What a Difference a Day Makes

A little Hump Day Before and After for your viewing pleasure...

Before: On the left is our adorable hound at any given point in her life up until this past Saturday morning when...

After: She was treated to a day at the 'spa' (yeah right - it was PetSmart). Note to self - the #7 shave is WAAAAAY too short for our cute long-haired dachshund.

"Did someone throw a pine cone??"

All signs indicate she has taken this 'set-back' in stride and is perhaps even enjoying her new "summer 'do"!

Just a List

I live and die by lists - I'm one of those people who has lists of her lists. I would imagine quite a few of you can relate.

I should add, too, that I'm usually a pretty organized "lister" - but this one is beyond me; it started just as a list of things I like to do - morphed into a list of things that I want to (learn to) do or see or places I want to go... and in the end, turns out that it doesn't really have a theme, or even a common thread, except that all these items came out of my head.

And with that illustrious introduction, I present the list - the pesky one constantly swirling around in my head, moving so quickly I actually haven't had a chance to put it on paper.

So proceed at your own risk...

- Learn to write better: there are so many people out there (helllooooooo, out there!) who clearly have the gift of writing, and then there are folks like me (hi, me!) who struggle - but we like it, darn it - so I keep chugging along, and you kind souls read (some of) it

- Learn to sew: I took a step towards this one Sunday and actually made a strap cover using my little sewing machine and all; didn't exactly "finish the stitch" so it may very well have already unraveled itself

- Learn more about and become better at photography: preferably in exotic locales (or I could settle for just great pictures of friends and family); it's hard not to be motivated by all the great photographers here on the interwebs

- Develop my style: don't even know what to say here except I have no clue how to pick out clothes for myself, don't even get me started on make-up, starting to find my way around our house and know when I like or dislike something, but I've got a looonnnnggg way to go

- Learn to prioritize: this is a doozie- after all, I'm sitting here writing this instead of doing... well, that's a whole different list (one that made it to paper)

- Need to satisfy my now 6-month long craving for travel: this time last year we were booking our trip to Eastern Europe, and just recently, friends just came back from London and Paris so I've officially got the itch - but where to go, and for how long and ugh... priorities, right?

- And, one for this week, I want to make some more of Susan's Peanut Butter-Banana and Chocolate Chip muffins - not just because they were amazing but because I honest-to-goodness need something to deliver to some friends and neighbors and I'm pretty sure these are just the thing (even though, of course - I have a list of baked goods that I still want to make and share) *I made these using some of Susan's healthified suggestions - Smart Balance instead of butter and egg whites instead of whole egg and I'd do it again exactly the same

Lists could be my demise - but most of the time, they are this girl's best friend... especially when they contain a recipe for insanely delicious muffins.

What's on your list? Or for that matter, make a list and send it to me - misery loves company, after all...

A Real Boost

I like to sing but only when no one's listening. Do you know anyone like me? It's not really about the singing - but someone who is full of energy and confident of themselves when it's well, just them, but the second there are others around (hey, where'd you come from?!), it's all apologies so heavy you can see any confidence that had been there quickly draining away. I'll sing to my heart's content by myself but wouldn't be caught dead doing so in a room full of people (trust me, this is a good thing); insert the word "cook" in that same sentence, and that's how I feel about cooking and entertaining around 99% of the time.

"So you're saying there's a chance" (hope I quoted that correctly - I inherited the innate ability to misquote everything from my mother-so-dearest)

Enter this dish - it lives in that minuscule but crucial 1%. If you're at our house and I serve you something not showered with numerous comments on how I coulda-woulda-shoulda... you'll probably be about to dig into this Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Spinach Salad

Marinated grilled chicken (see recipe below)
one large bunch of fresh spinach
1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and thinly sliced
Mrs. Barbin's dressing (see below)
crumbled blue cheese
mixed nuts (optional)

Marinated Grilled Chicken
3/8 c packed brown sugar
1/4 c olive oil
1/4 c apple cider vinegar
2 1/4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 1/4 TBSP Dijon mustard
2 1/4 TBSP lemon juice
1 1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 chicken breast halves

Mix first 8 ingredients together in sealable container and add chicken breast halves. Let the chicken marinate for at an hour or more. Grill chicken until done basting with remaining marinade. Off the grill, let the chicken breasts rest briefly before slicing on the bias.

