“ Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world. ” -Kaiser Wilhelm

....I can not say that I am a true beer lover. However, I believe Kyle is grateful that I do enjoy trying tasty brews with him.  I will have a drink here and there, but if I were to have a 6 pack in my fridge it would sit there for weeks.  Luckily, Kyle and I only go out usually on the weekends, so I get my share of little tasty sips and then I get five days to prep for the next round :)

These last couple of weeks have been no different from that game plan....

Some TOS staff enjoying Independence Brewery festivities

• Strange Brew:  A couple weeks ago it was Austin's Beer Week.  Basically, brewers introduce their new brews around this week and new breweries start presenting themselves to the world.  Well, Kyle and I celebrated Beer Week by going to The Alamo Drafthouse Movie Theater (similar to Hollywood Blvd) and watching the movie "Strange Brew" while drinking strange brews from various brewers &  we got to eat some yummy Canadian food.  One of my favorite beers we tried had some hints of prickly pear cactus fruit in it...I was so skeptical of it but boy did it taste great!  My least favorite was a bourbon beer, YUCK!  I could not stand that one.  The movie was weird, but funny.  The food was delicious: french fries loaded with cheese sauce, brown gravy and other stuff & a canadian version of a BLT. 
• Please note:  Kyle obviously went to other Beer Week events that week.  However, I live a bit far from him and I had already hit my quota of alcohol from that one sitting :) 
• Austin Independence Brewery: The following weekend (2 weekends ago) was the last days of Austin Beer Week.  That weekend every year Independence Brewery celebrates their anniversary.  This was their 8th anniversary.  It was a fun gathering and we got a sweet anniversary glass.  Let's not forget that we also got some of their good ol' beer. 
• Black Star Co-Op: This past weekeend a group of us went to a brew-pub for dinner, which is one of two co-op brew-pubs in the world.  This place has some pretty interesting entres, like Kyle's pork belly blt, and some interesting beers (Like Kyle's nasty sourberry beer).  The night was a ton of fun with friends.  The base of the group was TOS folks (present and former) and their significant others.  It was nice seeing friends who I don't see enough of...which reminds me I should see when another get together should take place :) 

A bunch of you at this point are probably thinking..."My goodness Mads, you are such a lush!"  Not the case.  Trust me, other events do take place in my life.  For instance:

• I have lost about 4 lbs in the last 2 weeks!  I've been spending everyday doing some form of exercise, usually walking or running.  I also took the time to dig deep and find my self control and actually work on my eating habits.  YAY!  Go me! 
• I am building a coffee table.  I took it upon myself to show interest in building something to one of my friends who works with me.  Henry, my co-worker, works in the maintenance department and has built about 1 million things in his lifetime.  Henry kindly offered to teach me a few things and help out.  Right now, we have the table top built and next on the to do list are the legs and the lower shelf level. 
• Kyle and I played disc golf yesterday.  I did decently the first round and blew it the second round.  AND SHOCKER....Kyle was awesome the entire time.  Including the time where he had to help me get my fave disc out of a pond (it was floating right smack in the middle of the body of water..boooo).  What a guy!
• Lindsay and I have been taking the time to make sure we dedicate time to the Holiday movies now playing on the Hallmark Channel.  YEP you read this correctly, Holiday movies are up and running!!
• Lindsay and I are working on a science experiment of finding out what works best for a fruit fly trap.  Our reptile shed has an infestation.  We found that just putting ripe fruit in a jar with a funnel on top works really well...except it doesn't kill the fruit flies.  A mixture of vinegar, water, dish soap with plastic wrap on top with wholes works decently too :) 



What I have built thus far of the coffee table

• I'm sure there are about 100 things I am missing, but I feel like this was a long enough read for folks.  So if I missed something, my apologies. 

Quick Shoutouts to some loved ones who just had their birthdays....

Aunt Terri (Terri Yoksas) - 10/27
Mr. Burnside (Larry Burnside) - 10/31
Sorry Kyle and I couldn't be home to celebrate with you!!

Okay until the next Male Mail, I wish you all a great week and great weather!

xx
Madeline

P.S.  Recipe of the Week:  this is a spicy chili...half a serving and I was feeling the heat.  Please, note if you are someone who doesn't do spicy very well you can easily modify the seasoning or omit some seasoning (This message is more or less written for Mark or Beth if you make it for Mark). 


Hearty Turkey Chili

Larger Image

Weight Watchers Recipe

Ratings (936)                           

6PointsPlus Value

Prep time: 25 min

Cook time: 58 min

Serves: 6

A bowl of hot chili is so satisfying on cold fall days. Ours boasts kidney beans, lean turkey and lots of vegetables, well-seasoned and sprinkled with scallions.

