Sometimes it just takes somethings that are fresh - to make you feel good.

Tonight was one of those nights that I just loved what I made for dinner. It was simple actually - breakfast, of sorts - but sometimes that's the best dinner to be had!

I made a fritatta with farm fresh eggs I got at the Farmer's Market today, and I added red peppers, mushrooms, chicken & apple sausage, onions & cheese. I made a simple salad with butter lettuce and cherry tomatoes, and I drizzled this really delicious Honey & Lavendar vinagrette that I also got at the market today. I made bacon and a small steak - and paired it all with a light white blend - and voila.

It was light, and simple and really very summery. Perfect for a night like this...

And as I sit outside listening to my neighbor's dog bark incessantly because no one is home and he wants so badly to get in - and despite the fact that my company at dinner was less than enjoyable tonight -- it's a pretty good night, and it all started with a super fresh dinner.

TGIF

Hazelnut creme candle. Bliss Vanilla Bergamot Body Scrub. Fresh mint. Lavendar vanilla cream. Soft socks and fuzzy pants. Wild boar with orange, garlic, crushed red pepper & honey. Simple salad. Crisp white wine. Quiet conversation with little people. Happy & content.

Stewie: ... "what do you say to that broccoli ... stop mocking me ..."

So, anyone else really really craving salt?
Last night, I ate a whole bowl of home made guacamole by myself.
As if I never saw food before.

Tonight -- I got the kids subs for dinner as a treat.
I couldn't help but to eat all the hot peppers that my son didn't want to eat.
I posted previously about it -- something about Italian subs, is like crack. I can't resist it.
(Just to clarify, no - I have never tried crack, but if it calls to you like an Italian sub calls to me - oh my, I feel your pain.)

Speaking of calling to me... there is this fabulous little consignment shop that opened up across the street from the store a few weeks ago. This store is going to be a downfall for me, I think. I have never shopped at a consignnment store; actually, this is not entirely true. When I was little, my Mom used to take me to this consignment store where I grew up - and I would pick out jeans there (think Jordache, Calvin Klein) because my parents couldn't afford to buy me them from the department stores. I was so incredibly skinny that even back then, they didn't fit me -- I always ended up in spandex pants (otherwise known today as yoga pants.) I had no hips when I was little - I was barely a size 0. I had to wear boys jeans for the most part. After having children, well...those womanly curves made their appearance! But I digress...

So today, I bought a gorgeous Michael Kors gold trenchcoat - it's stunning. (Trust me, the photos on the link do it no justice.) I wanted it for a wedding I attended last Sunday, but I told myself if it was there this week again - I'd buy it. And there it was, calling my name... for under $50. I don't have a dress coat that isn't for winter - so it wasn't an incredibly frivolous buy. (yes, I think angels might have sung a bit as I walked out of the store. Just sayin'...)

Anyway, it's Friday - and I have a brand new crush on a Chardonnay. It's Curley Reserve, Oak Knoll Napa Chardonnay, and oh my.... it's a pretty one. Clearly with a high alcohol content because just a glass and this girl is a little tipsy. Not an inexpensive Chardonnay either I might add, but definitely the perfect choice to wrap this week up.

It's Mother's Day weekend....a fabulous and yet, just a little painful time for this girl. Mother's Day this year is the one year anniversary of my mother's passing. I'm running a 3.5 mile race that day - and I think that's a great way to celebrate the day. I miss my mother more than anyone could ever know...but I try not to dwell on that. Just focus on the happiness of the present.

And a little more Chardonnay....

To cook - or not too cook. That is the question...

You know what's really funny?

I have a store that's loaded with gourmet goodies....and yet I never can decide what to make for dinner.

It's funny, when I worked in an office I'd know by mid-day what my dinner would be and I'd have it all planned out. But now....not so much.

