Monthly Archives: December 2011
BnB Year in Review
As the year comes to a close, it got me thinking about what 2011 looked liked for me.
I welcomed 2011 in my favorite city, LAS VEGAS!!
We partied like the VIP that we are, in super short dresses and sky high heels.
February
Aside from my girl Stephanie’s birthday, there wasn’t a whole lot going on.
March
March was a fun month for me, I saw Lady Gaga in concert…
And realized I’m never sitting in that GD 300 section for a concert EVER AGAIN!!
I drank my first green beer in 2011. I know, monumental.
March is also my birfday month. Adam’s too. In fact, we’re 3 days apart. My special day looked a little like this in 2011….
Here’s what Adam’s Birthday looked like…
Hooray for giant donuts!!
April is Easter and DYNGUS DAY!! For which I have no photos. 
Weird.
Stephanie and I also headed back to Vegas in April.
In May.. well, I started the blog….
So that’s fun!!
I also went to go the NKTOBSB concert. A date that Renae forever regrets.
I can be an overly enthusiastic concert-goer.
In June, Adam and I took an impromptu trip to the Big Apple.
My summer was filled with lawn fetes and beer tents. A Cheektowaga gal at heart.
I went to my 10 YEAR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION!!
And to prove that my life does NOT revolve around partying…
I ran my FIRST 5K with Meghan in September!
RUNNING!!
October was our 4th Wedding anniversary!
And Halloween festivities….
I’ll spare you a recap of November and December, because really? I think I’ve given you guys a pathetic number of posts in the past 2 months. 
2011 was a fun year for me.
BRING IT ON 2012!!
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Ok, so in case any of you thought I had fallen off the face of the earth, fear not, I’m still here.
Christmas was sort of a blur, and for many reasons.
First, I haven’t really been in the Christmas spirit. because (long story short, and without details) my Dad was in and out of the hospital the days leading up to Christmas. (The Bad)
He wasn’t able to come to Christmas Eve at my Aunt Darlene and Uncle Paul’s house. Which I know, majorly bummed him out. 
It didn’t seem right to joyously take Christmas photos without him.
But don’t worry everyone, he is home and doing ok!
On Christmas Day, it was the run around ridiculousness like it always is. Go here, go there, go back to here and back to there.
But it’s all worth it cause I get GIFTS!!! (The Good)
I got a new camera, so hopefully, I will remember to use it and fill the blog with more of this…
a lot more of this….
get ready people…
I’m also myself getting over a cold with a nasty cough. The cough is so bad that I threw out my shoulder, and am walking around like Frankenstein.(the Ugly)
I spent my entire day off (Monday) on the couch alternating between a heating pad and an ice pack. All while watching Adam kill some zombies on his new video game.
So, now that the holidays are over it’s time to cut it with the excuses. I’d like to start blogging more frequently. (Can I get an AMEN, valued readers?)
Oh yeah, and maybe I’ll start eating better and working out.
Remember when my blog used to be about that? And not just story after story about me drinking way to much.
But honestly, to get back into food blogging mode,this is what I ate last night.
MEXICAN!! It was amazing.
Moving on.
I’m gonna try people. Hopefully you’ll see me soon(er).
Random Post
I really had no idea what to call this post, so this is all you get. If you have a better idea for this ridiculious-ness, leave a comment, I may change it later. 
Waiting until the ABSOLUTE last minute to Christmas shop is really taking its toll on me.
Every night is filled with JC Penney runs (three times this week, so far) and miscellaneous stops at random places to check off the list.
Our travels this evening, took us to Consumers Beverage. Can you tell the holidays are stressing me out yet?
I was browsing the fruity beers and this guy caught my eye.
I figured I enjoyed the raspberry wheat beer so much, this should be good.
I was right. 
I am trying to broaden my beer horizons, so if you have any beers that you think I should try, bring it on.
I’d love to hear your suggestions.
And now on the beauty front. I decided to spoil myself with a purchase of these 2 hour WhiteStrips.
