Parlier Pie Perfection

I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I immediately associate social gatherings with the need to overindulge on yummy food. Forget who will be in attendance, I want to know what there will be to eat, and can I bring I anything else! Like I’ve mentioned before, I have little to no control over my consumption of sugary treats, or delectable comfort foods. Out of site, out of mind. In site, in my mouth. Sorry! I would like to say, I’m working on it, but really, I am provoking it, by this season’s instantaneous desire to start baking! Last year around this time, I was withstanding all tasty temptations in preparation for my contest. This year, although still watching what I consume, I have to make up for lost time as I didn’t get to indulge in some of my favorite autumn dishes. With that being said, I have committed to trying a few new (and simple) recipes to kick off the fall season, but under one tiny stipulation. It cannot stay in my house. Luckily, our social calendar warrants a new recipe here and there for me to share with friends at THEIR houses. It’s also better that I am supervised; otherwise I will eat 5 pieces of pie because no one sees me in my own kitchen.   Two weeks ago, Vicki and I made Pumpkin Oatmeal (white) Chocolate Chip Cookies. YUM. I made the mistake of buying Pumpkin Pie Filling, not Pumpkin Puree, so I

 need to get rid of it before it becomes a sweet tooth disaster and gets eaten by the spoonful. I know, that’s gross, but I wouldn’t put it past me at my low points ;)

This recipe is simple with only 4 ingredients, but I have never made a pie before, so I see it as a challenge.

Fixins:

12oz. can Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Filling

2/3 cup (5 oz.can) Carnation Evaporated Milk
2 Large Eggs-Beaten
1 Unbaked pie Crust


Directions:
MIX pumpkin pie mix, evaporated milk and eggs in large bowl.
POUR into pie shell
BAKE in preheated 425°F. oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F.; bake 50 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Super Easy right!? Well, apparently I used a little more of the pumpkin pie filling than I thought when making the cookies, because my pie mix was SUPER runny when I put the ingredients together.  Having ZERO experience in Pie Perfection, I had no way to remedy this, so I prayed that cooking it longer would do the trick.  Add that mini disaster to  a super slow heating/cooking oven and "whipping" up a pie to take to a friend's on Friday became a 2.5 hour ordeal. GEEZ. Needless to say, my husband wasn't diving in for the first bite that night!  BUTTTT, to my disbelief, after a few hours in the oven, then an overnight stay in the fridge, the pie got raving reviews! So my Slushy Pie turned out to be alright and my plan worked, as I only had one piece....well maybe two ;)

                                                        

Lovely Lady Lumps

Last weekend I had the honor of participating in the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure here in San Diego.  I'm always a fan of a good cause and although I don't have a personal connection with Komen, I admire their tenacity in bringing awareness of Breast Cancer across the globe.  It certainly doesn't have to be February or October to Think Pink and "Save the Tatas!" Over eleven thousand San Diegans, along with myself and a few co-workers, raised over $400,000 for the Cure and sprinted through the finish line in a 5k Race.  It was such an inspiration to be surrounded by cancer survivors and their loved ones, as well as dozens of local and national vendors all in the name of saving our Lovely Lady Lumps(Thank you Fergie)! I couldn't resist snapping photos of complete strangers in their crazy pink get ups, as even the pups got into the philanthropic spirit! I walked away blessed from my experience with Komen and can't wait to participate in another race soon. Not to mention my fave (and local!) Bachelorette couple Alli and  Roberto made an appearance (eek!) and I placed 5th in my age group!

Post Race with my Running Buddy :)

This pink wig speaks for itself=Awesome.

I love anything Matchy Matchy ;)

Yeeehaaawwww!

Pooches in pink!

The Finish Line!

A little Celebratory Champagne? Duh.