It's difficult too because G is pretty fussy; he never used to be, but...he has a sensitive stomach and so that makes it challenging at times. So like tonight for an example - I could make a fajita dinner with salad for us, but he won't eat it. I suggested wild boar....no. He is not a big steak tip person, and doesn't love lemon pepper chicken either - and I have these fabulous lemon pepper chicken breasts here at the store. He doesn't love pasta.... and I'm not about to make three different meals tonight, so we must all agree on one.

See my dilemma?

I'd be good with a lovely old fashioned meat loaf...but I don't know if that's going to rock his world today either.

So part of me thinks it should be a take out kind of night....we shall see how it all pans out.

I'm shipping off to Boston....

Happy Evacuation Day!
or, as we commonly refer it here in Boston - St. Patrick's Day.
(Wait. Strike that.....reverse it.)

I made a traditional boiled dinner of Corned Beef & Cabbage...it was delicious! I always make it on the stove, but clearly I wasn't about to leave it boiling while I wasn't home - so I broke from the norm and made it in the crock pot instead. You know what? It came out just as good....

It's such a comfort food meal for me. I loved when my Mom made it - and I'd slather it with Grey Poupon mustard. I'd learned as an adult that you can use Smoked Shoulder as well, and add spinach which is delicious too; but the best is to take the left overs, chop it all up -and then fry it in a pan to make hash. Ah yes, the good old days when I ate rich food and fried things on a regular basis....

Speaking of food and good ol' days.... I have to ask.
What is it about foods such as Whoppers, Big Macs and oh yes....Italian subs - that make me absolutely salivate at their smell?

It's like I have to hold myself back from strapping on the feed bag.

Scents from a snowy day...

Crisp, clean snow. Hazelnut coffee. Bacon Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Fresh Sausages. Pumpkin Pie candles. Cinnamon Streusal bread baking. Steam from the shower and citrus soap. Sweet & Sour meatballs cooking in a crockpot. Smoke in the fireplace.

It's Snow, not Armageddon....

We've got a prediction for a storm to bring 12-18" and my God, you'd think it was the flipping Apocolypse.

Fortunately, my trucks that were scheduled for Wednesday were proactive enough to reschedule deliveries for either tomorrow or Thursday....so "if" - and I say "if" because the weathermen are rarely accurate....I will be staying home Wednesday. (Listen, I have a right to be sarcastic; not only are they never accurate - this weekend they were insistent that we were getting at minimum 6". How's about 1/16th of an inch?? Seriously.) A snow day, if you will. And I will be cooking up a storm myself if that's the case.

Kiddies will have pancakes for breakfast.... and then we will be snacking all day long, while I bake pumpkin breads and make chili. Along with a few other goodies....

I love snow days; I don't often get to capitalize on them - so for once, I hope the weather men have their radars on straight.

Merry Merry, Mistletoe and Cheers!

Why is it 5 minutes to midnight and I'm blogging..?
Because I'm exhausted; but need time to unwind.

Christmas dinner is mostly prepped and par-cooked; I only have to partially cook the potatoes & eggplant tomorrow, and the shrimp for cocktail and antipasto/salad are done that day - as is the asparagus. And of course the tenderloin and ham are cooked that day as well. But the lobster bisque is complete, the stuffed peppers are made and the lasagna is done. Kitchen is clean....floors are washed, garbage is out....and the Champagne has been consumed. Yes, I did say champagne. A good champagne at that - and a whole bottle of it no less. I deserve it, I do believe...

Did I mention that the store had an amazing night??? I wasn't quite expecting the crowd I received. I am absolutely exhausted.

Fortunately, most of the gifts are wrapped; I still have a few to do tomorrow but most are done. I have work in the morning....and then it's home to bathe the kids, set the table and extension with chairs, do the place settings.....and then be a guest for Christmas Eve.

Before the chaos known as Christmas morning takes place. Did I mention I have three grown men having a "Sleepover" on Christmas Eve? No? Hmm. Well, I do. I did refer to it as "chaos", right?

