vineri, 30 decembrie 2011
joi, 29 decembrie 2011
During this week, I've been brewing on my annual assessment of what I have accomplished this past year and what is in the works for the coming up year. My week of introspection, so to speak.
I think on everything from the books I read, career aspirations, things to improve on, funniest moments, friends I want to see more of. Some of it I might share here. Some I will keep to myself. But no matter what, this is good week for mental reflection. Kind of like hitting the pause button on the chaos of life in order to take inventory.
So to kick off inventory week, I will start with something easy to think back on... the books I read cover to cover in 2012.
I love looking at this list. It makes me feel like the overachiever girl that read all of the teacher's suggested reading books over the summer plus a few more. I know, I am obnoxious that way. But it just feels good to my Type-A ways.
Books that I am reading right now include:
I think on everything from the books I read, career aspirations, things to improve on, funniest moments, friends I want to see more of. Some of it I might share here. Some I will keep to myself. But no matter what, this is good week for mental reflection. Kind of like hitting the pause button on the chaos of life in order to take inventory.
So to kick off inventory week, I will start with something easy to think back on... the books I read cover to cover in 2012.
Away
A Discovery of Witches
The Help
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
Dead Reckoning
Dead Reckoning
The Thirteenth Tale
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Catching Fire
Mockingjay
Mary, Mary
I love looking at this list. It makes me feel like the overachiever girl that read all of the teacher's suggested reading books over the summer plus a few more. I know, I am obnoxious that way. But it just feels good to my Type-A ways.
Books that I am reading right now include:
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
While I am still Myself
Bossypants
The Imperfectionists
So who knows, maybe I will have few more to add before the end of the week.
miercuri, 28 decembrie 2011
Before yesterday, I have never had a pomegranate. Can you believe that? I mean, sure, I have had pomegranate juice... but that does not really count in my book.
So on a whim at the grocery store, I bought a pomegranate and I am going to learn how to prepare and eat a pomegranate.
Here goes nothing!
How to Eat a Pomegranate
1. Take a moment and admire this mystical ruby fruit. (okay, you don't really NEED to do that, but it seems much cooler if you do)
2. Slice into quarters
3. Place in a bowl of water, seed side down.
4. Working UNDER the water, pop the seeds out into the bowl. (This prevents you from shooting someone's eye out.) Continue to work until all the seeds are out (they will sink to the bottom). Remove the peel and pulp (the white part) from the bowl.
5. Strain. Pick out any remaining pulp.
6. Refrigerate for up to a week.
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Note to all, it is probably best to wear an apron and possible eye goggles. Prepping pomegranate is dangerous business. Not for the weak.
Hmmm, the pomegranate seeds are good... kind of like teeny-tiny crunchy grapes. And they are really pretty.
I mixed them with my granola this morning. I like the crunch and pop of color that it gives it. I bet they would be good on a salad too.
Tell me, how do you eat a pomegranate?
sâmbătă, 24 decembrie 2011
It's here!!
I have so much to smile about this Christmas.
- Spending this Christmas in the Texas Hill Country with my parents and one brother's family.
- A new nephew (from another brother) will arrive into this world any minute now (Come on, Baby Carson!)
- Little B is running wild with her cousins.
- Soon our tummies will be full from a Christmas Eve feast.
- Kid-decorated cookies will be set out.
- The driveway will get the most lovely dusting of red glitter reindeer food.
- Babies in footed jammies will be tucked into bed while the parents stay up helping Santa assemble presents.
....and most of all....
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
-Luke 2:11
Merry Christmas to you!!!
vineri, 23 decembrie 2011
joi, 22 decembrie 2011
miercuri, 21 decembrie 2011
This past weekend, my friend, Jessica, gave me one of the best gifts that I have ever received. EVER.
Right around Thanksgiving, we were swapping notes on our dreams and wishes for future Christmases. I had a few things on my wish list.
I told her about how the minute I knew that I was having a little girl, I began dreaming of an annual Christmas tradition of taking her to see the Nutcracker. That it would be our yearly mommy-and-daughter date and we would invite all of our other girlfriends to come with us. How fun it would be to get dressed up and go out to a fancy dinner and then pretend we are very short ballerinas for the whole evening.
When Jessica asked me what I wanted this year for Christmas, I jokingly answered, "Sleep. Beautiful uninterrupted, wake up on my own sleep." Anyone who has children knows what a magical gift sleep is. But after having kids, sleep is like a unicorn... pretty to think about, but impossible to have.
Well, much to my pleasant surprise Jessica heard all of my random thoughts and became my own fairy godmother that evening as she brewed up a plan that would encompass all of those wishes.
Last Saturday, we cashed in on that plan and had the most spectacular evening I have had in a very long time.
First up, she picked me up at my house and I kissed the hubby and kiddo goodbye. Fancy Girls Night, here we come!
We checked ourselves into the Marriott downtown. Swanky!
Within minutes of arriving, Jess already had a champagne cocktail in my hand. Well, that is one way to get this party started!
