Why I Don't Do Dry Cleaning

I've never used the popular convenience of dry cleaning services before. I was brought up in such a way that if the tag of clothing instructed for "dry cleaning only," then don't buy it because the long-term cost would probably be more than what I'd pay for the shirt, skirt, etc. anyway. Since I got married, for some reason, I stopped allowing the tags to dictate my wardrobe. If I liked the shirt enough to buy it, then I'd buy it, thinking that down the road when it needed cleaned, I'd just hand wash it or something. Well the day finally arrived that my five pieces of "dry clean only" apparel needed refreshment.

I've noticed signs on dry cleaning stores before that advertise for $2.50/item. Apparently that was a special store with a special sale on a special day. There are two stores close by that I checked out, dropping them off at one in particular that didn't have those special signs out. But I didn't really think too much of it because I figured that the dry cleaning business probably needs to be competitive, so I just assumed that the prices would be similar.

Wrong. I call today to check on the price so that I can have enough cash with me to pick them up tomorrow. $37.50. Holy crap. I almost peed my pants in the car while driving. I was estimating on what I thought to be the more spendy side of things when I guessed $5/item, although I was sure it would not be that expensive for just five items. I mean, for real. Call me cheap, but I was not expecting to pay almost 40 bucks to get some clothes washed. This is why I don't do dry cleaning.

Kitchen Galore

Not complete yet, but here's the progress...

BEFORE

AFTER

And This is Life

I worked a lot last week and this weekend. It was good to have a day off, though not very restful. We went to church, ate burgers and fried pickles with friends, then came home. I mowed the grass, blowed leaves and debris from our driveway, swept it, and vacuumed out the car just in time for the windstorm and rain to come and redistribute more leaves and debris. I made my list and conquered it at the grocery store, making sure to have enough ingredients on hand for this week's menus of: Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps with Stir-fried Broccoli, Ginger and Cashews, Korean Pancakes with Scallions, Shrimp and Wasabi with a Fruit Salad of Cucumber, Mango, Red Papaya, Prickly Pear, and Coconut, Tomato-Basil Soup with Toasted Provolone Bites, and Falafel in Pitas with Tzaziki. I hope to make a pecan pie this week and some bread. We love eating dessert but it is rare that I make any at home because the guaranteed outcome would always be Carey eating the remaining as soon as possible, which isn't the healthiest decision most of the time. But what can I say? I have sweet tooth, dang it. Chris played Ultimate with new friends and came home to find Marlow and I snuggling on the couch. We opened a bottle of wine and consumed some oh-so-NOT-so-good frozen pizza from the local HEB. Starbuck's Java Chip Ice Cream to follow. What a day of glutony, I'd say. I look forward to starting a new day tomorrow with lots of water, my daily dose of vitamins, and a long walk in the hot-as-hell Texan heat before returning to my expected breakfast of oatmeal and dehydrated gogi berries. I'll do some emailing and confirming of dates with clients for work in the morning, brush my teeth when I realize I've forgotten, pluck a few rebellious eyebrows, and start a load of laundry before turning on the TV to Channel 15--Austin's ME TV--to listen to music videos as I straighten up the house from the weekend, pull in the recycling and trash containers from the street, and order flea medicine for Marlow. Later on I'll change into my normal, drabby clothes that I dress in for work--attire that isn't afraid of getting stained because I definitely don't spend time removing those stubborn spots before tossing it into the hamper and forgetting the blemishes. I've got only 2 client meals to prepare tomorrow, so I'll head to the kitchen in the mid-afternoon, deliver, then head home hopefully before traffic gets too rough. A run will beckon, Marlow alongside in complete happiness as Chris and I trot next to him. Then dinner, clean-up, etc. It comes and goes. One day. Then the next.

Big News with Work

I've recently moved into a kitchen from which I'll be renting space to cook. It's a newly renovated, commercial kitchen located downtown. I've already undergone my first inspection by the State Board of Health, so Taste and See Fine Dining is getting more official every day. It's great to finally be cooking elsewhere than in my home kitchen. I'm expecting growth in my weekly meal service for the remaining of this year. Families are back from their summer travels, school is starting, and mouths need fed. I've got some fresh, new ideas for this season's arrivals of fall vegetables and fruits and can't wait to get started. Something about the change of a season makes me clean out and start fresh. Although it's still over 100 degrees here, autumn is approaching and thank goodness Hobby Lobby reminds me that it's not long before I need to get out my decorations for the season.

Tonight's Grub: Pan-seared Steelhead Trout with Tarragon Buerre Blanc, Farro with Hatch Chili and Toasted Pecans, Red Leaf Lettuce with Texas Peaches and Vinaigrette.

Indiana Trip

Check out photos here and hit "Slideshow."

Marls: My Traveling Buddy

So my computer has crashed and I'm not sure if I will be able to get anything off of it again (very sad, because I had saved some pictures on my Desktop), however, I'm so thankful that I was able to upload all my trip pictures onto Facebook, so at least I have them saved there. That's why it's taking me awhile to post pictures and I was waiting to explain the trip until I posted some. Anyhoo...that's enough explanation for today. I'm feeling groggy in my vocabulary and lazy in my speech. Ever have days like that? Where you just don't feel like talking much?

Here's my favorite picture of Marlow from our recent Indiana trip. Summer portrait '08.

Playing Catch Up

Lots has happened in the last month and I will definitely share lots of photos, but for now, I'm excited and wanted to let ya'll know that last week my super-sweet-sister took a bunch of fancy pics for Taste and See Fine Dining. They will be great for the website and marketing. Here's just a glimpse of her skills. I haven't even seen them all yet.