Listen, truth of the matter is -- I love, love, love this time of year. Sure, I'm exhausted and it's hustle and bustle -- but seriously, it's so worth it. There's nothing better than sitting around the table with your family and friends and enjoying good times, good food and some laughter. I love being hostess - and while I struggle with not having to have everything "perfect", I do get to enjoy the day despite it being alot of work. I enjoy this kind of work....it's not painful, it's painstaking - and that's entirely different. I try so very hard to have everyone be comfortable and enjoy themselves -- that's a good thing, not bad - so it's not something not to enjoy.

I don't know that I'll get to blog before Christmas, so if not -- I wish all of you who happen to stop in and read (even if you don't comment!) a happy and beautiful Christmas. I hope you are surrounded by love and laughter - and I hope that you smile and enjoy the beauty of the holiday.

Always.....
Rebecca

PS: While I'm so very happy that Jason is staying for another year - and I know that Santa gave me that gift early -- I still would like to just throw out there that if the Captain is a wine fan -- and he reads my blog (hoping, wishing, praying...silly, I know!) - someone, anyone - let me know what he drinks. 'Mkay? Great. Thanks!

'Tis the Season....

So, today I'm Domestic Supergoddess for half the day. My little guy has a bug of some sort - not quite a stomach bug (thank GOD!) but not right either. Stomach ache, headache, and just blah. So not like him to not want to go to school, believe it or not; so I'm home with him until later this afternoon because at this time of year - I need to be at the store for a few hours anyway. So right now, the house has been vaccumed with the floors washed, laundry is going - and the little guy and I are just hanging out relaxing and watching some fun kids game shows on Cartoon Network. It's been quite nice just relaxing which is something I don't often get to do.

I switched the fall decorations outside to winter too; I promised the kids I'd hang the icicle lights when I get home later, so we will have the outside ready for winter. We're not putting the tree up until Friday night, which is late for us - but still, plenty of time for the holiday. After the drama with practically decapitating my toes with the tree base a few weeks ago, I'm in no rush to bring it downstairs.

I should really run this morning before going to work; I may just do that actually. I've been putting it off and putting it off - but I do need to get back into the swing of things; and with having to put yoga on hold for a few more weeks because of the holiday, no better time than now to hit the treadmill.

This morning I also finalized my holiday menu; I found out last night I'm going to have 16 adults and 4 children, so I've opted to not go quite so complicated on the menu this year. I believe the menu will be as follows: Appetizers (cheese ball, crackers, smoked salmon & cream cheese), Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Bisque, Salad, Sausage Stuffed Peppers, Lasagna (special request!), Honey of a Ham (I haven't bought one of those in years, and I think I want to get one this year...they're freaking spectacular), and Tenderloin Beef. Of course, roasted potatoes & eggplant and probably Sweet Potatoes.

I love, love, love a full house on Christmas. It's truly the most wonderful time of the year....

Friday's Thoughts....

1. Turkey's on! So, being a guest on Thanksgiving doesn't afford you leftovers...so what's on my menu for tonight? You guessed it - Turkey. In the oven roasting as we speak. Funny thing is - I don't love turkey on Thanksgiving, as a matter of fact - I didn't even eat any yesterday. I was too full from all the past beforehand. But today, I'm all over it. And I've got the most delicious lemon herbed butter under the skin....this girl just can't wait to eat.

2. Did I mention how much fun the Patriot's game was? Oh My God. Loved it. We met Robert Kraft afterwards --who was incredibly nice...and we almost bought tickets to the upcoming Jets game - but there's NO availability at Patriots Place. And there's no way we'd drive home after an 8pm game.

3. Insanely busy weekend! Big birthday bash for G tomorrow night so I'm running all over the place tomorrow beforehand. Was supposed to be a surprise but a certain family member (brother in law) blew that, so...whatever. Tomorrow there's also a food show that I need to make an appearance at with the kiddies. Sunday is the metamorphosis of the store to holiday....then it's a girls shopping day for myself, Princess Petunia and my sister and niece. Which means that my own tree is going to have to wait until a week from tonight because this girl is going to be exhausted Sunday night.

Eat it , eat it - get yourself an egg and beat it...

