The House of Kent

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

2012-02-01T10:13:00.000-06:00

Jack Johnson - "To The Sea" - 3:30

Today's Costco Find!

2012-01-31T13:25:00.001-06:00

Cemoi milk chocolate, from France! $11.99. So pretty!
Oh Costco, how you tempt us?! Easter isn't until April 8!
(I have hidden this in the pantry. . .)

Netflix Stars - Crazy, Stupid, Love

2012-01-30T20:08:00.006-06:00

1 star - Crazy, Stupid, Indeed. The only star is for Emma Stone.
And again, another "Rental" DVD! Honestly, the outtakes and other special features would have been way better than the movie.

THrILL Seeker

2012-01-29T09:22:00.002-06:00

Be a hill seeker

Most of us try to avoid hills, but what's so good about flat?

Think about it: Flat tires, flat hair, flat returns and the ultimate -- flatlining.

Life happens on the hills. They're opportunities to prove to yourself that you're stronger than you ever imagined.

If you never attempt the ascent, you'll never know the thrill of swooshing down the other side.

-Self Magazine, January 2012

Simplicity Patterns - ASG Creativity Contest 2012

2012-01-27T16:03:00.001-06:00

Here are the Simplicity patterns for the 2012 American Sewing Guild Creativity contest.

The Annual Conference this year will be in HOUSTON, TEXAS August 16-20!!

The Conference brochure will be posted online on April 2 and online registration will begin on April 6

This year they have a new event open only to ASG members and anyone 18 and under sponsored by an ASG member. Two winners will be chosen electronically at random in the two categories.

Visit the ASG website http://www.asg.org/ for Conferenece and entry information.

1797 - Available March 23 Dress with princess-seamed bodice, waistline seam and flared skirt with a front inverted pleat. Jacket with short kimono sleeves, cropped length and boxy shape with an inverted pleat in the back

1885 - New, no picture available online yet. Short-sleeved dress/blouse, 3/4 length sleeved jacket and slightly wide-legged, flared pants.

1916 - Tops - sleeveless, short and 3/4 length

1920 - Sew Stylish magazine Short sleeved top, above ankle skirt, jacket, tie belt and scarf

1921 - Baby dress, jacket, diaper cover, hat

1927 - Girls dresses and bolero vest

2702 - Dress/blouse with three sleeve length options

2703 - Threads magazine Dress, jacket, sleeveless blouse and pants

2284 - Chanel type jacket (was also in last year's contest)

2286 - Skirt (was also in last year's contest)

2287 - Pants and jacket (was also in last year's contest)

2288 - Threads magazine Jacket and skirt (was also in last year's contest)

2293 - Girls/children's vest (was also in last year's contest)

Thursday Tea Time

2012-01-26T17:05:00.007-06:00

This week - Mighty Leaf Orange Dulce

Cost: $6.49 at Whole Foods
Number of teabags: 15
Caffeine: Yes
Type of tea: Black and Green
Steeping time: Per label 4 minutes
Add ins: I am trying to watch the carbs. As much as I like the fat-free condensed milk in my tea (and sneaking in an extra teaspoon in my mouth), I need to change it up. Stevia doesn't count as a carb and doesn't raise the blood sugar. But it is really sweet. (this coming from the girl who just confessed above to "one for tea, one for me" with the condensed milk can!?) I find half a package of "Stevia in the Raw" makes it sweet enough. I also tried the fat free half and half and liked it too. The Shamrock Farms brand not only has a cute cow logo, but it is hormone-free.
Teabag fragrance: Orange
Ingredients: Black tea, green tea, jasmine flowers, natural flavors.
Opinion: Disappointing. And pricey, too. On the positive side, it didn't give me a migraine as most citrus does. On the negative side, to me it was bitter tasting. Straight/plain, with half and half + Stevia, + honey, + sugar. Ka-ching, ka-ching went my carb count servings, damn! I really tried to like it. But nothing could make my perception of bitter better. I couldn't taste the jasmine and the vanilla was faint at best.
Rating: 0

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

2012-01-26T15:53:00.003-06:00

Inspiration Blooms Sale - January 29/February 11
30% off Gingher, including rotary cutters and blades.
(I seriously heart my Gingher cutter!)

Super Weekend Sale - February 3/5
$3.99 Vogue
$1.99 Butterick
50% off all thread - spools, cones and multipacks!

"I need to incorporate more metal in my life to create balance..."

2012-01-25T09:20:00.002-06:00

Early 27th wedding anniversary gift!

I've always wanted to learn how to spin and jump. I'm also happy just gliding and flying around the rink, too. And I never had a brand new and fit to me pair of ice skates. Throw in the purple glitter guards and Hello Kitty soakers -- My inner seven year old is thrilled!

When my sister and I were growing up (and our feet were growing, too!), we would get our ice skates at Cook's Hardware in Rochester, NY. They had rows of used skates, and each year we would trade up/size up to hit the ice -- The city would flood and ice over the parking lot near Charlotte Beach...or tennis courts at the park (they took the nets down!). In high school we even had ice skating for gym class at a nearby indoor rink. And yes, I had purple jingle bell pompoms back then, too!

Happy Year of the Water Dragon!

2012-01-23T08:26:00.003-06:00

Actually though, while today is the Chinese New Year, the first day of the new Chinese Astrology year is February 4, 2012 - The Black Water Dragon year

Here is a fun website to check out and explains more about Chinese Astrology and the Year of the Dragon. And take a quiz.
(I learned I am a Black Rabbit, born in the year of Brown Pig and equivalent to Water. And I need to incorporate more metal in my life to create balance, but not too much! Hmmm...it's all in good fun!)

Quick Chocolate Cheesecake

2012-01-22T14:52:00.011-06:00

This is a modified recipe from one of those church/fundraiser cookbooks I love so much - "Recipes From The Heart" cookbook Sacred Heart Catholic School in Rockport, Texas.

I didn't want nor need to make a full sized version, and I'm also watching my carbohydrates. With that in mind, I will post the original recipe and then my version.

QUICK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Original --

1 pie crust

2 (3.9 ounce) packages chocolate pudding*

16 ounces cream cheese

1 cup sour cream

2 1/2 cups milk

Mine --

3 packages Oreo Thins 100 calorie plus 2 tablespoons melted butter

1 package sugar free and fat free instant chocolate pudding

8 ounces Neufchatel Reduced Fat cream cheese

1/2 cup light sour cream**

1 tablespoon Hersheys Special Dark Cocoa

1 cup skim milk

Original --

Combine cream cheese and sour cream in blender. Mix well. Add pudding mixes and stir. Add milk and blend for 1 1/2 minutes. Pour mixture in pie crust and let set in refrigerator for 4-6 hours.

