A Passion For Home

Charlotte, North Carolina...

Our destination last week was Charlotte, North Carolina.  En route, a dear friend and I visited Furnitureland South (located in Jamestown) in search of furniture.

  

I have never visited a showroom like this.  They have their own restaurant and a Starbucks to help maintain a level of energy to walk through every square foot of this furniture haven.  

Once in Charlotte, we wandered around the city and visited various boutiques, including the infamous Mrs. Howard.  

The architecture of the building itself is worth gazing over.  The detail and thought that went into every space represents the design work of Phoebe Howard as utterly fabulous.  

The above photo is from their Max & Company show space.  We visited each space numerous times, rediscovering what we missed during our first peek.  

The corner of this room in the above photo features a vignette I've admired for quite some time.  I would describe it as a conversation nook where you can entertain, socialize and play boardgames surrounded in a regal design aesthetic.  It's a wonderful setting, inviting you to take a break from technology and get back to the basics of entertaining.  Where are the poker chips?

There are numerous boutiques to visit, particularly in the South End area of Charlotte.  Interiors Marketplace and Post and Gray are both sanctuaries to home interiors.  We enjoyed the camaraderie among the friendly ladies at both shops and selected a number of souvenirs to take into our own homes.

At their recommendation, we visited Rococo for antiques and home design offerings and enjoyed a savory lunch at Nolen Kitchen that consisted of whole wheat penne pasta and sliced chicken breast.  The meal is unforgettable, consisting of olive oil and chicken broth.  

Changing gears a bit, we visited the SouthPark Mall and met the most amazing salespeople who catered to our fascination with fragrances, in particular, Jo Malone.

The main reason for our visit to Charlotte was to attend an art event called Inspired.   It fulfills a creative curiosity where I have a newfound appreciation for artist Suze Weinberg, melting pots and beeswax.  

Incorporating some of my favorite images, quotes and design elements and bringing them together as a piece of art using beeswax is called encaustic painting.  It has tapped into my desire to be creative, so we will see where it takes me.

To travel down various paths during this visit was exhilarating.  Charlotte is one place I will remember with great fondness with an urge to return again very soon.

Note:  Almost all photos were taken with my iPhone.

Do you like to cook?

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALEXIS, WINNER OF THE ALL-CLAD GRILLE PAN!

With great shame, I admit that I do not cook often yet I feel the need to stock our kitchen with great cookware.  The positive is my husband loves to cook and utilizes every piece of cookware and gadget we own, including his favorite pan the All-Clad LTD 12" Round Grille.  And today, CSN Stores, an online retailer of bar stools, cookware and many other great things for house and home, is offering one All-Clad LTD 12" Round Grille pan to a visitor of this blog.

 
We, I mean my husband, uses the pan to grill steaks, burgers and chicken.  He also dices Yukon Gold potatoes, smothers them in olive oil, seasonings and grills them on the grille pan.  The very thought of this dish is prompting me to request it for dinner one night very soon.  (Would tonight be too soon?) 

If you'd like an opportunity to win the All-Clad LTD 12" Grille pan, please leave a comment and I will randomly select one winner Thursday evening, March 18.  

I leave you with a photo of a grand kitchen for the inspiration file.  (Click on the photo for a better view.)

Photography by Haigwood Studios  

With cabinetry by Clive Christian, a girl could feel spoiled in a kitchen like this.   

Good luck, blog friends!

White Toast...

When reading blogs, I must proceed with caution.  All it took was a recommendation from Cote de Texas and I was hooked.  

Joni recommended the Cheese platter from Joanne Hudson by providing a link on her blog.  Of course I clicked onto the website and that is all she wrote.  Immediately, I was sucked into kitchenware wonderment and decided we needed new cereal bowls.

Thanks to White Toast's line of cereal bowls, I now have a stylish bowl to fill Rice Chex with each morning. It's not 'Vanilla Ice Cream' but it's the next best thing.  

I do not know anything about Emma Bridgewater from the U.K., but I now utilize her cereal bowls.  Just about anything in cream & beige speaks to me which is why her White Toast line appealed to me.

I am now saving my pennies for her pasta bowls.  

Ginger snaps & pumpkin pie...

One of my pastimes is to read cookbooks and magazines, seeking recipes that appeal to me.  I then turn them over to my guy who has a great passion for cooking and baking.  

When I came across a pumpkin pie recipe that included ginger snaps in the November issue of Southern Living magazine, I thought I found the ideal recipe for my father-in-law's taste buds.  He loves pumpkin pie and always enjoys ginger snaps with his coffee.  

And on Thanksgiving Day, we filled our tummies with traditional dishes and this pumpkin pie.

I do not care for pumpkin pie.  Never have.

This pie, well it turned me into a pumpkin-pie-eater.  

And this pumpkin-pie-eater is making a request for another pie at Christmas.  

Just do not put me in charge of the whipped cream again.  If you could have only seen the look on everyones face when they asked me "where's the whipped cream?"  

I learned that if I'm going to be a pumpkin-pie-eater, whipped cream is a must.  Duly noted.

Spending time in the kitchen...

Hanging out in the kitchen watching my guy cook is what I do often.  It's not that I cannot cook, I just do not possess a desire to cook.  On a rare occasion, I will follow a recipe and attempt to create something magical but most often, I defer to my guy to create the magic.  And he loves it.

Because he loves to cook, I've decided to upgrade his 4-cup capacity food processor to a 16-cup Cuisinart food processor that is exclusive to Williams-Sonoma for Christmas, so this is our secret.  I'm not exactly sure he needs 16-cups but I decided to go all out given his joy for cooking.

You can purchase the 14-cup Cuisinart food processor just about anywhere including Amazon where it has received rave reviews.

For our wedding anniversary, I gave him cookware by Gordon Ramsay.  Yes, he's a huge fan.  Most nights our TV is tuned into BBC America where Kitchen Nightmares is on from 5-7pm.

As for the cookware, he loves it.  My intention was to purchase well-known and highly-rated All-Clad cookware until I read the reviews on Amazon on Ramsay's cookware by Royal Doulton. 

Does anyone in your family like to grill?  A grill light comes in handy, especially when it's a cloudy day or if you grill at night.

I think my Dad would enjoy this.  If I had not already purchased his Christmas present (a Bluetooth Car Kit), I would go ahead and purchase the grill light.  Gee, I think I found his Father's Day gift.  Just planning ahead here.

Speaking of my Dad, he too is a cooking enthusiast and swears by his latest toy, a Kitchen-Aid Waffle Maker.  Last Christmas morning, we had the best Belgian waffles made from this contraption.  The waffles cook on both sides of the plate. 

My personal recommendation is the Keurig Single-Cup coffee system.  It is the one appliance in our kitchen I use often.  There are numerous k-cup flavors to choose from.  My favorites are Green Mountain Coffee's Hazelnut and when it's available, their Limited Edition French Toast flavor.

A universal knife is the Santoku.  I observe many chefs on TV using this knife and gifted my guy with one several years ago who enjoys chopping and slicing with it.  It's small enough to fit into a stocking too.

The Le Crueset Dutch Oven is something I am contemplating for my guy for Christmas.  It looks to be the ideal piece of cookware for stews and casseroles.  If the cook in your family has just about everything and you do not know what to get, perhaps this dutch oven is your answer.

