Merry Christmas from the Family...

Well shucks, I TOTALLY meant to post this on Christmas Day and gosh darn it I forgot. At least my kids have all been fed, I swear I'm only this forgetful when it comes to the blog, I'm actually pretty with it in real life. Well sometimes at least.

Anyway, growing up in Texas you are pretty much issued your first Robert Earl Keen Jr. cd when you enter high school. That is if you didn't already have one. He along with a few other key singers (think Jerry Jeff, Willie & Waylon) will always remind me of high school, cheep beer, boon's strawberry hill and well a lot of other things I should probably skip discussing here since my dear mother and mother in law make up roughly 50% of my readers.

I hope you enjoy this little ditty and for goodness sake don't take any offense!




Belated Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Holiday Wrap Up with Something Sweet

As I dropped of my dear mamere at the airport yesterday I realized that yet again I'd ignored the blog this week. I mean I can't feel too bad, I wasn't just sitting around twiddling my thumbs, although having the time to do some thumb twiddling might be a nice change of pace. I did have a wonderful Christmas with Mamere, DH and our two little ones filled with way too many presents, too much food and juuust the right amount of wine!

DH even managed to film and upload several videos to our son's blog from Christmas day which as it turns out is quite a feat since allegedly I was heard complaining about the dificulty in opening almost every single toy on the videos. Apparently it took a lot of editing on his part. What can I say I'm anti plastic ties. Can the toy stores really loose that much money to stolen items? I find it hard to believe but then again I'm not willing to do the research either. I'd rather just complain loudly about it while hacking away at the security grade plastic keeping my son from his newest favorite toy and of course leaving my hands cut and bloody. But this really isn't the direction I wanted today's post to go in so...

In short, I hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends. Tis the season to celebrate excess! And if you've been following this model, you aren't alone I've been doing my fair share of excessive baking and eating sweets for the last week. I had hoped my sweet tooth would go away after my pregnancy but she's still here and she's super bossy! So here is an extra yummy recipe for the next time you need to bring a sweet treat to a party or PTA meeting.

Note: this recipe is from one of my favorite cook books, The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook. It is fabulous!!! and can be purchased at Amazon.com.

Caramel Candy Brownies
Makes 12


1 1/2 C  Semisweet Chocolate Chips
3/4 C     Unsalted Butter (1 1/2 sticks), cut into small pieces
3            Eggs
3/4 C     Sugar
1/4 tsp   Kosher Salt
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
2/3 C     All Purpose Flour
3/4 C     Caramel Squares, coarsely chopped


Preheat oven to 350 degrees and set rack in center of oven. Butter and flour an 8 inch square metal baking dish. (I used glass because I don't have a metal one and they turned out just fine!) 


Combine Chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler and set in sauce pan with 2 inches of simmering water. Melt the chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth, about 2-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool till lukewarm.


Combine eggs, sugar and salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk until the sugar melts and mixture is frothy, about 2 mins. Pour the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture, add the vanilla and stir. Whisk in the flour until just incorporated. 


Spread batter evenly in the baking dish and sprinkle caramel candy evenly over the batter. Bake for 23-30 mins. Do not overcook!


Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Happy Baking!


P.S. don't worry about calories, they don't start counting till  Jan.1st!


P.P.S. If you are wondering why there are no links attached it's because this is my first post on my new computer (THANK YOU MAMERE!) and I don't know how to copy and paste. Yes, that's right I said it... can't copy and paste. Am so not a tech genius today.


Cheers, 
Ouiser

Addicted to Baskin Robbins Commercial... You Too?

So wow, its been like a week since my last post and I'll be honest the last post was lame and pretty sucky. Not that I don't love Neimans or big sales, in fact other than my immediate family and a big jar of nutella there isn't much I like more than a sale, especially if it's at Neiman's but you're right I didn't so much give it my all. Oh and I also love wine, like a lot... so my immediate family, nutella and wine. Yep those are my favorite things.

I don't have much of an excuse, well you know other than the fact that I'm busy trying to shape the minds of two (sometimes three) men so get off my back! side note: Baby duex totally rolled over the other night. Like I said before, genius. Clearly DH and I make some pretty freakin' great kids.

But never fear, cause Mamere is here! (yes that is meant to rhyme and be sung a la Mighty Mouse theme song)

Not only can Christmas officially begin with my mother's arrival I will also have time to do all those luxurious things I've been putting off... you know like showering, brushing my hair, putting on clean clothes... and if you dear reader are really lucky some new blog posts for your enjoyment as you hide from your family and pretend to be "catching up on news." Yep I've used that excuse too, but usually because I'm reading some salacious fan fiction.

