Peanut will SO be getting one of these.

But if he doesn't like Spiderman-- Wait... That's just crazy-talk.

Jazz Hands!

Just when I thought I couldn't be more excited about being a dad...

I see this.

Coolest. Toy. Ever.

The Sweetest Thing

We received the cutest V-Day card from Mom and Dad Ejaz. I just have to share.

Surprise Package

Hmmm. A package...

I'm liking where this is going

Beautious

and delicious!



Thanks Pika!

Nursery Update

Peanut's nursery has been turned into shambles. You can draw your own conclusions.

Whole Foods

It's a beautiful thing. I have to smile every time I walk through those doors. Everything is just so pretty. I paid a visit early this morning. "Good Morning", the produce boy greeted me as he stacked nectarines in a perfect pyramid. "Good Morning", I replied... and actually meant it. He looked really happy to be surrounded by all that whole foodiness.
I'm not even 10 steps in the door and already distracted by the striped orchid bouquets. I have to remind myself 'Resident's salary. I'm here for the cat.'
The only bad thing about Whole Foods is that I can't afford to do all my shopping there. So I only grab the cat food today and get in the express line; the nine items or less line. The lady in front of me manages to rack up a bill of $90. I didn't see how many items she had, but best case scenario would make it an average $10 for each item! Yikes. I'll be sticking to toothpaste and cat food for awhile.

What's for Dinner?

Even with millions of recipes from cuisines around world available online, sometimes I just don't know what to make for dinner. When nothing else strikes my fancy, I turn to pizza. I'm always in the mood for pizza and love this simple dough recipe from Wolfgang Puck.

Ingredients:
1 package active dry or fresh yeast
1 teaspoon honey
1 cup warm water (105º F to 115º F)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Method:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and honey in 1/4 cup of the warm water.
2. In a mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour and the salt. Add the oil, yeast mixture, and the remaining 3/4 cup of water and mix on low speed until the dough comes cleanly away from the sides of the bowl and clusters around the dough hook, about 5 minutes. (The pizza dough can also be made in a food processor. Dissolve the yeast as above. Combine the flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse once or twice, add the remaining ingredients, and process until the dough begins to form a ball.)3. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead by hand 2 or 3 minutes longer. The dough should be smooth and firm. Cover the dough with a clean, damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. (When ready, the dough will stretch as it is lightly pulled.)
4. Place a pizza stone on the middle rack of the oven and preheat the oven to 500º F.
5. Divide the dough into 4 balls, about 6 ounces each. Work each ball by pulling down the sides and tucking under the bottom of the ball. Repeat 4 or 5 times. Then on a smooth, unfloured surface, roll the ball under the palm of your hand until the top of the dough is smooth and firm, about 1 minute. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. At this point, the balls can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
6. To prepare each pizza, dip the ball of dough into flour, shake off the excess flour, place the dough on a clean, lightly floured surface, and start to stretch the dough. Press down on the center, spreading the dough into an 8-inch circle, with outer border a little thicker than the inner circle. If you find this difficult to do, use a small rolling pin to roll out the dough. Lightly brush the inner circle of the dough with oil and arrange the toppings of your choice over the inner circle.

This pizza is topped with garlic, spinach, ricotta and mozzarella.


Hubby approves.

Pretty in Fuschia?

Ok S, here it is. You can't get the full poof effect from the photo, but it was the only one I could find. There was major crinoline under that toule and therefore some serious spinning took place that night. A lot of thought went into this whole get-up. My nails, lips, and hair sparklies all matched my dress. A vision. And for the record, I did not go to prom with my husband's best friend.

Lust

Sweet Tooth

I've never thought twice about my diet, but maybe I should start. This past weekend I had 3 brownie sundaes.

Monday it was blueberry muffins



Today it's blondies

Who knows what tomorrow brings. Maybe a wedding cake?

Go Big Blue

While Riz was on call this weekend, I ventured to Fredonia, NY to watch Medina's cheer competition. I must be getting old because she had me gasping with every stunt, toss, and pose. I don't think I breathed the whole time she was out there. It's fuzzy, but that's her on top. I think she's thrilled, but then again I was making the same face.

I prefer her much better this way. Boppin around on solid ground.

Admiring her poise. Great job, babe! I wish I had that much pep.

Earth to Riz

Rizwan unabashedly blissful in the sexy-talking massage chair at the Sharper Image

Riz and T go green

That's Riz and the other T in our life posing in their matching green attire. This past weekend the Halls made the drive from Buffalo in white-out conditions (pretty much doubling their driving time) to visit us in Pittsburgh. Most pics of the weekend were taken with the film camera so hopefully we'll get those up soon.
It was a short visit but we packed in it with mucho fun things (IKEA!!!) despite the chilly temps. Always great to see old pals. Come see us again when the weather is a bit more predictable. Maybe we'll have seen Spinny Top by then.

And that's a wrap!

One weekend call down, a ton more to go!

The 6:30 show is entirely different from the 11:30 show...

For one nite only!

"Potato Crusted Cod, feat. Steamed Carrots, Mashed Potatos, and Beefgravy"

12 hours, 20 minutes and counting...

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you...

"Beefaroni"

::sigh:: 19 hours, 45 minutes On Call to go...

Nursery Update

We're making progress! We (Riz has) painted the room...twice. Turns out I didn't like the first shade of green after all. Whoopsie. We're now working on a window seat. Lofty ideas.

It's Hill-Billy Time!

Tahera's car would be past inspection starting 1/2008, so immediate action had to be taken. However, as it's still rockin the NYS plates, this is easier said than done. Where can the average Western NY expatriate find an inspection shop that's open on New Year's Eve within reasonable driving distance with spaces available? 3 words:

Babcock's Tire Shop. Oh yeah, and bring your banjo.

All Was Merry and Bright

Riz and I had a great mini-vacation in Horseheads. A recap of our Christmas break:


Faheem and Riz spend some quality techie time together.

Meanwhile, the girls are preparing for a Cajun-themed Christmas Eve Dinner

Sameena sets the table with a smile
We tried baking some Christmas cookies
But got a little ahead of ourselves and ended up with Valentine's Day treats instead

We stuffed the stockings,

finished up some last-minute wrapping,
and awoke at 4am Christmas Day to spread some cheer. ( This was Riz's 10th year delivering presents for Arctic League)
Back at home there were oodles of gifts waiting to be unwrapped
Lots of surprises
and lots of laughs
Happy Holidays everone!