They have a pretty hefty price tag (got them on sale for $39.99) but the reviews seemed pretty good, and I’ve been seriously getting down on some Tim Horton’s coffee and the teeth and starting to look a little jank.
Look for my review on ‘em in two hours.
Or at this rate, sometime next week. 
….And I didn’t even fall
Ok, here’s another weekend recap for ya.
On Friday, I went to a cookie exchange that turned into a party.
I totally wanted to take a bunch of pictures of the cookies, but instead I took a bunch of pictures of myself. That’s just my thing, I guess. 
But here’s what I got.
I totally should have busted out the Christmas Ice Breakers, because there were a ton of people I didn’t know.
But I make friends pretty easily, so I wasn’t too concerned.
Plus, there were some familiar faces too.
Then on Saturday, we had plans to spend the evening with Joe and Tara in the great city of Niagara Falls, USA.
We had bought a Groupon for some ice skating at the Niagara Holiday Market, and I was PUMPED!!
I’ve actually never been ice skating, and even though I was slightly concerned I was going to bust my money maker, I had an awesome time.
There were kids ev.er.y.where, and they were dropping like flies. One of them even came charging towards Adam and I screaming “BUFFALOOOO” and as he started to lose his balance, he grabs my arm.
Are you kidding me, kid? I think it was pretty obvious I wasn’t the sturdiest adult to latch on to.
Amazingly, I held the kid up, and didn’t even eat it.
I was making Adam super proud with my skills, and I could have kept going, but people were seriously busting ass on the broken up ice, and I figured we better cut our losses.
The four of us made a few stops at some pretty awesome bars in the Falls. It was a good time.
Who needs a martini glass? They’re too tip-able, just give me the shaker!
After sleeping over at Joe and Tara’s, Joe made us a delicious breakfast, and we headed back home, where I slept away a weekends worth of drinking.
Monday’s are always welcomed with open arms.
Give me back my greek yogurts, fruit and veggies, You can have your chips, cheese and beer…..
Until Friday!
Ice Breaking Christmas Survey
Yesterday, on Julie’s blog, she posted a Christmas Survey. As I was reading it, I was thinking that this would be a great conversation starter at a holiday party.
Especially one where maybe you don’t know everyone. Breaking some holiday ice. Here’s a few to get the ball rolling:
Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate, all the way. Eggnog brings on the heaves for me.
Colored lights or white lights?
I prefer colored lights, but every few years, I like to do white. It’s such a cleaner look.
Do you hang mistletoe?
Not anymore. We always had it growing up at my parents house though.
Snow. Love it or hate it?
Well, hate is a strong word, but I am NOT a fan of the white stuff. I suppose I’d like there to be a little Christmas morning, but it could promptly melt right after that, and I’d be good.
What tops your tree?
Actually, friends, Yoda tops my tree.
What’s your favorite Christmas song?
Seriously, Dan Fogelbergs “Another Auld Lang Syne” gets me everytime. But I’m also a fan of “O Holy Night”
Candy Canes, Yum or Yuck?
Hmmm, this one’s tough. I think I eat traditional candy canes this time of year because I’m supposed to. Otherwise, I could live without them. But give me a speciality flavored one, and I’d suck that like whoa!
Favorite Christmas Movie?
Am I allowed to say that I don’t really have one? I hate (with a passion) The Christmas Story, and I don’t think I’ve ever watched Christmas Vacation the whole way through. I’m gonna have to chew on this one for a while.
Don't quote it, I don't know it!
Shop online or at the mall?
I go where the deals take me.
******
There it is folks, I’ll try to keep these in mind when I’m at a party tonight, where I don’t know everyone.
Unfortunately, when I’ve had a few beverages of the alcoholic kind, my questions turn a little innappropriate and ridiculious.
Maybe “boxers or briefs”?
Or “wanna hear my mad rap skills?” (yeah, I go there, ev.er.ry.time)
“Can I wear your hat, glasses, hat again?”
And most definitely “how about another shot?”
Judge me if you want, but you had to know what you were getting yourself into reading a blog titled “Bananas and Beer”.
