So B has decided she wants a dog and she's been pleading her case pretty hard. She has stopped speaking "human" to me and will only speak "dog." In non-parent speak this means she barks. Yes, barks. I say,"B what would you like for breakfast?" She says, "Bark, Bark, Woof-Woof! pant, pant, pant." Rrrrriiiiggghhhttt?
She has been walking on all fours regardless of where we are (parks (at least till she starts to play), grocery stores, etc....). She has stayed in character since Wednesday. It's Sunday as I write this...
My only question; Is it wrong to feed her from a bowl on the floor?
My answer; Not if I eat there too...(sigh).
Spring break ends tonight. This is pretty much how my week has gone. We did Eastery stuff too but honestly I lack the creativity to write about it.
Things I love
School-
I never really understood the tone and desperation I heard in those women who spoke of their own children going back to school. I used to think they were mean, shallow, out of touch with their kids. Oh how wrong I was.
Silence-
Thank you for reading.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
It's Raining. It's pouring.
Rain, Rain,
Go away!!!!
Holy moly has the weather been fierce around this place. I was thrilled when I wished for the snow to stop and it did. I guess you really should be careful what you wish for. The bright side is perhaps there will be a really green summer. That bright side feels a little flat.
The knitting project has been going along at the same speed as last week (slow!). I've gotten quite far though. It is at least double the size of last week. I've figured out how to minimize my mistakes and can fix them pretty quick. My goal is to have it done by the end of June. I'll have to learn how to finish the edges too. I've got to hustle as my June deadline is 65 days away (Heaven help me if I'm still working on that thing by then!).
Food front this week was not busting with the creativity it has had over the past several weeks.
I was hoping for a little inspiration from Gweneth's cook book (My Father's Daughter). It was very similar to how I already cook which seems a bit weird to make a cook book out of. If you are a GP fan then this is a good read. If not (like me) it was...mah.
So my inspiration was...mah. B and I stuck to rice and beans one day. The rice I cook in a veggie stock for extra flavor, and the beans were home-style baked bean with brown sugar and butter. I threw in some corn bread for good measure on this one. The other meals were...mah
We did go out for dinner on Friday date night. B chose the Cheesecake Factory. I can just imagine what she was thinking this place would be like. Desserts piled floor to ceiling, being made from some machine like the factory in The Lorax...
B was set on pizza though, and that was what she got. Except she didn't like it. She ate a bit or two(for good measure) and decided ours at home was better. I love my child! She did like the cheesecake (not a surprise, this kid has a sweet tooth).
The rest of the night was spent at home in B's beauty salon. I sat and let her "make me up (I will not be posting those photos). " It's funny how she goes for the brightest blue in the collection.
We ended the evening in our prettiest dresses, in a makeshift tent made of blankets and chairs, watching Mamma Mia (again). "I love our girly nights," she says...
This weeks Things I Love.
Babies-
Just got some good news that a friend is expecting her 5th lil' one. They are a crazy lovable family and we could not be anymore happy for them. This makes me think about how my baby is not a baby any more, but a little kid. While I love her at this age, I miss her baby years. The way she smelled, her laugh, the easy distraction by a shinny toy. Babies are refreshing for life. A sweet reminder of how good and uncomplicated this world can be.
Case in point...
I love this video....
Jelly Beans-
Sweet bite sized treats in a rainbow of flavors! What is not to love. I'm fond of Jelly Belly's (no gelatin). I just tried a "series" call Ice Cream Parlor! Oh they are yummy in my...Jelly Belly of course!.
Starry Nights-
No, not Van Gogh's master piece (though I do love that too). I mean the night sky. It reminds me how small the world is and how big at the same time. I could gaze for hours.
Scarfs-
I have a drawer full of them. I love them for accessories. I love them for warmth. I love the colors they come in. So dainty and feminine.
and lastly...
A Made Bed-
Weird one right? Well, I love looking in my room and seeing my bed is made and pretty. If nothing else goes right in the day at least I made my bed. I think it is a good way to start the day (consider it morning calisthenics) and should be considered part of one's personal hygiene. You brush your teeth, brush your hair, wash up, change your unders, and make your bed.
On that note, if you have not made your bed today there is no time like the present...
Thanks for reading and have a good week.
Go away!!!!
Holy moly has the weather been fierce around this place. I was thrilled when I wished for the snow to stop and it did. I guess you really should be careful what you wish for. The bright side is perhaps there will be a really green summer. That bright side feels a little flat.
The knitting project has been going along at the same speed as last week (slow!). I've gotten quite far though. It is at least double the size of last week. I've figured out how to minimize my mistakes and can fix them pretty quick. My goal is to have it done by the end of June. I'll have to learn how to finish the edges too. I've got to hustle as my June deadline is 65 days away (Heaven help me if I'm still working on that thing by then!).
