Be Your Own Domestic Hero!

Hope you find yourself getting ready for a fantastic weekend ahead.  Find some time for yourself to make those around you feel special, as well as you! I’ll be baking some fall inspired pumpkin bread for the office, enjoying a good cup of coffee on Sunday and hopefully doing some work on a few lamps that I have been making. Continuing to dream about my “creative space” and where I can fit that in…inside? outside? Who knows, right now, it resides in my head.

Remember! Martha says that’s a “Good Thing”

Blogs I hope you’ve enjoyed this week:

Reception Dresses

Who Ralph Thomas Is

Fornos: A Great Italian Getaway

A Lady Who Lunches

 

I was a lady who lunched. I treated myself recently to a lunch at the Carillion Center Forno’s. I had the insalata caprese to start – which disappointed a bit as the tomato was accompanied by an “ok” mozzarella rather than a nice fresh slice of a round mozzerella. The toasted bread that accompanied it was made up for by the by the fresh bread and butter on the table.

I ordered off the menu for lunch, simply the fettuccine alfredo. Now, that said, I’m a dieter. I work out every day, I eat properly as much as my soul can take it, which is pretty regularly. This dish came to the table piping hot, and it was fantastic. It was a good portion, the noodles cooked perfectly al dente and no over hinting of pepper. The extra sprinkling of parmesan added that nice little after bite that should occur after this dish. For me, alfredo should not just be a creamy sauce, it needs to taste of parmesan, have the texture of a good pasta, it needs to be perfect and unseparated in it’s mouthful. This accomplished that perfectly.

The restaurant was lovely for a business luncheon, had a good amount of patrons, but not loud, and not overly packed. It’s also a nice place for a romantic dinner, a bit mobster-Godfather styling, and the white tablecloths give me the feel that I’ve treated myself well, but not at the price of a mortgage payment.

Forno’s - (713) 789-5552

  Rating: spoon & fork - a little dicey on some of the food, but simple food was perfection!

Howdy!

It dawned on me that my readers didn’t know who Ralph Thomas was. It’s been a busy few weeks for this Living Aloud Allowed blogger, forgive me, I should have done this from the get go.

I’m a Cancer, born July 11th. I’m feisty and too cute for my own good! I’m learning, always learning, and then forgetting whatever it is that my people taught me. I’m getting “sit!” , but that’s about it. It takes time with me!

That said, I’m cuddly and fuzzy. I’m not big on meeting new dogs but after awhile, I tend to care less that they are around. That said, if I’m away too long, I forget them and remember to hate them, and the re-learn that they’re ok…it’s a cyclical process.

I have a scar on my head, that’s from having an open fontanel (soft spot) and my brains are a little too big for me! That’s okay, it makes me look manly!

When you can’t decide!

 

 

I’m a girl of many fashions if you’ve not figured that out already. I’ve also let on that I do a bit of swing dancing. and being Polish, if there’s a polka, I’m there. Plus being from Texas usually means 9 months out of the year…we’re hot. So all that said, if I’m dancing at my wedding, which is a dumb question, YES, I’ll be dancing, then I’ll most likely opt for a reception dress.

Until recently I thought I was the sneaky one with this idea. I mean what girl doesn’t want to sneak in a costume change on her biggest day! Sign ME up! But that aside, I think it may be practical to save the big dress for the ceremony and pictures and switch up later into something that makes you feel gorgeous AND comfortable.

That said, these aren’t my exact choices of dress. (Of course I’d not unveil that here) but these are like the one I have in mind. Something 1950’s inspired, no veil necessary, perhaps a hint of feather or flower tucked in for good effect. But that said, I want

something I can move in. I want to feel like a spinning and whirling dervish on the dance floor. I also plan on finding some old fashioned ruffle-y bloomers to allow me to….well, tone down the “floor show”. I’d love to add a pair of colored flats to compliment my bridesmaids.

If my bridesmaids all wore the same dress, this might be a great area to emulate or even mimic the dress they have on in a white version if the style suits, what a way to make cool pictures happen! I think there are many ways to keep yourself feeling just as special in this sort of dress for your reception – think vintage or even a little sexier than the traditional brides dress, this may be a way to keep grandma AND yourself happy on one day. Plus, who wants their mascara running because you enjoyed The Chicken Dance a little too much??

Enjoy the day! Look great! Feel even better!

My Domestic Hero

Martha Stewart is honestly my domestic hero.

