Stella's Mom

2 Days

2011-06-13T09:35:00.004-04:00

Thats right, I said 2 days. I have 2 more days of work this week and SCHOOL IS OUT!!!!

Happy Monday everyone. I just thought I'd share this information with you.

XOXO

Olive

2011-06-09T21:44:00.016-04:00

Just a little update on this little girl. She came home on February 14, 2011, Valentine's Day, at around 11 weeks old. I know, she looks big....because she was. She was too big to sell as a puppy, but not to my daughter. She really wanted a puppy.

And I wanted a grand baby.

First day out of her crate of her whole life.

Can barely walk on the outside.

Discovering the human touch.

Discovering her new human and new surroundings.

Getting bigger and learning kisses.

Trying to pose and sit still, discovering how big she is "not".

This was tonight. Still a baby at around 6 1/2 months old. Yes, I'm babysitting. So what's the big deal? I have a horrible summer cold~~what else am I gonna' do?

She looks really calm right now, but she was out of control! So I spanked her and put her to bed. NOT.

Have a great weekend!

XOXO

Happy World Oceans Day

2011-06-08T09:55:00.007-04:00

Today is National World Oceans Day, so I decided to post some beautiful pictures to honor this day. There are some gorgeous creatures out in the massive waters!

Happy Hump Day too! I hope your having a wonderful week. Hot, hot, hot here. Near 100 degrees here today and tomorrow! Would love to be at the ocean right now.

XOXO

Graduation Treat

2011-06-02T16:26:00.004-04:00

With all of the graduations going on, I thought this was a perfect treat to make and bring along if you are going to a party. Not only are they so simple to make, they are also cute! I was also thinking chocolate covered graham crackers would be good if you didn't want to use the thin mints. Either one would be delicious!

24 Servings

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

25 25

Ingredients

24 miniature peanut butter cups
1 tube (6 ounces) decorating frosting in color of your choice
24 After Eight thin mints
24 milk chocolate M&M's in color of your choice or 24 semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Remove paper liners from peanut butter cups; place upside down on waxed paper. Place a small amount of frosting on each peanut butter cup; center a mint on each. Using frosting, make a loop for each cap's tassel. Place an M&M on top of each loop. Yield: 2 dozen

Have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO

Hi again

2011-06-01T09:42:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! I'm back to work today after a nice long weekend to say Happy Summer. It certenly was very warm around here this weekend. I consider the 90's summertime! I've been slacking around here lately and have a feeling it won't be getting much better. I do, how ever, have some pics to post when I get a chance. Have a great week and don't work too hard!!

XOXO

Hello

2011-05-23T13:19:00.003-04:00

Just sneaking a break at work to stop by and say hello to all of my cyber friends. It is a very gloomy Monday here, and I think it is suppose to continue to be nasty the rest of the week. Weather sure does play a big part in your mood. Not much to post on, as all of my pictures are on my home computer. Have a wonderful week, and will see you soon!

XOXO

Taco Soup

2011-05-14T20:04:00.003-04:00

I cannot begin to tell you how delicious this soup is. I know it seems like there are a lot of ingredients, but really it is just a lot of opening and dumping....soooo easy! I used organic ground turkey, but you can use whatever you prefer. I also added a block of cream cheese, which made it over-the-top creamy and decedent. This makes a nice big pot of soup, and everyone loved it! If you like any kind of Mexican food, PLEASE try this. It is one of those recipes that you can add or delete what you like.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onions
2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chiles
2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chiles
1 (4.6-ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced, optional
1/2 cup green olives, sliced, optional
1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
Corn chips, for serving
Sour cream, for garnish
Grated cheese, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Pickled jalapenos, for garnish

Directions

Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, black olives, green olives, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, green onions and jalapenos.

Let me know what you think!

XOXO

Recipe adapted from Paula Dean

Cheers!

2011-05-12T15:06:00.000-04:00

Ingredients

1 cup white-cranberry juice
4 ounces vodka
2 ounces Cointreau

Directions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add cranberry juice, vodka, and Cointreau. Shake to combine well. Strain into two large martini glasses. Serve immediately.

I thought this cosmo was not only pretty and easy, but sounds delicious!
Had a very busy week this week, but just wanted to say hi and have a great Friday! Now I have to run out to get some white-cranberry juice!

XOXO

P.S. This cocktail is from Martha Stewart

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T16:21:00.004-04:00

I just want to wish all of you Amazing Mother's out there a very Happy Mother's Day. I hope your day was special in every way.
I'm back from my trip to Kansas City, and had a wonderful time!

I will see you later in the week with some wedding pictures.

XOXO

Happy Monday

2011-04-25T08:08:00.005-04:00

Good Monday morning to you. I really need to get cracking today and start packing! I leave at 5:00a.m. Wednesday morning for Kansas City. I have so much to do, but I will try not to stress. Grocery shopping, laundry, pack, make arrangements for Stella, etc...My niece Megan is getting married to her long time beau, Cory. I'm so excited for her, and can't wait to see all my family! I will get pictures to share with you.

This is Megan, (on left) a few years ago down at the shore, and my sister Susie. She (Susie) told me as soon as I land, I will be glued to her hip as her personal assistant. I told her I will help as much as I can. Hopefully, most of it is in place since the wedding is on Saturday!
Have a wonderful week if I don't see you before I leave. I am NOT bringing my computer with me this time.

XOXO

Hoppy Easter

2011-04-23T09:24:00.005-04:00

Just passing through to wish all my friends and family a very Happy Easter!!

Stella sends her love too.
Have a wonderful weekend and stop on over to the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop to meet some new furry friends!

XOXO

Happy Earth Day

2011-04-22T12:53:00.003-04:00

Happy Earth Day and Friday too!
I hope everyone has a glorious weekend.

XOXO

Happy Birthday

2011-04-21T13:20:00.006-04:00

I want to wish my sweet little Stella a very Happy 6th Birthday today.

I also want to wish her brother Teddy a Happy Birthday too. They have been a joy to have around and I couldn't imagine my life without them in it.

I hope everyone is having a great week, and ready for a nice holiday. The weather is starting to cooperate around here, and I only wish it would stay this way. I have been busy the last few weeks. Oh hell--who am I kidding? I have been busy the last 20 years! Spring break started today for me and I'm loving it so far, feeling relaxed for the moment.
Any big plans for you this week? I'm heading to Kansas City next Wednesday for my niece's wedding and I can't wait!
Have a great day!!

XOXO

Jack

2011-04-13T09:35:00.002-04:00

"J" is for Jack....as in Jacked Up! I totally messed up this A-Z Challenge by posting K before J. Silly me. I have been so busy lately, and this silly game I'm playing isn't going the way I had planned. I hate to be a quitter, so I will try and continue. I won't be committing a sin if it doesn't work out, will I?

Anyway, Happy Hump Day! I hope you all are having a nice week. Rainy and gloomy here.

XOXO

Kitchen

2011-04-10T20:26:00.015-04:00

The "K" word of the day is Kitchen! I totally skipped the "I" on Sunday--too busy. I apologize in advance for all of the pictures, but I wanted to show you all of the long awaited progress. There is still a lot to finish up, knobs and handles, some trim work, etc...And the rest of the house just got painted, so it is all in disarray. Remember the kitchen above? I sure do.

I got my dream double oven. My husband made me think it just couldn't happen, but on Christmas he surprised me by giving me the drawings. I already used them twice this weekend, and I love them! Clams casino in the bottom while a chicken was roasting in the top oven.

Also love the new stove top! High heat burners, griddle, and grill.

Lots and lots of storage, something I had none of in the old kitchen. I'm in Heaven.

Beautiful tile floor.

Now the frig is a funny story. We got this on e-bay and it is a BIG beautiful Thermador. Wasn't cheap either. It took 4 big guys to get it in. This is my nephew helping my husband.

Isn't it beautiful? NOT! It arrived without any panels or handles! It is suppose to be all stainless steel. Evidently, we can either get stainless or wood to match the cabinets. It came with neither. So this is waiting to be resolved with the seller. In the mean time, it does get really cold and has a great freezer.

Love my new counter tops. Can't really tell by these pictures, but the colors are really pretty.

A shot from our new entrance. Where I am standing, there is a huge window and table behind me. I'll show you that later.

Another shot, you can look into the living room now.

Freshly painted dining room and living room.

Looking into the kitchen from the dining room. So there you have it----A preview of my new kitchen. I really love it a lot and can't wait until everything is finished and all put back together! I hope you all had a nice weekend and are ready for a new week! XOXO

I'm....

2011-04-09T10:18:00.002-04:00

"I'm" too busy today to make a quality post today, so that is my I word for the day. (Just being honest). Trying to move everything back into the new kitchen and clean. Will not be done this weekend, but I'm getting a good running start! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and I'll be back soon.

XOXO

Help Me Ronda

2011-04-07T23:55:00.004-04:00

"H" is for Help! Help me get through this kitchen renovation! I got down here today (Thursday) and there is soooo much to be done! It will look so nice when you see it. I hope I get the chance to show you the progress tomorrow. What you see here is what it was, kitchen door to the left, refrigerator and wall to the right. That is it. In the mean time--Happy Friday!!

XOXO

"G" is for Giraffe

2011-04-06T21:02:00.007-04:00

Don't ask me why, but I have always loved Giraffes. I just think they are a beautiful animal. Every time I went to the Zoo growing up, the first animal I wanted to see was the Giraffe.

They are so unique, and pretty I think.

And seem loving and caring too.