	1 spray(s) cooking spray
	1 tsp canola oil
	1 large uncooked onion(s), chopped
	2 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
	1 pound(s) uncooked 93% lean ground turkey
	2 medium uncooked carrot(s), thinly sliced into rounds
	2 Tbsp chili powder
	1 Tbsp paprika
	1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
	1 tsp ground cumin
	2 medium fresh tomato(es), chopped
	1 cup(s) canned tomato sauce
	1 cup(s) canned chicken broth
	1 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
	1 1/2 cup(s) cooked kidney beans, rinsed and drained
	1 medium green pepper(s), chopped
	1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste
	1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
	1/4 cup(s) uncooked scallion(s), chopped

Instructions

• Coat a large pot with cooking spray; place over medium heat. Add oil and onion; sauté onion until soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and carrots; cook until garlic is softened, about 1 minute. Add turkey; brown meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Stir to break up lumps.
• Add chili powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, cumin, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, vinegar, beans and green pepper; bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until meat and vegetables are tender, about 30 to 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper; garnish with scallions. Yields about 1 cup per serving.

Time Just Flies By!

Dearest friends and family,
Wow, I do not even know what has happened with time!  One minute I am anticipating the Texas State Fair and the next I am heading back home from my sister's wedding 2 weeks later!  While I sit here waiting for my plane to board I think back to the busy weekends I just experienced. 

L-R: Lindsay, myself, Kyle & Kristen @ state fair

The last weekend in September was spent up in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for the Texas State Fair.  The first phrase that comes to mind when I think of the fair is "rainy day".  I bet ya'll were thinking "fried food" would be my top phrase but......NOPE! I cannot think of one moment at the fair when the rain let up once.  It was a steady down pour the entire time.  Regardless of the rain though it was still such a fun time with my friends and Kyle....and let's not forget the weird fried foods we all tried there.  The weirdest fried food I tried that day was probably fried brownies that Lindsay bought.  Soooo bizarre and yet oh so good! That rainy fair day myself, Lindsay, Kyle & our good friend Kristen found a new love for llamas....actually it was more like Lindsay grew a penchant for the llamas while the rest of us just enjoyed their cuteness :) 

Kyle and I spent the next weekend strolling the festival grounds of Oktoberfest in a German town, Fredericksburg.  We got to try some good German beers and we got to eat at a wonderful brewpub in town.  This weekend was the perfect way to bring in the autumn atmosphere this year!  Cool weather, fall flavors and smells...aah I love this season!

Mrs. Ryan and I with our wedding run medals!

This most recent weekend was spent in North Carolina for my sister's wedding.  It was such a beautiful setting in the Smokey Mountains with the falls colors changing.  I do not think I've ever been to a wedding so beautiful before.  Theresa and Greg got married with a gorgeous waterfall behind them on a lovely trail in Bryson City, NC.  The weekend started off with a fun wedding walk/run.  Myself and Mrs. Ryan (close family friend) got lost with this boy, Jeaner (one of our competitors running in jeans...grrrr).  Luckily a rescue crew was sent out a.k.a Theresa and her running buddies and we found our way back home.  YAY!  I love weddings and all that they offer: love, loved ones, dancing, laughing and just having a good time with everyone.  I wish this weekend didn't go by so quickly; I wish I could have stopped time in that moment of seeing Theresa and Greg just so utterly and completely happy in such a beautiful setting. I also wish Kyle could have made it as well :(  Alas, he needs to save those vacation days for his sister's wedding which is only in a month YAY!!  Another one I am soooo excited for.  Unfortunately in between the 2 sister's weddings are our dear friends' wedding, Karen and JP.  We wish we could be there badly for that one, but we will definitely be there in spirit and think about them nonstop that day!  Ahhh I love weddings!!!!

The new happy family at the wedding ceremony location!  (Greg, T. & Brigid)

Well here's to hoping time stands still...even if it's just for a second so I can put more detail into my blog posts :) 

xx
Madeline

P.S.
No recipe of the week(s)....I can't remember what I ate in the last 3 weeks.

LBJ Land

I hope everyone found Kyle's post interesting and informative.  It was probably a nice change of pace as well seeing a completely different writing style from that of my own.  A lot of time has passed since I have given anyone an update of what going on's have been taking place for Kyle and I.  Well, let me tell you.....

All the history buffs in my life would be pleased to know that Kyle and I spent a day exploring LBJ's ranch and learning more about our 36th President of the United States.  I am sure everyone but myself was aware already of the many changes LBJ had put forth while he was president.  I did not realize he had interest in so many numerous aspects of our nation.  One thing that impressed me was that LBJ was the one who pushed for the Public Broadcasting System. Ahhhhh to think Masterpiece Mystery would not have been in my life probably if it weren't for this man.  Anyways, the jist of the story is that LBJ went a couple notches up on my "favorite Presidents list" :)

Now interesting tid bits on this beautiful ranch LBJ lived on for most of his life.  First off, all the cattle on the ranch are from the same bloodline as the original cattle LBJ raised.  Keeping it all in the family...hmmm now that I typed that it doesn't sound as awesome and has a more inbred sound to it.  One of the Air Force One's that LBJ used can be found parked right outside his house there.  This particular plane is jokingly referred to as "Air Force 1/2"  because it is small in stature; it is more or less his puddle jumper plane from Austin to his ranch.  One final interesting fact about the ranch is that the house itself is known as the Texas White House. 25% of LBJ's presidency took place at his home in Texas...hence Texas White House. 