Mine --

Crumb three packages of cookies in food processor. Mix in small bowl with two tablespoons melted butter until crumbly and slightly sticking together. Press along bottom and sides of 2 cup sized Chantal 6 3/4" pie plate. Admire the apple green and dark brown color combination. Set aside. (I blogged about this earlier - here's the link.)

Combine cream cheese and sour cream in medium sized bowl. **Realize too late I just dumped in the entire 8 ounce container of sour cream. Mix well anyways. Add pudding mix, hoping and it should be instant right, since this is a no-bake cheesecake? The original recipe didn't specify, hence the first *. Add milk and blend for 1 1/2 minutes. Give myself a pat on the back because I added only 1 cup of milk instead of 1 1/4, half the original amount. And maybe that will take away some of the volume from the extra sour cream. It looks a bit light, perhaps because of the extra sour cream. Decide to chocolate it up by adding a tablespoon of Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa since that is darker than the regular Hershey Cocoa. And extra antioxidants can't hurt, either. Pour into pretty pie plate and sprinkle the extra cookie crumbs on top, feeling very Martha-y, and put in refrigerator.

Look at the remaining mixture in the bowl, which was a little more than a third left. (Wonder how that could that be and how much or many pies the original recipe could have filled, because aren't I only 1/4 cup over volume-wise? And maybe next time I will make and fill TWO pie pans/plates - I also bought the pretty Chantal red one at last year's outlet sale. With visions of making pies like this one.) and pour into six 1/2 cup ramkins. Shortcut and justify not making more crust by sticking a cookie on top. Somehow find enough remaining crumbs to Martha-fy this even more. Put those in refrigerator, too.

Don't they look pretty?!

Fast forward four hours to dinner and everyone's anticipated dessert! I put a squish of whipped cream on top of the flopped-over slice to hide the fact it didn't quite set up as firmly - maybe it needed those extra two hours. (Report from next day's leftovers: No. Time was not the problem. All fingers and indications pointing to empty sour cream container in outside garbage can. Back to our recipe now.) I think it tastes good and announce that to all in the room. Hubby makes a face and says, "it tastes a bit...sour?!" "I bet that must be the bonus sour cream. Let's add some more whipped cream!" I say cheerily.

Personally, I didn't think it tasted that bad. Next time I will be more careful and not be so sour cream slap happy.

My sincere apologies to Sara W., who submitted her recipe. I don't want to put her last name, in case she Googles herself and discovers this!

Go for the magic!

2012-01-22T13:47:00.001-06:00

Do one thing every day that scares you ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Thursday Tea Time

2012-01-19T17:23:00.004-06:00

This week - Central Market Organics - "Licorice Peppermint"

Cost: $5.99

Number of teabags: 15

Caffeine: None

Type of tea: Herbal

Steeping time: 2-4, per label directions. I did 5 minutes

Add ins: A little bit of fat-free condensed milk
Teabag fragrance: Peppermint
Ingredients: Organic licorice root, organic peppermint, organic calendula petals

Opinion: An interesting and intriguing combination. The slightly sweet licorice comes in and has a nice kick at the end of the sip. A mugful has a nice warming flavor and feeling, perfect for a wintery day. (I bet it would also taste great, iced with a bit of sugar, too. Could be a nice alternative to all the typical summer/fruity teas.) It's not a strong, but a medium heat/mint flavor. And the calendula flower combines it all together and makes it look pretty, too. In the bag and in the mug.

I think this branding is trying to be similar to two leaves and a bud, Mighty Leaf and other more upscale pricier teas - the cost, the offbeat teabag design, etc. But it didn't have a string?! I just thought that was a little odd. Good thing I have my tea bag spoon/tongs from Williams-Sonoma! The teabag was also sealed in rather thick plastic. OK, but you wouldn't spring for a string?!

Rating: 4.25 For originality and taste!

Fast and Easy-Peasy Chocolate Pie Crust

2012-01-18T16:28:00.004-06:00

I was trying a new recipe - chocolate sour cream cheesecake! - and I wanted to do a chocolate crumb crust. I thought I would try using these Nabisco 100 calorie Oreo Thin Crisps - chop them up in the food processor and add a little bit of butter. Three packages plus two tablespoons of melted butter yielded a nice crust for my 6 3/4" 2 cup Chantal pie plate. So I would imagine this box of 6 would do quite well for a regular pie plate size and four tablespoons of butter for future pie projects. You may even be able to cut back on the butter a little bit, just add slowly until you get a lightly moistened crumb texture. Even though the recipe didn't quite turn out as planned (I was cutting it in half and forgot and dumped the entire container of sour cream into the mixing bowl), the crust was yummy. Next time I will pay better attention, and make this crust again. HEB sells it for $2.19 and they had a $1 off coupon. Not a bad deal!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

2012-01-17T09:51:00.002-06:00

Jack Johnson & Paula Fuga - En Concert - "Country Road" (Live) - 2:58

When I am sewing. . .

2012-01-16T11:07:00.003-06:00

"Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing; the days pass quickly when I am sewing"

~ Unknown

2012-01-15T07:47:00.000-06:00

Netflix Stars - Our Idiot Brother

2012-01-14T11:07:00.004-06:00

1 star - Ugh, what to say? A bunch of familiar-looking actors, several unlikeable story lines awkwardly pieced together. Perhaps I was the idiot thinking this would be a good movie. Just for grins, watch the alternate ending. Neither was better.

Free Penzeys Cinnamon Sugar

2012-01-13T12:18:00.004-06:00

I just received my Winter 2012 catalog from Penzeys with a coupon for a free 1/2 cup jar of their Cinnamon Sugar! (online and and telephone orders, use Code 11855C) Great timing, I'm just about out. Theirs is way better than mixing your own. They use a blend of two different cinnamons (china cassia and ceylon) plus vanilla bean!

And as usual, the catalog is filled with recipes. What caught my eye right off the bat? Buttermilk cookies and cherry almond muffins. Life is sweet!

Aww, my blog is 6 years old today!

2012-01-12T11:29:00.002-06:00

My first post!

Then a bit (?!) of a gap until commencing in full swing February 2007 and evolving into today -- 2,152 posts later!!

Thursday Tea Time

2012-01-12T07:53:00.003-06:00

This week, Organic Peppermint from two leaves and a bud.

Cost: $5.99 at Whole Foods Market, with a $1 off coupon from an in-store tasting promotion. Hey, it worked! I bought it! And it was the unsweetened sample. That says mucho right there.

Number of teabags: 15

Oh, but they are presented so nicely, see?! Very portable - You could just pop this in your purse for an emergency peppermint tea fix.

Caffeine: None

Type of tea: Herbal

Steeping time: Per label 3 minutes. Get your water really hot, almost to boiling

Add ins: As is, or just a little bit of sugar.