Then we got all fancied up with fancy clothes, and fancy makeup, and fancy hair. It was so much fun... kind of like two girls getting ready for prom. Hell, I even had my fancy red patent leather "hot-damn" shoes on. The heels on them are crazy high and dangerous, but I must admit, I look smokin' hot in them. Both Jess and I looked smokin' hot.
Seriously, isn't she gorgeous?! She is single! Let me know if you know any super cute, nice guys in the DFW area that would be worthy of a goddess like her.
Now it was time to make our way to the eating portion of the evening. I was in charge of this part and I think I did well. We walked a few short blocks to this amazing Italian restaurant called Ferre. I knew that I had picked a good place when the first thing on the menu is black truffle risotto. Don't mind if I do!
In fact, I had two kinds of risotto - Black truffle risotto and blue cheese risotto. Both were fantastic. Can you tell that I like risotto? Our meals were fantastic. The wine was really great. Even the dessert delivered. Tiramisu = heaven on a spoon.
That is my "I can't believe we just ate all that" face.
After gorging on so much food that left us surprisingly light on our feet, we headed across the street to Bass Concert Hall to see the Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker was everything we hoped it would be. We walked away wanting to enroll in ballet class and feeling very much in the Christmas spirit. As we walked out of Bass Concert Hall, we thought, "The night is young!"
We strolled around downtown Fort Worth admiring the cute shops, Christmas lights, a cute patrol cop, and the never-ending group of pub-crawling Santas and their harem of naughty reindeer and snow girls.
Yes, the night was still young. But 30 minutes in, our feet were killing us (red hot damn heels are not meant for walking much) and too many yawns were being unsuccessfully stifled. It was time to go to bed.
I am sure many of y'all are thinking that I am pretty lame right about this point. Please don't judge. Because I was soooo looking forward to the finale of the evening. Sleep. Gorgeous, uninterrupted sleep. I slept until 9:45 the next morning. Booyah, baby! I don't remember the last time I did that. I felt like a new woman!
Everyone needs a fairy godmother like my friend, Jessica. She is one in a million that way. And I feel so lucky that she chose me to be her Cinderella last weekend. And who knows, maybe Girls Night Out at the Nutcracker will become a yearly tradition sooner than I thought.
Right around Thanksgiving, we were swapping notes on our dreams and wishes for future Christmases. I had a few things on my wish list.
I told her about how the minute I knew that I was having a little girl, I began dreaming of an annual Christmas tradition of taking her to see the Nutcracker. That it would be our yearly mommy-and-daughter date and we would invite all of our other girlfriends to come with us. How fun it would be to get dressed up and go out to a fancy dinner and then pretend we are very short ballerinas for the whole evening.
When Jessica asked me what I wanted this year for Christmas, I jokingly answered, "Sleep. Beautiful uninterrupted, wake up on my own sleep." Anyone who has children knows what a magical gift sleep is. But after having kids, sleep is like a unicorn... pretty to think about, but impossible to have.
Well, much to my pleasant surprise Jessica heard all of my random thoughts and became my own fairy godmother that evening as she brewed up a plan that would encompass all of those wishes.
Last Saturday, we cashed in on that plan and had the most spectacular evening I have had in a very long time.
First up, she picked me up at my house and I kissed the hubby and kiddo goodbye. Fancy Girls Night, here we come!
We checked ourselves into the Marriott downtown. Swanky!
Within minutes of arriving, Jess already had a champagne cocktail in my hand. Well, that is one way to get this party started!
Then we got all fancied up with fancy clothes, and fancy makeup, and fancy hair. It was so much fun... kind of like two girls getting ready for prom. Hell, I even had my fancy red patent leather "hot-damn" shoes on. The heels on them are crazy high and dangerous, but I must admit, I look smokin' hot in them. Both Jess and I looked smokin' hot.
Seriously, isn't she gorgeous?! She is single! Let me know if you know any super cute, nice guys in the DFW area that would be worthy of a goddess like her.
Now it was time to make our way to the eating portion of the evening. I was in charge of this part and I think I did well. We walked a few short blocks to this amazing Italian restaurant called Ferre. I knew that I had picked a good place when the first thing on the menu is black truffle risotto. Don't mind if I do!
In fact, I had two kinds of risotto - Black truffle risotto and blue cheese risotto. Both were fantastic. Can you tell that I like risotto? Our meals were fantastic. The wine was really great. Even the dessert delivered. Tiramisu = heaven on a spoon.
That is my "I can't believe we just ate all that" face.
After gorging on so much food that left us surprisingly light on our feet, we headed across the street to Bass Concert Hall to see the Nutcracker.
 |
| I, of course, did not take this photo. That would be so rude to take one during a performance. |
The Nutcracker was everything we hoped it would be. We walked away wanting to enroll in ballet class and feeling very much in the Christmas spirit. As we walked out of Bass Concert Hall, we thought, "The night is young!"
We strolled around downtown Fort Worth admiring the cute shops, Christmas lights, a cute patrol cop, and the never-ending group of pub-crawling Santas and their harem of naughty reindeer and snow girls.