Other highlights of the last couple weeks:

• Kyle is getting his butt kicked 3 times a week doing crossfit (some intense workout program)
• I am extremely giddy about Autumn and I cannot stop talking about it
• Kyle and I cannot stop thinking good wishes to all the couples we know getting married this fall/winter....I believe so far we know of 5 couples were close to getting married this upcoming season...We won't make all the weddings, but know each and everyone of you is constantly mentioned in some conversation every 5 minutes :) 
• We did some grocery shopping at the Austin Whole Foods a.k.a the Mother Ship (whole foods headquarters).  Kyle was as smiley as could be because we got beers to go and got to shop while drinking our delicious beverages. 
• Twice in one day we went to 2 different brewpubs....North by Northwest and Black Star Co-Op...Kyle was once again on cloud 9! 
• Coming up next week......TEXAS STATE FAIR IN DALLAS/FORT WORTH!!!!  YAYAY!  

Okay this is all I can really think of at the time.  Hopefully you can tell from this post, but our lives have drastically slowed down now that Kyle is settled.  YAY I love boring versus mass chaos and stress :)  Hope everyone is doing well!  We think of our loved ones all the time and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers!  Please, keep us posted on any updates, we LOVE hearing from you all! 

xx
Madeline

P.S. Recipe of the week! 

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-fry

Serves 4

This quick and easy stirfry is a great choice for a weeknight meal.

Nutrition

Per serving: 440 calories (100 from fat), 11g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 65mg cholesterol, 1090mg sodium, 51g total carbohydrate (7g dietary fiber, 4g sugar), 33g protein

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat linguine
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons expeller-pressed canola oil, divided
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins, cut into strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
3 cups small fresh broccoli florets (from about 1 large crown)
1 carrot, peeled and cut into thin strips

Directions

Cook linguine according to package instructions, drain and keep warm. Meanwhile, combine broth, soy, vinegar, pepper and cornstarch in a bowl. Heat a wok or heavy skillet over high heat. When very hot, add 1 tablespoon oil. Add chicken and stir-fry until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from wok and set aside. Add remaining oil, garlic and ginger; stir-fry 30 seconds. Add broccoli and carrot; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add soy mixture and chicken, stir well, and cover. Lower heat to medium and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes. Toss with linguine and serve.

much ado about whatever: Strap in and Feel the B's (urnside)

much ado about whatever: Strap in and Feel the B's (urnside): Family, Friends, Texans, Illinoisans lend me your ear! I AM ALIVE!!!!!! Yes I am writing to you, this is not a hoax! Where do I begin? Let m...

The Power of the Loofah

There has been great demand for another Male Mail posting...which leads me to believe that I am a tad behind.  Thank you to everyone who has nudged me on this week to actually start typing again. 

There has been reason this past week to really celebrate life at least for Kyle and his support system. This past week he was able to get an apartment move in and get his car back in tip-top shape!  It is so insane to see life take such sharp turns from being down in the dumps to suddenly feeling whole again. 

The highlight for me this past week was that I got to spend a little time with Kyle's dad.  Mr. Burnside travelled to Austin to deliver all of Kyle's belongings.  What a wonderful father.  I was lucky enough to get dinner with the two burnside's and catch up on how things were going.  It is crazy how overwhelming it is to see loved ones from home when it has been such a long time.  Every time I get to see loved ones I get the same sensation I get on Christmas Day!  It was sad seeing Mr. Burnside leave (technically I was sleep walking when I hugged him goodbye at about 5am that day) but exciting because it marked a new chapter for Kyle at his new apartment.  sidenote: Mr. Burnside made it safely back home. 

At this point in the post you might be asking yourself what the deal is with the "Loofah" title.  When I finally had the chance to see Kyle's apartment this past weekend I noticed that his brand new Loofah he got in June was not in the bathroom.  Kyle doesn't think loofahs accomplish anything...he reluctantly agreed to use one though this past June when his friend Braden basically talked for about 12 hours straight about their magical powers (rightfully so).  Once I got home there sitting in the shower was Kyle's blue loofah. I have the feeling it will only take a matter of days maybe even minutes for Kyle to realize what he is missing. 

Other quick highlights of this past week(s):

• Lindsay and I hosted a staff dinner 2 Fridays ago....it was a big hit!  The recipe we used is below.
• Kyle got his car back!  WOOHOO!!!!
• Lindsay and I went to Schlitterbahn last week.  Schlitterbahn is one of the world's largest and coolest waterparks!  They aren't kidding, I felt like a kid in the candy store with all the fun rides.
• Kyle and I went to Independence Brewery tasting this past weekend.  Good beer, good company and a lot of fun. 
• Training has ended for my company this past week and now I feel like I can breathe again!  YAY!

xx
Madeline

P.S.  Recipe of the week(s)...Kyle actually never tried this one, he helped with the vegetarian version...but none the less it is worthy of this blog!

