More Pics!!

A Day Out With My Daughter

Friday I had a special day with my daughter! We took the train downtown to Chicago. We shopped and ate lunch at THE WALNUT ROOM in Macy's(A.K.A Marshall Fields).

Chicago is a very festive city with lot's of decorations and soooo much to do for the holidays! It was a cold blustery day but we had so much fun. At Daleys square they have a German Christmas Fest, we go there every year! Here are some pics of the day I hope you like them! CHEERS! Michele

SANTA'S

Hi Everyone! Here are our two special santa's one is Scottish and one is Irish. I've also included a few others!

IT"S HERE!!!!!!!!!

The package that Suzanne from southerninspiration sent me arrived today!!!! Wow, that was fast!!!!!!! Take a look at all these lovely items!!! THANK YOU SUZANNE!!!! Everyone plz visit her, she'd love to hear from you all! CHEERS!

I WON !!!

I WON A GIVEAWAY!!! YEAH!!!!!!! I"M DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!!!! THANK YOU! PLZ VISIT SUZANNE @ southerninspiration . I'll post a pic when it arrives!!!!

I've been Tagged!

I've been tagged by my friend Debbie confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com



Debbie @ confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com tagged me to name 6 random things about myself.



Here are the rules...

1. Link to the person who tagged you.

2. Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6)

3. Write 6 random things about yourself.

4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.

5. Let each person know they been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.


So here are my 6 random things:



1. I am a Christian



2. I admire people who kind, honest and thankful.



3. I love my family and my lil' Pug "Minnie".



4. I enjoy cooking quality food with a glass of red wine.



5. Celebrating different cultures is a joy for me, it's so fun to try new things.



6. Travel suits me well....being that I'm into ethnic enjoyment! I have traveled to Portugal, Spain, Morraco, Scotland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Carribean, our neighbors north and south! I'm always ready to go at the drop of a hat! I must mention that I've also traveled across our beautiful country numerous times by car....from one coast to the next! God is good He gives us such beauty for our eyes to behold!

Now I'm tagging:

1. Millie @ scottishtoile.blogspot.com

2. Laurie @ bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com

3. chris @ chrisscorner-chris.blogspot.com

4. Melissa @ melissasheartandhome.blogspot.com

5. Sue @ canwetalk-sue.blogspot.com

6. katie @ busymom'scookbook.blogspot.com

I'm looking forward to hearing about them! CHEERS!!!!

Stocked up for the WINTER

Here is the new bookshelf my hubby bought for me....although I'm using it for storage right now. Can you tell I like to buy things on sale? You see we're living in a rented home for now until the housing market somewhat stabilises. The kitchen here doesn't have much cabinet space...when we do buy a home I would love to have a pantry area separate from the kitchen cabinets. You know what else I just LOVE?????? Is a butlers pantry...they are just too cool! My friend on the north side of Chicago lives in one of those beautiful brick Chicago bungalows and she has one!!! it's in between her kitchen and dining room. It is such a great in between spot. She stores her china, silverware and table linens there...I suppose I should stop coveting now...CHEERS!

Toasted Almond Truffles

Mmm...Toasted Almond Truffles

My daughter and I made these Sunday afternoon. Here's the recipe from Nestle.

Toasted Almond Truffles

Estimated Times: Preparation - 20 min Cooking - 5 min Cooling Time - 1 hrs 30 min refrigerating Yields - 24 truffles (2 dozen) Creamy and sinfully rich, these chocolate candies are coated with a fine layer of almonds. A touch of vanilla adds a warm note to this sweet confection.
Ingredients:

1/2 cup NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups (11.5-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Morsels
1/2 to 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
1 cup sliced almonds, finely chopped, toasted
Directions:COMBINE evaporated milk and sugar in small, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.STIR in morsels. Stir vigorously until mixture is smooth. Stir in almond extract. Refrigerate for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in nuts. Cover; refrigerate until ready to serve.

THIS MAY NOT SOUND SO LADYLIKE...

