Dec 5, 2011
I know it’s a little early to make my New Year’s Resolutions list, but let’s face it, we’re all already thinking about it. We all have the mental checklist to go through before we publicly (or privately) admit to those things we want to make better come midnight New Year’s Eve: Is this important? Would the benefits outweigh the work? Would I want to share this with (public, self, God, anyone)? If the answer to all of these is “yes”, you know you can add it to your list.
So, right now I’m thinking of how to really spruce up my cooking in 2012. And right now, that means what recipes do I want to conquer?
Let’s pretend for a moment that I already have my dream kitchen built. Lots of room. Lots of counter space. Lots of shelves. Lots of appliances. Lots of ingredients. Lots and lots and lots… pretty, isn’t it? And so functional!
Insert Chef (me). In this happy world, I get to not only make some old favorites, but try out my list of new recipes that all turn out heavenly tasteful. These are just a few on that list. (I know some of these are basic, I’ve just not yet got around to making them.):
Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon
Roast Duck
Venison Stew
Veal Lasagna
Fruitcake
Key Lime Pie
I want to learn about wines. Which wines taste better with which foods. Just because a wine is expensive doesn’t mean it’s lovely; and just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s tasteless. I’d love to learn about wines.
I also want to experiment with some traditional recipes I love to make:
Potato Chip Casserole
Slow Cooker Ratatouille
Tator-Tot Casserole
And cookies. Lots and lots of cookies. In fact, I would love to be the Cookie Queen.
I guess I better get started. The more I cook, the more I find to cook. I just love recipes. Don’t you?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Dec 4, 2011
The dual purpose word: COLD. It’s a feeling. It’s a virus. And right now, it’s both. At least, it’s trying to be.
All that to say, with the onslaught of winter winds, I’ve come under the weather so to speak, and am not feeling up to writing a conquering post.
Instead, here’s a few photos of my Christmas decorating.
How do you decorate for the Holidays?
This Year's Favorite Ornament
More Treats Under the Tree
Christmas Wagon
My Mantle at Night
Treats Under the Tree
Chocolate Martini made with Scharffen Berger Chocolate
Lights in the Dark
Easy Start
Dec 3, 2011 |
Well, here it is December 3rd, and I’ve managed to start the month by writing every day. Just when I thought I might take a break. But, I can’t seem to stop writing (go figure).
Because now I have an entire month to dote on holidays, treats, gift ideas, stories, and of course, recipes.
So stay tuned. Later today I’ll be making another batch of the Holiday Doo-Dads, and this time, I’m taking pictures. And yes. I’ll post the recipe.
Consider it one of my gifts to you.
Enjoy!
And remember to eat, drink, and be merry!
Dec 2, 2011 |
On the heels of yesterday’s post about Wishes, I’ve decided to plot out what to do when I win the Lottery. After all, a girl’s gotta have a plan, right?
First of all, positive thinking: notice I didn’t say if, I said when.
So. When I win the Lottery, here’s how I intend to spend it:
1. Give 10% to my church. It’s a most amazing church where I’ve made many friends, learned much, and been given much love and support. It’s a wonderful foundation for spreading the Word of God and acknowledging we all have a personal need for Jesus Christ. I wouldn’t be where I am without my Church. 10% is the least I can do to give back.
2. Put 25% into a savings, market or stock account for the future. My friend Tony is always trying to get me to invest, but I’d rather buy a gallon of milk. When I win the lottery, I’ll be able to do both, and that excites me!
3. Pay off my and mom’s mortgages so we never have to worry about the economy. Also because it’s really fun that our homes have the same floor plan and I don’t ever want a stranger living in either one.
4. Buy new cars for me, my daughter, my mom, my two brothers and my sister in law. With all I’ve been through with my car breaking down lately, I may also hire my own personal mechanic.
5. Pay off all family debt. ‘Nuff said.
6. Put my daughter through college so she doesn’t have to incur any debt or loans that she’ll have basically no chance of really paying off in this economy.
7. Buy my daughter a house, or put money aside for her to buy a house when she’s ready. What kind of mother would I be if I didn’t make sure she was financially taken care of in the best ways possible?
8. Give more than generously to charities I believe in: American Red Cross for all their work across the globe, whether emergency aid or ongoing. World Wildlife Fund for all their efforts to protect animals and stop illegal killings. Local food banks and homeless shelters, because everyone deserves to not be hungry or cold.
9. Build a Writer’s Retreat, whether that means an addition to my house, or a completely separate location. A place where I can go where there are no distractions, no stressors. Just a peaceful environment that lends to imagination and the writing process.
10. Take my mom and daughter on regular vacations. Disneyland. Frankenmuth, MI. Italy. NYC. Missouri. Washington. Canada. Big Bear. Vegas. San Luis Obispo. Travel Route 66. And everywhere in between.
11. Invest in people. Start scholarships for the local schools. Hire interns. Support small businesses.
When I win the Lottery. I’ll do all this and more.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Dec 1, 2011 |
I recently watched a made-for-TV Christmas movie: a woman needed a life change, was granted 12 wishes, she used them selfishly, then spent the remaining time “fixing” the problems she created, and they all had a Merry Christmas. She was guided throughout the movie by an Angel who gently guided her toward selfless love. In the end, it was all wrapped up neat and tidy.
It was campy, low-budget and disgustingly predictable.
But it got me thinking.
If I had 12 wishes that I absolutely knew would be fulfilled, what would I wish for? The first few immediately come to mind: world peace, financial stability, health and happiness for the family. After that, it gets a little tricky. Because I really want to focus on important things. But what’s important to me may not be important to someone else. Or the world.
That’s okay. Some things don’t need to be important to everyone else. Just some things to some people. I know the list will change with time, but if I had my own Fairy Godmother or Personal Angel to grant me 12 Wishes of Christmas, here’s what they’d be:
1. I wish for my entire family (birth, extended, in-laws) to be, and remain, debt free.
2. I wish for permanent world peace.
3. I wish for everyone in the world to live by the Golden Rule: To Do Unto Others, to respect everyone, and stop being selfish.
4. I wish for the world to be free of sickness of all kinds: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.
5. I wish for Megan and I to have our book series completed, published, and prize-winning.
6. I wish for our book series to be made into movies.
7. I wish for the world to less electronic and digital; and more personal and home-made.
8. I wish for all animals to be cared for.
9. I wish for everyone to be accepted, loved, cherished, and treasured.
10. I wish for Christ to be more accepted, and “political correctness” to be abolished.
11. I wish to be the best mom ever, for ever.
12. I wish for everyone I love, to know how much I love them. For ever.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote.