Recipe: The Best Lasagna Ever (from Pioneer Woman)

Prep Time: 30 Minutes | Cook Time: 30 Minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 12

Print Recipe3"x5" Cards4"x6" CardsFull Page

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pound Ground Beef
• 1 pound Hot Breakfast Sausage
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 cans (14.5 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 Ounce) Tomato Paste
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Basil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 cups Lowfat Cottage Cheese
• 2 whole Beaten Eggs
• 1/2 cup Grated (not Shredded) Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 pound Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 package (10 Ounce) Lasagna Noodles
• (add 1/2 Teaspoon Salt And 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil To Pasta Water)

Preparation Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet or saucepan, combine ground beef, sausage, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until browned. Drain half the fat; less if you’re feeling naughty. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil and salt. After adding the tomatoes, the sauce mixture should simmer for 45 minutes while you are working on the other steps.
In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, 2 more tablespoons parsley, and 1 more teaspoon salt. Stir together well. Set aside. Cook lasagna until “al dente” (not overly cooked).
To assemble:
Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of a baking pan, overlapping if necessary. Spoon half the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles. Spread evenly. Cover cottage cheese with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Spoon a little less than half the meat/sauce mixture over the top.
Repeat, ending with meat/sauce mixture. Sprinkle top generously with extra Parmesan.
Either freeze, refrigerate for up to two days, or bake immediately: 350-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until top is hot and bubbly.

Week #??????

Dearest Family and Friends,

I am quickly realizing that once you decide you want to start posting on a blog regularly that it takes a lot more discipline and determination than you originally thought.  I apologize for probably the 100th time for not writing in a long while.  It has been such a long while that I am no longer able to quickly think right off the top of my head what number week this has been for Kyle and I in Texas together.  Some of you may not have spoken to Kyle recently but there has been a lot of things happening in his crazy Texas life lately.  Some highlights of the last two weeks has been:

1. We saw "The Sound of Music" at Zilker Hillside Theater.  It was an incredible musical to watch and it was neat beacause we watched it picnic style on a hillside.  I loved it because I got to use my picnic accesories Beth, Kyle's sister, has given me for past holidays/birthdays.  YAY!

2. Kyle was told a couple weeks ago that he is no longer welcome to stay as my visitor :(  A. it isn't fair to my roomie and close friend that he has been staying for such a long while.  B. The company I work for owns my home and pays for my rent which means that it isn't cool I have a long term visitor taking advantage of that sweet deal.  Kyle is currently still staying with me but he has hit the ground running looking for an apartment.  Currently, there is no apartment is lined up. Please say a prayer for him so that his awesome girlfriend doesn't have to literally kick him to the curb :(  Sidenote: I love Kyle dearly...don't take this information the wrong way.  We will still be dating when I kick him to the curb :) 

3. KYLE HAS A FULL TIME JOB!!!!!!!!!!!  If you haven't processed that last sentence, I encourage you all to read it over and over and over again....because I am so proud of him!  Starting this upcoming Monday, August 27, Kyle will be employed full time at Amplifier.  I am not exactly certain what this company is.  I know that one of their clients is The Onion.  I believe companies use Amplifier to print their material and what not.  This has been a company Kyle has been eyeing since he heard one of my good friends has been working there.  He thought is sounded awesome and right up his alley; while I still sit here clueless as to what exactly the company does.  So after showing interest in this company over a year ago and looking for other jobs in the meantime, he got an interview with them and VOILA....a job!  I would like to shoot a big thanks to my friend Nicole for helping make this magic happen. 

4. The last couple of weeks has been full of talk about this sausage and beer place called Bangers.  They just recently opened up and it has been coming up in many conversations.  This past weekend we got to try out Bangers.  We went out with my friends Lindsay and Kristi.  First to dinner at a place called Doc's where Kyle was in Heaven eating his stuffed fried avacado.  Afterwards we headed over to Bangers.  We did not try their food but we had beer and a good time out in their beer garden.  Bangers was on this unique street called Rainey Street.  Basically, these restuarant/bar owners bought/leased homes on this everyday neighborhood street.  So basically it is a street of houses but all these houses have been transformed into bars and restuarants.  Pretty neat looking! 

5. There was an awful sound coming from Kyle's car on the way back from Bangers.  I immediately got antsy when I heard the sound.....

6. This past Monday, Kyle left for work.  At 5:40am I receive a phone call that his car died about 30 minutes from my home.  Already I began kicking myself, I meant to tell Kyle that morning that he should just take my gem of a car to work so not to put stress on his car.  Turns out that he blew a gasket on his engine....those of you who have had this work done or know stuff about cars probably know that this is far from a cheap fix-up.  His car is currently getting worked on. 

This is where we are now.  A tad on the stressed out side of things.  If I am stressed out then I cannot even imagine where Kyle is right now with his feelings.  He is currently scurrying to find a place to live before I officially tell him he can't stay with me and he is now trying to figure how to recover both emotionally and finacially from such a terrible blow to his car.  UGH....This all sort of shadows the excitement of finding a full time job.  So please, if you talk to him support him and congratulate him on getting 1 out of 2 (job & apartment) big things completed while he is in Texas. 

xx
Madeline

P.S. Recipe of the week(s)  (this recipe is so easy to do and so delicious...we are definitely adding this to our regularly used recipes!)

Creamy Pesto Chicken and Bow Ties

Rated: Submitted By: Campbell's Kitchen Cook Time: 20 Minutes Ready In: 20 Minutes Servings: 4

"Use Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, chicken breast, and bow tie pasta to make an easy one-dish meal with a creamy pesto sauce."

