Easiest Chicken Dinner Ever

This has to be simplist dinner I have ever made last night-it literally took zero effort and tasted fantastic. So fantastic I was a piggy and ate it before I could take a picture of how good it looked.

Go forth and enjoy!

Lemon Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
Any amount of chicken you want-I used 3 thin, small, breasts for 2 people
2 lemons, juiced and zested
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
(I used a dash of lemon juice from the bottle too-added some nice flavor)
Coarse black pepper
Coarse salt

Directions
Heat the grill over medium high heat. In a shallow dish, combine lemon zest and juice with extra-virgin olive oil. [Optional: reserve 1/4 of the marinade for coating after. I didn't read that part and did not do it, they still tasted fabulous.]

Allow chicken to marinate in juice/zest mix and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper, for 15 minutes. Cook chicken on a very hot grill, approximately 3-8 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer to a serving platter and brush with the reserved marinade, if you wish.

I served with baked potatoes and it was a great Sunday meal. Bonus-do it on the grill and you won't break a sweat in your hot kitchen! Thank you Rachael Ray for the simple supper.

Kerri's Shower Part Deux: A Tea Party

My fellow MOH, Erin K, did the most amazing family shower for Kerri yesterday, a tea party! I totally lapsed and didn't get pictures of the various pitchers of the iced variety (its 100+ degrees here!) but take a look at this chic affair she put together for her sister. This fancy fete was straight out of a Martha Stewart magazine. Nay, I redact that. BETTER than an MS shower and totally Weddingbee worthy!!

A lady and her loot

Sisters

The 'Party

Second Bow-quet, and my first attempt, not too shabby!

Since '90

Sunday Confessions

At 25 years old, I have finally seen Ghostbusters. The movie was made the year I was born. Why on earth did it take me so long to see such an awesomely silly movie?!

Saturdays with Scott

In continuing to feature the original Haselton in this family, I bring you Saturdays with Scott. Not original, akin to Tuesdays with Morrie, and I'm addicted to alliteration. What can you do.

Like many couples, Scott and I have things in common that tie us together, yet also varied strengths that really set us apart. For one, Scott is a fiercely talented musician and I have yet to even attempt an instrument.

As a child, Scott played the piano. I think it was more of a non-sport extracurricular activity asked of him by his parents, and like any good/quasi-mischievous child, he obliged. Like many of us, we learn to appreciate things in life a little later, and realized what he missed in college, taking a class for several semesters, and even participated in performances. Additionally, he played at his cousin Audra's wedding, and is always up for a duet with Abbie, or an impromptu routine from me to Elton John's classic, "Tiny Dancer." Recently, as a belated birthday present, we purchased a digital keyboard for our third floor apartment (no baby grands coming up here!) and I can see how much of a stress reliever it is for him to play. I love hearing his melodies drifting through the house.

In junior high, he was part of the drumline with Rob, and Kerri and I were the loyalist of groupies (though this was all pre-dating, just fyi.) He played like the master I know he is, just a natural born mucisian, talented with a variety of instruments.

In high school, he would not continue with band, but would pick up the guitar as a hobby. After getting married, we now have a collection of three guitars, one being an acoustic that I gave him most recently for Christmas. Next to the piano, this is one of my favorite hear him play. What can I say-a guy, with a guitar, playing Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Bob Marley, and even the one original I "composed" one wine-induced night? I'm a sucker for that.

These talents, in terms of playing as well as reading music, floor me. Perhaps it is because I haven't put much time into trying, but his effortless success is truly inspiring. Coming from a non-musical family, this has been a lovely, unexpected surprise with marriage.

Oh, Nutella

Nutella has to be one of life's most delicious pleasures. Hands down, it would be one of the three items, along with Chapstick and probably Purell, that I would take with me on a desert island. (Let's face it-moisture on the lips would be essential, I could clean myself and possibly disinfect bites, and finally, who wouldn't be game for Nutella on palm leaves-genius!)

I have made several desserts with this tasty spread, and for the foodies out there, you may know that Giada DeLaurentiis is the primary writer of most recipes that include Nutella.