But enough about me and my inability to efficiently manage my sleep to work time ratio....

Have you seen the Baskin Robins Ice Cream Cake Commercial? Its hilarious, like beat yourself over the head with a baseball bat repeatedly hilarious. I'm pretty sure this commercial... much like Celine Dion... is something you either totally love and are obsessed with or makes your ears bleed. I'm in the former group. It literally makes me dance in my seat when I hear it and yes I totally sing along- off key and mostly getting the words wrong. Just one more thing that makes DH cringe with embarrassment. I'm not sure if he's more embarrassed for me or of me.

So with out further ado here it is. Let me know if you think I'm crazy to love it or if it makes you want to pull out your hair.






And I will try my best to take advantage of mamere's visit to post some more deep, meaningful and thoughtful posts... like today's!



Cheers,
Ouiser

Extra 30% Off ~ Neiman Marcus Last Call Sale!!

Just a quick post to tell you about one of my favorite things. A Sale on a sale!

Yep, Neiman's is offering an additional 30% off their last call sale. There are lots of bargains for you last minute shoppers... While there are literally only two handbags offered (boooooo) they make up for it with the number of shoes on sale. There are some great designer summer shoes for those taking a beach vacation as well as a number of Cole Haan's "air" shoes. You may recall me talking about one pair in particular that saved my life here.


So if you're a good shopper and have already taken care of everyone on your list maybe you'll find a special treat for yourself and if you are (like me)a totally disorganized shopper, get clicking and find those last minute gifts.


Happy Shopping!

Apparently I STILL haven't figured out how to add a link to a picture, sooooo to link to the sale, Click HERE



Cheers,
Ouiser

1980's Flashback

Happy Friday... If you can get through the randomness of my post there's a delicious little video surprise at the end.

As I sit here watching my son press his nose to the television while watching his favorite show (Super Why in case you're curious) I can't help but wonder where this obsession with the television came from... (rhetorical question, it's ME of course)

I have after all made some pretty serious life altering decisions based on a current movie obsession.

Example #1 Dead's Poets Society. Afterwhich I became obsessed with the idea of leaving home (Austin, Texas) to attend boarding school on the east coast. About 6 months later, several long conversations with my mother and one trip to visit my options I was off to a very small town in the middle of Connecticut. God, you should have seen what I wore the first day, I was a preppy nightmare in jeans, brown suede loafers (no socks, natch), a purple & white polo with a matching purple blazer. And as luck would have it I curiously picked the only school in the tri-state area where preppy was decidedly uncool. I stuck out like a sore thumb that whole year. Thankfully I was returned to my rightful place in public school by my junior year with only a little bit of flannel and alternative angst to show for it.

Example #2 St. Elmo's Fire. Yep, Judd Nelson literally drove me to Washington DC. No it wasn't Rob Lowe... I always tended to prefer the unfavorable characters, think James Spader not Andrew McCarthy. Anyway, yes the degree in Poli Sci helped but it was Judd Nelson that I was in search of. As some sort of self-loathing Democrat I was in search of the adorably arrogant Republican (minus the whole cheating thing of course). And you might say that I found him in DH. (by the way I totally meant arrogant in a good way sweet heart!)

And then of course there have been a number of movies that have made me seriously WANT to do something... thankfully DH has been able to shake some sense into me on a number of occasions. Like when I decided I'd be the best NFL head coach after watching Any Given Sunday. Speaking of which why aren't their any female head coaches? I think that'd WAY more fun than being the President... but that's just me.

And then there was The Thomas Crown Affair (the remake). THUD... there went my heart. That is one HOT movie by the way. Anyway, where was I? Yes, Rene Russo....I thought for sure if I studied antique art appraisal I could become her character... basically an international bounty hunter with a designer wardrobe. I even went as far as to apply (and be accepted) into the Art Appraisal School here in DC.

I know this is long and rambling but if you've read any of my posts you've come to expect it... so here's my point, It's late on a Friday and I wanted to share the link to some fabulous clips of iconic movie songs and film clips from the 1980's. Think Karate Kid, The Goonies, Gostbusters and The Breakfast Club.

I can't take credit for putting the list together but I have no problem passing it along. This is from a tweet I received earlier today from the hilarious "our kitchen sink". You can follow them on twitter here if you aren't you should be! And if you are so inclined you can follow me on twitter here.

