Friday, November 26, 2010

Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. I usually try to make it a couple times during the winter. It is really getting cold here so I thought instead of chicken I would use leftover turkey and make this tonight. I will cut the cooking time down too since it isn't raw turkey.


Chicken Mixture
1 1/2 cups frozen peas & carrots
1 cup frozen green beans (optional - I had them on hand so threw them in last moment)
1/2 cup chopped onion
14 oz. can chicken broth
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
2 tbsp. margarine or butter
2 tbsp. half & half (I use fat free half & half)
1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 2" pieces

Dumplings
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. margarine or butter
1 cup milk
1/4 cup minced fresh herb leaves such as parsley, chives (I didn't have any one hand tonight so left out - and it is optional they taste good with or without)

In crockpot add onion and butter. In medium bowl, combine chicken broth, half & half, flour and spices and blend well until smooth. Pour over onion and butter. Add chicken. After cooking for six hours add frozen carrots, peas and green beans. Cook for 1 more hour until chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in center.

30 minutes before serving mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add (optional) herbs. Microwave butter and milk for 1 minte 30 seconds to 2 minutes until just warm in a large bowl. Slowly add dry ingredients. Mix with a fork or knead by hand two to three times until mixture just comes together. Take spoonfuls of dough and drop into on the surface of the chicken mixture. Cover, cook on High for 20 to 25 minutes until dumplings are cooked through. They will be fluffy and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.


Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!


On Facebook I have been doing gratitude posts here is the ones I did this month...

November 2: I am thankful that political ads and phone calls will stop (at least until the next election season starts)

November 3: Today I am thankful that my love made pancakes for dinner! They were great. Thanks honey! You are the best!

November 5: Today I am thankful for the beautiful day we had, the aroma of banana bread baking, nice emails catching up with some friends, people in my life who have gone out of their way this week to help me solve some problems. I recognize I have many things in my life that are blessings.

November 8: Today I am thankful for the beautiful state I live in - Colorado is breathtaking. Today the Mt. Garfield had some light hitting it but with dark clouds behind and it looked gorgeous.

November 10: Today I am thankful for beautiful fall trees, toasted homemade bread, wonderful friends helping me with a project, warm fuzzy socks, inspiration in unusual places and Michael fixing my computer.

November 11: Today I am thankful for all the soldiers, both past and present, who put their lives on the line every day for our country.

November 12: Today I am thankful for Michael making breakfast for dinner and being so great when I am extremely scatterbrained lately (thank you Michael I love you!), shopping for our soon-to-be niece, sweater weather and hot tea.

November 14: Today I am thankful for Michael getting me a purple phone, hot chocolate, Sunday breakfast, phone calls with my Mom and a stack of books on my nightstand.

November 18: Today I am thankful for leftovers so I didn't have to fix dinner, mail love, a beautiful handmade scarf from a fabulous friend, a Turkey Day present and a new member of our family (a cousin had a baby).

November 23: Today I am thankful that my niece is at home with her parents, for good friends that offer words of comfort in difficult times, that I have a good start on our Thanksgiving meal for Thursday and for good memories that come in unexpected ways such as tonight when I opened my Betty Crocker cookbook.

November 24: Today I am thankful for my love Michael...he is an amazing man. Very kind, giving, supportive, funny, smart and mixture of qualities that make my heart fill with an abundance of love.