Actually, you’re probably just mad that you can’t party with me…
Unless you do….in which case….
“HOW ABOUT ANOTHER SHOT?”
Happy Christmas Partying
Christmas Party and Christmas Luncheon
On Sunday, Adam and I had to leave Kate behind and attend my work’s Christmas Party.
It’s held at Kennedy’s Cove, and in the words of Pitbull, they SHUT IT DOWN for us. Not really that big of a deal, we’re ballers. It’s a small place, and we’re a big group, and we spend a lot of money soooo….
It’s one of those things where you can eat and drink all you can handle. And in some cases, it’s more than you can handle, and your doggie is so happy with the leftovers.
I ordered some undocumented crab cakes and got a Caesar salad. For my entrée, I ordered the 10 oz filet, and the twice baked potato.
I ate a pitiful amount of food, because my belly was filled with vodka and waters.
Fun Sunday! 
On Monday morning, I had to say goodbye to Kate, as she boarded a plane back to Salt Lake City.
Sad Monday! 
Then Today, (Tuesday if you’re keeping track) I went to lunch with my mother in law. Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, WHOOP WHOOP.
I actually had a hard time trying to decide what to order. I supposed I could have gone with some more filet, but opted to get the caramelized onion, goat cheese and kobe beef flatbread, cause ya know, flatbreads are right up my alley.
Well, by the time I was done with my salad and all that warm bread, I actually didn’t end up eating all that much of it. But I’ll eat it tomorrow, or maybe later.
The only picture I actually took from today’s luncheon was my flatbread, which is a damn shame, because it is decorated so beautifully.
Maybe I’ll just have to convince Adam to take me there, for the blog. Yeah, for the blog.
Caramel Apple Cookies
After trying a bunch of times, I finally got this cookie right. I sent this cookie to 3 different bloggers, and I’ll be making them again this week for a cookie exchange on Friday.
I know I’ve talked about baking cookies a lot, but not telling you what I was making, and this is why. The Food Blogger cookie swap was sort of a surprise thing, and they asked that we not share the recipes on our blogs until now.
So ladies and gentlemen, without further adieu….
The Caramel Apple Cookie
Ingredients:
Cookie
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups (about 1 large) peeled and diced Granny Smith apple
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Topping
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon, set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Fold in diced apples. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
Chill dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into balls and place onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Keep the remaining dough in the refrigerator in between batches.
Bake 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack.
To make caramel topping, heat butter, brown sugar, vanilla and milk in small saucepan, bring to a boil and stir constantly. When smooth, add powdered sugar.
Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Enjoy!
Katie’s Weekend Recap
My sister Kate came in to town on Thursday morning to spend some holiday time with all of us.
Long story short, I scored a chance to leave work at 1:30 Thursday and had already planned on taking Friday off.
After some Mighty Taco for dinner, I took Kate out to Big Ass Drink Night with my girls.
Those drinks, while they will certainly give you a buzz for a mere $6, will leave you feeling not so hot in the morning.
I’m apparently a champion in the big ass drink department, because my big ass was out of bed by 7:30 and ready to start the day.
Kate and I headed out to East Aurora to get some lunch and some shopping at Vidlers.
And yesterday, Kate, Adam and myself headed to Lundy’s Lane to hit up the strip joints….KIDDING!
We went up there to have dinner at Swiss Chalet, a gone but not forgotten restaurant many Buffalo people still dream of.
We ate sooo much.
SAUCE, SAUCE, SAUCE SAUCESAUCESAUCE….EVERYBODY!!
The ride home was slightly uncomfortable, but luckily I was keeping Kate and Adam entertained with my newly discovered beat boxing skills.
Adam told me I sounded like a skillet,
DJ SKILLET IN THA HOUSE!!
There must be something in that sauce, because I swear I was drunk when this all went down.
Kate leaves tomorrow 
and she’s having lunch with some family today. Adam and I are heading out later to my work’s Christmas Party.
They take us all out to a nice steakhouse, where we can eat and drink and eat and drink. And roll home.