Food front this week was not busting with the creativity it has had over the past several weeks.
I was hoping for a little inspiration from Gweneth's cook book (My Father's Daughter). It was very similar to how I already cook which seems a bit weird to make a cook book out of. If you are a GP fan then this is a good read. If not (like me) it was...mah.
So my inspiration was...mah. B and I stuck to rice and beans one day. The rice I cook in a veggie stock for extra flavor, and the beans were home-style baked bean with brown sugar and butter. I threw in some corn bread for good measure on this one. The other meals were...mah
We did go out for dinner on Friday date night. B chose the Cheesecake Factory. I can just imagine what she was thinking this place would be like. Desserts piled floor to ceiling, being made from some machine like the factory in The Lorax...
B was set on pizza though, and that was what she got. Except she didn't like it. She ate a bit or two(for good measure) and decided ours at home was better. I love my child! She did like the cheesecake (not a surprise, this kid has a sweet tooth).
The rest of the night was spent at home in B's beauty salon. I sat and let her "make me up (I will not be posting those photos). " It's funny how she goes for the brightest blue in the collection.
We ended the evening in our prettiest dresses, in a makeshift tent made of blankets and chairs, watching Mamma Mia (again). "I love our girly nights," she says...
This weeks Things I Love.
Babies-
Just got some good news that a friend is expecting her 5th lil' one. They are a crazy lovable family and we could not be anymore happy for them. This makes me think about how my baby is not a baby any more, but a little kid. While I love her at this age, I miss her baby years. The way she smelled, her laugh, the easy distraction by a shinny toy. Babies are refreshing for life. A sweet reminder of how good and uncomplicated this world can be.
Case in point...
I love this video....
Jelly Beans-
Sweet bite sized treats in a rainbow of flavors! What is not to love. I'm fond of Jelly Belly's (no gelatin). I just tried a "series" call Ice Cream Parlor! Oh they are yummy in my...Jelly Belly of course!.
Starry Nights-
No, not Van Gogh's master piece (though I do love that too). I mean the night sky. It reminds me how small the world is and how big at the same time. I could gaze for hours.
Scarfs-
I have a drawer full of them. I love them for accessories. I love them for warmth. I love the colors they come in. So dainty and feminine.
and lastly...
A Made Bed-
Weird one right? Well, I love looking in my room and seeing my bed is made and pretty. If nothing else goes right in the day at least I made my bed. I think it is a good way to start the day (consider it morning calisthenics) and should be considered part of one's personal hygiene. You brush your teeth, brush your hair, wash up, change your unders, and make your bed.
On that note, if you have not made your bed today there is no time like the present...
Thanks for reading and have a good week.
Monday, April 11, 2011
What a week...
This week was a sick week. B was down and out--which means I was too. We laid low and had a restful and sleep filled week.
I did work on B's afghan. That is more of the same. It is getting quite big though.
We worked a bit on our German vocabulary. I of course gravitate toward manners first. It won't do to be bad mannered in any language. We've got the colors and numbers down pretty solidly. Going to work on the alphabet and food this week B is actually pretty good at memory and recall of terms She brings me our little bag and flash cards to practice. I have the makings of a lil' nerd.
Food front this week was a bit weak as you could guess. We ate a lot of broth and bread and fudgsicles.
There were a couple of shining stars this weekend though...
One of them was an Omelet!! I made my first french style omelet. Perfect yellow like butter and creamy in the middle. Heehee it was good too. And I am so very proud!!!!! B said it was yummy and creamy like a dream--(hee-hee). It might have been the cold meds. talking but I'll take it.
Directions...
Try not to be distracted by Julia's amazing hair.
The other deliciousness that occurred this weekend was a marbled brownie. I again used MarthaStewart.com and cooks.com for recipes and combined for one that worked well. I wanted more decadence in my brownies too, so I added nutella to the cream cheese mixture. Everything is better with nutella.
I did work on B's afghan. That is more of the same. It is getting quite big though.
We worked a bit on our German vocabulary. I of course gravitate toward manners first. It won't do to be bad mannered in any language. We've got the colors and numbers down pretty solidly. Going to work on the alphabet and food this week B is actually pretty good at memory and recall of terms She brings me our little bag and flash cards to practice. I have the makings of a lil' nerd.
Food front this week was a bit weak as you could guess. We ate a lot of broth and bread and fudgsicles.
There were a couple of shining stars this weekend though...
One of them was an Omelet!! I made my first french style omelet. Perfect yellow like butter and creamy in the middle. Heehee it was good too. And I am so very proud!!!!! B said it was yummy and creamy like a dream--(hee-hee). It might have been the cold meds. talking but I'll take it.