November 25: Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am so blessed to have amazing friends and family. I am thankful for the troops here and overseas serving. With all the struggles of this past year - I know that I have things everyday to be grateful for... I am blessed. And I am thinking of all those who are homeless, sick, without jobs and not able to be with people they love during the holidays.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thankful Heart

I am thankful for the following:
* my wonderful love, who makes me smile and gives me so much love
* my loving and generous parents
* my fabulous friends, who keep me sane with good conversations and laughter
* my wonderful extended family - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmothers
* Michael's amazing parents and family
* fur babies
* social media for letting me easily stay in touch with my friends all across the country
* the people in my life who are supportive and accepting of me
* the wealth of inspiration on the web
* chocolate
* Eat Pray Love
* lip balm
* cookbooks
* pecan pie
* a new med that work
* warm and fuzzy pants to stay warm
* Colorado
* the library
* clean sheet
* incense
* movies and music that make me smile
* having a roof over our head
* people who serve such as nurses, firemen, those work in help and defend the less fortunate
* photos of family when I am so far from them
* amazing bloggers out there inspire me daily
* distractions such as Farmville
* Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
* the color purple
* Owls
* socks
* hot tea
* our troops
* people who are kind

I recognize I have so much to be thankful for...this is just a little list.

Adding this link 7 Tips to Make Thanksgiving Mindful

Monday, November 22, 2010

Potato Herb Rolls

These were a roll I did a couple years ago for Thanksgiving and thinking I might do them again this year. I did the dough in my bread machine and then took it out, shaped and baked in oven. I didn't want to do my usual just little round bun shape so I googled how to shape dinner rolls and came up with a really great link from Cooks Illustrated. It is a pdf with instructions on how to shape dinner rolls. I did mine a few different shapes just to play and see what I liked best. I did the double knot and then from another website just a single cross over. I didn't brush mine in egg as I was out of eggs.



Potato Herb Rolls

1 C. plus 2 tablespoons water (70 to 80°F.)
2 T. olive oil
1 t. salt
2 t. dried herbs -- I use more then that and use garlic powder, onion powder, basil and oregano
3 C. bread flour
1/2 C. instant potato flakes or buds
2 T. nonfat dry milk
1 T. sugar
1 1/2 t. bread machine yeast


Topping:

1 egg, lightly beaten

To make dough: Measure all dough ingredients into bread machine pan in the order suggested by manufacturer, adding potato flakes with flour. Process on dough/manual cycle.

When cycle is complete, remove dough to floured surface. If necessary knead in additional flour to make dough easy to handle. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece to 10-inch rope; coil each rope and tuck end under coil. Place rolls 2 inches apart on large greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.

To Top:
Brush tops with egg; sprinkle with sesame seed (optional). Bake in preheated 375-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack.

Note: Dough can be prepared in 1 1/2 and 2-pound bread machines.


Saturday, November 20, 2010

Gratitude Friday (on Saturday)

I am thankful for...
1. my sister and my niece are doing well
2. a wonderful package I received this week from a friend. It was full of such great things from Smoked Salt to Caramel Apple body gel. And then a beautiful scarf scarf she made. The yarns are beautiful blues and greens. (I think I will try to get pictures of it.)
3. finding an adorable little Christmas one piece for my niece that says, "I am on my Auntie's Nice List"
4. a surprise from our Thanksgiving Fairies (Michael's parents and my parents) - it was very sweet of them to give us such unexpected but wonderful gifts.
5. late night drives with the sky full of stars

Friday, November 19, 2010

Auntie!

My sister had her baby today! I had to go get a blood draw for lab work (just yearly check up) this morning and I kept thinking about my sister and wondering if she would have her baby today. And then I got a call from my Dad telling me she had Chloe Jo! I can't wait to see photos of her! And to hold her!

I am an Auntie!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

2 Holiday Wreaths



I like this DIY 5 minute garland wreath tutorial that Creature Comforts posted.

Our front door has southern exposure. And we even have sun(burn) spots on our door. It desperately needs to be repainted because of it. I have hung wreathes on it that I used a glue gun and the sun melts the glue and things fall off. I am not kidding. You will open the door and all the little ornaments...anything I glued will on the ground. It is highly annoying. So this wreath I could do without glue and I have all the materials on hand so I wouldn't have to buy anything. I think I will try to make a red flower on it though. I just still wonder how it will hold up under the sun's heat. But it is worth a shot so at least I can have something on the front door that looks festive for Christmas.

