create the life you love

Game Day

We didn't want to leave any of our teams out, so all the flags are out!

 

I also added an Ole Miss plate to my collection

In Bloom

Even though is is cold here in Florida (40's this morning), my garden flowers are in bloom and beautiful!  

And complements of Martha Stewart. Pretty flowers in tea canisters ...

 
  

More Recipes

First, I do have to mention, since I know some of you are wondering if I actually eat any of these meals ... no, I do not. None at all with the exception of the homemade tomato sauce which I put on grilled chicken. I don't even get to eat the shell fish plain, since I am allergic to shell fish!

I still love to cook though, and had such a wonderful time cooking with my boys

*****

This is another recipe I have shared here on my blog in the past and it's a favorite of everyone who tries it. I am always giving out the recipe. Not even sure of the 'real' name.

 

Hot Cheesy Dip

8 oz. cream cheese softened

1/2 cup mayo

Beat together in mixer

Add:

5 oz. shredded swiss cheese (1 bag)

Place in baking dish. Sprinkle with Hormel bacon bits on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Serve with FRITO'S! Other crackers and/or pita chips are fine too, but my boys like it best with the Frito Scoops.

**********************

This next recipe, Connor and I made together. He peeled all the shrimp too ;) and we added about 2 lbs of shrimp instead of the 1 lb that the recipe calls for. We also added a bit more red pepper flakes, since my guys like things spicy.

Linguine With Shrimp Scampi (Ina Garten)

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt plus 1 1/2 teaspoons
• 3/4 pound linguine
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 1 pound large shrimp (about 16 shrimp), peeled and deveined
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 lemon, zest grated
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• 1/4 lemon, thinly sliced in half-rounds
• 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes

Directions

Drizzle some oil in a large pot of boiling salted water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the linguine, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or according to the directions on the package.

Meanwhile, in another large (12-inch), heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic. Saute for 1 minute. Be careful, the garlic burns easily! Add the shrimp, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and the pepper and saute until the shrimp have just turned pink, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat, add the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon slices, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.

When the pasta is done, drain the cooked linguine and then put it back in the pot. Immediately add the shrimp and sauce, toss well, and serve

***********************

I have made this recipe many times and it's a winner. The sauce is very light, fresh and delish! I even like it by itself or I put it on a grilled chicken breast.  Griff doesn't like tomatoes or red sauce, so I just make his without - just the chicken and cheese. Barret made garlic bread to go with this meal, but it was his own 'concoction' with lots of garlic and butter and I am not sure what else. It took him longer than it took me to make the entire dish!

 

************************

 

Chicken Parmesan (Southern Living)

Yield: Makes 2 servings (I double it or triple it)

Ingredients

• 1  cup  Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2  tablespoons  all-purpose flour
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 2  skinned and boned chicken breasts
• 2  egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1  tablespoon  olive oil
• Tomato Sauce **
• 1  cup  shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4  cup  freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Combine breadcrumbs, flour, and ground red pepper in a small bowl, and set aside.

Place chicken between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, and flatten to 1/4-inch thickness, using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Dip 1 chicken breast in egg whites, and coat with breadcrumb mixture. Dip again in egg mixture, and coat again in breadcrumb mixture.

Repeat procedure with remaining chicken breast.

Cook chicken in hot oil over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until done.

Place chicken breasts in a single layer in a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish. Top evenly with Tomato Sauce and cheeses.

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until cheeses melt.

**Tomato Sauce

Yield: Makes 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 1/2  small onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  tablespoon  olive oil
• 1  (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 1/4  cup  red wine
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  cup  chopped fresh basil

Preparation

Sauté onion and garlic in hot oil over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Add tomatoes, wine, and red pepper; simmer 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Add salt and basil.

*********************

Penne alla Vodka with Scallops (Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations)

I received this book for Christmas and it is so beautiful. The tablescapes, home decor and recipes - all fabulous. I can't wait to try more recipes.

** I also wanted to mention that the proceeds from this book supports Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital and their Fight for Cancer **

Herend's Queen Victoria china

I absolutely love Herend china and have a few pieces, as well as a collection of Herend animals my boys have bought me over the years. Oh, how I yearn for a full set of this china.

 

Barret and I made this together and again, we doubled the amount of scallops to 24 (big boys, big eaters). We also added just a little extra of the oil, butter and chili flakes since we had more scallops to saute (and again, they like things spicy). They all LOVED this dish and I will definitely make it again.