...but I would love how to learn how to lay brick! I love the artistic expression of stained glass and mosaics. I believe that laying brick is an art as well. They have so many beautiful homes in Chicago that have the most beautiful brickwork you can imagine. It's a talent that must be mastered with a steady hand....so I'm told. Not that I'd want to build a house but for a BBQ pit and maybe a possible retaining wall for landscaping...Last night I googled "how to lay brick" and came up with some very interesting youtube video's. Some of them were pretty informative. Measurements are critical to brick laying as well. I talked to a mason that I know and he said that there are schools (union) to teach brick laying but I would not qualify because of my age! UGH! So my husband said he knew of someone who might teach me so we'll see, thoughts anyone???

IF ALL YOU HAD WAS TEN DOLLARS.......

Okay here is the scenario...you are taking care of yourself. You have your own apartment with a stove and refrigerator, you have paid all your bills and have TEN DOLLARS left to buy food for the week. What you do have in the frig is ketchup, mustard and ice cubes. What you have in your cabinet is salt and soy sauce. How would you use the ten dollars to feed yourself for the entire week? (Based on prices for food items in your area)!!!!

Mmmmm..shrimp!

MY LOVE

Chicago Style Doggie

breaded steak sanwich

Jon's Bakery

The Mystery Sampler Drive

Wow, that was sure fun and filling!!!!! We started in the morning...as promised Tom took me and his mother on a mystery food ride. We stopped at several Chicago eateries and he ordered one speciality from each place, we then divided each item into three servings!

We started in the morning, the weather was cold with a slight drizzle in the air. Our first stop was Jon's Bakery, Tom bought a struessel bun ...it was so good! Nothing like freshly baked goods..YUM!

After our first stop we went to TJ MAX and MORE. We had fortyfive minutes to spare according to our driver!!! So I was off and running ...being that I LUV that store!!!! I picked up a beautiful hemstitched tablecloth for Thanksgiving!!! It was on the discount rack for seven dollars!!!! I got a nice set of Linzer cookie cutters too, we'll start making the cookies soon! I also bought some specialty curry and cumin spices!!!!

Okay...we're off to place number two. It's called Ricobene's, Tom ordered a breaded beefsteak sandwich......all I can say is DEE-LISH!!!!!!! It was covered in a red sauce with hot peppers!!!! I could eat this at least once a week!

Third, We went to a place called Skatchells where they serve, YOU KNOW!!! Chicago style hotdogs!!!!! Tom's favorite!!! They load it up with onions, relish, sport peppers, tomato, mustard and a pickle with french fries on the side! A CHICAGO CLASSIC!

Fourth....a roast beef submarine sandwich from Mr. Submarine. it was a pretty good sub...but I think it could have used a little more meat!

Last....the Grand Finale!.......YUMMO! Fried shrimp from the KORNER SHRIMP HOUSE! I know, I know...not the healthiest way to eat shrimp but it is GOOD!

When all was eaten up we headed home and had a nice Saturday afternoon nap. I love naps.

To close Saturday we played Family Feud and UNO! Time to look for a snack I'm hungry again!!!! I hope you enjoy the pic's!

Oh Happy Friday

Last night my oldest daughter and I went to Bath & Body Works and Marshalls. To my surprise B&BW had some great smelling oils to burn. I picked up Fresh Bamboo, Creamy Nutmeg and Tree! I burned some of the Bamboo last night it was WONDERFUL. It made the kitchen smell so nice after the kraut and sausage we had for dinner last night! We also enjoyed walking through Marshall's. They have alot of unique Christmas decorations and some cute gift idea's. I love the special imported soaps from France and Italy...sooooo nice! The only problem with those scented soaps are that when I have them I don't want to use them!!!!!!! I think that's why they are best for gifts!

