Happy New Year!

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."
Benjamin Franklin

If, like me (and, apparently, Benjamin Franklin), you also make New Year's Resolutions, here are some tips on actually keeping them.

Corporations are always going on and on about SMART goals, which are usually (in my opinion) really boring (but can be useful when making New Year's resolutions).

SMART goals (resolutions!) are:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable (Aim low!)
Relevant
Timely (Don't wait until the last minute...)

My SMART resolutions this year:
1. Lose 7 pounds (although 10 would be better...)
2. I have a specific savings goal, which may (or may not) be attainable
3. I've lived in my apartment for 3 years, and still have temporary blinds. It'd be nice to get ALL the projects done around my apartment (it's a small apartment, so that's probably attainable)
4. This is the year I finally knit a sweater
5. And learn how to play "You are My Sunshine" on the guitar (I love that song...)

Other suggestions for keeping New Year's resolutions include:
- Only make a few resolutions, so you aren't overwhelmed (5 is plenty, I think)
- Tell people what you're resolutions are so they'll hold you accountable (post them on the internet, for example)
- Reward yourself along the way (although I'd just be happy to lose the 7 pounds)

Good luck keeping your resolutions and have a very Happy New Year!

Kiss My Grits!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.

O'Hare Airport was nicely decorated for the holidays,



but unfortunately, I never made it to my final destination.

Before leaving on this ill-fated trip, I received a copy of the Clinton Street Baking Company Cookbook as a Christmas gift.

(The Clinton Street Baking Company is a restaurant located on the Lower East Side of New York, famous for their pancakes and long lines for brunch.)

Many of the recipes in the cookbook sound delicious, especially one in particular...

In 2008, Time Out New York wrote that the Baked Truffled Grits are one of the finest dishes in the city.

And now, here is the recipe:

INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup dry instant grits
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt
Ground black pepper
2 Tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
8 ounces fresh mushrooms (oyster, shiitake, cremini, or any seasonal wild mushroom mix), stemmed and coarsely chopped
2 Tablespoons minced shallots
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, picked from stems
1 cup shredded fontina cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs, preferably panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 teaspoon white truffle oil

DIRECTIONS
Bring the milk to a simmer in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-low heat.

Slowly add the grits and stir with a wooden spoon until smooth, approximately 3 - 5 minutes.

Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack until the cheese melts, and the mixture is smooth and creamy. (If the grits get too thick, stir in a little water to thin them out.)

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour into 4 buttered 10-ounce ramekins or a buttered 5-cup casserole.

Set aside.

Preheat a medium-sized saute pan over medium-high heat, add the oil and heat until smoking hot.

Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 - 3 minutes.

Add the shallots, garlic and thyme to the mushrooms and continue to saute for 1 minute.

Season with salt and pepper.

Scatter the mushroom mixture over the grits.

Top with the fontina and breadcrumbs.

Bake at 375 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes, or until the top is crusty and golden-brown.

Remove from the oven and drizzle with truffle oil.

Enjoy!

Christmas in Iowa

Merry Christmas!


Photo courtesy: my brother

Another Trip to San Francisco...

another Imperial Yarn Pattern.

During my first trip to San Francisco, my friend & I took a class at Urban Fauna Studio.

While there, I bought The Sumptuous Cowl pattern, from Imperial Yarn.

At the same time, I also saw the pattern for the Ribbon Cravat.

I don't know why I didn't buy it right then.

But, I didn't.

I couldn't stop thinking about it, though...

So, when I booked another trip to San Francisco, I made plans to go back to Urban Fauna and get that pattern.

And I did.

It's Christmastime in the City

My holiday-related goals for today were to go to the "Gifted" holiday market in Brooklyn, where I would find unique, inexpensive gifts,


then run next door to Target to pick up holiday candy (specifically Hershey's Kisses and red & green M&M's) that I would then turn into festive holiday treats.

Well, I finally made it into the Gifted market (after being briefly trapped in a corner of the lobby by a couple with a stroller), but was instantly distracted by the prices, which were...

exorbitant.

So, instead of looking for unique, inexpensive gifts, I started taking note of $15 Little Golden Books


$24 View Masters


and a $150 magazine rack.



(My favorite was the $12 Petit Marseillais shower gel, that sells for about 2 euro at Monoprix in Paris.)



I left empty-handed (of course) but even more determined to raid "the junk shop" back home for stuff to sell here. (And Monoprix on my next trip to Paris.)

