me jaunting car

I've been watching The Gnome Mobile and I've decided I really need a jaunting car so that I can sing while I ride around in it. It will, of course, have to come with a horse to pull it, a driver to drive it, and gnomes to sing with me. If no gnomes can be found, several small children will do, but they must have accents. British or Irish will work.

P.S. I don't know why this clip cuts off where it does-kind of a random place. You can watch the entire movie on YouTube.

a warning

If you store your utensils in a crock (see below), please do not use it to store your super sharp meat fork, because inevitably someone will be putting other utensils in there and inevitably it will be overly full, so this person will have to shove them down in there to get them to fit, which will cause them to impale their thumb on said meat fork, which will cause them to utter many variations of four letter words (possibly in combination with the word mother), be in great pain, make them bleed all over the kitchen, and make them wonder all day long if they are going to get gangrene, because let's be honest, no one ever uses the meat fork, which means that it hasn't been cleaned in years, and is probably covered in dust, grease splatters, dog hair, and/or who knows what else.

That is all.

Balsamic Popcorn

In a saucepan, reduce a 1/4ish cup of balsamic vinegar by half. Add a tablespoon or two of butter, stir until melted, then spoon it over a bag of microwave popcorn.

I can't stop eating this stuff. It almost has a caramel corn essence to it. I don't know how to explain it. All I know is I think it's delicious. My parents don't agree though, so maybe it's one of those things where you either love it or hate it. Except they didn't hate it, they just thought it was too strong. If you're not a big balsamic vinegar fan like I am, you could always just use less vinegar.

September 26

Outside my window . . . it's a little cooler in the evenings now. I think we're supposed to get a storm next week, so I'm looking forward to some nice cold weather.

I am thinking . . . Sissy Spacek freaks me out. I just watched the end of Carrie and I swear her big eyed, jerky stare thing at the end is far more scary than any special effects could be.

I am thankful for . . . naps and how they can magically cure a bad mood.

From the kitchen . . . I made cake mix cookies this afternoon. They are soooo much easier and faster than real cookies.

I am wearing . . . shorts and a t-shirt.

I am going . . . to finish a book if it kills me.

I am reading . . . I've given up on "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" again. Yes, again. I'll probably pick it up again too, but it's just not holding my interest like I want it to. Now I'm reading "Crossing to Avalon" by Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D. I got it used on Amazon for a penny. Of course then you have to pay to ship it, but whatever.

I am hoping . . . that I can sleep in tomorrow morning. The dogs have learned that if my parents don't get up and go to work, then they're probably going to get a walk, so all I heard this morning was the click, click, click of toenails, racing up and down the hallway. Beyond irritating.

I am hearing . . . "Lay Back Down" by Eric Lindell.

Around the house . . . I was forced to participate in cleaning out the garage. Every couple of months my dad freaks out about all the crap in the garage and makes us clean it out so that theoretically, if he wanted to, he could park his car in there. Not that he ever does, but just in case he wants to, that space is now available.

One of my favorite things . . . turnips. This is a new favorite thing. I had never eaten a turnip until this week and now I love them.

A picture . . . Those cute penguins I made last year. I am still quite proud of myself.

Angels & Airwaves

I discovered this band because this song (The Gift) was on an episode of Gossip Girl. I feel only slightly stupid admitting that! Anyway, now I can't get enough of 'em. I'm beyond obsessed. I've made you a playlist of a few of their songs so you can enjoy them too. Check it out over on the side bar.

eh

I saw Fame this afternoon. It was alright. I haven't seen the original so I didn't have any expectations going into it. I mostly just wanted to see Kherington from So You Think You Can Dance, and while the parts with her dancing were good, the parts with her acting . . . not so much. As far as I know this is her first movie, though, so I can't be too harsh. Some of the other actors were pretty awkward too. Plus we never really got to know any of the characters, so I didn't overly care what happened to any of them. There was very little background. It would have been cool if they had focused more on one or two people and gone a little deeper. It was fun, though and I did enjoy the music and the dancing, but it's definitely one to wait for the dollar theater for.

and this one too

This song immediately takes me back to Michigan, 1990/91ish, hanging out with my neighbor, Shannon, at her pool. We were always waiting for this song and "Vogue" to come on the radio. Last I heard Shannon is now a stripper in Gary, Indiana. Good times.

Oh yes I did!

Totally just downloaded this song.

crappiest movie ever?

Not quite, but pretty close. Trust the critics on this one and skip it. Not even Bradley Cooper's sizzling good looks could save this hot mess. And it really pains me to say that because I love me some Sandy Bullock.

Do I smell funny?

