And because the last two weeks were crazy, I took the long Memorial Day weekend as a time to do the following: cook, relax, clean and get my closet organized. Fun!

Actually it was. And I decided to make two recipes to get me back in the kitchen and keep those cooking skills sharp.

I made pizza again (similar to this one) and it turned out really well.

Silly me took a pre-oven instead of post-oven photo. Oops.

Fact: Homemade pizza is definitely starting to become one of my favorite things to make.

Then I made my kitchen adventure for this week, which sounded incredible: Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Mango Salsa from Cooking Light. Right now, I’m loving all sorts of summer salsas and despite not being a huge mango fan, I’m willing to give it a try!

Plus, I’ve never cooked with pork, so it’s two adventures in one.

Here’s how it turned out and the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2  (1-pound) pork tenderloins, trimmed
• 1  teaspoon  salt
• 1/2  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2  cups  diced peeled mango (about 2 large)
• 1  teaspoon  grated orange rind
• 3  tablespoons  diagonally sliced green onions
• 2  teaspoons  grated peeled fresh ginger
• 3  tablespoons  fresh orange juice
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground coriander
• 1/4  teaspoon  ground cardamom
• 1  tablespoon  olive oil

Preparation:

Cut each tenderloin crosswise into 8 pieces. Place plastic wrap over pork; pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of pork; cook 3 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan; repeat procedure with remaining pork.

Combine mango and next 6 ingredients (mango through cardamom) in a bowl, stir and serve.

Verdict: Yummy, light and flavorful

I really liked this dish. The pork was tender and juicy and the salsa was light but had a nice citrus flavor. I excluded the cardamom and coriander because I couldn’t find it but added in red onion and parsley flakes and I still thought it tasted great. The OJ really added a lot too! I was a little bummed the pork didn’t brown as much as I hoped, but it was still tasty.

What are some of your favorite summer foods? How was your long weekend?

New movie review: Sex and the City 2. Can the girls keep the magic alive?

Anyhow, as you all know, last week was kind of a tough one. And this weekend, I did something I definitely needed more than I thought I did: girl time!

It started Friday with a lovely dinner at Marche in the West Loop with some of my favorite co-workers (even though I felt like my throat was raw meat and I was running a fever by the end of the night) where we gossiped, laughed and enjoyed really good food. Perfect way to start the weekend.

Then Saturday night came the main event with several Chicago lady bloggers (and out-of-town guests). We gathered to celebrate pretty wine labels and each other, gossiping, hugging, talking about feelings, bad wedding stories and catching up. Whether it’s having an awful boy-related week, preparing for a big week coming up job and and health wise or just talking about upcoming wedding plans, girl time solves any problem and provides all the support you need to go kick some a**!

That may be dramatic but with the right group, it’s true.

What else helps: wine shots and music. That’s right, you heard me, shots of wine, classy.

And after solving world issues and storing up on hugs, laughs and wine shots, the most epic thing ever happened: an impromptu dance party.

Oh that’s right, we danced and screamed/sang our hearts out to Bon Jovi, Glee, Gwen Stefani, The Little Mermaid (yes you heard me correctly) and the most epic of all songs to make my night: Sister Act.

I nearly died when that came on. Actually, I think there is video of us screaming/singing. Somehow, in my head when I heard us sing, it sounded TOTALLY different.

Anyhow, that party raged from 7 until 1:30 a.m. and I have to say, being around positive people who made me laugh, watched me dance (which looks like I’m having a seizure) and gave lots of hugs, gave me exactly what I needed after a tough week.

Girls night out solves every problem :) And considering last Saturday I was on my worst date ever, this was the best way to change Saturday night karma back to awesome.

Oh and we had cupcakes from a new (to me) cupcake place in Chicago, the Cupcake Counter. I will be checking that out one Friday post-work, the red velvet was tasty. You can see our spread below, yeah we went through 11 bottles of wine.

How was everyone else’s weekend? Emmy fashion recap/awards are coming tomorrow!! So far, I’m loving Neil Patrick Harris, so adorable!!

He apparently didn’t like my first answer which was, “a pony.”

No, it’s not very practical for the city but they’re so PRETTY!

Normally on birthdays, I rotate between getting myself a new purse (example: Speedy last year) or jewelry and because this year marks an entrance into a new decade, I think jewelry might be the most appropriate gift.

But because I need options, I’ve listed below some awesome stuff I would love to have for my birthday, some more realistic than others.

