn't doubt the quality or taste. But he said the bottom line is always the cost. I'm about 800% sure I'm too expensive for them but I'm not a huge fan of wholesaling anyway. Unless you have products nationwide, the only ones to truly benefit from wholesale are the businesses not the baker. So we'll see-- he said he'd get back to me within a week.

In the meantime, I brought leftovers to the pub for my co-workers. One of the servers asked if she could give out a banana cream pie to a couple asking for dessert. (The pub has none). They were so impressed they asked for my card because they just got engaged. So she decided to give them a fruit tart as well. They loved both so much they asked to speak with me. (SUH-WEET!)

So the moral of the story is:

Go with your gut & show up to your life.

Here's what I'm thinkin'... Though I don't really want to wholesale, I didn't pass up the opportunity to bring stuff in to the grocery store. It was excellent practice. Had I not done so, I wouldn't have brought stuff in to the pub and therefore, would not have not had the opportunity to hand out my card. Also, it was dead Thursday night & I was slightly miffed I was called in at all. But because the managers were adamant I stay, I chose to believe there was a reason I was at the pub that night.

"Everything radically changes today" has become my mantra. I expect miracles everyday and it's amazeballs what's come into my life (all expense paid trips to Hawaii, free U2 tickets, free movie tickets- CRAZY!) So with this in mind, I stuck around. They cut me an hour later- HA! As I was walking out, the chef's wife asked me to stay and have a drink. Knowing my kitchen was a DISASTER, I reeeeeeeeeeeally wanted to go home & clean but because it was such a weird day, weird circumstance and out of the blue request, I stayed. The past few days had all been about work, work, work. And if I truly believe in balance in my life-- being work, pleasure & spirituality, I needed to stay and relax as a way to take care of myself.

I was overly tired but I had a great time! Not only did I hear about yoga & a retreat with Amma the hugging guru in November, I was around long enough to talk to the couple about a potential opportunity.

I'm just real excited about things these days. What's new with you!? :)

Love,

MandiC.

Gay Pride & Other Delicious Things

2011-06-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

One of the gals I work with is getting married in March and she asked if I'd be interested in doing a tasting. She wanted a smaller cake for the bride & groom and then a table of mini desserts for the guests. Mini desserts!!!??? MY FAVORITE!!! :)

Per her request, I made some red velvet, carrot and chocolate peanut butter mini cupcakes. I also made some cheesecake swirl brownies and cake truffles. She also mentioned in passing her favorite dessert was creme brulee soooooooooo....

Unbeknownst to her, I decided to experiment!!! :) And sinseriously, you guys, this is probably one of the best things I've ever made... She LOVED them! I'm really excited!!!

SALTED CARAMEL CREME BRULEE CUPCAKES

These babies are GOOD. Soooo good in fact that a leftover cupcake I brought to the pub was shared at a table & won me another order for next week! At the same table was the owner of high end grocery store chain in Chicago and he gave me his card! I LOVE that people love these as much as I do!!!

I'm going to follow up tomorrow so we'll see what happens. :)

Aside from booking a wedding, it's just been a super fun week in general. I've gotten no sleep at all but sometimes it's just worth it! The Gay Pride Parade was right around the corner from my apartment and it was SUPER FUN. The parade floats lined up right outside the pub so the servers & I decided to dress up as The Village People (I was the Construction Worker). It was so hot we all kind of shed parts of our costumes about half way through.

And in even MORE fun... I got to be the Beer Tub Girl. (I'm going to pretend I'm MUCH more flattering in real life but oh well!) I sold beer out of the window to passersby and got to watch the whole parade!!! P.S. The tool belt came in handy, let me tell ya!

"Any of you boys need a beer?"

This was the parade. I took these pictures with my cell phone so they're pretty lousy. These people were neat, though! They had balloons attached all over their bodies like peacocks!

In a perfect world, I gorgeously captured the balloon letters that spell out P-R-I-D-E. In this world however, I caught R-D-E. (Take care, T-C-B--OH! A little respect!)

More floats & stuff!