Teabag fragrance: Minty!

Ingredients: Decaffeinated organic peppermint leaves.

Opinion: While pricey, this is a really, really good peppermint tea and worth the price. A great pick up/energizing tea. But for some odd reason, it seems to slightly raise my internal temperature about 15 minutes after drinking. That hasn't happened with other other peppermint/mint teas. So for me, it is not a relaxing drink after dinner tea, unless I need the boost. Definitely will reschedule this teatime for the 3 PM doldrums instead. Very smooth, not harsh at all. I have seen it go on sale at Whole Foods about every 4-6 weeks, and sometimes with a coupon, too.

Rating: 4.25 Only dinged for the price.

Netflix Stars - Love Potion #9

2012-01-11T08:13:00.000-06:00

2.5 and-I'm-being-generous stars - One of Sandra Bullock's earlier movies, see if only for that. Several times I just wanted to stop it and mail it back, but kept hoping it would get better. It didn't.

Self-Diagnosis

2012-01-10T07:46:00.000-06:00

Without any disrespect to those who truly have ADD. . .my friends say they get whiplash talking to me.

Oh, Lighten Up!

2012-01-09T08:54:00.001-06:00

Whee! The 2012 Cooking Light AND Everyday Food Light books are now at Costco!

The Cooking Light 2012 publisher's price is $34.95 (ouch!); Costco is $21.99 (whew!)

Everyday Food is a paperback, $24.99 (really, for a paperback?!); Costco - $13.59

I'm not too thrilled that once again Everyday Food is organized by the season. I think it makes it harder to find the recipes you want to try. I also noticed it is available as an ebook.

I wonder which ones were already taken?!

2012-01-08T07:24:00.003-06:00

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

2012-01-07T17:20:00.002-06:00

40% off Gutterman thread! (I think that starts now)

January 12/14 -
$1.99 Butterick
$1.99 McCall's

January 26/28 -
$1.99 McCall's
$3.99 Vogue

Winter Warm-Up Sale - January 15/21
99 cent Simplicity

Thursday Tea Time

2012-01-05T08:53:00.002-06:00

This week - Zhena's Gypsy Tea Pomegranate Cider

Cost: On sale at Kroger for $6.99

Number of teabags: 22

Caffeine: Yes, moderate

Type of tea: Black

Steeping time: Per label 3-4 minutes, I did 5 minutes

Add ins: Just a squeeze of honey

Teabag fragrance: Cinnamon apple

Flavor: Tart cinnamon apple

Ingredients: Organic, Fair Trade Certitified™ Black tea, Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardamom, Cloves, Pomegranate, Apples and natural flavors of Pomegranate, Cinnamon and Ginger

Opinion: Another change-it-up tea. I like the twist and tang of the pomegranate, and the subtlety of the cardamon, cloves and ginger, playing quietly in the background. Love the tin design, too!

Rating: 4 - Find it before it's gone!

Netflix Stars - The Adjustment Bureau

2012-01-03T06:51:00.000-06:00

5 stars!! One of the best movies we've seen in awhile. A sci-fi/suspense movie with an overlay of romance. Perfect! All three of us enjoyed this one. (And personally, I always preferred Matt Damon over Ben Affleck) I had never read Philip Dick's "Adjustment Team" short story, so I was easily captivated and along for the ride of the plot and the depiction of life and fate's twists and turns. The DVD disk copy from Netflix was stamped "Rental" Well, OK. Not OK when you click on the "Bonus" features and get a pop up message saying this is only available on Blu-ray and retail copies. This was a first, and hopefully a last. Really, Netflix?!

1, One, 2011

2012-01-02T21:03:00.002-06:00

I saw this meme on another blog. (Thanks, Diary of a Stay At Home Mom!) You take the first sentence of the first post of each month. An interesting way to get a snapshot (albeit slightly out of context) review of the past year’s worth of 330 posts.

January 2011
4/5 - Outstanding special effects! (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice)

February 2011
Half my life - Still making me laugh even after 26 years!

March 2011
Step 1 - French manicure with green glitter tips!

April 2011
Not an April Fool – This is my 2,000th post
Thanks for coming along for the ride!

May 2011
One of my Nicotianas (Flowering Tobacco)

June 2011
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - "Learning to Fly"

July 2011
"Field Flowers" from Whole Foods Market

August 2011
Founders' Super Weekend Sale - August 5/7

September 2011
Some of my flowers in the front garden are literally uprooting themselves from this unrelenting heat (maybe tomorrow the high will only be 95!)

October 2011
Foster The People - "Pumped Up Kicks"

November 2011
The latest offering from Cooking Light

December 2011
The Goo Goo Dolls - "All That You Are"

Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies

2012-01-02T09:36:00.005-06:00

Here's a sweet way to begin the New Year, with a little bit of the old year!

Yet another yummy variation of my favorite chocolate cookie recipe -- Click for the Christmas Candy Cane Kiss and the original with the M&M's.

My daughter and I were at the new HEB grocery store and saw these Guittard Green Mint Chips ($2.89). Inspiration --The Cool Mint Oreos. Same green, same chocolate combo. . .

So I substituted the M&M's/Kisses with a bagful of these. Honestly, they are a bit chip-intense. I think you could cut back the amount around 1/2 to 3/4 cup -- save and snack on later! : D

I seem to be on quite the mint kick lately -- Starbucks Peppermint Mocha (skinny & now available sugar-free, thank you *Bux!), those Rold Gold Peppermint Dipped Snowflakes pretzels (thank goodness Costco sold out of them), candy canes, white chocolate peppermint fudge, Candy Cane Lane and Two Leaves and a Bud Peppermint (upcoming review) teas, toothpaste. . .(Kidding, I'm not eating Colgate! Though that tip about brushing your teeth after eating or before to keep from succumbing to temptation does work!) 'Tis the Season and all that! Right?!

This time I tried 1/4 cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa and 1/4 cup Hershey's Cocoa, to make it even chocolatey-er and really punch out the green mint further. And rolled them in regular sugar.

I will also offer this tip, hand stir in the chips. They seem to be a bit fragile and started breaking up in my Kitchen Aid mixer. I also think this may be a seasonal item and you may want to grab an extra bag now for St. Patrick's Day baking!

CHOCOLATE MINT CHIP COOKIES

1 ¼ cups flour

1/4 cup Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder

1/4 cup Hershey's cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup sugar (Healthier option: Just a little over 1/2 cup)

½ cup unsalted butter, softened (Healthier option: Minus 1 tablespoon)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

Guittard Green Mint Chips - 1 1/2 to 2 cups/bag

Preheat oven to 350. In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In large (to be covered) bowl, combine sugar and butter. At high speed, beat 2 minutes until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla, beat 2 minutes. Beat in flour mixture. Chill one hour or until dough is firm. Roll dough in 1” balls and then roll in sugar and place 2” apart on cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes, switching racks at 5-6 minutes. Cool and enjoy!