Ingredients:

3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed 1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's®

Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free) 1/2 cup pesto sauce 1/2 cup milk

Directions:

1.	Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
2.	Meanwhile, heat butter in skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned, stirring often.
3.	Add soup, pesto sauce and milk. Bring to a boil. Cook over low heat 5 minutes or until done. Stir in drained pasta and heat through

Week 8

OLYMPICS...'MERICA. Enough said about this week.

xx
Madeline

P.S.
Recipe of the week:
Savory Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole (see image)

Serves 6 to 8

This recipe is perfect for using up stale bread since its firm texture stands up to overnight soaking. A casserole stretches expensive ingredients by using them to flavor low cost ingredients so this meal is a good value when you need to feed a holiday crowd.

Nutrition
Per serving (about 7oz/206g-wt.): 370 calories (210 from fat), 23g total fat, 10g saturated fat, 285mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 18g total carbohydrate (1g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 22g protein
Ingredients

5 cups (1-inch) cubes sourdough or white bread
1/2 pound loose breakfast sausage, cooked (about 1 cup cooked)
1 cup spinach leaves
8 eggs
2 cups milk
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Directions

Layer bread, sausage and spinach in an 8-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic, salt, pepper and sage then pour over contents in baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese, cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover dish and bake until cooked through and golden brown, 50 to 60 minutes. Set aside to let rest for 10 minutes then serve.

Week 6 & Week 7....Two for One Deal!!!!

Hello Again.  I apologize for missing Week 6 entirely.  The 2 past weeks sort of blended together since I came home from summer vacation this past wednesday. 

"What were the highs and lows of your last half of summer vacay, Madeline?" you might find yourself asking this great question....Let me share, starting with my biggest low of vacay:

• Low: As you all know my old cell phone was dealing witha  cracked screen issue...so John, my bro-in-law, offered to help fix it since he has had experience fixing cell phones.  Well, I got a little too excited about this fiscally cheap idea and pressured John into doing much earlier than planned (leading him to be completely unprepared for fixing an Iphone).  Long story short....my Iphone was no more due to neither of us really understanding the inner workings of this complex phone.
• High: I filed an insurance claim on my phone and still got a new Iphone replacement for a somewhat decent price.  BOOM...take that $600 phones directly from Apple!
• High: I enjoyed an amazing extended weekend up in the boundary waters of northern Minnesota with my family.  We cruised the waters in our sweet houseboat rental for a solid 4 days.  The Boundary Waters are absolutely breath taking and I love my family = best vacay ever!
• High: Kyle had an interview with Golf Smith (?? hope that's right) & he was able to make a couple connections this last week for a different job!  Kyle is getting some job action which is always a great sign!!  YAY!
• High: Kyle had a splendid time with our friends Em & Shawn while I was away.  It sounds like they did a ton of stuff and I can't even remember the list of things.  AND apparently Em & Shawn got so used to Kyle, they now expect to find him around the apartment still :)
• Low: I found out once I got back to work that our program is much busier than we thought in the fall....this means that with only 2 weeks left until training starts I need to hire 4 more people.  Ahhhhh.....Under Pressure (sing along if you know the words!) .

(Up in northern Minnesota left - right: Owen, Becky, Theresa & Me)

As always I hope this letter finds everyone in good spirits.  Let me know what memorable event took place during your summer as well, I don't want this to always be about me and Kyle :)  We love and miss you all!!

XX
Madeline

P.S.
There is no recipe for these past 2 weeks since things have been crazy tranistioning from vacation back to texas life, sorry.   

Week 5: The Tables have Turned

I'm in Chicago...Kyle is in Texas.  Something here is not adding up.  This past week has been a little backwards with myself spending time back home for summer vacation and Kyle staying back in Austin to continue his job search.  I cannot lie, I got a little emotional leaving Kyle in Austin which seems a tad ridiculous since I will be going back there in a couple weeks.  Ahhh love. 

Before I left for home, Kyle and I spent Tuesday night at a friends watching the All Star baseball game.  The game itself was not too awesome but the company was fantastic.  I got the chance to see some friends that I have not seen in ages.    

This past week I have been blessed to spend time with family and friends.  The majority of the time home is going to be spent on actual vacation trips.  I already spent an entire weekend with some of my closest highschool girlfriends.  We had such an amazing wine weekend in New Buffalo, Michigan. Great winery I encourage everyone to check out if they visit the wine trail in Michigan is Gravity.  They not only give you wine tastings but they also pair a cheese or chocolate with that specific wine tasting.  This trip was so fabulous that I am already anticipating the next trip I take with these girls! I would not change a single thing about that trip! 

Kyle, supposedly, has been spending this past week working, job searching, running, disc golf & spending some quality time with our Austin friends.  I really can't give you too many details because I am not there so these 2 weeks you'll all have to find out for yourselves :)  I do know Kyle familiarized himself with a couple of tough disc golf courses.  He also got to experience a week of rain.  Yes, people, RAIN all week in Austin!!!!! 

