Nuture: to hold close with the intent to make happier, stronger and smiley-er.
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Monday, April 4, 2011
Resolution Check In – Quarter 1 - 2011
I’ve been making it a habit to check in on myself when trying to accomplish my year’s resolutions. Today I’ll share my progress as a way to admit to the world where I’m going wrong and right
- Go to Italy.
Plane booked. Hotel booked. Entertainment tickets and restaurants scouted. Scheduled calls for further reservations. Scared to hell about how to get around on buses, but I’ll make it! :)
- Maintain my weight healthily. Okay, okay, I’m overindulging. I didn’t gain much back – 3 lbs on average – but it’s time to stop indulging and make salads a bit more habit. I enjoy eating way too much, but getting out of hand makes it that much harder to maintain. That said, gym everyday and lots of activity on the weekends help!
- Continue to be grateful for what I have. I am happy to report that I’m debt free – so this being grateful resolution really got a boost this week – I am so grateful for being able to accomplish this! The shopping has waned a bit, I know that Etsy is a fabulous site and perhaps I should just stop looking – but in the end, I’m a girl – it’s what I do!
- Value myself. Hm. I’m speaking up for what I want more….what can I do!?
- Get my wisdom teeth pulled. Still no headway made here. It’s not a priority goal at the moment, perhaps later in the year?
- Write a novel. Got farther on this then I even thought I could! Not only have I made huge headway into getting my cook book completed and the pictures created for the chapter pages, I’ve also managed to get a quarter of the way through a children’s book and then even more shockingly, I’ve gotten about 150 pages into a book that my best friend suggested – a manual on me. Not only is it feeding my learning about what I want endeavor, it’s been alot of fun to see how it’s coming together!
- Wear more socks, tights, etc….this sorta went to the wayside this month. Alot of things did. Work has been so crazy that finding clothes and putting together good outfits got pushed aside. I need to remember that people do judge a book by its cover at times, looking put together is still important!
- Purge more. As we were planting the garden yesterday, I took a break and started to make a bag of the things in the garage that needed donated. Closet will happen this week and I’m picking around the house little things. I hate feeling claustrophobic about “stuff” that I don’t use hanging around. This week will have a bit more oomph – these updates remind me to stay on it!
- Go to town more - local foods, bike riding – We did go antiquing this weekend and last.
- DO what you said you would do when you wished you would do it – that’s what this list is about. While it may seem pushy to people, or perhaps that is just my own perception of it – I’m starting to hold others and myself to the things that they promised they would do – and on time.
- Use environmentally friendly bags, products, etc…I wish I could excel at this. I’m terrible.
- Finish crafts – This one is going quite well. Not only am I paring down the list of those projects that I’ve started, but it’s almost nil at this point. I want to make a bird cage cover for the bird cage for the house. I have to finish up my tablet pc case. I still have that pesky afghan to knit – it’s starting a project that is so hard – once I get going it speeds by!
- Give more gifts - homemade, think of others – I’ve done a few acts of random kindness this month. It’s nice to spread the warm fuzzies!
Friday, April 1, 2011
THE.BASIC
The Thought
It’s a suit. You must…simply must…spend money on one. It’s like saying fettucine alfredo can be made simply with cheap cream cheese and old margarine. Don’t do it. It’s not right. A good suit, a good winter coat can become a basis for many, many, many accessories. But don’t skimp on your basics, make sure they fit perfectly, look fantastic, and make you feel like a million!
The Inspiration
The Gear
Brooks Brothers: Milano Bead Stripe 1818 Suit $998.00
Jos. A. Bank: Executive 3-Button Wool Suit $550.00
Burlington Coat Factory: Single-breasted Woolen Coat (MICHAEL KORS): $119.99
Forever 21: Ribbon Trim Fedora $13.90
Urban Outfitters: Chunky Flecked Scarf $28.00
JCPenney: Florsheim® Lexington Men's Wing-tip Oxford $99.95
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A Tradition
Tradition
Play Freebird! Play Freebird! It’s as traditional as that is to hear at a rock concert.
Freebirds is ‘like’ a Chipotle. Now, the only concept being it’s a make your own burrito place, but the concept here is my first foray into it. I first “met” Freebirds when I was a Freshman in college. This is probably where I should have learned to pull away from the table….and not gain the Freshman 15…twice over.