Yes, the night was still young. But 30 minutes in, our feet were killing us (red hot damn heels are not meant for walking much) and too many yawns were being unsuccessfully stifled. It was time to go to bed.
I am sure many of y'all are thinking that I am pretty lame right about this point. Please don't judge. Because I was soooo looking forward to the finale of the evening. Sleep. Gorgeous, uninterrupted sleep. I slept until 9:45 the next morning. Booyah, baby! I don't remember the last time I did that. I felt like a new woman!
Everyone needs a fairy godmother like my friend, Jessica. She is one in a million that way. And I feel so lucky that she chose me to be her Cinderella last weekend. And who knows, maybe Girls Night Out at the Nutcracker will become a yearly tradition sooner than I thought.
marți, 20 decembrie 2011
If you could ask a favourite author just one question, what would it be?
To pretty much any author... how/where do you find your inspiration? And do you know the ending to the story when you first sit down to write it or does it figure itself out along the way?
If an author gave you the chance to rewrite or to change the fate of a book character, who would you chose?
Did your parents read stories to you when you were little? If yes are there any special ones you remember the most?
My parents spend a great deal of time reading to me and I think it’s why I love books so much now. Some of my early favorites included Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, Nancy Drew, Little House on the Prairie. But as I got into my tween years, my mom would give me books such as The Diary of Anne Frank, Clan of the Cave Bears, and Pillars of the Earth. Nothing was off limits. Those books have definitely shaped who I grew up to be.
What do you like more the smell of old antiquarian books or the smell of new fresh ones you just bought?
Old books for sure. The smell of old book shops and libraries are my favorite places to be. The smell of those places is right up there with the smell of home. In fact, if there were a candle called "Old Book Shop", I would buy it.
You get the opportunity to choose between two secret talents: either to be able to make things come to life through reading them or the gift to read yourself into a book. Which one would you like to have?
Oh goodness. This talent would definitely make me choose my books more carefully. The Hunger Games would be a very dangerous book. I would choose the ability to read myself into a book.
Do you have a favourite children’s book or a favourite fairy tale?
The Secret Garden
Someone would talk to your friends and ask them to compare you to a book character. With who do you think would they compare you?
Hmmm. I would love to hear the answers to this question. It would be very enlightening. Anne of Green Gables or Jo March come to mind.
Tell me the name of a writer who you would like to have as a friend.
Yeh, I like to have lots of friends, a whole posse of them - Elizabeth Kostova, L.M. Montgomery, William Faulkner, Isabel Allende, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Patricia Cornwell
You can hide in a written down world for only one night into which world do you escape?
Oooh, I love this question. Very Midnight in Paris. Gatsby's party would be pretty awesome. Or maybe an evening in Barcelona in Shadow of the Wind.
You have to flee to an unknown place and all you can take with you are three books of all the ones you own. Which three ones do you put into your bag?
This is looking choosing my favorite children. Very hard! Harry Potter because since the moment I read it, I knew that I wanted to someday read it to my children, who had not even been born yet. Anne of Green Gables because she reminds me that it it okay to be a spirited and feisty lady who sometimes says the wrong thing. Exodus by Leon Uris because it shows both the best and worst of human nature while weaving hope all the way through the story.
These questions were adapted from Madamedaydream. If you are a bookworm too, feel free to share the bookish love, can't wait to read your answers.
Much Love
xxx
luni, 19 decembrie 2011
I think we are finally starting to hit our groove with this whole moving to Fort Worth thing.
I have this mental list of which city is winning at the moment... Austin or Fort Worth. Austin's tally sheet is crazy long with notch marks. Each mark representing a close friend, a yummy restaurant, the Town Lake trail, a lone pine tree decorated for Christmas along the side of the 360 Highway... the list goes on and on.
But Fort Worth is not to be underestimated. While FTW may not have been my first choice and is definitely overshadowed by her very popular cousin, Austin - she is slowly winning me over. She is subtle that way. She doesn't shove her greatness in your face right away. Nope, she is the shy type that lets you discover really great things about her every time you meet.
I learned a few little details about Fort Worth this past week...
:: Fort Worth's downtown is a very cool place to walk around. Old buildings. Red brick streets. A mix of new and old shops. And right now they have a huge Christmas tree in the middle of Sundance Square. It is a downtown that people actually go to hang out in addition to work.
:: Fighter jets fly over the west side of Fort Worth at least 5 times a day. Carswell Field Air Base is just a few miles from our house. Every time Little B sees a fighter jet, you would think that she just won the jackpot. " Airplane! Airplane!" In her eyes, a fighter jet means that it is going to be a great day. I think that is an excellent, if not slightly different, viewpoint. One that I think I will adopt.
:: There are some super cool old neighborhoods with huge tree lined streets and old houses screaming with character. Big front porches that are just begging for a porch swing and a glass of iced tea. I love old houses and older neighborhoods. They make me smile. And Fort Worth has a lot of them. The revitalization of many of them is in works. It will be fun to see them come back to their glory days.