Until the next post....I hope everyone is having an incredible week and I can't wait to share next week about my family vacation this upcoming weekend! 

xx
Madeline

P.S.
Recipe of the week....(this recipe is so simple and yet super cute for some kind of baseball event or baseball themed party)

Baseball Sugar Cookies
Ingredients -
1. tube of pillsbury break off sugar cookies
2. 1 container of whipped vanilla icing
3. 1 tube of red decorating gel

Instructions-
1. bake the sugar cookies by following the directions on the packaging
2. spread about 1 - 2 tbsp of vanilla icing over each cookie
3. with a steady hand put the laces on each cookie with the red decorating gel
4. use a toothpick to pull from the laces to make the actual lace markings
5. ENJOY! 

Male Mail: Week 4

MALE MAIL: WEEK 4

 

I hope everyone's electricity is back up and running to those of you back in the Chicago area or out eastward.  I could not imagine combatting that heat without A/C.  Also, a very Happy Belated 4th of July to all!  

 

Kyle and I spent our 4th of July at home relaxing.  We grabbed a little charcoal grill from the summer camp and Kyle grilled up some burgers and other good eats.  We also walked down to the lake I live on and watched the fireworks.  It was extremely convenient just walking 5 minutes down the road to watch the fireworks.  It was a fantastic relaxing day for us!  

 

Something not so relaxing that we began this past week was our 5k training.  Kyle and I are contemplating running a 5K at the end of August.  Needless to say getting back into running is no fun.  2 miles alone feels like I am running an ultra marathon.  Kyle may think differently but I like to pretend he is just as miserable as me starting out :) 

 

Veering away from the healthy aspect of our lives, let me give you a little info on our restuarant experience of the week.  This week our "once a week eating out meal" was at one of the top BBQ places in the Austin area, The Salt Lick.  OMG.  We went on a busy Friday night and our wait was 45 minutes.  The shocking part is that I was actually bummed our wait wasn't longer.  The waiting area is outside in a large open area with picnic tables and benches through out the area.  There is a small stage and when we were there an amusing guitar player was the entertainment.  The atmosphere was fantastic.  The Salt Lick is a BYOB BBQ joint.  So just imagine a ton of people coming into this open area with coolers and finding a spot to sit and enjoy their beverage with great music.  Ohhhh and not to mention their food was delicious! 

 

The rest of the week was spent either at work or work/job searching.  I spent the week being the only one in our office at work.  I was fairly lonely since the office fits 9 people but I was the only one utilizing it this week.  I'm not gonna lie I spent a bit of the week bribing Kyle to come job search in the office just so I had some form of company.  Kyle has been working hard at job searching.  He is also going to begin the hunt for apartments this upcoming week and hopefully in about 3 weeks he'll have a place and (keeping our fingers crossed) some other form of income.  I am so proud of him and all the work he is putting into creating a life in austin, please keep him in your prayers! 

 

This wraps up a full month of Kyle living in the Austin area.  We're having a fantastic time and are so grateful for all the support back home.  Thank you!  As for the "Male Mail" newsletter.  I am going to switch the newsletter from being a weekly email to being a blog.  SO if you are someone that still wants to get the newsletter via email YOU MUST LET ME KNOW...otherwise you'll have to read the newsletter from the blog.  If you subscribe to the blog you will actually get notifications each time I post a newsletter so that is a great option for those of you that look forward to this newsletter weekly.

 

xx

Madeline

 

Favorite Recipe of the Week:

 

This recipe is too die for!!!  I could not get enough of it this week so get your pie plates out everyone and enjoy!!!!!

 

 

Winter Solstice Chicken Pot Pie

By Patricia Burnside 

 

1 1/2 lbs. of cooked chicken breast cut into bite size pieces

3/4 – 1 cup of chopped fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, green pepper)

10 oz. Philadelphia Italian Cheese & Herb Cooking Crème

10 oz. Philadelphia Original Cheese Cooking Crème

Package of 2 piecrusts (easiest to find is 9 in. but I use them in a 10 in. glass pie plate)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

Place the chicken, veggies, and both cooking crèmes in a bowl and mix until all blended.

Place a piecrust in the bottom of your pie plate.

Pour the contents of the bowl into the piecrust.

Place 2^nd piecrust on top and crimp edges.

Place in hot oven and bake for approx. 45 minutes if using the convection setting but check after 30 minutes to see how brown the crust is getting.  If using a standard oven, you will probably bake the pie 30-35 minutes.  Check at least once to see how brown the crust is getting. 

When baked to your satisfaction, take out and cool 10 minutes. Serve!

Week 3 of Texas for the duo

Male Mail: Week 3

 

My apologies for sending two updates so closely together.  I would like to get in the habit of sending the newsletter as close to the end of the week as possible instead of on some random Thursday.  I also want to say sorry for the weird formatting some of you may have noticed with the last couple of emails...apparently gmail does not like my version of microsoft word. 