I then walked across the street to Target. The Hershey Kisses were on sale (!), and although I couldn't find plain holiday M&M's, I thought I could make do with almond.

So I made my way downstairs, to what could not possibly be the line to check out.

Except it was.

I stood there, in shock, until a security guard tried to direct me to the end of the line. Instead, I turned into the nearest aisle and dumped an armful of holiday candy onto the nearest shelf and walked out. (Empty-handed again.)

After a less-than-enjoyable ride on the subway from Brooklyn to Manhattan, where someone thought we'd all benefit from listening to Rihanna, I may never leave home again.

Ever.

Less is More

As I've moved into progressively smaller and smaller spaces, I've had to get rid of a lot of things.

I thought I would hate this, but I don't.

I love it!

Then, while reading The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World , by Chris Guillebeau last night (its just ok...), I learned about a website called Zen Habits.

Zen Habits is about finding simplicity, focusing on what's important, and finding happiness.

Topics include:
Finance & Family
Health & Fitness
Goals & Motivation
Habits
Happiness
Productivity & Organization
Simplicity

Sounds perfect!

(The article The Case Against Buying Christmas Presents is especially interesting this time of year...)

What a Cheese Ball

Today was our annual office holiday potluck and for some reason I decided to make a cheese ball.

I thought it would be funny, but...

It was really good!

Cheese Ball

Ingredients
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Ground pepper
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Directions
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese with cheddar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous pinch of pepper until well combined. Mix in 1/4 cup pecans. Cover cheese mixture with plastic wrap, and chill at least 2 1/2 hours or up to overnight.
Divide the cheese mixture in half, and shape each half into a ball. Spread remaining 3/4 cup pecans on a plate, and roll balls in pecans to coat completely, pressing nuts to adhere. Serve chilled.

Out with the Old

97s.



Friday night, the Old 97s played The Music Hall in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The Old 97s are an alt-country band that have been around forever (well, since 1993).

This is a band that must be seen to be appreciated.

And the show Friday night did not disappoint.

Rhett "Let the Whisky Take the Reins", so forgot some lyrics...

But then he looked up, and smiled, and all was forgiven. (Rhett must also been seen to be appreciated.)

Some favorite Old 97's songs include:
Big Brown Eyes
Salome
Time Bomb
Please Hold On While the Train is Moving
Melt Show
Designs on You
Barrier Reef
Dance with Me
The Grand Theater
Coahuila

I could go on.

And on.

And on.

I highly recommend going to see these guys. I'm already looking forward to the next show!

(The Fillmore in San Francisco on January 22?)

I Love a Parade!

Not just any parade - the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

This was my fourth Thanksgiving in New York City, but first Thanksgiving Day parade.

My friend & I got off the train at the corner of 53rd Street & 7th Avenue, just in time.


We then went into my office building, which has a perfect view up 7th Avenue.



Eventually we went back outside, and watched the balloons,



and Joan Rivers

go by.

Soon it was all over,


and we were off for some après-parade Bloody Marys at PJ Clarke's, followed by a delicious dinner at Nice Matin.

It was a great way to start the holidays!

I saw this picture in San Francisco last month...


in the back room of the Urban Fauna Studio.

I love everything about this - the shoes, skirt, turtleneck, tights...

And that knit cowl.

The big, burly guy who owns the shop glanced over, and said the words I longed to hear: "Oh, yeah. We have that pattern.".

The pattern is from Imperial Yarn, a family owned and operated ranch located in Maupin, Oregon.

Once a year, they shear the wool from the sheep, then transform it into a wide selection of fibers and yarns, without harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, leaving it naturally soft.

The wool used to make this "Sumptuous Cowl" is called 2-Strand Pencil Roving. I'd never seen this before! It's incredibly soft, and comes in "cakes" rather than skeins.



The cowl is knit with strands from 2 cakes held together (so, 4 strands in all!), and is all knitting and purling, so its quick and easy.

And gorgeous!



Now I just need to find those shoes...

Perspicacity

[pur-spi-kas-i-tee]

–noun

keenness of mental perception and understanding; discernment; penetration.

Also, an open-air market on the beach in Seaside, Florida selling casual, trendy clothing and accessories.

Seaside is located in the heart of Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast along Highway 30A, a 20-mile scenic road between Destin and Panama City Beach.