Sometimes even a little goofy and oh so cute!

They really make me smile.

I hope everyone is having a nice week. I'm heading down to Maryland after work today, so I hope I don't break this ABC Challenge, which is becoming a challenge itself! I thought how easy it would be, and it is. It's just the daily posting every morning can get tough when you have to go to work. I think from now on, I might be posting the night before during this silly game!

Have a great day!!

XOXO

"F" is for Family

2011-04-06T06:05:00.002-04:00

Family

I think about those I do not see,
Sensing that they too think of me.

So many miles I have strayed,
When I could have simply stayed.

Merely to expand the bond,
To make new memories far beyond.

Life's choices find us miles apart,
Ever close with the beat of my heart.

To relive in my minds eye,
Keeps them close and always near by.

Memories gathered from the start,
Forever alive within my heart.

My message is so simple and small.
Those three words most important of all,
I LOVE YOU!

*This is for my family members across the USA.

XOXO

Eco-Friendly

2011-04-04T23:40:00.011-04:00

The "E" word of the day is Eco-friendly. I try to do my best, in baby steps. I save plastic caps, water bottle, orange juice, etc...for a young cancer patient in Maryland. For every 1000, he gets one dose of chemo. I have started wrapping my food in wax paper before putting it in plastic baggies

because of all the crap in plastic. (I know, I sound crazy). I save all glass jars to store soup or sauces in. I try not to use non-stick skillets as much anymore. I'm lovin' those cast iron pots now! I TRY to buy Organic, whenever I can. (Luckily, my daughter has a boyfriend who is an Organic farmer)! I wish I owned 100,000 acres to make it my own. I just want this earth to live forever and ever!

Wouldn't you love to get a Eco-Easter basket?

How a bout' an Eco-house? Yes--that is what I want.

With a Eco-kitchen.

Then I could make Eco-cocktails for all of my friends, you included, ....

with Eco-snacks

in our Ec0-chairs.

Pretty cool visual, isn't it?

Not reality....although I do try!

XOXO

Dogs

2011-04-03T19:49:00.009-04:00

Hello and Happy Monday! My "D" word for the day is Dogs. As you all know, my love for dogs is over the moon and beyond. I was raised with Boxers most of my life. My last Boxer, Baily, left us about 6 years ago. Didn't get another because my daughter was allergic to pet dander. I was ready at that point for a little break from dogs.

Boxers are my all time favorite breed.

They are loyal, loving, protective, and best of all they are very good with children. Just big ol' marshmallows they are! Beautiful too.

Then one day my husband brings this little thing home. No dander and non-allergenic. Was never my favorite breed and it took me awhile to warm up to her. That was 5 years ago and I'm now putty in her paws.

When I look at her now, I am ashamed that for the first week or so that I didn't want her. Now I can't get enough of her! She is so damn sweet and well behaved! She is also the ultimate snuggler.

Stella also really loves hanging out with everyone. Hates to be alone.

Very social this little girl is.
If you didn't know already, you know now, my never ending love for dogs!

XOXO

Cooking

2011-04-03T09:42:00.008-04:00

"C" is for cooking. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to cook. For me it is therapeutic. I love looking at different food items or recipes and and thinking of what I can come up with.

I also love all tools and gadgets for the kitchen. There is something for everything out there, and I want them all!

Right now, my new kitchen is underway in Maryland and I can't wait. I might just have to move down there this summer. Hopefully it will be done by May.

I'm also getting all new appliances. The one I am most excited about is my double wall oven. It will come in handy when baking cookies, entertaining, and most of all, Thanksgiving!

This will NOT be happening in my new ovens!

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

XOXO

Beatles

2011-04-02T08:24:00.005-04:00

My "B" word today is The Beatles. I have loved them my entire life.

I bet everyone in this universe has one small memory associated with a Beatles song.

I know I have many.

I have too many to mention, but one of my favorite songs is Here,There and Everywhere.
What is yours?

I normally don't post on the weekends, but I started this challenge. What was I thinking?
Have a great weekend!!

XOXO

APRIL!!!!

2011-04-01T14:47:00.006-04:00

Hi there, Happy April Fool's Day, Happy Friday, and most of all Happy April!!
While driving in my car listening to my talk radio show, Dennis and Judi-New Jersey 101.5, I heard something about a April blog challenge, A to Z. Starting today, you would blog about something that starts with the letter A. Tomorrow would be the letter B and so on.
I chose "April". I have a feeling there will be a lot of this one. I am just so happy April is here. It is another step closer to summer!
Another "A" I would like to mention is that is it Autism Awareness Month. I chose this because I have a nephew with Autism and my daughter Amy teaches children with Autism.
I think this might be a fun challenge, give you something to blog about! I might think differently later, but for now I want to give it a try. I think it would be fun if you would do it with me. If you want to give it a try, click here and sign up! If you don't----then I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

XOXO

P.S. With this challenge you can post on anything...news, poetry, recipes, animals, gardening...etc.

Happy Hump Day!

2011-03-30T09:57:00.006-04:00

Just breezing through from work to say hi and Happy Hump Day!

I also want to say I will get to everyone's blogs soon. I haven't had time lately to even read a magazine!

Have a great day!

XOXO

Sushi night

2011-03-26T22:06:00.007-04:00

Hi all, hope all is well with you! Me....well, have been back and forth from here and Maryland working on the big kitchen renovation (in Md). It is going well and hopefully will be finished by the end of April. Tonight I had a wonderful dinner in Chestnut Hill, PA with my son.

This was the main course.

Just kidding.

But this was really good!

My son is a little more hard core than I am, but I do love sushi!
Start out with miso soup and you can't go wrong.

The shrimp tempura was soooo good! Great company, great town, whats not to love?

So how are things in your neck of the woods?

Spring is here, isn't it?

XOXO

Hi

2011-03-12T23:40:00.004-05:00

Just letting you all know that I'm not neglecting you, I just don't have Internet at my house right now. It will be about a week--according to Verizon.

I also want to say my heart and prayers are with anyone effected with the tragedy in Japan.

XOXO

Southwest Beef

2011-03-03T09:51:00.005-05:00

Slow-cooked BBQ beef wraps.

I found this recipe last week and I have to say, it is my new favorite! I slow cooked it in the oven with foil and a lid for 3 hours on 300 degrees. When it was done, I put the beef in a bowl to cool a bit, then shredded it with my fingers. I put the beef in a wrap with sour cream and fresh cilantro----Perfection! (I forgot the red onion)! Very simple ingredients too. The sauce is to die for! Check it out--you will LOVE it! I used a 3 pound rump roast. I found the recipe from
"Three Many Cooks".

Serve this pulled beef on its own, in warm sandwich buns with dill pickles or in flour tortillas with sour cream, cilantro sprigs, and chopped red onions for passing.

1 beef chuck roast (about 3 pounds)
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite-diced tomatoes
1 can (14 ounces) chicken broth
3 canned chipotle chiles in adobo, minced (optional)
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups your favorite sweet barbecue sauce

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low until meat is tender enough to shred, 6 to 8 hours. Remove meat from pot and shred when cool enough to handle. Transfer sauce to large saucepan; reduce to barbecue sauce thickness. Mix sauce with meat and warm stovetop or in the slow cooker.

Have a wonderful Weekend!!

XOXO

It's That Time Again

2011-03-01T12:37:00.014-05:00

The new 2011 lineup for this season:

Hines Ward, 34, American football player.

Chris Jerico, 40, WWE wrestler.

Sugar Ray Leonard, 54, retired boxer.

Petra Nemcova, 31, Supermodel

Kendra Wilkinson, 25, reality star and former Playboy Playmate.

Chelsea Kane, 22, Disney star.

Romeo, 21, rapper.

Mike Catherwood, 31, controversial radio personality.

Ralph Macchio, 49, actor. Remember Karate Kid?

Kirstie Alley, 60, actress.

And there we go--get your dancing shoes on!

XOXO

New Addition

2011-02-21T18:44:00.009-05:00

It's that time again, where I go MIA. I just need to step away, and take in my surroundings. It feels good.
Amy (we) got a new puppy. Her name is Olive. Amy rescued her from Lancaster, Pa from a cage in a woman's garage. She spent her whole 11 weeks in a cage. The reason I say "we" is because she leaves her at our house during the day--it is closer to her work so she can let her out at lunch. It has been a LONG time since I have had a puppy in this house. Lots of accidents!

This is her first day, and not sure what to do, poor baby. Amy got her on Valentines Day, last Monday.
She now LOVES the snow.

Getting to know me. She is a real sweetheart!

She is so docile and good, I just love her disposition! I forgot to say she is a Golden-doodle.

After 3 days, I'd say she was getting quite comfortable! A far cry from where she was a few days ago!

She sleeps like a rock!

Can you believe she is only 11 weeks old? She is going to be a horse!

Happy President's Day, and I hope all is well with everyone.
Have been busy in Maryland with the kitchen addition, should be done sometime in April. I cannot wait for Spring!

Peace Out

XOXO

Treats for your Sweet

2011-02-04T09:29:00.003-05:00

It's that time again! Getting close to Valentines Day, and what a better cookie to make than these. Totally delicious and easier than you think! Give them a try.

Linzer Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup, 2 sticks, butter
1 large egg
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups finely ground almonds
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
confectioners sugar

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add flour, salt, cinnamon and ground almonds to a large bowl and mix well with a whisk.

2. Cream butter and sugar in a stand mixer. Add egg, scrap down sides and mix again until well incorporated. Add vanilla and mix. Add flour mixture and mix, scrapping down sides until flour mixture is well incorporated.