I read somewhere that you can wash and condition your hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar, so I've been doing that the last couple days. I'm a little concerned that I smell funny though. You dilute them, so it's not like I'm putting straight vinegar on my hair or anything, but I'm still a little paranoid. Has anyone else tried this?

If you're wondering, you combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of water for the shampoo and the same measurements of vinegar and water for your conditioner. I just put them in empty shampoo and conditioner bottles and kind of sprinkle it on. It works better than I thought it would and I'm pretty sure you can't get any cheaper.

September 22

Outside my window . . . it is blessedly cool. I love Autumn.

I am thinking . . . I want some new shoes.

I am thankful for . . . visiting teachers.

From the kitchen . . . I made veggie spaghetti and scallops again tonight. I added squash to the spaghetti this time. So good.

I am wearing . . . I wore a cardigan today. Whoohoo!

I am going . . . to make sure to watch Oprah tomorrow because Mackenzie Phillips is going to be on and it sounds like it's going to be super scandalicious.

I am reading . . . I'm back to "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies." It was irritating me that I let it get the best of me. BTW, I just read that they're coming out with, or have already come out with, "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters."

I am hoping . . . that I find the motivation to write my essay that's due tomorrow.

I am hearing . . . "Shoop" by Salt-n-Pepa. That's right, kickin' it old school!

Around the house . . . I've been burning a Pine and Citrus (or something like that) Hobble Creek candle.

One of my favorite things . . . anything mint chocolate flavored.

A picture . . . Mmmm. Squeaky cheese.

September 20

Outside my window . . . there is a moth trying to get in.

I am thinking . . . that Neil Patrick Harris is doing an awesome job.

I am thankful for . . . adorable nieces.

From the kitchen . . . I just made some Crystal Light. Does that count for anything? I did combine one Raspberry Ice with one Pink Lemonade for a little something special.

I am wearing . . . jeans and a t-shirt, but I'm about to put on some nightie night clothes.

I am going . . . to go to bed soon, but I took a major nap today, so I probably won't be falling asleep any time soon.

I am reading . . . still working on "Rituals of the Season."

I am hoping . . . that the Emmy's end soon. I'm always afraid I'll miss something if I don't watch. As if anything exciting won't be replayed and discussed ad nauseum over the next week.

I am hearing . . . Glenn Close give an acceptance speech. I was fast forwarding, but then I caught up, which is always a sad moment.

Around the house . . . a massive amount of dog hair has just been vacuumed up. It's amazing how much these dogs shed.

One of my favorite things . . . Australian accents.

A picture . . . I was an exceedingly attractive child whose mother dressed me in exceedingly attractive clothing.

September 19

Outside my window . . . it's a whole lot cooler than it is inside. The air really needs to be kicking on pretty quick here. (Speaking of which, Melissa, if you read this, you should be aware that when you called and asked me what the weather was like up here and I told you it's cold, I had been watching a t.v. show online in which it was like the worst winter ever and all of the nuclear bombs had knocked out the electricity and people were freezing to death, and so that's what I was thinking about when in reality, it was probably like 90 degrees that day. Sorry about that. I was really, really into my show!)

I am thinking . . . that I shouldn't be happy about my niece falling and bonking her head. It's just that it made her all snuggly and lovey for like an hour, so . . . yeah. She fell over and I reaped the benefits.

I am thankful for . . . adorable nieces.

From the kitchen . . . the girls and I made chocolate chip cookies tonight.

I am wearing . . . jeans and a t-shirt, but I'm about to put on some nightie night clothes.

I am going . . . to go to bed soon. I'm tired.

I am reading . . . I'm rereading "Rituals of the Season" by Margaret Maron, who is one of my favorite authors. I love her Deborah Knott series, especially since it takes place in North Carolina, which I adore.

I am hoping . . . that the house cools off. I feel like I'm having hot flashes or something.

I am hearing . . . I'm listening to the "Rent" soundtrack again. I can't get enough of it.

Around the house . . . we finally finished putting together the trundle bed, which the girls refer to as the magic bed.

One of my favorite things . . . my bed. There's nothing better than getting into bed at night and laying there for a second, just absorbing the comfyness.

A picture . . . I know I've put this picture on here before, but I love it. It makes me laugh every time I see it. The look on my face perfectly summarizes my feelings about not only day camp, but also about camping and being in the dirt in general. Anyone who went to Girl's Camp with me can attest to this.

September 17

Outside my window . . . it's dark and a little windy. I love the sound of the wind in the trees.

I am thinking . . . the nieces will be here tomorrow! The nieces will be here tomorrow!