Wii. Actually a Wii plus a Wii Fit. I really want to faux bowl or play tennis at home after a long day

Bose soundsystem. I love playing music (loudly) at home and this would definitely bring it up to an 11

Marc Jacobs. I LOVE the color. I cannot take my eyes off of it

Trip to the beach. This might have to wait until January/February but I am dreaming about it already

Anything from here. Preferrably of the sparkly earring, necklace or bracelet variety (nothing says 30 like diamonds!)

Or a funky piece of jewelry like this from David Yurman. I love the detail and multiple bangles

Nikon. I’ve been salivating over one for a long time. Might be my year to get it

Love this necklace from JCrew. Actually multiple things from JCrew would be a lovely gift

A recent trip to Dave & Buster’s brought back my love of Skeeball. Practical? No. Fun? YOU BET

Okay, okay, if the Nikon doesn’t work out, I definitely need a new point-and-shoot. Mine is not up to par anymore

What? A pony? Well…..OKAY! Who’s a pretty pony? You are!

Like I said, some are more realistic than others but, I think there is a good mix here.

If you could pick ONE THING, anything, literally anything for your birthday, what would it be? Or what have you always wanted but never received?

I like romance but honestly, taking me out on romantic dinners all the time, going on exotic trips and destination dates is not the way to completely win me over. Oh don’t get me wrong, these things are nice but there is an easier way to go about it.

I’m still your hostess, Jessica, would you like a cocktail or appetizer, pigs in a blanket maybe?

When I started blogging in December 2008, I literally typed “start a free blog” into Google, and Blogger came up (shock!), but because I wasn’t sure if I would keep blogging, I stayed with the standard Blogger template because a) it was easy and b) I was lazy.

But for the last few months, I’ve been working on several BIG changes and I’m finally ready to share them with you!

Here are some of the new things on this site:

Design (duh) – I really love this design. I think it really captures me and what this blog is about. A few more changes will be coming in along the way but for now, I just can’t stop staring at how pretty it is. And if you met me this weekend at BlogHer, you already got a little preview but now you can see the entire thing! I also want to say a big thanks to Mark G. Davis who helped design and implement everything.

Dumping Blogger - Blogger was a great place to start but lately, it’s become less user friendly for me and the fact that I cannot reply to comments makes me crazy!!! So I broke up with Blogger and starting fresh on WordPress (Blogger, it’s not me, it’s you). I still have no idea how to fully use this platform either so bare with me :)

Feeds – If you subscribe to me through RSS, all you have to do is hit “refresh” in Reader for the new URL to be grabbed. Yes, there is a partial feed issue right now with RSS that I’m working to adjust. If you subscribe to me through my regular, Atom feed, you will have to update your links (sorry!) My sidebar option to update in Google Reader has been finicky so if that doesn’t work, please copy/paste the new url, http://www.myeverydayadventures.com into Reader and you’ll be all set.

I promise it takes two seconds *bats eyelashes*

Reviews – I don’t really mention products on here but I wanted to create a space where I can share things I recently have bought and love with everyone rather than figure out a way to finagle it into my main blog. So be on the watchout for cool stuff coming up on that too

So yeah, take a tour around and let me know what you think. The site’s definitely a work in progress but this place feels more like “me.” Content will still kick a** so don’t worry. Oh but be sure to use a coaster with your drink, I hate water marks on my coffee table.

Any issues with your feeds, e-mail me at: myeverydayadventures@gmail.com and I’ll keep working on them.

And come back tomorrow because I’ll have my BlogHer recap including my photo with Tim Gunn. Make it work!

This hilarious post comes from Alexa at Cleveland’s a Plum. And I have to say, ITA with her below that I could never be a reality TV star.

for many years i didn’t watch any of the seasons of the bachelor or the bachlorette because let’s be honest, it’s cliché as hell.

but for whatever reason my roommate and i really got into the last bachelor season with jason, melissa, holly and the second runner up jillian.

jillian is truthfully why we are watching this season’s bachelorette at all – we love her. the dreamy bachelor’s vying for her attention don’t hurt either (i’m looking at your ed and reid).

but after watching week after week I have decided that as much as I love the show i could never (EVER) be the bachelorette for a few specific reasons:

1. no one needs to make out that much with that many people. just image what would happen if there was a mono outbreak!

believe you me, i’ve been known to be quite the make out bandit in my hay day but having random lizard tongues flicking me at every turn would be a bit much