I don’t mean that in a naive sort of way. What draws me closest to her is the idea that she’s made an empire out of what every woman has ever wanted. She is selling the “American Dream” to the modern housewife. Style, fashion, pets, gardening – you name it. Her magazine is aptly named “Living”…which I perceive could easily extend to “Living: the way that you always wanted to and really unless you have millions and an army of people to help, you never will, but by all means, continue to strive towards unachievable perfection”

Am I setting the bar too high? Probably. But that’s what Martha wants. It keeps me coming back time and again to do the latest do-it-yourself project, to find that perfect heirloom tomato for my hand chopped salsa recipe, to stay up for weeks planning the perfect party (not to mention lack of sleep for a perfect wedding). She’s found a way to get into the heart and soul of every woman and tug on a string that we all want – to create a place of love and giving to those around us and let our home and life reflect who we are.

She helps to underline us – not make us into her. She finds our want to be the cook or the photographer or the horticulturalist and spins us into a frenzy over the latest design or gadget. She has her workshops, her TV show, her blogs, her magazines. She has created an industry out of a army of women waiting at home to be inspired who may not have found the inspiration in the day to day work.

Some say she’s a b----. I could see how that could be true – it’s easy in today’s day and age for a full-steam-ahead sort of woman who tends to set out, get things done at all costs and doesn’t care what it takes to deliver the perfect product. I could see how having to captain the ship to make sure what she’s turning out is absolutely perfect could turn a few happy smiles into frowns. But that’s what’s making us dream – the idea that she’s doing it, and we aren’t.

I salute you Martha. Hard business woman doing what I achieve to do, continue to set the bar, I will continue to follow.

Wear Purple Today – Please

The Thought & Inspiration – Thank you Ellen DeGeneres

The Gear

Old Navy: Women's Facet-Button Cardigans $25.00

Target:  Young Mens' Uniform Short-Sleeve Pique Polo Shirt $9.99

Forever 21: Casual Long Sleeve Dress $17.80

Charlotte Russe: Solid Embellished Neck Top $24.50

Macys: Monet Pin, Purple Flower $25.00

Nordstrom: Softspots 'Studio' Pump $79.95

A Book Not by It’s Cover

 

Ah! Cafe Pita Plus. The only Bosnian restaurant in Town. When originally driving up to this spot to celebrate my “half birthday” for fun, it was taken as a “what the….” place. Admittedly, it has a “pizza” sign blinking in the window and the liquor store donning burglar bars next door doesn’t help “set the scene”. Inside, is MUCH better. While cramped with their kitchen, the small space is done up nicely, albeit for a large screen TV with sports. It’s clean, it’s decorated, sometimes crowded and loud, most of the time I’ve found it generally sparse and quiet.

They serve “Mediterranean like” food. They really serve Bosnian, but this is the best as I can explain to someone who hasn’t had it. They have fried cheese the likes of which you’ve never had. Forget prefrozen sticks of “melted on the outside, icy in the middle” mozzarella. These are triangles of homemade farmers cheese in a light breading served with a perfect pepper relish that makes it heaven. Order their version of “mezze” and start your evening off with salumi, olives and cheeses that make you swoon for more.

They too, have a combination platter. Roast chicken and beef kebabs that are perfectly tender with rice. Lovely meatball pieces that melt and the crown jewel of their restaurant cevap. These are sausages that look much like breakfast links. But forget what you know about them, these are perfectly crisp outside, done middle bites of spice and beef. They are accompanied by a lepinje bread that makes you ache for more on your return visit.

I lunch here and the cevap and bread are served as a sandwich.  It’s a must during the week!

 

Cafe Pita Plus – no website - (713) 953-7237

Rating: spoon, fork & knife – forget the exterior, the taste makes you forget where you are!

Trick or Treat!

Okay, don’t laugh at me. I don’t mean to be playing stereotypes. But I’m a Chihuahua. and I figured, it’s Halloween.

This Taco Pet Food Dog Costume Petite from Target suits me well. Okay, so the hat is a bit more “Farmer Fred” than a real sombrero might be. But if that’s not enough, I’m not the only one who came up this idea. See…there’s lots of us.

 

 

G.W. Little’s site has it for 29.99.

Prominent Pets has one, but let’s be honest, it would look like a burger on my back!

 

 

I know, everyone loves a good joke, and I feel like I could pull this off. What do you think ladies? If nothing…for the same amount of pesos, I could at least show my people some pride…as a Bandito.

Why I Do This

I wore this dress yesterday.