I am thankful for . . . movie night with Ashlee! I love that we sit and talk for probably more time than we actually take to watch the movie.

From the kitchen . . . I made spaghetti and Simple Ceasar Salad from The Pioneer Woman's website. The salad wasn't as great as I would have hoped. I think it has potential though. I'll have to tweak some things. My sister-in-law makes awesome Ceasar Salad, so maybe the problem was just that I was comparing it to hers.

I am wearing . . . cords and a tee, but I would really like to be wearing jammies.

I am going . . . to be really pissed if the CBS website doesn't post the second season of Jericho without the audio commentary. I just discovered this show (it only has like a season and a half) and I watched the entire first season in the last two days. When I went to watch the second season, I discovered that all the episodes have the audio commentary. And it isn't a normal commentary where you can still hear the show, just not as loud; with this one you get absolutely no sound while the commentary is going on. So I've just invested all this time in this awesome show, but now I can't finish it because I'm only getting half of the story. I'm a little bit upset about this.

I am reading . . . I just finished rereading "Remember Me?" by Sophie Kinsella. I love Sophie Kinsella books. She wrote the Shopaholic series. I think she and Marian Keyes are probably my favorite chick lit writers. Ooh, and Jennifer Weiner too.

I am hoping . . . that I am able to get everything done tomorrow that I need to get done so that I can spend the entire weekend harassing/manipulating my nieces into snuggling with me. Speaking of which (the snuggling, not the harassing), aren't sleepy children the best!?! Not when they're ornery tired, but when they're snuggly sleepy and they just put their head on your shoulder and lay there.

I am hearing . . . nothing. Wow, that's kinda weird. Very rarely am I on the computer without iTunes going.

Around the house . . . the bed is still not put together.

One of my favorite things . . . The Office. The rumor Michael spread about Kevin was great. I'm still chuckling.

A picture . . . Halloween 1983.

Love it!

Bread Soup with Cilantro, Garlic and Egg

3 T. finely minced garlic, plus 1 whole clove garlic
1 tsp. kosher or sea salt
1 c. chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
6 thick slices of coarse country bread
6 eggs
5-6 c. chicken stock
some water

In a mortar, combine the minced garlic, salt and half of the cilantro and mash to a coarse paste. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until well blended. Spoon into 6 warmed soup bowls and keep warm. (I did more of this than the recipe called for because it just didn't look like much. I also don't have a mortar and pestle, so I just used a spoon and a bowl and I dumped in half the oil at a time. This probably wouldn't have happened with a mortar, but I ended up with quite a few chunks of garlic that added a nice bite to the soup, but have also left my tongue burning. I also didn't bother with keeping it warm since I was going to be pouring the hot stock over it.)

In a large frying pan over medium heat, warm about 1/4 cup of the remaining oil. Add half of the bread slices without crowding and saute, turning, until golden, 5-6 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remianing bread and oil. While the bread is still hot, rub both sides with the whole garlic clove, then cut into cubes. Distribute the cubes evenly among the bowls and toss with the garlic mixture. (We all had seconds and I found that it was best to put the bread cubes in at the very last minute so that they were still semi crunchy when you ate it.)

In a large saute pan, pour water to a depth of 1 1/2 inches. Bring the liquid to just under a boil. One at a time, break the eggs and carefully slip into the water. Cook until the whites are barely firm and the yolks are just glazed, 3-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a bowl of cold water. In a saucepan, bring the stock to a boil and then ladle most of it over the bread mixture in the bowls. Using the slotted spoon, place an egg on top of the bread mixture in each bowl. Gently ladle on the remaining hot stock. Sprinkle with the remaining cilantro and serve at once. (I didn't bother with the whole cold water thing. Instead, I just put them right into the soup bowl and poured the stock over them.)

Recipe from the Williams-Sonoma cookbook, "Savoring Soups & Salads." The last recipe for the spinach and kale soup was also based on a recipe in this book.

September 15

Outside my window . . . is a lovely sunset.

I am thinking . . . it's a good thing I'm not going to be seeing anyone this evening because I just ate a ton of garlic. My tongue is actually burning.

I am thankful for . . . the fact that Gossip Girl didn't disappoint me yesterday.

From the kitchen . . . I made soup again. Recipe to follow.

I am wearing . . . back to the jeans and t-shirt. I also just noticed that my jeans have stains on them that obviously did not come out when I washed them. I hate it when you don't notice the stain is still there and then you stick whatever it is in the dryer and set it in even worse than before. Grrrrr. And of course the stain is right on the front of my thigh, so it's completely obvious.

I am going . . . to be needing some kind of treat pretty quick here.