3. Split cookie dough in half and refrigerate until well-chilled and firm. Roll out cookie dough to about 1/8 inch and then cut out cookies. At this point I freeze the dough for about 30 minutes, so it is very firm and I can cut them easier. Then cut cookies out of chilled and firm dough and transfer cookies to parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Let cookies cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then remove and let them cool completely. After cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon jam on cookie and make a sandwich. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

XOXO

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!

2011-02-02T08:32:00.006-05:00

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks.

Woke up this morning to 1/4 inch of ice! Roads, trees, wires, driveway....and I have to go to work. Wish me luck.

Let us pray that he leaves his burrow!!!! I can't take much more of this!

Have a great day!!

XOXO

Mother Nature

2011-01-26T11:47:00.007-05:00

She is rearing her ugly horns again today. We were only suppose to have a mix/slush this morning, then change to snow tonight. Well, I left for work and got about 1 mile and turned right around when a van spun and almost hit me head-on. It has done nothing but snow all morning! We will have a break around noon, then about 3:00p.m. another storm is suppose to bring us about 12 more inches. This is looking out my dining room door, we have about 6 inches so far.

Stella is NOT happy, but I have been very accommodating by shoveling about every hour for her!

SNOW!!

You know me, I just LOVE to be snowed in and cook!
On the menu today/night is steak with a mushroom gravy.

Along with these.

And this.

I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm. We still have February to get through. I hope it is kinder and gentler to us than January has been!

XOXO

Meyer Lemon Drop Martini

2011-01-19T14:35:00.002-05:00

Meyer Lemon Drop Martini
Adapted from Martha Stewart Living.
Serves 2

2 oz. simple syrup made with zest of 1 Meyer lemon (see below)
Juice of 2 Meyer lemons
3 oz. vodka

To make the simple syrup, combine 1 oz. water, 1 oz. sugar (measure in a cocktail jigger) and the lemon zest in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.

In a cocktail shaker, combine a handful of ice, the lemon juice, vodka and simple syrup. Shake vigorously and strain into 2 chilled martini glasses.

I don't care what the weather is like right now~this sounds delicious to me !
We are expecting another snow event tomorrow night and this just might be on my agenda for the evening!

XOXO

Winter Blahs

2011-01-18T12:09:00.005-05:00

This is what I woke up to this morning. Everything was covered in ice. It started snowing when I went to bed, then woke up to ice. Then it started freezing rain, now it is just cold and raining. It is one big slush-ball around here.

I have to admit it is pretty, I just can't wait until springtime! (Either can Stella)!

I hope you are all having a nice week so far, January seems to be flying by!

XOXO

Cookie Kick

2011-01-08T13:15:00.007-05:00

I have been on a cookie baking kick lately. Even though the holidays are over, I still want to keep baking cookies. This book is WONDERFUL. It is Gourmet's best recipes spanning from the year 1941-2009, and packed with delicious cookies! I bought it new on Amazon, and it arrived in no time.

These are the latest cookies I'm working on, Polish Apricot-Filled Cookies. What the hell, it has been snowing for 2 days, what else am I going to do? I go from oven to computer, and vise-verse.

And this book, I fell in love with the name alone! I saw this on Ina's blog and immediately had to have it! It also looks like it is pack with delicious, vintage recipes. I have a fetish for cookbooks, I must have at least 75-100. I guess you could say that I am a cookbook hoarder! I bought this here, used. I can't wait to read it.

Hope all is well with you all, and have a delicious weekend!
XOXO

More Snow & T.G.I.F.

2011-01-07T13:31:00.011-05:00

Happy Friday to all...more snow today, not much about 3 inches. More to come though in the next few days.

Stella checking out the fresh snow, and not a bit interested!

She would rather check out her own customized shoveled area she has.

(Ina, I know you have already seen these)!

Back inside and even more interested in her favorite toy!

Waiting for her treat, for being the sweet girl that she is.

Warm at last....sweet dreams!

Have a wonderful weekend whatever your plans are. I'm laying low and going to bake some more cookies!

XOXO

Hello

2011-01-04T10:22:00.003-05:00

This is just too cute not to share! I hope everyone's New Year is off to a stellar start. I was spoiled to have 10 days off of work and had to jump back in the saddle yesterday bright and early! So far so good, but already looking forward to Springtime!

XOXO

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-31T05:23:00.002-05:00

Winter Update

2010-12-28T20:38:00.013-05:00

Just a little update, not much going on lately since Thanksgiving. It has been cold and snowy this week, so Stella is ready to put her lambskin on and face the music. She is more of a sun goddess, so she is not too happy.

The day after Christmas, we took a drive down to Maryland to check on our kitchen renovations. We are in the beginning stages, so hopefully it will be done by the Spring. (weather permitting). This is just hours before the snowstorm. We were only here for about an hour, then drove home to get snowed in.

Here is the addition on our kitchen. The foundation is poured and the framework is started.

A mess right now, will keep you updated.

This is Pickle, he was a visitor we had for Christmas eve/Christmas day. Stella wasn't too happy in the beginning, but she started warming up to him when it was time for him to go home 24 hours later.

This is Pickle's owner, and Amy's friend Bob. Bob is very fond of Pickle, and vise verse!

Amy, Bob and Pickle. (Don't you just love that name)?

Christmas morning. We gave the kids Eagles tickets for Sunday night football. Don't you know it got snowed out! It got pushed up to Tuesday. It is the first time there has ever been a Tuesday night game since 1946!! So tonight they are at the game.

Christmas morning treats for the pups before I start making breakfast.

In between holidays, we went to my husbands niece's wedding. It was a nice night out and perfect because it was on a Friday night, so we still had Saturday to relax!

I hope everyone is enjoying the Holidays and I just want to wish each and everyone you

A Very Happy and Healthy New Year!!!!

XOXO

Happy Holiday Week

2010-12-18T19:24:00.004-05:00

Hello to all of my favorite girls in the world! (And men, yes, I mean you Neil & Nigel)! I have been on a long sabbatical, which you may or may not have noticed. It has been a long 2 months around here lately. I have to say that I am not done blogging, but I will be around when I can or feel like blogging. We are in the middle of a very big kitchen renovation/addition in Maryland and things are a little crazy right now. I am very excited to see the end results. Not to mention Christmas is a week away, and my husband's birthday is also on Christmas day (I keep reminding myself of this). My kitchen has been buzzing with about 6 different cookie recipes (double batches each), wrapping, and all of the other fun stuff at this time of year. I miss you all terribly and just wanted to say hellooooo! I hope this finds you all happy and ready for the Holidays!
I'll be back very soon to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

XOXO

Weekend re-cap

2010-11-07T18:50:00.010-05:00

Just a little update on my weekend. We got a lot of the family together and took my son John out for his 25th birthday dinner. Here he is with sister Amy.

Hubby and mother-in-law, waiting for the rest of the crew.

The gang is all here. My brother-in-law with his family. We went to a Brazilian steakhouse. They come around and carve all different meats at the table. Filet, lamb, prime rib, chicken, etc. Very large salad bar with everything you could imagine. Very nice and delicious place.

Dessert.

My son moved to Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia a few weeks ago. I just love this town, very old and historical. Everything is walking distance from his apartment. He is 2 blocks from Main Street. You name it, it is there. Starbucks, cheese shop, bakery, music store, Gap, sushi, hardware store, and the list goes on and on. Here we are at the local farmer's market.

Inside the farmer's market, waiting for lunch.

He moved into a little studio apartment on the 9th floor. This is the small kitchen galley and his front door. He also has a huge walk-in closet next to his bathroom.

Now remember, it is only a studio. Here is his new couch he bought with his bed behind it. He still has some kinks to iron out, like cords to his electronics and window treatments. All in all, he keeps it really neat and tidy!

This is his view from his windows. It looks out over Fairmount Park, very pretty.

I hope you all had a nice weekend. I must say, it was real nice getting that extra hour from daylight savings!!

XOXO

Stella here

2010-11-05T23:32:00.003-04:00

My mom had a glass of wine, so I thought I would say hello and I hope everyone has a very nice weekend. We had to turn the heat on around here this week, yucky weather. I hope she takes me out before she goes to bed tonight!

XOXO

Hello

2010-11-04T09:32:00.004-04:00

Just breezing by to say hello. I'm at work and would rather be anywhere else but here today. It is a complete WASHOUT today. Rain all day, through tonight.

I hope this little butterfly will bring some sunshine tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day today!

Hugs to all.
XOXO

Remember Me?

2010-10-23T20:36:00.008-04:00

First of all, here are some pictures of Mexico that I promised. We had a really nice time and it was really great to see my sister. I have had so much going on this month that I really haven't done much on the computer. I have to say I didn't miss it much either. The big news at the moment is my son moved out last week. I have been spending a lot of time getting him set up. He is almost there, just a few more things. He got a nice apartment in a high-rise in Chestnut Hill, one of my favorite places in Philadelphia. I will miss him terribly and I'm still trying to adjust to him being gone.

Here we are out to dinner. Me, sister Susie, friends Lori & Cheryl. We have known them since childhood and they live in Kansas City too.

The resort we stayed at was beautiful! My sister and I shared this room. All you had to do was walk out the sliding door and right into the pool! Very cool.

On the beach there were little huts of stuff people were selling. You can't really see the water, but it was blue and beautiful.

A volleyball game going on in one of the pools.

