Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Vintage TV Shows

Most of you know, I super love old movies and old TV shows. I have been recently watching a show called "Private Secretary" starring Ann Sothern, which is pretty cute but was not on the air long due to some sort of dispute. Once I saw Ann on the screen I remembered watching Nick at Night when I was young and the theme to the Anne Sothern show came rushing back - take a listen. I, of course think it's fabulous...I wonder why.
Click below link in blue to take a listen...
The Ann Sothern Show - Ending Theme Song

This kills me!

I think this is hilarious! Saw it on the Today show this morning while getting ready for work.

Pinto Beans Ole (the remix)

I have refined my pinto beans recipe in the hopes of copying the frijoles con todo at Tacubaya in Berkeley. Here is my original recipe. I made a smaller recipe than last time, and boy was it good - I wish I would have doubled it! This one serves 2.5 people.

Here is the latest:

:: 1 Cup Pinto Beans (soaked over night in 3 cups of water)
:: 2 1/2 Cups Broth of your choice (I like the Better then Bullion No Chicken broth)
:: 1 small can of Ortega green chilies

:: 1 Bay Leaf
:: 1 clove of garlic pressed or 1 tsp. garlic powder

:: pinch of cumin
:: 3 soup spoons full of spicy salsa

To put on top:
+ Avocado
+ Jalapeno
+ Green Onion
+ Queso Oaxaca (or cheese of your choice)
+ Mexican Crema (sour cream, creme fraiche or plain greek yogurt)

One the side:

+ Warm Tortillas

Soak 1 cup of beans in 3 cups of water for 12 hours (or overnight) - strain from soaking water and set aside.

In a heavy bottom pot add beans and 2 1/2 cups of broth - do not recycle your soaking water (gassy!). If you have a Bay leaf, throw it in as well as the garlic, cumin and can of chilies. Bring everything to a boil and then let simmer for 1.5 hours on the stove top. Add salsa and continue to simmer 1 hour more until everything is soft (but still holding its bean shape).

When its time to eat, put little cubs of cheese in the bottom of the bowl and ladle beans over top of the cheese (this makes it super melty!). Put crema, salsa, avocado and jalapeno on top and enjoy!

I took this photo before I really loaded up my bowl with toppings!

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

EAT::PRAY::LOVE

Saw the movie Eat Pray Love last night with my friend Susan. We both loved the book, I will admit to being a bit apprehensive when it came to seeing the movie since I had my own version of the "movie" in my head that played when I read the book. The movie did not disappoint, of course the end was a bit Hollywood, but that always happens doesn't it? It was an amazing adventure of a movie and what a wonderful story of empowerment, journey and transformation.
Of course some parts of the book and the movie don't match up exactly as they are pressed for time (the movie is already over 2 hours long). I won't give too much away - just check your mind at the door and get ready to see a great chick flick.

I am reading the book again (while reading another book), but had written all over it the last time I read it, underlining and writing the gutter, pretty funny to go back and reread. I read it at a time when I was about to travel to India so my senses were heightened during that part of the book. Perhaps this will spark a new adventure, I have been itching to get out and go but this year I have to buckle down as last year I went to Europe twice - I only wish I could do that every year! There are so many places on my list right now I am having trouble picking one and sticking to it though....

Kale and Veggie Meatballs

This is a new favorite dish at our house so I thought I would share, it takes no time to make and is very yummy. I have made it a few times in the last couple weeks and we love it!

Here is what you need:

:: 1 Bunch of Organic Tuscan Kale (rinsed)

:: 1 bag of frozen veggie meatballs (or you can make them)

:: 1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce (or home made)

Brown the "meat"balls in a saute pan with a little olive oil. The brand I buy says the serving size is 6 balls per person. While they are browning, cut the stems out of the kale and then cut the kale into wide strips. Put between 1/4" - 1/2" of water in the bottom of your favorite skillet (I use cast iron as much as possible) add kale and turn on heat (medium).

