Meatball Pasta Bake

On a whim I tried this recipe recently basically because I had all the ingredients to make it! Ever do that? Trying to cut down on eating out and making more at home. This appears to be a cheap Italian food fix and it was really good! Would be easy to take to somebody in need of a meal.  Of course no prep pictures but click above the picture to take you to the recipe!

Meatball Pasta Bake

Turning the Page

This week I am wrapping up my work as a Case Manager for individuals with special needs. I have worked with individuals with special needs since 1999. Ever since I filled out an application in college to work as a direct care provider at Mainstream Living. I still think of my time working there and smile. That job helped me find my passion and desire to serve. I am so grateful for that time. Just as that job helped show me clear career path for the next 19 years, another development as occurred which has brought much clarity in my life.

As the MGA Triple Crown Showdown has grown so has my involvement with the MGA.  It was a no brainer when my friend Danielle decided that she wanted to step down from her role as Executive Director of the MGA to go and work for her husband that I would apply for her job.  As the plans started to come together for the transition, I have been filled with a variety of emotions. One thing that is on repeat in my head is this is a dream come true, to work for a cause that is so near and dear to my heart, to continue to raise awareness for a disease, Myasthenia Gravis, for which I hope someday there is a cure, and to continue to raise funds to help others fighting the fight every day.

Monday begins a new chapter in my life. Had you asked me two years ago if I was ever going to leave my role at JCDS working with individuals with special needs I would have told you that by KPERS standards I could retire when I was 58.  As I have thought of that response, because that is what I would have told you, I realize how stagnant that sounds.  While I have loved my job at JCDS, I also recognize that there was really no room to move and it would continue to be the same thing everyday, battling the disgusting GOP, fighting for clients with very little funding and not a lot of backing from the state.  Each day, as it nears closer, I feel lighter, happier, more excited. I can't wait to see what this chapter brings and the strides the MGA will continue to make. Danielle has laid some pretty amazing groundwork and I have big shoes to fill.

I am so thankful for the last 19 years of my life. I am forever changed by all the families I worked with, all the clients I worked with and all the battles fought to help the most vulnerable. Change is hard, transitions are hard and finding a new groove can be hard but I am so excited for this challenge. Cheers to change! Cheers to new relationships! Cheers to turning the page!

Christmas Concert Round 3

For the past 3 years my friend Annie and I have gone to a holiday concert in December. The first year we saw Jim Brickman, last year we saw Mannheim Steamroller and this year we saw Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith at the Sprint Center. This year we treated ourselves to a little Drunken Fish beforehand. Since Drunken Fish in Leawood closed ☹, I crave it but never want to drive down to Power and Light for it! That may have been the highlight of the evening for me! So good!

As for the concert- the end of it was amazing. Jordan Smith from the Voice performed as a special guest and sang several of my Christmas favorites. His voice was amazing. And both Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith rounded it out with some of my favorite songs they perform. A few of which I actually used to play on the piano in my younger era!

Most who know me know I do NOT love a sing a long so I was most disappointed when they asked the crowd to sing carols with them. I did not pay $70 for my ticket to sing carols with 10,000 strangers.  I paid for them to sing to me!

And now for my soapbox, you've heard me mention that I have struggled with Christianity since dipshit Donnie was elected to office. I struggle with this big idea of being Christian and then screwing the most vulnerable which seems to be the theme of the GOP. Take a look at Kansas for example. I knew going to this concert, two Christian singers, would be very "churchy" and thus it was and a bit over the top. Perhaps I am not making much sense as I try to write this explanation but at many points I was actually uncomfortable. At one point the lights went on and they tried to fundraise for Compassionate Kids by sending people up and down the aisle looking for those willing to donate $38 a month to "adopt" a kid. While I think that type of program is lovely and very much needed in our society, it's this underlying message of people who partake in such programs to make themselves look good, but behind the scenes are voting in politicians who send a very different message.  I've never been in a concert where they have literally stopped the show and tried to turn it into a benefit. In my opinion not the platform for that. Tis the season to give and I'm less likely to give if I feel guilted into it. On a brighter note, how lucky is Compassionate Kids to have two very talented performers in their corner?