This year, Frommer Travel named the Florida Panhandle beaches, including Seaside, as a “top 10 destination” for 2010 (the only continental U.S. destination on the list). And last year, Travel & Leisure magazine named Seaside in its 100 Greatest Trips issue.

(So, it's nice.)

Seaside is a community with both permanent residents and seasonal guests. So, in addition to diverse shops and restaurants, there are year-round cultural events and festivals.

This past weekend was the 20th Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival, featuring hundreds of wines from around the world.

My friends & I conducted our own "wine festival" on the beach, though...



One of our favorite restaurants is The Red Bar, in nearby Grayton Beach, one of 30A's oldest communities, with historic cottages, quaint shops and galleries.

Be prepared, though - there will be a wait. But the beer is cheap and the music is good. The house band plays most nights, but on Sundays from Noon-3pm and 7-10pm, and on Monday nights from 7-10pm you can see the awesome Dread Clampitt.

Also, Bud & Alley's is delicious (which explains how it's stayed in business for 23 years - and counting!), and right on the beach in downtown Seaside. In the evening, the roof deck bar is a popular spot to watch the sun set over the Gulf.

Our favorite meal, however, was at Old Florida Fish House Restaurant & Bar, further along 30A. Of course the fish was incredible, but so (surprisingly) was the hanger steak. And there is music and dancing in the bar.

I've been to this area several times, and can't wait to go back (permanently?). The Seaside motto is "More than a way of life, a way of living!".

Looks good to me.

A November (Blue) to Remember

Best "November" song ever.

Career Advice from Mr. Stevens

The Remains of the Day, by Kazuo Ishiguro, won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction in 1989.

And the film, starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

So...

It's good.

I decided to read the book, initially hoping for insight into how to be professional while remaining true to my personal ethics.

And, Mr. Stevens did have some interesting theories on the subject.

Basically, he believes that...
"... our professional duty is not to our own foibles and sentiments, but to the wishes of our employer."

And,
"I believe strongly that this 'dignity' is something one can meaningfully strive for throughout one's career."

However,
"Continentals - and by and large the Celts, as you will no doubt agree - are as a rule unable to control themselves in moments of strong emotion, and are thus unable to maintain a professional demeanor other than in the least challenging of situations.

In a word, 'dignity' is beyond such persons."

So, being a "Continental" myself, particularly a "Celt"...

I'm doomed.

But, Mr. Stevens' advice is...
"There is little to be gained in growing despondent, however."

So true.

But, I can't help thinking about where I went wrong.

I can pinpoint the exact moment.

I was in college, and my advisor called me into his office, asked me to close the door, and said that I couldn't leave until I'd declared a major.

(He was right to insist that I declare a major - I think by that time I was a junior - had he not issued such an ultimatum, I might still be in college.)

But, I panicked. I took him very literally.

So, rather than take up permanent residence in his office, I thought back to the Eddie Murphy/Dan Aykroyd movie I'd seen recently, and thought...

Finance!

I didn't know anything about Finance - until that day, I'd been taking mostly literature, philosophy and psychology courses.

But, I was (and remain) a very practical person, and knew that with a degree in Finance, I could "figure it out later". I mean - there are so many different areas within finance (banking, personal finance, corporate finance...).

And to date, I've tried them all.

And hated every last one of them.

But, according to Mr. Stevens...

"... when with the benefit of hindsight one begins to search one's past for such 'turning points', one is apt to start seeing them everywhere.

But what is the sense in forever speculating what might have happened had such and such a moment turned out differently? One could presumably drive oneself to distraction in this way.

But that doesn't mean to say, of course, there aren't occasions now and then - extremely desolate occasions - when you think to yourself: "What a terrible mistake I've made with my life."

And you get to thinking about a different life, a better life you might have had.

After all, there's no turning back the clock now. One can't be forever dwelling on what might have been. One should realize one has as good as most, perhaps better, and be grateful."

And most importantly...

"Don't keep looking back all the time, you're bound to get depressed.

You've got to enjoy yourself.

... adopt a more positive outlook and try to make the best of what remains of my day. After all, what can we ever gain in forever looking back and blaming ourselves if our lives have not turned out quite as we might have wished?"

Sheep, Wool, and So Much More!

Last weekend was the Sheep and Wool Festival, held annually on the 3rd weekend of October in Rhinebeck, New York (approximately 2 hours north of New York City).

There were sheep...



There was wool...



But, also... goats, llamas, alpacas and rabbits.