 

Makes 4 to 6 main-course servings, 8 as a first course

12 sea scallops
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
2 leeks, cleaned, trimmed, and finely chopped
2 shallots, minced
2 tablespoons dry vermouth
1 cup vodka
½ teaspoon crushed red chile flakes, or to taste
1 cup fresh or canned tomato puree
½ cup crème fraîche or heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
1 pound penne
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley leaves

Trim the small ridge of tendon from the side of each scallop. Pat dry the scallops with paper towels. Place a large sauté pan over high heat, add the oil, and sear the scallops a few minutes, turning them once, until they are lightly browned. Remove the scallops to a dish. Lower the heat and add the butter. When it has melted, add the leeks and shallots and cook until the vegetables start to soften. Add the vermouth and continue cooking until the vegetables are very tender but not browned.

Pour in the vodka, add the chile flakes, and simmer until slightly reduced. Add the tomato puree and crème fraîche and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is well blended and pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add more chile flakes if desired. Set aside until just before serving. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the penne. Quarter the scallops and add them to the warm sauce in the sauté pan. Add the penne to the boiling water and cook for about 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain well. Fold the penne into the sauce and gently reheat the contents of the pan, stirring, until the ingredients are well combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Divide among individual plates, top with the parsley, and serve.

 

ENJOY!!

Merry Christmas to Me

My new camera arrived and of course I could not wait until Christmas to open it since I need to use it. Just giving it a try here (sootc), in between my baking (in my darling, monogrammed apron from sweet Jill)

 
 

 
 

Wrapping & Baking

Busy day trying to get it all done. I managed to wrap a few gifts, with many more to do. These are all for my goddaughter. I chose a Lilly theme (love these 2 Christmas papers). I bought her a few Lilly items, including the paper doll set and activity book. Also, a few outfits and accessories for her American Girl 'just like me' doll that I bought her for her 5th birthday.

 Once again, excuse the bad photos. This little Olympus point and shoot stinks (!!) - the photos always turn out blurry and the colors are all off. My husband bought it last year for his trip to the Keys  - it is a waterproof/shock proof camera and may take good 'wet' pictures, but otherwise, NOT!

 I did order my new camera today and it will be her tomorrow! An early Christmas gift and I think the first thing I will photograph is these gifts (again, properly).

  (terrible photo - colors all off)

As for baking I made a few items and the dough for sugar, cut out cookies which I will tackle tomorrow.

These are two of Griff's favorites ...

 
 

Deck the Halls

 

If you look real close, you can see one of the 'boys' looking out the window. That would be big Murph :)  

Bear Boy

He is on his way home! Barret has not been home from college since June (June 11th to be exact!). So happy to have all our family here together for Thanksgiving. Connor still has an exam tomorrow morning, so he will be here later in the afternoon. We have a big weekend planned :)

 

My other BIG news is  ....

I  had my braces removed today and am one happy girl!!

The Reader

I stacked these large books on one of my berger chairs in my living room to keep Murp off -his favorite chair, he never sits in the matching one - but he seems quite comfy, books and all!

 

Thank you all for the kind anniversary wishes. We are so busy that we can't even find time for a little get away. Traveling out of town 4 weekends in a row for lacrosse tournaments and Gator games. We do have a weekend away planned in a few weeks - Palm Beach!  
 

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday!

 

A bit of pink at home

pink damask coolers ...

pink spatulas ...

my 'queen bee' tea set (on pink gingham check) ...

ETA: the pink spatulas are from Williams Sonoma and the crown tea set from Home Goods (both purchased this past spring)

 

Visit Beverly's blog for more of pink saturday!

12 of 12

I have been a 'member' of this group, 12 on 12 for a few years now, but have only participated a few times. Mostly due to the fact that I am not scrapbooking these days. The goal is to take 12 photos of your daily life on the 12th of each month and then scrapbook and journal about the day. Yesterday was the 12th, so I decided to join in. Not that I will ever get a scrapbook page made of these photos, but I do have a nice college.

 

7.12.09

- the all imporant morning coffee

- an hour power walk

- shower, dress

- church

- lunch on the ave

- Whole Foods Market

- few loads of laundry (never a day off)

- griff arrives home from a 4 day beach trip with a friend

- dinner

- homemade strawberry short cake (for those wondering -maggie ;) - no, I did not eat any, only plain berries)

- walk/play with pups

- read in bed

 

Just a nice, easy summer Sunday!