:: The people here are really nice and personable. I can not tell you how many people have made a point to welcome us to their city. They know how to enjoy the finer things yet also appreciate the simple things in life. Very down to earth and no one takes life too seriously. A good mix of business suits, flip-flops, and cowboy boots.
Who knows. By this time next year, maybe FTW will be adopted into the inner circle of my favorite places. I think we are going to be fast friends.
I have this mental list of which city is winning at the moment... Austin or Fort Worth. Austin's tally sheet is crazy long with notch marks. Each mark representing a close friend, a yummy restaurant, the Town Lake trail, a lone pine tree decorated for Christmas along the side of the 360 Highway... the list goes on and on.
But Fort Worth is not to be underestimated. While FTW may not have been my first choice and is definitely overshadowed by her very popular cousin, Austin - she is slowly winning me over. She is subtle that way. She doesn't shove her greatness in your face right away. Nope, she is the shy type that lets you discover really great things about her every time you meet.
I learned a few little details about Fort Worth this past week...
:: The people here are really nice and personable. I can not tell you how many people have made a point to welcome us to their city. They know how to enjoy the finer things yet also appreciate the simple things in life. Very down to earth and no one takes life too seriously. A good mix of business suits, flip-flops, and cowboy boots.
Who knows. By this time next year, maybe FTW will be adopted into the inner circle of my favorite places. I think we are going to be fast friends.
It's the week before Christmas! Woohoo!
Goodness, where has the month gone?
I am sure y'all are feeling the same as me this week - happy and busy and with lots of things to cross off to the to-do list before the big fat man in red comes to visit this next weekend.
This is a week that I want to spend focused on my family and our traditions, not hiding away in the kitchen. So I need quick, easy, and hearty meals that I do not have to fuss over too much.
Goodness, where has the month gone?
I am sure y'all are feeling the same as me this week - happy and busy and with lots of things to cross off to the to-do list before the big fat man in red comes to visit this next weekend.
This is a week that I want to spend focused on my family and our traditions, not hiding away in the kitchen. So I need quick, easy, and hearty meals that I do not have to fuss over too much.
- Monday: Shredded pork, sauteed mushrooms, and pan roasted brussel sprouts
- Tuesday: Chicken enchiladas
- Wednesday: Panko crusted cod served with steamed broccoli
- Thursday: Rosemary garlic pork chops, sweet potato fries, and baked beans
- Friday: Dinner out with friends! We have been planning this dinner to Barley Swine for so long. Very excited!
vineri, 16 decembrie 2011
Our house has officially been Christmastized.
Christmas is tricky this year. Here we are in a rental house that does not feel like our own. And the transition from home ownership back to renting has been challenging. Normally if there is something we don't like about the house we are living in, we change it. But that is not in the playing rules when it comes to a rental.
So we are adjusting, slowly but surely.
But Christmas... oh Christmas. This holiday offers us a chance to make this house feel more like a home.
A Christmas tree in the corner with the same red tree blanket that I had growing up.
Familiar wreaths hanging on the doors.
And Christmas tunes playing in the background. The ones that you find yourself humming to long after you have turned off the music.
Christmas cookies have been hidden away from a husband who can smell out sweets in the house the minute he pulls into the driveway.
Even the fridge got some bling!
And a crazy child bouncing off the walls with excitement, hopped up on sugar and wonder at all the sparkly lights everywhere. How I love that crazy, crazy girl. Her two favorite places these days - Mommy and Daddy's bed and laying down under the Christmas tree looking up at all the lights.
Yep, our house has officially been Christmastized. And every evening that we spend here together, snuggled on the couch with only the light of the Christmas tree and fireplace to see by, we are making a home out of this house.
Christmas is tricky this year. Here we are in a rental house that does not feel like our own. And the transition from home ownership back to renting has been challenging. Normally if there is something we don't like about the house we are living in, we change it. But that is not in the playing rules when it comes to a rental.
So we are adjusting, slowly but surely.
But Christmas... oh Christmas. This holiday offers us a chance to make this house feel more like a home.
A Christmas tree in the corner with the same red tree blanket that I had growing up.
Familiar wreaths hanging on the doors.
And Christmas tunes playing in the background. The ones that you find yourself humming to long after you have turned off the music.
Christmas cookies have been hidden away from a husband who can smell out sweets in the house the minute he pulls into the driveway.
Even the fridge got some bling!
And a crazy child bouncing off the walls with excitement, hopped up on sugar and wonder at all the sparkly lights everywhere. How I love that crazy, crazy girl. Her two favorite places these days - Mommy and Daddy's bed and laying down under the Christmas tree looking up at all the lights.
Yep, our house has officially been Christmastized. And every evening that we spend here together, snuggled on the couch with only the light of the Christmas tree and fireplace to see by, we are making a home out of this house.
joi, 15 decembrie 2011
Okay, friends. I need your help. I am in need of some serious workout inspiration.
Let's catch up.