Here's a one video teaser... I'm going to sit back with my large glass of wine and enjoy. Wasn't Val Kilmer a hottie in 1986? With a jaw line like this one could even say he was the RPatzz of the '80's. Oh and have you seen the Saint? Umm, yeah not only did Val Kilmer make me drool, it also made me want to be an international spy.

If you like what you see you should totally check out the full post, 12 Songs That Define 80's Cinema from http://www.chicagonow.com/.







Cheers,
Ouiser

All I Want for Christmas....

Dear Santa,

Since my "real" Christmas wish list is so sad ~ think post maternity jeans and a new light fixture for the hallway ~ I thought I'd create a "past life" wish list. You know, my own past life... the time when I had a job that paid really well and a surprisingly large amount of free time due to the lack of children running around my house with jello stained hands only to drool all over me once I'm "caught". Seriously, my oldest son drools so much I wonder if he isn't dehydrated. The doctor says its normal but I'm not convinced. What does he know... aside from a medical degree and five children of his own.

Anyway.... Santa here's what I'm thinking would look marvelous under the tree, in my stocking or just delivered to my front door, whatever is easiest for you.

1. Bottle of 1988 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill Brut Champagne

2. Pair of custom made cowboy boots, by Texas' own Lee Miller

3. Louis Vuitton, Alma Bag - Monogrammed Vernis in pomme de'amour

4. Monthly massage at Sugar House (my neighborhood day spa)

5. Christian Louboutin peep-toe black patent heels

 

6. Day at Bergdorff's with a personal shopper.

7. Personal Trainer to prepare for #6.

8. Nanny-- oh wait, I forgot this is pre-kids, scratch that...

8a. French lessons. Followed by obligatory week-long visit to France to practice. Perhaps for a wine country tour?

Is it just me or is my list becoming increasingly unrealistic? Just checking...

9. Rob Pattinson, sorry I just couldn't help myself he's just so darn pretty....

10. Dinner with Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin in NYC. (I have a major culinary crush on Monsieur Ripert but yes yes by all means DH can tag along)

And with that I'm off to clean up the kitchen where my son has thrown most of his lunch overboard and change what is most likely a very unpleasant diaper. Oh and did I mention it's laundry day?

Cheers,

Ousier

Recipe of the week ~ Turkey Meatloaf ~ No Really It's the Best Ever!

Do you have a culinary icon? Someone that is both an inspiration in the kitchen and in life? For me it's with out a doubt Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa.

Aside from the fact that she and her adorable husband Jeffrey started out their marriage living in DC and working for the federal government (a la DH and myself) she also embodies the type of cook and entertainer I strive to be. She radiates happiness and I imagine her parties to be welcoming, unstuffy (is that a word?) and comfortably elegant. And of course her cooking is divine without being pretentious. She takes the best ingredients and makes simple, delicious food.

I have almost all her cookbooks and literally (I'm not kidding) every recipe I've tried has become an instant "new family favorite". How frequently can you say that? Usually there are a few stand out recipes but EVERY recipe? That's rare.

Side Note: Having raved about her cookbooks, if you only ever buy one cookbook it should be the Joy of Cooking. It has EVERYTHING you will ever need. It's the best comprehensive cookbook I've ever seen.

However if you are looking for a fun gift for the entertainer or home cook on your list any of Ina's cookbooks would be a huge hit I'm sure. A couple of my personal favorites are The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook and The Barefoot Contessa Parties.

Okay back to Ina and her meatloaf. I bet you were wondering when I'd get to the recipe. :)

If you are anything like me, you didn't grow up liking meatloaf... at all! I'm guessing mamere didn't much care for it either as I don't recall having it all that often. Perhaps it was the green peppers or maybe it was all that ketchup or maybe even the oddly molded shape but until I discovered this recipe I just assumed meatloaf was something I didn't like. Sorta like sloppy joes but I digress.

Leave it to the one and only Ina Garten to make an absolutely delicious and (kinda) healthy meatloaf. I've made this for family dinners, pot lucks and even for dinner parties to rave reviews. This recipe makes a ton but before you consider cutting it in half it also makes incredible left overs.

Its rainy and cold here in DC this week and as my in laws have returned to Texas I'm on my own for dinner planning. I'm thinking about making this recipe over the weekend for DH and I. There will be plenty of left overs for a night or two next week when the best I can do is pour myself a big glass of wine and relax after the kiddos are asleep.

Turkey Meatloaf
serves 8-10

3 C Yellow Onions, chopped (I prefer sweet onions)
2 TBS Olive Oil
2tsp Kosher Salt
1tsp freshly ground pepper
1tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/3 C Worcestershire sauce
3/4C Chicken Stock
1 1/2 tsp Tomato Paste
5 lbs Ground turkey breast
1 1/2 C plain dry Bread Crumbs
3 extra-large eggs, beaten
3/4C Ketchup

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.