I LOVE Chicago!!!

Everyone is always out & about at these street festivals!

And the best part of all is that my Booger B (Brandon, my friend from L.A.), came to visit for the weekend. He's moving out here August 1st and we spent the day laughing and getting sunburnt. It was AWESOME to see him. :) :) :)

And that's what I've been up to!!!

Tylenol PM time, folks!

This gurrrl be tiiiiiiiiiiiiiired. :)

Nailed & hammered (I wish!),

MandiCrocker

Traveling Adventures: Milwaukee's Comet Cafe

2011-06-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

It was a Tuesday night. I was tired but all of my Father's Day Etsy orders were finished & done. I was about to have one of those whiny 'I don't know what I want to do or what I'm up for or who I want to do it with' kind of evenings and 'Oh, I don't have the money anyway." (Btw, I always want to do it with Ryan Reynolds).

As a server, when you get the opportunity for a night out, you want to be served. After waiting on people 24-7 it's nice to be waited on. So after weighing all of my options, I thought I'd take myself on a date- dinner & a movie. I've learned how much I really enjoy my alone time...

BUT THEN!!! THEN, YOU GUYS!!!!... I had the best idea EVER!!! Why not take myself to MILWAUKEE!!!??? I've never been!!! It was something my ex and I had planned that fell through and why the h-e-double-hockey-hell should I not go on my own!!??? After just having seen 'Bridesmaids' which is set in Milwaukee, it just felt right. It felt perfect. It was only 5pm... In two hours time I could be eating dinner in a new city I'd never been to and have an adventure!!! TRAVEL!!!!

So I threw away all of my stupid excuses and made a list of reasonable 'to do's. And then I packed a bag. And duh! I have Big Toe. He's my road trip protector! You don't mess with BT!!! He's always looking out for me. :)

This is going to sound so corny but every moment that passed felt like my life was changing dramatically. How many times had I passed up an eight hour drive to San Francisco while living in L.A.!!??? I had to move to Chicago to interview at Ghirardelli to have them send me to San Francisco??? LAME.

"Remember this, d*umbass."

"NOTHING is impossible."

"Live the life you dream NOW."

"D*MBASS!!!"

I put myself in my cute little polka dot dress, heeled shoes, got some Caribou coffee and sang & danced my way to Milwaukee.

I really love food. REALLY. And I am NOT a food snob. I'll pretty much eat anything... which is why I LOOOOVE 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.' That show can give me a heart attack just watching it! When googling places to eat in Milwaukee, I saw that Comet Cafe had been featured on it. That sealed the deal! I was gonna eat somewhere Guy Fieri had eaten and live to tell the story!!!

Comet Cafe, y'all!

My server's name was Nathan. He was very sweet and helpful to the weirdo in the polka dot dress that kept asking annoying questions like, "What are you known for!???" He even said polka dots were his favorite color, plaid is his close second. :)

I played it very cool but I was UBER excited to be in Milwaukee. A) It's SUCH a cute city. Who knew!?? It's really awesome!!! And B) I didn't want to come across as a Food Network lemming cause this was more about the spirit of adventure than tv telling me what's good and what's not.

After telling Nathan my love of Goose Island's 'Sophie' and Allegash White, he suggested this Scrimshaw craft beer. It was nice! I prefer less hoppy beer that has a lot of layers. This was a little bland for me but it was something different and different is exciting!

I got the meatloaf dinner and it came with Cream of Mushroom Soup.

It was FANTASTIC. :)

Another great thing about going on dates alone? You get everything you want!!! I LOVE dating me! I'm a spinach and artichoke whore. There were other appetizers that looked delicious but I'll eat baby flesh covered in artichokes and cheese. I accidentally burned the roof of my mouth off. I'm an idiot. I also prefer chips with any kind of cheesy dip rather than crostini or pita-- but you're not listening so who cares.

Then my camera died so I had to take this DELICIOUS meatloaf dinner picture with my crappy cell phone camera. YOU GUYS...

YOU GUYS...

