Halloween Party

Quirky costumes, sweet treats. and spooky decorations. We hosted a Halloween party at our house last night that featured all three.
We spent time scouring magazines, websites, and of course, Pinterest for decor inspiration.

We found creepy old photos on the internet via Google search, printed them on photo paper, and placed them in the picture frames in our living room. "Spider webs" were strung over frames, mirrors, furniture, and the stair rail.

We snacked on "Sinister Salsa," "Count's Caramel Popcorn," and "Batty Brownies."
I get compliments on this salsa recipe every time I serve it. It's the perfect consistency and has a great combination of flavors - cilantro, jalapeno, cumin, garlic...it all comes together in the blender easy peasy and makes a great appetizer! I highly recommend clicking on the link and giving it a try.
The caramel popcorn is a recipe from a family friend. I attempted popping corn on the stovetop for the first time, and I doubt I will ever go back to the microwaveable version. Just as quick but so much more fresh and flavorful. Add a (big) drizzle of sweet caramel and you've got a treat so addictive you will be finding popcorn bits in your bed sheets because your husband can't keep away. True story.

These Ultimate Halloween Peanut Butter Oreo Brownie Bars were divine. It's almost a rule that if a dessert is deemed "ultimate" and mentions both peanut butter and brownie, it must be decadent. They were a great way to add a pop of color to the table as well. You can find the recipe here.

We went with a skeleton theme of sorts, and Target had the perfect accessories with which to dress up our table. I love the tablecloth! We found the skull platter at Dollar Tree...for a dollar. Love that place.

We pulled out our handy dandy skull replica from our Neuroanatomy days to use as a centerpiece. I much prefer it as decoration rather than a study tool.

The pumpkins we decorated last week were arranged on a cake plate for height and color.

Macee's costume creation: Misses Roboto! The heart and several other elements lit up. I was most impressed. She always has the most creativity at Halloween.

Aaron is an avid fan of Super Mario Brothers, so it was only fitting that he get into character this year. The only problem I found with his costume was the mustache. It creeps me out, and apparently I'm not the only one. He went to pick up dinner last night so that I didn't have to cook, and while out got a lot of funny looks. He attributes it to the "molester mustache." So glad it was gone before church today. And I'm sure the kiddos (and their parents!) will appreciate its absence next month on our Pediatrics rotation as well!

I got my inspiration from a game as well, albeit retro. Tetris!

We had a special visit from Super Girl and her crime-fighting colleagues, Super Skittle and Super Dad! She spent a portion of the evening mesmerized by The Nightmare Before Christmas, and the rest of the night serving as greeter and entertainer. Too cute!

The boys had to finish out the OU/Notre Dame game. 

Thanks to everyone that dropped by! I can't wait until we have a bigger budget - this party gave me so many ideas to execute in the future!

Happy Halloween!

Big Change is Brewing

Students at OSU-COM received an email from our Dean this morning that shared some exciting news. The ACGME (MD), AOA and AACOM (DO) are moving towards a single accreditation system for graduate medical education. 

In other words, our residency programs, which every medical student must complete before becoming fully licensed, will all have the same guidelines by which they are accredited and evaluated. This aims to create universal standards to which all programs, both MD and DO, must adhere. What does this mean for you, the patient? The goal is better quality of care. 

It also has a host of other possible implications. Will be there be a distinction between MD and DO in the future? How drastically will this alter current accredited residency programs, and will the transition be smooth? 

These issues will be extrapolated upon in the coming months I'm sure. For now, if you're interested, read this article. 

New Roomie, Oktoberfest and Fall Crafting

My sister just began her first internship with Kaiser Rehabilitation Center here in Tulsa. She's loving the experience after only one week. In addition to helping her figure out which road to take after she obtains her master's degree, she's being exposed to a different type of client and treatment techniques than those she's dealt with during the first year of her program.

My new roomie :)

 The best part of the deal (for me) is that we get to be roomies for the next 2 months! I'm loving all the time we've gotten to spend together already.

I've been in a crafty mood, so a trip to Hobby Lobby has been in the works for some time. I've seen so many wreaths on Pinterest lately that I was inspired to make my own for the season. I was very pleased with the result! A Christmas wreath is next on my crafting list.

We spent last night taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Oktoberfest. It's become a tradition of ours - this year marks our third annual trip! Aaron sampled a potato pancake with applesauce, a bratwurst with sauerkraut, chicken sausage, and a strudel. A German feast!