Halloween 2010

Nightmare on Phoebe Street turned out to be a Spooktacular event with tons of yummy food, lots to drink and far to many adorable couples costumes! Vicki and I whipped up mini cupcakes, Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies, Monster Toes, Candy Corn Pizza and even a little Parlier Poison to boot! Hot cocoa, homemade apple cider, MORE cupcakes and a variety of delicious appetizers were a few of items that were also enjoyed throughout the evening. Everyone looked fabulous and we had a great time Monster mashing the night away! Shame on me for not getting more picture of the inside of our house, but hopefully they will show up from someone! Everything was covered in Spider webs, with black lights, and glow and dark bats hanging from the ceiling. Black drapes, orange streamers and skulls galore with the spooky touch of dry ice and candles really made the Haunted Haus der Parlier come to life! Not to mention a live set from DJ Parliyay, aka Merlin himself! We had a blast and I cannot wait for the next party!

Merge, Purge, and Splurge!

The three words that keep me up at night! What can I get rid of to make this look better? How can I combine what I have with what Tim has to make this more functional? And what can I purchase to replace what I ditched? It’s a nasty cycle, that so many of us looovvveee to run. Tim would be the first to point out my irrational merge, purge, splurge tendencies, which coincide with my spontaneous purchases followed by an abrupt return a few days later. I guess you can say I act quickly, and think about it later, but unfortunately that’s not without costing me frustration and usually come cash. Wahhhh wahhhh. Who knows if I will ever find the perfect balance, which I refuse to admit is as easy as “just don’t buy anything” like my lucid husband suggests. The truth is everyone that has access to reading this blog has more than we need to survive. Our needs are moreso wants, and our wants are never ending. I’m not here to preach on how gluttonous and over privileged we are, because I don’t believe it’s entirely our fault. We were born into this world we live. I am however proposing a challenge to myself, specifically in the merge and purge departments. I have way too many clothes, yet nothing to wear. I came home after church last night, and decided I needed to purge. I have clothes that are better off on somebody’s back that needs them, than in my closet becoming outdated fashion trends. I sorted and sifted through a closet, a dresser, a wardrobe stand, and under the bed storage and just started yanking things off the rack and into a pile.

This will be the 5th time I have done this in 2010. and sadly, I still have too much crap! But this time, Im REALLY letting go! With the weather, time commitment, and heartbreak of watching my prized possessions sell for pennies, I have decided that a garage sale is just not worth it. So, after some thought and research, I have decided to give my goods to a local thrift store that is actually owned and operated by our previous church, the ROCK.  I’m really excited to bring them my large bags of clothes knowing that they will be benefiting the community, and the church, with the probability of blessing someone with items they otherwise wouldn’t have. My hopes are to NOT respond to my purge with a splurge, but rather, a small merge to make more room in a our humble abode…NOT for more stuff! I promise!!! I already feel great about my decision and somewhat cleansed of unwanted items. I highly recommend taking a look around and seeing what you can honestly live without. I’m hoping to really make strides with my new outlook. If anything, I see it as fewer things to clean and possibly pack and move later!

When was the last time you purged and what did you do with your freight?

She Popped the Question and I said YES!

Last night I came home to an exciting, fun, and yummy package from my beautiful friend Rhiannon! It was scrumcious on so many levels, as she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding next year with a fabulous handmade card and adorable COOKIES!!! I'm happy to say the cookies were so delicious they were missing in action (in my mouth) from the picture.  I was totally surprised by this thoughtful gesture, as I have been dying to be a bridesmaid since having been a Bride this past Spring.  Especially for Rhiannon as she was so wonderfully supportive for me as a bridesmaid herself. Rhiannon and I "met" at a wedding, so naturally our friendship flourished over our obsession for ALL things "Wedding!" Wedding Watch 2010 is what we call our 2nd day jobs scouring the world wide web for the Do's and Don'ts, and the Must-Haves for each Wedding Season. Rhiannon, I am thrilled to be a helping hand while you plan your commencement of "Forever Together" with Matt.  

Wedding Watch 2011: Destination Hawaii! YIPPEEE!!!

Rhiannon at work. :)  She is the best! haha

YOU'RE NEXT! So exciting! :)

Onward to Notre Dame

Five years ago Tim took his love for the Fighting Irish to the next level, by trekking out to South Bend, Indiana to watch the gold helmets run through the tunnel for the ultimate college football experience. Every year since he has made it a tradition to head East in hopes of a real time victory! Last season, I was the lucky winner who got to attend with him.  I was a bit nervous that my football fanfare, specifically Notre Dame, wasn't up to par to be the "chosen one," but obviously I was stoked! 