In the summer and early fall, I had been doing some running and the Chalean Extreme DVDs. I was starting to get some pretty serious guns. But with the move, working out was pushed to the back burner as I focused on selling our house and moving us to Fort Worth. That was a workout in itself.
Since then, my left knee has been bugging me. Add in some unusually cold and rainy mornings, holiday festivities (aka. mild hangovers also known as collisions with a wine bottle), and flat out laziness and that pretty much sums up where I am at.
I am doing my best to get back into the swing of things. But remember that cute toddler that I claim as my own? Yeh, she has other ideas... like running off with my weights while I take a sip of water. That will teach me to hydrate during a workout!
So now I just have this whole drawer of running paraphernalia and workout DVDs that mock me loudly. I try to work out during nap time in the afternoon. But let's face it, if I don't work out first thing in the morning, there is a 70/30 chance that it is not going to happen.
I am thinking about joining the Y here. They seem to have a pretty good child care set up and I think Little B will LOVE some time with some other kids her own age. They have a few classes - Zumba, Cardio Bootcamp, Spinning - that look interesting.
But outside of that, I am lacking some serious motivation. So here is where you come in with your crazy ass cheerleader pep talk. Here is what I want to know...
No, actually that last part is a lie. I have no control over who Ryan Gosling dates or even when he takes his shirt off for that matter. But wouldn't that be some FINE motivation right there. That would definitely get me working out no matter what the weather is. So if anyone knows him, feel free to let me know that as well.
Let's catch up.
In the summer and early fall, I had been doing some running and the Chalean Extreme DVDs. I was starting to get some pretty serious guns. But with the move, working out was pushed to the back burner as I focused on selling our house and moving us to Fort Worth. That was a workout in itself.
Since then, my left knee has been bugging me. Add in some unusually cold and rainy mornings, holiday festivities (aka. mild hangovers also known as collisions with a wine bottle), and flat out laziness and that pretty much sums up where I am at.
I am doing my best to get back into the swing of things. But remember that cute toddler that I claim as my own? Yeh, she has other ideas... like running off with my weights while I take a sip of water. That will teach me to hydrate during a workout!
So now I just have this whole drawer of running paraphernalia and workout DVDs that mock me loudly. I try to work out during nap time in the afternoon. But let's face it, if I don't work out first thing in the morning, there is a 70/30 chance that it is not going to happen.
I am thinking about joining the Y here. They seem to have a pretty good child care set up and I think Little B will LOVE some time with some other kids her own age. They have a few classes - Zumba, Cardio Bootcamp, Spinning - that look interesting.
But outside of that, I am lacking some serious motivation. So here is where you come in with your crazy ass cheerleader pep talk. Here is what I want to know...
- What keeps you motivated?
- Any new workouts/DVDs/classes that you are loving?
- What is your workout routine?
- To all you moms out there, how do you fit in working out with your kiddos running around?
No, actually that last part is a lie. I have no control over who Ryan Gosling dates or even when he takes his shirt off for that matter. But wouldn't that be some FINE motivation right there. That would definitely get me working out no matter what the weather is. So if anyone knows him, feel free to let me know that as well.
miercuri, 14 decembrie 2011
Now that I am in Fort Worth, I am sans hairdresser. Aghh, the horrors!
I know. I know.
I had to break up with my lovely friend/hairdresser, Liza, right before we left Austin. It was horrible. But we all know that long distance relationships rarely work out.
While I am not quite ready for jumping back on the horse when its comes to finding your new hairdresser/BFF, I know that I need to do something in order to tie me over. My bangs are in desperate need of attention.
Let's be honest, I look like sheepdog. Or worse yet, like that guy that keeps doing that whole head nod/I'm cool thing when really I am just trying to see what's in front of me so that I do not trip.
So I did it. If Liza isn't already hating me for moving 4 hours away, she's gonna hate me now. I did what she asked me to NEVER EVER do.
There I said it. I admitted it. And you know what? I think they turned out okay.
Normally I would post a picture of my new kick-ass bangs, but I am not really fit for public consumption at the moment. I have icing in my hair. Gingerbread house making is dangerous that way.
So I will do you one better. Here is my holiday gift to you. How to cut your own bangs.
I know. I know.
I had to break up with my lovely friend/hairdresser, Liza, right before we left Austin. It was horrible. But we all know that long distance relationships rarely work out.
While I am not quite ready for jumping back on the horse when its comes to finding your new hairdresser/BFF, I know that I need to do something in order to tie me over. My bangs are in desperate need of attention.
Let's be honest, I look like sheepdog. Or worse yet, like that guy that keeps doing that whole head nod/I'm cool thing when really I am just trying to see what's in front of me so that I do not trip.
So I did it. If Liza isn't already hating me for moving 4 hours away, she's gonna hate me now. I did what she asked me to NEVER EVER do.
I CUT MY OWN BANGS.
There I said it. I admitted it. And you know what? I think they turned out okay.
Normally I would post a picture of my new kick-ass bangs, but I am not really fit for public consumption at the moment. I have icing in my hair. Gingerbread house making is dangerous that way.