Mrs. Barbin's Dressing
6 TBSP red wine vinegar
6 TBSP sugar
1/2 c vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper

Mix all ingredients together, whisking to thoroughly combine. Can make ahead and store in refrigerator; let come to room temperature for about 15 minutes and shake vigorously before serving.

Wash spinach and separate into equal portions on each of 4 entree-sized bowls or plates. Top with 1/4 of the sliced strawberries, grilled chicken, some blue cheese crumbles and the mixed nuts. Dress the salad and toss to evenly coat.

Sure, some might say that strawberry season is drawing to a close, but I plan on doing everything possible to make it last (and not just because it's been one of my favorites). And after trying this salad, I'm confident that you'll be joining me in the effort.

Sweet Land of Liberty

However you choose to show it... let freedom ring, today and always.

God bless America! God bless those who have served, serve today and will serve tomorrow! Let us never take their sacrifices to make this country the "land of the free" for granted.

And just in case these images of red, white and blue don't do it for you, read this.

Not Worth Resisting

It was part of me well before I even knew enough to resist it. How's that for a disclaimer?

On an infrequent but regular basis throughout my childhood, my brother and I would arrive home from school to a rather large, meticulously packed, corrugated box (you don't dare utter "cardboard" growing up with a father in the "box business"). Between the two of us, this was cause for immediate excitement; on the other hand, the only indication we had that my mom had even noticed the box was that along with her usual scurrying about, we'd hear an occasional "oh mom!" muttered. It wasn't hard to detect that those words commemorated another one (or more!) of Granny's great "finds".

And while the contents of those boxes certainly aren't the foundation for my love of all things 'culinary', nor did they amount to much interest from my parents, they held (lbs and lbs of) treasures in the eyes of my brother and me; within the walls of that sturdy corrugated box held everything that my mom would never dream of buying us (that's what Grannys are for, after all!). Package after package of Oreos (sometimes Double-Stuffed!), ramen noodles (to go with the hundreds of won tons Granny and I had made and frozen earlier in the year), cheese crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, and an endless supply of gum; you didn't get between Granny and her "clear the shelves" deals.

I've never resisted this (in fact, I happily embrace it), but I share more with my granny than just a middle name (er... well, first name - long story there). Put yourself in my shoes - pints of deliciously red strawberries greeting me at the entrance of our market for $1! Knowing that price was too good to be true... I bought every last remaining one. The only thing is - strawberries aren't so 'mailable', though I dare to say they'd have been better received than the piles of pre-packaged and processed foods Granny used to lovingly stockpile for us. But this being summertime, I had more than enough easily accessible strawberry recipes at my disposal - so I wasted no time.

Strawberry frozen yogurt it was. And I mean "was" because it's gone. If my memory serves me correctly, this lasted approximately 48 hours in our house of two. Granny would be so proud - both of the deal I snagged and the fact that I turned it into ice cream - the 'food group' I am quite certain she would have been content to eat for the rest of her days.

Make some now so it can disappear in your house too.

"Momma Said"

I like working in the yard! I do. I'm even okay with the heat and sweat that accompanies it - the bug bites I could do without but they aren't unbearable - but the results... I LIVE for those.

But this wasn't without a fight. I've teetered between loving yard work and hating it with a passion for some time. My mom will vouch that this most likely stems from years of weeding our family's yard. I certainly don't deny that everything I know, I learned from my parents (thanks, mom & dad!), but I also came dangerously close to hating many of the house chores (okay! all of them!) while being 'taught'. Faithfully, though, they remained confident that it'd work itself out in its own time.

To date, I will readily admit that I dust and clean the leaves of our houseplants (they get so dirty!), daily walk through our yard, picking weeds along the way and talking to our flowers and our vegetable garden, and was happy to windex our windows in a fit of spring cleaning earlier this year. Insert a soundbite from my mom here and it'd sound something like a big, huge "I told you so".

Are these just one of the many ways I can prove I'm "all growed up"? Or another example of how I'm, uh, turning into my mother (which I'm actually okay with - minus the mixed up cliches that she inserts into conversation)?