We ran into several friends from school that we haven't seen in several months and with whom we enjoyed catching up. I was only hit in the head twice with pennies, which I deem a success for the evening - if you're unfamiliar with the traditions, you must put the festival on your calendar next year to experience them yourself! After a few rounds of shouting, "Oy, Oy, Oy!" and doing the chicken dance, we headed back home for the evening and collapsed in bed.

Today, Macee started working on her Halloween costume. We found some amazing accessories at Dollar Tree that will make her outfit pop. It is sure to be a showstopper. Can you tell what she's going to be?

Aaron and I bought some mini pumpkins at Target several days ago; we got out markers and pens and glitter and went to town glitzing them up this afternoon. 

Aaron's creation: glow-in-the-dark paint covered in orange glitter

I'm not even going to attempt to vacuum/sweep up all the glitter until I'm sure my crafty mood has passed. I only hope I don't look like a tween the next few days from all the sparkle that's been trekked over the house. 

Pumpkin carving and caramel apples are on our itinerary this week. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Fall?!

The Art of the Christmas Wish List

I take the creation of my Christmas wish list very seriously.
You're probably thinking, "It's October! Why are you already making your Christmas list?!" Well, my friends, my mother starts Christmas shopping in October. In fact, she's starting this Wednesday. She's not exactly a last-minute shopper. ;)

I can't stand knowing exactly what I'll receive - it ruins the anticipation of Christmas morning! - so I like to provide a big selection for my family. Each wrapped present is a wonderful mystery. :)
I pick items I would not purchase for myself, either because they exceed my budget or because they are a purchase I just can't justify as practical.
Here are a few annual staples that make the cut:

1. A pair of boots. I often choose a classic that I can wear for seasons to come and with a good variety of wardrobe options. A girl can never have too many pairs of boots. Or shoes, for that matter.

Antonio Melani "Stevie" - I'm thinking I need a little western-meets-equestrian inspiration

2. A statement-making accessory. This leopard scarf is the perfect pop of print for this season.

Stella and Dot Bryant Park Scarf in Tan

3. Piece(s) for the home. The older I grow, the more important making my house a home becomes. Cozy throws, eclectic pillows, unique lamps - it doesn't take much to make a big impact on design and function.

These are my favorite throw blankets and were a favorite gift a couple of years ago: Nobility Chenille Throws from Dillard's

I'm also amassing a collection of dinnerware and serving pieces. This domed cake stand will be perfect for entertaining and matches the flatware caddy I received for my birthday.

Artimino Footed Cake Plate

4. Beauty product(s). Makeup, moisturizer, tools - these usually fall under the category "cannot justify" for me.  Since I'm nearing 30 (ah!), I'm requesting this highly-rated cleansing device to add to my skincare regimen...which right now consists only of washing my face twice daily. Ok, so the AM wash consists of splashing cold water on my face. Yeah, we'll work on that....

Clarisonic Mia Cleansing System

5. Something unique and fitted to your personality. I spotted this "Love my State" necklace at The Vintage Pearl and fell in love. What a cute way to display state pride! The heart goes over the city of your choice. Adorable.

6. Nail polish, hair accessories, lotions, candles - anything that fits in a stocking. If I'm being honest, stocking stuffers might just be my favorite part!

Essie "Skirting the Issue" from Fall 2012 Collection

7. Gift cards. The girls in my family love to do a little after-Christmas shopping for steals and deals. Not only can you typically get more bang for your buck, it's like Christmas morning: take 2!

While these are loose guidelines, there is one rule I always follow. Spend just as much time and effort selecting the gifts you give to your loved ones as you did picking those on your wish list. After all, the giving, not the getting, is the best part of Christmas!

The Good Stuff

I came across this quote on Pinterest a couple of days ago and thought it made a very good point.

A great marriage. True friendships. A career you love. Meaningful relationships with family. Even the smallest investments yield great dividends in the areas that matter most in life. So get to work on the good stuff - it's worth it!

Fall Recipe Favorites

The crisp chill in the air and cravings for warm, hearty dishes make Fall my favorite season for cooking. There's nothing like coming home to a steaming pot of soup or a cup of cocoa to warm your belly and soul. Here are a few of my favorite Fall recipes, guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of you and your family!

Chicken Noodle Soup and Hearty Beef Chili

I follow the recipes in this cookbook after trying several from other sources. 

The key to this amazing chicken noodle soup is the homemade broth. It's more time-consuming, but the taste is incomparable. I also use Amish-style noodles, which soak up the yummy liquid and have a wonderful texture. 

The chili's secret? A great blend of varied spices rather than using a seasoning packet from the store. It develops a great depth of flavor together with the other ingredients. 