So I will do you one better. Here is my holiday gift to you. How to cut your own bangs.
marți, 13 decembrie 2011
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- The temperature outside is just right. I see a post-nap park trip in our future.
- Need to finish my stack of Christmas cards today.
- Watched Crazy Stupid Love the other day.
- Who knew that Ryan Gosling is that smokin' hot?
- Quite the eye candy in that movie. Goodness!
- My phone battery is on its last leg and won't hold a charge. Rats!
- Today I'm feeling a little introverted. A lazy day with my girl sounds perfect.
- I wonder if Little B's hair is long enough yet to french braid.
- Who am I kidding? She would never sit still long enough for that.
- Little B is soaking up everything like a sponge these days.
- I need to remind David to only speak to her in Spanish.
- I don't want to miss the window of her open mind. I am determined to have a bilingual kid.
- A Charlie Brown Christmas is playing on the TV right now for about bi-jillionth time.
- That's okay by me though. I love that show so much! I never get sick of it.
- Holy smack! I am so sore. My workout yesterday kicked my butt.
- This must be what old feels like.
- Maybe I will make Almond Snowball Cookies today. They are the ultimate Christmas cookie. It just does not feel like Christmas until I make them.
- Maybe while I make them, I will watch White Christmas.
- That may be my favorite Christmas movie.
- So excited about Girls Night this Saturday!
- We are going get all dressed up, go out to a fancy dinner, attend a Nutcracker ballet performance and then sleep late in comfy hotel beds.
- All while the boy stays home with the kiddo.
- My idea of heaven!
luni, 12 decembrie 2011
- Monday: Sausage, baked beans, sweet potato apple gratin
- Tuesday: Roasted rosemary chicken with roasted winter vegetables
- Wednesday: Leftovers
- Thursday: Gnocchi
- Friday: Slow cooker pork tacos
joi, 8 decembrie 2011
Walking through Central Market today, Little B was the kid screaming, "Mama, see Santa!", at the top of her lungs each time we walked by a big Christmas display inside the store. She was in love with all of the fun, very reachable and fragile decorations that were everywhere and she could not wait to tell everyone about it. She was loud... very loud.
As I repeatedly rescued items from my toddler's surprisingly strong fingers and said "No touch, please" over and over again, I was fully preparing myself for the annoyed looks, frustrated sighs of discontentment and judgey attitudes about my toddler's extremely loud and grabby excitement over the holidays. But much to my wonderful surprise, I did not get any of that. Instead, I got really nice people interacting with my child with such holiday spirit.
One old man talked to my little one about how Santa was going to come to his house this year because his granddaughter was going to be visiting for Christmas.
The bakery guy offered her a very special Christmas cookie with extra sprinkles (Thank you bakery guy because we were dangerously close to a lunch time meltdown!).
One lady gave my little girl tips on how make a good gingerbread house.
Another lady instructed Little B to not forget to leave out food for Santa's reindeer because reindeer get hungry too and they are doing most of the work anyways by pulling that heavy sleigh. Let's just say that this lady had some very strong opinions about reindeer.
Everyone was incredibly sweet and patient. I got so many "She is so beautiful", "Isn't this age magical?" and "Merry Christmas".
Anyways, the whole outing proved to be a very wonderful reminder of what the season is all about... being nice to one another and slowing down the hustle and bustle in order to see the holidays through a child's eyes. I mean that is after all what we are all striving for each year when we try to recreate the magic of the season as we remember it growing up. Whether it is the mystery of Santa or making the mashed potatoes just like your mom did or the excitement of Christmas morning, it is fun to tap into that inner child.
So thank you fellow Central Market patrons. You helped me focus on the spirit of the season.
And yes, we may have walked away with way too many ingredients for the making of a gingerbread house. The sugar high is going to be epic and magical all at the same time.
As I repeatedly rescued items from my toddler's surprisingly strong fingers and said "No touch, please" over and over again, I was fully preparing myself for the annoyed looks, frustrated sighs of discontentment and judgey attitudes about my toddler's extremely loud and grabby excitement over the holidays. But much to my wonderful surprise, I did not get any of that. Instead, I got really nice people interacting with my child with such holiday spirit.
One old man talked to my little one about how Santa was going to come to his house this year because his granddaughter was going to be visiting for Christmas.
The bakery guy offered her a very special Christmas cookie with extra sprinkles (Thank you bakery guy because we were dangerously close to a lunch time meltdown!).
One lady gave my little girl tips on how make a good gingerbread house.
Another lady instructed Little B to not forget to leave out food for Santa's reindeer because reindeer get hungry too and they are doing most of the work anyways by pulling that heavy sleigh. Let's just say that this lady had some very strong opinions about reindeer.
Everyone was incredibly sweet and patient. I got so many "She is so beautiful", "Isn't this age magical?" and "Merry Christmas".
