Mea Culpa

Is that a chocolate bar I see? My computer must be depressed. 

Dear Sweet Blog,


I'm sorry.


I know I gave you fair warning I'd be ignoring you this week but that doesn't make it hurt any less does it? I promise I did often think about you.... All alone in my little laptop just hoping I'd open you up so we could play and laugh. It makes me sad.


So, the kids are napping and I'm sipping on my third cup of coffee, a perfect time for us to play! What do you say? ...

**Bing**

LeCoeur: Hello Ouiser.

Ouiser: Uhhhh, Hello? LeCoeur is that you? I was just writing you a note. **nervously looks around**

LeCoeur: Yes, I see that.

Ouiser: Sooo, whatcha been up to?

LeCoeur: Once I realized you weren't coming back I put on my big girl pants, poured a glass of wine and ventured off to meet some new friends. You know, I'm very likable! **glaring with both eyes**

Ouiser: Oh that's great LeCoeur, I'm so happy for you. Did you meet anyone famous? Any cute boys? Spill it!

LeCoeur: Don't patronize me.

***crickets***

Ouiser: I'm sorry?

LeCoeur: Okay, that's better. **sachets over to a pouffy chaise lounge and curls up** So I guess I'll forgive you but don't let it happen again. I mean you didn't even share a recipe this week and I KNOW you had two in mind.

Ouiser: **plants head on desk** I know I know. How about if I post two recipes next week? Now... can we get on to the good stuff. Who'd you meet?

LeCoeur: First, did you know that Watts is a judge on American Idol?

Ouiser: Makes sense given her talent on the drums but I think you mean Ellen DeGeneres.

LeCoeur: Are you sure?


Ouiser: I mean I don't watch the show, but I'm pretty sure.

LeCoeur: Interesting. Well then... *with an evil glint in her eye** Did you know that Rob and Kristen were spotted out this week? And I'm pretty sure there was some kissing going on.

Ouiser: *Sigh* Yes, I did. You know even though I fully admit to "noticing" his hawtness, I'm not jealous or even envious. I have DH after all and I wouldn't trade him for anyone!  Plus did I mention he's 10 years younger? kinda icky.

LeCoer: *Pouting* You're no fun you know that? No fun at all.

Ouiser: Thanks LeCoeur... So, **nervously shuffles and lowers eyes** ... so, are we okay?

LaCoeur: Yes, but just so you know I am fully aware that you've been online and just chose not to visit me ... does this look familiar?

Ugh, always comes back to Twitter doesn't it? 

Busted....


Thanks for sharing my warped world for a few moments.

Happy Friday!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Is Rob Pattinson Taking Over the World? Or Am I Just Too Obsessed?

So it's been a pretty eventful week or two in the Twi-world ~ fan obsessed ~ Rob Pattinson universe. This of course will come as no surprise to anyone in said world but for those of you that only occasionally put your toe in the big twi-world swimming pool I'll be happy to share with you what those of us all prune-y from swimming in it have been discussing and drooling over.

1. Details Magazine. Umm wow, this photo shoot and accompanying video are hot... like Thoms. Crown Affair meets The Saint meets James Bond kinda hot. I'll just leave it at the fact that I've seen the letters NSFW more over the last week than I have in my entire time on line. yay, think about that.  I'm guessing that there is an article to go along with the pictures but frankly it doesn't so much matter. Although I'm sure I'll justify buying the magazine... you know, "for the articles".

2. New Eclipse "stills". Now if you are a newbie into the world of celebrity obsession you may not know this (I didn't) but studios distribute pictures from movie sets as teasers. And to be honest I don't get what all the fuss is about but I'm sharing it anyway cause I'm nothing if not thorough in my Twi-session.

3. BAFTA NIGHT!! Did you host a BAFTA watching party last night? Complete with themed menus and print out score cards, natch. Okay, if you're scratching your head and wondering if BAFTA is another new Olympic sport, it's not.  It's the British Academy of Film & Television Arts awards, kinda like our Oscars. And yes the lovely (and sincerely she did look lovely) KStew and adorkable (yes he seriously looked both adorable and dorky) RPattz were on hand to give out and in KStew's case, accept awards. And while I just couldn't muster the energy to jump into the insane online chatter about his hair ~ Too flat, too young, too greasy... too much for me! ~ I do think I prefer the scruff to the clean shaven look.

photos courtesy of PopSugar

Well that's it for my weekly R. Pattz update errrrr, **shakes head** I didn't just say that, did I? This will not be a weekly thing I promise errr, I think it won't be.