Here is a picture from the main lobby looking down to the grounds. Very, Very pretty!

Me and my sis waiting for the taxi to take us to the airport. Had a great time, but not so sure I want to go back to Mexico. The resort was wonderful, but when we went into town it was a little too shady for me. I'm just a big baby sometimes.
I hope you all are well, and I miss you all.

Go Phillies!

XOXO

Hello and Happy Fall!

2010-09-23T21:30:00.003-04:00

Hello dear friends! As you can see, I have been a no-show for a while now. So much has been going on and I just haven't been blogging or commenting. I have been reading your posts though. I started back to work after Labor Day and it has been non-stop crazy and busy. My husband broke his foot almost 4 weeks ago, and can put no weight what so ever on his foot. This has been very challenging to the both of us. You just don't realize what you CANNOT do while on crutches! So needless to say, I have been playing nurse/servant for the last month.

I do have some good news to share. I am going to MEXICO on Saturday with my sister Susie from Kansas City!! We have been planning this one for over a year now and I can't wait! We are going to an all inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen. It is near Cancun and Cozumel. I will be back next Friday to share pictures with you. In the mean time, I must get upstairs and finish packing, it is almost 10:00p.m. I just wanted to say Happy Fall, give you a quick update and say I miss you all!!

XOXO

The Calm Before Earl

2010-09-02T21:12:00.007-04:00

One of the most beautiful sunsets of the summer. Waiting in anticipation of what Mr. Earl will bring to these calm waters.

Stella watching the weather channel.

She decided Mom-Mom's lap is far more interesting!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend with beautiful weather!

XOXO

It's that Time Again...

2010-08-31T20:02:00.016-04:00

Not that any of you care at all, but it is that time of year again. They announced today the new Fall lineup for DWS. I am probably one of the very few who get a kick out of seeing who is on every year, don't ask me why. It doesn't take much to entertain me. First up, the girls:

R&B pop singer, Brandy

Florence Henderson

Jennifer Grey (Gee, I wonder if she ever danced before)?

Bristol Palin

Comedian/Actor Margaret Cho

From "The Hills", Audrina Patridge

Now the boys:

Singer, Michael Bolten

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino from the show, "The Jersey Shore".

We all know David Hasselhoff.

Kurt Warner, NFL Quaterback

Kyle Massey from The Disney Channel.

Last but not least, Rick Fox, ex-NBA Champion.

I have been taking a bit of a blogging break lately, enjoying the last bit of summer that is left.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and happy Labor Day, and a great long weekend!
Be back soon.

XOXO

Stella's Beach Day

2010-08-11T08:10:00.029-04:00

Last Saturday we decided to make a picnic and head to the beach for something a little different for a change. When Amy asked Stella if she wanted to go for a boat ride....

this is how Stella responded!

Boat ride to the beach, she loves it!

Setting up our spot.

We packed fried chicken, macaroni salad, chips, water, Corona's, St. Paulie non-alcohol.

And Stella's red water bowl.

This is about as far as she would go in the water. She isn't too adventurous!

Back on the dock. This is my niece Katy from Kansas City on the left, with Amy.

Stella and John relaxing under some shade.

Stella had a very busy day today. Time for some R&R. We had a wonderful weekend filled with family, friends, fun, corn, crabs and lots of other yummy food.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Summer is quickly winding down. I can't believe how fast it is going by this year!

XOXO

My Son's Trip of a Lifetime

2010-08-03T21:52:00.020-04:00

My son John, 24 and my nephew Billy, 18 just went on the trip of their life. They have been saving and planning for the last 5 years. They have always been very close and when Billy was 12 years old they decided that when Billy turned 18, they would go on a trip to Europe together. Well time flew, and he is now 18. They just got back from a 17 day trip through Europe. I'm very proud to say that they each worked very hard and payed for their entire trip themselves. The trip started out flying to Dublin. From there they took a ferry to Wales to go mountain climbing on Mount Snowdonia. Then to London...Paris...Nice....

This is a shot out of their Hostel window in Dublin.

Dublin.

On the ferry to Wales.

Here they are at the peak of Mount Snowdon, 3560 feet above Wales. All in all, my son said that this was the highlight of his trip. (Although I know he had fun on the rest of the trip).

Here they are in Wales at a very low-key hostel, that they obviously bonded with the owners and workers.

Then after 3 days, off to London. This is Abbey Studios where the Beatles recorded. Sure has changed a lot.

Abbey Road

They made it to Paris. See the huge Ferris wheel behind them?

People watching in Paris.

My son with another friendly tourist at the Louver Museum.

Not many pictures from Nice, but here are some fireworks. Spent 3 days here, then flew back to Dublin for another night and then home.

P.S. My son also got to see one his favorite singers, Diane Birch, in a small place in London. They had a great time! I missed him terribly, but the fun is over and it is back to work.

Happy August!

XOXO

His Eye is on the Sparrow

2010-07-30T19:53:00.007-04:00

I received this e-mail from a close friend and it tugged at my heartstrings. I hope it doesn't offend anyone, it is bittersweet, beautiful and touching. I wanted to share it with you.

A female bird was hit by a car as she swooped low across the road, and the condition was soon fatal.

Her mate brought her food and attended her with love and compassion.

He came back with more food, and was shocked to find her dead.

He tried to move her.

Aware that his mate was dead, he cried with adorning love....

....and stood beside her with sadness and sorrow. You can see the anguish on his face as he cries out.

I told you it was sad.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
XOXO

Birthday re-cap

2010-07-21T21:56:00.004-04:00

I apologize if this picture offends anybody, but today is my birthday and I can do what I want! I just wanted to let you know that this is what I did today (well this afternoon), and figured I would show Stella instead of me because that might be a little too graphic. The only strenuous work I did today was getting my nails done and driving down to Maryland. (And unloading 12 bags of stuff from my car in 95 degree heat). So this is me, having a glass of wine, winding into my 50's, and getting ready for a hot, steamy, busy weekend!

I hope you all have a great one!!
XOXO

Hello Friends!

2010-07-19T08:02:00.014-04:00

Well hello there! I'm still around, just not in cyber world. I've been busy living never a dull moment! I'm here to give you an update of what I have been doing the last few weeks. Remember my sister Susie from Kansas City? Well she came to Philadelphia for a visit with her husband Kelly. They came out to be the God-parents to my brother's girls who where baptized last week. We crammed in a quick trip to New York City too! They flew into Baltimore, so of course we had to get a boat ride in before heading to Philly.

Kelly enjoying the ride.

Stella is having fun too! (Very ugly sunglasses I have on. I didn't know what they looked like until I saw these pictures)!

We got to New York and stayed right in the heart of Times Square. My niece Katy got us a suite on the 44 th floor of the Marriott. (There were only 45 floors)! I don't do well with heights, and they had a glass elevator! I had to close my eyes and back into it every time we got on!

Times Square at night time. The lights were so bright, it looked like noon at 11:00 p.m.
There are some very colorful people in NYC!

People watching on some bleachers that were lit up right by Macy's.

Sister Susie, Niece Katy (thank-you Katy for the wonderful trip), and my Amy having some lunch.

Back in Philly. Susie and Kelly getting ready for the Baptismal. This is Emily and Hannah, my brother's daughters.

All ready for church.

Aren't they cute? These girls are so beautiful!! The youngest, Emily is a hoot. Tomboy all the way, too funny!

We decided to take a pose in front of the alter that we were married at 29 years ago!
I have to say, it has been too long since I have been to church.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. It is just flying by for me, and I want it to slow down! Hope all is well with you.

XOXO

Well, Hello There!

2010-06-22T19:37:00.019-04:00

HELLOOO and how are you? I'm back and so sorry it took me so long to post! I had a wonderful time! When I returned home, I was swamped at work. It was the LAST week of school and had lots to do to finish up for the summer. Finally, summer is officially here for me. So rather that rush home on Sunday, I decided to neglect my home obligations and just stay put here in Maryland for the week, and snuggle with Stella.
The above photo is the hotel Duc de Saint-Simon where we stayed. It was just so beautiful and charming. Very small and quaint, and met some neat people. If we ever go back to Paris, we will stay here again for sure. I got the stomach bug (bad) the first 2 days, but after that, we made our rounds. Must have walked about 25 miles in 3 days!
I apologize in advance for a lot of pictures. And I warn you, there will be more!

This couple in the middle were here from Canada with his parents. They were very nice, but I don't think they moved from this entrance to the hotel the whole time we were there. They just sat and talked, drank, smoked and read all day!

This was a VERY interesting guy we talked to who comes here for 3 weeks every single year. He lost his wife if January and sold everything he owns, even his car, and just travels. He traded everything he owns into gold. He said whenever he needs money, he just cashes in a gold bar! He says everyone should run, not walk, and invest in gold tomorrow. He claims everything will crash within 10 months. He kind of scared me a little, but had some great stories.

The hotel had winding stairways throughout to get to all the rooms.

This was to get down to the breakfast room.

Beautiful.

Sitting area.

This is some of what we woke up to every morning! The milk for the coffee was even warm.

Part of the inside lobby.

On Friday evening we took a boat cruise up and down the Seine River, and had a wonderful dinner. It was just beautiful.

Here we are getting ready to go down to dinner,

The table was set perfectly.

After dinner we went back up to take in all the site seeing. There were lots of pretty bridges.

This is the Palace of Versailles, it is also where Marie Antoinette was beheaded. Beautiful gardens here!

