Friday, December 31, 2010

Winter Wonderland!

Whoaaaa! What a winter wonderland! The East Coast was hit with a major snow storm this past week. My home town was covered with about 18" of snow. Monday morning my husband and I were shoveling out out home while there was a Crock Pot of chili cooking. After about 2 hours were made a great dent in the snow and cleared paths around the cars and the walk ways.
The rest of the day was spent hanging out around the house. I crochet a hat for myself and I was able to play with one of Santa's gifts for me: an iPad! Santa does read my blog! I have to say my husband really is a great gift buyer. He knows my style and what would make me smile. The iPad does so many things and I have been loving every minute of it. Thanks Santa!

Monday, December 20, 2010

What Would I Buy?

This is the last "What Would I Buy" before Christmas. I hope Santa is checking this blog ;-)

I am missing this cookbook in my Ina collection


This little wifey needs a new apron and I LOVE Jessie Steele's designs


Books, music, movies, apps- I want them ALL!

I have been searching for a good Hello Kitty cookie cutter!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Winter Wonderland!

The past 2 weeks have been jam packed with a bunch of activities and I have neglected by blogging! Here is my catching up of the beginning of December.

My kid sister Jackie turned 8 and had her birthday an Ice Skating Rink, along with burgers and shakes at Johnny Rockets.

Jackie with her multiple hats

Me and my Sisters on the Ice


 Next we hosted our Annual Dessert Party. Being that we are in a tiny apartment right now, my best friend Kathy had it at her Condo. We ask that everyone bring a dessert with them and it becomes a night of games,
 good food and drinks!

Our Holiday Shirts




The Delicious Spread


This weekend Greg and I went to a wedding in New York City at a restaurant called Moran's. It was a beautiful & intimate event. It was a wonderful time with our friends. The couple Charles and Shannon looked great and they had a Cupcake Tower from Magnolia Bakery.




My Honey and I

Mr. & Mrs. W


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

What Would I Buy?

Good thing that I have some sense of self control, because if I was to go out and purchase these items, I would be in big trouble! Here is what I would love to buy this week. ((Hope Santa is reading this blog!))


Betsey Johnson Red Bag


Not Steve Jobs, just the iPad


This awesome Cup from Starbucks


Nikon D40 Digital SLR


Sunday, November 28, 2010

Thankful Thursday


For the last Thursday of November I wanted to say I am Thankful for my FAMILY. I have a lot of great people in my life. All are very diverse, show their love and have a lot to say! I am happy to be a close with them and enjoy so many regular days, as well as holidays together.  

I hope that all of you have enjoyed your Thanksgiving- and the leftovers that come with that feast! 

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thankful Thursday!


This week for Thankful Thursday I have a few things in mind that I need to recognize.

1. My Husband, Greg. He is a constant source of love and support. He is the calm to my craziness, the motivation when I am lazy, and the anchor when my head is in the clouds.
2. The Girlfriends in my life. They are amazing friends and I could not ask for more.
3. Blogger / Twitter / FB friends!! They make the day go faster and always show me new things!
4. Libraries! I love them and they are a free way to gain knowledge and entertainment.

Kim in the Kitchen

I made The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Cacciatore for dinner this week. I can't say that my pictures are nearly as good as what she has posted Here. The recipe is also on that included link. The dinner was a nice change and something new to have under my apron ;)

Monday, November 15, 2010

Getting Crafty


I have officially finished two Crochet classes and I am feeling accomplished! I finished classes in a hooded baby blanket and hooded scarf. The headband with a flower was something I made on my own. Now my sisters want them also so now it is time for some overtime crocheting. 


I think I also need to figure out a plan for a lot of yarn my Grandma and Mom have handed over to me from projects that they never finished. My plan is to check out the blog world to see who else is crocheting and what they do with excess yarn. If you have any tips- let me know.



Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thankful Thursday!


I have 1 thing that I really Thankful for, and that is my health. Today I received some news that after almost 4 months of sickness and serious health problems, I am on the upswing! I am getting stronger and that is something I am truly Thankful for! 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

What would I buy?

With all the Holiday Gift guides, sites and adds for products out there, I have been doing some imaginary shopping. I have a list in my head of things that are calling out to me, here are a few of those items.


Coach Motocross Gloves


OPI mini collection of Nail Polish from Sephora

Smash Box Lip Gloss set from Sephora


Vintage Multibead Bracelet from Tarina Tarintino
 So if you happen to see Santa, tell him I have been really good then hand him this list.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

I Dare you!

My blogger friend Kim over at the Newlywoodwards is throwing her 2nd annual Dare to DIY Party!
Last year she posted about this and I wasn't in time to really get involved and challenge myself... But this year it is ON! I am getting my glue gun ready, sharpening my scissors and pulling out the coupons from the Sunday paper for Michael's and AC Moore.
Come on in and show your creative side!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Goals for November

Simple.... Easy.... Perfect.....