2. knowing that my family and friends would be watching me make out that much

the fact that at times I have to cover my eyes because i can’t watch the awkwardness of the smoochy boochy pillow talk and it’s people i don’t even know, i can’t even begin to imagine what it would be like for people that know me in real life

3. getting fed constant bullshit

there’s no possible way that every single one of those guys are falling in love with her, it’s bull caca. watching some of the contestants is like watching a slimy salesman selling themselves for sloppy kisses. (except for ed and reid, they can do no wrong)

4. “i think i’m falling in love with you”, “no i love you more”, “i never thought i could fall in love this fast”, “i don’t normally have feelings like this”

when i hear those phrases all that comes through is blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. i think there should be a drinking game associated with the bachelor and bachelorette that when any of those lines are uttered you have drink

and yet, I still watch – every. single. episode.

maybe i’m jaded, maybe i’m turning into a bitter old spinster, but i just don’t think i could be the bachelorette. that and the fact that the idea of me frolicking around a sausage fest in a bikini is something that no one deserves to see.

so what do you think – could you put yourself out there and be the bachelorette (or bachelor)? what about even just being a contestant?

Let’s check out what’s noodling around in my noggin.

• Over the weekend, I bought a summer dress from JCrew for 10.25 percent off (no sales tax.) And I am LOVING it. Even though I’ve only worn it in my apartment because…it’s not summer outside…yet, I cannot wait for it to warm up so I can wear it. The dress is a shorter version of this one in chocolate brown

• And because I’m weak, I also bought more JCrew argyle socks, which I’m am obsessed with. I have four pairs now and have my eye on two more pairs. I don’t know why I’m obsessed with it, but I feel like it allows me to indulge my inner preppy personality…and I like it!

• For some reason, I have been very forgetful lately, which is unlike me. I can remember very random things about anyone. My recent incidents include: running into walls, nearly missing dentist appointments and forgetting parties I’ve RSVP’ed for. It appears as though my mind is scattered

• Tomorrow starts Chicago Restaurant Week and I am so excited I could spit. For one week each year, select Chicago restaurants open their doors and serve prix fixe lunches and dinners for $22 and $32 respectively. This year I’m going to four restaurants: Prosecco, Carnivale, Le Colonial and Coco Pazzo. Expect pictures from the first two places on Sunday

• Speaking of Sunday, it’s Oscar time and my work is doing a pool. Fortunately, I just got my Oscar edition of Entertainment Weekly so I’m ready to put my $2 in and vote. Keep your fingers crossed that I win!

• Also, I’m f*cking TIRED of this winter weather. Today was minus zero again with the wind chill and now another winter storm is heading our way. I’ve lived in the Midwest my entire life, but suddenly, warmer, non-winter climate is lookin’ real good

• I’m still puzzled by a man at the gym who was headbanging to his iPod one minute and then admiring himself in the mirror while moving his hips in Shakira-like fashion. People at my gym are weird

Oh and here is the picture of me holding the Oscar that I mentioned in Sunday’s post. I want to thank my dad, family and of course, myself. I could not have done it without you!

Does anyone else have big plans for the weekend?

Also, since the Oscars are Sunday, I will be featuring the best/worst dressed stars on Monday. Feel free to prepare yourself for the lack of mercy I will show by checking out my past SAG and Golden Globes recaps.

Reader note: Thank you to everyone for your great comments on Tuesday’s cheating post. I really appreciate everyone sharing their personal stories and thoughts on it. It was really interesting to read  everyone’s opinion on it.

Also, I’ll post the winner to the BOCA Balanced Living giveaway on Sunday too!

Cheating is something I do not tolerate. Call me unforgiving and rigid, but I have more experience with cheating than I want to, so this has shaped my opinion on the topic.

Giveaway:
I even got a nifty BOCA gift bag to giveaway to one of my readers! The gift bag includes: a yoga mat, reusable shopping tote (perfect for unexpected purchases while out), relaxing CD and day planner. The photo below isn’t the best but this is a great gift bag.

To enter: Leave me a comment letting me know what you do to live a balanced life. This can be anything, such as going to the gym or for a run, playing sports or taking an art/writing class. Cut-off date to enter is Wednesday, February 18. So tell your friends and tweet out the news!

Don’t want to enter the contest? That’s cool, feel free to still leave me a comment about how you pamper yourself on a daily basis. I’m a big believer in a little treat each day.