If I make it, I will post photos of how it turns out.

I also have another wreath I want to make to hang on the dividing wall between the kitchen and living room.



This is the Refurbished Christmas Ornament Wreath from The Little Apartment. And again I think I would have most materials on hand for it. I think it is just so pretty.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Outside just as Lovely as the Inside

I love the idea of packaging gifts in unique pretty ways. My problem is often I am rushed and don't get time to package things exactly how I wish. I try often though. And all these beautiful examples give me inspiration to try more often.



1. From Martha Stewart - using black and white images as gift toppers I think is such a great idea.

2. From Nice Package Blog - which is one of my favorite blogs! They used to be a shop when they first started the blog but sadly aren't anymore. But they do showcase and have several tutorials on gift wrapping ideas to make the package very pretty. The flower in the image is one of their tutorials. It is made from wax paper.

3. From BHG.com - This is a package of bread wrapped in saran but then set in coffee filters and wrapped with a ribbon. How easy!

4. From Martha Stewart - I like the linen with the frayed edges.

5. From Sweet Paul Magazine - Gifts wrapped in craft paper and then the toppers are buttons on wire, yarn pom-pom and vintage hat ornament glued on the package

6. From Nice Package Blog - paper pom poms tutorial

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Kind-Hearted Blogger Campaign


Recently I had encountered some very mean-spirited words on another blogger and it gave me pause of why that person felt the need to do that. It wasn't helping. And so why? I had a moment of wanting to jump in and defend my friend who was being attacked but I didn't after writing her and she said she wouldn't be engaging the person at all and didn't want me to either. And I agreed - it was a sound reason/practice. As trying to defend herself wouldn't have mattered/helped either. And neither would my help.

A few days after that incident I stumbled upon the Kind-Hearted Blogger Campaign and knew instantly I wanted to join in.

So I am taking the pledge to:
  • create, inspire, and admire rather than compete with fellow bloggers
  • be understanding of each other-- in the blogging community, as well as in the world
  • stay away from internet/blogging bullying
  • speak my opinion freely, while still being mindful of other's feelings-- be tactful.
  • make an effort--no matter how big or small the gesture, to spread kindness or joy to others
  • acknowledge that I will make mistakes, (I am only human) but remember to learn from them
  • know that at times I will post about the negative stuff in life, and maybe even some complaining (I am only human) but I will always follow up with something happy/positive too.
  • believe that this world is a good place, filled with good people.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Consumer Disobedience

Here is a great post about Consumer Disobedience. She has outlined 14 acts of consumer disobedience and it was a good read and struck a cord with me especially since I just watched The Story of Stuff again just recently.

Here are a many things on her list that I believe we can follow now here are just a few...

5. Be a borrower. Whether it’s a book, a ladder, or a dress to wear to a special event, explore borrowing options before you buy. Check out the library, tool shares, car shares, toy shares, and other programs in your area.

6. Swap. Trading your old stuff with others is a great way to save space (one in, one out!) and money. If you can’t make a swap among friends and family, go online: sites like Swap.com, Paperbackswap, SwapStyle, and Zwaggle help you trade books, CDs, DVDs, video games, clothing, accessories, toys, and more.

14. Want less. Advertisers, marketers, and corporations will do everything in their power to make you want more. But to be richer, happier, and freer, all you need to do is want less
.


Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Quiet Storm

I am alive although very quiet. It just isn't here that I am quiet. I am quiet in all aspects of my life. I should say quiet externally - but internally it has been a year of roller coaster emotions. And am kind of introspect. And it all makes me quiet as I am not sure what to be writing or who I am or where things are at as everything seems out of focus.

Right now is our slow time with work so I should be taking advantage of the down time to be doing lots of things around here. And I just can't wrap my mind around it.

So some good things....