It's a Meatloaf Dinner with BEER gravy.

The gravy tasted like a Boeuf Bourginon sauce. There HAD to be red wine in it. It was so FREAKING good. I'm going to drown my food babies in this sauce. And yet this picture looks like an alien intestine plate. I'm so sorry, Comet Cafe, it was DELICIOUS!!!

Here's another.

You're just gonna have to take my word for it.

THEN... because hellooo... this was a date with me and I'm awesome & pretty sexy & really enjoying the conversation I'm having with this awesome me that I want the date to last longer, so it was dessert time. Nathan suggested the Banana Split Cupcake.

I couldn't eat it though. I'd had too much. And I reeeally burned my mouth on that dip, lol... So I took it home. I'll be honest... I wasn't really excited to try it. It was pretty heavy, looked like 'muffin' cake rather than fluffy, moist cake. And then when I got home...

Holy Aunt Jemima balls... It was a SUPER moist banana cake filled with cherries. Super dense but SUUUUPER moist. It was DELICIOUS. I wasn't crazy about the frosting but I'm a baker and that's a personal preference. People are so picky about frosting-- you never know.

Anyway, I'm TOTALLY gonna go back on a day where I can roam around Milwaukee. Nathan kept saying things like, "Did you run out of things to do in big, ol' Chicago? What are you doing here?" And I thought that was soooo funny because Milwaukee is absolutely pretty and quaint. Just driving around they have tons of museums and the huge Summer Fest, etc. It's a REALLY cool city. I'm psyched to go back!

And look what I found!!! Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I KNEW that sauce had red wine in it!!!

I would marry that meatloaf dinner.

Beer Gravy and More Beer Gravy and oh my God, MORE BEER GRAVY,

MandiCrocker

Bridesmaids: A Review & Lots of Oversharing

2011-06-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Friends! If you've yet to see 'Bridesmaids' please stop reading!!! A) Because I'm about to spoil the movie for you and B) Because it's totally worth your time so GO NOW!!! If you HAVE seen it... then you may keep reading if you'd like. :)
***********************************************************************

Okay... Not since 'Julie & Julia' or 'Eat, Pray, Love' has a movie punched me in the gut like this.  BF took me for a girls night and treated me but never before have I wanted to race home so fast to write a blog. I feel that if I don't catch all of these thoughts now, they'll be gone forever-- so here we go...

First things first... No one... and I mean NO ONE... told me this movie was about a BAKER. FO REALZ!!!????  Seriously, you guys??? Secondly, as much as I've heard this movie is 'so funny' and 'hysterical' and 'you have to see it,' no one has mentioned the poignancy and beauty in the movie's relationships and lessons.

This film resonates with me for so many reasons. In L.A., I was in the comedy improv/ sketch world. It's awesome to see a hilarious movie that, aside from the cop, is entirely about women. It really has nothing to do with the guys. Being from that world, I give MAJOR props to Kristen Wiig for having the cahones to write, produce and act so brilliantly in this movie. She's everything I want to be and know I can be. (Sorry if that sounds unbelievable or conceited, I just don't believe you can get anywhere if you don't believe in you're own dreams & gifts.)

Also, major props as well to actresses like Melissa McCarthy, who after playing cutesy characters like Suki on Gilmore Girls can go balls-to-the-wall in a film like this and be, well, Megan. So, so, funny!! They were all awesome! I have so much respect for what they did. There aren't movies like this for women- EVER. To me, it's everything "Sex & The City' wanted to be but is way more down to earth, real and full of heart.

Mostly I just resonate with Annie. What woman doesn't know what it's like to be at rock bottom? To constantly, mistakenly and hurtfully put yourself in situations where you allow yourself to be treated a certain way, where you settle for less because you forget what makes you special. You want so desperately for the person in front of you to love you as much as you wish you could love yourself. You lose your sparkle and shine.

I also know how it feels to be left and (not to be too overly dramatic) to pretty much have nothing. I know how it feels to be jobless, penniless, the friend that can't ever afford anything, the person that needs the bailouts... It's a very REAL and HONEST portrayal of what life can be for a woman-- for anyone, for that matter, that has taken risks on people or career and watched it fall apart.