That said, as a treat, this is well worth the wait, calories and trip up to College Station, TX. I’m a “regular Freebird” sized girl, although they have Monster and Super Monster sizes. A spinach tortilla with their rice and traditional monterrey Jack cheese is good for starts. Add steak and black beans, all of the “Freebies” (pico de gallo, tomato, lettuce, red AND white onion, jalapeno (fresh = SEARING hot!), some of their death sauce or bbq for the more milder tastes and then add the extra expense of guacamole and you have burrito perfect. A good cold beer added will make this one happy girl! It’s huge. Think about a coke can around give or take and about 1.5 coke cans tall. It’s a meal!
This is traditional comfort food after a bad football game at it’s best. You must try it – these are fresh ingredients, done up properly in a way that doesn’t taste like the mish mash that Mission Burrito sometimes tends to turn out. The selections are much more plentiful than the mainstream Chipotle.
They’re locations have expanded tons, so look for one in your Texas major city! Try it – it’s a change from the regular mexican food, it’s a good funky time to be had with friends!
Freebirds - http://www.freebirds.com/home.htm - 979-485-8829
Rating: Spoon & fork – this is still fast food, the selection is limited, but it’s better than Chipotle could ever imagine! Gig Em!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Unbelievable
On an adventure to San Francisco, I was treated to lunch at the Chez Panisse Cafe. It seems to be advertised as the lesser of the two experiences – versus the dinner restaurant downstairs – but I cannot imagine how that can be. This meal sits towards the top of my lists of things I’ve consumed.
I continue to be amazed at that ability to turn out fantastic dishes without the overpowering use of gravies, butters, cheeses and creams that dotted my experiences in San Francisco. Being from the South, you’re just used to having something “play the heavy” on a dish – no matter where you are, even in salads.
I started the day off with a garden salad where lettuce, if you can even comment on lettuce, actually tasted like lettuce! Gasp! I know. Who writes about leaves? I do. The entire salad actually tasted as if it’d been picked by someone and run up those beautiful mission-style stairs and placed on the plate as quickly as it could be.
I had this beautiful dish of fresh beans and onion with grilled squid. I’m still trying to figure out what that was. My friends know me as the one who always tries to recreate the dish later. That broth was amazing, there’s just no doing it over. It’s not me giving up, it’s allowing perfection to be held by the chef. The squid was grilled and charred marks were perfection. Chewy in a good way, not like a garden hose on a plate. It had a pairing with an aioli that allowed the buttery-ness to project the salt of the sea in the seafood, but not provide an ocean of grease to swim in.
Now, as if I couldn’t dedicate more emotion to a plate, I ordered apple tart. Which should really just simply say “elation” on the dessert menu and leave no room for description. Apple tart simply dresses down this dish. There is some beauty in “tart” when it’s made of puff pastry so light and airy, filled with simple slices of apple and dressed with a simple syrup of apple and blackberry. The hint given here is that a few blackberries dot the dish. But the need for sugar is nil, the fruit holds court against the light crust and when it comes to finishing a meal, this couldn’t have done better.
Rating: spoon, fork & knife + champagne flute – a memory to behold.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Road Trippin’
Go ahead and laugh when I say “Car Seat for a Dog”. But that said, I’ve used this car seat for three of my animals and it’s never ripped, shredded or 
It’s safety harness keeps them strapped in safe, which means that if I were in an accident, Ralph Thomas isn’t flying anywhere. It’s easy to put in any style of car and adjusts to just about any placement that you require. (I’ve even been able to put it on the back of a seat when there wasn’t much room! (Although not suggested by the manufacturer)
Ralph can move around enough to be comfortable, sit up and stand to see out the window even more. But he’s definitely in enough that he’s not going to cause damage to himself, or the car. Plus at the end of a long day, he’s able to lay down and nap! Sometimes the dog park is just too much!
Amazon.com can get you the Outward Hound Car Seat for $29.65 and that includes their free super saver shipping! It comes in small (which I use) and medium. I highly recommend this product.
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Resolution Check In Spot
I’ve been making it a habit to check in on myself when trying to accomplish my year’s resolutions. Today I’ll share my progress as a way to admit to the world where I’m going wrong and right
- Go to Italy.