There are a number of lists I am working on and will continue to share them over the next few days.  I am certainly enjoying myself with sharing these ideas as it is helping me move along with my holiday shopping tasks as well.

I hope you are enjoying these lists too.

For the love of food and drink...

Cooking is not my passion but food is.  With my favorite food, there always seems to be a great beverage waiting to be consumed.  And I'm always willing to oblige.

If your gift-giving takes you down the path of food and drink, here are a few ideas worth considering:

For the cookie monster, Cheryl & Co. offers a scrumptuous selection of cookies, including frosted cookies, brownies and wonderfully baked delectables. 

If you can't be with your loved ones during the holidays, this is one way of reaching out...with love and sugar.

Speaking of sugar, how about the Barefoot Contessa?  Ina Garten's cooking shows are like eye candy to me and I love seeking recipes from her cookbooks for my guy to try.  Ms. Garten also has a line of baking goods and accessories available at Stonewall Kitchen.

A 'meat and potatoes' type person would love a juicy slice of beef.  Pfaelzer Bros. offers all sorts of meats.  They also offer desserts and other entrees. 

If you are feeling very generous, you could give a monthly gift plan as well. 

For beverages, you could start with coffee beans from the infamous chain of Starbucks.  There are many who prefer to make their daily run to the coffee shop personally, but if they like to brew their own coffee, beans are good.

Tea drinkers might enjoy Numi Organic Tea.  They have all sorts of teas but my favorite are the flowering teas.  I love to give these teas as a Get Well gift.  Tea is a great beverage any time of the day but when I don't feel well, I always enjoy a cup of tea to nuture those 'I don't feel good' emotions.

For those who enjoy a glass of red, white and/or bubbly, there are 3 websites I'd like to recommend:  Wine.com, The Wine Messenger and My Wines Direct.  They are great websites and each have a variety of wines to choose from. 

If they enjoy seafood, perhaps sending a Lobster from LobsterGram would be a welcome gift.  Our realtor likes to give Lobster as a Housewarming gift. 

These gifts are an ideal way of "sending" your love from afar.

If your gift-giving list includes those who like to cook, I will share ideas on that very topic tomorrow. 

Bon Appetit!

K-Cups...

Fall is the time of year where I resume drinking hot beverages to warm me up.  I visit Starbucks more often and I dust-off my Keurig and break out the K-Cups.

My current favorites are Green Mountain's Hazelnut and Timothy's German Chocolate Cake as well as many other teas, hot chocolate and coffees.

I love coffee and tea but admittedly, I do not typically drink it unless I need the warmth.

All summer I skipped coffee, but when Starbucks began offering their Pumpkin Spice Lattes renewed my love for flavored coffee. 

Fall is a great time to re-introduce warm beverages.  And if you do not own a Keurig, I highly recommend putting it on your gift and/or wish list.

To all coffee drinkers, I raise my mug of Pumpkin Spice to you and toast to another wonderful Fall season.

Cheers!

Wine tour - Northern Virginia...

It's amazing that in a busy suburb such as Northern Virginia, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by vineyards and wineries to delight our palettes with.

Yesterday, myself and a group of girlfriends went on a tour of 3 wineries which our good friend, Ashlie, coordinated for us through Girls Night Out.  Transportation was arranged and off we went.

Arriving at our first stop, Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run, where we enjoyed our own private wine-tasting in their cellar.  We were surrounded by oak barrels undergoing the fermenting process.

Did you know you can purchase your own oak barrel?  It includes perks like free wine tastings, a case of wine each year during the 4 years the winery utilizes the barrel before turning it over to the purchaser.  Now that is a unique gift idea!

To also see where the grapes are crushed was something I've never seen before in person.

When we arrived at Piedmont Winery in The Plains, my eyes were immediately drawn to the black barn.  Quite a stunning and classic structure.

This is where Girls Night Out taught us the fine art of wine tasting.  How to sip and proper wine-tasting etiquette.  And we practiced with a fabulous bottle of Piedmont's Cabernet Franc.

The setting is very picturesque being surrounded by lovely orchards.

Climbing the stairs to visit the Winery at LaGrange in Haymarket was worth the exercise as our hostess poured delicious wines for us to taste. 

And we were surrounded by luscious greens where folks could picnic and enjoy a glass of wine or two.

You can see the young orchards in the distance.  They planted them 3 years ago and from what I understand, it takes 5 years before they are mature. 

There also was a wedding reception taking place during our visit and I discovered a barbecue pit, which is available at your disposal.

 

I could hang out here all day.

 

One thing I learned, which was a consistent message with each winery we visited, is that they encourage you to open your mind to wine-tasting.  Although their tasting notes may indicate a hint of this and flavor of that, it is your own palette that should decide what you taste.

The more you taste, the more you learn about wine and what you like.  Enjoy the process.  For me, it's an ongoing process.

I went home with a few souvenir bottles of wine and cherished moments having experienced a bit of culture in the world of wine and wine-making amongst a great group of dear friends.

Monday miscellany...

Do you enjoy red wine?  If so, I have a recommendation for you.

It is a Cabernet Sauvignon by Tetramythos and is from Greece.  It is bold and delicious.

On a completely different subject, we are continuing to seek the ideal sofa for our family room.  We agreed that leather with extra depth is the type of sofa for us.  Something to lounge on, nap on and read on.

Having visited  Arhaus Furniture on Saturday, I believe I found THE sofa.

It is 46" in depth (the both of us could lay on this sofa together) and it can be ordered in leather.  Yippee!

Given that this sofa will get the most use in our home next to our bed, we want to make sure we compare sofas from other manufacturers.  So our mission is not complete yet.  I must admit this sofa is #1 on our list right now.

And we are a bit apprehensive about spending a lot of money given that our current sofa gave us only 3 years of usage (springs are not holding up like they used to). 

As we continue our journey into sofa-land, if you have any recommendations and/or feedback to share, it would be much appreciated.

And wherever you are, I hope you are staying cool. 

At Home with Wedgwood...

Great design comes in many shapes and forms.  And Wedgwood is no stranger to great design. 

Their Jasperware is a classic and has existed for over 200 years. 

I'm not a collector but have received some nice pieces as gifts over the years.

I do search for their black Jasperware on eBay every-so-often and am tempted to collect a few pieces.

Their line of china is also very sophisticated yet understated in style.  And it never looks outdated.

Wedgwood Blue goes hand-in-hand with Tiffany Blue as a color described over the years.  

For admirers of great design and tablescapes as well as collectors, a new book will be released on June 2 called At Home with Wedgwood:  The Art of the Table. 

I have not personally seen this book yet but the cover alone is an eye-catcher.  And I am a sucker for beautiful book covers. 

Have a lovely weekend, friends.

Keurig Lovers Unite...

For nearly 6 months now, I have been bonding with my Keurig machine making coffee, tea, hot cocoa or just plain hot water instantaneously. 

I'm the only coffee drinker in our household so the machine is very fitting for me and my lifestyle.  Before I leave for work, I brew a cup to go.  At bedtime, brewing a cup of Sleepytime tea is quite soothing.  And during the cold winter months, my guy enjoys a cup of hot cocoa. 

If you are not familiar with the Keurig, you simply add water to the side container and pop in a k-cup of your favorite brew, tea or hot cocoa.

Select the size of brew you'd like (small, medium or large cup) and it starts pouring into your cup.

