So how’s the New Year’s resolution going??

I know so many of you are wondering what happened to my quarterly review of my New Year goals. [Insert sarcasm here] Thank you so much for all you concern. For those of you dieing to refresh your memory, go check out the 1st and 2nd quart reviews. The third quarter hit at a bad time. Too bad I could re-schedule it. (Ha… get it?) Anyway, let’s just say I did OK. As the year comes to an end I feel I did not too bad at reaching my goals for the year. Not great either but I’m satisfied enough and ready to move on.

I’ve already started making a list of possible goals for 2010. I know you’re on the edge of your seat to find out what they are but you’ll just have to wait for that post.

So fess up, did you stick to your goals?
(I just read that 22% give up in the first week of the New Year and more than half quit by the end of March.)

Will you make a new year’s resolution for 2010?

Watch out!

‘Tis the season for traveling…
And
For black ice.

In a matter of an hour this morning the road in front of my house turned into an ice rink and then a parking lot.
Here are few shots from my front porch.

All of the cars started out going down the hill.

This one took out 2 of my neighbor's trees.

Yep, he was going down the hill too.
There are two more cars stranded down the street a bit but I didn’t want to leave the shelter of my porch to get a picture.
Everyone is Ok. They all walked away fine, just scared.
Wherever you go please drive carefully and stay safe!!!

Blue Christmas

This is how I have a blue Christmas. I use other colors to decorate too but my favorite color is blue so I try to work it in wherever I can.

What’s your favorite color?

How do you decorate for the season?

How the yaya did that get on my tree????

Go take a look at Yaya Stuff and see her favorite color.

See who else has joined us from the color wheel.

Take a bite out of this

One of my favorite comfort foods is a Primanti brother’s sandwich. It’s a local eatery to Pittsburgh. There are a few of the restaurants in the city but the original (circa 1933) is located in a part of town called the Strip District. (No, it has nothing to do with strippers) It’s an area of town where fresh foods are delivered and is the primary marketplace of the city. It’s a great part of town to walk through on a Saturday morning. But if you really want the full experience of eating a Primanti sandwich then you need to do it at 3:00 am after a late night of dancing in an old warehouse converted to bar/club. (Ok, so what if it’s been 20 years since I’ve done that, I did it).

Anyway, for those of you not from the Pittsburgh area, a Primanti sandwich is this amazing monstrous sized meal on bread. It starts with thick slices of fresh Italian bread then they pile on any one of 20 choices of meats, then a huge fist full of French fries a handful of coleslaw, sliced tomatoes and then they lovingly wrap it in waxed paper and toss it across the table at you.

Now, if you’re like my sister-in-law and you look like a Barbie doll fresh out of the box then this might not be the place for you. (She hated it when I took her there). But, if you like good food and fun places with a little character, then you need to make a stop at Primanti’s when you’re in the ‘burgh.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you could be in for.

Game on!

I’m feeling a little run over by a truck after several hits these past few days. I don’t want to keep going with the holiday blues, so it’s time I put myself in the giving spirit.
Who wants to play???

I played along in a game over at Iggy’s several months ago and he’s been very patient waiting for me to get my ducks in a row and hold up my end of the deal.

The rules:
The first five people to comment on this post will get something made by me. My choice. Just for you.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.

2- What I create will be just for you.

3- It'll be done within a year. (most like sooner but don’t hold your breath)

4- You will have no clue what it's going to be.

5- I reserve the right to do something extremely creative or cute and simple.
It might be some construction paper with googly eyes glued to it (not likely). It may be a hand painted shirt or a beaded creation or something to decorate you home. No one knows until the prize arrives.


What’s the catch!?!?!

You must at least consider re-posting this on your own blog and offer the same deal to 5 of your own lucky blog readers. (Or for non-bloggers you need to pinky swear to do something nice for someone you don’t really know).

So, the first 5 people to leave a comment telling me they are “in” win a homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it.


Oooops. I didn’t do that part either in a very timely manner. Man! I should be in the doghouse.

Sorry so late but here is the amazing gift I got from Sir Iggy.

I received this wonderful 2010 calendar complete with full color photos. All of which are truly amazing. I’ve been flipping through every time I need to escape into nature. I can only imagine the time he took to put this thoughtful gift together.

(Those were just a few of the pages. Aren't they great!)

He also sent this do it yourself kit so I could have my very own baby cone. (If you don’t get… you won’t. Sorry.) I made two and might make another.

AND He sent the recipe and a few cones so I could make this yummy cone shaped treat.
(That was gone before I took pictures... YUM.)

OK, So who wants to play? Just say you’re “in” and I can get started on your special gift.

Be Thankful!

Among many other things, I am thankful…

For all things pumpkin
For baby toes (yum)
To live in a place where I can make choices (any choice I want)
For coffee
For all the good people in my life
For my health
For wine
For my smart, handsome, funny, patient, loving, husband
For my three little monsters and their wonderful imagination

Happy Thanksgiving to you

Soup and Broccoli

I found the recipe for Baked Potato Soup here, on the blog… “A year of slow cooking”. If you like to use a crock-pot then you have to go check out her site. I’ve tried several of her recipes and I’ve loved them all. I go here ever time I need a fresh idea and I don’t want to be in the kitchen all day.

Here’s what you need:

5 lbs. Potatoes peeled and diced
1 very small onion
4 cloves garlic
½ t. black pepper
½ t. red pepper
2 quarts chicken broth
2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese
Salt to taste
Crumbled bacon and chopped parsley to garnish

In a 6 qt slow cooker place the peeled/diced potatoes. (I sautéed the onion and garlic quickly in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil) add the seasonings, onion, garlic and broth to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. (Potatoes need to be fork tender)
Use a masher or hand held blender to mash potatoes. I left a few in chucks because I like it that way but you can make it smooth.

After mashing the potatoes, add the cream cheese and cook on high for at least 30 minutes stirring a few times. Add bacon and parsley as a garnish. (Cheddar cheese will work too.)

I found the recipe for the Broccoli Bake in my very first cookbook that I’ve had for decades. (Ouch) “Where’s Mom now that I need her?”. A co-worker bought it for me when I moved out on my own for the first time. It has all kinds of helpful hints in it, not just recipes.

Here’s what you need:

2 packages frozen broccoli florets
1-cup mayonnaise
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 egg beaten
1 ½ cup grated parm. cheese
1 cup crushed crackers (I use Durkee onion instead)

Cook broccoli and drain well.
Combine mayo, soup, egg, cheese and stir in broccoli. Spoon into baking dish and top with fried onion (or crackers) cover and bake for 30 minutes at 325 and then uncovered for another 10-15 minutes.

I have more than enough casserole dishes to make all of these sides but this year, I used several of the disposable ones to make things easier on me. What do you do to make your family gathering easier? (Drink wine???) Just kidding... Well, not really.