“50 shades of grey” cooking

4 / 3 / 14

food is fun Cooking is one of those things that seems, at first, to be pretty black and white. You either love to cook, or you don’t. However… After much deep thought, I have come to the conclusion that most of us are actually quite grey on this matter. On one extreme we have the “food network” gurus, restaurant chefs, food bloggers… At the other end we have the folks who still have the factory tape sealing their oven door, as well as telephone numbers for every local take out on their speed dial. Where does that leave the rest of us? Some shade of grey. So – where do you fall?

Personally – I really enjoy cooking; provided I am not rushed. Cooking, for me, is an act of love. I am focused on the person, or persons, for whom I am cooking. I want to be in the moment and enjoy the entire process. A little music, a little wine… (RELAX! I’m talking about dinner! Mimosas are for making breakfast, silly!!)

OK – CONFESSION: I do not clean up as I go. Yep. It’s true. I make a MESS!! None of this cooking show stuff where everything is premeasured in little bowls and things get cleaned up during the commercial break. When I am done cooking, there isn’t an inch of (clean) counter space anywhere!! The good news? I have acquired quite a collection of happy little aprons. (They keep the food from getting stuck in my sequin dress while I’m cooking – wink, wink) Hey. What can I say. Creativity is messy!

I love to read cookbooks and try new recipes that intrigue me. I recently purged ~~rather unsuccessfully~~, however – so I’m down from “a lot” to…say… something less than “a lot”? OK – Lies. I still have a lot.

Some are stacked decoratively, some are stashed inconspicuously… but they are all scattered about. Here and there. To and fro. They are a part of me; they illicit memories and provide inspiration. One of the ~~weird~~ things that I really enjoy is the challenge of creating a meal with what I have on hand. Lucky for me, my family LOVES (most) food, and they support my creative culinary experimentation. They accept the fact that some dishes are going to be amazing, and others… well… not so much.

So if you are feeling a little “light grey”… perhaps it’s time to just throw caution to the wind and experiment a bit. You DO have an inner creative self. Everyone does. Don’t be afraid to go there. Baby steps. Fall in love with a beautiful new cookbook. Take a “hands on” cooking class. Watch (my fav show) “The Chew”. Peruse Pinterest boards for inspiration. There are NO RULES… Just. Have. Fun.

my “lovely” friend; alice

4 / 2 / 14

One of my favorite posts, definitely worth a reblog. I’m thinking about you today, Alice… Happy Birthday, my dear friend xoxo

dreaming of the eiffel tower

4 / 1 / 14

I had the most wonderful dream last night. I was in Paris celebrating the 125th birthday of the Eiffel Tower. Problem. The Eiffel Tower was actually “born” on March 31, 1889. This morning I awakened to the realization that it was April 1st. Could it be that my invitation had gotten lost in the mail? Please say it isn’t so! An April Fools joke perhaps? Oh – I think not. It was just too real.

“…We welcomed the sunrise seated at little bistro tables nestled under the Eiffel Tower with champagne and French pastries. I wore my delicate little pink dress and my favorite pink shoes that I meticulously packed in a tiny pink suitcase. (After all, we were just there for the day, Silly!)

~~It being a dream~~, I spoke in soft whispers (wink, wink), my French fluent and flawless. There was beaucoup de célébrer (much celebrating), laughter and beautiful music everywhere. As evening descended upon us, we toasted from the top of the Eiffel Tower as the sun melted into darkness. The Tower, ablaze with tiny white twinkle lights…”

As for a birthday present; well, I did not forget about you, my friends! I brought you back an incredible gift that I know you will absolutely LOVE! An exciting and interactive 360 panorama of Paris and the Eiffel Tower (in high definition). “Breathtaking details and amazing views” (Eiffel tower website). The Eiffel Tower from above, below, at sunset, over the city of Paris, identifying famous landmarks… Honestly – it really is pretty amazing. Click on the link above (where it says “360”) and enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris (Yes – There is even music!) Ooo La La – Enjoy!!

