Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Year's Eve Menu
Appetizers
Shrimp Cocktail
Baked Brie
Olives
Mixed Nuts
Salad
Mixed Greens w/ Dried Cranberries, Almonds, and a White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Entree
Baked Ziti w/ Meatballs
Dessert
Brownie Sundaes
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Getting Ready for 2010!
Speaking of, with the New Year on the horizon, we're also making our annual house wish-list that ranges from DIY projects to "if we win the lottery, we'll tackle ____." I'm eyeing the Waverly Chocolate Garden Lattice fabric for a bar stool project. It's online only and pretty pricey at $20.99/yard, but my 40% coupon might justify the purchase.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
T-minus One Day!
- Gym
- Pack for VA
- Laundry
- Clean the oven
- Take Vella to the dog park
- Give Vella a bath
I think there might be a stop at Banana Republic in here to break up the day. They have an additional 30% off sale items right now and I have my eye on a pair of gray wool flannel trousers.
In other news, I'll also be called furniture repair shops today. Vella chewed the corner of our coffee table about 6-8 months ago when she was a puppy, and has apparently been tap dancing on the top of it since mysterious scratches appear about once a week. To add insult to injury, while I was out yesterday, she somehow found her way on top of the dining room table. Scratches and a few gauges from one end to the other. Since we have a dog and plan to have children (someday, don't go getting any ideas)!, should I just give up now?!? Ha!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
F for Preparedness
Monday, December 21, 2009
It's Beginning to look a Lot like Christmas!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Going Crazy w/out a Home Computer!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Paula Deen's Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds cubed round steak, cut into thin strips
House Seasoning, recipe follows
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, sliced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can beef broth
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
Salt and black pepper
1 cup sour cream
Cooked egg noodles
Directions
Season the steak strips with House Seasoning, then dust with flour. In a large skillet, quickly brown them on both sides in the olive oil and butter. Remove the steak from the pan. Add the onion slices and mushrooms to the pan drippings. Saute for a few minutes, until the onion is tender. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon flour. Put the steak back into the pan with the onion and mushrooms. Add the mushroom soup and beef broth. Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, covered. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding salt and pepper, as needed. Stir in the sour cream the last few minutes, right before you serve. Serve over cooked noodles.
House Seasoning
1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder
Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Yields: 1 1/2 cups
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Doggy Daycare
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Menorah
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
All over the place...
- Take artwork to be framed at Michaels (60% off coupon in the mail this weekend, score!).
- Buy bedding for the downstairs guest room and the Master bedroom. The ongoing debate over white bedding continues. The dog sleeps with us (yes, save your comments since I know we're breaking the one rule of dog ownership), so I need something that can be washed frequently and won't require ironing. Ideas? Please help.
- Hang remaining shelves and anything else ready to go. We have some things that have been in closets/storage since we closed on the house 18 months ago. Embarrassing.
- Trim hydrangeas and butterfly bushes.
- Make some batches of something since we have no food in the freezer...butternut squash soup, chili, pasta sauce.
- Start Chranukkah, Christmakkah, or whatever you want to call it, shopping. 17 days until Hanukkah and 29 days until Christmas. Yes, it's all very confusing, but somehow it works.
- Finish custom orders.
- Give Vella a bath. She smells like Doritos. Or, maybe Doritos smell like dogs? Ponder away in your spare time.
- Take Vella for a pedicure. We don't attempt this, it's like she's having her leg cut off. Geez.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Giveaway winners!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Pumpkin Bread
3 cups canned pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 cups white sugar
6 eggs
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three (9x5 inch) loaf pans.In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, oil, sugar, and eggs. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; stir into the pumpkin mixture until well blended. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The top of the loaf should spring back when lightly pressed.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
'Tis the Season for a Giveaway!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Rob Thomas
One Republic opened the show with a great 30-minute set...check them out here. You'll recognize Stay Awake and Apologize from the radio.
And the best quote of the night was, "This is yuppiest concert of the year!" That was just fine by us considering the last concert we went to was DMB at the Garden, which always draws a crowd interested in "extracurricular" activities at the concert if you catch my drift.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
What's Cookin' Tonight?
My sister recommended this recipe from Rachael Ray's first 30-Minute Meals cookbook. I'm adding a big handful of sugar snap peas and the chicken is marinating as we speak.