I am reading . . . I finished "Kabul Beauty School" by Deborah Rodriguez today. I read it obsessively all day today. It was really good and it made me want to go work with women in Afghanistan. I would definitely recommend it.

I am hoping . . . that my dad brings something yummy home from the grocery store. He has been sent to go get treats to send to Mark and I made it very clear that he needed to bring something home for me as well.

I am hearing . . . "Fire on the Mountain" by Rob Thomas.

Around the house . . . Have I mentioned that I love the new dryer?

One of my favorite things . . . soup on a rainy(ish) day.

A picture . . . me and Ashlee, my Hallmark Hall of Fame partner in crime.

cheap makeup finds

I've tried tons of mascaras from Dior to that new vibrating mascara (a very odd sensation, BTW) to the tried and true Great Lash mascara. I have to say, though, that I'm really liking this NYC Thickening Mascara and bonus! it's less than two bucks. I think I got it at Target for like $1.79. So if you're looking for a new mascara or, if you're poor like me, I highly recommend this stuff. It goes on clump free, doesn't flake, and pretty much just all around rocks.



I also really like this e.l.f. Plumping Lip Glaze. The color I have isn't sold anymore, which really sucks because it's the perfect nude shade. It doesn't come with a ton of product, and it's kind of hard to get out (maybe that's just me), but the one dollar price tag more than makes up for that. I got mine at KMart, but this brand is also sold at Big Lots.

I have several of their other products that I'm still testing out. They have another lip goop that's a knock-off of my favorite Stila lip gloss, but I don't like it as much. I'll discuss it later when I talk about cheap products that didn't work so well.

September 14, the Gossip Girl Edition

Outside my window . . . it is nice and cool. I love thunderstormy evenings.

I am thinking . . . only 14 minutes until Gossip Girl!

I am thankful for . . . Gossip Girl and more specifically, Chuck B(ad)ass.

From the kitchen . . . my dad made fresh salsa yesterday, so that's what I had for dinner tonight. Delicious.

I am wearing . . . check this out, it's not jeans! Brown cords and a green v-neck hoodie thing.

I am going . . . to hyperventilate if Gossip Girl doesn't start soon.

I am reading . . . "Kabul Beauty School" but I don't remember who it's by and it's in the other room and I don't feel the need to go check.

I am hoping . . . that Gossip Girl is everything I am hoping for and more. Oh, how I've missed C, N, S and B. (But not so much D as he is semi irritating.)

I am hearing . . . the dog barking.

Around the house . . . I just emptied the dishwasher. That's about it.

One of my favorite things . . . Chuck Bass. That was yesterday's favorite thing. I really should come up with another one, but what the heck, let's go crazy. It is Gossip Girl Premier Night, after all!

A picture . . . yup, you guessed it . . . Chuck Bass!!!

Spinach and Kale Soup

Soup
3 or 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, diced
some garlic (two-ish heaping spoonfuls of the already chopped kind)
4ish cans of chicken broth
a bunch of kale, rip the leaf part off and get rid of the stems*
a little less than a bag of spinach*
salt and pepper
cumin
sour cream for topping

potato croutons
3-4 potatoes, peeled and in small dices
olive oil
cumin
salt and pepper

croutons
a bunch of good bread, cut into chunks
1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil
4 or 5 garlic cloves
salt and pepper
whatever seasonings you want

To make the soup, combine the potatoes, onion and garlic in the stock. Simmer until potatoes are soft. Add the spinach and kale, stir until it's all incorporated. It seems like a ton, but it cooks down a lot. Let it cook a couple minutes, then puree in batches. Put it back in the pan. Season to taste with the cumin and salt and pepper.

For the potato croutons, toss the potatoes into some hot olive oil in a frying pan. Season with lots of cumin and some salt and pepper. Cook until the potatoes are done-crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. It takes about 15 minutes.

For the bread croutons, toss the olive oil and garlic into a food processor, or something of the sort. I used a Magic Bullet. Blend it for a while until it's well, for lack of a better word, blended. Pour it over the bread cubes and mix it all together. Let it sit for a little while so the bread absorbs the oil. Season with salt and pepper and whatever seasonings you want. I used Greek seasoning, but you can use whatever floats your boat. I just use Greek seasoning on pretty much everything because it is delicious. Throw it all into a big frying pan. I think I added some more olive oil to the pan. I like juicy croutons. Cook it until the bread magically turns into croutons. Make sure you turn it a lot so it doesn't burn, which it tends to do if you aren't careful.

Serve up the soup and top it with sour cream, potato croutons and bread croutons. This probably made like 6-8 servings.

*You can pretty much use whatever kind of greens you want.