Now off to another cup of joe and some "reviewing" of last night's award show.... *sigh*... again.

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Addiction & More Excuses

So I thought I'd just throw out an excuse life line now before I blink and it's next Wednesday and I haven't updated the blog. Cause Imma gonna be honest with you... that's a very likely situation.

DMIL and DFIL are in town this week to play with the grand-babies. You'd think that'd mean I could sneak upstairs and read fanfic, "real" books and blog or nap or do whatever the heck I want. No, sadly.

I mean I could do that, and the in laws would be more than okay with me doing that. However that would mean I wouldn't get any of the real life errands I've been putting off because they sound so misserable when adding a 20 month old and a 3 month old into the equation. Think UPS, Home Depot Returns and the Post Office. I mean I love my kids... and if I were honest am more than a bit obsessed with them actually.

Never the less my precious boy is unable to keep his hands to himself and is constantly trying to take his baby brother's pacifier ... and let me tell you, this does NOT make for a pleasant shopping experience. When do they grow out of that stage? Is is too early to consider boarding school? Kidding people, it's only a joke!

So there's my excuse if and when I bail on the blog this week ... And here's my lame attempt at a post...

Aside from DH and my two precious, adorable, perfect, never-poop-spitup-throwup-spit-throwfood-throwpoop children I can't think of anything I love more than coffee. Well coffee and wine, but that is a whole other post.

If I could physically drink it all day long I would. Alas some time around 2pm my body seems to stage a revolt refusing to accept any more till I give in and down a few glasses of water sans the caffeine. 2 o'clock doesn't sound late except for the fact that I usually pour my first cup around 6:30 am and continue till I've drained the 10 cup pot. And I'm not proud to admit this but sometimes I make a second pot. I've never actually finished the second pot, but it's always good to have goals. Right? Umm anyone still there?

So when looking online I found these coffee funnies. Enjoy! Hope they keep you laughing till my next post or probably more likely your next cup 'o coffee. 

And incidentally when I was searching google for funny coffee images this fabulous gucci bag popped up. I'm thinking this is the internet fairies way of telling me I should buy it. What do you think?

And now I'm off to read a few more chapters in my Morganville Vampire Series before drifting off to bed and dreaming of coffee alarm jingles dancing in my head.

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Recipe of the Week ~ Banana Cream Pie & Vampire Excuses

Okay yeah, ummm I wasn't even sure if I should acknowledge the fact that I haven't blogged since Sunday, but let's be honest it's me and I can't help but over share.

So here's the deal... when I get sucked into a book (or in this case a series) I loose all ability to do much else but read. And yes, I've gotten sucked into ANOTHER vampire book series. I know I know, I swore to myself that I wasn't a "vampire" kinda girl and that Twilight was a one time thing. Well apparently after reading four, yes FOUR vampire series over the last seven months I'm finally admitting what DH has teased me about for months... I. Like. Vampire. Books. **drops head and sighs** 


Just a quick plug for the current book series, Morganville Vampire Series by Rachele Caine. The plot revolves around Claire Danvers, a brilliant sixteen year old college freshman at Texas Prairie University in Morganville who literally stumbles into serious trouble with every turn in this mysterious vampire ruled town. Luckily she finds refuge, friendship and first love in a house with three town rebels. This isn't as ummm, shall I say "risque" as the Southern Vampire Series but its action packed with a great story line and the romance is young and very sweet. There are seven books in the series (with the eighth coming out early this year) and I'm about to finish the second book later tonight. Thank goodness for my kindle! When I finished book 1 last night around midnight instead of responsibly going to bed I was able to feed my addition by ordering book 2 and starting it within 60 seconds. Gaaahhh how I love my kindle. Click here for more kindle lovin'.

Okay believe it or not today's post is in fact about food. In this case the BEST EVER Banana Creme Pie.  Early on in my relationship with DH I learned about his love of Banana Creme Pie so after several easy bake jello pudding pies complete with pre-made graham cracker crusts I decided it was time to "stretch my legs" so to speak. This recipe sounded complicated to me at first but having made it a number of times over the last few year it's become much easier. And since DH made a scrumptious Valentines Day dinner for me (Chinese Cashew Chicken!) I made this for dessert.