Basically, if you can make a sweater out of it, it was there.

Like this...


How cute are those ears?


And this face???


In addition to the sheep and wool, etc. there are workshops, lectures, sheep dog trials... and people from all over the country selling everything from yarn and supplies (stuff I never knew existed!), to the finished product.

It was a beautiful fall day...


If I'd just remembered to bring my checkbook, it would've been perfect!

I Left My Heart...

here!



Not actually in Vesuvio.

San Francisco!

(And, I didn't quite leave my heart there, but I did really like it!)

I stayed at the Palace Hotel, which is a gorgeous, historic hotel that opened in 1909, after being devastated in the 1906 earthquake. Since then, the list of people who've stayed there includes Kings, Queens, Presidents, JPMorgan, John D. Rockefeller, Mark Twain... and Bob Sagat.

And now me!

The hotel is lovely...

Garden Court


until you get to the rooms.

My advice would be - go for drinks at the Pied Piper, or get Sunday brunch in the Garden Court (it's "only" $68).

Just don't actually stay there.

The carpet is dirty and the walls are thin.

(Sorry Palace Hotel.)

On my first night in town, I walked to North Beach, to the famous City Lights Bookstore.

I'm not a big "that book changed my life" type of person. But I will admit that Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" did get me thinking.

So I immediately headed upstairs to the Beat section, and ended up buying The Awakener, A Memoir of Kerouac and the Fifties.

After leaving the bookstore, I walked through Jack Kerouac Alley (inscribed with the quote from On the Road: "The air was soft, the stars so fine, the promise of every cobbled alley so great..."),



which leads into Chinatown. As I was walking down one of the many alleys (Ross Alley, to be exact), I noticed the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

I love fortune cookies.

So, I went inside, where they gave me hot cookies right out of the oven.



Of course I bought a giant bag of cookies (that got crushed on the way home but still taste great!).

On my way back to the Palace, I walked past City Lights Bookstore again...

and Vesuvio, which is right across Jack Kerouac Alley.

I don't drink much these days, and don't usually go into bars by myself, but this is Vesuvio!

Jack Kerouac hung out here!

Obviously I had to make an exception.

So, I decided to go inside.

... just for ONE beer.

... just to see what it looked like.

But, just like Jack Kerouac when he blew off Henry Miller in 1960, I ended up staying for hours.

The next day, I did all the touristy things I could handle.

I started at Coit Tower, which Lillie Hitchcock Coit had built in 1933, in honor of the firefighters that she loved (who doesn't love firefighters?).

The walk up Telegraph Hill to get there is... strenuous. But with views of Alcatraz, the bridges (Bay and Golden Gate), and beyond... it's worth it.

From Coit Tower, it's a short walk to Fisherman's Wharf, which is very close to Ghirardelli Square. I hear there are good crabs at Fisherman's Wharf, but it is so crowded.

So, I didn't get to find out...

(I did however, get a delicious crab cake at Le Central later.)

On Saturday morning, I walked down Market Street to the Ferry Building.



Outside is a farmer's market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and inside are shops and restaurants.

Later that day I met up with a good friend who recently moved to the San Francisco area.

We were taking a needle felting class at Urban Fauna Studio.

But, we couldn't find it.

We walked and walked and walked.

Finally, my phone told me we were close. We followed the directions, which took us to... Bar Jules.

I don't know why my phone told us to go to Bar Jules, but I'll be eternally grateful!

The Scrambled Eggs with Parmesan were delicious! And, the Hayes Valley neighborhood is probably my favorite area in the city.

We liked it so much, in fact, that we came back later that day!

But first, we found Urban Fauna (which is nowhere near Bar Jules!) and our needle felting class. Three Hello Kitty Band-Aids later...



and we were back on the street.

After walking for a while, I looked over and saw Haight Street. I knew that if I followed it long enough, I would eventually find the famous corner of Haight and Ashbury.



The Haight still attracts a lot of hippies, but it also has cute cafes and shops. We especially loved Ambiance on Haight Street.

Not far from the Haight district is Alamo Square with a view of the Painted Ladies.

And then we were back in Hayes Valley!

Cary Lane has great vintage and designer samples. And the prices are incredible - my friend got a pair of Stella McCartney jeans for $50!

We both bought cookies at Miette. (Although what I really wanted was one of these cupcakes!)