And once you become obsessed with this machine, you begin to collect a variety of k-cups.  And you can purchase a reusable coffee filter to use your own grounds.

I would have shared a photo of the boxes of k-cups that I've collected into one of our kitchen cabinets, but my Canon 20D decided to quit working in the midst of this photo shoot.  Gosh, I hope it's not serious. 

Anyway, if you are looking for a practical Mother's Day or Father's Day gift, may I recommend this machine to you.  And there are several types of machines to consider.

If you think this would be the ideal appliance for your kitchen, why not gift one to yourself. 

I raise my cup of Green Mountain's Limited Edition French Toast coffee (my favorite) in a toast to the Keurig and those who appreciate a good cup of Joe.

Birthday party decor...

Decorating for a birthday party allows us to get festive with our decor.  And that is what we did this weekend in honor of someone very special to us, celebrating a momentous occasion.

We did not want our friend to forget that this birthday is a milestone worthy of signage as it was pretty much in her face most of the evening. 

And this special someone's favorite color is pink, but we decided to throw in a little black just because we wanted to rub-in the fact she is entering a new decade and is now entitled to AARP benefits.

Champagne was in order for a celebration of this magnitude.  So we lined up the flutes and dropped a raspberry in each glass and began pouring-in the bubbly.

All photos by Tammy

We toasted to love, health & happiness to our dear friend and ended the evening with very fond memories to sleep on.

Out of respect to this very dear friend of mine, I will not be naming names here.  She did though take it all in with humor and laughter. 

And we were are thrilled to be a part of this special time in her life.  Happy Birthday, sweet friend of mine.

Friday night...

Tonight is spent delighting in the little things...

...like shopping at Target for my Father-in-law (including a beverage for myself)

...and finding girly Viva paper towels for the craft room

...grocery shopping at Costco and sampling a bottle of their own champagne (it's quite tasteful)

...listening to the washing machine beep several times before I finally get off my bum and tend to it

...listening to iTunes and trying to drown out the beeping sound of the washing machine

...amongst all the chaos, taking time out to peruse the latest issue of Decor magazine (found at Costco), absorbing every inspiring photograph.

The most exciting thing about Friday night is the opportunity to sleep-in tomorrow morning.  How heavenly.  

Have a lovely weekend and may you enjoy doing what you are doing.  :)

Tuesday's gone with the wind...

Does that tune sound familiar?  If it does, then we're probably in the same age group. 

Tuesday is almost gone and am summarizing here my thoughts, inspirations and just plain ordinary stuff that is filling my brain today.

I won't bore you with the details of my work day but will share that I am a big fan of a wine club I belong to at our local WineStyles shop.  Each month I get 2 bottles of red (you can do 1 red and 1 white or both white as well), sampling wines that I would not ordinarily go out of my way to purchase.  And I keep a wine journal, only tracking those I like. 

My guy did suggest I track those I do not like because I do not want to run the risk of purchasing a bottle I do not care for.  Good idea.  Perhaps I should create a wine journal of wines I do not like.  Well that is a project for a rainy day. 

There are a number of retailers in our neighborhood that we are trying to frequent as often as possible.  With the economy in the shape that it is, we have found a number of local businesses will or have closed.  So we really strive for supporting our local economy as much as we can. 

So in support of our local economy, I decided to pick-up dinner tonight at zPizza (and I will use any excuse not to cook).  Oh how I love their wheat thin pizzas.  Mine is topped with roma tomatoes and black olives with extra sauce.  It is so delish and is not over the top when it comes to filling the tummy.

With a full tummy, I began hanging a shelf that fits just right in between the two closets in my craft room. 

Previously, decorative plates were hung in this spot.

I decided though that utilization of every nook & cranny was what I needed.  The Making Memories Embellishment Center was just a little too wide for the space so I opted for the shelf shown in the photo.

It's a good thing the photo is not too crisp and clear as I have not vacuumed in this room for some time now.  When my guy vacuums, he typically avoids this room.  He says it makes him claustrophobic.  It's on my to do list this weekend.

We are nearly half way through the week.  I hope your week is filled with productivity as well as creativity.  It's the best of both worlds. 

Enjoy!

Crop prep...

After 7 years of scrapbooking and cropping, I am slowly learning that less is more when it comes to packing for a crop. 

My weak back is celebrating with each crop that there is less and less to carry each time.

My challenge is to make do with what I have.  It's fun searching for the ideal patterned paper and embellishments for your layouts but what is more gratifying is creating something with what you already possess.  We'll see how I do this weekend when I am among girlfriends and Black Bubbles Sparkling Shiraz. 

I anticipate a great weekend scrapbooking and hanging out with some of my best pals.

Celebrating the "you" in your life...

 

Sometimes it's not that easy finding a gift that represents how much you care for a person or persons.  And between me and my guy, we try not to make a big fuss over Valentine's Day aside from making sure we spend time together enjoying each others company. 

As Saturday is fast approaching, and if you find yourself attempting to seek the appropriate gift for your loved ones, I've come across a few sites that may help spark a gift idea or two.

I've categorized them under 3 types of passion:

I like you...

• Tea conveys friendliness and is nurturing.  Try Numi Organic Tea (it's a staple in my gift closet).
• A Valentine e-card, like from American Greetings, can express friendship in a convenient yet thoughtful way.
• Starbucks Coffee is always a fail-safe way to express appreciation to someone you care for.

I adore you...

• With SpaLook, you could order some great spa products and give your guy a facial.
• Candy Warehouse can help sugar your way into one's heart.
• Just Flowers offers a quality selection of bouquets and are quick with delivery (I can attest to this personally).
• A touching and adorable gift is Willow Tree's With Love figurine, especially if you are not quite ready to say "I Love You" yet.

I love you...

• Lush Bath Bombs are incredibly scentiful and provide wonderful aromatherapy while you soak.
• Thomas Pink offers the most classic and tailored shirts for men & women. And you may wonder why I would suggest a crisp shirt as a Valentine's gift?  Just think Tom Cruise in Risky Business.
• Become Pillow Partners and gift each other with pillows from Pacific Coast Feather Company.  And place a box of chocolates on the pillow.
• If you and your love interest live apart, purchase a map and highlight the path between each others homes.  And write something romantic on the map.  Or if you are planning a rendezvous, highlight the route from home to the meeting spot.  Make it intriguing.
• If you are madly passionate about your loved one, check out Agent Provocateur. 

May you find these ideas helpful and inspiring.  And if they were not, I hope you at least find them entertaining.

Also, if you are in a pinch for a meal for V-Day, try Papa John's heart-shaped pizza.  It was our Valentine meal last year (see above photo).

Happy celebrating!

What to eat...

When we were first on our own over 20 years ago, I used to enjoy going to the grocery store and selecting foods for meals.  I actually cooked a little bit back then. 

At this moment in my life, I do not enjoy cooking and I do not look forward to grocery shopping.  My time is always compromised with work, commuting, and lack of energy after a long day.  On the weekends, I'd rather do something fun or relax. 

Perhaps my attitude would be different if my lifestyle was more time-friendly.  Or maybe it's me and my inability to manage my time.  Could I be lazy?

For the last 2 years, I have relied on Peapod for the weekly delivery of our groceries.  I rave about it at any opportunity I get to friends and family.  I'm more focused when filling up my cart online.  And I do not spend as much money as I would physically shopping in a grocery store with the opportunity to make unnecessary purchases.

