One of my good friends Tory, recently moved back out to Oconomowoc into a brand new studio apartment. She invited me and Shauna over to check out the place, have dinner, and then go out for drinks at her favorite martini place. First off, I have to say that I love Tory’s place. Although it is a studio and smaller, the kitchen is very spacious and even has an island so she only had to buy two bar stools and not a table. The layout really makes it almost like there is a bedroom, just with a half walk. I really like it. We made some simple wraps for dinner…

This year, I have assigned myself the task of making the entire Turkey Day meal. It’s the least I can do after living at home for the last 18 months while trying to buy a condo. With me almost out of the home, and on a tight budget, I offered to make it all this year and my parents gladly offered to buy the groceries. They are hunting down the deals as I type this. My mom can (hopefully) sit back with a glass of wine, relax by the fire and watch some football while I take over (destroy) her kitchen. The part that grosses me out the most is…

It’s November 15th, so I’m half way through No Spend November and things are still on track for the most part from my first post. Here is an update: 1) I barely even notice that I’m not seeing my boutiques on Facebook and haven’t had the urge to shop online since I UnLiked all of them. 2) I have only gone into Walgreen’s twice and my total between both trips was $6 so that is a lot better. 3) I have eaten out twice for lunch but I have made a conscious effort to bring leftovers from home. 4) Working out hasn’t really happened. I tried to run last Saturday…

I grew up on Taste of Home recipes with my mom and my grandma always reading the magazines and using the cookbooks for great dinner ideas. I have been to their outlet in Greendale village and own quite a few of their cookbooks myself. So when the Taste of Home Cooking School was announced, I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity. I was lucky enough to get some free tickets to the event and even if I couldn’t get them, $20 at the door was an OK price for me considering everything that we were given. The recipe knowledge alone was worth more than that! The Cooking School was…

About a year ago was when I noticed the first Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub on about 116th and Bluemound. Then I heard that one went into the former Pabst Brewery that is now a hotel. And when I heard that they leased the space that was formerly J. Lotti’s on South Street, I was really excited. I liked the fact that a local franchise with a business model in place was taking over a restaurant location that has potential. It was sad to see J. Lotti’s go, but I’m glad that something else opened up so quickly. After “Liking” Jackson’s on Facebook and following on Twitter, I was made aware…

With the holidays right around the corner, I feel the amount of foodie opportunities seem to increase. I don’t mind it one bit – but the wallet gets a little upset. So here is a recap and moving forward of some of my experiences. Friday I had a meeting on the east side of Waukesha and after, I introduced my coworkers to Andrea’s Red Rooster. I used to work there way back in the day and have gone a few times for drinks on the patio over the summer, but never for lunch. The food was great and we found another great spot. More on this place soon! Then, Friday…

The holidays are going to be here before we know it (and before we are ready!) Waukesha has so many great things going on for the holidays and I want to share that information with you. I have participated in some of these events in the past and they are really fun. This website has great Waukesha holiday information all in one great place. I don’t see that the actual Silver Bells shopping event is happening, but I see the holiday stroll before the parade is back!!! November 22nd – Tree Lighting – 6 pmI haven’t attended this actual event, but I definitely make it a point to check out…

It’s that crazy month before Christmas that if you aren’t careful, your wallet will grab you by the hand and pull you into holiday debt without a chance to even realize it. I have fallen prey twenty-too-many times and it’s time to defeat the holiday spending beast! (And well, just be more cautious of my spending!) Today marks the start of ….drum roll please……. NO SPEND NOVEMBER!!!! I tried this last year and it worked really well for me. This year I’m taking it to a whole new level as I am in the home purchasing process and need funds for all the costs that go into owning your own…

We had another spook-tacular Halloween party at my friends house this year. The theme was Villains but everyone was welcome to dress in whatever they wanted. I spent a good portion of Saturday making my many treats for the day, but unfortunately I failed on taking pictures of any of the food. And there were some really great treats. There was an actual litter box (new of course) filled with a dessert and it looked so real. I thought it was a prank at first! Other treats included – zombie flesh dip (bagel dip), graveyard taco dip, celery mummies & spiders on a log (celery & cream cheese) really drunken…

***UPDATED Halloween is coming up quickly and with it falling on a Thursday this year, it’s almost like we get two weekends of costumes and parties.  I am seeing information surface about spots in Waukesha having festivities for the spooky day and I want to share that with you all.  It looks like the majority of the events are taking place on Saturday, October 26, which means I will have to miss them this year. I am joining my friends for their 2nd annual Halloween party. Last year we were the cast of Once Upon a Time.   This years is a Villain” themed party where we will partake in spooky…