blue monday….a happy alternative

 Memories of vacation past…

soothing and relaxing…

crystal clear blue water…

thoughts of vacations to come…happy blue monday!

blogging buddy challenge…no recipe

Recently I stumbled upon a WordPress blog post about blogging buddies…and I am happy to say that I found a couple of kindred spirits.  My new bbf,( blogging buddy friend) @ vintage pages,  challenged me to throw caution to the wind and cook without a recipe.  I accepted the challenge!

My version of Pasta Rustica…not because I consulted a recipe, I just love the name.  Using only what was available in the fridge and pantry and absolutely no reference to a cookbook or the food network.

Ingredients:

Vermicelli
Leftover Pan Fried Sausage
Crimini Mushrooms
Asparagus
Green Onions
EVOO
Butter
Seasoning

Do you have a blogging buddy that is challenging and encouraging you?  Would you like a blogging buddy?  To buddy up subscribe to this blog and leave a comment that includes a link to your blog.  Ciao!

tuesday treats

Sea Salt and Vinegar Chips! 

 I think I have fallen victim to subliminal advertising. 

 To be fair there wasn’t anything subliminal about it. 

 They were front and center over at My Pajama Days infiltrating post after post. 

 I was intrigued.   

Each ingredient on its own is lackluster at best. 

Salt.  Vinegar.  Potatoes. 

What is so incredible about this combination?

I bought a bag.

I opened the bag.

I reached into the bag.

I selected the perfect first chip.

I tasted and…

It was…

bold and tangy, crispy and salty!

Wow!  That’s quite the combo…I like them…

This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship!

blue monday….a happy alternative

 

 In 1995 Mars invited the public to decide between blue, pink or purple as the color to replace the tan M&M.  BLUE was the winner! 

BTW I do not remember there being a tan M&M. Do you?

january reflection…friendships are like cupcakes…

This post is almost exclusively from the 2011 inspirational wall calendar hanging in my office.  I always choose my yearly wall calendar based on the pictures.  In years past I have I had calendars that featured adorable puppies, beautiful landscapes and this past year I ordered a custom calendar filled with pictures from one of our favorite family vacations.  This year’s calendar features comfort food…desserts…and as a bonus they have included a few of the recipes.  The creators of the calendar have wrapped it all up with a pretty bow by reflecting on life as a sweet journey. 

my friends are like an assorted box of cupcakes

…be generous with love and friendship, for the return will make life all the sweeter.

With every friend comes a different kind of friendship.  Some are characterized by the laughter that always seems to bubble to the surface no matter what you’re doing.  The silly memories that emerge are priceless.  Some friendships feel like comfort food, infused with the kind of warmth you can’t put into words but are keenly aware that your soul needs.  Then there are the friendships that take root on many levels, through common interests, a kindred spirit, a similar sense of humor, and a trust born instantly by the reflection of yourself you see in the other. 

No matter how many friendships our hearts hold, God has created us with the capacity to receive more.  Some we’re given to enjoy for a season, some for years, and some for a lifetime-but each one becomes a part of our unfolding story.  And God knows what is just right for us.  The friends we need at the moment we need them…the wisdom, strength and joy we have to offer…the times when we have little more to give than a smile and a hug.  Each and every kindness, whether given or received, is a fragment of His beautiful purpose. 

Friendship is like the perfect confection from God- sweet and satisfying with a wonderful way of making us feel special every day.  It truly is a cupcake for the soul…so whenever one is presented to you, let your heart reply with an enthusiastic, Yes, please!”

 

 

no longer on the fence…I am posting every week in 2011

I’m Posting every week in 2011!  Actually I have been posting at least twice a week and sometimes as many as three times per week for the past 10 months. 

I like the idea of committing to the blog a week challenge so that I have an accountability partner. 

I would love to have the discipline to blog every day in 2011.  However I think I would only be setting myself up for failure and  an incredible amount of stress.  I blog for the pure enjoyment of expressing myself and sharing my thoughts with those who care to read them. 

I know it won’t be easy, but it might be fun, inspiring, awesome and wonderful to grow my blog posts into an everyday occurence by the end of the year. Therefore I’m promising to make use of The DailyPost, and the community of other bloggers with similar goals, to help me along the way, including asking for help when I need it and encouraging others when I can.

If you already read my blog, I hope you’ll encourage me with comments and likes, and good will along the way.

Your BBF (blogging buddy forever)

BTW…if you are looking for a blogging buddy, someone to read your posts and encourage you along the way, subscribe to my blog and I will return the favor. 

jeanne

blue monday… a happy alternative

Well this post is really late getting out as I was lacking inspiration…until I visited a couple of my favorite blogs and discovered that they had something in common…Voila, creative inspiration!

When you mention blue monday people will usually think of the day being sad because the weekend is over and it’s time to get back to grind of the work week.  Some people will think of the 1983 song by New Order. 