Ok – So I need to put this dream behind me and deal with reality. I’m starting to sound like the little boy on “The Polar Express”. I just feel so distracted. Hmmm… Now where in the heck did I leave my favorite pink shoes…

farm fresh eggs

3 / 31 / 14

There is something so magical about a farm fresh egg.

Years ago I saw a documentary on the egg industry and chicken farms. I am not here to do a post on PETA, but the cruelty and inhumane conditions were absolutely deplorable. From that moment on, I vowed to spend the extra little bit of cash on cage free eggs; not perfect, but better than doing nothing… and, more importantly, to buy farm fresh whenever possible!!

OK – That being said (whew!), back to the “magic“. We are so blessed to know someone who actually raises chickens AND fresh eggs… unfortunately over 100 miles away, however! I have been the recipient of these amazing eggs from time to time; most recently was about a week ago when I was gifted with about 2 ½ dozen! (Thanks, Kathy!) Look at that pic (above) – Aren’t they just beautiful??? The little brown speckled one is my favorite… The real beauty of these eggs, however, cannot be seen until you crack them open. Oh my – The yolks are the most BEAUTIFUL golden yellow that you have ever seen in an egg! To see this is to know how healthy and happy these lucky little chickies are!! “Our chickens are truly free range. They cross the road and climb on hay bails and eat bugs all day. They’re very happy chickens!” (Quote from the family) And that, my friends, is what I meant by “magic“!!!

Upon receiving this delicious gift, we started incorporating eggs into breakfast, lunch AND dinner!! One of our favorite (new) recipes was one that I found online at “Food and Wine” called “Shrimp, Asparagus & Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce”. One word: DELISH!

We had it for dinner one night with a simple salad (the hubbie loved it too!) and then I poached more eggs separately for the leftover shrimp & sauce and we enjoyed it for breakfast the next day. Not exactly sure how to poach an egg? No worries. Click on this link – How to poach an egg – and Clinton Kelly from “The Chew” (my fav show!) will walk you through it. Super duper simple! (NOTE: When watching the video, make note of what he says about the eggs!!)

So whether it’s farm fresh eggs, a roadside stand selling strawberries and corn, your local farmers market with fresh honey and homemade bread or your local retail small business shops…. PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL whenever possible – It’s definitely a win-win-win!!!

cowgirl music

3 / 30 / 14

I’ve gotta be honest here. The journey to discovering my “inner cowgirl spirit” was not exactly an overnight metamorphosis. Not even close.

Part One: Cowgirl Boots

It was nineteen (gulp!) eighty; American Government class. He wore flannel shirts and cowboy boots. Not to mention, the occasional cowboy hat. Hmmm… Cute. REALLY cute. But not my type (to be continued…)

Part Two: Cowgirl Music

Fast forward almost thirty years. My son is nearing the end of high school and starts listening to country music a bit. Really?? To my surprise – the more I listened, the more I liked it. Now, six/seven years later – it’s my “go to” when I turn on the stereo. It makes me HAPPY. As a “convert”, rather than someone who was born and raised a country girl, I have to tell you that I really didn’t understand country music. At all. Basically because I never tried. Not my thing. I assumed it was all just a bunch of “down on my luck” lyrics, twangy banjos and red-neck guys with no teeth. Ummm… ladies?? Listen up here. As for that last part; you know; the “guys with no teeth” thingie? A few words for you to ponder – Tim, Luke, Blake, Kenny, Brad, Darius, Zac… Let’s just say that they all DEFINITELY have good teeth!! Nuff said. As for lyrics – When was the last time that you listened to a song that had MEANING; That told a story? That mattered? Country music embraces life, love, heartbreak, joy, our country, our families. Things that Really. Do. Matter. Country music makes you FEEL something. Happy. Sad. Nostalgic. Romantic… Don’t believe me? Fine. Don’t take my word for it. I’ve got links to a few songs below (Yep – The guys with the “good teeth”… wink, wink!) So click away and see whatcha think??