Today I've baked a Banana Nut Bread, it's making the house smell yummy! I am so happy the weekend is here. It's already been planned out! This evening my hubby is taking my MIL and I out to an Irish Pub for some PUB GRUB! He likes the Bangers & Mash that they serve! Tomorrow we're going on a mystery food tour!!!! YEP, that's right he's the driver and in charge. He will be taking us to various places to sample Chicago cuisine! For an example, he may stop at a hotdog stand and order a Chicago style hotdog then we'd split it three ways and head to the next place.....almost like a progressive style sampler!!!! I take some pics and post them!!! I can hardly wait!

Thursday

To a nice quite day! Cheers! I am alone with my cutie pie Minnie Mae. My MIL went out for the day with my cousin-in -laws! You see my mother in law has Alzheimers so Liz took her to see some family members and to go out and eat! I am thankful for her inviting her out! First of all I know she will enjoy herself and second it gives me a wee bit of a break, don't get me wrong I love her but it can be a bit challenging at times. She has been here a few weeks now and will be heading back home to Florida next week. (she lives in an assisted living home). She often repeats herself and is very slow at getting ready to go out. I know that sounds trivial.... I'm striving to be patient and loving!

Back to my cousin in laws, they are the greastest women! I just luv them, If I could wish for sisters they would be just like them. They are classy, kind, generous and beautiful! They have raised educated children who are just as kind and loving. They are great wives and have beautiful homes. Thank YOU LORD for these inlaws of mine!!!! It hasn't always been so easy for them they lost their mother to Lupus when they were fourteen and fifteen. I suppose the adversity made them stronger and determined. They are fantastic citizens and I'm happy they are my cousin inlaws!

So here I sit at my pc listening to Christian Hymns....I'm also burning some oils...the oil scent is Bayberry! It smells lovely! Some of my to-do's today are to clean the house while my MIL is away, it's easier when there isn't anyone home! I will also be preparing some kraut and sausage for dinner this evening.

Fantastic Weather

We are having some unseasonably warm weather!!! Today it's 75 degrees in Chicagoland!!! It's a beautiful time of year in the midwest. The tree's are glowing with yellow and red leaves, some area's are breathtaking...Tom and I walked through the neighborhood yesterday,the neighbors were out and about raking leaves. Sometimes in the evening you can smell firepits. I just luv that smell!

My Baby!

Minnie Mae the Lady Bug!

Downtown Chicago

Tonight we hopped the train and went downtown! I love the city! It's so vibrant and full of excitment!

My MIL is visiting from Florida so we took her to a Italian restaraunt and then we went to the John Handcock building...the 96th floor! They have a lounge up there with an incredible view.

I think Chicago should be a must see on everyones "places to visit" list!!!!Can't you hear Frank Sinatra sing "This is my KIND of town....CHICAGO, is"...Every once in awhile I play that song..heehee.

SNOW!!!!!

I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had our first snowfall today!!!!!!! it was coming down at a sweet pace....nice large flakes!!!! it's going to make for a cozy evening!

Toight for dinner we'll have ratatouille, brown rice and poached salmon with pumpkin pie for desert....YUMMY!!! The house smells so good!

How to Look Preppy - wikiHow

How to Look Preppy - wikiHow

Something to Think About

The Most Dangerous Word By Tom Ziglar

I think the most dangerous word right now is tolerance. Not because the true definition of the word is bad, but because our culture is redefining the word. In fact, tolerance is the new love. It is much more acceptable to be considered tolerant than it is to be considered loving. Our culture says we should tolerate others “no matter what.” This is actually a very selfish position because it means you have no risk of rejection with anyone doing anything crazy (go ahead and do that if you want to because I am tolerant). Love, on the other hand, is a very risky thing because when you love someone you are willing to risk the relationship by telling them they are on a dangerous course. Here is how you can test this out: Should you tolerate your child, or should you love them?Should you tolerate your spouse, or should you love them?Should you tolerate your friend, or should you love them?Should you tolerate your neighbor, or should you love them? Tolerance taken to the end means that you look the other way when a friend does drugs. Love means you risk a relationship in order to warn them about the danger of drugs. True love loves the unlovely (think Mother Teresa).People who make tolerance their guiding value can not tolerate those who are intolerant to their views (think anyone who calls you intolerant for not accepting their view yet claims everyone’s own view is true to them and should be accepted). Bottom line, we should tolerate people with different views, but it shouldn’t stop us from disagreeing with them or trying to win them over to our view, or loving them enough to warn them. Tolerance taken too far gives us permission not to care what happens to them.
Tom Ziglar is the proud son of Zig Ziglar and CEO of Ziglar. This article was taken from his blog, www.tomziglar.com.