Cashew! God Bless You Chicken
1 box jasmine rice
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
2 TB sesame oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced and mashed
2 TB rice wine, rice vinegar, dry sherry, or sake
A couple shakes of crushed red pepper
Black pepper, to taste
1 large carrot, peeled and diced into small cu bes
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 can (about 7 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained and coarsely chopped
3 TB Hoisin sauce
2 handfuls cashews
3 green onions, thinly sliced on an angle
Marinade chicken with 1 TB of the oil, the garlic, rice wine, red pepper, and black pepper.
Meanwhile, following directions on box, start the rice.
Heat the rest of the oil (1 TB) in a wok or large nonstick skillet over high heat until it smokes.
Add carrot and stir-fry for 2 or 3 minutes.
Add the coated chicken and cook another 3 or 4 minutes.
Toss in the bell pepper and chestnuts. Heat through for 1 minute. **If you would like the cashews a bit soft, add them now also.**
Add the Hoisin and toss to coat evenly.
Dump chicken out over a bed of jasmine rice and top with cashews and green onions.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Weekly Workouts
This week was a good example of a four-day workout week.
Monday - 2.5-mile Run; 1 Core Strength Training Circuit
Tuesday - 2.5-mile Run, 1 Mile on the StairMaster
Wednesday - Day Off
Thursday - Day Off
Friday - Weight Training
Saturday - Day Off
Sunday - 4-mile Run
Dead Lifts w/ a Row (I use a 35 or 40 lbs. bar)
Forward Lunge with Press(using a lat pull down machine or something similar, ensuring that it's set at shoulder height)
50 Jumping Jacks Holding a Balance Bar at Chest Level (15 lbs.)
I can't stress how much I believe in interval and core strength training when you're race training. Check out Hal Higdon's website. His training programs always incorporate interval and core training, which will prevent injury and increase your endurance as you log miles. The best part is that you can find ways to incorporate these in your schedule if you can't get to a gym.
Some resources:
Sunday, November 8, 2009
BLT Fish Cheddar & Chive Biscuits
Below is the recipe for the Cheddar & Chive Biscuits they serve. I think I'll make these for the holidays.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cups Flour
2 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Salt
1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
3 Tbsp Shortening
3 Tbsp Butter
1 Tbsp Chopped Chives
1 Cup Sharp Cheddar (Shredded)
1 1/4 Cup Cream
Prep:
1. Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt and cayenne.
2. Cut the shortening and butter into the flour mix. DO NOT OVERWORK.
3. DO leave the butter and shortening in small pieces.
4. Toss in the chives and cheese.
5. Toss in the cream, just until mixture comes together. DO NOT mix too much.
6. Bake at 375 for 15-17 minutes.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Change of Plans, Thanks Vella!
Vella had something else in mind since she ATE the right shoe this morning. Yup, chewed the heel to bits while I was in the shower. She plucked the shoe right off the "needs to go with me to work" pile on the bed. So, I'm wearing a pair of JCrew Big Bow slingbacks instead. Life goes on, they're just shoes. JCrew doesn't sell them anymore, I'll have to look on eBay. But I did tell my little Odie if she does it again, she's getting a one-way ticket to Abu Dhabi.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thanks Blue Eyed Bride!
Now, what should I buy with my $50 off $100 of in-store purchases? I'll make the trip to one of the Manhattan stores tomorrow and report back!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Weekly Workouts
Let's rewind and I'll take you through my fitness journey. I'm glad I can laugh about this now, b/c it wasn't so funny at the time.
Early 1990's - High School...I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain a pound. I ran CC and played softball.
Mid to Late 1990's - College...I have two words for you, JIM BEAM. Oh wait, I have two more, POKEY STIX (all of you UVA and ACC folks are familiar with Gumby's). Working out was sporadic at best, and throw in a bout with Mono + steroids, and my weight went up, and up, like 15-20 pounds. I looked bloated and disgusting. I lost it all in my 4th year due to stress.
2000 to 2005 - Corporate gym membership! Total discipline.
2005 - Full time job, graduate school. No time for anything, I'm crabby, I cancel my gym membership. 10 lbs follow.
2006 - Wedding planning was in full swing. I was disgusted by pictures from a long weekend in the Dominican Republic (that's another post, let's just we won't be going back). Swift action taken by reinstating my Equinox membership and signing up for Personal Training.
And, here I am almost 4 years later in maintenance mode. I think wisdom comes with your 30's and you just get comfortable with your body.
I've noticed much discussion in blogland lately about how hard it is to weave exercise in to your daily routine, keep it interesting and/or see results. So, I thought I'd start sharing my weekly workout schedule. This is what works for me and may work for others. I'm not a licensed trainer and far from an expert, but I can share how I keep up with working out and make it more fun. Feel free to ask questions or make suggestions! I'll even post links to sites where you can see descriptions of some moves...you might even have a flashback to GYM class with mountain climbers and burpees.