Actually, I’ve been doing a lot of rolling home lately. I have GOT to start eating better.
Go Figure
When I actually have time to write a blog post, amid the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season, I have nothing to say. I haven’t worked out all that much, and eating healthy is getting harder and harder as Christmas approaches and the cookie swap cookies are rolling in.
What I can give you, is another addition of…
Funny Things People Search to Find Me.
As I peruse my search engine terms, a few stick out, and give me quite the laugh.
First up:
Sex big ass xxx 2011.
Sorry ladies and gentlemen, my 2011 calendar is completely sold out. And don’t hold your breath for the 2012 edition. It ain’t happening!
There’s a party in my head.
Always. Is there not one in yours?
Getting my drank on.
Yes, it is something I do alot, and a term I use frequently. So this makes sense….and you know what rhymes with drank?
You Stank!
What!!?? I know you are not talking about me. You must to be talking about this guy…
Stink, Stank. Stunk.
Shave that nappy thang.
Ok, Don Imus.
I guess you could take this a different way, but for some reason, in my mind, I go in a bad direction. Suddenly, I can’t figure out how I’m still considered a Healthy Living Blogger. I may have *just* lost my title.
There are a bunch more, some that even have my friends names in them. Like:
Julie Night Ass
Sara Ass
Tacos Kate
Aaaand, the word Ass has just been used entirely too many times in this post. My blog officially is rated R.
Dishwasher Debacle
Ok, guys. Let me explain a little something to ya.
First of all, Friday’s Purple Haze fueled post was really a test.
Currently, Adam and I are having an internet issue. What that really means is, right now, we have no internet. 
So, I tried my hand at posting through an app on my phone, but I wasn’t happy with the results.
Why the heck did the picture show up on top?
Obviously, the app didn’t work out like I would have liked, so I probably wont be using that much, unless you want photo less posts.
And nobody wants that!
Here’s what’s been going on.
The healthy life is eluding me. Yesterday, I ate a bagel for breakfast and hit up some Wendy’s for lunch.
I don’t feel bad about heading to Wendy’s because I was pissed off at something, and I am an emotional eater.
We were having an issue with the new dishwasher we were getting installed yesterday.
Long story short, we ordered a new dishwasher, it didn’t fit, but it’s the exact same size, so WHAT THE F’ING F???
Our only option was to order a “special sized” dishwasher, which only means “more money”, and this did not make me happy.
I was like a psycho beyotch, and I smashed glass stove tops, and spit in the face of the sales guy.
Adam had to drag me out of there. All while I was screaming “Don’t quelch me”!”
I don’t know why, but I thought quelch meant “to hold back” but Urban Dictionary set me straight.
And this just got awkward. 
I know now, that word I was looking for was Squelch- “to silence”
Lesson uncomfortably learned.
After my ridiculous afternoon, I felt like I had an ulcer, and I spent the remaining hours of the day taking a nappy nap on the couch. I missed dinner, and went to bed with a relatively empty stomach.
And it all makes sense now as to why I had a crazy dream. I dreamt that Adam and I were moving to a different city and Adam’s mom was throwing us a party, except it wasn’t really Adam’s mom, and we were already somewhere else. I got mad because there were these little girls at my party that I didn’t know. It was apparently the girls birthday and everyone was singing to them, and I started freaking out. “THIS IS MY PARTY, WHO ARE YOU?” I stormed out of the party and found myself wandering around a new city, with a rocks glass in my hand.
Analyze that!!
Today is going to be a little less chaotic and ulcer inducing. We’re heading to the Eastern Hills Mall, where there having a Pet Expo from 11 am to 4pm.
Meghan has started making adorable dog collars, and she’ll be selling her wares at the expo today, so we’re heading over to support her, and maybe even buy a few collars for my little guy.
Maybe? pssh, of course I’ll buy some collars. I can’t resist that smiling face.
And right now, I’m sitting in Wegmans, uploading this for ya’ll.
I’ve got to get the internet back. This whole “poor college student, using Wegmans free internet” thing just isn’t my style.