A great view of the Eiffel Tower on our way back to dock. So much prettier when it is lit up!
I have a lot more street, cafes and people watching pictures to show you. Too many for one sitting.
I hope everyone is doing well, and Happy Summer to you all!!

XOXO

A bientot mon ami (See you soon my friend).

2010-06-06T22:04:00.008-04:00

I can't believe the time is finally here. I leave for Paris tomorrow until next Sunday. I'm so excited and anxious at the same time! I'm leaving my computer at home too, and I think that will be a good thing. I hope you all have a wonderful week, and post slow so I don't miss too much!
I'll post pictures when I return, and hope I don't bore you with too many shots! Wish me luck getting to sleep tonight.
I'll miss you!!

XOXO

Quick Weekend Recap

2010-06-02T07:19:00.016-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. It flew by for me, but was fun filled as always. I started it off on Thursday in Atlantic City with my 2 sister-in-laws, mother in-law, and niece, Katy. We stayed here at the Trump.

Here is Katy, Sue, Diane and me. I wasn't sure what the rooms were going to be like in A.C. but to my surprise, the rooms were very nice! This is when we just arrived.

A nice dinner before we hit the casino. Didn't win any money. I think I was up about 12.75 at one point, but it was a lot of fun playing. After some gambling, we tried to hit the nightclub, but it was all reserved, and they had some girl dancers that looked like the Pussycat Dolls. We were looking to do a little dancing, oh well. So we went to my mother-in-law's to finish off the night.

We yukked it up for awhile and had a good time and some great laughs.

Cheers to Mom-Mom, and thanks for a great time!

Next stop was Maryland on Friday. Our local store had whole lobsters on sale for $5.99 a pound! So therefore, we had a lobster fest with friends and family.

Part of the crew eating some grub. The weather was beautiful!

My beautiful niece Katy, and #1 son John enjoying the festivities.

Enjoying a beautiful evening on the dock.

Of course Stella and Teddy wanted in on the fun, so here they are getting treated to some steak.

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Me and John ending a beautiful evening, after a beautiful weekend!

XOXO

I don't know what happened, but just click on the last picture. I'm at work on an unknown computer!

Happy Hump Day!

2010-05-26T08:44:00.006-04:00

Just stopping by to say Happy Hump Day! And to also say that I have been a very, very bad blogger lately. It doesn't mean I don't love you though! I have just been a little pre-occupied with a few things.

Tomorrow, I am taking another half day from work to head to Atlantic City, N.J.

How refreshing does this look? I'm going with my 2 sister-in-law's, and my mother-in-law. It should be a fun time, because they are fun people. A little break from the monotony around here.

This is where we are staying. I got my quarters all counted! (j.k.) Looking forward to a great dinner at Resorts International too. My Brother-in-law, who now lives in Maryland, used to be a chef here. Can't wait to hit the jackpot!
Then on Friday, I'm off to the Maryland sunset. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. I'll be thinking of each and everyone of you!

XOXO

2010-05-23T07:40:00.002-04:00

This is how I have been feeling most of this week. Down right lousy and no energy. I'm feeling much better today. I took a break from going to Maryland this weekend.
Yesterday, I had a surprise birthday party to go to for a girl I work with. It was really nice to see people outside of work, and she was really surprised!

Not a whole lot to report on this week. My daughter had her graduation from college. She received her Masters in Special Education. We are very proud of her. Took her to a really nice Italian restaurant, with about 10 other family members. It was very nice. Took Stella to the vet for her annual visit. She gained a pound, now up to 11 lbs. Little porker.
On June 7th, I am flying to Paris. I'm starting to get excited and anxious at the same time. Will keep you posted on this one!
Have a great week everyone!

XOXO

Renovation Update

2010-05-15T19:05:00.021-04:00

Well, we arrived in Maryland on Thursday for our weekend crunch on our almost last leg of the renovation.
We made a stop at Loews for a few things, and Stella couldn't get to the house soon enough.

This is my daughter Amy's room before.

The first thing I want to say is I'm using an old camera, and it does NO justice to the beautiful colors we painted the walls. Her room color was called "Heavenly Blue". A beautiful aqua blue/green, but more blue than green. So pretty. Please note that these are not the finishing photos, as you can see.

No artwork or pictures yet. I wish you could see these pillows. The turquoise with the brown is really sweet! I was just happy to get a bed made at this point! All of the trim throughout is bright white, which I love.

This is the new bathroom we put in my Mother-in-Law's/guestroom.

The tile work turned out absolutely beautiful! I love it! As you can see, almost done.

My son's/guest room before.

O.K. Don't jump to conclusions, the doily is GONE! My Mother-in-Law put it there, and it was quickly removed. The furniture is old and will be replaced, but the bedding is new. I felt like a crack addict last week at Bed Bath and Beyond trying to find something warm and neutral (for this friggin' golf outing). This is all I could come up with for the moment. Besides the creases on the quilts, it looks just alright. The flooring is just gorgeous, and the brown/taupe walls with the white trim are saving me right now.

Hallway before. Son's room to the left, daughter's room, and Mother-in Law's room to the right.

Finishing touches. Beautiful color on the walls called "Guesthouse", by Benjamen Moore.

You can't see the painting hanging at the end of the hall, but it amazing! We found it when we were in Key Largo, Fla. It is called "Reversed Sushi". A fish, fishing for humans! Love it!

Stella got bored and went looking for her friend, Lovey. She is not usually a socially girl AT ALL. I did find time to let her roam for a bit yesterday.

For once in her life, she was in a playful mood. I guess Lovey wasn't.

Here they are looking at my hubby starting up the John Deer.

Time for some beauty rest, and I couldn't agree more.
I will have some final pictures soon, not that you care, but you don't have a choice! This has been my life lately, and I'm ready for a break.
I came home early (Saturday), and it feels soooo good to be home a day early.
Good golfing honey, and don't let that ball hit you in the ass!

XOXO

Happy Thursday/Friday to Me

2010-05-13T09:20:00.003-04:00

Hi all, long time no talk! Too busy of a week to feel guilty about not posting. I've been keeping up with you all, and miss you. I'm taking a half day at work today and heading to Maryland. My husband's golf outing is on Monday. About 15 guys will be staying at our house (friends from high school). He planed it this way, so we could get a rush on our renovation. I wasn't happy about this either! So, as we near the end, whatever is not done this weekend, he will have to live with until after the "golf outing"!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, enjoy the weather, and most of all, enjoy your life and your loved ones!!

XOXO

I'm Still Here

2010-05-04T11:05:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone. I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately but I have been so busy. I have no time for the computer this week, left my camera in Maryland and can't post any updates on the renovation. We worked really, really hard this past weekend. It was so hot too (around 92 and very humid), but the sunsets were very pretty. Couldn't put the air on because of all the dust. We are getting very close to being done, thank the Lord!!
I hope everyone is doing well. I haven't even had a chance to check in on you guys. Hopefully, tonight, I can make some rounds. Please bear with me, and don't forget me!

In the mean time, please have a wonderful week and enjoy this wonderful weather!

XOXO

Pay it Forward

2010-04-29T14:25:00.004-04:00

Don't forget that Pay it Forward Day is today!!!! Pass on your random act of kindness and maybe someone else will do the same!! Keep the momentum rolling and maybe this can become a daily event, a lifestyle!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends, and let me know of any random acts of kindness you hear or know about!

Off to Maryland for the weekend--I think the end is near, project should be wrapped up in a few weeks!

XOXO

Happy Friday

2010-04-23T20:03:00.002-04:00

Made it down to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Priming the wainscoting, sipping on a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Wishing everyone a glorious weekend.
The floors look beautiful, and hopefully will be nearing the end in a few more weekends!
Will have update photos soon.

XOXO

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

2010-04-22T07:25:00.003-04:00

Happy Earth-day! Now I want everyone to bend down and kiss the ground you walk on, and thank every waking moment you walk on this beautiful earth. And also have a beautiful weekend!

I also want to say Happy 5th Birthday to little Stella. I let her sleep in today since she has had it so rough over the last few years!

XOXO

Happy Monday

2010-04-19T22:18:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone and Happy Monday! Actually, it is almost Tuesday. Had a busy day today. Took off work to be the designated driver for my hubby. He had his colonoscopy today, and was a very big boy about it! Ha!
Last night, on the other hand, he wasn't too happy.
(I hope this isn't too much information, but it is life).
If anyone has ever had one, you know what I mean.

Ran around utilizing my day off, bank, looking for rugs for Maryland, and a few other errands.
I hope you all have a great week and don't work too hard.
Also....remember to make any annual Dr.'s appointments you need, NOW!!

XOXO

Sock Burning

2010-04-15T19:19:00.008-04:00

It's become an Eastern boating tradition. When day and night are just about equal in length, and springtime's a' coming, boat folks on the Eastern shore decide that they've had just about enough of the cold weather. It's time for their toes to be free and unfettered in the old deck shoes. What to do with those tired winter socks? Throw them in a bonfire, of course, and drink a toast to the warm days to come, and flip-flops!

A few weeks ago when we were in Maryland, we had a little sock burning bonfire nothing too big, just a few neighbors in the community gathered to keep up the tradition. It was short and sweet and a chilly night in March to say bye-bye to Mr. Winter.

Here goes my ugly socks! (A pair of mis-matched from the laundry room)!

Our little fire at one of the neighbors.

Chit chatting and keeping warm.

John, talking with the guys. Notice Ken with his socks in his back pocket? He came prepared!

It was a crisp, beautiful evening. Can't wait for the festivities to begin, and the renovations to end!
Will be heading down tomorrow morning, so I wish everyone a most wonderful weekend!

