Lent

Today is Mardi Gras - or Fat Tuesday - representing the day before Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins, and a day during which you gorge yourself with whatever vice you have decided to give up for 40 days. And then Easter represents the day on which you get to gorge yourself again. I've decided to give up chocolate. Since I've had Oliver, I have literally eaten chocolate every day. Dark chocolate unless unavailable. I haven't tracked it per se, but I know I've had a consistent stash, and consistent consumption. So, this will be a sacrifice to give up! Since I actually just realized today that Lent begins tomorrow, I wasn't able to prepare properly with a last portion of salted chocolate caramels. But, I have sufficiently made myself sick with a mocha (normally just drink a latte), half a sleeve of Thin Mints (the other half I ate last night - cruel timing, Girl Scouts, just cruel), and all the remaining chocolate chunks from the pre-made cookie dough I use as one of my chocolate stashes. I feel gross.

Now Lent is a religious observation (while Mardi Gras may be decidedly immoral at times) and I would not consider myself religious. But I attended a Catholic high school and grew up among other religious influences and have grown to appreciate many traditions and celebrations. I certainly don't hold back from celebrating Christmas! And spending more than a month giving up something you previously enjoyed or took for granted is at the very least an opportunity for self-reflection and a personal challenge.

Bring it on.

Vinyl Hell

Thank god the wall decal in Oliver's room is finally completely up. I got it on ETSY and absolutely love the design. But it was so intimidating - large and in so many pieces, so it turned into one of those painful projects that just gets dragged out. And then, it started peeling. I think it's the textured walls and slightly matte finish on the paint. Ugh. Whenever I am nursing in there and notice a corner peel up or a ripple in a part it drives me nuts! I stick it back down, but inevitably it will pop back up. I've considered wallpaper paste or a clear coat of paint. But I really don't know what is the best plan. I would like for it to last a few years. I just want it to stick! Suggestions?? Oh, and isn't it cute?

Mmmm...Nitro

I live in an awesome city for beer. And if ever I am perusing the list of beers on tap and I see (Nitro) next to one - I jump on it! A beer served "on nitro" means that nitrogen is being used to pump the beer through the lines instead of CO2. A bar usually only has one beer at a time on nitro, if any. It creates lighter bubbles and a head like on a Guinness - which is served on nitro. Guinness also has a nitro-widget in their cans. Any beer can be served on nitro, which creates a creamy texture and adds a smoother, nutty flavor. Does it really change the beer that much? Think about the difference between a cold, flat soda and a cold, bubbly soda - makes a huge difference! A little more information on nitro here.

Not sure that beer aficionados would consider it the most legit way to serve beer as it mutes some flavors, but nitro gets my vote! I recommend you try it the next time you get the opportunity. Yumm.