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Happy New Year - 2012!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

Look back...Look ahead..Live now!!

My Halloween pumpkin is ready to party like it's 2012!

2011-12-31T13:16:00.003-06:00

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

2011-12-31T09:59:00.003-06:00

LOVE this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSq1cez_flQ&sns=em

Check out their other videos together, what a pairing!

The above picture is from "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here" video by She & Him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtVh8kVZ_XM&sns=em

Thursday Tea Time

2011-12-29T07:26:00.001-06:00

This week - The Republic of Tea "Holiday Spiced Plum"
Cost: $11.99. Priced like all their special/limited edition/seasonal teas. But I found it at World Market and they are always running a 10%-15% off coupon. And it was on sale for $9.99. I bet you could find it for 50% off or even more right now in their after-Christmas sale.
Number of teabags: 50
Caffeine: Very little
Type of tea: Green
Steeping time: Per label 3 minutes, I did 5 minutes
Add ins: A teaspoonful of honey - just right!
Teabag fragrance: Fruity cinnamon
Ingredients: Green tea, cinnamon, natural cinnamon and plum flavors.
Opinion: A nice change of pace with a fruity tea suitable for the cooler weather. I like the plum/green tea combo, the fruit oomps it up and the spicing stays in the background. The plum flavoring reminds me of the jar of Gerber plum baby food. "One for Mommy, one for Baby!" We both liked it!
Rating: 4.50 - definitely worth finding and buying!

Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake

2011-12-28T08:51:00.001-06:00

Inspired by the December 21 Houston Chronicle "Overnight Coffee Cake" by Cindy Harris. I tweaked it to make it smaller and a little bit healthier. I really like the nutmeg flavor in the batter.

OVERNIGHT COFFEE CAKE - Healthier Version

4 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Daisy Light sour cream
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup chopped pecans
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg. Combine flour, baking soda, nutmeg and salt, add to creamed mixture alternating with sour cream. Pour into greased 8" x 8" or 9" x 9" baking dish. In small bowl, combine brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon; sprinkle over coffee cake. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Heat oven to 350. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes (start checking at 25 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. (try!)

Netflix Stars - Just Go With It

2011-12-27T10:05:00.001-06:00

4.5 stars - I was surprised, too! The previews/trailers did not do this movie justice at all. There was chemistry between Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston - wow! Nicole Kidman is funny, too. And the younger boy, Griffin Gluck, adorably steals the movie.

TALL Yoga Pants at Costco!

2011-12-26T10:57:00.001-06:00

Boot cut with a 35" inseam - sweet!
And only $19.99 ?!?! Sweetens the deal even further!
Black with waist bands of gray, and two stripe shades of purples, pinks and turquoise. (One table over has the matching jackets for $24.99!)
All colors reverse to solid black on the inside. There's a hidden pocket in the waistband, perfect to slip in your iPod. I also like the flattering off-side seaming. While I love my Lululemons, you can get four pair of these for the price of one, along with a vegan cookie and a coconut water.
Item #559035

Hey Yoga Girl!

2011-12-26T09:21:00.000-06:00

So funny!
Yoga Girl by Fog and Smog

2011-12-25T16:18:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T01:18:00.003-06:00

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.

W.T. Ellis

It's Christmas Eve. . .

2011-12-24T13:18:00.003-06:00

. . .There's magic in the air!

Oh, isn't she pretty?! She may still be at Another Place In Time! Call 713/864-9717

Friday Flowers - Christmas Edition

2011-12-23T13:16:00.000-06:00

Normally I don't like mums, but these are hepped up Christmas ones with paint and glitter! All good! The new HEB in Montrose/Dunlavy carries "Market Bunches" for only $4.

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Sales

2011-12-23T13:09:00.002-06:00

New Year's Sale - December 30/January 2
McCall's - 99 cents
Vogue - $3.99
50% off thread (even multipacks!)

Thursday Tea Time - Two-Fer!

2011-12-22T17:17:00.000-06:00

A two-fer this week!

Both of these teas are available and on sale right now at Kroger in the organic section -- Polar Berry and Santa Spice.

Number of teabags: 22

Caffeine: Polar Berry -Yes, Santa Spice - No

Type of tea: Polar Berry - Black, Santa Spice Herbal/Red Rooibos

Steeping time: I did 6 minutes

Add ins: A little bit of fat free condensed milk made it really sweet. I also tried it with fat-free evaporated milk and a little bit of sugar and I thought that was better and better for me.

Teabag fragrance: Polar Berry -"Berry" spicy , Santa Spice - Cinnamon and ginger

Ingredients: Polar Berry - Organic and Fair Trade Certified™ black tea, organic cinnamon, organic cranberry, organic allspice, organic hibiscus, organic licorice root

Santa Spice - Organic and Fair Trade Certified™ Rooibos, organic ginger, organic nutmeg, organic cinnamon, organic licorice root, organic chicory root, cinnamon flavor, caramel flavor

Opinion: Polar Berry - Very berry! Santa Spice - A sweet/spicy blend, not astringent at all. It seemed a bit more cinnamon dominating, fine by me!

It all depends upon if you are in a berry good mood (sorry!) or seeking cinnamon toast comforting. Both winners! I also think the tins are adorable and will probably keep them as Christmas decorations in the bookcase. Black tea and Rooibos teas are good for you...so is cinnamon and also hibiscus. Can't decide? Get both!

Rating: 4 - definitely worth finding and buying!

Hello Kitty, Hello Winter!

2011-12-22T13:54:00.002-06:00

Last Day of Fall

2011-12-21T23:29:00.001-06:00

Taken with my Samsung Infuse phone at night with the flash, unretouched. I thought it was a a really neat shot of my tree transitioning to Winter. The brilliance of the red oak leaves in the day cooled to blue in the night. . .

Can't catch me...

2011-12-20T13:58:00.006-06:00

Here's the gingerbread man from the Chantal ceramic baking dish! (click here)

And here's the Cooking Light recipe - it filled two gingerbread molds.

GINGERBREAD
1 1/4 cups flour...1 teaspoon ground ginger...1 teaspoon ground cinnamon*...1/2 teaspoon baking soda...1/2 cup sugar...1/2 cup low fat buttermilk...1/2 cup dark molasses...1/3 cup butter, melted...1 large egg, lightly beaten...1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, ginger, cinnamon and baking soda, stirring with a whisk. Combine sugar and next four ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Stir in flour mixture. Pour batter into 9" square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Sprinkle gingerbread with powdered sugar. Yield 25 servings (!) Serving size is 1 3/4" square. Good luck with that.
84 calories (30% from fat), 2.8g fat (1.6g sat, 0.8g mono, 0.2g poly) 1.1g protein, 14g carb, 0.2g fiber, 15mg chol, 0.7mg iron, 61mg sodium, 22mg calcium
*I now use Penzeys new Cinnamon Blend - Love!