* My sister will be having her baby very soon. If she hasn't had her by the 21st then she will be induced. I have shopped for baby gifts. Which IS SO MUCH FUN! I am so excited about being an Aunt. Every time I think about it - I break out in a huge smile. I know though it is going to be hard to be so far away.

* Phone call with a good friend I hadn't talked to in quite a long time. It was good to catch up, laugh, cry and just share as we do always - no matter how long we don't talk or when the last time we saw each other we can get on the phone and talk like no time has passed. I am very lucky to have such beautiful friends that have such amazing compassion and strength.

* I just watched the Harry Potter movies and have never read the books but I want to do that too. Silly as this will sound - they never interested me until recently when I saw JK Rowling on Oprah and after that interview is when I realized I wanted to read the books and see the movies.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. a good trip to Denver
2. distractions
3. family photos
4. positive words all around
5. mail love

Monday, October 25, 2010

Pumpkin Caramels

Trying to decide if I should be putting these on my holiday treats to make....




Recipe: Food 52 Salted Pumpkin Caramels

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Abandoned Houses

Found this website a while back and then stumbled upon it again today....100AbandonedHouses.com

Here are just a few photos from the website...




Friday, October 22, 2010

Gratitude Friday

It has been a very hard week for me and it had nothing to do with my birthday - oddly. And so it is a time for me to focus on good things because of it.

I am thankful for...
1. Michael - thankful that he always is there for me during the struggles and pain. I am thankful for his big heart that wraps me up when I am hurting.
2. our kitty cats for being big soft fur babies for us
3. the warm comforter on our bed as it is cold and rainy
4. a nice birthday
5. hot cocoa

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Nice Day

I had a very nice birthday. Michael and I spent the day together. We went out for a late lunch to my favorite Chinese place. And then we took a drive to look at all the beautiful fall colors. It was just a nice quiet day without a care in the world but just spending time together. Perfect.

I received cards, emails, messages on facebook and phone calls all day long. I am so grateful to everyone remembering my birthday.

Tomorrow is my baby sister's birthday! I hope she has a fabulous birthday!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. chatting on the phone with good friends when we live so far from each other
2. keeping a cold away with airborne
3. the new med I started 2 weeks ago for my sciatica as it is helping me live almost pain-free (at least pain-free from the sciatica - migraines are a whole other issue)
4. the new book I am reading - In This Way I Was Saved by Brian DeLeeuw - very interesting and a page turner for me
5.cooking up several freezer meals - for quick dinners when I don't feel like cooking

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Nearing 43

When it nears my birthday, of course I become a little introspective. And this year is no different as it nears my 43 birthday, I have really been obsessing about it. I know I am not where I wanted to be at this age. It isn't that I don't love aspects of my life. I do of course - but there are other things that I thought I would have accomplished by now. But do I really want those things anymore? And I guess that is what I am still working on. I had someone ask me what I wanted to do recently and I know I just looked at them with a deer in the headlights look because honestly I am not sure I know right now.

I am going to be 43, you think I would know what I want to be doing, who I want to be but really I don't think I am even near to the point to see it clearly. And that bothers me so much. I am sure because of all the deaths that I had in my life this past year too - makes me worry more that I will never figure how to live my life.

I am thankful for all the wonderful things life has given me and thankful for many amazing things that have happened in my life. I am just wondering if this next year will be spent focused on where I want things to be in the next 5 years.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Sesame Street Spoof

Michael and I like the Old Spice commercial and this is spoof of it by Sesame Street! So FUNNY!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Special K Bars

These are thicker than the usual recipe for Special K Bars. I upped the normal recipe as I had left over rice crispies.

1 1/4 cup white corn syrup
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cup peanut butter
8 cups rice crispies
1 1/4 cup chocolate chips
1 1/4 cup butterscotch chips

Measure rice crispies into a large bowl. Combine the sugar and syrup in sauce pan. Cook until it boils. Remove from heat, add the peanut butter. Stir until full incorporated. Pour over rice crispies and mix. Pat into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Don't press too compact or they will become hard. Melt the chips together, stirring until smooth and well blended. Spread evenly over the rice crispies. Cool and cut into squares.