In honor of the hard-fought battle, as we worked outside today, I took note of the things we were doing because of advice our parents had given us:

Turning over the bed of lettuce so we'll be ready for another crop in late summer/early fall...

The result of thinning out and moving some of our lilies... (told you, I live for the results!)

Our garden 'angel' perfectly positioned to watch over our shrubs... (excuse the weeds - I swear I took care of those post-photo shoot)

Our ginormous lavender bush (which will be cut back thanks to some good advice ) doing its summer-best to attract the 'birds and bees' (or just the bees)...

Checking on another season's (mercifully) prosperous tomato, bell pepper, and bean plants...

AND learning to enjoy your own harvest!

Weeds or not, and hard-work in the yard aside, it's silly moments like these that I am most grateful for what my parents did to influence who I am today - my love of family and friends (and hopefully an eager willingness to help them!), gardening, making things pretty (while staying on budget, of course!), entertaining, and last but not least, all things "in the kitchen".

Speaking of in the kitchen, strawberries are in season and at $1/lb around here, you can bet a note or two of brilliant red berries will welcome you the next time around.

How to Get Invited Back

Finding inspiration in broccoli, even with pictures to guide me... well, it's tough! (sidenote: doesn't "Finding inspiration in broccoli" sound like the title of an ode... yes, another ode) Usually in crafting these (not-so) witty posts, I manage to dig something up that provokes at least a mild chuckle... even if only by me... but this one was a challenge - I certainly struggled.

Nevertheless (are you still with me?), this is a tale about broccoli. I should add here that I may not be the best judge seeing as how I'd eat broccoli in just about any preparation imaginable... raw, steamed, sauteed, with garlic (or without), and some olive oil (sure!)... but add bacon, raisins, sunflower seeds, and a delicately sweetened dressing - and dare I say, can be made in mere minutes? You had me at broccoli.

Oh, and have I mentioned this is yet another of my mom's recipes? Yup... so take note.

Broccoli Salad

2 small bunches broccoli, cut into small pieces
2 green onions, cut on the bias in small pieces
1/2 c bacon bits (the real stuff!)
3/4 c sunflower seeds
3/4 c Spanish peanuts (with the skin left on)
1/2 c raisins

Dressing:
3/4 c mayonnaise
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c white vinegar

Put ingredients in serving bowl. Whisk dressing ingredients and add, tossing to coat.

Do your friends, neighbors (and countrymen, for that matter) a favor and bring this to a cookout this weekend (and obviously for the Fourth). Better yet, make it the night before (try not to nibble) - you might like it better the next day!

A Much-Needed Makeover

If you've met me, you know I don't spend too much time worrying about my attire (t-shirt, shorts, flops - check, check, check!)... and well, let's be honest, it shows. It follows suit, as you might guess, that I care even less about my fashion sense when I'm hard at work around the house... specifically in the kitchen.

Enter my friends... a quick round of applause for them! Thanks to Jayne a few years ago, some of my kitchen utensils got a style overhaul, and just recently, Allison came to save the day with this adorable apron.

My girls are only too happy to intervene knowing that I need all the help I can get, wherever I am, AND they know I suffer along, living in a city without a Swoozie's (where this fabulous apron hailed from). I'm still not sure how I've survived this long without the cuteness that oozes from this store - monogrammed and personalized everything, beautiful stationery, a platter, napkin or cup for all the holidays, not to mention serving dishes in every style, size, shape and color. Swoozie's, if you're listening, please come to DC - my sanity depends on it.

So thanks girls, looking good has never been so easy.

Little Sweet Pea

I just may never tire of attending and/or throwing baby showers. As it happens, our friends seem very happy to oblige as pregnancy announcements are just about a weekly affair around here. But I couldn't be happier to receive each and every call - how can you beat a conversation with a dear friend who is so obviously beaming ear-to-ear through the phone as she unveils the news of their bebe. You just can't.

I have known of Kevin almost as long as I've known Chris, and Angie has been a part of that story the entire time, as well. We were there a few years ago when they so lovingly wed in a beautiful ceremony and fun reception so naturally, I was honored to be invited to celebrate their soon-to-be little one yesterday.

