Christmas 2009 at 9-oh-6, in pictures...
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
1,000 words
Monday, December 28, 2009
Kitchen Fun
I think I might buy this for in front of the kitchen sink. The color is great, the statement is quirky, and I like the idea of a little something on the floor besides the pile of shoes that usually ends up by the back door.
From Urban Outfitters
From Urban Outfitters
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Handyman
He looks good up on a ladder...
...even if he is annoyed with me constantly taking pictures.
We have high hopes of finishing the hutch this week while I'm still off of work. Obviously if you read this blog regularly you know that we've said that numerous times before... so here's hoping this time is different and we actually get it done! The pictures above are from when Dan put up my capiz pendant lamp a couple of weeks ago, which really makes the room. So, if all goes as planned with the hutch I can put up pictures of the FINISHED dining room sometime this week to show it off, along with the fancy new lighting. Fingers crossed!
...even if he is annoyed with me constantly taking pictures.
We have high hopes of finishing the hutch this week while I'm still off of work. Obviously if you read this blog regularly you know that we've said that numerous times before... so here's hoping this time is different and we actually get it done! The pictures above are from when Dan put up my capiz pendant lamp a couple of weeks ago, which really makes the room. So, if all goes as planned with the hutch I can put up pictures of the FINISHED dining room sometime this week to show it off, along with the fancy new lighting. Fingers crossed!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Oh, Christmas List... Round 3
WELL, it is certainly winter in Chicago. There's snow on the ground for everyone to trudge through, ice on the back stairs for me to slip on (thankfully, I have not yet), and the temperature yesterday barely reached double digits. A funny copywriter friend at work was watching the snow tossed around by the wind on Wednesday and wondered aloud who could have possibly decided to build a big city in a place with such severe weather. We decided that the original settlers of Chicago must have been such skilled architects that they began building in the beautiful summer months and were so far along by the time winter hit that they just couldn't turn back. Clearly, we are all scholars of Chicago history. :)
I'm in full Christmas mode, braving the weather to go shopping and stalking my regular sites for online deals. So far, my shopping is going pretty much the same way it always does - I find all kinds of things I would love for myself, even more that I would love for Manda, and am at a loss about what to get nearly everyone else. Thankfully, I have still managed to make a dent in my list and have plans to go shopping with Dan tomorrow to tackle more of it.
As I'm continuing to expand my personal Christmas list, I'm realizing more and more how drawn I am this year to things for my time in the kitchen. Although I haven't had as many opportunities lately to cook at home and experiment with recipes, when I do have the chance I still enjoy every minute of it and love the satisfaction of cooking something that tastes wonderful in the end.
Here's more kitchen fun I'm craving...
I think over everything else I've posted about, this little jar of goodness is without a doubt number one on my list. Thanks to some foodie friends at work and regular tastings at The Chopping Block right by work, I have fallen in love with truffle salt. It's pricey, but a teeny little pinch of this stuff over plain popcorn, mixed in salsa, or used to season meat seriously makes a delicious difference that instantly transforms me into feeling like I'm eating something extravagant from a fancy restaurant.
Thanks to the lack of in-a-row meals at home, when I buy fresh herbs a good portion of them often wilt and brown before I have the chance to use them up. While I'm not complaining about the 33 cents a bunch price of cilantro, green onion and the like, I do often wonder how anyone actually manages to use a whole bunch up before it goes bad. So, since I can't just buy 2 little sprigs of cilantro when I want guacamole, a couple of these herb saver pods would be a snazzy addition to my fridge.
This drool-worthy kit which would help produce drool-worthy cupcakes is a little pricey for my liking... but I still can't resist picturing how amazing cupcakes would look in any one of these 400+ (!!!) pretty liners. And don't even get me started on the sprinkles and frosting tools.
Have I ever mentioned my slight obsession with Julie & Julia? Author Julie Powell is such a source of inspiration for me... she had all of the pieces for a seemingly perfect life - cute husband, apartment in NYC, decent job - but she was on a hunt to really find herself... and discovered true happiness through a blog. About cooking. Which gained a huge following that eventually turned into TV and newspaper interviews. And later a book deal. Which quickly led to a movie deal. Are you kidding me? What an absolute dream come true! Besides being a great read and a fun movie, Julie & Julia introduced me to the one and only Julia Child, and while I have not yet tackled any of her recipes (I'll admit it - I'm scared), this Kitchen Wisdom book looks like the perfect way to dip into her mastery a little bit at a time!
I'm in full Christmas mode, braving the weather to go shopping and stalking my regular sites for online deals. So far, my shopping is going pretty much the same way it always does - I find all kinds of things I would love for myself, even more that I would love for Manda, and am at a loss about what to get nearly everyone else. Thankfully, I have still managed to make a dent in my list and have plans to go shopping with Dan tomorrow to tackle more of it.