Instead of cupcakes, though, we had dinner at Absinthe. The food was delicious. We both ordered French Onion Soup Gratinee...



and shared the Garlic Pretzels with Vermont Cheddar Mornay (delicious!!), and Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich, with arugula and macadamia nut-basil pesto (best grilled cheese sandwich I've ever had!).

The only thing that wasn't great was the service.

From the maitre d' to the bartender, everyone was so rude!

But the food was great!

The next day, my friend & I took the Caltrain out to Menlo Park, to see her family and new home. After a quick tour of Palo Alto, just a few miles away, we spent the afternoon walking around downtown Menlo Park (which is very cute!).

Then it was back to San Francisco for the night and on to New York in the morning...

I'm home now, but wish I was still here...

It was Inevitable

Everyone who knows me knows I love to read. (I've read 17 books already this year.)

So, I really don't know what took me so long.

But, better late than never...



I thought I would miss having a book.

But, I don't. (At all!)

In fact, after only 2 days with the Kindle, I might already prefer it.

I love being able to highlight sections I want to remember, and look up words I don't know - without having to reach for a pen or dictionary.com.

And, the Kindle keeps track of my progress for me! I no longer have to look at how many pages are in the book, then calculate how far into it I am.

(Doesn't everyone do this??)

The inaugural book was....

The Remains of the Day, by Kazuo Ishiguro.

One of the reviewers asks, about this book, "What is the meaning of professionalism in today's society? How much should one sacrifice in order to remain true to his own personal ethics? ".

These are questions I ask myself constantly. I've never been able to just keep my mouth shut and do what I'm told.

Maybe my life would be a little easier if I did.

I'll see how it works out for Mr. Stevens first.

I'm Back!

It's been a long month.

But, the budget I've been working on non-stop has been submitted to Paris.

So, to celebrate, I went to...

New Jersey!

That's right.

(Believe me, I was just as surprised.)

My original destination was New Hope, PA, in Buck's County, about 90 minutes from New York City.

According to the New Hope Chamber of Commerce, "this sophisticated yet country-casual town provides a much needed break from today′s hectic lifestyle and offers something for everyone".

And, a break from today's hectic lifestyle was definitely must needed.

In addition to the antique shops, art galleries, and winery, it was near New Hope that George Washington famously crossed the Delaware on Christmas night, 1776...


and I was looking forward to seeing the Washington Crossing Historic Park.

However...

I got a late start.

Then I got stuck in traffic.

So, instead, I stopped when I got to Lambertville, NJ (which is, I know, right across the river from New Hope).

But, in Lambertville, I went to the Golden Nugget Antique Market. It was late (about 2pm) so most vendors were packing up. I wandered through the usual old lamps, magazines, and a lot of knives (I mean A LOT. It was weird).

Then I saw a woman, surrounded by racks and tables of clothes - fur coats, cashmere sweaters...

I picked up and put down a few things, then saw something in a grey and white checked fabric that I just had to look at.

"That's expensive" she said, as I reached for it. "Look at the label."

I did, and saw...



BALMAIN?!? At a flea market in New Jersey?

Balmain is known for being feminine, high fashion and very expensive.

"Gorgeous", I said, and started to hang it right back on the rack.

"That would be $40" she said.

I pulled it right back off the rack.

It was a long, fitted jacket and a slim skirt.

It appeared to be my size.

I tried on the jacket, and...

the jacket fit.

I was wearing a long, full skirt - perfect for trying on other skirts underneath without becoming an exhibitionist.

The skirt fit too.

The jacket


A close-up of the fabric


Honestly, I was skeptical - I mean, how can someone sell Balmain for $40?!?

But, when I got home I Googled "Pierre Balmain Paris checked skirt", and a few pages down, I saw this...

It appears to be Marion Cotillard wearing a similar skirt.



I'm still skeptical. But for $40, I can live with not knowing.

Ravioli with Butter and Sage Sauce

Did you notice I dropped the whole "Sunday Supper" thing? You don't have to wait until a Sunday to make this. It's SO easy!

Whenever I go to a restaurant, and see pumpkin ravioli with butter and sage sauce, I know exactly what I'm ordering. I love it. LOVE it!

I thought it would be impossible to make myself but it's actually really easy!

I had some leftover mushroom ravioli, found Mario Batali's recipe on the Food Network, and was lucky enough to be given some fresh sage from a friend's garden.