Chicago is the gateway city of choice to South Bend from the West Coast, and I must say, I fell in love.  Deep dish pizza that tastes like buttery cheese pie crust, hand crafted beer that will blow your socks off, and the shopping on Michigan Avenue that even the blistering wind and rain couldn't hold me back from.

What's not to love!? Top that off with the traditions and hospitality of UND, and you have yourself a perfect trip.  We cheered through rain (thank goodness they sold ponchos!) and basked in the victory over the University of Washington Huskies.  Having gone to San Diego State, we were robbed of college football tailgating, due to the fact our stadium was off campus, and our team wasn't exactly Mount West's finest. Needless to say, it was an awesome adventure starting with Rudy playing on the bus as we pulled into campus, to the student organizations selling cheap BBQ before the game,  and the high fives and pushups taking over the crowd each time they scored! (check out that video!) A Notre Dame football game is unlike anything else I have experienced!

I'm ecstatic to say we are headed back to Notre Dame this weekend for the matchup against Stanford! This time around we are only spending one day in Chicago before heading straight to South Bend, Indiana so we can explore this small town and soak in all things Notre Dame. Game day, we have high hopes of visiting the College Football Hall of Fame in the am then heading over to campus for a more in depth tour of the historical University and of course, some serious tailgating.  Years past Tim has always traveled with the Luck of the Irish, as every game he's attended has been a victory.  Not to jinx our pot of gold of course, but I hope we win!  GOOOOO IRISH!!!! 

America's Next Top Brodel

When Tim and I were asked by the lovely Jessica Hannon, a San Diego photographer, to be the subject of a stylized shoot, I was more than thrilled to be a part of the fun! Tim and I got married in East North County San Diego, so it wasn't feasible for us to ditch the party and head to the beach for a few epic photos. So when the theme and location were up for discussion, we did just that! Not only did we get to shoot at the beautiful Del Mar beach, but we wrestled around with fun creative themes until we decided on a peacock feather pallet, which was the exact opposite of my ivory and gold wedding.
Jessica even pooled talent for hair and makeup to crank it up a notch.  Dinah Brown, my amazing florist for our wedding took our Peacock theme and ran with it. Her creations were phenomenal and blew us all away. To read more about our photo shoot, check out Jessica's Website here.
One last side note before we get on to Jessica's talented portraits.

While trompsing around Vegas wearing white and a veil at my bachelorette, I was asked if I was a Bride or a Model (why? I have NO CLUE.), and naturally I replied, BOTH! Stemmed one of my favorite words, Brodel. ;) All joking aside, my short lived modeling career was no walk in the park  as I prepared for my brodeling debut!  It was more like a Bride's WORST nightmare.  It had only been three months since our nuptials in April, and as I mentioned in my previous post, no dessert has gone left unturned, and no Italian cuisine went foreign on these lips during our travels in Europe. My concern for fitting into my dress was the cause of many restless nights, extra miles on the treadmill, and tears of fear as we headed into the final week before the shoot. As the days drew closer, and the details were coming together, one thing that wasn't inching in, was my wedding dress. Point blank, it out right DID NOT FIT ME. Not only did it not zip, but it ripped after I forced my beloved husband to yank it up and make it clasp. HA! A bride that doesn't fit into her dress, doesn't get worse than that, oh but it did.  Wednesday before our Sunday photo shoot, I had to get an emergency surgery on my right gum for an ongoing infection I just couldn't shake.  It was more invasive than intended and I had a swollen chipmunk cheek going into the weekend.  I would be lying if I didn't disclose that I had a complete mental and physical breakdown on saturday night. Is it possible to be BRIDEZILLA even if your already married?! Ummm…yes! Thanks to the calming words of sweet Jessica and my loving husband, I upped my own ante and made the best of the situation. I did what this Bride does best, DIY. Ribbon, tweezers, a careful eye and an icepack on my cheek remedied the situation and my button down dress was a beautiful corsette back, but most importantly, a dress that fit! Our pictures turned out beautiful despite my swollen cheeky, and we had a blast spending the day with Jess and Jay. We even got a few yummy cupcakes when all was said and done!