When the meatballs are browned add tomato sauce (I don't always use the entire jar - you can eyeball it). Heat until the sauce is bubbling.

Kale is done when it turns an alligator dark green and wilts just a bit. You can cook it more or less depending on how you like it.

Add a healthy portion of kale to your bowl or plate and top with "meat"balls and sauce! It is an easy meal to make during the week and my husband super loves it! It is very good for you too. Next time I make it, I may leave out the faux meat balls and add cannellini beans just to mix things up!

Did you know that Kale has one of the highest ANDI (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index) scores of any fruit or vegetable? Here is a listing of other Super Foods based on their ANDI score.

1. Collard/Mustard/Turnip Greens…1000
2. Kale ………………………………………1000
3. Watercress ……………………………..1000
4. Bok Choy ……………………………….. 824
5. Spinach …………………………………. 739
6. Broccoli Rabe …………………………. 715
7. Chinese/Napa Cabbage …………… 704
8. Brussels Sprouts …………………….. 672
9. Swiss Chard …………………………… 670
10. Arugula ……………………………….. 559
11. Cabbage ………………………………. 481
12. Romaine Lettuce …………………… 389
13. Broccoli ……………………………….. 376
14. Red Pepper …………………………… 366
15. Carrot Juice ………………………….. 344
16. Tomato/Tomato Products ………. 190 – 300
17. Cauliflower …………………………… 295
18. Strawberries …………………………. 212
19. Pomegranate Juice ………………… 193
20. Blackberries …………………………. 178
21. Plum ……………………………………. 157
22. Raspberries …………………………… 145
23. Blueberries ……………………………. 130
24. Orange …………………………………. 109
25. Cantaloupe ……………………………. 100
26. Beans (all varieties) …………………. 57 – 104
27. Flax/Sunflower/Sesame Seeds ….. 52 – 78
28. Pistachios ………………………………. 48
29. Tofu ………………………………………. 37
30. Walnuts ………………………………….. 34
(source: WholeFoods website)

Hot in Cleveland

Do you think it is bad to watch "Hot in Cleveland" just to see that kitchen in each episode? The floor alone makes my heart go pitter-patter - oh how I wish to have floors like this one day!

I super love them....oh, and Betty White - my two reasons for watching the show.

photo from http://retrorenovation.com/

*{Fabulous Find}*

Love, Love, Love this!

Find it here at See Jane Work.

Photo from See Jane Work.

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I wouldbe wearing today...

Gratitude

I had breakfast with my friend Susan yesterday who was recently in Northern Ontario visiting a her friend who owns a vintage store (lucky girl). Susan went to some auctions with her friend and she bid $3 on a random box of vintage books for me! What a nice surprise and how sweet of her to think of me while she was on vacation. I usually pay $3 per book and sometimes close to $5, but won't go over that unless it is very special so $3 for a box of books is just incredible! I may need an East Coast book buying road trip when I run out of my currant pile of books - I think it might be worth my while...(a gal's gotta have a dream right?). The other cool thing about these books, Susan knew exactly what to look for (cover, binding, etc.). I have shown a couple of my friends what to look for so I have some "scouts" out there.

Check out these beauties...

I also have a fun idea for those vintage photos I got last week - they will be incorporated into my books, I will take photos when I am done with my next book so you can see.

Between the photos and these new books, I think I am ready to drive out of the creative cul-de-sac I have been in for the last couple months.

Thank you Susan!

Beach House Weekend

I have been trying to post this since yesterday but flickr has been acting a little weird (PS - I do not like the new flickr).

This photo is hilarious, my expression alone makes me look like the cat that ate the canary.

This past weekend was the 8th Annual Beach House Weekend in Bodega Bay with my lady friends. It was basically 6 gals, lots of drinks, 3 nights and one beach house.