XOXO

Springtime in Maryland

2010-04-10T14:54:00.007-04:00

O.K. I fibbed, these first two pictures are from home in Pennsylvania.

Do you know where this spot is? It is where I dug a football sized area for Stella during the blizzard. I snapped these yesterday before heading to Maryland. Beautiful trees.

We are working like dogs this weekend, but I stuck out a few minutes ago to snap a few pics.
Here, my lilacs are starting to pop. Love them!

Sure sign of spring, the first blooms of the season.

The outside here is absolutely beautiful. The inside is an absolute disaster zone.
Hopefully we will have a handle on things by May.

Meanwhile, Stella is peeking down from our bedroom wondering if it will ever be normal around here again. I think I'll take her for a walk now.
Hope your having a wonderful weekend!

XOXO

Thirsty Thursday

2010-04-08T14:58:00.005-04:00

Happy Thirsty Thursday! Doesn't this look refreshing? I thought the ingredients were a little different, and just sounded good.

Cheers to Tangerines!!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends. If I don't talk to you before, I will be heading to Maryland tomorrow. Must keep working on the renovations so we can get our summer under way!

XOXO

Kentucky Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz. Fresh Tangerine Juice
1 1/2 oz. Bourbon (a nice small-batch bourbon preferred)
3/4 oz. Triple Sec

1. Rub the rim of a chilled cocktail glass with a tangerine wedge & sugar the rim.

2. Put all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice, then shake it with passion for 15-20 seconds. Strain into your cocktail glass. Garnish with a tangerine twist, or for a sexy addition drop a few raspberries into the cocktail glass.

Pastorius Park

2010-04-05T09:33:00.014-04:00

On Easter Sunday, we went to Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia for lunch and a nice walk around town. The weather was a perfect 74 degrees.

After lunch we walked through the neighborhoods, looking at all of the old houses. My son took the leash for awhile.

Our destination was Pastorius Park. It is a dog park in Philadelphia.

Stella was enjoying getting out and about today. She has been cooped up for so long it seems.

Checking out something in the water.

The is an old building in the park with some beautiful murals painted all around the whole building.

Very pretty.

All kinds of dogs enjoying the weather today.

I thought of Ina when I saw this one. Not nearly as regal as Halle!

Big Boy.

Not only all kinds of dogs, but all kinds of humans too! Wowza!

After our our long walk through town and the park, we were tired and thirsty. Now we have a long walk back to the car. A wonderful day, to say the least!
Then home to prepare a wonderful honey baked ham, pineapple stuffing, homemade macaroni & cheese, and a wonderful homemade New York cheesecake with fresh strawberries. To top it all off, Amy will be coming home. I just love it when the four of us are all together under the same roof!
I hope you had a wonderful weekend too!

XOXO

HAPPY EASTER

2010-04-03T12:27:00.004-04:00

Stella and myself wishes all my friends and family a Happy, Happy Easter!
Have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO

Homemade Pizza

2010-04-02T09:35:00.005-04:00

O.K. this is not my pizza, because I forgot to snap mine. Close enough, just picture caramelized red onions on top! YUMMY! This was so good that I cannot wait to make it again. Very easy too. My son asked me where I got the recipe, I laughed and said, from my head. He didn't believe me. Give it a try, you will thank me.

Ronda's Homemade Bodacious Spinach Pizza

Ingredients:

~Olive oil
~Garlic, 1 clove
~Medium red onion, thinly sliced
~2 Portabella mushroom caps (large), roughly chopped
~Bag of organic baby spinach
~Balsamic vinegar
~1 or 2 Plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
~Ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced
~Parmesan cheese for topping

1. Saute red onion and mushrooms briefly (about 2 minutes) in olive oil, then add about 2 TBSP. balsamic vinegar, salt & pepper & a pinch of sugar and stir. Add baby spinach, turn off heat, and stir until just wilted. Set aside.

2. Brush pizza dough with olive oil and fresh garlic.

3. Place fresh sliced mozzarella all around crust, then scatter tomatoes all around on top of cheese. Add a little salt to tomatoes.

4. Spoon spinach-mushroom-onion mixture all around pizza. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake @ 450 for about 10-12 minutes, or until mozzarella is bubbling.

ENJOY

I know I have a lot of catching up to do. Will do my visiting this evening. Praise the Lord and pass the meat sauce, my husband is going on his annual opening trout season fishing trip. No hard labor for me the next few days!! I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful Holy weekend!

XOXO

Renovation in Full Swing

2010-03-26T20:25:00.010-04:00

This is what it looks like when I walk into our house in Maryland. Last year it was the master bedroom, which turned out beautiful! This year, it the rest of the bedrooms. This is looking into the living room. We are down this weekend to do some hardcore labor. Doing most of the grunt work ourselves to save some money.

This is our dining room. It is full of everything from the three bedrooms that we are re-doing. We started out thinking we were just going to paint, then it turned into a full fledged remodeling job. We even added a bathroom in one of the bedrooms.

This is my daughter Amy's/guest room. Beautiful view. Putting all new solid wood doors throughout. So much painting to do!!

This is my mother-in-law's/guest room, also a beautiful view. This is the room that we added the new bathroom. It will be a pretty sage color.

New bathroom in mother-in-law's room.

This will be a walk through closet between the 2 bedrooms.

This is my son's/guest room. We have twin beds and a futon in here.

This is the hallway looking down to the 3 bedrooms and the main (small) bathroom.
We are painting the wainscoting white, finally! On the left is going down to the basement.
We will be putting hardwood flooring throughout, tough decision because I kind of wanted carpet in the bedrooms. It will look nice with some pretty rugs though. Can't wait to show you the results.
So when I say I need a break sometimes from the computer, you can see why! There will be no entertaining here for little while.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO

Happy Spring!

2010-03-23T12:00:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone, and Happy Spring. I was in Maryland over this beautiful weekend, and have say, I worked pretty darn hard. There is so much to be done, it seems like it never ends.

We have gutted our 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, and added another bathroom. It is now time to try to put it all back together, after we paint it.

Back home in PA, I really need to give some attention to this house too.

So don't think I'm ignoring you, or slacking. I just seem to get so much more accomplished when I'm not on this computer. I always say, "just checking my mail". Then an hour later, I'm knee deep in cyberspace! I know you know what I mean!!

In the mean time, I'll be reading, writing and posting when I can. For some reason, I get a case of the guilties, when I'm not on top of my game. Right now, I'm not on top of my game.

I hope you are all doing well, and enjoying the Spring.

XOXO

Thirsty Thursday

2010-03-18T07:21:00.003-04:00

I love Pomegranate martinis in the summer. This drink I found sounds so delicious and refreshing. I cannot wait to try this.
Heading to Maryland this weekend to work on the bedrooms, and I think this cocktail must be tested!
Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Ingredients:

2 oz fresh lemon juice

2 oz simple syrup

Crushed ice

3 oz light rum

Lemon-lime soda or soda water

1 oz POM pomegranate juice

Fresh pineapple wedge

Method:

Blend the lemon juice and simple syrup in an old fashioned glass.
Add the ice and rum.
Fill the glass to the top with lemon-lime soda or soda water
Gently add the POM pomegranate juice so that it floats on the top of the drink.
Garnish with the pineapple wedge.

Cheers!

XOXO

ERIN GO BRAUGH!!

2010-03-17T06:39:00.011-04:00

May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

HAPPY SAINT PATTY'S DAY TO ALL!!
Have a wonderful day.
Sorry about all of the pictures, but I hope some of them put a smile on your face!

Poor guy.

Precious!

Cute

Festive!

Regal?

Handsome

XOXO

I Did It!!

2010-03-14T20:05:00.009-04:00

I did it, I finally made homemade bread. I have always wanted to do this, but was always a little intimidated by the idea. This recipe was very easy, no kneading, and was delicious! Looks like it came straight from the bakery. To bake it, you put it in a large dutch oven with a lid. The hardest part of making this bread was lifting my heavy pot out of the oven.
I made the dough last night, which was a snap, and let it rise over night. Fresh bread tonight!
The center was moist and tender, and the crust was nice and crusty, perfection!! Any leftover bread would make excellent croutons too!
Give it a try, and surprise yourself!

No-Knead Bread
Adapted from Jim Lahey at the Sullivan Street Bakery via Mark Bittman at New York Times

Yields one 1 1/2 pound loaf

3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Cornmeal or wheat bran as needed.

1. In a large bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Add 1& 1/2 cups water, and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at least 12 hours, preferably about 18, at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.

2. Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it; sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 15 minutes.

3. Using just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface or to your fingers, gently and quickly shape dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton towel (not terry cloth) with flour, wheat bran or cornmeal; put dough seam side down on towel and dust with more flour, bran or cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel and let rise for about 2 hours. When it is ready, dough will be more than double in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.

4. At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450°F. Put a 6- to 8-quart heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under towel and turn dough over into pot, seam side up; it may look like a mess, but that is O.K. Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes. Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 15 to 30 minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack.

**I used half all purpose flour, and half bread flour.

Let me know if anyone makes this!

XOXO

Break Time

2010-03-10T09:13:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone! I've been SUPER busy this week, with lots more to do. So I haven't had much leisure computer time. I'm at work, sitting down, and taking a break, and figured I would take a moment to say hi. I will try to catch up real soon on my blog reading. In the mean time, Happy Hump Day, and have a great rest of the week!!