(If you can bear to stand the graphics - click here for the Gingerbread Man story)

Christmas in the mail

2011-12-19T13:39:00.001-06:00

I thought this year's Christian Christmas stamp was pretty! It's called "Madonna of the Candelabra" by Rafael from the Walters Art Museum.

A Snow Day

2011-12-18T09:54:00.016-06:00

Taken through the window from inside a Whataburger. Think of this is as a Texas-sized snowflake! It does snow in Houston every once in awhile; but alas, not conveniently occurring at this blog posting time.

Begin doing what you want to do now. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake. ~ Francis Bacon, Sr.

* * * * * *

From her living room window she watched as it stopped snowing and waited for it to start again, for the flakes to swirl hypnotically along her windowsill. And though it never did, she kept watch over the town (a place she had once heard a traveler refer to as "God's pocket") all through the night. ~ Molly Gaudry, "The Bees"

* * * * * *

"Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!"

One of the best-selling songs of all time, "Let It Snow!" has been sung countless times by many artists. Due to its seasonal lyrics, it is commonly regarded as a Christmas song. However, think about this the next time you hear it -- despite the song's cheery, holiday feel, it is a love song. . .and Christmas is never mentioned!

* * * * * *

Here I am after the Blizzard of 1966 in Rochester, NY. All that snow (42 inches!) covered our first story apartment windows!
The family joke is that I buried my younger sister underneath. Ah, sibling rivalry - snow style!

Kitchen Tree

2011-12-17T11:04:00.000-06:00

This was our 2' kitchen tree, on the pass-through counter. I love the "snowball" trim - it is actually ribbon from The Container Store.

They got married and lived happily ever after. The End.

2011-12-15T11:11:00.006-06:00

And so the story goes. . .

A friend of mine linked this post on Facebook. My husband saw it and said, "Very well written and true!"

A Girl You Should Date

Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve.

Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow.

She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book.

Buy her another cup of coffee. Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice.

It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas and for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she doesn't. She has to give it a shot somehow.

Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world.

Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who read will understand that all things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two.

Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series.

If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours, but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are.

You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype.

You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots.

Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads.

Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

– Rosemarie Urquico –

This year's Christmas Cookie!

2011-12-14T15:30:00.008-06:00

Here is the second version, rolled in a mix of powdered sugar and sprinkles! They look "iced" cool!

I love those chocolate peanut butter cookies, don't you? They are also called Peanut Butter Blossoms or Black-Eyed Susans. I got all excited when I saw the Candy Cane Hershey Kisses at Target. And since I am highly addicted to Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha (skinny/non-fat and now in a sugar-free version, thank you!) I thought they would go great in a chocolate cookie. I was surprised after dragging out all my Hershey cookbooks, I couldn't find a chocolate/chocolate Kiss version. So I flipped through my other tried and true cookie recipes and came up with this, our 2011 Christmas Cookie. Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT KISS COOKIES

1 ¼ cups flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses

Preheat oven to 350. In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In large (to be covered) bowl, combine sugar and butter. At high speed, beat 2 minutes until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla, beat 2 minutes. Beat in flour mixture. Chill one hour or until dough is firm.

Roll dough in 1” balls and then roll in colored sugar (Wilton has a nice white sparkle sugar which I mixed with green sugar) and place 2” apart on cookie sheets. Bake 10 minutes, switching racks at 5 minutes. Cookies should start to have cracks. Gently push a Kiss in the center and bake for an additional 2 minutes – watch carefully before the tip starts to brown. Cool and enjoy!

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
_____

These were originally the Cocoa M&M Cookies from the March, 1995 issue of McCall’s magazine. You can change it back by adding 1 cup of plain M&M’s and rolling the balls in confectioner’s sugar.

Here's the link to my March 13, 2008 post with the pastel-colored "Easter"/Springtime M&M's

The Zen of Pooh

2011-12-11T11:22:00.002-06:00

"What day is it?"

"It's today!" squeaked Piglet

"My favorite day!" said Pooh

A. A. Milne

2011-12-04T17:47:00.000-06:00

Hello Kitty and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

2011-12-03T17:59:00.002-06:00

Check out the cute Hello Kitty goodies benefiting St. Jude!

Friday Flowers

2011-12-02T19:00:00.003-06:00

The peonies are back at Randalls!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

2011-12-01T11:51:00.000-06:00

The Goo Goo Dolls - "All That You Are" - 3:13
Great swimming song!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:41:00.000-06:00

(Thank you, Crafty Chick!)

2011-11-24T07:35:00.004-06:00

Credit: Urban Threads

Oh! The Places You Will Go - Colorado Edition

2011-11-20T21:13:00.003-06:00

While visiting Colorado Springs, Colorado earlier this week, a group of us rode the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. (Oh yes, yours truly was 14,115 feet in the air. Which was 15 degrees, and that said air was blowing at 70 mph - creating a windchill effect of -50 degrees. Yes, minus!)

But on the way to Pikes Peak, we went through this fun, quirky town called Manitou Springs. The next day, we took a cab and spent a few hours there. Got a pizza at Marilyn's Pizza House (decorated with all Marilyn Monroe photos), "The Royal Canadian Mountie on a Surfboard." Canadian bacon, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, pineapple and basil. Super yum!Bought Hawaiian Salted Chocolate Bark at Chocolate & Ice Cream . . .

Warmed up with a White Chocolate Raspberry Mocha latte (I almost got the White Chocolate Pumpkin latte, but the eenie-meenie-meinie-moe game sealed the liplock fate) at Marika's Coffeehouse...and a takehome package of Rooibos Caramel Cream looseleaf tea (watch for upcoming Thursday Teatime review!) bought purely on the scent alone. I had to keep from opening the bag and shoving a wad of tea leaves in my mouth right then and there.

And then we stopped in this store with a bathtub out front filled with concrete soap bubbles called Salus. There I found and bought for $15 three "slices" of homemade, organic soaps -- Sand Dunes, Tahitian Vanilla and Tuberose.

Earlier in the day, I went to Seven Falls - so beautiful and icy this time of year.

And two days before that, I went to the United States Figure Skating Museum - Here's Michelle Kwan's skating outfit from the Long Program of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, designed by Vera Wang. All in all, a fun little escapade to Colorado and Colorado Springs, as I try to see, eat, drink and shop my way through all 50 states!
_____
Now y'all know I do not accept advertising, nor promotionals - anything I blog about here is just personally what I like. And figure well, maybe you might, too. I also love to support and encourage people to shop independent stores and entrepreneurs. Win-win all around. They stay in business and I don't miss out when I need more or want to visit again.