“History In The Making” Darius Rucker “It’s Your Love” Tim & Faith) McGraw “While He Still Knows Who I Am” Kenny Chesney “Sweet Annie” Zac Brown Band “Drink a Beer” Luke Bryan (Live 2013 CMA Awards) “Doin’ What She Likes” Blake Shelton (watch till the end!) “She’s Everything” Brad Paisley

Another GREAT idea… Tune in to the 49th ACM (Academy of Country Music) Awards (in VEGAS!) next Sunday night on CBS (April 6, 2014). And more good news…”BLUKE is back!!” For you newbies… That is code for “Blake (Shelton) and Luke (Bryant) are hosting again this year!!” YAY!! The bad news? I will, unfortunately, NOT be there in person (insert sad face!) Can you just imagine…?? The ACM Awards LIVE at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas!!!!! Oh my. Definitely on my BUCKET LIST! Maybe next year… for the 50th celebration…?? Hey, a girl can dream; Right??? Anyway – back to our family room, where we will actually be tuning in. (This year, anyway). Honestly – It’s like a free concert on TV!! The hubbie and I turn the surround sound on, pour a glass of wine and settle in for a little country music R&R. Grab your cowgirl boots and your PJ’s and pull up a spot. The concert’s about to begin…

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZGfJVlUuKo&w=560&h=315]

my little girl

3 / 28 / 146 / 4 / 17

I woke up one week ago, on a Thursday morning, with a lump in my throat.

It had been a long, sleepless night; so many thoughts rolling around in my heart; so many memories. Sesame Street and tea parties. Beanie Babies and Disneyworld. Time had flown by so very quickly. Like a blur, really. An “over-the-top” happy, wonderful, “I am blessed” kind of blur. I stumbled out of bed hoping that coffee might clear the brain fog. Thought of the day: Reality is overrated. The truth is, I much prefer a world of happy disillusionment (is that even a word?). My baby is growing up. Her first day of first grade. Kindergarten was hard enough, but first grade would be all day. What would I do without her? She had laid out her clothes the night before and her backpack was waiting near the door. Her bedroom door opened and down she came, so ready to greet the day ahead. She looked so beautiful. So grown up. The coffee was strong, and the fog was starting to lift. Or was it…?? My eyes tried to focus on the “Tweety Bird” backpack sitting by the door, but my vision was blurred. Wait. Was that actually a leather briefcase and a name badge? I blinked. I blinked again. Hard. A single tear rolled down my cheek…

My little girl was all grown up, and headed out for her first day in the business world. A “big girl job”!! It was HER day. A day she deserved; a day she had EARNED. As a little girl, we always said she was our feisty little tiger – and she still is. It has served her well over the years. When life threw obstacles in her path, she never let them get the best of her. She rose to the challenge each and every time, and slayed the dragon. That girl of mine is one tough cookie, let me tell you! She is smart, determined, personable and one heck of a hard worker. As her mom, we traveled much of that road together. The ups, and the downs. She has taught me much about life. And love. And happiness. Today I stand in awe of the woman she has become. I am blessed to be her mom. “A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present and the hope and promise of the future.” – Author unknown

Little girl in a pink tutu with a sassy little spirit… or a beautiful young woman in “business casual” with a confident smile?

I guess for me, she will always be both.

This beautiful song is for my mother, daughter, and someday, perhaps, my daughter’s daughter… with love xo

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLS0Y40WwlA&w=420&h=315]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLS0Y40WwlA

live happy

What happens here; stays here.

3 / 19 / 14

(This was previously published on my former blog July 28, 2011. Do the math. Yes – we ARE older now…)

OK – so there’s that whole Vegas thing… You know – the “what happens here stays here” thingie.

So my husband and I recently turned 50 and our kids were turning 21 (Yep – they be twins). Huge family milestones; right? Now we all know that there is no better city on the planet for turning 21… at least that’s the general consensus of those who are actually turning 21. If you fall into that 50-something range… well, let’s just say that napping is a requirement. Seriously. And I …can’t…nap. “Houston – we have a problem”.