So for your Friday night reading pleasure, I give you HazelNutella Kisses (well, that is what I cleverly dubbed them at our wedding. If you search the FoodNetwork website, type in Chocolate Hazelnut Smooches.)

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup Nutella, [or a lot more if you are like me]
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup sugar
  
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup orange sprinkles, or orange sugar [I have yet to do this, it's always the fancy crystal sugar for me]
  
• 1 (9-ounce) package of Hershey's Kisses

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In another medium bowl, place the chocolate hazelnut spread, butter, and both sugars. Using a hand mixer, cream the ingredients together, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and blend until incorporated. Stir in the dry ingredients, just until incorporated.

Shape the cookie dough into walnut-sized balls. Rolls the balls in the sugar, pressing to adhere. Place the cookies on a heavy cookie sheet about 4 inches apart.

Bake for 8 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven. Quickly place a chocolate kiss in the middle of each cookie. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for another three minutes. Cool the cookies on a wire rack.

Heaven. You'll want to live on my desert island too. Just bring your own Chapstick or gloss.

Concerning Laundry

Do most people use fabric softener? I suppose I never have just due to the fact that my mom didn't and it seems like just another step/Target item that would require replacing/thing I would need to lug up 3 flights of stairs. Perhaps I am being a terrible wife and laundering rough, starchy clothing.

Generally I do 3-4 loads each weekend: lights, darks, towels/sheets, and my delicates-pretty much everything of mine that is not workout clothing. I am a simplify, simplify, simplify, kind of gal, so this seems like the most basic that I can break it down. I use Cheer or whatever is on sale to wash everything but my delicates, in which Woolite comes into play.

I'd be interested to know if there is an overall opinion on fabric softener, specifically after seeing ads for Snuggle Creme-what is that about? The commercial illustrates a woman taking a bath and somehow we should equate wearing clothing to a luxurious bubble bath? No thanks, someday I hope to have a lovely cashmere sweater but that will likely be the closest I come to wearing a "creamy" fabric. I'll stick to my natural cotton in its soft state thankyouverymuch, Snuggle.

Kerri's Shower: The Details

All photos courtesy of the supremely talented Kelli Green.

Celebrating AAA...Almost

Sunday, the lovely girl that I am blessed to call my dear friend, Ashley, celebrated her bridal shower at her parents' home in Murrieta. Her mom and sister did such a lovely job and I had the pleasure of meeting more family and friend's from both her and Anthony's side. 34 days and counting until the wedding!

Debbie and Shaunna put out a great spread.

Killer view.

Women in the fam-bam.

Isn't she lovely?

Parade of the tp-brides. I am so ashamed of our creation! White Trash Wedding Dress on Whitney. Ghastly!

The Bride showered with lovely presents. Who doesn't love a crock pot? As Kiara said, it's like a food fairy at the end of the day!

Where would a girl be without Giada?

Congratulations to both Ashley & Anthony as the big day draws near!

A Celebration for My Best Girl

Yesterday, I threw Kerri her first of two bridal showers, and she was showered with love by her family and friends. Due to being the hostess, I didn't get as many pictures as I'd like, but had an amazing photographer/DJ there who will supplement soon-thanks K. Green!

She seriously is one of the best dressed girls ever.

The spread.
We dined on cheesy artichoke tarts; spanakopita; fancy pigs in a blanket with Dijon mustard; skewered mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, green olives, artichoke hearts, and basil; vegetables, fruit, and for dessert, some Erin K's fabulous cupcakes; and my mom's peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies. We were well fed!

Good friends came:
Erin K, the little friend, and Cristina

Jennifer and Jeanie came from UCR

The moms and their respective daughters (this one for mom in the middle, is taking the photo)


The KROB moms surrounding Judy

K. Green, the DJ/professional photographer and KROB's roommate!

She received some lovely gifts, including this orange MS teapot that Kelli is clearly eying! PS you might have noticed there were two Kelli's and two Erin's in the group that day-made things very interesting!

Shannon makes the BEST bow-bouquets!