Butter and Sage Sauce

Ingredients
Pasta, of choice
4 tablespoons butter
8 sage leaves
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Directions
While your pasta cooks, melt butter in a 12 to 14-inch saute pan and continue cooking until golden brown color ("noisette") appears in the thinnest liquid of the butter. Add sage leaves and remove from heat. Add lemon juice and set aside. Drain the pasta, but leaving some cooking water, and gently pour into saute pan and return to heat. Add the cheese, toss to coat and serve immediately.

Basically, you just brown the butter, add the sage leaves, then CAREFULLY (it splatters!) add some lemon juice.

That's it!!!

It's really quick and really good!!

Try it!

Loving Frank

Not ME!

That's the name of a book about the relationship between Mamah (May-muh, not "Mama") Borthwick Cheney and Frank Lloyd Wright.

I always struggle with historical fiction... What parts are "historical" and what parts are "fiction"???

But, even with that constantly in the back of my mind, I really enjoyed this book.

At the time, the relationship created a scandal - both were married, and both had children.

They each made the decision that it was better - for them and their children - to live an honest life, rather than sacrifice their happiness in order to conform to society. Frank Lloyd Wright's family motto was "The Truth Against the World", and that is how he and Mamah lived.

And they had quite a life - they traveled to Paris, Berlin, Japan... eventually settling at Taliesin, the home in Spring Green, Wisconsin that Frank designed for Mamah.

All the while, they struggled "against the world" - friends, family, neighbors, the press - who didn't approve of their choices.

But, they loved each other madly until the very end. And who can argue with that?

You don't have to be a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright to enjoy this book (I'm not, particularly). It's an interesting story about love - between a man and a woman, and between a woman and her children - and about being true to yourself.

Even if none of it were true, I'd still recommend it.

Full Disclosure

Last weekend, I decided to clean out my closet, and had to get rid of a lot of clothes that were just too small. I kept a few favorites, though, hoping that someday I'll fit into them again.

In order to accomplish that, I bought a Wii Fit.

I set it up this morning, and while the initial results were not as bad as I expected, there is definite room for improvement.

Here's where I am today...

BMI = 20.79 (Normal - yay! But still not good.)
Weight - 124.8 (I've gained about 8 pounds in the last 6 years. Can't let that continue!)
Wii Age = 45 (WHAT?!? This is actually 2 years older than I really am!)

I set a goal to lose 5 pounds in 3 months. That should be do-able, between the Wii Fit and the subscription to Cooking Light!

(I hope!)

I'll keep you posted on my progress!

"Sunday" Supper - Quick Crisp Ravioli with Roasted Tomato Sauce

Yes, I know... It's not Sunday.

But, the new issue of Cooking Light magazine came last night and I just couldn't wait!

I have a feeling I'll be trying a lot of recipes from this issue (Chicken Puttanesca with Fettuccine, Sauteed Striped Bass with Lemon-Caper Sauce, Maple Glazed Salmon...), but tonight I made the Quick Crisp Ravioli with Roasted Tomato Sauce.

It's hard to say, but I had very high expectations. I love ravioli, tomatoes, cheese...

What could go wrong?

A lot actually.

But!

Here's the official recipe (with my unofficial comments)...

Quick Crisp Ravioli with Roasted Tomato Sauce
2 tablespoons water
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 (9-ounce) package fresh ravioli (I used mushroom)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 cups grape tomatoes, halved (about 2 pints)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

1. Combine 2 tablespoons water and egg in a shallow dish, stirring well
2. Combine panko and cheese in a shallow dish, stirring well with a fork
3. Dip each ravioli in egg mixture; dredge in panko mixture (This doesn't work.)
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in pan; swirl to coat
5. Add half of ravioli to pan in a single layer; saute 1 minute on each side or until golden (Just pile some of the panko mixture on top of the ravioli, flip it into the pan, then pile more on top.)
6. Remove ravioli from pan using a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels; keep warm
7. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and ravioli
8. Wipe skillet with paper towel (With all those yummy, cheesy bread crumbs? No way!)
9. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper to (yummy, cheesy, bread crumby) pan; saute 2 minutes, stirring frequently
10. Add garlic to pan; saute 30 seconds, stirring constantly
11. Divide ravioli evenly among 4 plates; top each serving with 1/2 cup tomato sauce

SO good!!!

Gimme a T!

(Shirt)

No, don't.

I already have 104 of them.

104!

T-shirts!!

It all started with this article in the New York Time last week.

This couple decided to downsize and live a simpler life. They read about the 100 Thing Challenge, which encourages people to commit to living with only 100 personal items.