10/26-11/1
Monday - 3 mile run; 1 mile on the stairmaster
Tuesday - Core Strength Training
Wednesday - Day Off
Thursday - Core Strength Training
Friday - 4 mile run
Saturday - Day Off
Sunday - 5 mile run
Here's a sample core strength training circuit. Each move in each circuit is 10-12 reps depending on your fitness level. Repeat each circuit 3 times and ending the workout with abs.
1. One-leg Squats with a bicep curl and press; Reverse Lunge with a Pulldown (using a lat pulldown machine or something similar); Tricep extension w/ a bench press (your back is on the bench); 2-minute sprint on the treadmill (you know, the kind where you feel like you might be sick)
2. Kettlebell swing (20-30 of these instead of the 12-15); Rows w/ a kettlebell in each hand; Walking lunges holding a kettlebell in each hand.
3. Two different ab exercises such a bicycles or vertical leg crunch.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Emily Post Soapbox
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Halloween Howl
Vella didn't win the costumer contest, but we had blast at the Halloween Howl in Carl Schurz Park. Always happy to support a great cause, especially raising $ for Vella's dog park.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Old Navy Review
Diva Skinny Jeans: Score. I think anyone of any shape or size could wear these. Price is right for what you get. Order up a size though and don't believe the short/regular inseam lengths in the size chart. I found the regular length to be shorter than 32". I'm 5'4" on a good day.
Shawl Cardi: Just went back for another one and they're practically sold out. Quality is fine and it doesn't seem like the sweater will pill. I might actually look stylish (gasp!) in this with jeans.
Long Island Wine Tour
Friday, October 16, 2009
Show us Your Life - What do you Make?
Monday, October 12, 2009
More Buy it Now!
Happy Columbus Day!
1. Getting my weekly cleaning out of the way
2. A long run in Central Park once it warms up
3. Finish the four necklaces I started this weekend and order supplies for some customer orders
4. List more items on eBay...I'm still organizing and cleaning out, and found more clothes that I know I will never wear again
Pictures later today. Happy Monday!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
15% Off at Old Navy
Monday, October 5, 2009
Buy it Now!
http://shop.ebay.com/mollyuva/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340
Happy Monday
I cleaned out all of my clothes this weekend and it feels great to get things organized. I'm totally a type-A person and our closets/drawers are never really out of control, but it was great to go through everything piece by piece. I'll be listing things on eBay. Pictures and details to follow. I'll be offering free shipping on everything, even multiple purchases.
Did I mention that I hate JCrew cashmere? When I was pulling out my sweaters from their storage bins, I remembered how easily it pills and just looks like crap after a few wearings. And don't get me going about how it looks like junk if you hand wash it once a season vs. dry cleaning. I've tried all of the tricks. Seriously, save your money. Buy merino wool. End of discussion.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
I ordered the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser. The price was right and the reviews online seemed to be consistent. I'll do a review of the vacuum once I use it a few times. We have a Dyson, but use it at the house and I couldn't justify another one for our 800 square foot apartment at that price. This is the coffee table we ordered for our downstairs. We chose navy blue fabric w/ embroidered anchors. I hope we like it because you can't take these things back! I think it will be subtle.
But, now we need something like this tie that room together.
We're finally celebrating our anniversary tonight! If the weather is nice, we'll make the drive to Sag Harbor and try to catch sunset at The Beacon (no reservations!). I have a back up reservation at Starr Boggs here in town if this rain continues. We can't catch a break on the weekends with our weather.
Enjoy your weekend!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Rainy Sunday
Matt's off to the office for the day, so Vella and I are going to clean out Summer clothes and pull out what Fall pieces I have in the City (most of my clothes are in one of the guest rooms out at the house). I'm following the, "If you don't love it and haven't worn it in a year, it goes!" rule. I have a few hours of work to get through too.
Giants play at 1pm. We'll DVR it and watch it tonight when Matt gets home. Go Giants!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Show us Your Life - Desserts
This one is ridiculously easy and travels well. I am not a baker and I've been known to ruin chocolate chip cookies. Even I can make this one. Happy baking and eating!
Triple Fudge Cake
1 Package Boxed Chocolate Cake Mix (Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines)
1 16 oz. Package Cook and Serve Jello Chocolate Pudding Mix (Use Cook and Serve, NOT that instant stuff)
3/4 to 1 Cup Chopped nuts of your choice, I prefer Walnuts
1 Package Nestle Tollhouse Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Prepare the pudding according to the directions. As it begins to thicken, remove it from the hear and pour in the dry cake mix. Stir well. Spread in greased rectangular cake pan. Top with nuts and chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes, depending on your oven.