Off the soapbox, sorry about that, to share a few pictures!

The trees were so pretty as a backdrop! 

And finally, as I sat in that concert I couldn't help but think of the last couple of years of Cyclone Big 12 Championships that have occurred in the very same building! 

What will next year's concert be?

Do Good

For my birthday my friend Ashley gave me a t-shirt from a new store in Midtown called Do Good Co. Ironically, I wore this shirt for the first time on my way home from Mexico.

(My shirt not pictured cause it's in the laundry!)

Upon arrival in KC and grabbing my car to head South on I-29 my low tire pressure light came on. Can we all just say a collective "thank you Jesus" for tire pressure alerts on the dashboard? I likely wouldn't know otherwise until a hard to steer bumpy ride would alert me. I got off at the first exit and pulled into the gas station. I filled my tire with what I think should be enough air and pulled away. I knew I would have to drive a bit in the parking lot for the gauge to read how much air had gone in. I was beyond mad when it read that the tire pressure was the same. I pulled back to the air and started to fill the tire again. I did it for longer figuring that had to fix the problem. I pulled away and started down the road but noticed the gauge did not move once again. I decided to try the gas station across the street thinking maybe the air wasn't working. I encountered the same problem. I decided to try once more and this time when I rounded the corner to pull back up to the air there was another SUV there putting air in. I decided to ask the man for help. I HATE asking for help. He told me he needed to fill his first and then he'd help me. I told him what was going on and as he connected the hose to my tire I saw this huge nail sticking out. I showed it to him and he assured me he was going to get me fixed up. I started complaining that I was in a hurry to get home, that I had just landed at the airport and my parents were at my house but only for a short time and I wanted to see them. It was then that he went to his trunk and got out this tire kit. As he opened the gate I saw his car was also filled with suitcases, 2 little kids and a wife. I felt so bad for taking up his time and complaining about being in a hurry to get home.He proceed to share with me that he had worked at a gas station in high school and fixing tires was his job back in the day.  Right then and there the man fixed my tire with a patch that I know would have cost me money at a service station. I reached in my purse to give him the last of my cash from my trip to which he refused and he said to me, "Have a Merry Christmas," and drove away. 

Do Good. Do good to others and it will come back to you. My do good shirt is definitely lucky. And by the way go check out Do Good Co in Midtown. Your shopping benefits great causes, KC Pet Project and Kids TLC.

Mexican Thanksgiving

I polished off my passport last week to attend a wedding in Mexico. The trip was full of firsts! First time to Mexico, first time at an all inclusive, first time in a foreign country solo (for 1 day!).  It pretty much didn't feel like Thanksgiving but I shall say what a great way to spend Thanksgiving.

I was lucky enough to have a room at the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort Palace which was right off the adult pool. I could have lived there the entire week. I read books, I dozed, I drank rum punch smoothies with fresh bananas. It was peaceful and quiet. The weather was perfect. Warm during the day and cooler at night. It was perfection.

Being that it was my first time traveling to an All Inclusive I had no idea what to expect. Barcelo Maya Grand Resort has 5 hotels on their property and apparently the Palace is the high end property. I was lucky enough to score the cheapest room at this property, thanks Expedia, which also meant I got to use the amenities at the Palace where as the other hotels could not use Palace amenities.  The lobby in the Palace is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. If I went back I'd definitely stay at the Palace again as the one thing I enjoyed was the restaurants, both a la carte and buffet were right on the beach so you could sit and eat and get the view. That wasn't true to all of the other hotels on the property. Most of the restaurants were settled more deep into the property.  A few had bars and grills which were pool and beach side. I was able to eat at a la carte restaurants 3 of the 5 nights which I loved.  Other meals were buffet style. I will say after 5 days there I was over buffet food. I enjoyed lots of chips and guac for lunches but no other real Mexican food.  A lot of the cocktails were very sugary and they don't have diet pop so I tried tons of new things trying to find my go to! The a la carte restaurants had wine you could buy or house wine which was included in the all inclusive package. A few of the poolside grills also had house wine available.