A BIG thank you to Jessica Hannon for asking us to be a part of such a fun day, and to my wonderful husband for his love and support in something he knew was important to me. 

Now on to the photos!  Here are a few of my faves, but check out the rest here! 

Tis' the Season

Having both grown up in Southern California our whole lives, seasons come and go with little to no change, except a rain drop here and there, and a gust of wind that sets everyone awry. However, there is one season that doesn’t come without sincere anticipation from the Parlier household, and that is none other than FOOTBALL Season.

Thanks to college football, Saturdays are no longer about hittin’ the beach and enjoying the outdoors, but waking up and putting your game face on with eagerness to enjoy America’s favorite game. Specifically, Notre Dame Football. Tim’s family, originally from the Midwest, have been Irish fans for generations, so it’s no question where Tim gets his Notre Dame fanfare.

This will be my 5th football season with Tim, each of which I have learned more about not only the sport, but my appreciation for the game, and for a die hard fan. This year however, marks the first football season as Mrs. Parlier, to which I have taken great concern and have been gearing up for quite some time now as I am determined to be a football spectator, not just bandwagon fan. With that, I’m thrilled to say the Irish took the season opener 23-12 over Perdue this past Saturday! It was a fun game to watch, and I am really looking forward to a great season ahead.

For the love of all things football, we did a quick wardrobe change after the game and trekked out to SDSU for their season opener against, Nichol’s State. (It took us til’ the 2nd quarter to figure out where that school even is!) Freshman were flooding the stadium by the bus load, and it was so fun to watch and hear them as they experience their first football game as an Aztec. It brought be back 9 years ago when I did the same thing! I am EXTREMELY honored to report that not only did the Aztecs Win, but they shut them out 47-0! Double whammy!

Although I was a bit “footballed out" come bed time, Saturday was a really exciting day of fun, friends, family and football. If that’s what the season ahead holds, bring it on!

5 Houses + 1 Dinner = YUM!

It was such a blessing when a couple we met from our premarital class at church, Katy & Preston, were not only super cool, but gave us a heads up when a vacancy arose in their highly sought after community! We now live in a five unit complex, consisting of two duplex beach cottages and a main house, also known as, THE COLONY. All of us are twenty-somethings, and 4 out of the 5 units are young married couples, which makes it that much more fun! To further the fun and unity, two weeks ago we decided to do a Progressive Dinner. A progressive dinner is when you split up the courses of a meal and each location hosts a different one. In the end, you “progressively” dine your way through a full spread! Which in our case, was a delicious five courses with a California fresh cuisine spin!

Since all the houses are in a line, we kept it simple and started in the front and made our way to the back. Now on to the yummy eats, which by the way, were a surprise at each place! I took a few pics, but I havent been able to upload them yet, so sorry for the fabricated illustrations!
Carrie & Collin-Appetizers and Drinks!
Cream cheese stuffed figs, Pears wrapped in bruschetta and cheese, and homemade guac & chips accompanied by beer, wine, and strawberry lemonade! A delicious start to our evening!
Tim & Allison-Salad!
Gorgonzola, Pecan and Pear Salad with homemade mustard vinaigrette dressing. ( I even roasted and caramelized the pecans!) Served with sparkling lemonade (in fancy little glasses of course!).
Alyssa and Rachel- Side Dish!
Bowtie Pasta with green beans, tomatoes, and avocado. They also set out a cocktail bar with fun mixers and such.

Katie and Preston-Main Dish!
BBQ’d Ribs, homemade Ice Tea and Lemonade…and Napkins! (Which were actually homemade too!) I usually don’t eat ribs, but these were delish! It was such a nice night, we sat on their patio on these awesome benches they made for their wedding and ate under these fabulous party lights. Their side yard is so great! Then us ladies demanded we go into their house and watch their wedding video. Surprisingly, all 10 of us crowded around and laughed, cried, and almost watched it a 2nd time! K+P=Love. So Cute!
And for the Grand Finale…….