XOXO

Baked Chicken Breasts with Parmesan-Garlic crust

2010-03-04T18:53:00.002-05:00

Very easy and delicious dinner tonight. I got the recipe from Cook's Country. I did make fresh bread crumbs, and I do think that makes a big difference. I also used a crusty baguette for the crumbs. I'm sure in a pinch, you could use regular bread crumbs. The garlic and cheese really adds a lot of flavor! Something tasty for mid-week dinner.

Baked Chicken Breasts with Parmesan Garlic Crust

1 cup bread crumbs, preferably fresh (see note)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
Pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds), trimmed
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/4 cup mayo
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl.
Pat chicken dry with paper towels and transfer to 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine basil and mayonnaise in small bowl and spread mixture evenly over chicken. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over mayonnaise, pressing lightly to adhere.
Bake until crumbs are golden brown and instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of chicken registers 160 degrees, 18-22 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Note: To make fresh bread crumbs, process 2 slices of hearty white sandwich bread in a food processor until coarsely ground.

*I used Dijonnaise in place of the mayonnaise. Added a little more zing!

Enjoy!

XOXO

Dancing With the Stars 2010

2010-03-02T10:52:00.010-05:00

Not that anyone cares, but DWS is about to begin a new season. I have to admit I am guilty of watching it every so often. They announced the new line-up of celebrities to dance last night, and I have that list for you. (If you care).

Baywatch babe, Pamela Anderson.

Peephole scandal, Erin Anderson

Mother of eight, Kate Gosselin

Recent star of The Bachelor, Jake Pavelka

Does anyone remember bad girl Shannon Doherty, from Beverly Hills 90210?

Pussy Cat Dolls lead singer, Nicole Scherzinger

And how about this guy, 80 year old Astronaut, Buzz Aldrin?
Way to go Buzz!

A few others to add to the list are:

~Comedian, Niecy Nash
~All My Children star, Aiden Turner
~Olympic figure skater, Evan Lysacek
~Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, Chad Ochocino

Good luck to all, and happy dancing!

XOXO

(all pictures were uploaded from somewhere in cyberspace)

The Beast of the East

2010-02-26T23:38:00.005-05:00

We were hit with yet another snowstorm yesterday and today. It is starting to get to me a little bit by now. Philadelphia has now gotten 78.5 inches of snow so far this winter, and we are not done yet. I hear there is something brewing for Wednesday. Not sure what the normal is, but I think around 19 inches a season. They underestimated our area a little bit and the storm moved North, so I feel sorry for N.Y. and anyone else north http://lifewithdogs.blogspot.com/of here.

I'm really getting tired of shoveling. It seems like no matter how much you shovel, it just keeps coming down.

I do have to admit, it really is beautiful though!
But enough is enough.
I'm really, really, ready for Springtime!!

XOXO

Thirsty Thursday

2010-02-25T11:35:00.005-05:00

To me, this drink just screams summertime! Although it is very refreshing anytime.

Lemon Drop Cocktail

ingredients:
1-1/2 to 2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce Cointreau....you could use, in a dire emergency, Triple Sec or Grand Marnier, but you really do want this to be as good as it can be, don't you? I thought so!
1 teaspoon simple syrup...to make simple syrup mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. When cool you are good to go.
1 ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice
Ice cubes
Superfine (or regular) sugar for dipping the rim
Lemon peel twist for garnish
method:
Mix the vodka, orange liqueur, sugar, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice; shake well for 20 to 30 seconds. Pour strained liquor into sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with lemon twist.
**note: to get a nice sugar rim that sticks to the glass, use the leftover lemon rind from juicing to wet the rim of your martini glass before dipping it into the sugar.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Newest Arrival

2010-02-21T08:31:00.008-05:00

The hospital had these heart announcements on the windows for all of the new babies. Notice they had the wrong year? It should say 2010!

HELLO WORLD!!

I would like to introduce you to my beautiful grand-niece, Peyton Marie O'Malley.

This is my other beautiful niece, Megan, holding her niece! Megan's sister Kelli is the proud mother to Peyton.

Just look at this beautiful, sweet first smile. She is the most precious thing I have seen in a long time!

XOXO

Somebunnie's Anniversary

2010-02-18T15:42:00.005-05:00

This week someone is having an Anniversary, and to celebrate, is having a cookie giveaway. That someone is Pink Martinis and Pearls. If you have never seen her cookies, they are amazing! How cute are these bunnies? They have Spring iced all over them!

So hop on over and wish her a Happy Anniversary, and check our her beautiful blog.

And while your there, check out some of her cookies. She is very creative, has lots of style, and knows her way around with a piping bag! Aren't these champagne flute cookies just wonderful??

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MARILYN!!

XOXO

New Technology

2010-02-15T11:26:00.004-05:00

This is a picture of my great-niece, Peyton. (Is that what I would call her?)
My niece Kelli is in labor as we speak. This is an ultra sound of Peyton. Maybe I am just out of the loop, but I don't remember ultra sounds ever looking this clear! There was another cute one of her sucking her thumb. When I saw this, I just thought how technology has gotten so much better. Maybe this normal to everyone. But like I said, I have been out of the loop for a long time!

This is Kelli and Cody at the hospital this morning. She is a week overdue. They admitted her last night to induce labor. Peyton is being suborn, so they just broke her water about an hour ago. This is my sister Susie's daughter, who lives in Kansas City. I will be going for a visit in a few months to meet Peyton!
I'll keep you up to date. I can't believe my sister is going to be a grandma! The first for us siblings. So exciting!

Have a great day!
XOXO

Creamy Crab Bisque

2010-02-14T09:34:00.003-05:00

I made this soup last night, and let me tell you....it was DELICIOUS! I wanted something a little special for Valentine's Day. I had it along with Filet Mignon, with a herb butter sauce and mushrooms. We celebrated a day early.

Makes: 2 servings
Total time: about 30 minutes

1/2 cup diced leeks

1/4 cup diced carrot

1/4 cup diced celery

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1/4 cup dry white wine

3/4 cups heavy cream

3/4 cups whole milk

1/2 cup clam juice

Salt, pepper, and Tabasco to taste

1/2 cup pasteurized lump crab meat, divided (about 1/4 lb.)

Minced fresh chives

~Sweat leeks, carrot, celery, and garlic in oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat until carrot is soft, about 8 minutes. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.

~De glaze with wine, simmer until nearly evaporated, then stir in cream, milk, and clam juice. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then season with salt, pepper, and Tabasco. Off heat, puree' mixture with a hand blender or whatever you have. Ladle soup into bowls.

~Top each serving with 1/4 cup crab meat; garnish with chives.

ENJOY!

(I doubled this recipe for us.)

XOXO

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

2010-02-14T09:17:00.005-05:00

Just passing through to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.

I hope you are spending this Sunday with your special Valentine today.

XOXO

Happy Birthday and Happy Friday

2010-02-12T14:35:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone, just a quick update. Tonight we are taking my mother-in-law (on the left in the hoodie) to a special family dinner for her 80th birthday. We are going to a steakhouse in Philadelphia called Butcher & Singer. Hopefully, we can get through all of the snow covered city streets. It should be a nice place. Never have been there, but heard many good things.
For the last few days I have been mending my tired, sore bones from shoveling for 2 days. I just can't believe the amount of snow we have gotten. Schools have been closed for 3 days now. That part was nice, no work! I cannot believe that they are calling for more snow Monday night. Oh well, I'm getting used to it now.
I promise I will get through to read your blogs this weekend. Right now I have to get ready to catch a train, and my hair is NOT cooperating!
I just wanted to say hi and Happy Friday, have a great weekend!

XOXO

Love Potion #9

2010-02-08T17:17:00.004-05:00

I found this recipe here, and it not only sounds delicious and refreshing, but perfect for Valentines Day, fast approaching. I don't have any big plans, but I just might get the ingredients for this drink!

How about you, what are your plans?

Love Potion #9
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz strawberry vodka
¾ oz white crème de cacao
½ C of frozen strawberries
1 scoop vanilla bean ice cream
Splash of milk
½ C ice (crushed is best)
Strawberry garnish
Method:
~Place all ingredients except strawberry garnish in a blender and blend until smooth.
~Pour into a margarita glass and garnish with a strawberry.

XOXO

SNOWMAGEDDON

2010-02-06T19:04:00.008-05:00

Well, that's what they are calling it, Snowmageddon for the East coast.

This is the 10/12 sq. foot pallet I personally shoveled out for Miss Stella every 4 hours for 24 hours.
If you don't keep up with it, it can overtake you! They say the total snowfall for this area was 26.7 inches. That is no chump change. We are only use to 2-4, or maybe 6 inches at a time. This picture was taken before it was all over.
Luckily, my wonderful son was with me to dig us out of this mess.

Here we are looking out the back door to the patio. This is my son's portable Weber. There has to be at least 18-20 inches so far. I don't like it one little bit either.

This is out the sliding door of the dining room. It is up to the floorboard.
I love the words the news people use....crippling. I guess it is true, when you are not use to a lot of snow. It is not crippling to me, I was prepared, I choose to be home for 2 days.

I do have to admit that it is very beautiful though! I have everything I need....family, plenty of food, and shelter to keep us warm.

Have a fun Superbowl Sunday if your partaking!

XOXO

SLOSHED!