What a city, though. Wow. Where else can you visit a New York deli, stroll the cobblestone streets of Paris and dine by candlelight next to the gondolas in Italy – all in the course of a day. And then there’s the cocktail. There are literally people with cocktails in their hand 24 hours a day. We were up until 3:00 or 4:00 AM every morning; and everywhere you looked during those wee hours… there were cocktails. After a “full night’s sleep” of approximately 3-4 hours (See “nap requirement” above), we would manuever our way down the hallway towards the elevator around 7:00 AM for coffee; only to see people stumbling out of the elevator – cocktail in hand. Guess they decided it was finally time for a little “shut-eye“. We gambled. Well, actually, THEY gambled (the boys). I’m way too cheap for that. We (the girls) had a cocktail. We walked the streets and “people watched” (Oh my, my, my…some FANTABULOUS people watching!). They gambled. We shopped. We hit the pool. We all had another cocktail. We watched as the Bellagio fountains performed their mesmerizing dance to the crooning sound of Mr. Las Vegas himself – my man – Frank Sinatra. Pure magic, I tell you. We all had a cocktail. They gambled. We saw two “shows” – the “Blue Man Group” (fantastic!) and David Spade. They gambled. We all had a cocktail. Three full days. In Vegas time, that equals about four years.

Perhaps it was the constant bright, flashing lights, the relentless “ding, ding, ding, DING, WHISTLE, DING…” of the almost 200,000 slot machines (Thank you, “Ask Jeeves”), or the delicious “Pineapple Chipotle Margarita” (complete with Chipotle hot sauce!) that I was sipping from the “Rhumba Bar”…… but I started having “flashbacks”. My BABIES were turning into ADULTS!!! What?? How did that happen? It suddenly felt like I had blinked…and time had somehow passed me by. Kind of like a “Sleeping Beauty” kind of thing… minus the “beauty” part and that feeling of a really good night’s sleep. “Someone bring me another cocktail. NOW!” And then something suddenly occurred to me. Nothing had passed me by. I have enjoyed every part of the past 21 years. (fine print…OK – Let’s be honest. Some more than others.) As a family, we have filled our hearts, until they are overflowing, with memories on top of memories – and they are a part of us. They are what binds the four of us together – and no-one, and nothing, can every take that away. Those memories belong to us… and only us. It was then that I realized that we were in the perfect place to celebrate their 21st birthday. As a family, we have LIVED the “Las Vegas mantra” our entire life… “What happens here (in our hearts); stays here.”

And so at 12:00 midnight, Vegas time, 2:00 AM Kansas City time (by chance – the exact time they were born), we toasted their transition into adulthood… “21”; with all the joy and pride in the world. We laughed. We remembered. We reminisced.

Cheers to you, Vegas. “What happens here, stays here.”

creatively comforting

12 / 13 / 13

There are days when we are just not meant to go outside. This morning seemed like one of them.

Around 8:30 AM, my daughter let the dogs out for their morning potty. The steps to the front porch and the sidewalk were a solid sheet of ice. One of the dogs could not make it back up the two brick steps of the front porch, so my daughter ventured out, slowly and cautiously, to attempt a rescue. In the process, she managed to strain every muscle in her back and arms attempting NOT to fall! OUCH! We decided, at that point, that the second dog was on her own to ~~make it~~ skate back inside. We stood at the door and watched her, opening the door every 30 seconds or so, to holler ~~HURRY UP!~~ words of encouragement… It was at this point that my neighbors garage door across the street went up. He started backing up, in a straight line, as one would normally do. As his tires hit the driveway, however, we watched, in slow motion, as his car proceeded to slide down the driveway sideways, half on the driveway, half in the front yard… landing in the street, facing the wrong way. It was at this point that I made the decision to forego my morning plans of a trip to the grocery store for dinner. Nope. I would simply make some sort of (delicious) concoction out of what we had on hand. Let those creative juices flow, baby….