Anyways, the whole outing proved to be a very wonderful reminder of what the season is all about... being nice to one another and slowing down the hustle and bustle in order to see the holidays through a child's eyes. I mean that is after all what we are all striving for each year when we try to recreate the magic of the season as we remember it growing up. Whether it is the mystery of Santa or making the mashed potatoes just like your mom did or the excitement of Christmas morning, it is fun to tap into that inner child.
So thank you fellow Central Market patrons. You helped me focus on the spirit of the season.
And yes, we may have walked away with way too many ingredients for the making of a gingerbread house. The sugar high is going to be epic and magical all at the same time.
miercuri, 7 decembrie 2011
I have these beloved candles made from Yankee Candle Company. Pumpkin Pie Candle - nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin, yummmmm. And Vanilla Cookie Candle - makes the house smell delicious, like I have been baking all day. And if you are not careful, both of them will make you crazy hungry.
Anyways, I think you get the point. These candles smell really good. And they better, because those babies are crazy expensive. That Yankee Candle company isn't messing around.
Well, both of these candles (and a few others) lived too short of a life. The wicks had burnt out long before all the wax did. Don't you just hate it when that happens? So with me not quite ready to say goodbye yet, I decided to give them a second life and recycle the wax. Gotta get my money's worth after all.
After doing a little research (aka pinterest), I came up with my plan.
Tools needed:
While the wax is melting, it is time to prep the container that will hold your new, recycled candle. I like to use small mason jars or glass votives, but I have seen people used old tea cups, seashells, even bottle caps. Use your imagination.
Once you have selected the new container, make sure that it is super clean. Then just drop in the new wick so that it sits in the center. My wicks have a silver circular bottom to them so that they stand up on their own. If yours do not have that, then you can pin them up on to a stick that overhangs across the top of the container. I sometimes just use a popsicle stick and a clothes pin. It does not have to be fancy. Just use what you have.
When the original candle is completely melted, take the jar out of the water (I like using tongs to do this) and carefully place it down. Using two hands and some sort of oven mitt, carefully pick up the jar and pour the wax into the new container. Be sure not to pour it right on top of the wick. Aim for pouring around the wick.
Once the candle is filled up to the level that you want it, double check the position of the wick and make any needed adjustments. Then let it sit on the counter in a safe spot until completely cool. This will allow the wax to firm back up.
You can also pop the container into the fridge so that it will cool faster. i just didn't do that because my fridge is packed and is in need of a seriously cleaning out. Anyways, no matter what you do, don't put it in the freezer. That will crack the glass. Speaking from personal experience on this people... Don't do it!
There you have it... Recycled Candles. So simple that I am kind of mad that I did not think of it myself. But that is why Pinterest is so great. It reminds you of the ideas that you have not yet had time to think about.
Anyways, I think you get the point. These candles smell really good. And they better, because those babies are crazy expensive. That Yankee Candle company isn't messing around.
Well, both of these candles (and a few others) lived too short of a life. The wicks had burnt out long before all the wax did. Don't you just hate it when that happens? So with me not quite ready to say goodbye yet, I decided to give them a second life and recycle the wax. Gotta get my money's worth after all.
After doing a little research (aka pinterest), I came up with my plan.
Tools needed:
- Pot (needs to be wider and taller than the candle wax)
- Water
- A sad, half-burned candle that you want to recycle
- A new wick (can be bought at any craft store)
- A new container to hold your recycled candle
While the wax is melting, it is time to prep the container that will hold your new, recycled candle. I like to use small mason jars or glass votives, but I have seen people used old tea cups, seashells, even bottle caps. Use your imagination.
Once you have selected the new container, make sure that it is super clean. Then just drop in the new wick so that it sits in the center. My wicks have a silver circular bottom to them so that they stand up on their own. If yours do not have that, then you can pin them up on to a stick that overhangs across the top of the container. I sometimes just use a popsicle stick and a clothes pin. It does not have to be fancy. Just use what you have.
When the original candle is completely melted, take the jar out of the water (I like using tongs to do this) and carefully place it down. Using two hands and some sort of oven mitt, carefully pick up the jar and pour the wax into the new container. Be sure not to pour it right on top of the wick. Aim for pouring around the wick.
Once the candle is filled up to the level that you want it, double check the position of the wick and make any needed adjustments. Then let it sit on the counter in a safe spot until completely cool. This will allow the wax to firm back up.
You can also pop the container into the fridge so that it will cool faster. i just didn't do that because my fridge is packed and is in need of a seriously cleaning out. Anyways, no matter what you do, don't put it in the freezer. That will crack the glass. Speaking from personal experience on this people... Don't do it!
There you have it... Recycled Candles. So simple that I am kind of mad that I did not think of it myself. But that is why Pinterest is so great. It reminds you of the ideas that you have not yet had time to think about.
marți, 6 decembrie 2011
Ever since moving to Fort Worth a few weeks ago, I have been on the biggest hummus kick. I just can't seem to get enough of it. Maybe I am just craving clean, simple food after going a little overboard at Thanksgiving.
And while the grocery store versions are pretty good and are great convenience food, they are also pricey and sometimes have preservatives. So we make a lot of hummus at home. It is super simple and quick.