 

High Points & Low Points of mine and Kyle's past week:

• Kyle was not forced to watch the bachlorette this time around...he got to escape!!!  Although he missed one heck of an episode. (High for Kyle/Low for Madeline)
• Kyle got to experience one of THE worse disc golf courses ever!  All you disc golf junkies feel free to ask him all about it.
• Tuesday night game night also consisted of homemade sushi...one of mine and kyle's favorites.  It was soooo yummy!
• Kyle and I eat out once a week.  This past week we went to a place called Pecan Street Brewing*.  The food was incredible.  I had a lamb burger with feta cheese and it melted in my mouth.  The beer was pretty good as well, however Double Horn still holds true as one of our local faves when it comes to beer. 
• BRAVE: one night this past weekend we went to the movie Brave.  Cute movie.  I was inspired to wear my curls proudly the next day but realized quickly that the 100 degree weather was not all for that same game plan...booooo.
• My workplace owns several farm animals because we teach a pioneer class here which incoporates them.  Well, it turns out that one of our little pygmy goats had a baby boy this weekend!!!  He is the cutest little guy ever!
• Last but not least, but definitely the worst....Kyle's back window on his car shattered.  It was a silly accident but none the less a little stressful.  Luckily, his car will probably be back to normal by this thursday! 

This week looks promising for us.  We are changing the pace a little for both of us, quite literally.  We will begin training for a 5K this upcoming week.  We are both thrilled to start a new healthy habit in our lives and work out on a more regular basis! Woohoo to being healthy!

 

I hope this email has found you all in good health.  We noticed back home took a beating lately from terrible weather.  It was so bad it was on the Austin news this morning that DuPage County has experience at least 82mph winds!!!!  Please, be safe and keep us posted on any news from home.    

 

*Interesting Fact: Pecan Street Brewing is located in Johnson City, TX.  Johnson City is LBJ's hometown...and is only about 20 miles away from Marble Falls.

 

xx

Madeline

 

Fave recipe from week 3:

 

Spinach and Cheese Lasagna

Serves 6 to 8

This recipe easily serves more than four. Perfect for leftovers the next day, it's sure to become a family favorite. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available in the Whole Foods Market Family of Brands.

Nutrition
Per serving: 410 calories (160 from fat), 17g total fat, 9g saturated fat, 25g protein, 42g total carbohydrate (6g dietary fiber, 10g sugar), 80g cholesterol, 890mg sodium

Ingredients
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, divided*
1 cup grated 3-cheese blend, divided*
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen spinach, thawed, chopped and drained well
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 (25-ounce) jar pasta sauce*
9 to 12 no-boil uncooked lasagna noodles

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl mix ricotta, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, 1/2 cup of the 3-cheese blend, egg, spinach, salt, pepper and oregano. In another bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup 3-cheese blend. Set both bowls aside. In a 9- x13-inch non-reactive baking pan, layer 1 cup of the sauce, then a layer of noodles and a layer of the ricotta-spinach mixture; repeat. Top with sauce then sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Pour 1 cup water around the edges of pan, then cover with parchment paper, then very tightly with foil. Bake 1 1/4 hours, then set aside to let stand for 15 minutes before serving.  

--

Week 2

                   Male Mail: Week 2 of Awesomeness!Another week flies by, almost as fast as the soap box cars we saw a little over a week ago!  Kyle & I are quickly learning how to live the more affordable and yet fun lifestyle while he continues his job search.  We spent one weekend watching the Marble Falls Soap Box Derby.  Kyle took it upon himself during the races to dream up his own soap box car team.  Here are some of the key players:
·         Chris Marks (Kyle’s friend) as the engineer...this man could probably draw up one mean soap box car.
·         John Nachman (my bro-in-law) as the car mechanic….let’s just say this man is genius under the hood of any vehicle.
·         Braden Kass (this man needs no introduction) as the driver of the vehicle….I bet everyone just got a sweet image of this in their head!
·         Mark Peluse & JP Kuhlman (once again no need for an introduction) as Kyle’s fellow drinker and pit crew guy….I know sweet title. 

Either way no matter who partakes in this process it sounds like Kyle has some pretty incredible dreams of being a soap box car champ!

Last Tuesday night we enjoyed a games night at some friends’ in Austin.  It is always nice to get away from the mundane life of repetition and change it up with some good company, good food & good laughs.  We also spent an evening celebrating the 1 year anniversary of a brewpub we like a lot, Double Horn Brewery.  I got to try delicious Belgium Amber…boy, was that a smooth drink!  Thursday night, Kyle, myself and my roommate Lindsay all went to check out a summer camp activity call Torch Light.  Something everyone should know, my job has nothing to do with the summer camp.  This was my first summer camp experience EVER in my adult life;  AND it was awesome, we got to see some great and some mediocre skits, but the coolest part of all was watching the fireworks show.  Who knew I’d get to see fireworks on a day that isn’t the 4th of July???  What a treat! 
Kyle began his part time job this week as well.  He is currently working for Great Harvest Bread Co.   He enjoys the job and gets off work mid-day; granted he also starts his day at 4:30 am every day.  I thank God though that he at least as something that he enjoys and it will help bring in a little income as he continues his incredible job search of 2012.  Please, keep him in your prayers, once again.  He is working hard and one of these days his luck will catch up with him and God will bless him with a wonderful work life J  I could use a few thoughts as well.  This was a fantastic week, but my Iphone sort of had a mean encounter with the pavement the other day and I am now dealing with a mega-cracked screen.  Not to mention my car is having a few difficulties…nothing major, it just won’t start J.  Ahhhh such is life.   Just keep us in your thoughts and prayers and please let us know how you are all doing!!!   We miss you all and almost every day we have to talk about things going on back home! 
Fave recipe from this 2nd week is at the end of this letter!
xx
Madeline    