1. Enjoy the start of the holiday season
2. Start Christmas shopping
3. Try 3 new recipes
4. Do some crafts

Friday, November 5, 2010

Thankful Thursday

It is November and Thanksgiving is on it's way. I am going to share what I am Thankful for on Thursdays for the month. (yes I know I am posting this a day late)

So lets start it off with somethings that are small compared to the big picture.

I am Thankful for :
My job- even though I may hate it at times, it has it's benefits too!
My car- I have a safe, new and reliable car finally
My dog- Roxy was a  great addition to our little family 4 years ago.
Starbucks. (enough said! lol)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The Heart That Beats....

Is an Incredible Machine.
I have fallen in love with a Country Music group called Sugarland. They are a duo featuring Jennifer Nettles & Kristian  Bush. They have released more than 5 albums and just finished a huge US tour. I was lucky enough to see them in Michigan in September. You can see some of that adventure HERE.


Their passion for what they do comes through in their music and on stage. I wasn't sure if my husband would be into Sugarland, but a few songs into the concert he was loving it. Now it is on his play list and he sings along with me in the car. If you haven't had the chance to check them out, do it! Look at the link for their website at the top of this page, or go on YouTube and look at some posted videos from their concerts. My favorite song from their newest album is called "Little Miss". Some from the past albums would be "Stay", "It Happens", "Settlin'", "Down in Mississippi" and a few more!


October Goal Recap

1. Read 3 Books
FAIL- I read 1. This month went fast!
2. Finish 2 Crochet projects
Fail - I finished 1 the other I am still working on.
3. 4 new recipes
I made a few things this month that were new. I can't say 4, but 3 sounds right
4. Make lunch
I did a decent job this month bring leftovers, making lunch etc..
5. Organize craft items
DONE! I really am happy with the work I have done. I know I have some more to do. But a lot of progress was made.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Kim in the Kitchen - Crock Pot Chili



Oh Paula, how I love thee so! I modified Paula Deen's Spicy Chili recipe for my Crock Pot and it was delicious! You can find her exact recipe HERE. But below is what I did to make it crock pot ready.


Spicy Chili:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 package chipolte chili seasoning 
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can niblet corn, drained
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chillies
Brown your ground beef, drain and add in Chipotle seasoning. Place in crock pot. Add in all other ingredients and stir. Set Crock Pot for 7 hours on LOW. I served the chili with some corn chips sour cream and shredded cheese on top. I didn't take a picture but the flavor was amazing and my husband was raving about this dish.

By the way, I browned the meat the previous night, cooled it down and left it in the fridge. I also cut onion and green pepper placed them in a bag (also left in the fridge). I measured the seasoning and used a tupperware smidget container and left my can goods out and ready with a can opener for the morning. This way I didn't have to rush before work this morning. GREAT way to save time in the morning. 

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Kim in the Kitchen - Cookie Order

This year marks the 200th Anniversary of my church, Bay Shore United Methodist. I have been a member since I was 8. Sunday October 24th is the celebration. We are having a Pot Luck lunch, I decided to bring baked ziti and also cookies. It was mentioned that if I could do "200th" cookies it would be cute. So, that is what I did. Below are the some of the cookies that I made for this event.
small & large squares / crosses 

packed up and ready to go
It took a while to get 200 cookies baked, glazed and just basic decorating. I give tons of credit to the other cookie makers out there who do multiple orders in one week!
 
 I made these cookies along with the Church order. The Pink Ribbon with the "Thank You" tag were for my Hematologist office. I made 20 individual cookies wrapped.  I am there at least twice a week for treatments and they deserve something sweet for the excellent care they give. The "A" cookies were a small pack of 20 I made for Book Club. We read The Scarlet Letter this month and I figured... Why not! 

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Organizing the Cutter Clutter

Over a year ago I went to a Cookie Decorating class. Since then, You can read about them Here , here,  and here. I have collected a lot of cookie cutters and they were getting a bit out of control in the box I was keeping them. I had to figure out a few things:
1. What ones & how many I had
2. A neater way to store and find them
3. Where to store them

I took Sunday afternoon and tackled this project. I separated them into categories, catalogued them, then put them into groups in clear shoe boxes (thanks to Target). I realized then that I was over 150 cutters and there are still a few I want need.
 
 When I finished that- I had to start baking for a LARGE order for this coming weekend. Here is a hint of what I am working on.
Check back later this week for the finished results and more about this order.

Monday, October 18, 2010

What a beauty...

...that this chair is going to be!!


