Saturday, November 29, 2008
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!!!!
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!!!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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???
Monday, November 10, 2008
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)!!!!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
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!
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!
Friday, November 7, 2008
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!
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, November 6, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, November 3, 2008
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!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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