2010-02-02T13:28:00.004-05:00

1 1/2 oz. Cognac

1/2 oz. Rye Whiskey

1/2 oz. sugar + 1 oz. warm water

8-12 Leaves of fresh Spearmint

In a glass or julep cup, mix the sugar and water or add the simple syrup. Gently muddle the mint leaves with the sugar syrup—do not break them up or mash them into bits. You just want to bruise them. Add the whiskey and cognac and stir to combine. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir again, until the glass begins to frost. Top off the glass with crushed ice to fill, garnish with fresh mint and serve with a straw.

The real name of this drink is "Prescription Julep." It is known for a cure all for those pesky viruses. I thought it looked like a good drink to help fight the cold winter blues!

Enjoy!

XOXO

Happy Monday and February!

2010-02-01T10:03:00.004-05:00

I've got the bug to make cookies, and these are the ones I chose. I made a small trial batch this weekend and loved them! I did , however, add 1 egg to the recipe. It made them perfect! Give them a try, they are a lot easier that they look!

Mini Linzer Cookies

Serves:
36 cookies
Ingredients:

3/4 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup good raspberry preserves
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the butter and sugar until they are just combined. Add the vanilla. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
Roll the dough 1/4-inch thick and cut 2 3/4-inch rounds with a plain or fluted cutter. With 1/2 of the rounds, cut a hole from the middle of each round with a heart or spade shaped cutter. Place all the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and chill for 15 minutes.
Bake the cookies for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Allow to cool to room temperature. Spread raspberry preserves on the flat side of each solid cookie. Dust the top of the cut-out cookies with confectioners' sugar and press the flat sides together, with the raspberry preserves in the middle and the confectioners' sugar on the top.

~*Don't forget to add 1 egg to this batter. It was really dry and crumbly before the egg.

XOXO

Boxer Love

2010-01-29T13:07:00.008-05:00

If anybody knows me, they know the love affair I have with Boxers. I was raised with them when I was growing up, and we had one while my kids were growing up. Her name was Baily. We had a wonderful life with her until she got cancer at 7 years old. My daughter is allergic to dogs, so I couldn't get another. (That is why we now have Stella, she is non-allergetic.)
A friend of mine has this beauty above, her name is Bella. She is so beautiful.
Meet Lucy, her baby. She is the cutest thing I have seen in a long, long time!

Nothing like a mother's love.

Lucy getting to know her new family. Bella is looking at him thinking, "you better be careful with my baby!"

Bath time! Isn't she ADORABLE?!!!!

Nap time.

Sleep time.
These two really make me miss Baily, they are so beautiful. Don't you think?

Happy Friday everyone, and have a wonderful weekend!!

XOXO

Beef Bourguignon: It's What's for Dinner

2010-01-26T08:33:00.004-05:00

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon good olive oil
8 ounces center cut bacon, diced
2 1/2 pounds chuck beef cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound carrots, sliced diagonally into 1-inch chunks
2 yellow onions, sliced
2 teaspoons chopped garlic (2 cloves)
1/2 cup Cognac
*1 (750 ml.) bottle good dry red wine
1 can (2 cups) beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon dried)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pound frozen whole onions
1 pound fresh mushrooms stems discarded, caps thickly sliced
For serving:

Egg noodles
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, optional
Directions
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is lightly browned. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a large plate.
Dry the beef cubes with paper towels and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. In batches in single layers, sear the beef in the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove the seared cubes to the plate with the bacon and continue searing until all the beef is browned. Set aside.
Toss the carrots, and onions, 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of pepper in the fat in the pan and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the Cognac, stand back, and ignite with a match to burn off the alcohol. Put the meat and bacon back into the pot with the juices. Add the bottle of wine plus enough beef broth to almost cover the meat. Add the tomato paste and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the oven for about 1 1/4 hours or until the meat and vegetables are very tender when pierced with a fork.
Combine 2 tablespoons of butter and the flour with a fork and stir into the stew. Add the frozen onions. Saute the mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter for 10 minutes until lightly browned and then add to the stew. Bring the stew to a boil on top of the stove, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste.

Serve over warm egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

*I used 2 cups of chicken stock and 2 cups beef broth instead of the red wine.

This is one of the best beef stews I have ever tasted. I made it last year and did a post, but had to do another because it is soooo good. Of course I'm using my new blue pot!

Enjoy!

XOXO

HAPPY MONDAY!

2010-01-25T10:32:00.003-05:00

Just breezing by from work to wish you a Happy Monday. This is a picture of what I wish I was doing today! I would have given anything to stay in my jammies, sip some tea, and snuggle down with Stella this morning. But nooooooo..........I had to go to work!

Not only is it raining, it is POURING!! It is dark, and downright miserable today.
To top it off, they said on the news this morning, today is officially the most depressing day of the year. I don't know why, that is what they said. Maybe hearing this first thing in the morning, still dark and pouring, set my mood for the day.
It can only get better!
Hope your having a nice day!

XOXO

Sushi Night

2010-01-23T16:34:00.006-05:00

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend. Last night I got a hankering for sushi, so tonight, sushi it is.

Start out with a warm bowl of miso soup.

Next, a salad with delicious ginger dressing.

Then, dive into an assortment of sushi. I can't wait.

What are you having for dinner tonight?

Have a super Sunday!

XOXO

Salutations

2010-01-20T20:20:00.003-05:00

Just passing through to say hello and wishing warm thoughts to all of my friends. I haven't had my computer for two weeks now, so it has been hard to post.

So I wanted to show you my favorite Christmas present this year. I had a very nice Christmas this year. My kids bought me the cookbook I have been wanting for awhile, and they got me a very cute warm jacket for the winter.
But this is what my husband got me, and I love it!!

The Le Creuset cast iron round French oven.
Size: 7.25 quart
Color: Caribbean
BEAUTIFUL is all I can say!

I wonder what I will whip up this weekend?

XOXO

Surprise!!

2010-01-13T18:52:00.020-05:00

Well, my husband's surprise birthday party was a huge success! We had such a good time, and he truly was surprised. I apologize in advance for all of the pictures, but I wanted to let you in on all of the fun. Here are some of our friends, old and new, waiting for his grand entrance.

My daughter Amy on left and niece Katy with 2 of my husbands good friends, still waiting.

Here is his grand entrance, excuse his fingers please.

After the grand enterance!

After the initial surprise and a few appetizers and cocktails, we moved downstairs to the bar area to watch the Eagles game. This is my brother-in-law on the right with some high school friends.

My beautiful kids, Amy and John with Cyndi who works for my husband.

Birthday boy with friends.

A warm kiss for mom. The best mother-in-law ever!

Pretty Amy & Katy with our good friend, John.

Watching the Eagles LOOSE!!!!

Me with good friends, Kay and Betsi.

Me and my wonderful sister-in-law Diane. Starting to have fun at this point!

Yucking it up for a family portrait, with a few friends popping in the background.

After a fun evening, filled with surprises, good friends old & new, family, food and drinks----it was time to blow out the candles. What a great time we had!!

I hope you all have a fun filled weekend yourselves!!

XOXO

More Snow Tonight

2010-01-07T16:43:00.003-05:00

It appears that we are getting more snow sometime tonight sometime after midnight. Not too much, they say about 3 inches or more, but just enough to make it a slippery morning commute.
I think I have had my fill of snow already this year. I must be warm blooded.

I have to admit though, it is pretty.

I want to wish everyone a wonderful weekend. I will be very busy. We are throwing my hubby a SURPRISE 50th birthday party on Saturday night. Doesn't it just figure that the Eagles and Dallas play at 8:00 p.m. in a play off game!!!!
Luckily, I'm having it at the Jarritown Hotel. I had the upstairs reserved for our party, but had to do some re-arranging. We will surprise him upstairs at 7:30, then move the party down to the bar area with T.V.'s. They were so gracious to reserve a nice big area for us. We will have about 50 or more people. Wish me luck! I will report back with pictures later.

I am officially dropping my computer off tonight at Best Buy to have it fixed. In the mean time, I will try to use my hubby's to check in.
Have a great weekend!!
XOXO

Computer Glitch

2010-01-05T08:32:00.003-05:00

My computer has been acting up lately. I think I have a short in my screen. I need to get this fixed a.s.a.p., as I have been putting this off long enough!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful New Year so far. Stay warm and enjoy the winter. It is frigid here in Pennsylvania. How is your weather?
Have a great week and I hope to get back real soon!

XOXO

New Years Good Luck: Black-Eyed Pea Soup

2009-12-31T23:57:00.006-05:00

Blackeye Pea Soup

Yield: 8 one-cup servings

Ingredients

8 oz dried black-eyed peas
1 strip bacon, cut in small pieces
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 carrot, peeled and chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 celery rib, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 sweet red pepper, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
Hambone or smoked ham hocks (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Salt and hot sauce, to taste

Method

1. Inpect the peas to be sure there are no stones included (most beans are mechanically processed and there are occasional inclusions). Soak them overnight, then drain and rinse well.

2. Sauté the bacon slowly in a skillet until just starting to crisp. Remove to a side plate.

3. In the bacon pan, slowly sauté the onion, carrot, celery and sweet red pepper until the onion is translucent.

4. Place the peas, bacon, vegetables, thyme, red pepper flakes and hambone or hocks (if using) in a slow cooker or soup pot. Add about 6 cups water. The peas should be at least covered by the water. Cook at a slow simmer for about 2 hours, until beans are tender. If you're using the optional ham bone or hocks, skim fat from the surface occasionally.

5. Whisk the cornstarch into a cup of the soup broth and then stir into the soup. Cook another 15 minutes or so until the soup thickens.

Season to taste.

Enjoy and have a Very Happy New Year!!

XOXO