I found this chair at a Church yard sale yesterday. I bought this piece for $15- I would have bought 2 if they had it but nope. I am leaving the cushion since it is in excellent condition. I think the chair is going to be white soon!
Now it is time to check some of my favorite bloggers for tips on painting / finishing this chair.

Friday, October 8, 2010

October Goals

I have had a busy beginning to October, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. So here are the goals for the month.
1. Read 3 Books
2. Finish 2 Crochet projects
3. 4 new recipes
4. Make lunch
5. Organize craft items

Good Luck to me!

Monday, October 4, 2010

September Goals Recap

I feel like September has FLOWN by! But here is how the goals went for the month.
1. 3 new recipes
Done! Lamb burgers, Turkey chili and also 3 bean chili
2. Read 2 books
The Castaways and Nantucket Nights
3. Improvements on Diet / Gym routines
Fail! My health hasn't improved enough to start the gym.
4. Clean out paperwork (left over from last month)
Fail! I am procrastinating on this job BIG TIME.
5. Finish first Crochet project
50/50 Almost done. But I did sign up for another class for October, making a baby blanket.
6. Bake & freeze Halloween cookies
Fail! But by choice. I decided to hold back on this one until October.
7. Go to Craft / Street Fairs for ideas
Pass! I looked around online and through magazines, went to 2 fair- most were rained out
8. Save more & plan money spending better
Fail! Big time fail!
9. Decorate for Fall
Done! It looks great.
10. Change all passwords for accounts
Done! A little mishap, when I lost the sheet of paper I wrote them down on, until I remembered them all. But I found it and it all worked out!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Cleveland Rocks ... and Detroit too!

My husband Greg and I went on a quick weekend Getaway to Ohio and Michigan. We drove to Ohio and stayed overnight. We explored Cleveland and visited Lake Erie and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. For dinner we went to one of my favorite Food Network stars restaurant. We ate a delicious meal at Lolita in downtown Cleveland. We tried Fried Chicken Livers! They were amazing!
Next we went to Detroit which was an experience. It was sad to see what distress the whole area of the city of Detroit is. So many places are closed and vandalized. There was many people homeless on the street. It was a real eye opener. We traveled outside of Detroit to Clarkston for the Sugarland concert. What a fantastic night! 2 great openers and a double encore by Sugarland.

We jammed so much into a 3 day weekend. I am so happy we did it with Marty and Kathy. Great travel companions.


Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Iron Chef Michael Symon's restaurant 


Kathy and I at the DTE Area in MI for the Sugarland Concert

The Heart is an "Incredible Machine"

Sunday, September 26, 2010

It's All Greek To Me

Back in August I mentioned that I wanted to make Lamb Burgers. This week, my husband executed that idea and it was a sucess! We used a recipie from FoodNetwork.com called "It's all Greek to me". I apologize that I do not have a picture, but it was unbelievably good. Here is the recepie from their site.

Ingredients

For Feta Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
4 ounces good quality feta cheese
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 small clove garlic, grated
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Burger Patties:
1 1/2 pounds good quality ground lamb
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried mint
Directions
3/4 teaspoon smoked sea salt (large crystals - if using fine salt cut this amount in 1/2)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Assembly:
4 slices mozzarella cheese
4 good quality kaiser rolls or hamburger buns, split
Romaine lettuce
Sliced tomato
Sliced red onion
Mild banana pepper rings
English cucumber slices
Add all ingredients for dressing to the bowl of a small food processor and pulse to combine. Remove to bowl and set aside to allow the flavors to blend.

Mix all the ingredients for burger patties (do not overwork). Divide the meat into 4 equal patties that are a little larger in diameter than the size of your bun, so that when they shrink after cooking they will fit the buns perfectly.

Heat a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or outdoor grill to medium heat. Once the grill is hot, cook burgers about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached. Do not overcook or the burgers will be dry.

Top each burger with mozzarella cheese during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.

Lightly toast the cut sides of your buns either on the grill or under the oven broiler.

Spread some of the feta dressing on the bottom half of each bun, top with a burger patty, romaine lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, banana pepper rings, and sliced cucumber. Spread some feta dressing on the top halves of the buns and cover the burgers.


We did not use bananna peppers or sliced cucumbers but the rest we did and it was fantastic. If you want to try something savory and different, give this a shot. KUDOS to my husband Greg for making such a delicious dish and finding this recipie!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Crock Pot Love

I have mentioned in past blogs I love my Crock Pot, but I really LOVE it. I made a 3 bean Turkey Chili last week for dinner. Today it is rainy and there is a chill in the air, so I took out the Crock Pot and started a Spicy Beef Chili. I have the Rival Crock Pot in the picture above. I also have the cookbook listed below. I think I have made about 5 meals from this book so far.


Do you use a Crock Pot? What are some of your favorite recipes?