- Maintain my weight healthily. Doing well and even lost 5 lbs. I’m so pleased with how things are going. With my birthday being this month I overindulged and still kept myself within reason. Hanging in there, the days that the scale tells me the “wrong” number are the worst still!
- Continue to be grateful for what I have. I am trying to do this. Sometimes the economic law of “I want more!” gets involved. I am doing MUCH better. I’ve made myself a list of the purchases I intend on making this year and the more I look at that list, the more I want to stick to it!
- Value myself. This is the worst one. How do you show yourself you love you?
- Get my wisdom teeth pulled. Okay, admittedly, no headway made here. but I’ve tentatively planned it for late in the year given my other goals. So I’m not behind, I’m not on it either!
- Write a novel. Stalled here. I think I have a concept. I even have a place to publish and a cover design. Now I’m just tyring to find my angle. I’m starting to write an outline in the hopes this will help this work it out. In other book news, I am putting together my recipes in a book. That’s motivation enough to see the process and take hold of my inner author.
- Wear more socks, tights and lingerie. I know. Crazy one here. But I adore buying all three of these but then never make the time to accessorize. So I’m doing this, not as much as I should, but the hot weather prevents some things!
- Purge more. I’m definitely making sure that if I’m not using something that I’m finding it a new home if possible!
- Go to town more - local foods, bike riding – okay, we’ve done 2 farmers markets this year. and no bike riding. Our schedule is so overwhelming that it’s questionable when we’ll make time for this. That said, it’s still on my list of things to make more time for!
- DO what you said you would do when you wished you would do it – I don’t know how to accomplish this other than make a list and tackle. I’m definitely tackling more.
- Use environmentally friendly bags, products, etc…total and utter fail. Smack me.
- Finish crafts – i’m asking myself more and more, will I use it alot? can I actually accomplish this DIY project? how much will I value it? and this is shortening my list to doable tasks and fun things that make my life richer and happier!
- Give more gifts - homemade, think of others – finishing crafts is helping this! I’ve put into place a few little acts of kindness through the year that will mean people are thought of and recognized for that! Lots more love out there!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Valentine’s day Worthy Dinner
Biga on the Banks was enjoyed while in San Antonio recently. While it sits on the Riverwalk it’s far from the kitschy tourist type place that inhabits the area.
For starters we had the salmon nachos and the squid ink pasta & chicken fried oysters. Both exquisite. The entire table seemed to 
agree that the oysters were perfect .Far from the “Southern soul food” that most things with “Chicken Fried” incite, this was a tender bite that didn’t have breading overshadowing the salty flavor. Still don’t understand the pasta sauce, but whatever that was, continue it! Buttery without being heavy, it made for a nice contrast.
The Cuzco salad earned top marks for me. A perfectly balanced salad of hominy, avocado, sweet potatoes, tomato, onion, jalapeno and butter lettuce. It was enough to not even require the dressing, which was a lovely pickle vinegar that the onions had soaked in. Gorgeous all the way around.
For entree, I enjoy the mahi mahi with braised cabbage (instead of baby carrots) and their roasted fingerling potatoes. Perfect all the way around. The crab and lobster with pico de gallo that accompanied my fish was spot on, nothing overwhelming, but adding a nice spice to all of the pieces on the plate.
The service here cannot be beat, some of the best I’ve had in the city. Very attentive without protruding, I was amusing myself towards the end with a bit of napkin folding, my waiter, Orlando, chimed in with the perfect napkin fold for Thanksgiving – I’ll put that to use soon!
Biga on the Banks - http://www.biga.com/ - 210-225-0722
Rating: fork, spoon & knife: definitely a celebration, even when there’s nothing to celebrate.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
XOXO
Okay, so they say real men wear pink. So why not pick up Petco’s Smoochie Pooch Pink Argyle Dog Sweater for my macho dog? At $12.74, it’s cute for the ladies and makes him warmer – he always looks cold! 
I’ve been questioning whether some other folks at the dog park would think he’s a girl, but I think the manly argyle gives it that preppy look without being overly chick like!