The challenge is intended for people who feel like they have too much stuff.

That's me.

Now, I have no problem getting rid of stuff. In fact, I kind of like it.

But 100 items seems a little extreme (especially to a girl with over 100 t-shirts alone). I could probably do a "100 Category Challenge" (sweaters, DVDs, dishes...). But 100 items?

Ummm, no.

But I do feel like I have too much stuff.

So, I started with the t-shirts. I knew I had a lot. (But 104? I had no idea.)

I pulled them all out and only put back the ones I actually wear. I still have a lot... about 50. But that's a huge improvement! (And, 10 of them are Iowa t-shirts, and I NEED those. Go Hawks!)

I had planned on just going through the t-shirts, but couldn't stop myself. So, I moved on to pants, skirts, sweaters...

It took the entire weekend, but I've finished sorting though ALL of my clothes.

The one thing I learned is: Don't buy anything you don't love.

I've bought a lot of things I didn't love for a lot of reasons, and these are the things I'm now getting rid of. And, there's a LOT - 6 overflowing large shopping bags.

But, I've always wanted to have a closet where I love everything in it.

And now I do!

Here's how I did it:
1. Pull everything out of your closet or dresser by category (skirts, sweaters...).
2. Put back everything you love and wear regularly.
3. Put everything you know doesn't fit or you don't love into a bag for charity
4. Everything else? Try it on. Does it fit? Do you love it? If not, put it in the bag.
5. If you're not sure, set it aside and look at it later. (Most these ended up in the bag. I mean, if I didn't love it the first time...)
6. I went through the bag one last time. It's ok to take some stuff out. (I did.) Maybe it doesn't quite fit now, but hopefully it will again someday.

But, that's another project...

Living Oprah

I just finished the book Living Oprah: My One-Year Experiment to Walk the Walk of the Queen of Talk, by Robyn Okrant, who spent a year following Oprah’s advice on how to "live your best life".

The author was curious (as was I!) if Oprah’s advice could be followed by an “average” non-media mogul, and if that advice would really cause such an improvement.

So, she watched every episode (even the reruns), read O Magazine cover-to-cover and looked to oprah.com for advice whenever she had a question. She kept track of all the time and money she spent, and wrote a blog about the experience.

The book received an average of 4 stars on Amazon.com, but I thought it was…

boring.

Stop now if you plan to read the book yourself (although I really don’t recommend that.)

The author complained. A lot. Apparently, your “best life” is stressful and exhausting.

But, she did lose weight (Oprah is a big advocate of exercising and eating right), and her home is now organized and nicely decorated.

Surprisingly, Oprah didn’t recommend anything extravagant, unlike some celebrities who recommend taking trips to Marrakesh (I still love you Gwyneth!). The most expensive item Oprah recommended was a Kindle, at $350. And even then she suggested it only “if you can afford it”.

Obviously (?), nobody is going to do everything Oprah suggests (although, I think there are women out there who come close). But ultimately she does have some pretty good suggestions.

The point is to choose what will help you life YOUR “best life”.

"Sunday" Supper - Zucchini Quesadillas

With my "partner in crime" (literally!) temporarily under house arrest (not literally, but pretty much), I spent Friday night making this delicious zucchini quesadilla recipe from Under the Tulip Tree.

I was skeptical (zucchini quesadillas?), but these were really good!

Zucchini Quesadillas

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, coarsely chopped
Salt
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
1 cup frozen corn kernels (4 ounces)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups grated pepper jack cheese (or, regular jack cheese and a tablespoon of crushed red pepper)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add onion and 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute more.

Add zucchini and frozen corn kernels; cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is soft and corn is tender, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro, if using.

Brush one side of all tortillas with remaining tablespoon oil; lay 2 tortillas, oiled side down, on a baking sheet. Place half of the filling on each, and sprinkle with half the cheese. Place remaining 2 tortillas on top, oiled side up; press down gently with a spatula to seal.

Bake until cheese has melted and tortillas are golden brown, turning once, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool slightly. To serve, slice each quesadilla into wedges.

I Fought the Law

And won!!

See this?



This is my car registration. I've had it since November. But it wasn't always stuck to my windshield...

On Saturday, my car was parked on the street in Nyack, NY. After lunch at Casa de Sol, I walked around the corner to find a meter reader in the process of writing me a ticket! I was sure (hoping!) that I had at least a minute left on the meter.

