Have you ever had your credit card number compromised? I’m too familiar with this process. By now, I’m mostly annoyed.
Last year our credit card number was stolen 4 times. This year, our bank has changed our number once already (last month) out of “an abundance of caution.”
I’m super annoyed.
Naturally, I make lists. However, I haven’t made a list, YET, for all of the vendors linked to automatic bill pay with this specific card.
Now I am.
The time it takes to re-enter all of my billing information for all of these companies blows my mind. Some websites are easier than others. But some are difficult to navigate and even after I make the changes online, I still get a nasty-gram in the mail stating my bill is overdue and my credit card is invalid. Ahhhem, DirecTV, I’m pointing my finger at you, and arching my right eye-brow. That’s a warning.
This website takes data and puts it in the garbage. Nowhere to be found. Everytime I enter it. Seriously? This is my 5th time in two years, I’m considered expert. Maybe you should talk with the amazing people at Nordstrom and find out how their website works perfectly every. single. time.
For a Monday though, I’ve been productive. Even picked up a few new items from Evereve and got some serious chores done around here. Also started my annual solicitation for items for this year’s Rhapsody in Bloom Gala at Olbrich Gardens. A great summer event. And tickets are on sale NOW, you should come. Seriously, It’s fun and gorgeous and this year’s theme is New York New York.
But back to Evereve, I like the store because I don’t feel like I need to say out loud, “Is this appropriate for my age?” because 9/10 times it is A-OK for a mid-30 or 40 something. Or maybe not. These graphic shirts…I’m not so sure about? Too edgy? I don’t know. When in doubt, ask the Nanny from the University.
My contacts are sticking to my eye like glue, so I’m going to make this part quick.

The kids picked out the entire menu board this week. If you follow me on Insta you’ll see their fun-loving little May the 4th (STAR WARS DAY) items planned out – super fun and easy stuff. Tonight they wanted Angus Beef Organic Hot Dogs. Not sure how that is even a name, or physically possible, but whatever.
For the side, we made this new recipe tonight from Cooking Light Magazine (circa 2014). Yep, I save food magazines in my closet like old recipe books because I don’t have old recipe books.
Red Pepper Couscous
Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (or one bell pepper)
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion (or 1/2 red onion)
• 4 tsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup Israeli couscous
• 1 + 1/4 cups water
• salt
• pepper
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, and chopped

Directions

1. Saute bell pepper and onion in oil for 3 minutes.
2. Add couscous
3. Add water, salt and black pepper
4. Bring to a boil
5. Reduce heat to low and cover for 8-10 minutes
6. Stir in lime juice, cilantro and jalapeno
7. Enjoy, Yield 5-6

Kids Loved it. Lots of flavor, lime juice made it. The avocado shown in the photo above was just sliced and served on the side.

For substitute, try these combos + add after preparing the couscous according to package.

1. Parsley, 1/2 cup pecorino-romano cheese, 1 tsp grated lemon zest, salt and pepper
2. 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, 1/2 cup cucumber, 1/2 cup red onion, 1 tsp lemon juice, salt, pepper and crumbled feta cheese
3. 3 tbsp fresh basil, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 medium nectarine

 
Recipe and photo credit: June 2014 issue of Cooking Light Magazine