Ugh.
You ever have a week where you just eat horribly?
This is one of those weeks for me.

I've eaten more in the past week that's not good for me - than I typically eat in a year.
It's like I'm in a food rut! Which is so funny because I rarely get like this - but once I start, it's hard to stop. Well, relatively speaking. I'll let it run it's course for like, a week.
(No, it's not hormonal... I hear what you're thinking!)

I was literally sore to the touch today because of all the sodium I consumed yesterday. But you know, truthfully - the problem is I eat so good all the time, when I stray - wow, do I pay for it.

That's okay. Come next week, my broken and practically shorn toe should be feeling better and I can go back to yoga three times a week.

Everyone deserves a little food vacation, right?

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it.....

We all know how much I love food -- especially good food.
And when it's sushi, and it's sensational....clearly, it sends me over the moon.

We took a chance on a new restaurant tonight, the next city over from us. It was nothing short of fabulous. Now, keeping in mind that it's a sister restaurant to one of my very favorites - I shouldn't be too terribly surprised; it's a little pricier...the portions are a tad smaller - but overall, the flavors are fantastic and the food is incredibly fresh. The Lychee Martini was made perfectly - and I'm not typically a fou fou girl when it comes to my martini; I much prefer a plain vodka. But I figured what the heck, try something different. The best Lychee drink I'd had was in NYC - and while this one was smaller, it was made perfectly.

It is so frustrating when you go out for dinner and are disappointed in your meal; unfortunately it happens more often than not. But not tonight...!

Loved it. Loved it!!

I am happy, full and tired.
Isn't that almost the best way to end the day...?

Monday, Monday...it's here to stay...

So sad to have seen the weekend end.

Saturday, the kiddies and I went to the most beautiful town in the Boston area - "SWellsley" (Thanks AE for the backstory on the nickname!) where we spent the day at Elm Bank and enjoyed the Massachusetts Marketplace Festival. It's an annual event where local farmers market types come and sell their wares. We got to get food from our favorite little Amish farm, StoneyBrook out in Montgomery, MA. The BEST peach pie in the whole entire world!! Pear Bread, Shoefly Pie...mmmm, good.

I found a few new food vendors that I'm excited to see their products at the store; but I was rather disappointed in this year's event. There were far less vendors than before, and the food wasn't as good either; I packed a sheet for us to picnic -but there was no food to have lunch with. Usually there's a caterer, but this time it was one guy working the grill, and everything was sold out by 12:30. But that's okay - we still had so much fun.

Sunday, it was the Feast of the Madonna in the North End. One of the smaller ones - but still so yummy. I had an Arancini and I am now good for at least another year with that incredible indulgence. Speaking of indulgences, the chocolate covered marshmellows - were insane. Insane!

We then left after a while and went to the Nevin's Farm shelter in hopes of seeing adorable little puppies; but we got there just as they closed. So, instead we hopped in and out of store and the Rockingham Mall before settling in for dinner. (Not that I was incredibly hungry after that Arancini, but hey - I found the room for it.)

It's weekends like these that make it difficult to enjoy Monday.
And I'm always thankful for this blog, because when the kiddies get older and don't want to hang out with me anymore, I can always look back and see all the fun we used to have.

Happy Days are here again....

I love Fridays.
Who doesn't, right?

But today's a really nice one. I'm totally digging the rain; the kids and I are on the sofa right now, watching "The Tooth Fairy" in front of a fire (yes, it's gorgeously tropical still, but they wanted a fire and it just looks like a good fireplace kind of night!) while they have a nice hot cocoa, and this girl - a glass of wine. (Dinner: Marinated pork loin, salad w/ lettuce fresh from the garden, and corn with fresh basil. Can't wait - the house smells delicious!)

I got a text from a good friend of mine who also happens to be the best yoga teacher in the world. Truly - the best. Around these parts anyway! I don't get to go to her studio that often anymore because of my work hours, but I'll be going tomorrow morning. (Yay!) I was supposed to go tonight, but it didn't work out - and, she's going to come to the new studio that I go to on Tuesday with me, which is so very cool. I just love her, and have truly missed her - so to get to see her again is a great thing, despite the fact that it didn't go as I'd planned for today.