As for me I prefer to think of blue monday in an altogether different light.  I love the color blue!  It is soothing and peaceful.  The color blue brings to mind beautiful sandy beaches and cool crystal clear Caribbean water.  It also reminds me of my favorite bird, the northeastern bluebird. I have also chosen blue as the accent color in our new home.  And of course my very first brand new car was Blue. 

I follow a couple of blogs that have weekly features based around a day of the week and a color.  The Red Door Antiques has Red Friday and Faded Charm has White Wednesday.  I love the idea, so I am going to borrow it and run with it.  As you can see I came up with blue monday…

Today’s blue monday offering is…one of my special treasures.  It is a picture painted as seen through the eyes, from the heart and by the hand of a very talented eight year old. 

Texas Bluebonnets!!!

As for the song I think of when I hear blue monday…lets just say it isn’t the one by New Order.

free shoes….did someone say free shoes?

 Did you hear about the shoe giveaway?  Saks Fifth Avenue has a little giveaway going on.  The Grand Prize is a free pair of designer shoes from Saks Fifth Avenue every week for a year…worth up to $20,000. 

So I registered!  Wouldn’t you?  And then I decided to pre-shop just in case I get the call.  A girl can dream, right? 

All photographs and descriptions are from InStyle.com …Megan Deem, the fashion features editor has the most incredible job.  I imagine her office is like a giant closet filled with the most incredible things from the most creative designers in the world.  The shoes I have chosen are my favorites from her feature “We’re Obsessed! …if money were no object”.  You can jump over to InStyle to see all of the obsessions.  Enjoy!!!

These shoes are spectacular, sexy works of art and I would love a pair of each!  The first three are my absolute favorites, the others are randomly listed.  (just in case Megan Deem needed to make space in her office for the new arrivals she would know which ones she could send my way..wink)

Roger Vivier Nouvelle Vague Pumps

Straw may seem an interesting selection in January, when rubber (in the form of boots) is usually the footwear material of choice. But the fluid curves of these peep-toes are just so elegant, and the flower accent, divine. Neither beachy casual nor boring practical, these heels will make you want to put some extra effort into your outfit and help you forget that spring is still at least two months away.

$4,250

Gucci Lola Boots

Is it a cozy pair of knee-high socks or a sturdy set of motorcycle boots? Why, it’s both! In a very Flashdance meets Harley Davidson Milano sort of way, this platform style pulls on like leg warmers while giving you the street cred of black leather harness straps.

$990

Diego Dolcini T-strap Wedges

Five inches of iridescent python fabulousness would be enough to convince me these are the peep-toes of the moment. But add to that the adorable flower detail on the front (with leaves of the same mesmerizing green skin and petals of blue suede and metallic black velvet) and this is a pair I can’t wait to get on my feet.

$1,310

Réne Caovilla Rose Sandals

These delicate black satin flats are just the thing for elegant lawn parties and other summer situations at which sinking heels would be a hindrance. Even more delightful, the front strap boasts a few well-placed leather thorns, to serve as a warning to anyone who might dare step on your toes.

$975

Giuseppe Zanotti Design Sandals

The stacked bangle look has made its way from wrists to ankles. If you loved the effect of mixing multiple bracelets up and down your arms, these black suede spikes and their shiny bands of gold and silver beads will bring you (and your feet) much joy. Now you just need to figure out the rest of your jewelry.

$1,360

Brian Atwood Farrah heels

They always say you should treat your feet. With their puffy silk chiffon bows, these gorgeous peep-toe stilettos turn your feet into the present. The entire shoe is covered in a black-and-white floral-print chiffon. Then those small buds are enlarged on the ankle ties, which wrap gracefully up the leg. Truly, these are a gift to yourself in more ways than one.

$915

Prada Thong Sandals with Crystals

Seeing these sleek, sparkly shoes makes me want to be on vacation right this very second. Preferably somewhere chic, on a yacht. The opulent-minimalist vibe of the dove-grey satin mixed with loads of marquise-cut crystals is right up my alley. And the clear Plexiglas heel is a definite conversation-starter (so that’s how a shoe is made!), always handy if there’s a lull during cocktail hour.

$1,150

Jil Sander Lizard and Wood Wedges

This is what I imagine a George Nakashima table would look like if it were turned into the heel of a shoe. The delicate, cobweb-like cut of the leather upper just reinforces the sprung-from-natureness of the organically shaped wooden sole beneath it.

$1,955

Yves Saint Laurent Leopard-Print Ankle Boots

Like any Manhattan resident, I wear a lot of black—especially during fall and winter, specifically dresses and opaque tights. And I like a practical shoe for negotiating the subway. These ponyskin ankle boots will add enough visual oomph to my uniform to make it clear I’m not a mime. And say what you will about the 5.5 inch heel, is there really anything more utilitarian (read: practical) than boots? I thought not.

$1,525

Balmain Suede Buckled Ankle Boots

The word “fierce” has become a tad overused (Christian Siriano, we’re talking to you), but I can’t think of a better way to describe these cherry red beauties. Don’t let the profusion of straps deter you—there’s a back zip above those 4.5 inch heels, so you can slide your boots on or kick ’em off at will.