That said, I think he needs to cool down on the ladies, he always seems too interested in EVERY dog that’s bordering our backyard. But being a man on the 
street, if he were to find a little lady, how cute is this ensemble from NingNingGong’s Etsy Shop – at 28 dollars it’s handmade and too cute for words! This dog looks exactly like my sisters and I may just have to spoil her with it! Too cute!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Gifts for Each Other
I think it’s a beautiful thing to surprise someone romantically. I’m the type of girl who loves someone who can just love me out in the open in front of the world. Which I think it generally the embodiment of a wedding with family and friends all around.
That said, I also adore a few choice personal things for the day. Something to make my groom feel super fabulous. Some for in front of his f
riends! Some not so much! Ever think that a pin up photo done in good taste may make him get giddy about the upcoming honeymoon?
Not that you want to overserve anyone before they make it to the reception, but a great bottle of his favorite poison along with your new monogram on some high ball glasses may make those crazy groomsmen a little more apt to “behave” during the ceremony! I mean, winning their vote never hurts! :)
What about surprising him with his favorite candy? or even a pin of his family crest to wear during the ceremony on his lapel? Perhaps you can tuck a matching one on your 
dress somewhere as a symbol of coming together as family?
It’s just as easy to get the bride all blushing if you can dot her day with a few well placed surprise well wishes.
Easy enough is to send flowers! A hand written note! Perhaps even set up a few extra 
goodies on your honeymoon and let her know what’s in store for you!
If you know her well enough, and she’s game, perhaps you can help choose the jewelry she will wear that day. Or buy her a small pin or accessory that will help compliment her wear. If she’s changing clothes to leave or for the reception, this may also be a great outfit to offer some “little blue box” love.
Whatever it is – small , big, or in between, make each other feel remembered, tossing a little letter or box between the groomsmen and bridesmaids to heighten the butterfly feeling that “I’m going to see you soon…and guess what, I’m going to spend the rest of my life with you.” Enjoy!
Monday, February 14, 2011
All You Need Is…
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Reason I’ll Work Out Double this Week!
Wacky Cake
Cake:
3 C. flour
2 C. sugar
2 t. baking soda
2 t. vanilla
1 t. salt
1/2 C cocoa
2 C Water
1 C oil
2 t vinegar
Mix and bake for 35 minutes at 400.
Icing:
Boil 1 1/2 Cups of milk plus 1/4 C+1 Tbsp of flour and a pinch of salt over medium heat until combined and slightly thick. In a mixer transfer cooled, cooked mixture and add 3 t vanilla and 1 1/2 c of sugar. Beating in 1 1/2 – 2 C of crisco until buttercream is created. Frost cooled cake.
Being that it’s my birthday, I know I should indulge. But the icing on this slab of perfection alone is worth the extra miles I’ll be treading this week. The “buttercream” screams 1950s housewife nostalgia down to the supremely cloying sweet crunch of sugar in it. The cake stays moist for a long time, the icing continues to seep into it…it’s an odd phenomena, but of course, you should do your own field testing and have a slice each day that you can keep this around (which isn’t long!) just to test for the moist factor…dare you!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Let Us Eat Cake
I tend to cook and have a party at my house each year, and this year, I thought it might be nice if I give myself a bit of an upgrade when comes to the sweet stuff of the evening – I found this Colorful Beaded Dessert Server set for $15 at Pier 1 and decided to let their color play up front and center as I’ll use this wonderful Pottery Barn Gabriella Cake Stand for $49.00. The price is a little steep here, but given the great quality and basic white, you could use this for many a thing!
I think the cake stand is a grossly under used item when it comes to multitasking. I’ve used mine as a place to put my gingerbread house at Christmas or my appetizers on when I have brunch and need them to stand out. Consider getting a set of different sizes and stacking them for a tier display…of cupcakes!
I found these great larger candles at Party City, these Striped Birthday Candles 
come in packs of twelve for $4. I thought that their size would actually overkill on the cake, but they really look cool! Plus, I think I'd be able to use them in a smaller candle stick holder and use them for outdoor parties even, I really enjoyed these colors – a white cake, with white icing, my favorite, would look great with these!
I’m always loving the neat uses for things that I can find at a restaurant supply company. I found this great find recently for way cheaper than you’ll find at usual market stores. At Jeans restaurant supply.com, they’re 
Champagne Bucket & Stand only rand $39.55! There is something fantastically luxurious like this at such an easy price! Plus it means I can up my budget on the bubbly!