I'm really quite fortunate. I mean, I've got a beautiful family - but in addition to that, I'm surrounded by good people; I've got friends who are just genuinely good people.

And that's just one of the many reasons why I'm loving Friday today; it's a good day to reflect upon the week, and life in general.

Bork, Bork, Bork!

I wish I'd gone to culinary school.
Had I known that there was such a thing when I was a child - I might have pursued it. At the same time, I didn't really know how much I love to cook, until I was a quasi adult. When I moved out, I loved cooking. I wasn't really "allowed" in the kitchen as a child; sure, I was able to lick the bowl when making brownies or cake with my Mom, but actually having the freedom to cook in the kitchen alone was not a liberty given to me.

I remember my first culinary experience; I tried to make my mother breakfast in bed for either her birthday or mother's day -- and I fried some eggs. I was young - maybe 8, and unfortunately, the eggs were rotten. The whole house stunk from the smell; not my fault of course, but seriously -- after that effort I was completely forbidden from using the stove. I don't recall us ever having eggs go bad after that either, interestingly enough.

Anyway, cooking is something that definitely became a fascination of mine after the age of 18. And while I may not be an Iron Chef -- I certainly love to come up with my own creations and play with different recipe ideas.

This weekend, I made home made clam chowder that rocked - as well as spiral ham (that doesn't take much effort, outside of the glazes I make on my own);I also made a pretty yummy pasta tossed with chicken sausage, fresh herbs and lemon. and truly - there are few things I do that make me as happy as cooking for my family or friends.

Cooking and eating is purely social for me; if I lived alone, my life would be filled with Rice Krispies. But fortunately, I have a life full of people to cook for -- and if I had the time to attend Johnson and Wales at this juncture in my life, trust me when I tell you - I would.

Time in New England, takes me away....

It was really just a lovely, lovely weekend for this girl.
Truly.

Yesterday, the kiddies had a birthday pool party to go to and we had lots of fun; I'm friendly with the boy's mom and her family - and we just had such a nice time. Then, I went and worked at the Boston store which is such a switch for me! It was funny trying to get acclaimated to where all the wines are and how the register works because it's all so different from my store; but it was really fun to see different walks of life because it's such a tourist area, it's just so different from where I am day to day.

Afterwards, G and I had dinner at Monica's in the North End. It was pretty good; the service was a little slow, but it was a booming and beautiful Saturday night so needless to say - the place was packed wall to wall. But it was good; a little pricey given the quantities, but the flavors were good.

Today, we went to Fanueil Hall and really just had so much fun. The only downside to the day was that the Brown Derby Deli was no where near as good as I remembered it being. I had a deli pickle that was horrible and the corned beef sandwich was less than impressive; but everything else we ate was rocking! Besides, even bad food being eaten outdoors at Fanueil can't be all that bad, right?

So a funny thing happened; last year when we took T for his birthday, he was picked to help out a street theatre duo. He was beyond pleased and loved it. Well, today that very same group was there, and.......you got it! Out of all the people standing around there, they picked him again!! He couldn't have been any happier. It was so much fun, watching him ham it up being the center of attention with everyone calling his name. Seriously, there are few things that make me smile more than seeing my children shine.

All in all, it was a fun and laid back weekend - and one that I'm sad to see come to an end. This is the last weekend my Dad will be here with us, he's going to stay with my sister before heading back to Florida. It's been nice having him here with us - and I know the kids are going to be sad to see him go.

But one never knows what the future holds.

Pop, pop, pop - says each kernel bright and yellow;pop pop pop they are clever little fellows..

I am the Queen of making snack mixes.
Oh, yeah.

I love taking popcorn and mixing it with different things for the kiddies; and I can go either very sweet - or relatively healthy. Just depends on my mood and what I've got in the house.