The entire fam-bam.

Congratulations to my best girl, as the beginning of the wedding activities move forward. You are one in a million!

The Other Haselton

This blog has been dubbed Home Sweet Haselton, something I developed to chronicle our adventures as newlyweds, keep in touch with family, and perhaps contribute something interesting to the world wide web. And it's pretty obvious I, Erin, do most of the blogging.

In addition to my Sunday Confessions, I think it is high time to introduce a new series, highlighting time with Scott, whose adventures we know less about. I am still working on a clever name, but in the meantime, we shall discuss the latest experience this week, as best I can as an outsider:

BLIZZCON 2009

For those may be unfamiliar, this convention attracts gamers from around the world, put on by Blizzard Entertainment at the Anaheim Convention Center, where gamers unite to preview new games, meet their heroes, and have Q&A sessions with designers.

Before I go any further, let me make a few needed points. My husband is an exception to the average attendee at these conventions. Much like Star Wars conventions, it is a gathering of people with a similar interest whose excitement intensifies among their peers. Scott, Harrison, Andrew, and others I know who have gone, enjoy the games as a hobby, not a lifestyle.

That being said, I believe (though I haven't done much fact finding here short of a few FaceBook photos I saw uploaded yesterday) that thousands of people flood the convention center to be there. The closest I came to an experience like this was waiting for a World of Warcraft game to come out with Scott at a Fry's a few years ago. The game was realeased at midnight, and we stood in a line hundreds of people long, in the cold, in the middle of January (or at least that's how I remember it.) Granted, I did a similar thing a few weeks ago, though am realizing I am fairly old for this business now. I haven't heard Scott's recap from the first day, though he was only there a few hours after work. Today he will be heading back to absorb more Blizzard's games and perhaps eventually add to his collection when new games are released.

Tomorrow, Scott will travel to the land of gracious living that is Del Mar and bet on ponies with his parents and brother. I hope we can do this together someday, because let's be honest. A fancy dress and a fabulous hat-I am there!

Eve of the Showers

This weekend I have three showers to attend. Sadly I cannot make it to one of the baby variety tomorrow as I am hosting KROB's bridal shower that I am so excited about. I really hope she enjoys how it all comes together, and of course as an event planner, I hope it all comes together as I've imagined it! Sunday, Ashley will celebrate her wedding shower (only 5 weeks to go!) and I'll be there to toast her as the future Mrs. Aceto...and bring her another 'honeymoon' surprise ;)

Last night I made one of the recipes for KROB's shower by Ina Garten and let me say, she must work at the speed of a Christmas elf. The prep time read 20 minutes and I think I was standing at the kitchen counter for a good hour and half. Just call me the Barefoot Slowpoke. Tonight I'll finish the rest of the food prep and then be up bright and early to set my oven to 375 to go forth and conquer. I think this is great practice for any future Thanksgivings I may host, which ideally, are a few years out still, seeing as we have about six chairs, two of which are meant for desks.

I'm kind of a nerd when it comes to weather and events. This weekend thunderstorms are predicted for SoCal. This unsettles me as a hostess because you want your day to have the sun shining and the birds singing. Perhaps it's my inner Snow White coming out.

I will have photos galore after this epic weekend, thanks to borrowing the new office camera to test it out, woo to that!

Cheers to a great weekend everyone!

The Wonder Years of My Generation

There will never be another television series comparable to The Wonder Years. It is far too poignant, the music too perfect, and characters too iconic to be duplicated. It was the voice of the generation for my parents and a wrinkle in time for Joe Cocker and his classic song. I will be forever grateful for my 11th grade English teacher, Mr. Klevos, and his clever lessons having us "complete the episode," where he showed us 18 minutes of a show and we wrote the lesson at the end for Kevin Arnold. Sadly, mine never won, but it was a great writing exercise and an even better period spent witnessing the show.