Directions...
Try not to be distracted by Julia's amazing hair.
The other deliciousness that occurred this weekend was a marbled brownie. I again used MarthaStewart.com and cooks.com for recipes and combined for one that worked well. I wanted more decadence in my brownies too, so I added nutella to the cream cheese mixture. Everything is better with nutella.
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for pan
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room-temperature
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Nutella/hazelnut spread
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a 9-inch square baking pan with butter. Line bottom and two sides with a strip of parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the two sides. Butter paper, and set pan aside. In a small bowl, whisk 1 cup flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Place 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter and chocolate in a large heat-proof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of gently simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes; remove bowl from pan. Add 1 1/4 cups sugar; mix to combine. Add 3 eggs, and mix to combine. Add flour and cocoa mixture; mix just until moistened (do not overmix).
- Prepare cream-cheese mixture: Whisk cream cheese with 2 tablespoons room-temperature butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of Nutella. Alternately spoon chocolate batter and cream-cheese mixture into pan; with the tip of a paring knife, swirl to marble.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool in pan for 30 minutes. Using paper overhang, lift brownies out of pan; transfer to a rack to cool completely (still on paper). On a cutting board, using a dampened serrated knife, cut into 16 squares.
I topped it with homemade whipped cream and mascerated strawberries (strawberries in sugar and balsamic vinegar).
Lastly...
Things I love!Nutella-I do not care what you put it on, it makes it better. It is my favorite condiment. Chocolaty, nutty...oh so good. One of my favorite ways to eat it is right out of the jar... no! I mean I like to dip pretzels in it. B likes it in her hot chocolate.Sunny days-Is there anything better than warm sun kissing the skin. So good and so good for you. B and I would go out for short little stints outside this week, for fresh air and warm sun. It made her "sickies" feel better.The internet-I know that sounds dorky, but it has been my source of contact with far away friends and family. I'm nostalgic like that. We do not own a T.V. so I get my news and gossip (love the trashy tmz's and such) feeds from it. I get music and movies from it. Crafting and educational sources. It is how the world works now. My 70 yr. old grandfather in Florida uses Texts to catch up! WT...? Crazy world, I know, but the Internet keeps it organized and efficient.
On that note...
Thank you for reading.
J
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Ellipsis (...)
This week has been a ripping good one. And by ripping I mean ripping out stitches...which I did most of the week (not annoying at all...really). My afghan project is proving to be quite a challenge. I have gotten rather good at fixing my mistakes however. This weekend I made some good distance, nearly through one whole ball of each color. Knitting is just so exciting!
Our week here was very mellow. It was too cold for fun outside, and I was too lame for creating fun inside (sigh). The knitting was really the highlight of the week. B would say things like, " Hey mom, how many rows did-ja get done today?", and "Wow... that sure is taking you a long time to finish that." Gotta love her.
Friday night rolls around and we are ready for some action, let me tell you. So we pulled out our aprons (we have matching red and white ones), pulled back our hair and got down to business. On the menu: Pappardelle Pasta with Foccacia and Pineapple Upside-down Cake.
Ingredients:
Pasta:
2-3 cups All purpose flour
2-3 large eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. olive oil
Instructions:
Dump your flour on to a clean dry surface ( I like put cracked pepper and nutmeg in to it). Make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the center.
With a fork scramble the eggs slowly adding flour from the sides. Incorporate it as much as possible before adding more. It will get goopy, then doughy. Once it starts to come together like a dough, ditch the fork and use your hands. Kneed the dough for a good 5-10 minutes. It is a work out so don't just gently push it around. Whomp on that dough. Once it feels good and worked, or your hands are too tired to go on, shape the dough into a ball. Put a little bit of olive oil on your hands and coat the ball. Put it in a covered bowl, or wrapped up some way, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. It will keep in the fridge for 3 days, safely. Freeze it if it will not be used sooner, it'll hold up.
When you are ready to eat, cut the dough into quarters, or even eighths. You want the pieces to be manageable. We often use a pasta roller to roll out the dough,but our counter space is limited and there is no place to hook it securely, so I rolled it out by hand. Just be sure to lightly flour the surface and the rolling pin. Roll it out to the thickness you'd like. Cut then dough into strips using a knife or rotary (pizza) cutter. Doesn't matter how wide. I like an inch or two. Drop them in boiling, salted water for about a minute or two( longer and it'll get rubbery).. Drain. Season. Eat!!
This bread I've made before. This time I rolled it out. Divided it in half. Spread one half with sharp cheddar. Sealed with the other half. Pinched the edges to make it pretty. Sprinkled olive oil and kosher salt on top. Marked it with a B and put it in 450 degree oven for 20 or so minutes.