Recipe Credit: This came to me via Bon Appetite magazine from their RSVP section, which (if you aren't familiar with) is where they print recipes from restaurants that readers have requested. In this case it's from Memphis, Tennessee restaurant, McEwen's on Monroe. 

If you make this, please let me know what you think! I crave comments and am not afraid to ask for them!!

Banana Creme Pie
Crust
2 1/2 C    Graham Cracker crumbs (about 2 packages of crackers)
1/3 C       Sugar
1/4 C       Bananas, mashed
1/4 C       (1/2 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted


Filling
1/2 C      Sugar
1/3 C      Corn Starch
1/3 tsp    Salt
1 1/2 C   Whipping Cream
1 1/2 C   Whole Milk
3 large    Egg yolks
3 tsp       Vanilla (recipe calls for vanilla bean & extract but here I just increased the extract)
2            Ripe Bananas, peeled, cut in half and then cut into 1/4 inch slices.


For Crust: 
Preheat oven 350 degrees. Stir graham cracker crumbs, sugar & mashed bananas. Add melted butter and stir before pressing onto the bottom and up the sides of a 10-in glass pie dish. Bake crust 15 mins then cool completely before adding filling.


For Filling: 
Whisk sugar, cornstarch and salt in a large sauce pot. Whisk in whipping cream, whole milk, egg yolks and vanilla extract. Whisk over medium heat until custard thickens and boils (about 5 mins). Let custard cool completely, about an hour. 


Stir custard to loosen. Spread 1 Cup of custard on bottom of pie crust then top with a half of sliced bananas. Repeat layering with remaining custard and followed by banana slices. Chill pie until filling sets and crust softens slightly, at least 8 hours and up to one day. Add a layer of banana slices on top before serving. I also make homemade whip cream with a little sugar and vanilla extract to top of the pie.

Happy Baking!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Happy Valentine's Day

I wanted to post something snarky & sarcastic but I was disappointed by how few snarky & sarcastic Valentine's Day quotes, poems or cartoons are out there. Shocked? I know, me too....

So instead I'm going in a completely different direction. Here are some really lovely vintage Valentines that I think are beautiful, fun and would make any girl swoon!

Hope you have a lovely day surrounded by those you most love!

Hugs and Kisses,
Ouiser

Johnny Depp & Rob Pattinson ~ Hello March Madness!

So I don't want to go all fangirly on everyone out there so I'm going to get this out early... Squuueeeeel! March is going to be like totally awesome.

Okay, so if you're old (like me) you might think of Johnny Depp more like this than like this but both young and old can agree that he's hot. And the whole cool-shyguy-livinginaforeigncountry- thing isn't exactly a turn off either.

As you already know from reading this, New Moon is being released on March 20th. Have you pre-ordered your copy? It's not too late! 

But March will also see the release of Tim Burton's latest creep-ilicious retelling of a childhood classic. This time he's taken Alice in Wonderland, swirling it into his already bizarre mind and I can't wait to see it! 

Here's the trailer, take a peek. Apparently this was aired during the super bowl but I must have missed it cause I don't remember seeing it.

"I love a warm pig belly for my aching feet" Great stuff, right?! 

It hits theaters on March 5th and I'm definitely requesting this as my movie pick for my next date night with DH. Yep, dinner and a movie *sans kiddos* is a BIG night out for us these days. You know... cause we're old, I already told you that. Geesh. 

Happy Drooling!

Cheers, 

Ouiser 

I Don't Want to Write This & I Have Nothing to Say

I want to be upfront and clear from the beginning~ If you are looking for something insightful from today's post outclick now. That's right, I've got nothing worthwhile or interesting to share today.


Okay, with that off my chest I can continue. I swear I really did try my darndest to come up with a fun idea for today's post. But I got nothing and so I'm going to blame the kids.... again. Both of of my little ones are in diapers and they eat and poop A LOT. Wait, maybe if I feed them less they'll poop less? I kid I kid, sort of.


I really really wanted to write a book review, especially considering I've read four books in the last two weeks. Sadly I haven't liked any of them enough to write much more than "don't bother".  And no before you ask I'm not going to blog about them but if you really want to know email me and I'll spill the beans.


