Monday, February 23, 2009

Under the Weather

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I'll be back when I'm better.
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Friday, February 20, 2009

Friday's Photos - Ina's Barn

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I'm sure by now everyone has seen Ina Garten's new barn. It is just beautiful. I always tell my family that Ina stole my life! Of course she has no children so that wouldn't have worked for me. But when I see her cruising off to the gourmet cheese shop or planning her next luncheon or dinner party in her perfectly appointed kitchen - I swoon. It cracks me up that she calls it her barn. I mean come on - have you ever seen a barn like this. The barn we had when I was a kid -was filled with hay for the horses.
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Happy Friday!!
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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Foodies vs Gourmets

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(Photos courtesy of Juniper Images)
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According to Wikipedia: Foodies differ from gourmets in that gourmets are epicures of refined taste who may or may not be professionals in the food industry, whereas foodies are amateurs who simply love food for consumption, study, preparation, and news. Gourmets simply want to eat the best food, whereas foodies want to learn everything about food, both the best and the ordinary, and about the science, industry, and personalities surrounding food.
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For all you "Foodies" out there catch all 3 seasons of Diary of a Foodie at Gourmet.com. You can view these online or download full episodes of season 1-2 and preview season 3 as podcasts. Recipes are available too. Also, check your local PBS stations for air dates in your area.
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A Foodie Question
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Q: What do you cook with fresh vegetables?
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A: Chefs know that the finest meals start with ingredients that are in season, as freshly picked as possible. The rule of thumb is what grows together, goes together — so serve broiled asparagus with new potatoes or saute kale with garlic, beet greens and diced winter squash.
(Courtesy of EarthCorps)
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009

This or That

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Time for a short game of This or That - courtesy of Tatertots and Jello.
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1. Jog or Walk: Walk.
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2. Coffee or Tea: I would normally say coffee!! but these days tea.
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3. Pepsi or Coca Cola: I'd have to say Coca Cola, definitely, 100%, but I almost never drink any soda.
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4. Flats or Heels: Flats, motherhood has taught me that you must be able to run if necessary. Although I love kitten heels.
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5. Fries or Onion Rings: Onion Rings.
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6. Cats or Dogs: I love dogs and cats, but these days we only have two cats.
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7. Skim or Whole: I loooove whole milk but I drink 1%.
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8. Small Purses or Large: Large, small could not hold my life.
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9. Van or Suv: Van, I need all the seats I can get.
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10. Winter or Summer: In summer I'd say winter - in winter I'd say summer.
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11. 1 Piece Bathing Suit or 2: Tankini anyone - what an amazing invention! Can you say Miraclesuit mix and match from Eddie Bauer!!
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12. Sit Down Restaurant or Fast Food: Restaurant food - to go.
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13. McDonalds or Burger King: Neither, but I do like Carls Jr. occasionally.
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14. White Gold or Yellow: White.
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15. Fish or Chicken: Fish.
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16. Edward or Jacob: I'm not a Twilight fan so I really don't think I could pick either. My pick would look more like Brad (Pitt) or George (Clooney) and I'd go with George.
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17. Pizza or Burger: Burger.
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18. Apple or Orange: Orange.
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19. Spend or Save: Spend and save - or rather - save and spend.
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20. 1 Story or 2 Story House: 1 story 1950's ranch-style home, in a quiet suburban neighborhood, with lots of trees.
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If anyone would like to play along - feel free!!
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Beyond Our Differences

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Recently our family sat down and watched a wonderful film - Beyond Our Differences. Watching this sparked the most incredible conversation between me, my husband and our two oldest sons. I cannot say enough about this amazing work!! This documentary film explores the positive role of faith in the world today and the fundamental unity of the worlds religions.
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Click on the above photo to go to the "Beyond Our Differences" website and to see a preview of the film.
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Beyond Our Differences provides a tapestry of distinct voices and viewpoints regarding spirituality, woven with one universal expression of hope. With all of the problems facing the world today including war, poverty, weapons, environmental degradation, starvation, overpopulation, and severe desperation among millions, people are longing for meaning. Many seek answers in spirituality, but often faith and religion are hijacked by a fundamentalist few who use the name of God to promote their own ends. With this dichotomy in mind, we call upon key religious leaders, politicians, and luminaries in their fields to tackle the most complex issues in the modern age, and we ask what inspires them to affect positive change. The film portrays experiences that provide a new perspective on how non-violent activism and compassion can be effectively used in resolving even the most difficult disputes. The film also gives hope by exploring past and present religious-inspired movements that have resulted in positive change, in addition to documenting the work of great leaders such as Gandhi, Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama.
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Monday, February 16, 2009

Day Off

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My kids are out of school today (President's Day) and that means I'm all theirs!! Be back tomorrow!!
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Friday, February 13, 2009

Happy Valentines

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(Photos Courtesy of Martha Stewart and Jupiter Images)
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Valentines Day is tomorrow - I know this because I just spent all last evening helping three grade-school aged children fill out 70 something valentines cards to exchange today. Whew!!
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Happy Friday and Happy Valentines Day!! I hope it is filled with romance, flowers, and lots of candy!!
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Thursday, February 12, 2009

Michelle On The Cover Of Vogue

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Photographer Annie Leibovitz took the cover photo and several other shots - I can't wait to pick up a copy of the March 2009 issue!! Much of the eight-page feature is devoted to Michelle Obama's self-described role as "mom in chief" (love that!) to 10-year-old Malia and seven-year-old Sasha.
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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Good Sponge Etiquette

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Did you know that a scourge exists in your kitchen, but it can easily be destroyed by a modern space age appliance?
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It is your kitchen sponge!
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Yes, this sponge bears thousands of pores which are the perfect breeding ground for countless numbers of bacteria. What to do? The answer is simple use your microwave oven and ZAP it each morning. Place your dampened sponge in the microwave and cook it for 1 minute. No more, no less. The water molecules within the sponge boil and kills the bacteria. So go microwave your sponge right now!!
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Bath Time

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As I've mentioned before - I love long, bubbly baths!! I sometimes watch a movie on the laptop while tubbing or listen to music while sipping something refreshing!! I love to light candles and customize scents depending on my mood. Adding about 10 drops of essential oils like eucalyptus and mint (if I'm not feeling well), jasmine or linden (if I'm feeling happy) or lavender (when the world seems overwhelming).
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Here are a few wonderful resources for the perfect tubbing experience!!
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