Life is like a {half} full box of chocolates

So, since I'm pregnant, I get cravings for chocolates quite frequently (I guess the pregnancy card doesn't really apply in this situation since I crave chocolate quite frequently even when I'm not) but more specifically, for the past few weeks, I've been craving a box of chocolates. When shopping at Walmart a few days ago I stumbled across this little baby and decided the craving must be quenched. I couldn't wait til I got home to open the box so the moment I shut the car door, I whipped it out and started looking for my favorite little love filled pieces of chocolatey goodness. 

If you're like me, then you open the box, look through the little chocolate guide, follow it for about two secs, then start biting each individual one and putting it back if I don't like it haha. By the time I've already downed three and bitten at least 5, I decide to put the box down. I think I honestly could go through an entire box if I didn't focus on what I was doing. Actually, maybe not, I'd feel horrible for doing it.

I guess the moral of the story is, sometimes life needs to be tackled head on, experienced, tried, "bitten" if you will to fully appreciate what it has to offer, but also, it needs to be done slowly, not all at once so you can savor the simple precious moments that we all crave, just like chocolate. 

My Christmas Wish List

Hollister Harbor Cove Puffer Coat $100.00

CHANCE EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY $80.00

Kitchen Aid Artisan Series Mixer $349.00

iPhone 4 16GB $199.00

Taylor Swift "Speak Now" CD $12.99

Gold Star Costco Membership $50.00

5 Signature Herbs & Spices

I broke the cardinal rule of cooking today...something I hardly ever do because cooking is my passion and I try to improve something whenever I make it. Sorry that sounded kind of arrogant. Oh well! However, this morning when I was making cheesy eggs for my little girl, Sophie, I got distracted and forgot to add salt. This is something I really don't think I've ever done before. It really baffled my mind. How could I forget to add salt? Salt for food is like the breath of life for humans, without it, nothing will ever taste right. 

So, this little mistake got me thinking...how many other people break this rule all of the time without even realizing it and therefore think they can't cook because, when they do, nothing tastes right. Well...drum roll please! I decided to post what I think are the 5 Signature crucial herbs & spices every women should have in their spice cupboard.  By having these spices in your home you can make things taste absolutely delicious without a lot of effort! Simple is the key to amazing cooking! I'm an avid Food Network junkie and there is a show called "5 Ingredient Fix". I admit I never really watch it, but the concept is spot on; you really can make amazing dishes with five ingredients and the right spices. So without further adieu here they are: 

Oregano, Basil, Kosher Salt, Red Pepper Flakes, and Black Ground Pepper

Now, these are the only spices I have in my cupboard at the moment but I also like parsley, thyme, and rosemary. And I know they aren't the greatest looking bunch in the picture but it's because I use them well. (aka, the leaning, half melted red pepper flakes, that I left too close to the stove one time...hey, even professional chefs have bad days, so that gives us more liberties).  Have you ever been to someones house who has a spice rack that just sits there, always being admired, but never used? Why purchase something if you're not going to use it?
So, buy spices and herbs that you like and use them! I chose these herbs because I'm part Italian and lean more towards that cooking culture. However, if you love a certain cuisine, pick herbs and spices that are popular in that country, stock your cupboard, and go to town! I must say salt is the key ingredient to every dish, so if you do nothing else, add salt. Not the gross table salt, which is bleached and sucked of all natural nutrition and minerals; I recommend Real Salt which is the cheapest, "good for you salt" in the grocery stores these days. I also have kosher salt on hand, as noted in the picture, I think it costs like $1.50 for the box and it lasts at least 6 months or more, but if possible purchase the "Real Salt".
I have tons of info on salt that I would love to write an entire post about soon...so look for more to come on the worlds most natural mineral in a future post! But for now if you have any questions about the differences in table salt and real salt  and why real salt is so much better for your body, you can read about it on the Real Salt Blog.
Also, I'm going to start posting recipes that I throw together on a weekly basis that contain all or any of these five herbs and spices just to show you how easy they are to use. So look for more to come, we're just getting started. Thanks for reading!