It’s a 1954 yellow and white print circle skirt dress. It’s reminiscent of one of my favorite characters on Mad Men – Peggy. She originally was never going to be my favorite – a bit dowdy, but has blossomed into an independent, girl-before-her-time, business chick. She’s complex and dark and light and innocent all at the same time. That said, I adore the clothes she wears and scour EBay in hopes of finding a gem – this I picked up for around 20 dollars. It’s like a lemon chiffon cake set to fabric and spins like a good record on a jukebox.

I have my favorite belt and my Mary Janes on with it. I feel like I should be walking into the office of Don Draper any moment.

But yesterday, I happened to be walking down the produce aisles and paying for groceries instead. I sat in line and there was an older gentleman behind me. Well into his 70s, carrying a small basket of goods – the kind that say he’s a bachelor – and he leaned over in line and said "That’s such a beautiful dress”…

It made my day. Instantly.

I replied thank you, and that it was from the 1950s. We struck up a small conversation about how everyone used to dress up then, and how it’s changed. He remembered dresses like mine. As I was finishing up, he said goodbye, but before doing so said very sentimentally, “My wife is gone now. Thanks for letting me remember her, she looked like you in that dress.”

That’s why I do this.

Some man, wherever he is, got a glimpse of his wife. He smiled. All because of a dress. Perhaps someone who loves me will one day remember me for something I wore, and one day when they too are taking a trip down memory lane – or the express lane for that matter – they will look up, and for a moment, see me, and smile.

Treats for the Home, Tricks for the Kids

I’m not a big dresser upper of my house for Halloween. I do more fall, and will have a post on that shortly, but that said, I do enjoy carving a good pumpkin and having the good candy.

I remember as a kid that dressing up and going out was a highlight of my fall year. I remember the overflowing bags I used to come home with, I remember the remnants lasting for what felt like weeks. As an adult, and a dieter at that, I try and still have candy, but make sure it’s not laying around til the last minute!

That said, I think I’ve found a few cute gadgets and gizmos to highlight the night of ghouls around the home.

If you want something that may tend towards your indoor decor with a bit of the Halloween twist, try Kirkland’s Jack-O-Lantern – Large $14.99, Medium $12.99. These aren’t overly Halloween while still sending the message. I like that I can put these in with my harvest decor without disrupting the overall look of things!

 

 

Wal-Mart turned out these cute Air blown Halloween Inflatable Slender Pumpkin Stack, 9' Tall $35.00 & Halloween Peanuts Gang Great Pumpkin Yard Art, Glitter Gel, 50 Lights $42.00. I think these should stand alone. I’m not a big fan of over packing the yard. I’m a huge Peanuts fan, think these might just look cute tucked behind my smaller shrubs even with their heads peeking out!

 

Halloween String Lights, Set of 10 $14.99 available at Cost Plus World Market – I’m thinking these would look cute over my door – my door sits a bit far back off of the street, this may help people know that “I’m home!” and “I have this candy! Help! Don’t leave me with it! “

 

For the office or the apartment dweller, something small is still appropriate. Target always has cute Halloween stuff – wait for my The Style Myle costume extravaganza -  5.25" Jack O' Lantern - Battery Operated $7.99. When you need a bit of food for thought at the door, don’t forget the bowl – this will get a few laughs, or screams -  Animated Candy Bowl with Hand - Purple (9") $12.99

Getting A Regular Meal

I went to Luby’s  last night. I’ve gone to Luby’s since I can remember. The other thing I can remember…since I can remember…is eating the exact same meal. Since I can recollect teeth and the ability to chew I have eaten the LuAnn platter of fried fish (with tartar sauce), corn and macaroni and cheese. I remember later adding two small side cups of pico de gallo, which I think subliminally makes me feel like I’m getting vegetables in this very monochromatic meal.

Sometimes a salad. Sometimes not. Usually a dinner roll. No butter. Sometimes dessert – home to the best tapioca pudding out there.  Now, I’m usually a mix it up kind of girl – who gets something new at the same place. Not here. I’ve had bites of mom or dad’s liver and onions, chopped sirloin, things like that. But nothing comes near the perfection that this trifecta holds.

 

I know. I know you’re wondering, why the big deal over such a meal that costs less than the amount of change I can find in my couch? I don’t know. The nostalgia? The idea that I’m “so old” at the ripe age of 31 that I still remember when they used to have the drink cart lady with the silver coffee pot who used to serve my parents coffee. This place used to be “uptown” – at least in my head.