Hello Kitty Target Ornament

2011-11-19T17:58:00.002-06:00

Albeit 2 1/4" tall, a definite buy for a buck at the Target Dollar Spot. Isn't she adorable and the perfect size for a tiny tree or package decoration?

Target Dollar Spot Christmas Finds

2011-11-19T17:45:00.000-06:00

From upper left - the camera cropped off the true size of the cards, which are really nice and a real deal -16/$1. At that price, you could easily glue a sequin at the top of some of the trees for added glitz.
Clockwise continuing - Cute yarn wrapped ornaments/gift tags/decorations. I have them hanging from my entertainment unit knobs. $1 each
And set of two Christmas trees, which light up! for $2.50 I plan to add some glitter and sequins to make them sparkle.

Friday Flowers - At The Broadmoor edition

2011-11-18T17:19:00.002-06:00

From The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs

Thursday Tea Time

2011-11-17T11:23:00.000-06:00

This week - Zhena's Gypsy Tea - "Chocolate Chai"

Cost: $6.99 at Whole Foods on Kirby

Number of teabags: 22

Caffeine: Yes

Type of tea: Rooibos Red

Steeping time: 5 minutes

Add ins: A little bit of fat free condensed milk

Teabag fragrance: Faintly spicy-chocolate

Ingredients: Rooibos, Mediterranean carob, ginger, cinnamon bark, chicory and licorice root,

Opinion: I was disappointed. I love chocolate. I love chai. I anticipated a home run with this tea combining both. But alas, it just seemed...OK. Neither was that pronounced nor distinct flavor-wise. It was still good, but not great compared to the other chocolate and the other chai teas I've tried.

Rating: 2.75

Dear ABC, You are almost but not quite forgiven for cancelling "Flash Forward"

2011-11-16T22:03:00.007-06:00

This was the song (Amos Lee - "Sweet Pea") they played at the end of "Suburgatory" -- a very cute show on ABC Wednesday night. It is sandwiched in between "The Middle" and "Modern Family" Enjoy before ABC finds out I like this, too.

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

2011-11-15T19:17:00.000-06:00

November 17/19
Butterick - $1.99
Vogue - $3.99

Merry Moolah Sale - November 19/23
McCalls & Simplicity - $1.99

Make Something!

2011-11-13T08:55:00.000-06:00

Elevensies!

2011-11-11T09:11:00.002-06:00

At 11:11 AM today, 11-11-11, do something 11 times!

Koolickles!

2011-11-09T09:41:00.000-06:00

These slices below were from a whole pickle. I think it best to preslice them first. But they do look pretty and holiday-ish.

I found this recipe in the August/September issue of Country Woman magazine, page 51. Click here for the recipe. I used Cherry Kool-Aid. They taste...interesting. Kinda grow on you, like sour cherry pickles. Might make for an interesting Christmas/holiday gathering treat. (Though personally, I'd bring something else as a backup!)

New Stila Palette at Costco

2011-11-08T10:08:00.000-06:00

Stila's "Ultimate Color Palette" includes cheek blushes (center) and lipglosses/lipsticks (top) in addition to all those eyeshadows; you also get 4 lipbrushes and 4 double-ended applicators for $19.99. Item #588718

Hot chocolate!

2011-11-07T08:07:00.000-06:00

(pie!)

Whata-combo!!

For research purposes only, we did try the pie. Suffer as I am willing for my faithful blog readers! Our findings concluded it is a pretty intense, gooey chocolate.

Yellow and Blue make. . .Red?!

2011-11-06T18:31:00.000-06:00

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you into something else is the greatest accomplishment

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Easily bought

2011-11-06T16:59:00.001-06:00

I wasn't able to get to Quilt Festival this year, but sweet hubby took me to my favorite Barnes & Noble today and got these magazines for me.

(Even with two of them clocking in at $14.99/pop -- Don't you think he got off way cheaper than an opportunity for me gawking at that new price barrier-busting $12,000 Bernina sewing machine...?! Besides, I'm a loyal Viking/Husqvarna gal - shhhh! With a serious magazine jonesing.)

Chantal Finds! Get thee over there tomorrow, Houston peeps!

2011-11-05T18:35:00.002-05:00

First, I found and bought four of these little guys for $5 each. The 2 cup size. They also had two more larger sizes for $10 and $15. I plan to use these to bake my gingerbread in and to give as gifts...and use as a holiday decoration!

If you donated four canned goods to the Houston Food Bank at the Chantal Warehouse entrance, they gave you a 20% off coupon. Which I used on this $10 tea and teapot set, so I paid $8 for tea and a teapot and an infuser! I found this in the back warehouse section, on the shelves -- not in the front of the store. Bloomingdale's is currently selling this set for $50!

Shoot, I'd pay $8 for the tin alone! I love the embossed flowers and the cool yoga girl on the label! Wow! I just checked -- This tea alone is worth $19.50 on the Kusmi website!

The outlet is open tomorrow from 12-5 PM. And also for the next two weekends. Click here for directions and times.

Sandra Betzina's Fashion Forecast - Fall/Winter

2011-11-05T17:38:00.002-05:00

Just the other day I was wondering where Sandra's Fashion Forecast was, and today this appears in my email inbox --

So where is the fashion forecast this season? With few exceptions, when I look at women on the street, in shopping malls, attending sewing fairs, I have concluded that most women in the United States over 40 have simply given up. They grab the biggest most comfy items they own and head out for the day. If you are one of the few women who still cares what they look like, have an interest in fashion and love to sew; there is plenty of information out there, in fashion magazines and online. European fashion magazines are great sources for color combinations, details and silhouettes. This season, I am excited about combining leather with knits, woven fabrics with knits. Big chunky bracelets and necklaces are already in my wardrobe, so I will be wearing those. Tall well made boots are always in fashion. Make some tops and dresses with big cowl necks Vogue 1197, tunic length with the best pair of skinny pull on pants I have designed. Dresses and skirts with draped sections still look new: Vogue 1234 and Vogue 1210, blouses and knit tops with sheered sections Vogue 1275 and Vogue 1260. All patterns mentioned were designed by me and are in the Vogue book under the Today’s Fit tab. Take your time when you sew, enjoying every moment of the process. While I continue to design patterns for Vogue and teach classes, this will conclude many years writing the twice yearly fashion forecasts. If we have your e-mail, we will let you know about the just realized Today’s Fit patterns and new WebTV show topics, filmed by Ron Collins and myself. We are in the process of updating our website once again. Fondly, Sandra

Well, pooh! I always looked forward to Sandra's spot-on fashion, fabric and pattern combination advice (I still have her forecasts from the 80's!). Maybe she was just in a bad mood. . .?