As I'm continuing to expand my personal Christmas list, I'm realizing more and more how drawn I am this year to things for my time in the kitchen. Although I haven't had as many opportunities lately to cook at home and experiment with recipes, when I do have the chance I still enjoy every minute of it and love the satisfaction of cooking something that tastes wonderful in the end.
Here's more kitchen fun I'm craving...
I think over everything else I've posted about, this little jar of goodness is without a doubt number one on my list. Thanks to some foodie friends at work and regular tastings at The Chopping Block right by work, I have fallen in love with truffle salt. It's pricey, but a teeny little pinch of this stuff over plain popcorn, mixed in salsa, or used to season meat seriously makes a delicious difference that instantly transforms me into feeling like I'm eating something extravagant from a fancy restaurant.
Thanks to the lack of in-a-row meals at home, when I buy fresh herbs a good portion of them often wilt and brown before I have the chance to use them up. While I'm not complaining about the 33 cents a bunch price of cilantro, green onion and the like, I do often wonder how anyone actually manages to use a whole bunch up before it goes bad. So, since I can't just buy 2 little sprigs of cilantro when I want guacamole, a couple of these herb saver pods would be a snazzy addition to my fridge.
This drool-worthy kit which would help produce drool-worthy cupcakes is a little pricey for my liking... but I still can't resist picturing how amazing cupcakes would look in any one of these 400+ (!!!) pretty liners. And don't even get me started on the sprinkles and frosting tools.
Have I ever mentioned my slight obsession with Julie & Julia? Author Julie Powell is such a source of inspiration for me... she had all of the pieces for a seemingly perfect life - cute husband, apartment in NYC, decent job - but she was on a hunt to really find herself... and discovered true happiness through a blog. About cooking. Which gained a huge following that eventually turned into TV and newspaper interviews. And later a book deal. Which quickly led to a movie deal. Are you kidding me? What an absolute dream come true! Besides being a great read and a fun movie, Julie & Julia introduced me to the one and only Julia Child, and while I have not yet tackled any of her recipes (I'll admit it - I'm scared), this Kitchen Wisdom book looks like the perfect way to dip into her mastery a little bit at a time!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Luuurving my new camera
Minus the quickly dropping temperatures outside, I'm enjoying the heck out of the holiday season so far. The house is decorated and the tree is up, I'm blogging from my new computer and starting to get things set up on here - although I have yet to transfer any of my files off of my PC, I've gotten a decent start on my Christmas shopping thanks to the internet and a trip to Gurnee Mills with Manda today, and thanks to the $150 Best Buy gift card that came with my computer I was able to buy a fancy new camera that I am having a blast playing with in an attempt to learn how to take decent pictures on a regular basis.
The camera I bought is the Nikon L100, which was recommended by a friend as a great in-between camera (meaning in between a digital point-and-shoot and a DSLR... something I'd love to buy one of these days when I'm rich). So far, I've had a bit of difficulty with any kind of action shots - such as trying to catch Kadence running around at her 2nd birthday party last night. However, between the birthday party and Dan's work retreat this weekend where I also played photographer, I've gotten some great shots and I'm confident that as I learn more about the camera (and finish reading the thick manual) I'll be on my way to crisp detailed pictures with amazing color and clarity.
For now, here's the 3rd picture ever that I took - this is one of my favorite ornaments up on our tree, and I used the close-up setting just minutes after taking the camera out of the box. If I can get this kind of detail in portraits I will be a happy happy girl!
The camera I bought is the Nikon L100, which was recommended by a friend as a great in-between camera (meaning in between a digital point-and-shoot and a DSLR... something I'd love to buy one of these days when I'm rich). So far, I've had a bit of difficulty with any kind of action shots - such as trying to catch Kadence running around at her 2nd birthday party last night. However, between the birthday party and Dan's work retreat this weekend where I also played photographer, I've gotten some great shots and I'm confident that as I learn more about the camera (and finish reading the thick manual) I'll be on my way to crisp detailed pictures with amazing color and clarity.
For now, here's the 3rd picture ever that I took - this is one of my favorite ornaments up on our tree, and I used the close-up setting just minutes after taking the camera out of the box. If I can get this kind of detail in portraits I will be a happy happy girl!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Maaaaaaac
Manda is spending the night. Know what that means? It means it's time to stay up way too late... and play with iphoto. Have I mentioned how much I love my new macbook? Because I do.
Happy Saturday!!