But, as it turns out, that's not why he was writing me a ticket. He was writing me a ticket because my car wasn't registered.

(Yes it is!)

I remember quite clearly the ENTIRE day I spent at the DMV back in November, registering that car.

So I told him, "Yes it is!".

But that wasn't good enough - he wanted proof.

Fine. I have every document related to that car dating back to the day I bought it on August 8, 1998.

So, I pulled out my stack of papers and found... the receipt from my last oil change, my insurance card, an old insurance card, another old insurance card (and another...), the registration from when it was parked at my dad's house in Iowa...

Everything except what I needed.

Finally, in exasperation, I asked the guy "How much is the ticket?".

$50

So, I started looking again.

I was ready to give up, and the meter reader was obviously running out of patience, despite my margarita-induced witty banter.

But then, in a moment of inspiration, I looked above the visor.

There it was!

At that point, everything changed! The meter reader showed me where to put it, ran back to his office to get tape (when he inadvertently pulled off the adhesive portion) and even taped it to the window for me!

And he didn't give me that ticket!

Today is the Greatest...

day I've ever known.

Ok, maybe not the greatest, but it's been a pretty good day.

First, I realized that tonight is the season premiere of Project Runway! I just love watching people who are really good at something I'm trying to learn how to do. It's so inspirational!

Then, my boss called me into her office this afternoon to tell me that I'm getting a raise.

That's right.

A raise!

Apparently, the bank determined that some people are being underpaid compared to the market. Apparently I'm one of those people. While I'm not happy to hear that I've been underpaid for the last 5 1/2 years, I am happy about the extra money!

(I celebrated by splurging on a Wii.)

And finally - the new issue of Country Living came today!

Could this day have been any better?

I don't think so.

Homeward Bound

I wish I was.

But, I'm not.

This little house is SO cute!


But, I didn't LOVE it.

And you have to love it.

So I'm just going to reconcile myself to being a New Yorker... at least for now.

Sunday Supper - Pan-Grilled Salmon with Red Pepper Salsa

It's been a while.

Not because I haven't been cooking (well, that's not the only reason)... I just haven't made anything THAT good for a while.

But, those days are over - thanks to my friend, her daughter's fund raiser (and my own good sense to order a subscription to Cooking Light magazine), I had the BEST dinner tonight.

And, I'm off to a good start on my New Year's Resolutions.

I hope you like it as much as I did!

Pan-Grilled Salmon with Red Pepper Salsa

Salmon:
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder (I couldn't find this, and it was still really good)
4 (6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets
Cooking spray

Salsa:
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped tomato
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/8 teaspoon salt

Prepare salmon
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat
- Combine first 5 ingredients; rub evenly over fillets
- Coat pan with cooking spray
- Add fillets to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side, or until desired degree of doneness

While fish cooks, prepare salsa
- Combine bell pepper and remaining ingredients.

Serve salsa with fillets

Enjoy!!!

Happy New Year!

Today's my birthday! So, it's a new year (for me).

And, I've made some resolutions...

1. Make a decision

I've been trying to decide if I should stay in New York or move back to Iowa for years (basically since about 6 months after I got here). And, I'm really tired of thinking about it! I need to just make the decision and stick with it.

2. Be in Iowa for the "the holidays"

Not necessarily the traditional holidays, though...

- May 1: my dad's birthday
- July 4th: to renew the tradition of our annual 4th of July barbecue
- October 31: my dad and his neighbors have a cookout and hand out candy
- December 24: for my brother's annual Christmas Eve party

3. Try a new recipe every month

My friend's daughter sold magazines earlier this year to raise money for her cheerleading squad, and I received my first Cooking Light yesterday. Cooking Light has great recipes! So, I'm going to try a new recipe from the magazine every month. (Hopefully they'll be good enough to share!)

4. Get organized

I'm on a roll. After this, I can't decide what to work on next (I have a lot of options).

5. Basically, get a life!

Enough is Enough!

This is embarassing.


This corner of my bedroom has gotten progressively worse and worse, until I just couldn't take it anymore.

So, I bought a new bookcase at Ikea, and now that corner looks like this -


(not perfect, but getting better.)

Unfortunately, that just made another corner look like this...



I wasn't really making much progress.

But, now, it looks like this!



All of my crafts are in one spot...





I really need to cut back on buying books and yarn. (Or I'm going to need another bookcase!)