Cooking Adventures: Salmon Cooking Technique

One night, I ventured into Central Market (love) and passed by the seafood counter, looking for some inspiration for dinner. The guy behind the counter was able to talk me into some type of salmon that was hardly ever on sale (I think it was from New Zealand?) and even gave me a few ounces for free. I have also cooked this recipe with 6.99$ a lb salmon and it was totally tasty too!

 I love salmon but sometimes I find it difficult to cook because it seems very easy to over-cook (and over cooked salmon is fun for no one). The seafood man gave me a simple recipe that changed my life and made cooking salmon a lot less intimidating. First, you season the salmon with whatever you like- the beauty of this fish is that so many different things work! I used a fish rub that the guy at Central Market also recommended (so so good).

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Heat a skillet that you are able to cover to medium high heat and drizzle some olive oil in the pan. When it's hot, put the salmon FISH side down (not skin side) and sear for 2 minutes. This locks in the seasoning and gives you a lovely outside crust. Flip the salmon over carefully and reduce the heat slightly, covering the fish with the lid. Let it steam and after 8-10 minutes (could be shorter or longer, depending on thickness) you will have a beautiful tasty and EASY dinner! The beauty of this cooking method is that you can let the salmon cook as long as you need-- the fatty skin creates a nice layer of protection that won't allow the bottom to burn! I've made this more than once now and it is just a favorite in our house...and healthy too!

 Do you have a favorite fish dish that you like to make? What is your preferred cooking method?

The Odds of me being there at midnight...

Are next to none. In fact, they are none. This is not out of lack of caring about the release of what could be the start of one of the greatest trilogies ever. No, this is because I am old....ish. Still young, but also old. Middle Aged. Whatever. I like to sleep. plain and simple. The thought of having to extend this day until 3 AM makes me want to....to....well I don't know, but think of something dramatic.
Also, though. There's this.

This is Peeta. And look before I get going on this....if you haven't read the books, well, you should probably just not waste anymore of your life and go ahead and do it! It is an amazing story with lots of deep messages about war, division, and such. Oh and if you are reading this and you have no idea what I'm talking about....Hunger Games. ANYWAY...Peeta. Apparently Josh Hutcherson, playing Peeta for the movie, is the newest craze (craze being an understatement) in celebrity land (which honestly, I don't get...Liam Hemsworth who plays Gayle is 10X hotter even if he is dating Miley Cyrus), and if the girls in my class act anything like they way they do when his name is spoken tonight at the premiere...I want to be as far away from that shriek as possible!

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 I am so looking forward to seeing this film. I am hoping that the interpretation on-screen of the incredible adventure in the book does it justice. From what I have seen so far, it looks that we will not be disappointed. The books were so great that every book I read now...well let's just say it has a lot to live up to.

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Here's our real-life Katniss. Except it's not real-life, because it's in movie-life....but you know what I mean. No need to get into semantics here ;-). Again, from the previews...she looks totally prepared to take on this monstrous role. Serious, cold, a little bitter...it's all there. I just hope she knows how much her life is going (or probably already is) to change!! Wouldn't you love to be known as "The girl on fire" for the rest of your life? I would.

Are you excited for the premiere? Are there any other Hunger Games fans out there?
Did you go to midnight premiere already? How was it!??!

PS I am planning on going on Sunday so I'm building the suspense for a few more days...

A Little Lovin'

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Thanks for the love guys as I hope to make my blog better all the time. :)

Beauty Favorite: MASCARA

Hey y'all! Sorry about the long absence-- I have been gallivanting around the United States, first with my 8th grade students for a whirlwind tour of our nation's capital (LOVE DC!!) and then with most members of my family for a trek up the Colorado Rockies for some lovely skiing. It was definitely a crazy but totally fun two weeks.

But here we are, back to the things of daily life. As promised, this is a post about my absolutely must-have favorite beauty product: Mascara. It is definitely one of those things that wakes up your face whether you have any other make-up on or not, and it only takes seconds to apply.  The thing is, there are lots of mascaras out there, so I am going to outline my 4 favorites at 4 price points. Each mascara I use is NOT waterproof, although they make waterproof versions of each kind (waterproof is too harsh on my lashes). Enjoy!!

1. Splurge: Dior DiorShow Mascara 25$

This mascara is the total package (it should be for 25$ =)). It doesn't clump and it makes lashes long and fluttery. It is easy to remove yet still lasts all day! The big brush helps it go on quick and evenly and boosts the volume.

2. Less Expensive Splurge: Bad Gal Lash by Benefit Cosmetics 19$

This may be my absolute favorite mascara in the world. I only buy it every once in a while due to the price but when I do I am never disappointed. I have been using this stuff since high school. It is the only mascara that I have ever received compliments on-- not once, but SEVERAL compliments on my LASHES. Yeah, it's that good. Big brush, fabulous formula, and looks so natural yet so defined.

3. Mid-Range: Clinique High Impact Mascara 15$

This mascara is what I am currently using and I liked it so much I have bought a second tube. I got it for Christmas in a gift set and it is a great mascara. It's by Clinique so of course it's good for everyone's eyes and it's got a little bit thicker formula than my favorite drugstore kind. It does everything the more expensive ones do and really lengthens.

4. Drugstore: Full N' Soft by Maybelline 5-7$

I've been using this mascara for as long as I can remember. It looks natural, makes my lashes long and defined, and is so gentle I have never had any issues with it. If you want a good, simple, all-around performer without all the extra craziness (which I have found doesn't always do what it says) then this is your best bet.

There you have it! I use black in all mascaras (Very Black in the Maybelline). I have tried brown since I am fair but it just does not define my lashes as well. Of course, you know what's best for you so have at it! =) Let me know if you end up buying any of these and what you think!