“Do you know what I love most about you?”, the husband said earnestly.

I tossed . . . → Read More: My most amazing quality, if you can believe it]]> A year or two ago the husband and I went to dinner at a friend’s house.  We had a lovely time, and after returning home we chatted while changing into our comfy clothes (my favorite part of the day!).

“Do you know what I love most about you?”, the husband said earnestly.

I tossed my hair and batted my eyelashes and got ready for the compliment.  Could it be my sparkling personality?  My witty sense of humor?  My striking beauty?

“You’re not a picky eater”, he said decisively.

Uh…Well.  Interesting.

It’s true though.  One of our great joys as a couple is trying new foods, both while traveling or whipping them up in our own kitchen.  We are devoted to the Food Network and can often be found taking notes or recording entire episodes.  Food is fun!

I’m realizing now how many die-hard health fanatics would probably find this post to be blasphemous and alarming.  Let me clarify- we actually are pretty healthy eaters (generally).  I actually believe that those who do not enjoy the finer points of food and cooking often have more unhealthy habits, as they are more prone to regularly eating a frozen dinner and Cheetos rather than experimenting with the fresh vegetables discovered at the Farmer’s Market over the weekend.  Know what I mean?  But then again, “non-foodies” can be perfectly healthy eaters and “foodies” can eat terribly, so let’s not over-generalize here.

Anyway, over the last few years I’ve tried a number of new foods that I never thought I would like but discovered I really do!  So without further ado, here is a list of things I once assumed would be disgusting but are actually really good!  (Because I know you all care so much.)

1.  Indian food-  pretty much looks like someone barfed on a plate, but the husband convinced me to try it and now I get wicked cravings.  I even got really brave once and tried lamb at an Indian restaurant in NYC.  Traditionally lamb isn’t my favorite, but HOLY MOLY was that dish ever good!

2.  Sushi-  raw fish?  Who in their right mind eats raw fish??  This gal, that’s who.  Again, the man of the house convinced me and I’m happy he did.  I still have a hard time with sashimi, the thin pieces of just raw fish (the texture!  aaaahh!), but I do like a good sushi roll (and I’m not just talking a plain old California roll here).

3.  Chickpeas-  they look strange and have an odd name, but they’re super delish, especially on a salad or in hummus form.  And they’re super good for you too!

4.  Eggplant-  also very strange looking with a strange name, but cooked correctly it can be all sorts of yum.

5.  Avocado-  believe it or not, at one time I declared I did not like avocados.  I think the texture bothered me (if you can’t tell, food texture is a big deal for me).  But I gave them another chance and now I love avocados so much I could marry one.  Mmmmm….avocado…

6.  Onions-  not raw onions, don’t be crazy!  Well, maybe occasionally on a burger or sandwich or something.  But onions give such a fantastic flavor when used in cooking, I don’t know why I avoided them before.  And there are few things better than caramelized onions. Oh man, put those on a steak sandwich or in some stuffed mushrooms and it is sooooo good.

8.  Seafood- I realize this is an acquired taste.  I think most people either love or hate seafood.  I used to be ok with salmon and tuna fish and that’s it, but I realize now that for years I was missing out on crab, shrimp, lobster, sea bass, and other delectable items.  My husband is trying to get me to try oyster shooters…eh…I’ll get there.

7.  Spicy food-  to a point, anyway.  Growing up we never ate anything spicy so I was rather sensitive to it.  Over time though I’ve found I like a little kick to my food now and then.  My version of “spicy” is probably mild to some people, but I still like to think I’m more adventurous than I once was.

The more foods I try, the more I find I like.  I’ve found a love for many ethnic foods and am dying to explore more.  My point of this whole post is this:  don’t knock it until you try it.  One of the joys in life is discovering new and exciting things.  Sometimes you just have to have an open mind and an empty stomach, to quote one of my favorite Food Network shows.  Who knows, maybe your varied appetite will become your most attractive feature someday too!

(Even though I’m still not sure how to feel about the fact that that’s really my most redeeming quality.)

What about you?  Any suggestions for foods I should try?

In an effort to be . . . → Read More: A little pick-me-up]]> I’m feeling a bit dumpy today- maybe because it’s only Wednesday, maybe because I’m getting a cold (blerg!), maybe because I am so very tired of the freeway construction I fight every day…who knows?  But, I am determined to rise above it!  By being positive!  Join me, won’t you?

In an effort to be positive, I am going to list a few things I love.  Focusing on happy, love-y things always makes the sun come out, don’t you think?  I’m going to give it my best shot:

1.  I recently reconnected with an old friend from several years ago (thanks, Internet!).  I want to be her when I grow up.  Always positive – even if the face of major challenges, beautiful, totally unique, and so artsy!  She sent me a link to her new Etsy shop, and it’s fantastic.  I don’t think I’ve ever purchased anything from Etsy before (weird, I know), but I plan to buy almost every single one of her prints.  I.  Love.  Them.  And while I want to keep this little gem all to myself so that I can feel all unique and stuff too, her art is just too good not to share.  So, you’re welcome:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/moselleshoppe

2.  Macaroons.  I just ate one.  It was delicious.  The only thing that could’ve made it better was if it was dipped in chocolate, but I’m not complaining.  And these weren’t any old macaroons, these were from Tate’s Bake Shop in Southampton, NY.  We have a dear friend that owns a home in Southampton that we visited in September (I know, I’m so spoiled) and he once declared that if Tate’s ever goes out of business, he is never going back to Southampton.  The place is that good.  And look how adorable!  This is a picture from their website.  Doesn’t it make you so excited for Christmas?  I would love to spend the holidays in a place like this.

3.  Loving the fact that I have a massage to look forward tomorrow!  It has been far too long.  Also loving the fact that I have a sweet and considerate husband that surprised me with the gift certificate a couple of weeks ago after I had a bad day.  He’s a good egg, that one.

4.  I love how my little girl will spontaneously give me a big hug and a sweet little kiss, always right when I need it.  I could sure go for one of her hugs right now.

5.  I love that the Jazz beat the Heat in overtime last night!  Yeah baby!!  Talk about a nail-biter.  Take that, “Big 3″!

Hey, whaddya know?  This totally DID make me feel better!  I guess there really is something about the power of positive thinking.

What things do you love that make you happy?