As always, I've tweaked a few things in each recipe to suit our specific tastes and preferred textures, but the recipes won't let you down.

Beer Bread

My mother obtained this recipe from a family friend, who found its source online here. Its very dense and serves as the perfect side dish to the season's soups, stews, and roasts. Aaron likes to drizzle his with honey for an after-dinner snack. 

The best part of this recipe? It literally takes 5 minutes to throw together. 

The problem if you're a pastor's wife in Tahlequah like my mother? You have to get your children to buy the beer for you so you don't get caught in the grocery or liquor store with it. Ha!

Apple Crisp

My husband is not much of a sweet's fan, but he requests this treat often. It's the perfect blend of tart and sweet, and absolutely delicious with a scoop of ice cream. The recipe can be found here at one of my favorite online resources. 

**Note: I do not add the water listed in the ingredients.

I hope these inspire you to get in the kitchen and whip up some lovin' for you and yours this season! Please share some of your favorites with me!

Sense of Humor

My days on this Psychiatry rotation consist of visiting with each of our patients to evaluate their mental status and a variety of other factors, discussing their cases with the staff, and then typing interval progress notes into the database.
The floor is separated into two divisions - one for those with dementia-related issues, and the other for those who function at a higher level. No matter what "side" I'm on, it's difficult not to feel down sometimes due to the circumstances my patients are in. I hate seeing that they're anxious, depressed, or agitated due to factors we often can't control, though we try. I hate that they desperately wish to go home, though I know where they're sent after we discharge them is rarely ever what they've called home for years.

These words of wisdom are written on a dry erase board in the nurse's station

You'd think that the environment would take a toll on the physicians, nurses, and other staff members; however, they continue to smile day after day and remain passionate about the care they provide. One of the reasons I believe this is possible is that they find the humorous side to everything. Laughter helps keep the mood light and ensures the floor is an enjoyable place to work.
I was sure I would abhor this month, but it has pleasantly surprised me. It's also made me grateful for my mental and physical health and that of my family.
Keep the humor to keep smiling despite your circumstances. It is critical!

Fun at the Tulsa State Fair

Even though I've lived only an hour away my entire life, and directly in the city for three years, I had never experienced the Tulsa State Fair until tonight.
My sister made the trip to town with two friends in her master's program and we met up for our first "ride" on the Sky Train.

We then spotted the red velvet funnel cakes, which we had heard were divine. I can officially concur.

I used to love roller coasters and thrill rides; unfortunately, neither I nor Aaron can handle them anymore. Macee was happy to have a ride buddy in Caitlin, and I was happy to hold her purse and take pictures.

First up was the Starship 2000, followed by The Viper. Macee's favorite part of the latter also happened to be the part I felt sick just watching.

Jocelyn's father and brother raise and sell show cows. We stopped by to visit and meet Buddy, who had been primped and fluffed and was looking very handsome. He showed his appreciation for our company by pooping during our petting encounter. :)

After parting with my sister and her friends, Aaron and I made the rest of the evening a date night. It was perfect timing, as it had just gotten dark and the park was glowing from the lights of the attractions. We took a stroll through the maze of people, booths and rides and stopped at various points along the way to sample the typical (and not so typical) fair food. We shared roasted corn on the cob, a polish sausage, ribbon fries (delish!), and a corn dog. Yum! Thank goodness the fair only comes once a year.
I am proud to say my husband accompanied me on my first official fair date. I love that 7 years into our relationship, we still have "firsts." I hope we'll be able to say that again and again over our lifetimes!

Saying No to Psychiatry

It didn't take long for Aaron and I to rule out Psychiatry as a possible career. In fact, the first day of this month's rotation was enough to cause us to cross it off the list.
The majority of our day consists of visiting with patients on the "elderly" floor of the inpatient unit at Laureate Psychiatric Hospital. The reasons for admission range from suicidal ideation/attempts to dementia to major depressive episodes to substance abuse/withdrawal.
The staff provides wonderful care, which is refreshing when the news often exposes the opposite practice. The ladies almost always have their fingernails painted, and the nurses do their hair in the afternoons sometimes. They watch movies and have "trivia time." Thank goodness for those that are called to take care of this part of the population; it's so needed, and I'm sure they are very under-appreciated.
Aaron also rounds at nursing homes around the area. He texted this to me yesterday: "I've seen all the motivation I need to keep my mind and body active. Don't let me wind up in a nursing home."
Every single patient requests to go home daily. I will do whatever it takes to ensure my mom and dad remain at home, even if home is with us. And I second Aaron's sentiment about motivation to stay mentally and physically fit!
Mom, start doing some crossword puzzles!