Jelly Belly Beans and Gino's East Pizza - ahhhh

We took the kids to tour the Jelly Belly Factory in Pleasant Prairie yesterday. They thought it was sooo cool.

This art work is made from Jelly Belly's and depicts the front of the Chicago Art Museum.
And, of course, we couldn't leave with out a big bag of Belly Flops (Jelly Belly's that didn't make the cut, but still taste great.
Then we drove to Lake Geneva to try Gino's East pizza (it had just been on the Food Network).
This is the Gino's Chopped Salad made with chopped romaine and iceberg lettuce, grilled chicken breast, tomatoes, bleu cheese, crisp bacon, black olives, cucumber, red onions, and crispy chips tossed in a sweet red wine viniagrette. We ordered one serving that was so large, all four of us had a serving.
This is Chicago pizza, deep dish, there is nothing scrawny about this pie. We got cheese and sausage, with the sausage being one huge patty. The tomato sauce was amazing. I am not sure if it is as good as Giordano's, so I might have to try both again, just to be positive.
But, it was worth the drive. That's amore!

When I grow up...

I saw this car lately and had to snap a shot. When I was 5 I wanted to own a dune buggy, marry Joe Namath and be a GO-Go dancer. I am sure my parents were very impressed (and embarrassed). Man, did I get odd course!

How I spent my 40th Birthday

I took part in my first ever piano recital. I started taking lessons this summer. I thought it was a good example for the kids to see you are never too old to learn something new.

J is better than I am, he's been playing one year.

J and I after the recital

S is thrilled it's over!

Dinner at Paisan's, one of my favorites

The view of Lake Monona. I don't know what these people are thinking eating out in 100% humidity.

The Porta Salad. Amazing! Iceberg and Romaine lettuce topped with ham, salami, Cheddar and Mozzerella cheeses, garbanzo beans and greeen peppers.

Apparently it was good.

My birthday cake, from Carl's Cakes. Buttercream frosting. Yum!

I Feel Special

My oldest son just told me I should start eating the Special K breakfast. "That way you can lose weight." Thanks a lot!

I Went To The Lands' End Warehouse Sale

Welcome to the sale... teak furniture, anyone?!

Sweaters upon sweaters: cotton, cashmere or wool

Needlepoint monogrammed Stockings $5.00!!! Your name might be there!

The pile that came home with me!
It includes:
monogrammed fleece blanket
4 pairs of shorts for J
cotton sweater for J
swimming trunks for J and S
winter jacket for J and S
uniform pants for J and S
denim apron
pink cashmere cardigan
green cotton cardigan
quilted tartan purse
camel leather purse
cashmere scarf
pink and white sling backs
slippers for J
gingham capris
SCORE!!!!
Definitely worth the Drive!
Anyone want to meet me there next year?

Jackie Robinson: A Man of Grace

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the major leagues on April 15, 1947. He went on to play 10 seasons for the Brooklyn Dodgers, winning the NL Rookie of the Year award in 1947 and the MVP in 1949 and leading the Dodgers to six league pennants and a World Series title in 1955. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962.
Check out The Blushing Hostess Entertains for more people of Grace.

Oh, Please!

I just read this............ Michael Jackson's mother is likened to Rose Kennedy. Let's pause to think about it.......... give me a break! I cannot even respond to how mad that statement makes me. Please, there is no comparison.