I would already consider myself a success story but others who care about 'who I am' as only being a matter of 'what I've accomplished' or 'how much money I make,' might disagree. I'm 'only' a server, I didn't go to an ivy league school, my storefront hasn't even opened yet (hell, the business plan isn't even done!), I'm still in a bit of debt, etc. By society's standards, I would be a failure.

I, on the other hand, value life experience and growth over keeping up with The Jones'. I absolutely LOVE my life right now so I have no complaints. I'm definitely in the middle of my movie montage and see great things ahead but I know who I was three years ago... nine months ago... and boy, oh boy, Miss Wiig, I can relate. Life, job, career, etc... I'm cool with that. Future relationships, on the other hand... barf city!

Which leads me to the cop. There is definitely something to be said for getting out of your sh*t. In order for you to sparkle and shine and attract a good guy, you have to believe in your own magic. I 800% agree with that. At the same time, on my worst days, I can't help but wonder if there are any 'cops' left. I constantly see couples at the pub and a lot of these women can be high maintenance or boring or bossy and I'm just like, "I DON'T GET IT."

Where are the guys that want a real, down-to-earth woman or one better, can appreciate and even one better-better can HANDLE a sense of humor? My best friend's kid brother thinks I'm hilarious... Guys my age I'd think more appropriate to date think ' It's really unattractive when you contort your face like that.' Do I need to be a southern belle? A prom queen? A gal that's afraid to get her manicured hands dirty?

The impression I get is that I need to be a size six and have my bakery up and running to be worthy. The cop is cool with Annie as is. He's not demanding she be a career type or have it all together... But where I'm at this very moment, I gotta be honest. I don't see a whole lot of guys like that. Like ANY. Guys seem to want the 'commercial.' The hot girl that has a career that can become a perfect, boring soccer mom that takes her kids to school, is in top notch shape and can juggle all the balls of the household while he watches football and gets to complain about all the hot women he doesn't get to bang anymore.

I can hear you right now.  Half of you who are a bit more recently scarred or slightly more hopeless agree. Where ARE the good ones?  And then there are the rest of you who maybe have good guys in your life that are telling me, it's only the guys that aren't right for me that are that way. I get it, I do. For you positive folks, you'll be happy to know that my heart doesn't stay in this place long. But after a movie like this, that hits a bit too close to a home from the past, I can't help but wonder. Hmmm...

I don't want this to come across as a negative thing. I'm really just putting all of my current thoughts on 'paper' to get them out of my head. But what I find even more important in all of this is to say...

I ADORED this movie. Yes, it's HILARIOUS. But mostly because, at the heart of it, if you ARE one of the truly good women, it IS our girlfriends that seem to always believe in us and are always there biting our asses (sometimes literally) saying, "Hey this is life! This is life!!!" True women that don't judge you for your faults but help you recognize them and encourage you to get over them is real, true love. This movie helped me to remember how blessed I am for the many true loves I've had in my life. They've made my life fun and light-hearted and totally worthwhile!!! Your goofy natures and ability to view life less as anything but too serious makes me laugh & laugh & laugh.

So here's to the gals with the brownies in our teeth... If I never get caught with my tail lights out and find myself a cop, I KNOW my life is still the richest, most beautiful life... A life of spirit, inappropriate jokes and laugh lines because of you people. I couldn't be more grateful. :)

All my love and nine puppies,
MandiC.

Low-Cal Stuffed Mushrooms!

2011-06-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Like-- omg, you guys... I LOVE stuffed mushrooms. Like-- totally love them!

Buuuuuut... while you're on a diet and eating sooo much healthier, appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, which are usually loaded with breadcrumbs and cheese, aren't typically on the 'what to consume' list.

HOWEVER... being the creative genius that I am-- *cough, cough*-- I came up with a delicious low-cal version that I really enjoy. IN YO FACE, CALORIES!!! Super flavorful and delicious! It's also 8,000,000 degrees in Chicago today and I thought, "What better way to celebrate the firey pits of hell-summer than to use the oven!???" (Moron).