We do venture out to the grocery store from time-to-time, like to Wegman's where it is an experience-in-itself. 

The dilemma as to what to eat for meals each day remain.  We try to eat healthy and make good choices.

Yesterday, while at Target, I purchased Eat This Not That!  Supermarket Survival Guide.  I was shocked at the comparisons made in this book.  When I look at a nutrition label, I focus on the fat, calories and sometimes the fiber, particularly if I am following Weight Watchers.  It is necessary to focus on the entire picture, if you know what I mean. 

As I'm filling our Peapod cart, this book will be at my side.  If I can save a few calories and a couple grams of fat, I may be able to afford a Dr. Pepper here and there.  Yes, no, maybe?

I have been reminded that this does not mean exercise should be ruled out, followed by the question "when was the last time you exercised?" 

With that, I will end this post right here.  And that is all I'm gonna say...

Marker storage & Diet Dr. Pepper...

I started with this Snapware Craft Box...

to organize this growing collection of Copic Ciao Markers.

I yearned for trays that were not as deep, allowing me to separate the markers by color family without creating a tower the size of the Empire State Building of Snapware to transport to classes and crops.

Thankfully, one of my favorite organizing resources, Organize.com, offers extra trays with less depth (1.25 x 6 x 9 medium rectangles) for the Snapware system.

I am so happy.  It's the ideal home for these wonderful coloring instruments.

Let's toast to wonderful storage containers with a coupon for a free Diet Dr. Pepper.  Cheers!

Auld Lang Syne...

...a familiar song that is sung when we ring in the New Year.  Beyond that, I never knew much more about the song nor the person who penned it. 

Tonight I attended a dinner party that was fun, interesting and a learning experience for me.  It was to celebrate Scottish traditions in what is called a Burns night.  As in Robert Burns.  Famous among Scots for his poetry and song.  And also famous for authoring Auld Lang Syne. 

My horizons were also expanded in the gourmet sense.  The haggis.  I tried it for the first time and it was not as bad as I expected. 

We listened to poetry by Robert Burns recited by a Scotsman in proper Scottish form.

There was a Scotch-tasting to delight and educate one's pallet on the fine art of Single Malt Scotch (I stuck to wine). 

Pipes were being played in the background and the night concluded with a group sing-along of Auld Lang Syne. 

It was a night that expanded my horizons in many ways.  It was far better than watching the History Channel.  A moment I will scrapbook, although I have no photos. 

With a shortbread cookie in my hand, I sign-off tonight knowing more about Scotland and their traditions than I did when I woke up this morning. 

:=)

Hodge Podge Sunday...

It's a new month and a new page on the calendar.

Lovely.  (Note:  For any Bon Jovi fans, you can go to Oprah's website and see personal photos of Jon and his family during their time in DC and the Inauguration.)

Today, I went to see New In Town with some girlfriends.  We shared good laughs and I was tickled to see  familiar props in the movie, such as glue sticks, cardstock, scissors, even this tote.  And Blanche Gunderson is one enthusiastic scrapbooker.  You can read an interview with Siobhan Fallon Hogan, who plays Blanche, by ScrapScene here.

At this moment, my guy is preparing some Superbowl delicacies including the ever-so-simple Crockpot Chili Dogs cooked in a slow cooker.  He made them for the first time last summer and we've enjoyed these Chili Dogs several times since.

For dessert, he made Barefoot Contessa's peanut butter cupcakes. 

This man of mine is a peanut butter fanatic.  It is one of his favorite guilty pleasures and at times, can be one of mine too.  A very dear friend of mine introduced me to peanut butter on toast.  Now whenever I have a hunger pain, particularly at night, I will make toast and slather creamy peanut butter while the toast is still hot. 

It is dangerous for me to discuss food before bedtime, so I will wrap it and leave you with serene & peaceful visions of a color palette I favor for the bedroom.

Good night, friends.

Magnolia...

As I was savoring my weekly treat reading the Home section of the Washington Post last Thursday, I read an article and viewed photos of the Magnolia Residence China that First Lady Laura Bush unveiled recently. 

www.WhiteHouse.gov

It will be available for use in the personal residence of the White House.

This is where I learned of Anna Weatherly, the Arlington, Virginia based designer of this absolutely divine hand-painted china.  The intricate detail of the artwork featured on these pieces are amazingly life-like.  And I have enjoyed browsing pieces Ms. Weatherly has designed, available on various websites including eBay.

Her pieces are also featured in the book, Tablescapes. 

I am now looking forward to learning more about Ms. Weatherly and her designs.  New discoveries like this make the world of design all the more exciting for me.

A bird & a mirror and a cookbook...

Thank you for the kind feedback on the placement of a mirror in our guest room closet.  I was drawn to the mirror the moment I saw it on PB Teen's website in the clearance section (where I hang out most when I'm feeling an urge to gift our home with a bit of flashy decor at incredible prices). 

This purchase was made a couple years ago and is no longer available on their website.  I'm sorry to those who expressed an interest in this mirror.  I did check eBay and was unable to find it.  My suggestion is to keep checking eBay as new items are popping up every second on that site.

On a completely different subject, look who has a new cookbook:

Yes, Giada.  I understand the recipes are simple, light and flavorful.  I may have finally found the ideal cookbook that does not overwhelm me with ingredients and steps.   (My ideal method of cooking is opening the Lean Cuisine box and pushing the buttons on the microwave.)

I'm just looking for simple ways to make my tummy happy & healthy. 

Last minute...

Are you knee-deep in gift wrap, tape and ribbon?  I have such a hard time keeping up with gift-wrapping tasks because I usually wait till the last minute and try to do it all at once. 

One of my last minute tasks included a trip to the shopping mall at 7am this morning to exchange a damaged gift.  It was pure bliss having Pottery Barn practically all to myself at that time of the morning.  And there are some fringe benefits to shopping on Christmas Eve because the sales have already begun. 

We still have cupcakes to bake, chocolate covered peanut butter balls to make and gathering up gifts to deliver to our families tomorrow. 

Tonight, we'll share our beverage of choice (hot chocolate sounds good right now) and sit in front of the fire enjoying our moments together and reminiscing about Christmases of past. 

If you are interested in a recipe for hot chocolate, I found one online here.  Filling a jar with this concoction could make a presentable gift for family, friends and neighbors.

Perhaps we'll even drive around our neighborhood and view all the holiday splendor that adorns each home.

And I 'd like to make time to hop on the treadmill today because we have 2 feasts to partake in tomorrow.  I can imagine my guy commenting to me that utilizing the treadmill for one day will not make a bit of difference to my waistline unless I am consistent about it.  He's onto me.

And he's right, but it helps my conscience and I need to do whatever I can to help me and my conscience sleep better at night.

So I will sleep well and dream of svelte waistlines and Dad's Egg's Benedict at breakfast tomorrow morning.

Sweet dreams, friends!

Gift in a jar...

It's Christmas morning and you realize that you forgot to get Uncle Bob, who is joining the family for dinner that day, a gift.  If you are like many of us, you feel the need to have something on hand for Uncle Bob to open because you do not want him to feel left out.

But on Christmas morning, the only retailer open is 7-Eleven. 

So the shopper-in-me wanted to take on this challenge in finding something appropriate for gift-giving from 7-Eleven. 