 

 

 

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday! I am currently on yet another weekend away with my son's lacrosse team, but I composed my post early.

This week, I am sharing my crepe myrtles that just started to bloom this week :)

 

 

A photo of my white crepe myrtles, even though they are not pink ...

 

I hope you all have a wonderful summer weekend! To view more of Pink Saturday, visit Beverly's blog.

No Power

Ugh...We have been without power for over
two hours now. A large tree fell a few street
down the road and hit the power transformer. The guys are at the Magic game, so I am home alone with nothing to do now that it's dark, but read with my book light. I was in the middle of baking when the power went out, so now I have half baked cupcakes :(.
At least it's a cool night and I can open the windows. Nothing as bad as week without
power when we were hit by a huricane (in
August!) a few years back...but still,it makes for a long,dark night.

Spring Birds

It is spring here in Florida and my birds are returning. I love the red winged black birds that visit us. I have a new bird feeder this year too.

A cardinal hiding in the bush

These last two photos were taken through my kitchen window, so they are a bit blurry due to the glass.

Valentine's Day Gift

Before I knew about my surprise Valentines trip, I told Dan that I wanted a new vacuum for Valentine's Day - seriously! Yes, he thought I had lost my mind asking for an appliance for a gift ;). To be honest, I also wanted a new area rug for our foyer to 'go along' with the vacuum. I have had the same housekeeper for over 10 years now and she is such a dear women ... but, she and vacuums do not get along! I think I have gone through 4 or 5 in these past years. Bless her heart, she always gets so upset and feels terrible, but they all have broke when she was using them - the last one a few weeks ago. I admit that the last 2 vacuums I purchased have been cheap, but I figured, give it 6 months to a year and it will be history. So, I bought a Dyson as a combined Valentine's gift for myself and Dan - my 'combined' gifts are always a big hit (not!) with him - at least it wasn't a new outfit or jewelry ;)

Last Friday, since we were away and it was Doris' day to clean, I hide the new Dyson. I didn't want her to use it without me giving her a 'lesson' first!

The new rug under the Dyson ...

 

Pearls are a Girl's Best Friend

 ... well, along with diamonds ;). A few photos of my pearl collection. I have many, some necklaces and bracelets I have made myself.I also have a beautiful, single strand (not in this pile) that Dan bought me way back, maybe 20 years ago or so for our anniversary :).

   

A friend of mine made me this gorgeous necklace for a Christmas gift 

 

Another favorite that I wear all the time from All Girls Love Pearls. A wonderful shop with great customer service

 

 

Closet Organization

I have most of my closet put back together - still working on a few areas. Thanks for all your input on hangers. Those space savers seem popular. For now, I am using my faithful white, plastic hangers since I have so many of them and don't know what to do with them all! Many of the items I placed back in my closet still need to be altered, including my beloved Lilly dresses and skirts. I've been taking in a few items almost every week to my seemtress.

While cleaning out and purging, I realized that I don't have a single pair of pants to wear (besides a few new pairs of jeans and new work out shorts and tennis skirts). Really, NO bottoms what so ever - short, skirts or pants that fit. Need to seriously work on this - especially the bermuda shorts since I wear them almost year around.

  

  

  

My jammies :) ...

  

 

Monday, Monday

It's been a nasty, cold, rainy day here - rain all day long and still continuing tonight. I spent the better part of the day in my closet, cleaning it out. I took every single item out and put way less  back in. With my weight loss, only my newly purchased clothes fit properly, so it was time to purge. I counted the empty hangers and they came to a total of 130! That is 130 less  items of clothing I have to wear. And, I am not a 'hoarder', I go through my closet at least every 6 months and remove the things I no longer wear (with the exception of my Lilly - I just can't seem to rid myself of her).  I like a neat and orderly closet (with items color categorized!). So ... I guess I need to fill up all these hangers ;).  Tomorrow, I will be finishing up and getting what clothes I have left in order.

Speaking of hangers, does anyone use those new type that take up less space, slimline hangers? Yes, they just happen to come in pink. I have been using these white plastic hangers that I buy at Target since I always needed so many. I  let Dan use all the good wooden hangers - you should see his closet and just how neat he is ;). Not sure if I should buy more of the wooden or try those new slimline? I also have to add, I can not stand wire hangers (just call me 'Mommy Dearest'!). I never, never have any wire hangers in my closet.