Happy Saturday!!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Reasons Why I Love Him
#612: He makes me laugh.
me: so i didnt eat lunch today
dan: why
me: i ate so much cereal this morning i'm still full
dan: geez
me: i only had 2 bowls, but life fills me up a lot
lawlerdj: good, life should be fulfilling
me: so i didnt eat lunch today
dan: why
me: i ate so much cereal this morning i'm still full
dan: geez
me: i only had 2 bowls, but life fills me up a lot
lawlerdj: good, life should be fulfilling
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Top 10 - Roasted Garlic Chicken
It has been AGES since I've posted about wanting to create a Top 10 list of easy go-to recipes that are tried and true hits in our household. In fact, it's been so long that I think I would have to go back through my blog to see what has actually made the list. From memory, I think there are only 2 that I officially put on the list -
Baked Ziti
-and-
Brown Sugar Basil Pork Chops
I definitely think the Sweet & Sour Chicken a la Caili deserves a spot on the list as well... and I think the only thing holding me back from adding it was the hour-long cooking time. But, the recipe I'm posting here today has quickly become a favorite of mine and it's also not the fastest dinner in the world, so since it's my list, I'm adding them both!
I found this recipe flipping through all of my cooking magazines while trying to find something easy and tasty to make for Manda's confirmation dinner. We had my parents, Manda, and my gramma over that night to celebrate, and the chicken was a hit! Dan and I have had it for dinner once or twice since - it works out perfectly when he's able to get it in the marinade before he leaves for work, and I can pop it in the oven when I get home.
Before I jump into the recipe, can I just say that I cannot BELIEVE my little Manda made her confirmation!! She's not a little kid anymore, and it's always holidays and special occasions when it hits me that she's almost in high school. We realized the other day that my 30th birthday and her 16th are just 2 days apart, and although it's 3 years off (thank God!), we're already discussing a huge party and possibly taking a trip together to celebrate.
Here's the latest addition to the Top 10 list, straight from a new favorite - Food Network Magazine.
Roasted Garlic Chicken
1 head garlic, peeled
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh oregano, plus more for garnish
3 or 4 dried red chile peppers, crushed (I use chili powder - I'm cheap like that)
Kosher salt
4 pounds bone-in chicken parts, or one 4-pound chicken, cut into 10 pieces (I use bone-in chicken breasts - we like white meat and they come in handy 2 packs at the store down the block!)
1. Mince one clove of garlic and smash the rest.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, add the chicken and toss to coat.
3. Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 450. Arrange chicken in a roasting pan and pour extra marinade over it. Roast for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with extra oregano if desired.
A few things I learned while making this dish:
1. Fresh oregano is worth the additional cost for this chicken... I really should get one of those little herb garden window boxes so I can grow my own!
2. Throwing on the broiler for the last couple minutes of cooking helps get the beautiful browned skin that makes this look even more delicious.
3. Garlic mashed potatoes and green beans make PERFECT sides for this chicken.
4. Rubbing wet hands on a stainless steel kitchen faucet will help rid them of the garlic smell you're sure to get from peeling a whole head of it!
Original recipe and image from Food Network
Baked Ziti
-and-
Brown Sugar Basil Pork Chops
I definitely think the Sweet & Sour Chicken a la Caili deserves a spot on the list as well... and I think the only thing holding me back from adding it was the hour-long cooking time. But, the recipe I'm posting here today has quickly become a favorite of mine and it's also not the fastest dinner in the world, so since it's my list, I'm adding them both!
I found this recipe flipping through all of my cooking magazines while trying to find something easy and tasty to make for Manda's confirmation dinner. We had my parents, Manda, and my gramma over that night to celebrate, and the chicken was a hit! Dan and I have had it for dinner once or twice since - it works out perfectly when he's able to get it in the marinade before he leaves for work, and I can pop it in the oven when I get home.
Before I jump into the recipe, can I just say that I cannot BELIEVE my little Manda made her confirmation!! She's not a little kid anymore, and it's always holidays and special occasions when it hits me that she's almost in high school. We realized the other day that my 30th birthday and her 16th are just 2 days apart, and although it's 3 years off (thank God!), we're already discussing a huge party and possibly taking a trip together to celebrate.
Here's the latest addition to the Top 10 list, straight from a new favorite - Food Network Magazine.
Roasted Garlic Chicken
1 head garlic, peeled
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh oregano, plus more for garnish
3 or 4 dried red chile peppers, crushed (I use chili powder - I'm cheap like that)
Kosher salt
4 pounds bone-in chicken parts, or one 4-pound chicken, cut into 10 pieces (I use bone-in chicken breasts - we like white meat and they come in handy 2 packs at the store down the block!)
1. Mince one clove of garlic and smash the rest.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, add the chicken and toss to coat.
3. Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 450. Arrange chicken in a roasting pan and pour extra marinade over it. Roast for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with extra oregano if desired.
A few things I learned while making this dish:
1. Fresh oregano is worth the additional cost for this chicken... I really should get one of those little herb garden window boxes so I can grow my own!
2. Throwing on the broiler for the last couple minutes of cooking helps get the beautiful browned skin that makes this look even more delicious.
3. Garlic mashed potatoes and green beans make PERFECT sides for this chicken.
4. Rubbing wet hands on a stainless steel kitchen faucet will help rid them of the garlic smell you're sure to get from peeling a whole head of it!
Original recipe and image from Food Network
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