But look at these delicious caps of goodness!!! Don't they look good? Let me rephrase... If you're a mushroom lover (See what I did there, Dingy Dongy? ((She HATES mushrooms))), don't they look good?!!!!! :)

Here's the scoop on how to make one serving!

Wash half a large package of portobello or white button whole mushrooms-- about 8-10 caps. Break off the stems and throw those in a bowl. Then line up the caps on a baking sheet.

Take these stems and a small-medium size clove of garlic and cuisinart that baby up. (If you don't have a cuisinart dats cool just chop 'em up nice & tiny-like).

Take that ground up mushroom/garlic mixture & saute it with the most minimal amount of olive oil that you can.

Until it begins to brown a bit...

In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup of non-fat cottage cheese, the sauteed mixture, a light sprinkling of onion powder (about 1/16tsp) and two shakes of black pepper and cayenne pepper to your liking.

Mix it up real good and

then stuff those puppies!!!!

The seagulls in finding Nemo: MINE. MINE. MINE. MINE. MINE. MINE

Bake in the oven on 350 about 20 minutes!

And finally, I'd like to put a call in to Delilah on my favorite easy lisening station...

A long distance dedication to these mushrooms...

Because I'm THAT weird...

Aaron Lines 'You Can't Hide Beautiful'

Some day a guy is going to sing this song to me. (It's probably going to be John Corbett). But in the meantime, I'm singing it to my mushrooms!!! Join with me!!! :)

Enjoy and In Joy!

Love,
MandiCrocker

John Hancock: More Birthday Wishes!

2011-06-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

While I was MIA without a computer, I got to have lots of fun adventures! I'll be sharing them in the next few weeks as I transfer files.

For my beloved roomie's birthday, we went to the top of the John Hancock for a birthday champagne toast with some wonderful folks. One of the best nights I've had in Chicago! :) :) :)

It is soooo absolutely beautiful!!!

And so high up I soiled myself about three times.

Okay, 26 times...

When they found out it was V's birthday, they sent her a piece of cake!

Happy Birthday, Roomie!!! :)

You have such a good spirit & soul--

I LOVE YOU!

V has been such a wonder, a true encouragement and utter life saver over the past year and a half. Who'd have thought after working together at a medical billing company in L.A. (in a basement office that smelled like dirty diapers, mind you), we'd be LIVING TOGETHER IN CHICAGO!!!???

Having a magical night like this!?

WOWEEE!!!!

I just LOVED it.

And anyone that visits or moved here I'm taking!!!

(We'll only go for one drink though & then hit a cheap bottle of wine at the 7-11 because I don't have the extra kidneys to afford two!!! Holy Aunt Jemima Balls!) ;)

I love blurry pictures sometimes.

I think they remind me of paintings.

And then I always want to paint. :)

This picture below is looking to the north.

The lake is on the right!

I love you, Chicago.

And I LOVE you, Roomie.

And I'm real excited about the great things in my life and the dreams that are being fulfilled every day that passes!!! Biz plan by the end of the summer: Check. Financial stability: Check. Losing weight: Check!

And that's just for starters...

Dream big, woodchuck chuckers...

Anything is possible.

ANYTHING. :)

Love,

MandiC.

Cheat Days

2011-06-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

I just spent 126,000 hours working on my business plan. My brain is FRIED. I thought the best thing would be to stay on the Internet & write noncohesively on my blog. YAY!!!

You guys... I'm down 18 pounds. YAHOOOEY!!!! And I told myself once I hit the 20 lb mark I would celebrate with the most ginormous burger, fries, drinks and a trough of ranch. So I called Chef but sadly he wasn't going to be around next week when I would hit the 20 mark so we celebrated two pounds early.

Me: "Chef, you want to help me do some damage!????"
Chef: "You name the time & place!"

So we went to the awesome D.S. Tequila ...