My generation grew up with a much different model. This show, iconic in its own way, ran 1989-1993 and I am fairly sure has been in syndication ever since. I tuned in Saturday mornings in elementary school, after school in junior high, and now before I go to work, as a young professional. This show began when I was four years old. And now I am 25. Now THAT is a show for the ages. If you haven't figured it out, I am talking about the cult classic:

Saved the Bell

(source)

Let's be honest. The show was campy, I am pretty sure they repeated their sophomore year three times, and how much loitering can you really do in a locker area right outside the principal's office? The high school years were most solid-junior high was a silly and the college years were almost too much of a good thing without the entire cast. I am confident in thinking that overall, my peers still ate it up. In fact, on the good ol' FB, I have seen three statuses this week relating to watching various episodes before work each morning.

People have their opinions about the Malibu Sands Beach Club period, as well as when Kelly departed to model in France and Jessie just disappeared, replaced by motorcycle-loving bad ass Tori. However, at its core, it's what my generation thought high school would be while we were still running around a playground at recess. Even after entering high school we watched, and today, knowing all of the episodes almost better than the folds of a beloved blanket, we continue to tune in to TBS mornings. I suppose there is a bit of comfort in the affable characters, the innocence of the episodes (well, with the exception of Jessie's caffeine pill addiction and Lisa totaling Mrs. Turtle's car while driving drunk) and the kinship of the tight-knit group of friends. It certainly is beloved by a good portion of my generation.

And on a silly note, I have always made these observations:
-Did anyone else notice that Mr. Morris also changed, but Mrs. Morris was always the same woman?
-How did they all have the same classes together, and always in the same room across from Belding's office?
-Didn't Lisa ever feel left out that she wasn't Homecoming Queen (except for the time with the drunk driving accident but that was while Kelly was off the show-so it's seems as if it just defaults to her)
-Anyone else remember that Tori was a triplet in the Parent Trap sequels? Oh those were some great early 90s after-school movies!
-Kelly came from a family of something like seven kids and there was always a note of tight money with her family (like "Zach and Kelly's prom) but how does she have that rich grandfather who owns the hotel in Hawaii and then they all vacation there?

Of course this post begs the question: favorite episode? I am going to have to go with the Buddy Bands. Anyone that has a class project and makes a music video that sophisticated is a buddy of mine!

Moving on Up

Home Sweet Haselton is now officially at Haselton.us! Browsers should automatically redirect, but if anyone besides my dad and Ashley would like to change bookmarks, please note the new fancy-pants address.

I am so excited to finally have the blog at the new address, it seems so, well custom and fitting, like a sassy new dress! I have major thank yous to give to Kneadle who has helped me along the way with all of technical to-dos and who shall reap sweet rewards. Christopher and Andrea are the ahh-mazing!

Surprising Sunday

On Sunday I played softball after a 12 year hiatus.

Ironically, I had watched A League of Their Own on Friday night, and actually missed the game. Scott has played on a recreational city team for a few years now with former high school classmates, and each week I go and watch. However, yesterday they were two players short (I have come to find out a certain Spaniard was a little hungover) and I was the only fan in attendance for their team, besides a mom. I was asked to come out of retirement and said of course, I didn't want these guys to lose out on playing the game.

Naturally, I had not dressed for the event expecting to play. Earlier I had gone to SCP in jeans and a t-shirt, mentally bashing myself for my lack of style, when it turns out it actually worked for the latter part of the day. Except the Rainbows. The mom, who was there to cheer on her son, had a pair of aqua, fold-up, Curves (as in the weight-loss club) slippers, something reminiscent of water booties. Of course I took her up on her offer to borrow, as they matched my aqua shirt quite nicely. I never felt cuter. Curses for leaving the camera at home. The ensemble was overwhelmingly terrible.

Long story short, I played catcher, and Scott ran up from first to cover a home a few times knowing I wasn't exactly prepared to be blocking 200 pound men from scoring. Of the three times I batted, I did hit the ball twice, struck out gloriously once, though never made it on base. I admit I prayed the ball would not come home as I do harbor fears of missing it, and having it bounce and knock out my front teeth. I can report everything is intact, my confidence slightly boosted, and if there was ever any doubt, I am glad I gave up the sport at 13 and decided to pursue dance instead. I make a far better performer on stage than dirt.