Friday, October 08, 2010

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. safe travels to Denver
2. a good day of work
3. 5 Guys Burgers
4. autumn colors
5. talking with a good friend on the phone

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Sausage Potato Skillet



3 or 4 potatoes - peeled and cubed
1 lb. Sausage - Italian, Smoked sausage, Turkey/Chicken Sausage or Kielbasa, cut in bit size pieces
2 sweet bell peppers (orange, yellow or red), cut in cubes
1 small onion, cut in cubes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
seasonings*
olive oil

1. In a microwavable bowl, filled half way with water, add potatoes. Microwave on high for 9 minutes. Drain potatoes.

2. Using a large skillet, brown sausage on all sides according to the package.

3. Add vegetables and potatoes and drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the ingredients.

4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and seasonings.

5. Continue cooking for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until potatoes are nicely browned.

IF YOU WANT TO BAKE:
The recipe title and picture title says bake. And that is because sometimes I bake the mixture instead of just doing it in a skillet.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

1. In a microwavable bowl, filled half way with water and add potatoes. Microwave on high for 9 minutes. Drain potatoes.

2. Grease a 9 x 13 pan add all ingredients including 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Tossing to make sure the cheese, seasoning and oil coat the potatoes, sausage and vegetables.

3. Bake for 45 minutes tossing after 20 minutes. Bake until the potatoes are tender and starting to brown/crisp and the sausage and vegetables are cooked through.


* Seasonings - My favorite is Penzeys Bavarian Seasoning. But I have used a combination of rosemary, marjoram, dried mustard and basil and garlic powder. Play with it and decide what tastes good to you.



Package of the sausage I like to use. We get them at SAM's. I have used all the different kinds of sausage listed in the ingredients though and they each have their own appeal.


Saturday, October 02, 2010

Strong Enough

Sometimes I wonder if this is true...if I am strong enough. This year has been rough. And just when I think it has hit the bottom - something else happens.

A Note from the Universe:Darby, you know the way, you're strong enough, and you will prevail.

Otherwise, what would be the whole point?
The Universe

Friday, October 01, 2010

Gratitude Friday


I know there are things everyday that I do, see, use and remember that I am thankful. I often wish I could capture them all. So that in times like this...when it has been such a hard week that I would have a list of things come to mind easily.

I am thankful for...
1. being able to breath
2. tears
3. kleenex
4. distractions
5. tea


art in icon by Lauren Alexander

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Reading Again

I started to check out library books. Michael said it is a good sign that things are getting back to normal for me. I agree somewhat. I have my moments but I am reading again. Last year I read close to 150 books. And this year so far I have read only 17 books.

I am reading....
Into the Wilderness (Wilderness #1)by Sara Donati

It is a historical fiction using some characters from the Last of the Mohicans - very loosely using them. But it also have cameos from 2 characters from Outlander series which is one of my favorites so that is why I am reading it.

And then I have a couple other books - a decorating book, cookbook and just a few others like that.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Bringing Back the Pack

When I moved to Omaha, I was starting 5th grade so the Richman-Gordman Zooland animals weren't for me as I was a big girl. But I remember them. And remember my sisters playing on them. I think it is great that the Omaha Children’s Museum has brought them back together.

bringingbackthepack.org blog badge

Video Promo: http://www.youtube.com/user/OmahaChildrensMuseum

Friday, September 24, 2010

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Michael coming home tomorrow
2. getting a bunch of filing done
3. getting a little relief from a long cycle of my migraine
4. ice packs
5. poached eggs and toast

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Peppery Beef Strips


I have a few of those recipe cards that you get in the mail. They send them in hopes that you will agree to a monthly subscription of them. I will at times save some of them. This recipe is one I saved and made this week.

