Crazy Eyes?

I've been a bit silent this week. My excuse can be summed up in two words. Busy and tired. I think the Bean had a growth spurt this week. (Oh, and by the way, in case any of you notice the large spot just above my belly -- I had to do some quick cleanup just before we took the picture! Chocolate spill...)

Today we had a couple guests over for lunch. I made a delicious roasted vegetable pasta dish with eggplant, zucchini, onion, tomato, garlic, feta cheese and several other yummy ingredients. On the side, I made a caprice salad, but I must brag that the presentation was quite nice. I sliced the tomatoes accordion-style and then cut the mozzarella to fit precisely into the openings, stuffing a little fresh basil in each tomato as well. Then I sprinkled them with pepper. On the side was some store-bought focaccia. Yum! Dessert was fresh strawberries served in little light cake cups, drizzled with a chocolate sauce I made of dark chocolate, milk and sweetened condensed milk. Oh my...

Oh! This was the meal I had fretted over, with the kosher guests. It was definitely a success. I don't think I broke any rules in the selection of ingredients. (I did consult with a friend about guidelines.)

Double Oh! This week was a good one. I captured a little more PR for myself. Friday morning, a journalist I have pitched stories to in the past called and offered me the opportunity to be the featured guest of a brief column she pens weekly. She did a brief interview and requested a head shot. Well, I had a head shot that I had used with my previous employer. However, since it was taken there, I was sure using it would not have been a popular move among my former camp. I was in a bind though. I wanted something professional - but how in the world would I manage that by 4 p.m. the same afternoon?

A friend/consultant I work with worked a miracle for me. I had the best head shots taken in a matter, truly, of minutes. The photographer actually specializes in children and babies. She takes amazing photos. (I plan to engage her to take pictures of the Bean, me and Even early this summer.)

Anywho, she actually took the photos at 2:30. I left her studio around 3. Thanks to her quick work, I was able to deliver the photo electronically to the newspaper by 4 p.m. precisely.

And the article was out in yesterday's paper!