Bringing Mindfulness to the Table

The hectic pace of everyday life often leads us to gobble down our food mindlessly. But this kind of eating isn't really satisfying; in fact, it can lead to overeating and digestive problems. By incorporating mindfulness — that is, full awareness of your present moment, without judgment or reflection — into your eating, you can stem this tide and treat yourself to a more enjoyable dining experience.
Today's small change is to bring mindfulness to your meals — in other words, to slow down and be more present in the experience of eating. To do this, try a classic meditation exercise that involves slowly eating a raisin. Take one raisin and concentrate on the experience of eating it, from first enjoying its texture and aroma to gradually chewing and savoring the taste. When they stop to focus on this exercise, people are amazed at how much flavor is contained in one tiny fruit. To introduce yourself to the idea of mindful eating, this may be a good exercise for you to start with.
Here are a few other exercises you can try — encourage your family and friends to participate, too!
Say grace. Offering thanks for the delicious food and abundance you enjoy calms you and focuses your mind on the meal ahead.
Consider the food. Take a moment to enjoy the smell and look of the food before grabbing your fork.
Eat slowly. Savor each bite, chewing slowly, so you can experience the food's subtle flavors.
Pay attention. Even when eating on the go, you'll feel more satisfied if you concentrate on your food instead of trying to work, read, or watch TV while you eat.

Apple Coffee cake

Ingredients
Topping
3 medium apples, sliced thin (I used Granny Smith)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar (white or brown)
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Cake
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter (or shortening)
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
1Topping.
2It is not necessary to peel the apples, but I do.
3Combine the sliced apples,lemon juice,sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
4Combine dry ingredients - flour,baking powder and salt in a bowl, set aside.
5In a large bowl cream butter, add sugar gradually, beat well.
6Beat eggs into creamed mixture.
7Measure sour cream into a separate bowl, add baking soda, stir together; the cream will rise up and become fluffy.
8Add sour cream to the batter alternately with the dry ingredients. Blend well.
9Pour half the batter into a greased and floured 9" square cake pan, top with half the apple mixture.
10Add remaining batter and arrange rest of the apples on top.
11Bake in 325 degree oven for 50-60 minutes.
12Especially nice served warm. Enjoy!

Autum Recipes

I'm going to start my September blog with some recipes for the changing weather. As we're starting to have some cooler days here and there already. I love the changing of the seasons, the colors of the leaves on the trees. It is a beautiful time of year. The air is brisk...it makes for great walking at dusk. Sometimes Tom burns leaves in the fire pit and maybe we might have a glass of wine whilst smelling the fire. It makes for a peaceful relaxing moment....something about wearing pretty sweaters during that time of year too....most of all it is good to reflect on the awesome power of our Almighty Lord and Maker.....God has been so patient with me in my life...He has been most merciful to me, I am so thankful for His loving kindness and compassion.

The wafts of smell from the kitchen as you enter our home is delightful .As I'm sitting here typing, Tom's grandmother (92 years old) has stuffed bell peppers in the oven....WOW, what a great sniff that is...when she opens the oven door I get huge whiffs of roast green pepper!!!!!

This past week I've been compiling Fall recipes for some good eating. I look for ones that use the vegetables and fruits that are generally in season. This makes for budget oriented menus! So keep a look out as I'll be posting them as time permits!!!!! Salute

Dinner Thursday Evening July 17th

We had a stir-fry meal tonight, it turned out pretty good. I used chicken breast, onions, pea pods, carrots and zucchini. I made the sauce from a spice pack and prepared some white rice.