$1,195

Pedro Garcia Indira Feather Ballet Flat

As much as I love a fabulous heel, sometimes you just need a flat. Comfort is not an excuse for frumpiness, however. Give your feet a break, sure, but don’t embarrass them. These Pedro García flats are exquisitely amazing for many reasons. For starters, the iridescent green pheasant feathers covering each shoe are individually placed by hand—believe it. And there’s the chic grosgrain bow and pearl-topped pin, inspired “by the elegance of 1950s hats,” according to the designer. (And why shouldn’t your shoes have their own jewelry?) That happy sigh just came from your feet, who say, Thank you.

$725

Tod’s Pointy Décolleté Pumps

I’m barely behind the wheel of a car anymore, but I still have a soft spot for Tod’s iconic driving shoes and their nubby soles, designed to keep feet from slipping off gas and clutch pedals. These high heels play on the nub idea and are perfect for my usual mode of transportation—my feet. The rubber bottoms grip the sidewalk, and the concealed platforms make dashing around in 3.5 inch heels a comfortable proposition.

$495

Christian Louboutin Straratata Glitter Sandals

I’m usually not a tremendous glitter fan, primarily because weeks after one wears anything (clothing, makeup) with a glitter component, such a person finds renegade metallic flakes in her hairline or a stray sparkle on her coat sleeve. But when glitter is nicely contained, as it is in these leather-edged straps, I can be persuaded. The red, green, blue, and silver flecks decorating these 5.5 inch heels are eye-catching and stay put—just the way I like it.

$1,045

Maloles Zoe Flats with Fur

You’ve probably resolved to spend this month on a party hiatus and detox with quiet nights in (except for trips to the gym, natch). So be it. While you’re puttering around the house, munching on raw vegetables and gearing up to restart that classic you always swore you’d finish (Ulysses), slide your feet into a pair of these cozy flats. They’re made of lizard lined in fluffy chinchilla—a deliciously soft nest for your tootsies (which deserve some R&R as well). And should the mood strike and you absolutely have to get out of the house (to pick up some ice cream and a DVD, perhaps), you won’t need to waste precious time changing your shoes.

$450

Nicholas Kirkwood Fluro Python Lace-up Sandals

For proof that an insanely sexy shoe needn’t always be a strappy stiletto, see left. Utterly brilliant footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood just goes from strength to strength. Here, he combines neon lime leather with violet python skin for a caged bootie that manages to be scandalous, seductive, and slightly covered up.

$1,218

birds + birdseed + binoculars = birdwatching…birdlady…

We live in an area that is home to large variety of bird species.  I have always enjoyed watching birds in their natural habitat.  However that isn’t easy to do when you live in suburbia.  That is not the case now!

Since moving in we have encountered a variety of wild life.  We have been visited by deer, hogs, possum, raccoons, squirrel and armadillo.  The bird variety is just as varied.  However, I am not as familiar with my avian friends. 

I know that we have had cardinals, downy or red bellied woodpeckers as well as a pileated woodpecker, northeastern blue birds, nuthatches, meadowlarks, hummingbirds, mourning doves, bluejay, owls and red-tailed hawks.  Not to mention the homely vulture and the common blackbirds. 

I have just recently discovered that I can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count.  The GBBC will take place February 18-21, 2011.  The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual 4 day event that engages birdwatchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent.  Anyone can participate, from beginner birdwatchers to experts.  You can spend as little as 15 minutes are as much time as you would like to spend each day of the event.  It’s free, fun and easy!  Well at least that’s what I have read.

I think it would be fun if a few of you joined me in the GBBC.  We can meet back up here the week following the count and share our bird watching experiences.  And for you Home Schoolers this would be a great science project for the kids.  Check out the link for the Great Backyard Bird Count for all the information you need to participate in this free, fun and easy event!

my first year blogging…

It all started with a conversation between friends about blogs they were following.  My interest was piqued.  Then the buzz word was BLOG!  Everyone was either blogging or talking about someone who was blogging.  

After sustaining a back injury, picking up a towel off of the floor to put into the washer, that would have me off from work for almost 3 weeks.  And having more than enough free time to consider, read, follow and even try my hand at blogging it began. 

I decided that I would blog my way through the selling of our home of many years as well as building our new home in the country.  Little did I know how much I would come to enjoy blogging.

I really had no idea what I was getting myself into and I made a few big blunders right out of the box.  It wasn’t like I  borrowed someone elses post and presented it as my own.  I just didn’t think through my blog name and now I am sort of stuck with this one.  C’est la vie!

My blog has given me an outlet for the emotional roller coaster that came with selling our home…moving into a 26′ travel trailer…leaving everything familiar behind and embarking on a whole new chapter in what is the story of my life. 

Blogging has allowed me to fill a space in my life that I didn’t know needed filling.  I have re-discovered a love of writing and expressing my thoughts and sharing them with others. 

My blog is … the rest of the story…