New Year's Resolution? How about 30!

I used to make New Year's Resolutions. Things that I honestly intended to keep, and in truth often worked at (even if I didn't always fulfill them). I've been trying to think about what to make my resolution this year, but so many things I could come up with are either the same old stuff or things I should be doing anyway (like trying to do well in school or be healthy). Then a fellow blogger posted about her 30 under 30 and I was intrigued having never heard of the idea before.

Long story short, a 30 under 30 list is sort of like a bucket list for young people. It's things you want to get done before you turn 30. For some people that's the mark of true adulthood. That's when you have to get serious, have a baby, be finished with higher education, and have a steady foot in the door of your career.

I'm not sure I fully agree with any of those ideas, it really depends on you as a person and what you want of your life. But I guess for me since I'll be done with school, I see that as reaching my true adulthood. I'll finally be able to say I achieved one of my main goals in life (which is my 9 year+ dream of getting my PhD in clinical psychology and becoming a psychologist). Right now I always say things like "when I grow up" or "when I get to start my real life" and that's generally what I mean; being out of school and not having to put things off because school will be in the way somehow.

So I worked long and hard at coming up with my 30 under 30 list. A list of practical and fun things, achievements, and milestones. Definitely too much for just one year, but hopefully I'll get it all done in the 4 1/2 years I have left!

1. Never stop playing soccer.
2. Get my PhD.
3. Have a baby, or at least try to have a baby.
4. Go to Hawaii.
5. Pay off credit card debt.
6. Go to France.
7. Find at least two life long friends in California.
8. Maintain my vegetable garden for at least one year.
9. Buy new dining room chairs.
10. Surprise myself with my grades.
11. Keep my current best friends.
12. Restore the ugly orange chair.
13. Do something I always say I'll never do ever.
14. Get an article published that is not my dissertation.
15. Drive the California coast.
16. Host a great weekend or Holiday here with my family.
17. Be a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding.
18. Organize my computer files (music, photos, and school stuff).
19. Take a vacation (even just an overnight trip) with just the girls.
20. Learn more about wine.
21. Figure out how to tell a chicken/roast beef/fish/etc. is done cooking just by looking at it.
22. See Radiohead live.
23. Learn how to fancy dance (ie. waltz, salsa, etc.) with my husband.
24. Start saving for a house.
25. Make an Italian meal for my husband's Italian family.
26. Work at least one job that is completely frivolous and fun (ie. not a resume booster).
27. Get into at least 5 new bands every year.
28. Read for pleasure more.
29. Finish my old diary.
30. Start a massive project, and actually finish it.

Wow that seems like a lot...I wonder if I have until I turn 30, or until the end of the 30th year?

Restaurant Review: Harmony Tea Room

Hope you all had a great Christmas, I know I did. We even got some snow in! Or should I say, a lot of snow in. We're currently stuck at my parent's house since they canceled our flight back to California because of the blizzard. I have to admit that I've been a little bit upset about this. I love snow, and I am very happy we got to see some while here, but I miss my cats and I'm getting anxious thinking about the mounting mail, laundry pile, and God knows what else is waiting for us when we finally get home. We'll have been gone for almost 2 weeks!

Since I've been so busy here with trying to get in as many visits with people and celebrating the Holiday, I have been away from the computer a lot, so I apologize that this is entry is coming so far away from the last one!

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I love the culture of British tea time. I think my inner girlie girl likes the idea of getting dressed up in florals while eating finger foods and gabbing with my girlfriends. Funny enough, even though I have relatives in England and have spent a lot of time there, it wasn't until after I came home from a summer program abroad that I finally figured out which teas I like. Once that happened I was hooked and I think I'm now mildly obsessed. Some of my friends and I have thrown tea parties, and any time I find a tea shop that serves traditional high tea meals it becomes an instant favorite. One in particular that I really love going to is in Westwood, New Jersey called Harmony Tea Room.

The first few times I went to Harmony Tea Room I wondered how they stay in business. I was usually the only person in the restaurant (besides whoever I was with at the time). But I've gone enough times now to see that they usually do have quite a few tables filled and have special events (like third Sunday brunch, birthday tea parties, showers, etc.) in their separate dining room too. There are times when it is very busy, and then the place feels cramped because the main room is so tiny. But overall, it's a very quaint and relaxing space.

The decor itself is tea and floral themed (really, would you expect anything else) and the places are set with mismatched tea cups and plates. My friends and I love to switch our cups around so we each of the one we like best and we always laugh about how the place turns a bunch of 20somethings into 6 year old little girls.

The tea list is long and while I always get Earl Grey, they have other black teas, green teas, herbal teas, and a favorite of all of my friends, Chocolate Tea. The food itself is traditional tea time fare, scones, sandwiches (I love the turkey and cranberry stuffing one), and cakes (chocolate and peanut butter, white chocolate raspberry, etc.). They also serve salad and soup, and everything changes on a seasonal basis with some of the traditional ones and other favorites (like cucumber sandwiches and chocolate chip scones) being available all year round.

Contrary to what you might think, I've also seen a lot of guys at the restaurant as well. Nick loves it as does one of our friends, and one of my friend's boyfriend is DYING to go.

Harmony Tea Room, is in my opinion, was of the best tea rooms I've ever been to. Considering most tea rooms charge upwards of $30 for a traditional tea and their prices start at $18, it's well worth the money.