Christmas at Home

With all the hustle and bustle, I never got around to posting photos of our Christmas decorations. Now that they are all down and packed away (worked yesterday & today on this!), I'll share a bit. And yes, I take more pictures of my pups & kitty than my children these days - they are much more cooperative!...

 

Sweet Baxter boy ...

  

Bax and Murph at their window spots ...

   

Our 'divided' household, Gators & Seminoles ...

 

Little Lilly - she loves laying under the tree ...

    

   

I made these needlepoint stockings for Barret & Connor when they were first born, both in time for their first Christmas - I have yet to make one for Griff , 12 years later - Bad me!! I bought  all 3 boys as well as Dan & I matching needlepoint stockings with our names until I get around to making them (this was years ago!)...

 

 

 

House Divided

 

Last weekend when we were in Gainesville, I bought this flag at the Gator shop. We have had a Gator  flag for years (Dan puts it out only on game days). With Barret at FSU, I thought it was only fair to honor both teams. The Gators have the top position on this side of the flag, the other side  is reverse with the Seminoles on top!

Home

Last year when we finished our home renovations I went around the house and took tons of  'vignette' photos and just recently took more. I finally got around to editing and making a few  photo collages ... 

 

Cookbooks

 

 

 As you can see, I have many cookbooks - and these are just some of my collection that I have on my kitchen shelves. Many more in cabinets (including my Christmas collection).

I recently came across this site, Tastebook  where you can make your own cookbook. I would love to have all my favorite recipes in one book. I need to do this!!

Pink Saturday

The week, I am posting photos of all my PINK storage boxes in my office closet. Most of these are filled with scrapbooking supplies that I haven't used or even looked at for years now (bad me). I seriously need to do a big clean out and purge!

 

Once again, a big thank you to Beverly for hosting PINK Saturday!

Pink Saturday

Once again it is Pink Saturday. This week I am posting a photo of my pink suede chair in my pink & green office. Baxter boy's favorite resting spot ...

 

 

 

Thankful Thursday

And it is actually ON Thursday this week!

:: I am thankful that Barret is arriving home for the weekend later this evening. Between school and his job he has not been home for about 2 months now (although were were together in Boston). Miss my Bear Boy.

:: I am thankful that Griff has such a kind and gentle heart (at times!). When he talks to his grandmother (me-me)on the phone, he is so patient (she doesn't hear him well and he has to repeat a lot) and very kind and caring to her. This past week, she was telling him how she can not walk anymore (she mentions this every single time we talk to her,it is so sad) and he was so sweet telling her how sorry he was and trying to lift her spirits by saying that she is still a great grandmother and that he loves her so much. He handles it all much better than I do. Knows how to say just the right thing :)

:: I am thankful that Connor is somewhat willing to share things with me. This is huge for a boy and he is much better at this than his big brother!For example, he usually tells me (when I ask) all about his evening/nights out, where  he was, with who, and lots of fun stories too. He always makes me laugh. So many of his friends, both guys and girls I never get to see anymore since they have grown up and are in college. I love to know what's going on with them all. :)

:: I am thankful for the late afternoon/early evening thunder storms were are getting here - every day this week. Thunder is rumbling out there today as I type. We need the rain badly. Last night the cable was out due to lightening (I was also on the phone, talking to Barret and believe me I hung up as fast as I could when that huge bolt hit - scary). Anyway, poor Griff and Dan were besides themselves with no TV last night due to the cable outage. ;) Me, I was just fine reading, as I do every night!

My white crepe myrtles in the back yard in the storm yesterday (since I posted my pink in the front). These are all single trunk and so pretty. They also have a delightful scent.

  

PINK Saturday

My sweet blogging friend, Beverly hosts a 'Pink Saturday'. All you have to do is post a photo of something pink! She has invited others to join in and since I love pink, I decided to play along.

The crepe myrtles in my front yard have started to bloom just in time ...

If any of you pink lovers are interesting in playing along in 'Pink Saturday', just visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.

Thanks Beverly, this was fun. I look forward to next week!

Baby Birds

ETA: to answer a few questions - the feeders are just outside my kitchen window in our side yard, only 3-4 feet from the window. I use a 75-300ml lens for these shots, usually with my ISO set at 400 or 800, depending on the time of day. I have to say the cardinals are the most cooperative birds, very willing to have their photos taken and not so quick to fly off. I have a few very large blue jays that I have yet to photograph. I have never seen them at the feeders (only in the surrounding trees) and they are so fast - take off the minute I raise my camera!