First, beverages... After working two doubles over Memorial Day Weekend, I wanted a vacation in my mouth!!! I ordered some blue margarita drink. And let me tell you... After having had no sugar for two weeks this sucker knocked me OUT. Not alcohol-wise but I do believe my blood sugar was 8,000 by the end of it!!!

Then we had this DELICIOUS queso chorizo dip. Anytime cheese is melted... anytime a carb is involved... Good GOD. I love me some queso. May my casket be full of liquid cheese....

THEN I ORDERED THIS!!!!

It's a bleu cheese burger with bacon and guacamole... Oh my God... SOOOOO FREAKING GOOD!!!! And they have really good fries, too. I was HAPPY. :)

And a mushroom taco.

I TOLD YOU I WASN'T KIDDING AROUND!!!

This is what Chef ordered... The Hawaiian Burger.

And THEN... They sent us THIS. A ginormous sundae with a cascade of toasted marshmallows & crushed peanut butter cups sprinkled on the top. WHAT!!!??? WHAT!!!???? Oh my gosh, it was soooo delicious. TRIPLE DOG HAPPY!!!

All in all, I drank the margarita. I did my half of the queso for sure. I shared half the taco with Chef. By that point, I could only eat a quarter of the burger before I was going to die of high blood sugar. I had walked to the lakeshore earlier that day, had gotten too much sun, was already dehydrated & then sugar was injected in my veins at a VERY fast rate. I was SOOOOO full and really thought I might have a heart attack!!! lol :)

And hey look!!! It was Chef's birthday eight months ago you guys!!! Look what I finally got around to doing! Everybody say 'Happy Birthday, Chef!!!"

It was a layer of brownie and a layer of chocolate cake covered in peanut butter frosting. Mmmm... I tried none of it. NONE!!! This diet stuff is for the birds, man!!! ;)

I love mini cakes, though. They're so cute! :)

Anyway, that was my gluttonously wonderful cheat day. I had to share. And for you Chicago peeps, you should definitely check out D.S. Tequila! On Mondays all food is HALF OFF. Fo reals. And that sundae? Holy Aunt Jemima balls...

Calories & Skinny Jeans,
MandiC.

Chicken With Faux Pesto and Roasted Red Peppers Recipe

2011-05-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

No matter how many quotes I remember or how many affirmations I write down every night... There's always this monster attached to my hips and guts and arms that won't go away. I thought it would come off naturally once I'd become-- you know, perfect. HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

"I'm so full of light and love, I can't fathom eating fried foods anymore." Again, I say... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Folks, I LOOOOVE CRAP. I will always love crap. I love it. I had zero desire to do this. You know how when you're at rock bottom & you're like, "Monday's the day! I am starting this diet & this time it's real!!!" And you're flying high for three weeks until you crash face first into an entire pizza? Yeah, I've got NONE of that going on. I serve delicious deep fried food to craft beer drinking couples four times a week so NO... this super buttery, rich, more-heavy-cream-please-and-eight-blocks-of-cheese French food lover's soul does NOT rejoice-- it weeps.

But alas, it's just time. Maybe it's the acknowledgement that they just ordered summer tank tops for all of us at work (I don't even know skinny girls that like tank tops!?) . Maybe it's that although I've gotten used to being on hurting feet thanks to 15+ years in the food industry, this new back pain is NOT something I feel like messing with and know extra pounds don't help. But ultimately, I just feel it. All the growing I've done the past three years, this is the last hurdle. The BIGGEST hurdle of my life, mind you... And being 13 pounds down (35 from the day I arrived in Chicago!), I feel really, really good and excited. :)

So I started The 17 Day Diet if anyone wants to know the big secret. But really it's all stuff you already know. Eat healthy things & watch the weight disappear like magic!? NO WAY!!!

The first 17 days of this diet are pretty dang restrictive. Chicken, fish and vegetables are all that's allowed. Plus two servings of low sugar fruits and two servings of 'probiotic' dairy (non-fat cottage cheese or non-fat yogurt). And that's it! It's to cleanse you, cutting out all sugar and crap in a way that jump starts your metabolism. You can eat constantly so it's not like you're fasting or anything. But seriously, how many times can you eat vegetables with garlic & onions & soy sauce or have a salad with balsamic vinegar!?? You start dreaming of mashed potatoes and butter...