Ingredients
1 lb lean beef steak
1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
1/2 Tbsp dried basil
2 Tbsp coarsely ground pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch*
8 oz linguine
1 cup julienned carrots

Directions
Slice steak into 1 4-inch-thick slices. Mix oregano, basil, pepper, olive oil, garlic and green onions in a shallow dish. Add steak; toss to coat. Heat water for pasta. Dissolve cornstarch in broth. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak; stir-fry for about 3 minutes. Remove steak. Stir broth mixture into skillet. Boil, stirring continually, for about 1 minute. Return steak to skillet. Add carrots; cook for 5 minutes. Drain pasta and add to skillet; toss with steak and vegetables. Serve immediately. Servings: 6

* The recipe card left off cornstarch on the ingredients list but not in the directions so I just did a guess on the amount. And it seemed to work good.

NOTES:
- I was out of green onions so I just used some finely grated onion
- I used Top Round Steak - thinly cut
- Added some left over red and orange bell peppers maybe 1/2 of one all together
- Added some red pepper flakes to give it some heat

We liked it and it is something that we would like to have again but I think I would add a little more broth and cornstarch. It soaked in to the pasta quickly. But otherwise it was good. It was a nice change of flavors from traditional stir fry.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Chores

A Note from the Universe:

You know, almost anything you feel you "have to" do, like cleaning and washing, can become a chore, even a drudgery; while those things that remain optional, like Disney World and Twister, can seem far more inviting, even fun.

So, Darby, as you go down the path of life, particularly when it seems you must force yourself through the motions, it just may help if you pause and give thought to the countless souls who'd give most anything for the option of even your "chores."

Life... it can sometimes be like one of those really, really "good problems," huh?
Tallyho,
The Universe

Friday, September 17, 2010

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Notes from the Universe
2. And Daily OM as they always seem to give me the words I need
3. sharpies
4. balsamic vinegar salad dressing on fresh greens with tomatoes
5. Mad Men

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Plumbing Problems

It feels like we might get ahead and then something happens that causes a set back. A very big plumbing bill was the thing that set us back today. It is amazing that a very tiny split in the pipe can flood the yard.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. decorating inspiration all over the web
2. eye drops for my allergies
3. the pretty calendar my sister's sent me for Christmas - every month I am delighted by the images that appear
4. all sorts of music
5. autumn coming!

Sunday, September 05, 2010

Enchilada Sauce

I have always used enchilada sauce from a can. But I realized I didn't have a can in the pantry the other night when I was going to make enchiladas so found a recipe that looked pretty easy. It ended up being very easy and good. It is a keeper as the saying goes.

Easy Enchilada Sauce
Adapted from Emeril Lagasse
Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon flour
2 tablespoons chili powder (original recipe calls for 1/4 cup)
2 cups chicken stock
10 ounces tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt --- left this out as tomato paste often has so much salt

In a medium saucepan over medium heat oil, add flour, smoothing and stirring with a wooden spoon. Cook for 1 minute. Add chili powder and cook for 30 seconds. Add stock, tomato paste, oregano, and cumin. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken and smooth out. Adjust the seasonings - such as adding more chili powder if you want it more spicy. Serve on top your favorite enchiladas recipe.


Friday, September 03, 2010

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Phone calls with 2 girlfriends this week - I really need to have the time to catch up with them
2. Michael installing new memory into my computer so that isn't so slow
3. Grapes - they were on sale and so good
4. Waterproof mascara
5. My therapist

Friday, August 27, 2010

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for....
1. Seeing the beautiful moon behind the clouds - making the clouds light up
2. Time with Michael
3. Brightly colored post-it notes
4. Time to find some balance again
5. Jellybean Lip Balm

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Go-To Summer Grilling Recipe



This was a recipe I found on Tasty Kitchen. I made this recipe several time this summer as it was just so easy but full of great flavors. And very juicy chicken. Since I am just cooking for 2 (but liked leftover for salads the next day), I cut this recipe down slightly. And so this is my altered directions slightly.

