mad men inspired

Eric and I are huge fans of Mad Men. We streamed all of the previous seasons within months, sometimes watching four episodes at a time. We typically would sit and stare at the screen for a couple of minutes after the episode was over and think about what just happened? really? what will happen next? what do you think about Don? And that would lead into, "Want to watch the next one?" To which we would unanimously answer "yes!"

I have always felt that my marketing background has allowed me to be aware of the ad-wizards ploys. But folks, I've been taken. Yesterday I was at Target trying to identify my next facial moisturizer purchase. I sized up the Oil of Olay, looked at the Yes to Carrots, and took a step back to take in all of my various options: anti-wrinkle! moisturize! serums! Then I saw it sitting there in its lone self. Pond's. If you watch/ed Mad Men, you'll probably remember that Pond's cold cream was one of Peggy's first campaigns she was assigned to at Sterling Cooper. Well, I picked up the cream and stared at it fully recognizing why I was even considering it:  Peggy's words about a woman doing something for herself rang through my head. Hmph. Meanwhile, a woman in her 60s or so swooped in front of me and picked her own Pond's. I examined her face. It looked youthful. Sold. I put the Pond's in the cart. Now, I don't mean to say that I've been "taken" because I purchased a poor product. I just feel fooled for falling to the ads that I always say I can avoid...even it was clearly product-pushed to me via a TV show.

On that note, I realized that this was not the first time. No, dear reader, it wasn't! *gasp* In a recent online glasses purchase, I ultimately chose a pair that touted they were Don Draper-esque. Sure, he's a man. But hell, I'll take 'em!

I know I'm not the only one to fall victim to such advertising. It's normal. It's pop culture. I just never thought I would be *that* person. I like to pride myself on buying things because I like them, not because present day activities say "it's cool".

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find a vintage cigarette case for my bubble gum smokes....

happy birthday, annabelle!

Henry's girlfriend turned two today. Don't worry. We've advised him regarding dating younger women. The birthday celebrations were marked with a luau. In March. In Minnesota.

Birthday girl digging her party.

Award for best caption here.

Henry hung back while the other tots streaked through the back yard. 

Double-fisting goldfish and cupcake. 

meatless monday: stuffed zucchini boats

This week's recipe is adapted from one of the recipe cards from the co-op. We had all of the ingredients in the house, except for the zucchini. Doesn't get any better than that, right? I have a confession though: dinnertime rolled around and I was like, "Veggies. Bleh. I want pizza. And I want it with meat. The unidentifiable kind." With a bit of encouragement from Eric, I marched into the kitchen, poured myself a glass of wine, and got to cooking. This turned out to be so delicious and completely hit the spot. It just goes to show that sometimes the brain knows better than the stomach. ;)

Ingredients

• 4 small/medium zucchini (or yellow squash)
• About 4 cups of fresh veggies that you have on hand, diced (I used eggplant, mushrooms, red pepper, onions, and tomatoes)
• Fresh herbs, such as sage, oregano, or basil (used just basil...and tons of it...just use what suits your palate)
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash the zucchini and trim the stem end off. Cut the squash in half, lengthwise. Put the zucchini on a baking sheet in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes (until tender). While the zucchini is still warm, scoop out the center flesh with a spoon. 

Meanwhile, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and cook whatever vegetables you are using. Add the fresh herbs and cook for just a couple minutes longer.

Take cooked zucchini boats and fill with cooked vegetables. Top with parmesan cheese and serve.

Note: another option would be to get a good melting cheese. You would then heat the broiler and place the cheese on top of the filled zucchini boats and broil until the cheese melts into the vegetables.