And finally, what girl doesn’t love flowers? I found these great daisy bud vases for $2 at Crate & Barrel. I thought they’d make a great “big” display if I strung 10 of them down my bar area with little flowers in them. It’ll be a big splash of decor rather than the one large bouquet, plus, I could sprinkle a few random ones here and there for a great theme but one that won’t break my wallet!
Whenever you do celebrate, take in the moments with friends. Each year is a gift!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Happy Birthday Dear Girly
The Thought
Happy Birthday to Me.
Happy Birthday to Me.
I’m going out for my birthday,
I needed a great dress for all to see.
The Inspiration
The Gear
Forever 21: Jeweled One Shoulder Dress $27.80
Kohls: Apt. 9® Tailee Peep-Toe Dress Heels $32.99
Target: Merona® Basic Clutch – Black $16.99
Monday, February 7, 2011
Happy Birthday To Me
Upon my 32nd year, I’m always aware that I’m not where I thought I would be. I’m learning more to take pride in this and continue to find who I am as a creative artist, a worker, and a home owner. I’m striving to try and do new things, take risks where I thought I was unable and even devote myself to being a little different sometimes just to see if it’s a new part of “me” that may stick. Does this mean I spend my days trying to be someone else? No. But it does mean that I get stuck in a rut and realize that a change of direction can be a healthy thing.
That said, I thought I would take the time to recognize a few things 1979 style.
- Yearly Inflation Rate USA 11.2%
- Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 838
- Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve 15.25%
- Average Cost of new house $58,100.00
- Average Income per year $17,500.00
- Average Monthly Rent $280.00
- Cost of a gallon of Gas 86 cents
- Sony Walkman $200.00
The President of the US was Jimmy Carter – a man I only knew to be from Georgia and wear one of those straw barbershop hats in a picture I once saw. Due to crisis in Iran Oil Prices Increase around the world and the public begin panic buying making things worse – which really isn’t much different from now. Eleven fans are killed and dozens are injured at a WHO Concert at the Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati, Ohio…which is good, because at least the Who are something to die for, as opposed to well, Britney Spears.
VisiCalc becomes the first spreadsheet program – as an avid and expert Excel user, this is a big moment for me. Voyager I photo reveals Jupiter's rings – photographer and space nerd here, this was fantastic to know! YMCA sues the Village People for libel because of their song of the same name – I personally think there’s just jealousy here, I adore that dance, I think they should have embraced it as a commercial! Trivial Pursuit is launched – something that for years I could never know all the answers to, but definitely lived to play!
Superman The Movie, Rocky II and The Muppet Movie were all popular that year. As was Bee Gees with " Love you Inside Out ", Gloria Gaynor with " I will Survive " and Donna Summer "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls" all made the airwaves. I guess this was telling me to wait around for better music, but given that the 80s weren’t much better…then I’ll stick with my parent’s 45s instead!
So there you go, a little taste of when I was born. Happy birthday to me, and enjoy the week!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Excellent Find!
This was a great before the movie place. I’m still shocked that during happy hour they were empty except for us and a few folks at the sushi bar. The place is immaculent, well appointed, has a designated hibachi and sushi area (I hate when the smoke permeates the place and you can’t breathe) and the service was attentive and even put in my order early so it would ready and waiting for arrival.
We had the Tuna Roll, Spider Roll, California Roll, Vegetable Roll, Chef’s Special Roll and a Texas Express roll. Everything was super fresh if not a little big for being sushi! Rolls never fell apart, everything had an abundance of fillings. I’m usually a bit picky about my vegetable roll. This may have been a slight disappointment, I had alot of avocado and peanuts, but no discernible crunch of a carrot or cucumber. The tuna roll was spot on, fishy but not overly so – just a hint of sea. Both the spider and texas express rolls were presented beautifully and either could have been paired with soup for a light lunch.
I enjoyed a few glasses of the house white wine, $4 at happy hour, and it was a fantastic end to a rough work day. The service was immediate when we needed something, stayed out of your area as conversation was going on. When we ordered another two rolls towards the end, it was prompt and polite. Everything was easy about this meal as it helped send us off to the theatre not needing popcorn!
Tao Japanese - http://taojapanese.com/ - (281) 277-2877
Rating: spoon, fork & knife: they’re on a roll!
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