Haley and Steven-DESSERTT!!!!
Homemade Pear and Cinnamon Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream! We also sat on their side yard around the fire pit and ate while sipping on coffee and telling funny stories. DELISH x 10!
As you can imagine, we were all stuffed to the brim as we waddled back to our houses and rolled into bed. We had such a blast, that we want to do it again as soon as possible!

Cooking for 10-Slightly overwhelming

Cleaning dishes for 10-Never exciting

Eating one meal at five places: AWESOME!

Freshman 15

Love is Sweet!
photo by Kacey Luvi

We’ve all heard the rumors, and hoped they wouldn’t come true….but it’s inevitable that newlyweds have a long running history of packin’ on a few extra lbs now that they’ve sealed the deal for “Happily Ever After.” Unfortunately, I have finally fallen victim to the freshman 15 of our first year of marriage, and it’s only been four months! According to studies, I am predicted to possibly gain 15-30 lbs over the next few years! OUCH! (read here!) Staying in bed until the last minute, late night ice cream dates on the couch, trips across the world eating blocks of cheese and pints of beer, and a fresh tapped keg within an arms reach to name a few of our downfalls. Over the years, both Tim and I put serious emphasis on maintaining our beach ready physiques, all of which is now two sheets to the wind! We have overindulged, gone back for thirds (notice I didn’t I say seconds), had an extra scoop, and took one for road any chance we got. It’s been fun stuffing our faces in the name of love and it’s been something we have both wanted to do for years now. BUT, it’s time for this Gluttony to end! Perhaps the June gloom that has taken over our entire summer is to blame as an excuse to not get into a bikini at the drop of dime, but the weather is a changin’ and I refuse to not change with it! I’ve never been one to not be happy in my skin…but I’m watching that slip ever so quickly, so it’s time to get a move on to ensure I can take full advantage of the beach days ahead without feeling the need to lather in spray tan and hide under an umbrella. I’ve decided (Tim claims these are my infamous words) to commit to being active for AT LEAST 30 mins each day. If you know me, I am a gym rat, and my usual goal is 60-90 mins 5-6 days a week…but let’s not rush into things just yet! I still plan to keep my work out regiment, but want to enhance it with consistency. My 30 minutes of activity could be running sprint intervals like the NY Jets til’ I puke, or it could be a nice walk with Tim on the beach. Both of which have their appeal, but regardless of the caloric burn, I am moving in the right direction. I’m going to Call it 30 for 30. Thirty minutes a day for 30 days…and I will see where I am at. I know enough to know that 30 mins a day isn’t going to take me be from Drab to Fab, but paired with sensible eating (maybe just seconds, not thirds) I think it will get me pumped up to get back on track, while still being relaxed and having fun indulging. The truth of the matter is this, I am not single, and I am not competing (Bodybuilding) anytime soon, so why not have an extra scoop and feel good about it? I am on a mission to find a happy balance between Queen of the Beach and “Fat and Happy.” :)
Now if you will excuse me, someone brought Donuts to work today and they are calling my name ;)
xoxo

The Ultimate Tap Out

Saturday was a sad, yet accomplishing day at the Parlier household. We officially tapped our first Keg in the Kegerator. Tim was Djing in the guest room while I did my usual weekly house cleaning. As I have mentioned to some, having a resident DJ pumping techno beats through your house while you clean is awesome….especially when paired with a fresh cold beer from the kegerator (compliments of Tim’s groomsmen). I went for a post beach/pre-dinner brew, and to my dismay, I poured the last and final glass of the yummy Ballast Point Yellowtail Pale Ale we had been sapping on for the last 2+ months. I ran into the other room with a look of shock, sadness, and a funny grin to tell Tim of the tragedy, and being the good wifey that I am, handed the foamy glass to my husband to enjoy the last drop. ;)

We both agreed, that although disappointing that it’s gone, it’s a blessing in disguise because our beer bellies were growing as fast as our love for this delicious pale ale! I think we might let the Keg sit empty till we recover a bit from our trip and drop a few lbs. Football season is around the corner, so I’m sure it won’t be empty for long! Any suggestions on yummy brews?