About an hour later, I went to the refrigerator to evaluate what I had to work with here. Now those of you who know me well know that I really do love this game. I love the challenge of taking what I have leftover and making it into something. Edible. The problem comes in when you try to play this game two nights in a row. Last night I made some pasta and used up the chicken breasts and the last of the kale… so they were no longer options. I stood there for quite awhile… pondering the “hodge-podge” of what was left in the refrigerator. We had the last of a honey bake ham, leftover whole wheat pasta from last night, a bit of chicken broth, 2 avocados and some carrots. Hmmm…

My daughter and I eat dairy free, so creamy sauces are usually a no-no. However… there is more than one way to skin a cat – Right? (Just realized what a horrible saying that is! Ewww…! Who made that up; and why??) So the avocados went into the food processor along with a little chicken broth and a splash of dairy free milk. Voila – dairy free “creamy sauce”. I cut the remaining ham into small pieces, tossed in a large bowl along with the leftover pasta, the avocado sauce and a jar of one of my very favorite “staples” from Trader Joe’s, the tomato Bruschetta. Now it was time for a little taste test. The result? Creamy and delicious!! Definitely a “thumbs up”!!! Did you think that I forgot about the carrots? Didn’t. I’m going to oven roast those with a little garlic and rosemary when we are warming up the pasta tonight. (Don’t you just LOVE the smell of garlic??)

Good news: As it ends up, the perfect “comfort food” kinda meal for an icy cold winter day… We are gonna snuggle in for a toasty night by the fire with a glass of red wine and a movie classic… Either “White Christmas” or “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

Bad news: Tonight’s weather update – It’s supposed to start snowing here soon, and continue through most of the night. (More) Bad news: After two nights in a row of “creative refrigerator concoctions”, we are down to 4 eggs, almond butter, hummus and half of an apple. Let’s face it – If we get snowed in… we’re screwed.

london bound…?

10 / 9 / 13

Many of you already know that the hubbie and I lived in London for two years… back in the dark ages. Actually, it was 1986-1988. Same thing. I had a friend who recently went to London with her family and she asked if I had any suggestions as to what to do, where to go… Wow. That’s a big question. There is just SO MUCH to see and do… and everyone has a different “wish list” for what they hope to get out of their trip. Anyway, for what it’s worth, I made a list of suggestions – and although it was random, she said that it helped. (To see my friend, Dawn’s “recap” of her London trip, click here… A Glimpse of London)

Someone else asked me about London just the other day. They were, also, thinking of heading over to see the queen in the near future. I’m sure it’s quite challenging to work around her schedule. No. I’m kidding. I don’t know anyone who personally rubs shoulders with the queen. But I’m 99% sure that I was standing right next to David Cassidy in a London post office once. This highly engaging fact, however, only has relevance if you read my previous post – “music memories”. Anyway – It made me think that there might be others who might actually benefit from my infinite wisdom and extraordinary insight when it comes to playing the part of a London tourist… Ya. Right. OK – perhaps you know someone who is leaving tomorrow and they need to be punished for procrastinating. Regardless of the circumstances, here it is… in all it’s glory. “The List“. Hope it helps. Someone; somewhere…