So I've had to get creative and come up with some super delicious things!!! Introducing my favorite, thus far:

CHICKEN WITH FAUX PESTO AND ROASTED RED PEPPERS

Say hello to Betty Basil Plant.

She's the guest this week. :)

INGREDIENTS (about 2 servings):

4-6 Basil leaves

1 1/2 cups of spring mix lettuce

1 huge honkin' garlic clove

1 tsp of olive oil

2 large spoonfuls of non-fat cottage cheese

2 chunk of roasted red pepper

2 raw boneless chicken breasts

To begin, throw the basil, spring mix, garlic and olive oil into a Cuisinart. If you don't have a Cuisinart, feel free to just chop it up real good.

Then 'shmear' and cover three or four raw boneless chicken breasts with this faux pesto. And really have at it! It's mostly lettuce! Throw the chicken in the broiler til the outsides get a little crispy and brown. Then turn the heat down to about 350 until there's no pink inside.

Plate the chicken once it's done and cover it in cottage cheese, adding the roasted red pepper and VOILA! It's reeeeeally delicious, you guys. And hello!? SUPER HEALTHY!!! :)

I'd like to mention a couple things:

1) I HATE COTTAGE CHEESE. I THINK IT'S SOOOO NASTY!!! I don't in this recipe. It's delicious & creamy!
2) Make sure the jar of red peppers you buy has no sugar added & is low in carbs. :)
3) Feel free to add more basil or use more garlic to make it the way you like it. Just don't over use the oil!
4) If my chicken hasn't crisped up the way I want in the broiler, I'll throw it in the pan where I just cooked my veggies and sear it til it's nice & brown. That works, too!

Anyway, hope you guys try this one out. Once you get the hang of it, it's super easy and again, it's truly delicious. I wouldn't lie to you!!! :)

HAPPY SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

Love,
MandiC.

Oliver and Greektown!

2011-05-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Back in the Susina days, Bf and I used to work with our dear sweet friend Oliver. Ollie is from Ireland so he has this terrific accent! We lurve him and he came to visit us all the way from L.A.! We went to the French Market!

I'm just noticing that I write my blog like it's a book for children. Huh. I mean... Yay!!!

Ollie is so funny because although he's young he's super curmudgeonly. He's like an 80 year old man sometimes. It's fun to pick on him and them smother him with hugs.

There is a giant wiener in this picture.

Oliver is being inappropriate.

In the picture I act surprised but I'm not really.

I'm never surprised anymore, lol...

Ollie wanted to go to Greektown cause he's a culinary grad and now the new General Manager at Susina. Whatever Ollie wants, Ollie gets! So we found this adorable place called 'Artopolis.'

We didn't have much time at the shop because we spent most of our day getting lost. HA! But they had so many delicious looking treats that I'm making the plan to go back there asap.

And look at those crazy breads all weirdly shaped on that top shelf. FUN! Way better than Little Caesar's! ;)

How cute is this place!?

Sinceriously!

I mean... come on.

Isn't she cute!? That's BF!

The storefront is pretty cute, too, I guess.

Then we went to this other shop.

Not nearly as exciting.

These deep fried dough roll-ups really were all that looked tasty to me. I bet they're delish!!!

I'm not sure why but then we went to the train station. This is usually where I meet Agent Vaughn when I need to talk to someone. He's my CIA handler but he's the only one who understands what its like to be a double agent, have a father that's a double agent and a mother who is head of Russian K-Directorate. *sigh*

This is Chicago. :)

This is Ollie at 'Willis Tower.'

Or 'Sears Tower.'

Or 'That Really Big Building That Is Practically Empty.'

Then we went to Satay. We had been walking 26,000 miles and it was time for our feeding.

And they all lived Happily Ever After.

THE END. :)

Love,

MandiC.