4 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 whole Lemon
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper

Rinse your chicken and place it in a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Zest the lemon into the bag. Then juice the lemon and add it to the bag. Next add in the red wine vinegar and the herbs. Seal the bag very well, then shake and roll around the bag until all of the ingredients are combined and the chicken is coated. Lay chicken flat in the bag and place it in your fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours. Grill chicken for 5-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and juice run clear.

NOTES:
* I used dried herbs, but if you use fresh herbs and garlic it would be even better I am sure.
* A teaspoon of black pepper is just a guideline. I use probably a little more then a teaspoon but we like pepper.
* I added the red wine vinegar because I felt it needed a little more liquid. But if you don't have it and need more liquid add more lemon juice.
* You want the herbs to really soak into that liquid so make sure you have enough liquid. So again up the lemon juice or red wine vinegar to get those dried herbs hydrated again. And to make sure the herbs really coat the chicken



Monday, August 23, 2010

100 Things | Skirts and Barefoot


27. I like to wear skirts.

I have always been a girly girl. Even as a little girl I liked to dress up. When I lived in Cleveland, I dressed up quite a lot. I had girls nights out, dates and just time out with friends. So I got in the habit of wearing skirts and dresses. And I liked it. It just makes me feel good to wear them. I feel more feminine and pretty. And now to this point in my life, I don't even own very many pairs of pants. Just a couple of pairs and then few pairs of lounge pants.

28. I like to be barefoot.

I like socks as I said in another post. And I love shoes (have more then my closet can handle). But ultimately I come in the door and I kick off my shoes. I like to be at home barefoot. When fall arrives, I love the cool crispness that allows for sweaters and warm socks. But I also get sad because I can't just be barefoot as much.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Creating Art

An old Notes from the Universe: The shortest distance between you and your time for creating art, Darby, is thinking that you already have it and acting the part.

It is one that I should read daily!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Eat Pray Love

The night before I left Minnesota 2 of my Aunts, a cousin, my Mom and my sister had a girls night out. We went to see Eat Pray Love. There is this fancy movie theater there with a VIP lounge and exclusive seating. We arrived and had drinks before in the lounge and then ordered food and drinks that they deliver to us in the theater. It had seating with skinny tables between each seat for the food. All the food came with cloth napkins and nice plates. Not paper.

I am one of these people that can take the movie for a movie that stands alone without the book. And vice versa a book doesn't need to match the movie. So I went in with an open mind and new that they would never be able to capture the intensity of the book. I wanted to enjoy the movie just for itself and I did!

If you are wanting to see it and want it to be exactly like the book - don't see it. It will probably disappoint you. If you understand that they can't capture the intensity of the emotions book due to some of it is just not possible to me on screen but also because of length of the movie - then go see it. I think Julia Roberts was really good person to play Liz Gilbert. And I think they captures many wonderful moments of the book. Many of my favorites parts or quotes got in the movie.

Such as this one...this quote is from the section on Italy - Chapter 25 (Bead 25) page 75. Liz is talking about all the changes the Augusteum has went through. But I like what the message of the quote....

"It is merely this world that is chaotic, bringing changes to us all that nobody could have anticipated. The Augusteum warns me not get attached to any obsolete ideas about who I am, what I represent, whom I belong to, or what function I may once have intended to serve. Yesterday I might have been a glorious monument to somebody, true enough -- but tomorrow I could be a fireworks depository. Even in the Eternal City, says the silent Augusteum, one must always prepared for riotous and endless waves of transformation."

Entertainment Weekly had an article on Eat Pray Love the week it came out. And one thing I found out was Richard Jenkins who plays Richard at the Ashram talked to the real Richard before going to film and said it was the best 45 minute phone call he ever had. But he went on to say that he was sorry that Richard died before being able to see the movie. That made me sad to think that Richard is gone. He died of a heart attack.