I discovered gift cards from various retailers & restaurants, including Lowe's & Applebees.  Our local 7-Eleven carries Korbel Champagne which makes for a nice celebratory gift.  They also carry NFL merchandise with our store carrying various Redskins goodies such as ornaments, pens, bottle openers and so forth. 

My purchases included Lottery holiday-themed scratch & win tickets and candy. 

Now the crafter-in-me wanted to be a little creative in the presentation, and this is what I came up with:

I took a mason jar and filled it with crumbled red tissue, scratch & win tickets around the perimeter and candy filled the middle.

I then added red cardstock to the top and added green velvet ribbon around the lid. 

If there is a gas station open in your area on Christmas day, gas gift cards are ideal, particularly for teens with a driver's license. 

And sometimes there are shops open at the airport, should you find yourself traveling or picking-up loved ones on Christmas day. 

Movie theaters are also open too. 

My advice is to make the best of every situation.  The effort you put behind the gift is what is appreciated most.

Roasting...

First, I should confess that I have never cooked a Rib Roast.  So it may seem a little ridiculous when you continue to read this post where I share tips and a resource with regard to cooking a roast.  Fortunately I am surrounded by men (my Dad, brothers and husband) who enjoy cooking and have tasted their delicious beef sliced from a rib roast.

[Dad's Rib Roast - Thanksgiving 2008]

A couple years ago, my Dad refined his process in roasting when he viewed a video on Wegman's website explaining step-by-step on how to cook a roast.  If you are not familiar with Wegman's, it is a grocery chain based in Rochester, New York and has spread it's wings throughout the northeast.  And here in Virginia, we were lucky to begin calling Wegman's our local grocery store a few years ago. 

In the video, it mentions 4 steps to cooking a roast:  Mise en Place, Sear, Cook and Finish.  I was intrigued by the last step, Finish because I had never heard of allowing a roast to rest after cooking.  If you watch the video, you will see the chef explain this.  Ultimately, the goal is to cook the roast 5 degrees less than the targeted temperature because when it is resting, it is continuing to cook and collecting all the juices and flavor in the process.

I still remember that Christmas dinner two years ago.  The meat was flavorful and tender.  It was the first time in a long while where I helped myself to a second serving of beef (I generally prefer all the side dishes over the meat).  And I'm salivating and anticipating Christmas dinner next week.  It's less than a week away.

Chocolate covered peanut butter balls...

The first time I heard about chocolate covered peanut butter balls was last week when a friend mentioned making some for a potluck lunch.  Since then, I have tried them, fell in love with them, got the recipe and had the opportunity to make them with my guy last night. 

The only cooking involved is melting peanut butter & butter in the microwave and melting chocolate morsels in a double boiler.

We made enough for gifts for friends and now plan to make a 2nd batch for family this weekend.

So for your holiday pleasure, I present to you Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls:

1.5 sticks butter (3/4 cup)
18 oz creamy peanut butter
1 box powdered sugar (16 oz)
3 cups rice krispies

20 oz milk chocolate chips (or half milk chocolate, half semi-sweet)

Melt butter and peanut butter (I use the microwave).  Add powdered sugar and rice krispies, mix well.  Chill for 20 minutes then form into balls, about 1 tablespoon each.

Melt chips in double boiler (or microwave, following package directions - I prefer the double boiler because they stay melted for longer).  Dip PB balls into melted chocolate coating completely, then place on cookie sheet covered with wax paper.  Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.

Makes about 5-6 dozen.  They freeze well.

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I'm sure many of you have tried this recipe.  So please excuse my enthusiasm as I'm typically 5 paces behind when it comes to food and recipes.

Happy Holidays, friends!

Gifts for passionate people...

Today's gift-giving ideas are for those who are passionate about something, like:

Astronomy
Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium can locate and identify up to 6,000 stars, planets & constellations with GPS technology.  There is someone in our household who would love a toy like this.

Fly Fishing
Black Walnut Wheatley Fly Box is crafted mostly by hand and a special gift for a fly fisherman.

Handbags
Any gal who likes to coordinate her outfits down to her handbag would appreciate a Pouchee Purse Organizer.  I know someone who just received one as a gift and loved the quality of material and all the compartments.  They are also available in pink.

Cooking
All-Clad 2-pc. Nonstick LTD Panini Pan with Press is a favorite in our household.  And Giada de Laurentiis 17-oz. 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil can be a treat for a chef who appreciates fine olive oils.  It's the ideal stocking stuffer too. 

Baking
Barefoot Contessa Pantry at Stonewall Kitchen.com contains the perfect ingredients for wonderfully baked goods.  And good baking dishes are essential too, so check-out the Spode 15.5x11-in. Baking Days Baking Dish, Red.  It's red with white polka dots which evokes a festive look without screaming "holidays" so it can be used year-round.

Sleep
If your passion is sleeping, then pillows play an important part. Woolrich Flannel Sheets are our favorite for cold winter nights.

Papercrafting
There's nothing a papercrafter likes more than tools.  Zutter's Bind-it All and tool accessory kit can help any papercrafter create books in all shapes and sizes. The Provo Craft Cricut Jukebox and Cricut Essentials Kit are both excellent accessories for the infamous die-cutting machine.

Single Malt Scotch Aficionado
The "Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch" is a handy reference guide for those who appreciate good scotch.  And Riedel Vinum Single Malt Whiskey Glasses, Set of 2 is the perfect accompaniment to the book.

Wine Aficionado
Great wine like the Award Winner Pack from My Wines Direct is wonderful for someone who appreciates wine.  And Wine.com shares their popular red wines, providing some nice options for your consideration.  The Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator is a contraption any red wine-drinker will appreciate to help speed-up the breathing process.

Coffee & Tea
I have learned from my friends that the Keurig B70 Gourmet Single-Cup Home Brewing System brews coffee very quickly and is quite convenient.  Not only does it brew coffee using k-cups with a variety of brands, including Coffee People K-Cup Obama Blend, but you can brew your own coffee grinds using a Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter.  There are also teas & hot chocolate available in k-cups for your drinking pleasure.

Photography
An appreciation for photo-taking can take you down an expensive path of toys.  I have though received great recommendations for items that are reasonably priced.  A Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens has a multitude of great reviews listed on Amazon.com.  And friends that own this lens rave about the quality for the price.

The Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Pink) with Selphy CP760 Photo Printer (Pink) is an adorable set that includes the pocket camera as well as a mini photo printer.  I keep this camera in my handbag at all times now as I do not want to miss any photo opportunities in attempt to capture everyday life digitally.

As ideas continue to pop into my head, I will gladly share them here.  I've also got some favorites from Etsy, so please stay tuned.

China...

My goodness, check out this "china room" from House Beautiful's website:

I'd love to have a closet like this but not for china.  Couldn't you see bottles of stickles in various colors lined up on a shelf here.  And the mounds of cardstock that could be stored behind those glass doors.  How about your wardrobe and accessories stored in a space like this.  I'd never leave this breath-taking room.

My collection of china would only fill up one shelf in a room like this.  Our pattern is circa 1988 and has only been used twice.  Such a shame the little use it gets in our home.  I should try to use it more often. 

And those who have china handed down to them from previous generations are fortunate to possess a piece of their family's past to share with future generations. 

