That's Some Crazy S*$t! PINE MOUTH

Last Thursday night I went out with a few girlfriends for dinner. My one friend had brought along a delicious bottle of Chardonnay and since we didn't finish it, I took it home with me. Fast forward to Friday evening; I was thinking about that yummy wine all day. Making it just barely to 5 PM, I poured myself a glass and settled down on the couch to ease into the weekend. I took a sip ... and almost spit it out. It tasted metallic and almost rancid. I couldn't believe that such a nice bottle of wine could go bad in just one night. 

The next morning my Starbucks coffee tasted strange also. Then the "bangers and mash" we had for lunch. I began to worry I was getting sick. Or maybe I just didn't really like Irish food at all?

Yesterday was much of the same - from my coffee to sips of the kid's lemonade, everything tasted horrible and wrong. This is when my brain went into overdrive. Was I was having a stroke? Did I have a brain tumor? Or was I just dying a slow death? I took to Dr. Google for some good old fashioned internet self-diagnosis and a dose paranoia, but what I found wasn't scary, as is it was odd.

PINE MOUTH

According to the FDA: 

In the past year FDA has received a number of consumer complaints regarding a bitter metallic taste associated with pine nuts. This taste, known as "pine mouth," typically begins 12 to 48 hours after consuming pine nuts, and lasts on average between a few days and two weeks. It is exacerbated by consumption of any other food during this period and significantly decreases appetite and enjoyment of food. The symptoms decrease over time with no apparent adverse clinical side effects.

In response to increased consumer complaints, FDA developed a detailed questionnaire, and collected and analyzed samples from some consumers submitting complaints. The Agency found that the majority of pine nuts associated with "pine mouth" were eaten in the raw state (either as snacks or as a component of salad or pesto sauce). It also found that consumers did not detect a rancid or off-taste when eating the pine nuts. Finally, FDA was able to confirm that "pine mouth" is an adverse food reaction to pine nuts that is clearly distinct from a typical food allergy.

Looking for something crunchy to add to salads, just last week I had bought a bag of pine nuts from Trader Joes. Wednesday, I made pasta and tossed it with some chicken sausage, arugula and pine nuts. 

I've always eaten pine nuts and never had an issue before. Jason ate the same pasta and isn't experiencing any adverse side effects. But me? Day 4 of feeling like I have a mouth full of rancid pennies in my mouth. And according to everything I've read, this can go on for weeks. 

I guess the only thing I can hope for now is to loose a few pounds from this situation.

Gag. 

Clothes Whore: Green for Spring

Every season I have a total obsession. Some item that I can't see surviving without. Something that I see everywhere and won't rest until it's hanging in my closet. This season is all about colored denim. From runways to the street, from Saks to Target, absolutely everyone is showing this trend. While one may think that I would have to have turquoise or pink, the color that has been calling my name has been bright Kelly green.

In my search for the perfect pair for my body, I managed to try on no less than 10 different pairs. So you don't need to run around town like a mad person, I've chosen my top 4 picks at different price ranges.

1) Gap 1969: $59.95

Good fit and super stretchy. They also hit at a good spot right at your ankle. Fabric is typical Gap weight. If you like Gap jeans, you will love these. The link goes to the yellow ones, but they do have green in stores. 

2) Target Mossimo Supply: $22.99

Best inexpensive option I found. They have a great cut around the rear and while they are a lower rise, they are not too low. Best on ladies with skinnier legs, as the fabric is on the thinner side. 

3) J Crew - Cafe Pant: $130(ish)

These don't seem to be available online anymore, but I've seen them in the stores recently. Basic J Crew pant cut, good weight and they come down to about your ankle. I do find that J Crew pants in general work best on women with smaller waists. 

4) J Brand Green Jeans - $180 (or, $80 on sale at Anthropologie if you can find them or $61 at Nieman Marcus)

I love J Brand Jeans. Actually, my two favorite jeans at the moment (skinnies and boot cut) are both J Brand. J Brands are great all around jeans. Yes, they are pricey, but you can always find them at Nordstrom Rack and on the sale racks at Anthro. 

So, which ones did I get? The Gap ones! On me, I felt they were the best option. But I will say that I almost returned them for the J Brands when I saw they were on sale at Anthropologie. Paired with a loose white or denim shirt, or even a navy/white striped shirt or a leopard print cardi, these are going to be my go-to item of the spring.

I got the moves like Martha

Last week Jason was out of town amazing the dad-blogging world with his thoughts at the interactive conference, South by Southwest in Austin, Tx. And me? Home with the kids. But it wasn't all bad because I was able to do things like watch hours on end of E! News and Bravo shows. Late one night, I forced myself to stay awake to watch What What Happens Live when joining Bravo Andy in the studio was none other than the OG domestic godess and my crafty idol, Martha Stewart. 

I love Martha for many reasons. She's a cold hearted bitch, but MAN she can bake a cake or glitter an egg like it's nobodies business. At one point during the show, Martha demonstrated this amazing one move t-shirt fold. It was like laundry folding magic and I was determined to learn how to be a t-shirt folding magician also. 

Eat that, Martha. 

*oh, PS. I called myself a reluctant housewife, but you all know I'm not a real "housewife" but more of a parttime work at home mom that really hates things like laundry and cooking. Also? I said that this was a new series. Don't hold me to that. 

**PPS: Thanks, Maria for helping me with this today!