Comments?
I know that personally I try to make an honest effort to look good when going out in public, and reasonably well/yet comfy when at home -- you never know when you'll need to make a mad dash out of the house. And isn't that inevitably the time you will run into someone from your past or someone you know? I am also the first to admit the manager and clerks at J.Jill either recognize or know me by name. They do have great sales and clothes, great in a pinch when you don't have time to sew. And sometimes yes, it is cheaper to buy them than to sew them. That helps save me the time and money to sew something really special when I get the chance.

So dear Sandra, please rethink and don't give up on us. I consider you a role model, both fashion and sewing wise.

Friday Flowers

2011-11-04T20:21:00.001-05:00

"Vintage Bouquet" from Whole Foods.

Thursday Tea Time

2011-11-03T13:32:00.005-05:00

This week - Republic of Tea Pumpkin Ginger Spices of Fall Tea - a World Market Exclusive flavor
Cost: $11.99. Yeah, a little pricey. Fortunately I Googled and found a World Market 10% off coupon and used my smart phone to scan to bring it down to $10.79. Then again you also get 50 teabags as opposed to the usual 36 or even 20.
Number of teabags: 50
Caffeine: Yes
Type of tea: Black
Steeping time: Per label 3-5 minutes, I did 6 minutes
Add ins: A little bit of fat free condensed milk made it taste just like pumpkin pie latte! I also tried it with fat-free evaporated milk and a little bit of honey. Good, but not as creamy as the condensed milk. I'm thinking next time using whipped cream and sprinkling a little pumpkin pie spice on top.
Teabag fragrance: Ginger and pumpkin!
Ingredients: Black tea, ginger, natural flavors, cinnamon, sweet blackberry leaf, cloves, allspice and nutmeg
Opinion: Very smooth, not overwhelmingly "pumpkin-y", but a nice spice/pumpkin pie flavor without a strong bite. Grab this while you can!
I also like the quote they have on the label -- "Tea Mind allows life to live us. It frees us from the hubris of trying to control what cannot be controlled. The life of tea is the life of the moment. We have only Now, and we each sip it in our own cups." "Tea Mind" - I like that!
Rating: 4.50 - definitely worth finding and buying!

Chantal 2011 Warehouse Outlet Sale

2011-11-02T07:53:00.001-05:00

Chantal's 2011 Warehouse sale will be the first three weekends of November, Friday through Sunday --
November 4/6, November 11/13, November 18/20
Friday and Saturday -- 9 AM - 6 PM
Sunday -- Noon to 5 PM
5425 North Sam Houston Parkway West (just east of Highway 249/Hollister)
If heading from the West, take the 249 exit and stay on the feeder. I always get off one exit too early by the Racetrack.
281/587-7880

And if you bring in four or more cans of food for the Houston Food Bank, you will get 20% off any one item! (One coupon per visit)

Cooking Light Way To Bake

2011-11-01T11:01:00.000-05:00

The latest offering from Cooking Light. It was just published October 4. And Costco's price is $18.99! (listed at $29.95) ISBN 0848734750

424 pages. Lots of tips and recipes, well worth the leap into your shopping cart. While some of the recipes look familiar, others seem new to me. Chai Latte Brownies? How did that escape me till now? And sometimes seeing the others reappear helps remind you to give them another try!
P.S. The pictures are delicious!

It is at the edge of the petal that love waits...

2011-10-30T09:21:00.001-05:00

William Carlos Williams

While the Northeast is having "Snowtober," our reward for a punishingly hot summer (how many days in a row of 100+ temperatures?) is the abundant blossoming of our roses right now. I am enjoying the blooms scattered in vases around the house. And the petals from "Scentimental" - alas, pretty as it looks at first, it tends to drop its petals within 24 hours. But I can still enjoy the colors and patterns as petals in a pretty dish!

It's fun to be right!

2011-10-29T17:11:00.005-05:00

Click (twice) to read!

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

2011-10-28T22:23:00.003-05:00

October 30/November 5 - McCall's $1.29

Veterans' Day Sale - November 6/12
Simplicity patterns 5/$5

Thursday Tea Time

2011-10-27T13:49:00.002-05:00

This week - Celestial Seasonings Blueberry Breeze Green Tea

Cost: Around $2.50 I'm pretty sure I bought it at Super Target. Or Kroger.

Number of teabags: 20

Caffeine: No

Type of tea: Green

Steeping time: 4 minutes

Add ins: A teaspoonful of honey

Teabag fragrance: Blueberry!

Ingredients: Green tea, natural blueberry flavor with other natural flavors, and blueberries.

Opinion: I've been drinking this hot, but I'm certain it would be great iced, too. I bought this awhile back and found the box in the back of my pantry. Have I been missing out! I especially like and appreciate the blueberries' and the green tea's antioxidant boost. A little bit of honey makes it perfect - taste and health-wise. I think the box design is pretty, too

I do miss Celestial Seasonings' sayings on their boxes...when did they stop doing that?

Rating: 4.25

Where There's Love, There's Life

2011-10-25T09:14:00.001-05:00

Saks Fifth Avenue "Keys to the Cure" t-shirt by Elie Tahari

Tickled Pink (and purple)!

2011-10-24T15:19:00.007-05:00

"Barbeque" Rosemary - Yes, it does smell like BBQ sauce! It will grow to 30"-42" tall

"Super Parfait Strawberry" dianthus. Beautiful blooms!

I was so very, very happy to grab these two "Amazon Neon Duo" dianthus in cherry and purple. Another Place in Time was one of the test nurseries last year. They planted them alongside the front and they were absolute showstoppers. Hopefully mine will also reach over 24" tall.

Family portrait of a happy shopping day -- The center flowers are 21st Century Blue and Salmon Phlox. And upper left corner is Lemon thyme - very lemony!

Make New Things

2011-10-23T09:56:00.001-05:00

John Maeda

Sandra Betzina Power Sewing Tips

2011-10-22T10:16:00.000-05:00

I was trying to find the her Fall/Winter Fashion Forecast and came across this link on her webpage. There are some helpful and even new to me sewing tips here! Check it out under the What's New tab.

Netflix Stars - Manna From Heaven

2011-10-21T11:21:00.000-05:00

3.25 - Not bad, a fun indie. In fact, my husband saw it not too long ago on the IFC channel. Set in Buffalo, NY, this features a star-blingy cast including Shirley Jones, Cloris Leachman, Louise Fletcher, Wendie Malick, Jill Eikenberry, Shelley Duvall...Ursula Burton who was part of the production company with her sisters. Quirky characters, displaying the true human-ness of us all.