And last but not least...OH MY Javiar Bardem....SO SEXY. He definitely made the movie better.

So I liked the movie. I would see it again. And I will want to have it when it comes out on DVD.

So we are home now and busy with work. I have been suffering with a migraine that I have had for a week. And I know it is just because I am crashing hard.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. time with my family during this important time
2. being here for myself - to get some things I needed for my grieving process
3. shrimp burgers - which probably don't sound appetizing but it is a childhood favorite that I can only associate with the last place on earth you would think to find them - North Dakota
4. summer rain storms
5. really getting some good things from the book Women Food and God

Monday, August 09, 2010

Of Bees and Mist

Of Bees and MistOf Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This review is long overdue. I was thrilled when I got the offer to read this book - as I love to read. And particularity like fantasy books. But I will admit I was a little hesitant on IF I would like this book based on reading the synopsis of it. I was wrong as it ended up being a page turner for me. I stayed up until 4am to read because I just couldn't put it down. It surprised and delighted me.

I would call it a mixture of fable and fantasy. Erick Setiawan has a wonderful imagination to create such a fantastical novel. The characters are throughly developed and the setting is magical and intriguing.

This story follows Meridia, who grows up in a cold, unfeeling home. Her mother acts as though she often isn't there. And her father despises her. Her parents aren't a loving husband and wife. Instead they barely interact with each other. So essentially Meridia is invisible in her home. One day meets Danial at the town fair. She falls in love with him and they marry. They move in with his family and at first his family seems nice and happy - totally opposite of her cold harsh childhood home. But things change and she finds out they aren't what they first appeared to be and she might have escaped one unhappy house and to end up in one that is more disturbing to her.

I was really engrossed in the story of Meridia. I rooted for her and felt like she was a friend. I was sorry to see the book come to end and knew I would miss her.

All those details might sound like an everyday domestic drama story but there is much more to this book. Again it is a magical and captivating place with deeply developed characters. It is a book that is hard to explain and hoped to be picked up to experience bees and the mist.


View all my reviews

Saturday, August 07, 2010

Art

Just a few of the artist I liked from the art festival we attended yesterday....










Friday, August 06, 2010

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. the opportunity to read/review another book...IN THIS WAY I WAS SAVED by Brian DeLeeuw. I still need to do a review of OF BEES AND MIST by Erick Setiawan. I really enjoyed it to the point of wanting to just turn around and read it again.
2. the seafood boil we are going to have this weekend - I love seafood. It isn't something Michael enjoys so I don't make it that often.
3. Owl stickers
4. going to Minneapolis' Uptown Art Festival today - seeing some great art that inspires me
5. time spent with family

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Alright

I get these emails called Notes from the Universe. They are notes with positive outlooks.messages of life. This is one I opened up recently that I needed to hear....

It is OK. You are alright. You needn't second guess anymore, Darby.

Everyone is safe. Nothing "bad" is going to happen. All of the promises have been kept.

And you could not possibly be more adored.



Sometimes I just like to hear things are going to be alright.

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Good Things

Just doing a little list of good things that I am thankful for even though it isn't my usual Gratitude Friday....

* spending quality time with my sister
* seeing the movie Eclipse
* the rain
* great dinner - my sister made shrimp wonton soup and then stir fry veggies on rice with an Asian sauce that was spicy and SO SO good!
* starting a new book that my sister had - Women Food and God - which I think I am going to enjoy

Sunday, August 01, 2010

Gratitude Friday (on Sunday)


I am thankful for...
1. my cousin picking me up at the airport
2. being able to be there for April and Joe's wedding reception
3. seeing my parents, sisters, brother-in-law, nephew, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and Grandma
4. having a slumber party with my Grandma. (more on this later)
5. the wonderful food and company at the reception