Tonight, was a little kettle corn (have to go with the healthiest variations of a theme, so reduced calorie and not terribly sweet either), sprinkled with granola, raw almonds and a little bit of chocolate Cheerios. (Yum!)

Sometimes, I'll melt a little chocolate and drizzle it on, then sprinkle banana nut Cheerios and mix it up -- possibly toss it with a little coconut for funsies.

Occasionally, I've been known to mix a little peanut butter or caramel with the chocolate; other times, I'll mix in raisins and dried bananas with Special K Raspberry.

The kids love it because it's never the same thing twice - and they love it!
Who's the coolest Mom ever?
I am!

...Well, until they're angry with me. Of course.

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take you to Bermuda, Bahama.....

Or maybe Seoul, or Shanghai.

I love watching Bizarre Foods. I am so excited to see the different exotic foods from all over the world, and how different cultures utilize food in such unique ways. I should've been Andrew Zimmer! How much fun would that have been?

Sure, I can't see myself being able to eat an eyeball without vomiting; but for every disgusting food item - there are millions of amazingly delicious and delectable ones!

Seriously, I've got to think that food cooked in banana leaves in a fire pit in the ground, has got to be so unbelievably delicious! Or going to a Parisia (sp) in Buenos Aires with the most amazing Argentinian beef.... or eating insanely fresh fish in Samoa.

And me -- well, for dinner tonight I had filet wrapped in bacon, pan cooked w. mushrooms and seasonings, with brown rice and toasted almonds, brussel sprouts with honey - and an apple salsa with fresh cilantro. Sure, it was delicious -but it sure as heck wasn't exotic.

I'm thinking "vacation".....
Just sayin'.... !

Mary Mary Quite Contrary....How does your garden grow?

I'm almost done with my garden.

Today I came home and planted my postage stamp area and so now all I have left is a pot or two. (Postage Stamp Garden, def.: A Postage Stamp survival vegetable garden is a small area that can produce a bounty of herbs and vegetables. Many gardeners complain that they are short on both time and garden space. A Postage Stamp garden solves both of these problems. And in today's economy it is important to have a sustainable vegetable garden, one that uses heirloom seeds for future planting. )

This weekend, I planted my large herb bowl that I'm keeping on my deck: Rosemary, Dill, Cilantro, Anise, Basil & Golden Oregano in one big planter. I also did a second large planter where I combined Romaine & Red Leaf Lettuces on one side, and Sugar Baby Watermelon on the other side.


This evening, I planted my tomatoes and eggplant (traditional & white), summer squash, endive, summer squash and cantaloupe.


Can I just tell you...it looks so pretty!


Tonight for dinner, I made cod and I used fresh dill and rosemary from the planter on it -- truly such a difference when you're using fresh herbs from the outside, rather than fresh from the supermarket. Such a difference in flavor.


What are you planting in your garden this season?

Thoughts of the day....

1. Loving the fact that the Captain is back to full time employment. Call me crazy, but I'd say that the team looks far more cohesive and solid with him behind the plate. So this girl is not sad that Victor has a bruised toe.

2. I can't believe that Christina cancelled her tour! So, last night I was this close to buying 5th row seats and now I'm glad I waited. Though I'm incredibly disappointed, I'm hoping that she reschedules closer to my birthday. I could use a little fun celebration....
2a. And now, no midweek jaunt to Mohegan Sun? No fun or pampering...? Say it isn't so!

3. I'm getting a new SUV tomorrow! I've never had a NEW vehicle; I've always had used or certified pre-owned and they rocked. But this time it's a brand spanking new one - and to have lowered my payment by $50.oo a month, does it get any better than that? It's Black Sapphire, and it's gorgeous. So exciting.

4. It's Memorial Day weekend, and rumor has it -- no rain! That only happens in these parts every couple of years, so it's pretty exciting. I'm gardening on Saturday, getting that postage stamp of a garden is getting some love this weekend and I can't wait. Tomatoes, and onions and garlic - oh my!