After we ate Tom suggested that we go for a ride to see a vintage car show at Wendy's...hmm...not a bad idea as I thought "a frosty sounds mighty good on this humid evening". Sooooo as the story unfolds, I was on my own with this delightful vanilla frosty...YUM.....I was tempted to get the one with the cookie dough...I thought that may be too indulgent. I am happy to report that I didn't eat the whole frosty half was just enough!....Till next time, puszi!

Moday's Cooking

Today I started the morning with baking a banana walnut bread


Banana Walnut Bread


1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for preparing the pan 1 cup sugar 3 very ripe bananas, peeled, and mashed with a fork (about 1 cup) 1/2 cup walnut pieces
Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl, set aside. Whisk the eggs and vanilla together in a liquid measuring cup , set aside. Lightly brush a 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan with butter. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or with an electric hand-held mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually pour the egg mixture into the butter while mixing until incorporated. Add the bananas (the mixture will appear to be curdled, so don't worry), and remove the bowl from the mixer.
With a rubber spatula, mix in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Fold in the nuts and transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Well it came out nice and moist, Tom loved it......it was his idea he got tired of seeing those three frozen banana's in the freezer!

Tonight's dinner was baby back ribs cooked in the oven. Veggies were yellow squash, zucchini, green beans and minced fresh garlic sauteed in extra virgin olive oil (sprinkled with sea salt). Side dish was Mac and cheese! Cheers!

Good article

Friday July 04, 2008 Welcome to today's edition of Healthy Living with Ellie Krieger.


Update on Ellie! Our favorite chef brought her healthy eating expertise to NBC's Today Show this past Monday morning, when she and host Meredith Vieira showed viewers how to make smart, delicious choices at the salad bar.
Did you happen to miss the original airing? Catch the clip here!


Today's Small Change: Focus on your food.
Bringing Mindfulness to the Table
The hectic pace of everyday life often leads us to gobble down our food mindlessly. But this kind of eating isn't really satisfying; in fact, it can lead to overeating and digestive problems. By incorporating mindfulness — that is, full awareness of your present moment, without judgment or reflection — into your eating, you can stem this tide and treat yourself to a more enjoyable dining experience.
Today's small change is to bring mindfulness to your meals — in other words, to slow down and be more present in the experience of eating. To do this, try a classic meditation exercise that involves slowly eating a raisin. Take one raisin and concentrate on the experience of eating it, from first enjoying its texture and aroma to gradually chewing and savoring the taste. When they stop to focus on this exercise, people are amazed at how much flavor is contained in one tiny fruit. To introduce yourself to the idea of mindful eating, this may be a good exercise for you to start with.
Here are a few other exercises you can try — encourage your family and friends to participate, too!
Say grace. Offering thanks for the delicious food and abundance you enjoy calms you and focuses your mind on the meal ahead.
Consider the food. Take a moment to enjoy the smell and look of the food before grabbing your fork.
Eat slowly. Savor each bite, chewing slowly, so you can experience the food's subtle flavors.
Pay attention. Even when eating on the go, you'll feel more satisfied if you concentrate on your food instead of trying to work, read, or watch TV while you eat

A journey into the culinary world

With the help of my daughter Paris I will attempt to create a fun and memorable experience for all who view our new blog. I have been tossing different titles for this blog in my head but haven't picked one yet.

Some of the topics I thought may be of interest include:

• budgeting, sales, coupons, and any special deals that are in season
• healthy meal preparation
• trying new recipes, challenging myself and hopefully others
• kitchen organization for pleasurable cooking
• picnic idea's
• one of my favorites...open air markets...farmers markets
• kitchen gadgets and small appliances
• creating a beautiful atmosphere, for example: crisp tablecloths, using your crystal, candles and relaxing music
• outdoor cooking

Napping