Do you bring out the good china for the holidays?  Do you have a favorite pattern you use only for the holidays?  I have been tempted by nice patterns reminiscent of fall colors to add to our collection for use at Thanksgiving.  Then the reality-check is we do not host a Thanksgiving meal in our home every year.  I think it would be nice though to have a few accessory pieces, including the above platter I linked to.

It is china we use to enhance our dining experience, attempting to create an environment that is pleasing to the hosts as well as the guests.  And it's the sentimental moments we enjoy with family and friends.  That is what creates the fond memories and turns our china into cherished heirlooms. 

Being a scrapbooker, memories are what it's all about.

Back to Basics...

In my favorite weekly section of the Washington Post today, Home, an article on Ina Garten and her new book, Back to Basics is featured.  Her following includes non-cooks, like myself, and I find her demeanor in the home and kitchen quite appealing as well as her Barefoot Contessa line.

Another aspect of her new book is that she includes information related to the barn she built that serves as a studio and office for her show.  That includes details on where you can purchase things you see in her new barn.  I'm always curious to know this.  It satisfies my craving for everything related to interior design and decor. 

It doesn't get any better when it comes to food and decor, all in one book.  On my wish list it goes. 

Decorative bottle in Evian form...

Have you ever made a purchase simply because the packaging appealed to you?  If you have, perhaps you can relate to the purchase I made last night at Target.

I love Target for their unique finds and Evian & Christian Lacroix for convincing me to purchase this adorable bottle, frilly packaging and all.

My guy took one look at this bottle and asked what I intend to do with it.  And I replied, I will drink the water and use the empty bottle as a decorative dispenser of some sort.  Just add a bottle pourer or spout and you've instantly got a soap dispenser (love that idea from Martha Stewart).

Or I can turn it into a candelabra.

And that, my friends, is a great way to re-purpose a frivolous purchase.

Gift idea: Candy & Snack Dispenser

One of my father-in-law's favorite snacks is peanuts.  Whether they are cashews, pistachios, peanuts in a shell, peanuts without shells, mixed nuts, and so-on, it's pretty much a staple in his home. 

In the pile of catalogs we received this week, I came across Plow & Hearth's and flipped the page only to see the ideal gift for dearest father-in-law.  A Candy & Snack Dispenser.  It will make a great companion to his resting place (aka recliner) while watching his favorite football team (the Redskins) play each weekend.

I also like how you can change the finial on the dispenser to suit the season and/or occasion. 

It then dawned on me how perfect this type of dispenser would be for my desk at work.  As much as I love Peanut M&Ms with their festive and seasonal colors, I never filled my candy dish with these candies for my co-workers to enjoy for sanitary reasons.  Instead, I share individually wrapped Life Savers in the candy dish. 

This Christmas, my father-in-law will enjoy his nuts of choice displayed in this lovely dispenser as will my office desk look festive with my favorite M&Ms.

A meal of thanks...

My mind is on food right now.  Specifically, I'm thinking about Thanksgiving.  We are hosting dinner this year and I've begun selecting recipes for the meal. 

One recipe we are going to try is a Sweet Potato Casserole dish from the current issue of Cooking Light magazine.  I always judge a recipe by the photo, then I read the ingredients.  And if it's complicated, forget it, but this recipe seems relatively easy and healthy. 

We also intend to make mashed potatoes which seems like we're overloading on the carbs but we're all about tradition at Thanksgiving, so it's a must.  And so is the gravy.  The challenge is keeping the gravy warm throughout the meal.  Sometime ago, I purchased a Gravy Mate and have yet to utilize it and believe now is the time to break it out of the box. 

Taste buds vary on dessert.  Each one of us prefers a different type of pie.  Between pumpkin, apple, pecan and mincemeat, we always have a variety of pies at Thanksgiving.  Oh, I almost forgot, we also like to have some-little-something for breakfast.  How about more carbs and sugar?  This time, I intend to order a crumb cake rather than bake one.  The oven will already be on overload.

Also, wine is on my shopping list.  And since I will be the only one sipping it, I can choose to my own liking.  This time, I'm going for an organic red Cabernet. 

I just need to find the ideal tablecloth and we're all set.

The thought of family gathering around for a meal to celebrate tradition and history makes me feel warm and fuzzy.  I hope you are enjoying all the joy that the season brings.

Where I've been in the last 24 hours...

In the last 24 hours, I have browsed a number of sites and thought while you are here, would you be interested in viewing some lovelies that could possibly accent your home?

Discovering new accessories always brighten my mood and I was brightened by this Chicken Note Holder Frame at Wisteria.  Perfect for a craft room or message area in your home. 

Carolyne Roehm's exquisite taste includes a lovely vase which I could also see using as a decorative pencil cup.  It would add sophistication and classic style to your desk or workspace.

Hurricanes, from Source Perrier, that represent a federal style (in my opinion) with hand engraved stars are an accent I'd welcome in our home.  It reminds me of something you would find in Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello.

I've never seen metallic linen drapes until today on Pottery Barn's website.  Very chic.  It has inspired me in many ways.  We'll see if it materializes.

If I could, I'd decorate my entire Christmas tree with ornaments at Bayberry Cove by Wendy Addison.  The vintage glitter is what sets it apart from what you typically see in department stores.

And, last but not least, Linens 'n Things.  Did you hear they are going out of business?  You could always count on some much-need staples for your home, like bed sheets, organizers, bins, glassware, the works.  I'm disappointed to hear they will not be around much longer.  I am not one for crowds (you know how it is when the word of a sale gets around, particularly a going-out-of-business sale) but I will check out their website to see if I can find anything I can't live without for a good price.

I have also begun my holiday shopping.  And how I wish I could share them here but it would be hard to keep it a secret from the recipients.  I am very excited though about what I've chosen as gifts for family & friends. 

Tonight, I leave you with a resource on what to do with your pumpkin once Halloween is over.

Enjoy.

Getting to know your friends...

The more time you spend with girlfriends, the more you learn about them.  And this weekend, I spent 3 days scrapbooking with a lovely group of friends and learned a few things:

• Jelly Belly's are loved by many, including Amy.
• Starbucks is a must for some in need of a caffeine boost
• The Twilight Series is a must-read as it dominated the conversation
• Tool and supply-sharing is common practice
• Show-and-tell is expected
• Kits are popular (my favorites are It Kit and Creatologie....Amy's is Studio Calico)
• Deb is our favorite brownie-baker.  And there is someone who can bake Banana Bread!
• Do not lock your friends, or in a particular case that occurred this weekend, lock your sister-in-law in the car (you had to be there)
• The Scraponizer is a great organizing system as showcased by Marirosa
• Chick-fil-a is loved by everyone, including their styrofoam cups
• Two towels are a necessity for showering
• Chocolate in many forms is a necessity for sustenance and sugar boosts
• Laughter is a lovely emotion shared by all

It was an uplifting weekend and helps me start the work-week on a positive note.

Fig Newman's...

A confession...

I'm addicted to figs.  Not just any figs, but Fig Newman's.  Fortunately, they are low-fat.

But I eat so many that low-fat does not matter.

Tonight, I discovered fat-free Fig Newman's.  Oh my.

Flowers for mom...

Selecting a gift for my mom is one of the challenges I face at every gift-giving opportunity.  Ultimately it comes down to a bouquet of flowers or a flowering plant. 

For her birthday recently, I wanted to do something a little different.  And after searching around the 'net, I found something that related to flowers but in a unique way.