The added bonus... I love that Little B not only knows what hummus is, but she often requests it for her afternoon snack.
As with pretty much everything I make, I rarely make hummus the same way twice and try to use whatever I have on hand. But one of my favorite variations involves Great Northern beans and spinach. So good!
And while the grocery store versions are pretty good and are great convenience food, they are also pricey and sometimes have preservatives. So we make a lot of hummus at home. It is super simple and quick.
The added bonus... I love that Little B not only knows what hummus is, but she often requests it for her afternoon snack.
As with pretty much everything I make, I rarely make hummus the same way twice and try to use whatever I have on hand. But one of my favorite variations involves Great Northern beans and spinach. So good!
White Bean and Spinach Hummus
1 can of Great Northern beans
1 fistful of baby spinach
1-2 cloves of garlic
1/2 c - 1c of olive oil
1-2 tsp lemon juice
1-2 pinches of kosher salt
1 pinch of pepper
First I drain and rinse the beans. Very important for canned beans. Then, I throw everything into the food processor and let it whirl until everything is pureed and silky. This usually takes a minute or two. If you find that the beans are too dry, then add more olive oil. If the flavor is bland, add a bit more salt. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes. Hummus making is not an exact science by any means. So play with it and see how you like it best.
Voila! Delicious snack/lunch in a matter of minutes. Yes, please!
luni, 5 decembrie 2011
It is freezing outside! They are saying that we might even get a wintery mix of sleet, snow, and rain. I am excited about. Usually it is quite balmy around Christmas time. So it feels nice to have weather that matches the season.
Hearty and warm is the key to this week's meal plan. And every meal uses ingredients that I already have in my freezer or pantry. I don't want to go out in this crazy weather for some random ingredient.
- Monday: Chili
- Tuesday: Roasted pork chops and garlic, rainbow chard mashed potatoes
- Wednesday: Coconut crusted cod and toasted everything sweet potatoes
- Thursday: leftovers
- Friday: Tamales
sâmbătă, 3 decembrie 2011
It is cold and drizzly today. Perfect hibernation weather.
Delicious smells are floating out of the kitchen as I already have the slow cooker humming away on dinner... a hearty beef and barley stew. Good stick to the ribs food.
We are still in our pajamas and that is perfectly okay with me. Because weather like this demands fuzzy slippers, cuddling on the couch under a warm blanket, and being lazy all day.
When Little B takes her nap today, there will be no cleaning house or getting things checked off the to do list. Nope. Instead you will find me curled up in a chair with my nose in a book.
I love days like this!
What are y'all up to today? Well, whatever you do, I hope you have an amazing weekend. And if you have time to play around on the "internets", here are few things that are catching my interest these days.
I really want to read this book soon.
Thinking about making these cranberry scones.
After not having cable for many years, we have recently signed up and I am discovering all that we have missed. I am loving Jamie Oliver's show, Jamie at Home. So freakin' good. Though I am kind of mad that I discovered this after my garden is gone.
Delicious smells are floating out of the kitchen as I already have the slow cooker humming away on dinner... a hearty beef and barley stew. Good stick to the ribs food.
We are still in our pajamas and that is perfectly okay with me. Because weather like this demands fuzzy slippers, cuddling on the couch under a warm blanket, and being lazy all day.
When Little B takes her nap today, there will be no cleaning house or getting things checked off the to do list. Nope. Instead you will find me curled up in a chair with my nose in a book.
I love days like this!
What are y'all up to today? Well, whatever you do, I hope you have an amazing weekend. And if you have time to play around on the "internets", here are few things that are catching my interest these days.
Diane Keaton's new book. I have a girl crush on Diane Keaton. I want to be her when I grow up.
Downton Abbey premieres on January 8th! I am so excited!
Thinking about making these cranberry scones.
joi, 1 decembrie 2011
The Girl in the Green Raincoat by Laura Lippman
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
The Girl in the Green Raincoat is a quick, easy read with a modern day Alfred Hitchcock Rear Window sort of feel to it. Our protagonist is Baltimore private investigator, Tess Monaghan, who is on doctor-ordered bed rest during the final weeks of her pregnancy. As someone with a normally active life and overactive mind, Tess's interest is piqued by a woman dressed in a green raincoat walking her dog wearing a matching dog coat. A few day's later, a bored-out-of-her-mind Tess is concerned when she sees that same dog running frantically through the park without its owner.
A mystery is born. And with that, Tess's energies are spent trying to solve the puzzle of the missing woman all from her window overlooking the park. With the help of her friend, Whitney, Tess launches an investigation that leads to the questionable deaths of 3 other women.
I had never heard of Tess Monaghan before reading this book. But apparently there is a whole series of Tess Monaghan novels out there.
This is the type of book that is perfect when you are wanting something simple and quick. I read it while we were in the process of moving and it was perfect for that. Not too intense, easy to put down when needed, but also easy to pick back up. So if you are looking for a quick, easy weekend read, this is a good one for that.
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