Thursday Tea Time

2011-10-20T15:48:00.003-05:00

This week - Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf English Rose

Cost: $8.95

Number of teabags: 20

Caffeine: Yes

Type of tea: Ceylon Black
Steeping time: 5 minutes

Add ins: I tried this as a hot latte in the Austin (South Lamar) store. And then at home with a little bit of fat free condensed milk. I'll try it again with my fat-free vanilla powder.

Teabag fragrance: Milk chocolate-rose

Ingredients: Ceylon black tea, rose petals, tea blossoms, natural flavors.

Opinion: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 2011 Limited Edition National Breast Cancer Foundation tea (last year's was the Chocolate Rose). I think this one still kept the slight rose scent, but umped up the chocolate - MILK CHOCOLATE! A nice switchup from all the dark chocolate out there. Sweetly smooth and delicious. Even the teabag is pretty!

Rating: 4

Asclepias

2011-10-19T11:04:00.000-05:00

I finally got a red milkweed (Asclepia curassavica) I've had the yellow ones for years. Don't the yellow parts look like tiny animal faces?!

New Penzeys spice and coupon deal!

2011-10-18T07:13:00.004-05:00

I just received the Thanksgiving Penzeys catalog issue. Not only is there a great coupon deal -- "Kind Heart Gift Box", but a new seasoning, "33rd & Galena Chicken and Pork Rub". Which just so happens to be included in that FREE gift box.

The coupon code is 82440C. You get 1/4 cup jars of 33rd & Galena, Forward, Mural of Flavor and Arizona Dreaming. A $7.95 value.

And this is their Thanksgiving issue, of course filled with lots of yummy recipes. The Sweet Potato Bread tops my To-Try List!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

2011-10-17T12:04:00.002-05:00

I caught (haha) the last half of "Catch and Release", which I had Netflix'd awhile back. The movie was still pretty lame, but the soundtrack pretty good. This time I watched with my new phone with the Shazam app. "Soul Meets Body" is a good swimming song. I also thought Joshua Radin's haunting, "What If You" was an appropriate addition to the soundtrack.

Death Cab for Cutie - "Soul Meets Body" - 3:50

To Do List!

2011-10-16T07:52:00.002-05:00

I love that Plain White T's song, "1, 2, 3, 4" Be sure to check out the video, so cute! I even bought it on iTunes.

Plum-Blueberry Upside-Down Cake

2011-10-15T09:53:00.000-05:00

The Plum Blueberry Upside Down Cake from Everyday Food #85 September 2011 - Pretty and yummy, too!

***I made a few changes -- I used a glass pie plate and followed the directions. I was happy to discover it popped right out/upside down perfectly! *I also cut back the butter in the batter by 1 1/2 tablespoons. Every little bit helps! And it did not have a big impact on the flavor and result.

Since I was using glass, I reduced the oven from 375 to 350. I started checking at 41 minutes and added five minutes more. Then used the high speed/fan/convection setting for 3 minutes. Perfect!

Ingredients
*10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 large firm but ripe black plum, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
1 1/2 cups blueberries (7 ounces)
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions

Preheat oven to *375 degrees. Lightly butter an *8-inch round cake pan (2 inches deep); line bottom with parchment paper. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and pour into pan; swirl to coat paper. Sprinkle 1/2 cup brown sugar evenly over butter. Arrange plum evenly in pan, then add blueberries, filling in any gaps.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 8 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar on high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg, egg white, and orange zest until combined. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With mixer on low, beat flour mixture into butter mixture until combined. Beat in buttermilk and vanilla until smooth.
Transfer batter to pan. Tap pan firmly on counter several times to remove air bubbles; smooth top.
Bake until cake is deep golden brown, juices are bubbling around edge, and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about *45 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Let cake cool in pan on a wire rack, 1 hour. Run a knife around edge of pan and invert cake onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Store, covered, at room temperature, up to 2 days.)
Note --
Flavorful fresh fruit will give you a sweet, jamlike layer on top of this cake. Make sure the fruit is packed snugly in the pan; it will shrink and lose volume as it bakes.

Hello Kitty Pumpkin

2011-10-14T13:53:00.011-05:00

Happy Hello Kitty Halloween!

Step 1 - Outline and white paint. While still wet, sprinkle white irridescent glitter!

Step 2 - Paint red bow and yellow nose. Add more glitter! Red and Gold!

Step 3 - Paint black eyes and whiskers. Add, you guesed it - black glitter!

Step 4- Pink paint around face and rest of pumpkin. Don't forget lots of pink glitter!!

---The glitter I used was from Art-C. Michael's had it on clearance for $2.49. (Hobby Lobby also carries them, too - around $5. Which is still a great deal considering the cool colors they have, and you can use that 40% coupon when it appears.) Three cute little .28 ounce cork-topped glass bottles with a twine string around the top. It is really designated for mixed media/ATC Artist Trading Cards, but the fine glitter worked just fine on a pumpkin! I originally bought them not only to ultimately use, but display a line of them all in a row for something pretty and sparkly to look at in my sewing room.

---The paints were Apple Barrel Gloss White 20621, Dandelion 20646, Real Red 20636 and Pink Blush 20631. The black was Folk Art Metallic Sequin Black 661.

---This post was also featured in Thirty Handmade Days and Creative Every Day and is also on Google Images.

Thursday Tea Time

2011-10-13T18:43:00.004-05:00

This week - Oregon Chai "The Original Chai Tea"

Cost: $3.29 at Kroger

Number of teabags: 20

Caffeine: Yes

Type of tea: Black

Steeping time: 5 minutes

Add ins: A little bit of fat free condensed milk

Teabag fragrance: Ginger-Cinnamon

Ingredients: Assam black tea, ground--ginger root, clove bud, cardamon seed, Cassia (cinnamon) bark, anise seed

Opinion: I liked the idea of anise seed in a chai, and I also had liked Oregon Chai's Dreamscape Herbal Chai. (click here for review). Now I like both! Similar, but just different enough to be able to enjoy for different moods and different times of the day.

Rating: 4

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

2011-10-13T11:38:00.002-05:00

The Go-Go's - "Head Over Heels" - 3:38

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

2011-10-12T19:32:00.002-05:00

October 16/22 - Moonlight Madness
99 cent McCall's
50% off all thread -includes multipacks!

October 27/29
$1.99 Butterick
$3.99 Vogue

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

2011-10-10T16:03:00.000-05:00

Sister Hazel - "Stay Awhile" - 4:00

Whimper...!

2011-10-09T13:47:00.002-05:00

What a mess!!

True That!

2011-10-09T08:05:00.000-05:00

This was on the cutting table at Texas Art Supply. How true!