Cool and serve with vanilla ice cream!
You could also top this with chopped candy pieces, such as snickers or heath bar.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Random
Matt's birthday is tomorrow. We'll be dining here as long as he can escape work at a reasonable hour. Hope he likes his fish prints (see below).
I cleaned out the pantry and refrigerator in like 5 minutes flat today (it's NYC, we don't have that much stuff!). Almost everything went in the trash. Crackers, cereal, mixes, marinades, jams, you name it, we had it and it expired like two years ago. What can I say, Matt's never home and it's me and the fur child flying solo. I'm researching slow cookers. Any suggestions? I've always wanted one and I think we'd put it to good use out at the house in the Fall/Winter. I keep getting recipes from BHG about the best slow cooker recipes. Yum.
I need to take a nap, but 2nd Avenue subway work started this week and I can hear them tearing up the sidewalk/street 26 floors below. So, I'm watching lots of fun TV...Animal Planet, HGTV, The Food Network and Travel Channel. I also have a new Better Homes and Garden here.
Monday, September 21, 2009
More Etsy
Etsy Seller Head Over Heels:
Under the Weather
I'll leave you with a special order I finished for a friend. This was a birthday gift for her Mom. I love the aquamarine and purple chalcedony with a round pave clasp for Fall.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Rosh Hashanah
Significance: New Year
Observances: Sounding the shofar (ram's horn trumpet)
Length: 2 Days (Some: 1 Day)
Customs: Dipping apples in honey; Casting off "sins" into a river
Greeting: L'shanah tovah! (For a good year!)
We'll be having dinner with my in-laws and then heading to WH for the weekend. Traditional dishes include brisket, kugel, latkes and the list goes on and on. Trust me when I say that no one walks away hungry!
I was raised Catholic and my hubby is Jewish. We're very lucky to have such accepting families and have the benefit of celebrating Christian and Jewish holidays. I know this doesn't work for everyone and there can be challenges galore in inter-faith marriages. I'm reminded this time of year of how wonderful our families are and for that I am thankful!
Up next? A Yom Kippur post on 9/28.
J. Pocker
Monday, September 14, 2009
For Your Reading Pleasure
http://anthony-bourdain-blog.travelchannel.com/read/for-parents-only
And, if you don't watch/DVR No Reservation on the Travel Channel, you're missing out!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Favorite Etsy Sellers
HumbleCollection
Noodles & Milk
Head to Toe
Plum Cushion
Ode Shop
ThreadSquare
And of course, my little store Molly Rosedale. New Fall items will be up at the end of the month.
Happy searching and shopping on Etsy! So many talented people out there.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Today
Labor Day Weekend
We had a great time at Keith and Lisa's wedding. I'm a terrible photographer, but here's a picture of the dance floor. And, Vella enjoyed some quality time with her Omi while we were in Oceanside.
Speaking of Vella, here's a picture of her running around the deck on Sunday. Don't feel bad for her, that red tether is 30-40feet and she literally has the run of the deck. We just use that to keep her from running UNDER the deck and getting in to all kinds of trouble.Prep for Fall Swap!
Here's Caroline's adorable packaging. It's a tote bag! Love, love, love the ribbon too. You better believe that I saved it and it will find a good home on a future package.
A few of my favorites...oh so preppy note cards, coasters, umbrella and scarf. I can't tell you how much I love this umbrella. And, if this Fall is like last year in NYC, I'll need it! Caroline and I gave each other the same madras note cards and I also sent an umbrella for those rainy, chilly WA days...coincidence? I think not!
I feel very lucky to have met some wonderful woman in blogland. Thanks Caroline!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Beachbound!
OK, enough rambling. Better finish laundry and go for a run in Central Park! Pics from the wedding and weekend to follow. Vella is resting up next to me on the couch.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Week in Westhampton
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Rainy Saturday in Need of Color!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Danny
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Home
Monday, August 17, 2009
Weekend Recap
We were up bright and early on Sunday morning to line up for the NYC Half Marathon! There were about 15K runners this year. The hubby finished in 1:56 and I crossed the finish line at 2:20 flat. I'm really proud of both of us. It was a tough race...almost 90 degrees by the time we finished and the humidity was brutal. Needless to say, we're a little sore today.
We're in WH this week for vacation and looking forward to some R&R.