All of the Barcelo properties had the most amazing pools and views. The property is in tip top shape and very clean. I also felt very safe there. I walked a ton as the entire group was spread out through the 5 hotels. They also have a shuttle which can take you back and forth throughout the property. The annoyance was the people they allow on the property to try to sell you things. Like photo ops with birds, yes that did happen. I also found this to be true in the airport. Everybody wants to sell you something or get you to buy something so keep your head down! 

All in all it was a fantastic trip. I loved going someplace new. I loved that there were 55 others (also attending the wedding) that I could hang out with at anytime but that I also could chill on my own time/schedule whenever I needed.  

I am so grateful for this trip! 

Pepperoni Grilled Cheese

Do you ever get in a lull where you feel like you are out of recipes? And then you wonder how in the heck does that happen when you have pinned over 1K recipes on Pinterest?! I came across a good one recently. Comfort food at it's finest and not necessarily healthy but was quick, easy and tasted great.

Pepperoni Grilled Cheese

Grandma's Pearls

If you've stepped in any store or seen any social media this Fall you've probably noticed Buffalo Plaid is all the rage. I didn't own anything Buffalo Plaid until I popped into Ross yesterday on the hunt for a scarf that would be a bit festive for the season. Scarf was a fail but I came across a Buffalo Plaid shirt I thought could be dressed up with jewelry for the holidays and the $10.99 price tag was cheaper than a scarf. When I got home I was sifting through my necklaces to see which would dress it up a bit when I saw my Grandma Foss' pearls.  I'd seen bib necklaces with pearls so upon quick search in my ribbon drawer I found a black ribbon and pieced together my own bib pearl necklace to dress up my flannel. So much fun and loved wearing Grandma's pearls.

#givingtuesday

It's #givingtuesday! We'd be ever so honored if you'd make a donation to the MGA Triple Crown Showdown on this #givingtuesday. Your donation helps provide supports and services to those living with MG in the Heartland.

Click here to donate

Thank you so very much!

French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole

It seems as though the weather has changed here in KC.  I had my leaves all picked up and wouldn't you know two days later it looks as though they weren't even touched. Coupled with a cold rain today, I just want to snuggle up on my couch. Which also makes me want to eat comfort food. My mom was here earlier this week and we ate at home where I served French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole. It was delish!

Just a little tip, I noticed my local HyVee has pre cooked & cut Rotisserie chicken in containers near the prepared foods aisle. Score. Because who wants to pull apart a Rotisserie chicken?  For this recipe, I actually did pull a part a Rotisserie chicken. And my little furry friend definitely knows the smell. Between trying to cut it apart and keep her paws off the counter it made making a super easy recipe a zoo!

French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole

Cy's Crown Town Trivia

In late September the Iowa State Alumni Club of Kansas City co-hosted Cy's Crown Town Trivia with the Myasthenia Gravis Association all to benefit programs and services of the MGA.  Willow Creek is a great event space in Kansas City, KS- especially their outdoor area.  It provided the set up for a great evening of food, drinks and trivia. We are so thankful for the nearly 140 people who attended who played and donated to the MGA raising just under $15,000. 

It is amazing to me to see the two groups come together and brings an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This is the true meaning of raising awareness. We can't wait for next year!

Trip Down Memory Lane: Waterloo, IA

Many of my childhood memories of my Grandpa and Grandma Foss are in Waterloo, IA where they lived. They've been gone almost 12 and almost 9 years now. Time flies. When my mom and I drove through Waterloo recently on the way home from Rochester, MN after a visit to Mayo Clinic, we popped in at one of their favorite restaurants dives. It's so funny how a smell can instantly bring you back 20 years. When we opened the door of the Steamboat, it immediately smelled the same to me as it did when I was a little girl. The decor hasn't changed, the newspaper hanging on the wall, the table toppers. All stuck in time. Funny how that happens.

Their wine selection left little to be desired- white zinfandel or chardonnay for the whites and in these little bottles. Belly laughter. And OMG so gross!