Flowering tea.  I've never seen anything like this before and sent a gift set to my mom.  She's a tea drinker and has enjoyed every sip thus far.  Even my 2-year old niece loved sipping this tea with Grandma.  The gift was a success. 

Aside from the benefits of drinking the tea, the presentation is nice and cheerful.   

Then another opportunity for sending flowers presented itself when a relative was in the hospital recently.  Instead, I sent the Flowering Tea gift set with the idea it provided the bouquet of flowers you'd normally send in the form of flowering tea, as well as helping to heal and nurture the soul with something warm to drink.

It's convenient to have a standard gift idea ready to give at a moment's notice.  And I've definitely found mine.

And if you belong to Amazon Prime, 2-day shipping is free.  The membership comes in handy, particularly around the holidays.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Confessions from a Dr. Pepper addict...

Vacationing in a hot climate among many women who are anxious to be inspired was how I chose to spend my week.  And what a week it was.  I have many projects and fun things to share and hope to do so beginning tomorrow. 

In the meantime, I'd like to confess that I indulged in way too many cans of Dr. Pepper. 

In each classroom, sodas and water were available to all students.  And when Dr. Pepper is readily available, I am like a kid and do not know when to stop.

I shall return tomorrow after I get through my sugar withdrawal.

What's for breakfast???

It's a question I hear every weekend in our household.  And me being the non-cook, I typically respond with 'cereal'.   I certainly know how to hold up my fair share of responsibilities in this marriage.

So, last Christmas, my guy received a toaster as a gift from family.  A toaster is not high on his wish list but he accepted the gift graciously.

Eventually he took the toaster out of the box and decided to make himself breakfast. 

This involved more than just adding a couple slices of bread into the slots.  It has an egg cooker and meat warmer attached to the toaster.  So he wound up with his own version of an Egg McMuffin by adding an egg into the cooker and a slice of canadian bacon in the meat warmer. 

He's very impressed with this contraption (it also comes as a 4 slice toaster and Paula Deen's white toaster).  It took a couple months post-Christmas for him to realize it was one of the best gifts he received. 

I've enjoyed a number of breakfast sandwiches from this toaster with thanks to my chef.  If you are following Weight Watchers, I believe the points are pretty low when using low-fat english muffins and canadian bacon in addition to an egg or egg beater.

And no, I haven't personally used it myself.  But I can pour the best bowl of Special K Vanilla Almond cereal you can imagine. 

Jars...

It's all about these lovely jars from, you guessed it, Target.

Some small and some large...

And some even larger...

...and with some labels makes for a happy kitchen.

With Fall almost here, cookie-baking-season is almost upon us.  And with my handy-dandy step stool, I can now reach the flour (as well as see it) and bake my heart out. 

Harmony...

It began when I found a bargain of the century.  This light fixture for our kitchen island.  When I came across it, I loved the style.  And when I discovered the price, it was the icing on the cake and an opportunity not to pass-up.  I ordered it and it sat in our basement for over 6 months.  (Sadly, I learned this evening that the catalog I purchased it from is now out of business.  It probably explains why I got such a great deal.)

Nonetheless, I am very pleased.  It has taken us 3 years to get to this point and we still have a long road ahead of us when it comes to our home and making it our own.

To me, this fixture displays a combination of traditional style with a bit of Tuscan flavor.  In many decorating magazines and books, I have read where the designers emphasize how important lighting is to decor.  And I can see why.  In fact, BHG has even dedicated a magazine to the very subject.

This new fixture is now motivating me to clean-up the kitchen.  I just need to find something that will motivate me to cook, as tonight, there will be no cooking.

I just filled up my tummy with Skinny Cow ice cream cones.  They are my new-found addiction.  And they were tonight's dinner because I ate 2 of them.  I couldn't stop at one.  Oh my.

Sunday's miscellany...

Tonight, I'm filing handouts from previous Big Picture Scrapbooking classes into pretty binders I purchased recently.  To be honest, I cannot recall whether I purchased them at Target or KMart.  Regardless, they are quite chic and darn cute.

And speaking of BPS, I understand Tena Sprenger's 52 card pick-up class has begun.  I took it last year where she introduces you to a variety of techniques.  She has expanded my horizons when it comes to techniques.  Also, Stacy's Have Fun class is open for enrollment.  And I do like to have fun.

This weekend also involved use of the slow cooker and a fabulous recipe for chili dogs (we used Hormel Chili with no beans and Nathan's Hot Dogs).  We've been eating them all weekend.  That's how good they are.

I'm also working on more blog entries regarding Time Savers.  As I try to work on organizing myself I thought I'd share my processes with you.

Have a great week!

Time Savers: Food shopping...

Update:  In reference to the last paragraph of this post, let me clarify by saying my guy does most of the housework.  What I meant to say was I wish he'd agree to hire assistance with housework...hint, hint.  :)

 

Remember this, Carol?

Food is a favorite topic of mine.  It is one reason why I spend a lot of time on Mrs. L's blog reading entry after entry concerning food. 

Way back when, I used to enjoy weekly shopping trips to the grocery store.  Discovering new products and seeing how much I could save using coupons.  In the last 10 years, I have found it to be a task I dread.  Particularly when I discovered scrapbooking.  Those shopping trips would eat-up 2 hours of my hobby-time every Sunday.  I was beginning to get a little resentful. 

And when I would arrive at the grocery store, I was struggling to come up with ideas for meals.  This is a perfect example of not being prepared.  I would promise myself that I would peruse the cookbooks seeking ideas for meals but never got around to it.

Today, I can thank the internet for simplifying my life when it comes to food.  First, I can seek recipes online with the click of a button.  Then, I can go to Peapod and create my grocery list.  I try to initiate a grocery list every Monday and finalize it by Friday for an early delivery on Saturday morning. 

There is also Net Grocer, which I've used in the past.  They ship groceries to you.  And I know friends who live overseas that have used them too.  Net Grocer also comes in handy if you have elderly family members to look after.  It provides peace of mind knowing you can get groceries to them from afar.

Like I mentioned yesterday, we have our Carry-Out Menu binder for nights when we do not feel like cooking.  The internet plays another role when it comes to pizza.  We have an online account set-up with Papa John's, Dominos and Pizza Hut.  It is so convenient.  With Papa Johns you can plan ahead (I haven't checked the other pizza websites to see if they do as well) with at least 2 hours notice.  (In my attempt to be healthy, I order a thin crust pizza with black olives, no cheese & extra sauce...yum!)

 

Papa John's on Valentine's Day

One time recently I was traveling and talking to my guy on the phone.  He indicated that there was nothing to eat at home.  I happen to be in front of my laptop so I logged onto Papa Johns website and ordered a pizza to be delivered that evening.  How's that for service!

Back to grocery shopping.  I gave up on coupons long ago.  It's a great way to save money but I found it to be time consuming.  If you are a coupon user, Peapod does accept them.  And their selection of meats & fruits have been far better than what you get in the grocery store.

There is no dispute in our household for the expense of using Peapod (around 6.95-9.95 per delivery).  If I can only convince my guy that some assistance with cleaning our home would be worthwhile too.  That's a subject for another day.  :)

Temptations...

As a child, being selfish was not tolerated.  My parents tried to instill behaviors in me such as think of others before you think of yourself.  And, of course, there are starving children in this world so you better finish what's on your dinner plate.