Sunday Confessions

I regret that I ever cut my hair this year, the cut was more soccer mom, less sassy bob, sadly. I miss my long, albeit limper, locks. The mop has only grown 3-4 inches in eight months, a rate of about 1/16 of my leg hair. How does that work out?

Feeling like Christmas

In the next seven weeks I will have hosted, helped with, attended, or facilitated three bridal showers, one bachelorette party, two weddings, and my own anniversary trip. Holy moley Batman!

My office is full of gifts, decorations, plans, and other wedding-related paraphernalia, with the exception of one baby gift that I am sending with my mother-in-law as the event falls on the same day as the shower I am giving KROB. In the middle of wrapping prizes and gifts today on the floor, I could not help but feel like the holiday season, surrounded by paper, tape, scissors, bows, and cards. I am certainly not ready to think about that just yet!

This isn't everything because naturally I cannot reveal some items as the events have not happened just yet.

Things begin rolling next weekend and not stopping until September 27. I am overjoyed for my friends getting married, the arrival of a baby, and of course our anniversary trip to San Fran. Life is good, hectic, and I am enjoying the ride.

Confession: I do fear that I will show up for one wedding event with a brain and supplies for a different one. That gives me a good headache every now and then. The lists have finally been consolidated though from various receipts in my purse to one notebook. Whew!

All in a Day's Work

Hanging out with the fabulous Rep. Royce of the 40th District! If only I also lived in his district I could be on the Christmas card list. Le sigh!

Photo credit: Mike Ritto, All Media

The List

Through various mentors in my life, I have been told a number of times how important it is to write a list of goals or dreams to try and achieve as we age. Starting the list the earlier the better is certainly ideal, much like retirement saving, so there is no good time like the present.

This is slightly off the cuff and will most likely be continued privately, but it makes for a good starting point.

1. To own my own home
2. To be a mom
3. Learn to sew
4. Take a 4 month trip to Europe
5. Experience Africa through Scott's eyes
6. Participate in more volunteer work
7. Enter a pie into the OC Fair baking contest
8. Learn how to play an instrument, even at a beginner level
9. See the south
10. Dance again

These can certainly change, but in the here and now as I enjoy my morning cup 'o joe, it seems like the start to a good list of challenges.

Red Lips and Pearls

Dear Carmindy,

Can you please make a special visit to SoCal and go lipstick shopping with me? I would love a great red lipstick that just evokes a period of grace, elegance, and white gloves and pearls.

Soft and rosey, ala Zooey:

Slightly glossy and very glam, like Liv:

Or bold and beautiful with a side of punk rock, like my fellow alum, Mrs. Stefani-Rossdale:

Many thanks!

Erin

PS-Please bring Stacy and Clinton too. You know that would just be ahh-mazing.

Deep Fried Goodness at the OC Fair

Friday night Scott and I went with our favorite double daters, KROB (yes, who now has a blog!) to the OC Fair, land of deep fried goodness.

Love a man in overalls...painted variety only, please.

Kerri and I wasted no time in satisfying our Hot Dog on a Stick cravings:

Yes, the real Hot Dog on a Stick actually has a booth at the fair. This dates back to our Main Place shopping dates, followed by a cookie at Paradise Bakery.

Kerri went with two cheese, I went for one of each.

The boys were looking for something with a little more fanfare, and a bratwurst fit their bill.


Naturally, after two corn/cheese dogs, we women needed more deep, fried, fatty food, and artichoke hearts were singing our names.

Really just looks like orange batter here, but those little buggers were tasty.

We spotted many an interesting animal, person, and food (chocolate covered bacon?) here. Even some old friends of KROB's made their way to the country floor stage in an entirely different persona they did not know existed. Perhaps the fair just brings it out of people!


And who could forget the finale of the evening, the Peking Acrobats from China! My pictures do not do their performance any justice, but my on my were they talented!


And but not least, the biggest steer in the USA, or so they claim.

PETA is not an ideal attendant for the fair.