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Some of my Favorite things - Entertainment Edition

Merry Christmas-Eve everyone! Hope you all have a great holiday with your family and friends. In keeping with the Favorite Things themed entries, today's entry is highlighting some of my favorite records and movies.

Albums

Of all time...Neon Bible by Arcade Fire

This changes on a regular basis, but since this album came out it has been the reigning champion. Arcade Fire is a band that is not for everyone. They have their catchy songs and their songs that are a little off the beaten path. To me Neon Bible is their most accessible album, but that's not why I like it. It's my favorite because it flows together well, tells a story, and all the songs on here are solid. Indie rock at it's finest.
Standout Tracks: Keep the Cars Running, No Cars Go

To relax to...New York Tendaberry by Laura Nyro

I think Laura Nyro is one of the most underrated singers of all time. She wrote many hits for so many other people and was never really recognized by fame for her major contributions. Better than Carly Simon. Better than Carol King. Her voice is powerful and her songs are moving and soulful. This album is a tribute to my favorite place on her (and hers), New York City. It's my quintessential rainy day, Fall time, 4 in the afternoon album.
Standout Tracks: Tom Cat Goodbye, Gibsom Street

To get hyped up to...Tonight: Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand

When we have people over I go all out and even when I'm excited to entertain, I need a little something to get me going. So when I know I've got some serious cooking ahead of me I pop this CD and get all revved up. This album by Franz Ferdinand reminds me of everything that was good about the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Dancey synth music with heavy bass and just a tinge of 60s lyricism in there. Usually midway through this album Nick finds his way downstairs and a dance party starts in the kitchen, apron, spatula and all.
Standout Tracks: Ulysses, Can't Stop Feeling

For the Holidays...A Christmas Gift to You by Phil Spector

Psycho killer producer aside, this album is timeless. One of my favorite Christmas songs of all time (Baby Please Come Home by Darlene Love) is on here, and that alone I could listen to over and over again. But you add in the wall of sound as it translates to Christmas songs and I'm a goner. Christmas is about celebrating and being happy, and this album, to me at least, sums up that mood.

To play when company is over...Time Out by Dave Brubeck

This classic album has one of the greatest jazz songs of all time on it (Take Five) and sets the mood for any cocktail hour, dinner party, or Mad Men themed shindig. Not everyone likes jazz, but just about everyone can appreciate this album.

Movies

Of all time...Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Jim Carey and Kate Winslet have their memories erased and some how manage to still be in love at the same time. It's a powerful message about the nature of love and learning from one's mistakes. Maybe not the best movie to watch right after you break up with someone, but anyone who has gone through a rough patch in any relationship can totally relate.

Holiday...Charlie Brown Christmas

This soundtrack is amazing and the story is timeless. It makes me feel like an excited little kid again. Who doesn't like Charlie Brown, Linus, and Snoopy? Need I say more?

To play when boys are over...Tropic Thunder

Nonstop laughter. Poop jokes. Sex jokes. Drug jokes. Action. Stuff blows up. Fake blood and guts. Tom Cruise in a hideous fat suit. Perfect guys movie? Maybe.

To play when girls are over...Pride and Prejudice

Just like the boys moving having all the right stuff, Pride and Prejudice has all the things girls like in a romantic chick flick. Drama, nice clothes, beautiful scenery (both the nature and the actors), British accents, and a schmoopy lovey dovey ending. If you want to watch a movie and feel good about love, this is as good as it gets.

What are you eating Christmas morning?

We'll be in New York for Christmas which means one of my dad's huge breakfasts (you know those are famous in my family). Knowing him he'll pull out all the stops. Bacon, waffles, eggs 2 different ways, muffins, chocolate chip pancakes. In short, whatever we want! Just in case you don't know what you're going to serve, here's a few yummy and super easy options!

Banana Orange Waffles
- Make waffle mix according to the directions on the box. Mash one large banana very well to the mixture (I think it works best to mash bananas that are already starting to get spotty). Lastly, add 1 1/2 tsp orange extract and cook.

Cheese and Bacon Drop Biscuits

1. Cook 2-3 strips of bacon on the stove (do not cook them all the way like you would when you eat them for breakfast). When cooled, chop into tiny pieces.
2. Add 1 cup of milk, bacon, and 2/3 cup of any cheese you like (I do cheddar or gruyere) to 2 cups of Bisquick. Mix well.
3. Scoop into somewhat ball looking shapes and put onto an ungreased, non-stick cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 8 minutes at 450 degrees.

Mushroom Hash with Hollandaise sauce

- Boil potatoes in salted water whole until soft when pricked with a fork. When done, mash coarsely in a pan. Add butter, salt, and chopped baby bella and oyster mushrooms. Cook on high until mushrooms are done.
- When those are done cooking, make the hollandaise sauce according to these directions:

You will need:
* 1 cup of butter
* 2 egg yolks
* 2 tbsp of cold water
* 1 tbsp of lemon juice

1. Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over a low heat then remove from heat and add to a bowl.
2. Add some water into a saucepan and heat so that the water is gently simmering but not boiling.
3. In a glass bowl mix the egg yolks with the water until they get frothy (I like to use my hand mixer).
4. Place the bowl over the pan of simmering water and continue to whisk the egg yolks until they start to thicken.
5. Turn the heat off the burner (if your burner stays very hot when turned off, then remove the bowl from heat). Slowly, pour the melted butter into the eggs, while continuing to whisk.
6. Add lemon juice.

Once all the ingredients are all mixed together, you can top off your hash browns (or put in a gravy boat) and serve immediately.