We have a whole new family of cardinals. Love seeing these baby birds and how they are learning to 'feed' ...

 

And big papa ...

Happy to be Home!

While we were away in Boston, Baxter visited his 'club', complete with 'spa'. Actually, we just call it that - hate to mention the word 'kennel' or 'boarders' to the boy!! While he seems to enjoy his stay at Uptown Dog, (that's what they always tell me, how much fun he has with the other dogs at their 'home-like' facility), he is so very happy to be back to his real home. I don't think he had quite the same luxeries at Uptown, certainly not his beloved faux fur blanket and pink suede chair!

Quite comfy, don't you think ...

And, he obviously missed his yard and nice, soft, green grass. Every time I take him out, he does his business and then plops himself down in the grass and will not budge!

Looking very handsome with his new 'groom' and plaid scarf ...

 

 

 

My Birds

I have become quite enthralled with birds. We have so many that visit our yard (and garage - see below) now that I have a few feeders out.

I finally got a few photos of the red-winged black birds. These are actually in my neighbor's trees that border our side yard. They are almost dead and need some work or to be removed, but now that I have all these beautiful birds, I do not want the tree to go! The red can barely be seen in this bird ...

My cardinals ...

 An 'unknown' type of bird. He looks a bit old and ragged! ...

Not sure what type this one is either ...

Yesterday, we had 2 doves stuck in the garage all day long. I couldn't't get them out (they could only fly up and kept crashing into the ceiling :(. When I had to leave, I put down the doors and they stayed inside. Dan finally chased them out last night with a lacrosse stick (long pole!) ...

This one is hanging out up on top of the surf boards ...

 

Of course we still have the pesky squirrels. Love this one hanging upside down while munching on some seed ...

And, my sweet Lilly, sitting at the kitchen window watching the birds (and squirrels) ...

Hummingbirds

I believe this is the time of year that hummingbirds arrive? The ruby-throated bird is the type we are suppose to have here in Florida (so I have read), but I have yet to attract any to my yard. I know that they like bright colors and my crepe myrtles are just about to bloom (this feeder is hanging from one), so maybe the bright pink color will bring them? I am patiently awaiting ...

Darn, Pesky Squirrels

Ok ... I have nothing personal against squirrels and I don't even mind if they come by and have a little bit to eat once in a while, or at least just once a day. BUT ... we have two squirrels that hang out at the bird feeder practically all day long. I am constantly knocking on the kitchen window to scare them away. The smaller one is not scared easily and usually continues on eating, while the bigger one jumps away as soon as I knock. It's a constant battle and the poor sweet cardinals that like to visit can barely find a time with these 2 guys living at their feeder!

One of the pesky critters in action ...

Thankful Thursday...Happy Spring!

This week I am thankful for ...

:: All my wonderful friends, both in 'real' life and those of you I have met online.

:: For having a special birthday and reaching this age with grace and dignity!

:: For safe travels and having such a great time in NYC.

:: For my husband who planned the trip and made it all possible and who works very hard so that we can enjoy these times away.

:: For Griff for being the best traveler. He is such a pleasure to have along on trips. Never complains, even when I am dragging him into store after store!

:: For the safety and well being of my big boys over spring break. All was fine with them both at the beach and when they were here at home a few days alone. Thank you, Lord. The house is still standing! It was actually very clean and orderly when we returned.

:: For the fabulous news my friend received this week regarding her stage 3 cancer. The chemo is working, her tumor is shrinking!

:: For the first day of spring! Although, living in Florida, it has been spring-like for a while now, I still appreciate these 'cooler', sunny days - in the 70's and low humidity. This morning I awoke to the sound of rain. By the time the sun was up, the rain had stopped and the skies were clearing - opening up to a beautiful spring day!

A few photos of my flowers in my yard ...

"Spring is when life's alive in everything"  Christina Rossetti

"Spring is what God can do with a drab and dirty world" Virgil A. Kraft

"I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature's rebirth?"  Edward Giobbi

What's Your Style?

Find your design style at HGTV. Mine was sophisticated. Of course since we just finished major renovations and decorating last year, I am not in the market to change a thing, at least that is what Dan says ;). Actually, I am quite happy with our home, but I am always looking for ideas, maybe for that second home. Well ... a girl can dream, can't she?

Here is a peak at a Nantucket home I would be very comfortable in!

{ photos courtesy of Architectural Digest }