Angie loves surprises so Kevin and both of their moms worked up a little scheme that caught her completely off-guard and set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Our mom-to-be couldn't have been more gracious and fun-loving - if it's possible, more enthusiastic with each bib, onesie, bathtub and receiving blanket.

However, it comes as no surprise that Angie is a favorite among the young girls on both sides of the family so they were not about to miss the festivities, although a day of helping open presents wore on even the toughest of the bunch.

The proud daddy-to-be stuck around and was rewarded for his patience. It's not every man who would be willing to sit through two hours of a room full of squealing ladies ooohing and aaahing with each present unwrapped.

If performance at a shower is any indicator of their parenting abilities, and not that there was any doubt before yesterday, but Kevin and Angie are up to the task. Now we just need the baby... although I'd guess that Angie's still doing laundry so she'd probably appreciate a few more weeks.

Oh! What a Night

The signs (literally!) of summer...

This is the stuff Friday nights are made of - and I'm not just talking about the pomegranate margarita - moreso the fact that around these drinks sat friends taking in a beautiful, carefree summer evening.

Those same friends later strolled leisurely down the street and happily stood in a worth-every-minute-of-it line to get a scoop of gelato from Boccato.

And of course, what is a night without a few photo ops (complete with out-takes)...

"Oh what a night", indeed.

Pinky Swear

It seems that the "weather gods" are against us here in the DC-area (and yes, even our crops, plants and flowers are swamped at this point) as it continues to rain and be generally gloomy yet again this June day... (okay okay I might regret this in July or August when it's dry as a desert and hideously hot, I admit it)

So for now, the rain might stop me from actually being outside, but I dare anyone to try and keep me from dreaming.

Thus, in celebration (look who took her optimism pills today!) of one of the very few gloriously perfect-for-grilling-and-just-otherwise-being-outside days, here's to an upcoming weekend full of a couple more! (please, oh please!) If my wish is granted, I promise to spend every possible moment out on our deck, grilling whatever crosses my path. And if this light and fresh Grilled Cumin Chicken happens to be one of those - all the better!

*Oh! You like that wrought iron Fleur-de-lis trellis guy up there? Me, too. It was a birthday gift a while back so sadly, I'm clueless as to where to find others (let me know if you know!).

Love Saying Thanks!

If there was any question... yes, we have one of these...

And uh, here again - just in case one picture wasn't enough. Annabelle's been particularly photogenic these days. That charming look she's mastered? No wonder she pretty much has the run of the place in our house.

Mostly due to the aforementioned puppy's good looks, she's managed to win over the affection of all of our neighbors - and honestly, we couldn't live without it. Not only does our pooch have a friend on every corner, but also for the times that we (shudder) leave town without our little hairy black and tan dog in tow. So while she believes neighbors are put on this planet solely to give extra licks and throw more pine cones, we've come to know them as friends and willing helpers (who eagerly give in when faced with tasty treats).

As a matter of fact, it's one of those recent bribes that brings me here - because chances are, a couple of you are gearing up to ask for that next favor and as we all know only too well, those requests go over quite a bit smoother when there's delicious home-baked bread involved. And while any homemade goodie is usually appreciated, if you want to be sure to seal the deal, quickly throw together a batch of this (shhh... it's healthy) Oatmeal Banana Bread.

Or if it's a particularly big favor (or say you're way overdue to deliver a thank you), make said delicious bread in a cute bright colored baking dish and gift the dish, tied up with a cute ribbon and tag, as well!

**if you're anal like I am, you can bake it in the new dish and then pop the bread out when it's slightly cooled and pulled away from the sides; clean the empty baking dish so it's nice and presentable, and then put the freshly baked bread right back in there and tie 'er up

Course the fact that I almost couldn't part with the cute baking dish is merely a hazard of the job. But it makes me all that much happier to be able to give someone who's loved our little Annabelle something that I loved as well.

And while this may be my favorite bribe and/or thank you tactic to date, surely you guys have some cute and cost-effective ideas that are your go-tos. Share your favorites! Chris and I hope to go on a few more trips yet!