I remember my sister getting the two bowls of macaroni and cheese and then the blue or green jello. That was dinner. I’m assuming at this point my parents were really seeking respite and didn’t mind for one night what we ingested. I remember as a small child wearing a mink stole (something that my dad had brought home I believe) to dinner. With my best dress. and getting a rash from the heat, but the mink stole was elevating the experience for me. I wore it anyway. I remember my mom pinning my hair up nicely even. I knew that fine dining had to be in my future.

It’s odd that Luby’s is a southern favorite as I wasn’t exposed to Southern Food there the way that I know it now, but that said, it was my childhood memory that continues to keep me loving it there. and I’ll continue to eat the same thing and hopefully my kid will too.

Luby’s – various locations – www.lubys.com

Rating: Spoon & Fork : it’s not overwhelming, it’s nostalgia

The Spooky Kookiness of it all

The Thought

The monster mash…and she had to be a smash….go get your dress up on girl. If you’ve got a good man, and he’s willing to go through the pain, what about being condemned…er, condiments together?? Need something for a gala? What about a smashing yellow dress and this fantastic Big Bird headband? The dancer in me still loves the classic Flapper, and what better at a local pub costume contest? Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy the whimsy of the season, a reason to play dress up and to collect sugar wherever you go!

The Inspiration 

The Gear

All from Target!

Peacock - 49.99

Sesame Street’s Big Bird Headband  $14.99

Women's Flapper $32.99

Mustard/Ketchup Bottle $29.99

Big Bird and Elmo  $40.00

Lemon $69.99

Dining Outside

In an attempt to expand my “foodie-ism”, I thought I would start to include the wonderful restaurants that I’ve been honored enough to get to go to. That said, I’ll do the best I can to “recreate” some of my favorite experiences, but couldn’t start off with a better example than where I was on Friday.

Starter: Butternut Squash Ravioli, sage brown butter, toasted pine nuts, shaved parmesan

2nd: Wild Mushroom Soup, buffalo mozzarella crouton & Roasted Pear, bleu cheese, dried fruit, nuts

Dinner: Veal Chop (done rare) with butternut squash risotto and sautéed broccoli rabe & Rack of Lamb with Mashed Potatoes & Asparagus

Dessert: Carrot Cake

To Drink: La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti

Backstreet Cafe continues to be one of  my favorite places to dine out. It’s got a porch, a patio, a room, a front room, a bar and an upstairs. It’s an old house, redone. It’s got excellent charm, but the food comes through, which is why I have to tout time and again that this is a great place to go for “no reason at all” and “every reason in the book”.

While the veal chop was ever so “too rare” , I find it hard to find things here that don’t make me squeal with delight. The butternut squash, something I’ve fallen a little “TOO” in love with recently, was fantastic in it’s perfect butter sauce contained in it’s perfectly al dente pasta. The carrot cake lacked just a bit of texture, but this place turns out the best chocolate cake you’ve seen – and not being a chocolate fan, I can attest that it’s a repeatable dish for me.  The sip was perfect, light and crisp for a beginning bottle, made time on the porch a bit more celebratory – kicked off the weekend perfectly.

The roasted pear salad and the wild mushroom soup left me nothing but pleased. The cream soup was not a stitch of heavy and the pear balanced the nut and cheese combination in a way that would make most see saws look out of balance. It was PERFECT. The service, as always, isn’t looming, but doesn’t leave a moment too soon or linger too long. They are accommodating and friendly and I noted several times, knew who their regular clientele were. If I only lived closer!!!

Backstreet Cafe - 713-521-2239 - http://www.backstreetcafe.net/

Rating:

 

Spoon, Fork AND Knife: Excellent Experience

First Fall Soup

Curried Cider Pork Stew

4 red gala apples, cubed

1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed

1 onion, cubed

2 carrots, chopped into rings

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 cups of apple juice

2 cups of chicken broth

2.5 lbs of pork carnitas, cut into chunks

2 Tbsp garam masala

salt & pepper to taste

Toss all of this into your crock pot in the morning and let ‘er rip all day. The longer, the better.

I enjoyed this yesterday. It’s crisply cool outside and the clear sun begged for a soup and a nice day. The light has changed into that fall light that has this clarity and appeal that makes you want to don some jeans and a long sleeve shirt and bask in the hot sun for the few days that it will feel like that. I love when the shade is cool and the sun is scorching and you feel this hint of breeze. It’s soup weather – bring it on!