And this little side salad with a cracker on top. I couldn't stop laughing. My how salad presentation has changed over the years.

Isn't it fun to relive a memory every once in awhile? 

Birthday Freebies!

I think I officially closed off my birthday month last night as a final catch up with a friend for dinner using my Cafe Trio birthday coupon! Way to drag it out a month.  If you follow my blog you know I love a good deal, a good coupon, freebies and each year I write a Birthday Freebie post. So here you have it for 2017! The ones that are crossed out are offers I received last year and did not receive this year.

Lenny's Subs- Free sub for your birthday if you join their reward program.

Drunken Fish- Buy 1 get 1 free coupon for your birthday.
Nothing Bundt Cakes- Free bundtlet (that might just be my favorite coupon this year!)
Baskin Robbins- Free scoop on your birthday.
CycleBar Leawood- Free cycle class on your birthday.
Lands End- $50 off $100 purchase.
Sarpino's Pizza- $10 off your order.
Sonic- Free shake on your birthday.
Clothes Mentor- 15% off your purchase.
First Watch- Free Meal for signing up for their e-club.

Jason's Deli- sign up for their eclub and get $5 for your birthday.

Rally House- sign up for their emails and get 25% off one item.

Omaha Steaks- free chocolate cake and 10% off for signing up for their e-club.

Firebirds Wood Fire Grill- $10 off for your birthday for signing up for their email club.

Hamburger Mary's- free bottle of champagne if you bring in 6 or more people to celebrate your birthday!
Louie's Wine Dive- tell them it's your birthday and they bring you a bottle of vino to take home
Planet Sub- free sub when you sign up for their email club.

Fuddruckers- free burger coupon with the purchase of another burger

Smokehouse BBQ- free sandwich for your birthday.

Marble Slab Cremery- $5 off a cake for your birthday.

Gap Factory- extra 15% off for your birthday.
Garnet Hill- $25 off birthday coupon.
Zoe's Kitchen- Free sweet treat.
Gaslight Grill- Free dessert.
Zaxby's- Free Nibbler sandwich coupon for your birthday.

J. Crew Factory- 20% and free shipping for your birthday.

Papa John's- 10 Papa Points for your birthday- (not entirely sure how that works!)

Ace Rewards- $5 coupon for your birthday.
First Watch- free meal when you sign up for their club.
Potbelly- free cookie when you sign up for their e-club on your birthday.
Half Price Books- coupon for 15% off for your birthday.
Anthropologie- 15% off coupon emailed for your birthday
RA Sushi- sign up for their e-club and they mail you a 1/2 off for your 1/2 birthday.
J.Gilberts- one of my personal favorites- sign up for their e-club and they send you a $25 dinner certificate.
DSW- Are you a Rewards Club member? If so they send you $5 for your birthday.
Dickey's BBQ Pit- e club members get a free sandwich on their birthday.
Dunkin Donuts- e club members get a free drink coupon
Houlihans- a free entree coupon is emailed to you during the month of your birthday.
Noodles- a free rice krispie treat on your birthday.
Mongolian BBQ- for signing up for their e-club you get a free entree for your birthday.
Fox Restaurant Concepts (North)- e club holders get a coupon for a free dessert

KC Hopps Concepts (Blue Moose, Barley's) KC Hopps Reward Card Holders can earn a free dessert during their birth month. You must sign up for a rewards card at one of the restaurants.
Cafe Trio- $15 off an entree on your birthday if you are a member of their e-club
Seasons 52- free dessert on your birthday as a member of their e-club
Hereford House- $15 off an entree with the purchase of an entree on your birthday as a member of their e-club.
Tastu's- free entree with the purchase of an entree on your birthday as a member of their e-club.
Old Navy- 10% purchase for your birthday by signing up to receive their emails
Ruby Tuesday- free burger on your birthday as an e-club member

Bristol- $25 coupon for your birthday if you sign up for their club.
Jersey Mikes- free sandwich and drink on your birthday when you sign up for their e-club.
Banana Republic Cardholders- $15 on your birthday.