Cake:
Once again I turned to Martha Stewart for guidance on decadence. (www.marthastewart.com and type in Pineapple upside-down cake). I adapted the recipe slightly. She used pecans...too fancy for this weekend. We went a more traditional route and used unnaturally red cherries in syrup.
Ingredients:
Now to end with this weeks Things I Love list. It'll be short but sweet.
John Cusack-
I love John Cusack movies. I know this might fall under last weeks 80's and 90's movies but, I don't think so.
He's just so darn cool, not like those 80's and 90's movies (uh-hum). He could totally be your best friends brother that you have an embarrassing crush on...or not. I'm just saying his movies are good, o.k.
Used book Stores-
A good book store is... a treasure unto itself. I gravitate towards ones in old buildings, that look comfy and a little dark. It should have an old paper smell and bad carpeting. Tons of old tables for displays and questionable shelving of varying sizes. Oversized, well-used chairs for lounging...as I will. There should also be weird semi-social staff whose dress is non-conformist chique, who'll be dismissive of you till you ask them for their staff pick or to simply check out. Lovely really.
The smell of fresh coffee-
I think it is one of the best smells.
Thanx for reading...
J
Our week here was very mellow. It was too cold for fun outside, and I was too lame for creating fun inside (sigh). The knitting was really the highlight of the week. B would say things like, " Hey mom, how many rows did-ja get done today?", and "Wow... that sure is taking you a long time to finish that." Gotta love her.
Friday night rolls around and we are ready for some action, let me tell you. So we pulled out our aprons (we have matching red and white ones), pulled back our hair and got down to business. On the menu: Pappardelle Pasta with Foccacia and Pineapple Upside-down Cake.
Ingredients:
Pasta:
2-3 cups All purpose flour
2-3 large eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. olive oil
Instructions:
Dump your flour on to a clean dry surface ( I like put cracked pepper and nutmeg in to it). Make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the center.
With a fork scramble the eggs slowly adding flour from the sides. Incorporate it as much as possible before adding more. It will get goopy, then doughy. Once it starts to come together like a dough, ditch the fork and use your hands. Kneed the dough for a good 5-10 minutes. It is a work out so don't just gently push it around. Whomp on that dough. Once it feels good and worked, or your hands are too tired to go on, shape the dough into a ball. Put a little bit of olive oil on your hands and coat the ball. Put it in a covered bowl, or wrapped up some way, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. It will keep in the fridge for 3 days, safely. Freeze it if it will not be used sooner, it'll hold up.
When you are ready to eat, cut the dough into quarters, or even eighths. You want the pieces to be manageable. We often use a pasta roller to roll out the dough,but our counter space is limited and there is no place to hook it securely, so I rolled it out by hand. Just be sure to lightly flour the surface and the rolling pin. Roll it out to the thickness you'd like. Cut then dough into strips using a knife or rotary (pizza) cutter. Doesn't matter how wide. I like an inch or two. Drop them in boiling, salted water for about a minute or two( longer and it'll get rubbery).. Drain. Season. Eat!!
 |
Cake:
Once again I turned to Martha Stewart for guidance on decadence. (www.marthastewart.com and type in Pineapple upside-down cake). I adapted the recipe slightly. She used pecans...too fancy for this weekend. We went a more traditional route and used unnaturally red cherries in syrup.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 fresh, ripe pineapple, sliced, or one 20-ounce can pineapple slices
- Maraschino cherries
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the oil and milk to the bowl and beat for 1 minute. Add the vanilla, egg, blending just until well combined.
- In a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from the heat and sprinkle the brown sugar around the skillet. Arrange the pineapple slices and cherries on top. Pour the batter evenly over the top and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool the cake in the pan for 5 minutes. Turn the cake out onto a circular platter.
 |
| TAAAAH-DAAHHH!!!! |
Now to end with this weeks Things I Love list. It'll be short but sweet.
John Cusack-
I love John Cusack movies. I know this might fall under last weeks 80's and 90's movies but, I don't think so.
He's just so darn cool, not like those 80's and 90's movies (uh-hum). He could totally be your best friends brother that you have an embarrassing crush on...or not. I'm just saying his movies are good, o.k.
Used book Stores-
A good book store is... a treasure unto itself. I gravitate towards ones in old buildings, that look comfy and a little dark. It should have an old paper smell and bad carpeting. Tons of old tables for displays and questionable shelving of varying sizes. Oversized, well-used chairs for lounging...as I will. There should also be weird semi-social staff whose dress is non-conformist chique, who'll be dismissive of you till you ask them for their staff pick or to simply check out. Lovely really.
The smell of fresh coffee-
I think it is one of the best smells.
Thanx for reading...
 |
| grrrrrrrrrr... |
J
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