Weight Watchers Recipe - Chicken Fajitas
7PointsPlus Value Prep time:  20 min
Cook time:  15 min
Serves: 4
Fajitas are a fun meal — just set out the ingredients and let everyone make their own. We made a fantastic fresh salsa but your favorite jarred salsa is fine, too.
Ingredients
1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), peeled and smashed   
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes   
1 tsp chili powder   
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice   
1/8 tsp table salt   
1/8 tsp black pepper   
  1 pound(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), cut lengthwise into thick strips
To make the salsa:   
  2 cup(s) fresh cherry tomato(es), coarsely chopped   
  1/2 cup(s) uncooked scallion(s), chopped, green and white parts   
  1 small jalapeño pepper(s), cored, seeded and minced (don't touch seeds with bare hands)   
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional (see note below)   
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice   
1/8 tsp table salt   
1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
To finish the fajitas:   
1 spray(s) cooking spray   
  1 medium uncooked red onion(s), thinly sliced   
  1/2 medium sweet red pepper(s), thinly sliced   
  1/2 medium green pepper(s), thinly sliced   
1 tsp canola oil   
4 medium whole wheat tortilla(s)   
Instructions
·         In a medium-size glass bowl, combine garlic, red pepper flakes, chili powder, lime juice, salt and pepper; add chicken to bowl and stir well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
·         Meanhwhile, to make salsa, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, scallions, jalapeno, red pepper flakes, lime juice, salt and pepper. Set aside to allow flavors to blend.
·         Coat a large, heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Add onion and peppers, and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes; spoon vegetables into a small serving bowl and cover to keep warm.
·         Add oil to same skillet; heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken and any marinade remaining in bowl, but discard garlic (juices will sizzle so be careful of splattering liquid). Cook chicken until well-browned on bottom, about 3 minutes; flip chicken and cook until browned on second side, about 3 minutes more. If chicken is not cooked through, reduce heat to low and cook an additional 2 or 3 minutes.
·         To serve, place 3 ounces of chicken strips on each tortilla; top with about 1/2 cup of vegetables and 1/2 cup of salsa. Yields 1 fajita per serving.
Notes
·         If you’re short on time, substitute 1 cup of store-bought salsa for the fresh salsa (could affect PointsPlus values).

Week 1

Male Mail (mads + kyle = male??)

Not digging the name for our newsletter?  TOUGH.  I like saying it, “Male Mail.  Male Mail.”  Try it, Braden…you know you want to J  Sort of like naf naf but different. 

I want to say thank you to everyone that made Kyle's transition from Illinois to Texas so smooth.  The support and love from everyone is so wonderful to see! 

Here are the highlights on our 21-ish hour car ride:

·         BAD storm just outside of St. Louis

·         St. Louis Arch….AWESOME!  Weather lifted enough for it to be a great view! 

·         Played “where am I now?” with a few people…Braden won…shocker.

·         Spent the night at Aunt Emmy’s and Uncle Gene’s (Mr. Burnsides aunt and uncle)….beautiful people and home!!!

·         Discovered that Arkansas, at least the northwest portion, is absolutely gorgeous.  Everyone should experience it!

·         BAD storm right around Dallas…bad meaning, winds surpassed 60mph and we thought we might blow away in the car. 

·         Celebratory delicious beer from a local Marble Falls brewery once we got into town!!

These last few days have been zooming by already.  Kyle has spent the majority of the last few days job searching.  In fact he went into Austin today to inquire and apply for jobs in person.  Keep him in your prayers and cross your fingers!

On a more fun note, Kyle and I did watch Game 2 of the NBA finals in Austin last night with one of my good friends.  Good company and a good evening. 

I am not sure when I will write up a little update next.  I was thinking once a week, but that might be annoying for the recipients.  However, this will be in blog form as well….so start checking that out once a week! 

xx

P.S.

Here is the recipe for our favorite meal we had this week!

Twice-Baked Tex-Mex Potato
Serves 1
All of your favorite Tex-Mex flavors are here: cumin, fresh salsa and refried beans. Make this versatile recipe for one, or for a crowd. It's big on flavor, yet easy on the budget at about $2.50 per serving. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available as Whole Foods Market Brands.
Nutrition
Per serving (about 17oz/473g-wt.): 430 calories (90 from fat), 10g total fat, 6g saturated fat, 30mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 73g total carbohydrate (11g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 17g protein
Ingredients
1 (10- to 12-ounce) Russet potato
1 tablespoon sour cream
1/2 cup canned refried pinto beans*, warm
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 to 3 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese
Fresh salsa
1 green onion, thinly sliced
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Prick potato all over with a fork and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake until just tender, about 1 hour; set aside until cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, preheat broiler.

Cut open potato and scoop about 1/2 cup of the cooked flesh into a medium bowl. Add sour cream, beans, salt and cumin and mash with a fork to combine. Use bean mixture to refill potato, then top with cheese and return to baking sheet or place in a small baking dish. Broil until cheese is melted and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Top with salsa and green onions and serve.