Container Store- Join their POP club and you get a birthday coupon
LaBodega- buy 1 tapa get 1 free for your birthday.

Most coupons have an expiration date within 2 weeks of your birthday. Some are good for a month!  Know any other great offers for your birthday? Send them my way!

Feel Good Friday

Flashback to last Saturday's victory in Ames!

4 wins in a row

Tied for 1st in the Big 12

Beating 2 Top 5 teams in a month

I'm pretty sure none of this has ever happened before in my lifetime!

EEEEEK.

Good time to be a Cyclone!

TGIF!

Wordless Wednesday

On my recent trip home I stopped in at Everybody's Whole Food Store to do my weekly shop. Iowa = no food tax. Kansas = highest food tax in the nation. I'm no dummie! Shop in Iowa. Ok, off the soap box. Sharing what I found. Who doesn't love Skinny Pop? Let alone Butter Skinny Pop that pops in a box in the microwave? Had never seen these before! I'm sure the butter takes away part of the "Skinny". Super tasty!

Fairfield Field Trip

The older I get the more I love going, "home."  I was able to take friends home in the past couple of months, twice.  Only on the summer trip I was feeling very weak and not that great so I feel like that adventure was lame compared to the most recent trip I took, "home."  Home is Fairfield, Iowa. Home of the former Parsons College and current Maharishi University of Management. Home is unique. Home is a quaint little town nestled in rural middle America.  On this most recent trip home with my friends Karin and Cara, their first stop was at the Raj where they got massages.  Cara has some knowledge of TM so it was neat to be able to take them there!

Friday nights first stop did not disappoint as we checked out Jefferson County Ciderworks. A place I had heard of but never been. Who knew there would be about 150 people hanging out at this place with a food truck. It was awesome. And for beer, there were several that were seriously good! And some seriously terrible. I can't wait to go back and take more guests there!

For dinner we settled on Shokai for Sushi- it wasn't as good as other times I have been but still fun to be able grab sushi in SE Iowa!

My friends shopped and played all day Saturday in Fairfield while my parents and I went to Ames for some Cyclone football. It was rather soggy and I ended up watching the game in a bar with my mom. Upon arriving back in Fairfield we grabbed dinner at the Cider House.  Coined the best burger in Iowa in 2014.  This place is amazing- in fact I've written about it before. Also amazing was their Watermelon Cider Sangria I ordered. Talk about drinking a watermelon jolly rancher.

So taken by my drink I did snap a pic of the burger.

And for an after dinner drink it was off to the Arbor Bar on the square. This place speaks Fairfield. So quaint and weird.  I couple people watch in their for hours. Unfortunately a late Friday night, an early Saturday morning and rainy game day meant only one drink at the Arbor Bar. Definitely a place to check out!

Ok, and who knew Fairfield had Lyft? They do. Just one driver. We did not need to use it but I had seen posters about it so I pulled up my own app and sure enough you can catch a ride. 

And a stop on the way back to KC in Eldon, IA at the Gothic House for some photo ops. Too bad I already printed my holiday cards.

What a great weekend. So refreshing to be "home."

Culinary Club Meets Crafting

Most know I love a good craft project and I really love culinary club. Or perhaps I should phrase this nothing beats a night with a glue gun, glass of Sauv Blanc and some cheese. My culinary club ventured out and went to the new Ad Astra Market in Mission last week for a fall dinner and wreath making class. It had been a very stressful day and honestly I just wanted to sip my wine. So yes, some may have laughed when I picked out all of my supplies and made a plea to the shop owner to come help put together my wreath for me! But I love how it turned out!

Despite not loving cooked salmon (sushi ruined that for me) this salad was delish! Apples, beets and blue cheese- what more could you want?

And this apple cake.........

Ad Astra is the most adorable place and I highly recommend you check it out. They have a case of food which you can take to use at home or eat at their community table in store. You can purchase fresh flowers and sweet gifts for many occasions.  They have space for additional craft classes or private parties. A must stop in if you are in Mission!