Double decker buses (top level… great wind factor!! Ha!) Best way to take an initial overall tour of the city!!
“The Tube” – For day-to-day travel, the underground (“the tube”) is super easy to navigate and the best way to get from point A to point B. At some point, tho, a taxi ride in one of the old fashioned taxis is a must!!
Afternoon Tea – My #1 fav thing to do in England… SO many options, from super, duper fancy (think “The Ritz”) to comfy casual (Think a “bed & bath” somewhere in the English countryside). I’m pretty sure that my” last meal” would include scones with clotted cream & jam…
Leicester Square – Great place to buy ½ price theatre tickets for that day
Speakers Corner (@ Marble Arch) – People go here to speak publicly about anything & everything. Have anything you wanna get off your chest??
Indian Food – a “must try”; They are every corner!! A few good things to try for your first experience (very mild) – “Chicken Korma”, “Chicken Tikka Masala”, “Nan”. In a word… Yum.
“Harrods” (Knightsbridge)– a must see!! An entire city block in one store. Don’t miss the food halls downstairs!
“Fortnum & Mason” – Another taste of British life is that is like a grocery store on steroids!! (Piccadilly Circus or Green Park) An easy walk from Piccadilly Circus.
Piccadilly Circus – As close to “Times Square” in NY as you’re gonna get here… Very crazy & crowded but lots of people like to photograph
Trafalgar Square – Another big tourist stop for photos… Feeding the pigeons (yuck!) Walking distance from Buckingham Palace!
Covent Garden – An old fruit & veggie market… now full of shops, open air market, street entertainers… Check online to see if there is a schedule or anything. Cute unique little shops in the surrounding area as well. This is a good place for pics & gifts to take home.
Hyde Park – huge & beautiful!
“Kings Road”/Sloane Square (Clelsea area) – Used to be very young, trendy area (shops) & your best chance to get a punk rocker photo!
“Boots” – This is the store you need to look for if you need any “stuff”… Like a Walgreens or CVS on steroids! They call a drugstore a “chemist”; just in case you have to ask for one!
“the loo” – Ask for this if you need a “potty”!!!
Pics… Big Ben, St. Pauls, Tower of London (they do a gross tour that might appeal to the men/boys… lots of gory stuff!), Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey (You will go past all of these on double decker tour, which gives you a feel for the layout of the city & let’s you make notes of areas to go back to!)

Enjoy – and give that beautiful city a great big juicy hug from a “not so secret” admirer… xoxo

live happy

musical memories

10 / 3 / 13

I’m so excited…!! The hubbie and I are headed for the Blake Shelton concert tonight – WooHoo!!!! For those of you who are all, like, “Blake WHO??” Country singer. Also on the TV show, “The Voice”. Anyway – I am ready to break in my new “cowgirl boots”, y’all! OK… wait. I’m not from the south, am I? Nope. Born and raised in St. Louis. We never said y’all. And, by the way, it’s “soda“… not “pop“. Never mind. Point of the story – I like country music…!! It is, in fact, my current favorite style of music; my “go to“. Now it wasn’t always this way ~~y‘all.~~ Honestly, I have to say that I really enjoy almost all types of music, really. There are, however, exceptions…!

It all started with “The Partridge Family” and (xoxoxo) David Cassidy. Ya. DEFINITELY love. The teen years were all about REO Speedwagon and Styx. Oh ya – And “Stairway to Heaven”… right??? The “slow dance” at the end of every high school event. Ha! College was all over the board – a little of this, a little of that. What can I say – It was the 70’s/80’s. Then when we lived in London, I got hooked on classical music as well as the soundtracks from “The Phantom of the Opera” (including Michael Crawford) and “Les Miserables“.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been a fan of what I lovingly call, “cocktail music“; my “go to” on a Friday night with a glass of wine… Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Nora Jones… I love Christmas music and “spa” music; Nat King Cole and Josh Groban. I love “Kermit the Frog” singing “It’s Not Easy Being Green” and “The Rainbow Connection”. Might also add that the “John Denver & the Muppets Christmas CD”… it rocks.

Some of my current favorite country artists are Zac Brown Band (Oh my gosh – AMAZING concert!!!), Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker and, of course, Blake Shelton. And here’s a little trivia for ya – my sweet hubbie, in a cowboy hat… when he doesn’t shave and gets kinda scruffy… looks an awful lot like Tim McGraw. Yep. Not too shabby. Just sayin’… I will try to get a pic one of these days. We will do a split screen. In the meantime, a little music from my buddy, Blake. It’s one of his songs that you may not have heard much, but one of my favs – Hoping to hear it tonight… “Do You Remember“