In a medium saute pan heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add Onions, Salt & Pepper and Thyme. Cook until onions are translucent but not brown, about 10-15 mins. Add Worcestershire Sauce, Chicken Stock and Tomato Paste. Mix well. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temp.

Combine the Turkey, Bread Crumbs, Eggs & Onion mixture in a very large bowl. Mix well and shape into a rectangular loaf on an ungreased baking sheet. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for an hour and a half or until internal temp is 160 degrees.

Ina Note: A pan of hot water in the oven under the meat loaf will keep the top from cracking.


If you try it please let me know how your family liked it!

Happy Cooking!

Cheers,
Ouiser

Texas Is National Championship Bound!!!!

Holy - this is going to be the death of me- Batman!!!

I HATE games like this... I seriously stoped breathing for the last minute. Usually in a down-to-the-last-minute (in this case it was the last second) game I'm more than happy to put the fate of the world on our quarterback's shoulders (a la Vince Young) but a kicker? That's just too much for me to take.

Even though the kick wasn't pretty it got the job done ... we are heading to Pasadena to face the Crimson Tide for the National Championship and I can't think of a match up I'd rather see. Alabama has had such a tremendous year! 

Sadly, I won't actually be at the game unlike some of my friends... yeah that's right G-money I'm talking about you! Instead I'm sure I'll be sitting at home stuffing my face with chips and queso and yelling at the tv, but that's another post I'm sure no one wants to hear about.

I'll leave you with a few words from Mac Brown from just a few moments ago...  "we're the best come from behind team". So very true Mac, but must I always carry a bottle of tums with me to watch a game?

Now I'm off to sleep with a huge goofy grin on my face!

Cheers,
Ouiser

~Update~ New Folgers Coffee Christmas Commercial

Hat tip to one fabulous reader, Jonathan for sharing a link to the  the new Folgers Coffee Christmas commercial.

You might remember I blogged about my love of the original commercial circa the 1980's here and then about the new commercial here. As promised I'm adding the video clip for all of you that have been on pins and needless waiting to see it yourself.



Do you love it? Hate it? Could care less?

If you love it here's a free tip, try tuning into the Hallmark channel I'm pretty sure they play it at least once during every commercial break.

Okay back to the Texas vs. Nebraska game. Thank the God of all things football that we made that last touch down.

Cheers,
Ouiser

Ticking Clock....

Holy Cow! I just realized I have exactly 27 minutes of free time for the first time in ... ummmmm.... let's see.... ummmm... okay... a long time?

So of course I've headed straight to my blog to post something... anything, regardless of the fact that I've given no thought at all to what I'm going to write. That's beside the point, you won't mind if this is mindless drivel right? Cause we're friends, like really great friends right? And friends are required to listen to total drivel and nod supportively. Sometimes I love being a woman! I am pretty sure guys don't do that... just a slap on the back and an offer to buy you another round.

My continued lack of sleep has pretty much assured that I no longer have any real sense of time. When DH asked what time I got up in the middle of the night to feed the baby my regular response is "I dunno? maybe 3am? or was it 4am? I'm pretty sure it was between 3am and 5am."

I should note, that I'd literally be walking into walls if my in laws weren't here. My MIL has been making scrumptious dinners every night and getting up with our older son every morning. I'm totally ignoring the fact they are going home in a matter of days. No, no I can't think about that now, I won't think about that today, I'll think about that tomorrow. I think Miss Scarlett was really on to something.

15 minutes left....

So with my coffee buzz waining and the fact that I'm pretty sure I'm running out of words I know how to spell I'll wrap this up. Ugh, still no spell check on the new and (not) improved blogger.

Happy Friday.. oh wait... College Football! Okay you gotta check out the games this weekend. Of course you should watch the Texas game, natch but THE game to watch is the SEC championship between Alabama and Florida. The game will be great for sure and the winner will likely face Texas in the National Championship! Oh and a nod to my actual alma mater, SMU is going to a bowl game for the first time in like 20 years! Go Mustangs!!!!

7 minutes left...

Okay, so I'm going to leave you with a funny video from one of the funniest shows ever. Anyone else remember Mystery Science Theater 3000? Hilarious! And the fact that they are making fun of Twilight makes this even better. *Yes DH, I can make fun of Twilight and still be obsessed!* Enjoy and the next time I have a few minutes I'll try to post something equally silly and mindless.



Cheers,
Ouiser

with 1 minute to spare!