Here are some highlights:

:: Appetizer night
:: Arabian Nights dinner
:: Greekfest dinner
:: Make 'em yourself Nacho Bar!
:: Good meals all around
:: Many blender drinks
:: Pedicures
:: Haircuts
:: Henna
:: Fashion Show
:: Sex and the City (reruns NEVER get old)
:: Breaking all the rules (I will leave it at that)

This is a weekend I look forward to all year. We always have so much fun and I think it is a must for all women to get a group of friends together that get along very well and lock yourselves in a house in the middle of nowhere for a weekend. Pack lots of snacks, drinks, music, movies/DVD's and have a giant slumber party! I don't know how I would get through the summer without my Beach House weekend.

Our globe trotting Navy Wife, Erika (in white) was able to rejoin the group this year after being overseas the last couple years. It was like she was never gone, we all just picked up where we left off - that is how you know a true friend. Erika, please don't leave us again we all missed you so much!

We all left the Beach House on Monday and headed back to our homes with great memories of a weekend that always passes way too fast.

Emily and I stopped at Sams Anchor Cafe in Tiburon on the way home and ate out on the deck and yes, there was a little sun and it felt sooo good.

My sister and I had an extra day in the city before she had to fly back to Chicago on Tuesday night. Seeing my sister is also a must every summer and I am so blessed, I got to see her in June in Michigan and this past weekend out here in California. I love her so much, everyone should have a sister like mine, if you don't, you can borrow her for limited time at a LARGE fee. We hung out in the city on Tuesday, went to some used clothing stores, ate lunch at a vegan Mexican restaurant, I showed her my Bird's Nest and we went to Baker Beach. We made dinner together at my place on Tuesday night and then she cut my hair (again, I needed more cut off than what was cut at the Beach House) and I cut her some really cute bangs! At about 10:00 PM Tim and I drove her to the airport and said our goodbyes, that always makes me sad. We live to far away from eachother for sure!

It was a wonderful long weekend to break up the summer a bit.

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Beach House!!!!

In 24 hours I will be on the Sonoma Coast with some of my girlfriends hanging out at our 8th Annual Beach House weekend!
My sister arrives tomorrow morning and the we shop, pack, and drive to the house!
I am so looking forward to the drinks, the food and most of all laughing until my stomach hurts and I can laugh no more.
I can't wait....

The Boy is Back in Town

Tim comes home today after being away for almost a week.
I have to admit I have had a nice time alone at home. I have read books, watched many movies, worked on my writing, cleaned my closet, and most of all danced around the house with reckless abandon. I laughed, I cried, I was myself 200% without anyone else to consider. Selfish, I know, but it had to be done.

Don't get me wrong, I am happy he is coming home today, but when you have lived in a 750 sq. ft. space for the last 12 years with the same person, it can get a little cramped. I noticed it is not just the physical space that gets cramped, it is my emotional space as well. Not sure if that makes sense. I feel like when I am in tight quarters (like my home) without my own space I am more apt to put my own emotions, opinions and outbursts aside as to not upset the energy in the space or most of all, upset or anger the other person. I guess in a nutshell, I bite my tongue and swallow my feelings much more than I should and I am not solid with that anymore. I need to fully express myself in every situation no matter what feathers may get ruffled.

I am happy Tim had fun with his family and am happy that I discovered what behavior about myself I want to change. Ha ha, we will see how it goes.

I am also happy I have the Bird's Nest to fly to when I need my own space.

I Love Surprises!

I had not been to the Bird's Nest in a while (aka my studio) and had lots to drop off there so decided to pop in after work.

When I arrived at my tiny little barn doors there was a cool paper flour bag at my feet with a note on top.

The note was from my studio landlord Julie and the bag was filled with vintage photos! I am so excited to use them - I am thinking of using some of them as pockets in books and others I am not sure but am thinking of scanning them and turning them into greeting cards.

Check them out! Here are some of my favorites...

Thanks Julie - I love everything in the bag! What a great surprise!

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...