So when I have a bout of materialism, I feel guilty.  Therefore, in order to fulfill my desires, I make lists.  I don't always get what is on my list but I enjoy the process of making a list.  And today's list includes:

• The latest iPhone by Apple in 3G format.  Yes, Ashlie, you are right.  This is the phone to covet.  I've already begun researching how I can cancel my current phone plan and make the switch to AT&T, just to have this phone.
• The Home Accents Cricut cartridge is actually one item I fulfilled on my list.  My best friend was placing an order, and gee, why not combine our order and split the shipping cost (guilty conscience is still with me though).
• This Vera Bradley hipster is simply adorable.  I love to use this type of bag when I travel. 
• Merlot wine is one of my absolute favorite types of red wine.  And I'd like to add this bottle to our wine rack.
• I'd like to replace my key chain with this one from Sex and the City.

I can assure you that a month from now, this list will change.  Some will come to fruition and some will not.  And those that do not, will be replaced by another flavor of the moment, if you know what I mean.  Of course there's the checkbook balance to consider as well.  Another reason why some do not come-to-be.

It does help to have a stylish notepad for wishlists such as these.  Next on my list?  Home decor I desire for our home. 

The popular vote...

Can a soda determine the outcome of the Presidential election?

Who knows.  It would make for an interesting BBQ to serve all 3 sodas and see which one most people select.

My father follows politics very closely, and in particular, the upcoming Presidential election.  So, I've decided to serve these sodas in his honor for Father's Day.

Now that I've mentioned Father's Day, I do have a gift idea to share.  It is one I purchased for my guy post-Christmas because they were sold out before Christmas.  It's a carabiner watch from Wind & Weather.  For those who do not like to wear a wrist watch, it's the ideal gift. 

The watch includes a thermometer, compass, magnifying glass and a flash light.  And the numbers are easy to read, which is fabulous for those who are too stubborn to wear their reading glasses when they should (I'm not naming any names...you know who you are).

What a shame they do not make one with feminine qualities because I do not like to wear a wrist watch and could really use a carabiner watch for myself.  Hello, Coach....here's an idea for you.  ;)

Vintage tumblers and cameos...

What does one do when they can't sleep.  Me, I browse the 'net.  And tonight, I discovered these vintage tumblers that make drinking your favorite beverage a sophisticated experience.

And this ornate cameo mug & napkin set is irresistible.  I can see myself sipping tea while reading a favorite magazine with this mug.  So very neoclassical, I'd say.

I am getting carried away here.  It is best I try to get some sleep before I begin to do some damage.

I hope you enjoy the antics of a sleepless soul.  Night, night.

Hungry Girl...

Yes, I am... always hungry.  My guy knows it.  My friends know it.  When we're out and about, we must decide where we are going to have lunch, even though it's only 9am.  I've got to know where my next meal is coming from.

In discussing food and weight loss, I was introduced to a site called Hungry Girl by both my best friend (who also picked up the cookbook for me) and Marirosa.  The tips and resources are incredibly intriguing and very helpful.  For instance, using canned pumpkin instead of eggs & oil....wow!  Who would have thought?!

The cookbook has numerous recipes for guilt-free eating.  I haven't tried them yet as I just laid my hands on this book over the weekend but I've tagged quite a few recipes to try like the breakfast burrito.  And all the recipes are for individual portions.  

Hungry Girl is also Weight Watchers-friendly.  And a girl who's always hungry can use a friend like Hungry Girl. 

A devil of an egg...

There are no little ones around to color eggs with, so we make deviled eggs with our eggs for Easter.  And recently, I discovered a recipe from Mrs. L's site that my guy tried and they are out of this world.  We are salivating over the idea of making this recipe for Easter.  To heck with ham and the other entrees.  We want Grandpa Cooley's Angry Deviled Eggs (thank you again, Mrs. L., for sharing it).

Deviled eggs also deserve to be presented in an organized fashion, and since Spring is around the corner, this Pfaltzgraff tray would represent the season very nicely.

And a bouquet of flowers to top off the day would be most appropriate. 

May Easter bring you bright moments spent with family and friends.

After...

There is now wall color in the foyer... 

And wallpaper in the stairway...

...thanks to two very handy men. 

I have something decorative on order to replace the vase and branches in the niche.  Can you guess what it is? 

And this is where the wall color meets the wallpaper. 

We are well on our way to adding color on the walls of just about every room in our home.  We have our master bedroom, guest bedroom and bath, then the rec room/basement to paint.  I intend to consult a color expert on the guest bedroom as I have been up-in-arms over color for that space. 

I seriously lack confidence when it comes to combining and selecting color.  I can recall as a child the pressure of selecting the appropriate crayon color when coloring in my color book.  So this lack of confidence goes back a long way.

Now this project is complete, we are celebrating tonight with a special heart-shaped pizza from Papa John's.  It doesn't get any better than this.  :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Goody, goody gumdrops...

In a matter of minutes they go from this: 

...to this:

This is our youngest niece, who at Thanksgiving decided those gumdrops did not deserve to be on the gingerbread house.  They deserve to be eaten, and she would go to great lengths to get to those gumdrops.  Turning your back to her for just a moment is all it took.

I share in her desire for sweets.  And I discovered something that offers a little bit of sweetness but without the calories. 

Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry Chocolate (Limited Edition). 

You can taste the chocolate and hint of cherry.  It's not overpowering though.  It's just right.

I found my 12-pack at Target.

Interestingly, I'm not a fan of Diet Dr. Pepper.  I will drink just about any type of diet soda except Diet Dr. Pepper.  I'd choose regular Dr. Pepper, which happens to be my all-time favorite soda. 

With this new Limited Edition Diet Dr. Pepper, I will drink-up calorie-free.  And I will return to Target to stock up before it's all gone. 

The best in chocolate...

I love a good chocolate, in milk form.  For a quick fix if I'm at the mall, Godiva is where I go...just for a piece or two.  And Godiva is a fabulous option for gift-giving.  Believe me, I would never turn down a basket of Godiva (combined with a bottle of champagne would be extra nice.)

Luxury chocolates....a nice indulgence for special occasions. 

How about Belgian chocolates?  My best friend turned me on these delectables by Neuhaus, although her preference is dark chocolate.      There's also Leonidas.   I'm not picky when it comes to fine chocolate from Belgium.

During my visit to London, I discovered Charbonnel et Walker (and I still have the theatre box to prove it - see below photo).  Why it's the Queen's chocolatier.  Very flavorful chocolates they offer and are well known for their violet and rose creams.   And I learned they have a store within Saks in Manhattan.

When I'm in the mood for something crunchy with chocolate, I turn to Mr. Goodbar and/or M&M's with peanuts.  A good crunch can't be beat.

Chocolate with peanut butter, my guy's all-time favorite...Reese's.  We love it when they make the special edition heart, holiday tree, Easter egg and Pumpkin-shaped chocolates.  It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.  They even offer an Elvis Edition Peanut Butter and Banana Creme cups.  Oh my.  (note to Kathy Y. - I think I found your birthday present.)

I wish I could eat chocolate every day, but in my effort to try to be healthy is getting in the way of my simple pleasures in life.  I think the hardest part is eating it guilt-free. 

With this post, I ask we give a standing ovation to chocolate and the pleasures it provides our sweet tooth.  Here-here chocolate!