I do have high hopes for the books I'm currently reading as well as those in the cue. Right now I'm working my way through Dante's Pergatorio, Machiavelli's' The Prince and a book by a stay at home mom who blogs by the name "Mominatrix" (don't ask, its funny I swear). Odd grouping I know but well I'm odd. No no wait scratch that, I'm totally complex yes that's it, I want to be complex. **cue crickets & awkward silence** 


Sorry did I loose you there... lets get back to the post. Right okeey what is this post about, I keep forgetting... Oh right nothing. Got it!


Then I thought I'd share another recipe. I made these delicious burgers last night but if I give you another recipe what will I post next Wednesday? No no, better to wait and just tease you a bit now. Seriously folks brake out your indoor grills these are fantastic. And best of all I get to credit my dear sweet mother in law for introducing DH and I to theses tasty mega-meat burgers a few summers ago.


So umm **taps mike & nervously clears throat**... umm anyone still with me? oh good! So I decided to share a few songs that I'm listening to on repeat this week. Sadly with the 900 feet of snow trying to fight its way into our house I haven't been able to walk much so now I'm just bugging DH by playing it aloud as I type. He's totally loving me right now.

Oh and I wasn't able to add Beat the Devil's Tattoo by The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club because their new album isn't officially released till March. So instead I added another of their tunes that I like. Incidentally you can listen and buy their soon-to-be released music on Itunes. I'd share the link if I could but I don't seem to be tech-apable. tee hee hee. 


Cheers,
Ouiser

Recipe of the Week ~ Ouiser's Chicken Tortilla Soup

Do you hear that? It's faint I know but it's the sound of hands clapping wildly in a fit of astonishment. Their mine of course because this is the very first recipe that I created!!  I know shocking right? Cause I'm like awesome and stuff.

So in an attempt at full disclosure ~ why I'm bothering being honest I don't know, isn't that the point of a blog? its my word against ... no one else. Anyway, I did have two recipes that I used as inspiration but for the most part I went my own way. And even though I'm not usually one to "toot my own gahooganfloogan" (first person to name this 1980's tv reference wins a prize**) it was pretty darn tasty! So, here it is .... drum roll please... I'm serious, I'll wait * as fingers lightly tap laptop* okay that's better... Squueeeeeeel, I have my own recipe! 

Ousier's Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serves 2-4

1            Jalepeno

4           Cloves Garlic

1           Medium Sweet Onion

2 TBS   Olive Oil

1 TBS   Chili Powder

1 TBS   Cumin, ground

1 can    Rotel, with Cilantro

1 Qrt.   Chicken Stock

1 ½ lbs Chicken Breast

1 C      Water (optional-depending on how “soupy” you like)

3          Limes

¼  C    Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Corn Tortillas

Avocado

Mexican Cheese, shredded

Roast jalepeno and garlic in a sauté pan over medium heat. Do not add anything to the pan other then the pepper and garlic. Roast for about 10 mins, turning occasionally. Remove from heat, let cool and then finely chop both after removing stem from pepper and skin from garlic.

Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and roasted jalepeno and garlic. Cook for about 5 mins or until onion is translucent. Add chili powder, cumin, Rotel, chicken stock and chicken breast. Bring to a boil then lower heat to simmer for 20 mins or until chicken is cooked through. Remove Chicken and let cool, then shred and set aside.

Using an emersion blender/stick blender blend soup till smooth. Add shredded chicken, juice from 2 limes and most of the cilantro, leaving a little cilantro to top each soup bowl with.

Cut corn tortillas in half and then into strips. Lightly fry/sautee in a pan with a little olive oil or corn oil.

Serve Soup with Avocado slices, fried tortilla strips, cilantro, lime and shredded Mexican cheese. 

I served cheese quesadillas with this for dinner the other night and it was super filling and delicious. I hope if you've got some time on your hands you'll make this soon. And if you don't like it then clearly you must be making it wrong. 

Happy Slurping!

Cheers, 

Ouiser


** Prize: Your choice ~ a Thanksgiving Turkey sticker from Trader Joe's or small packet of crayons left over from a trip to church. Both of which my 20 month old son loves, so I know these are like super cool prizes. 

Late to the Party but Still Laughing!

I think we can all agree that I'm not exactly "cutting edge" and I'm always late to the party... example A and example B. So if you've seen this clip forgive me!

Never the less it makes me laugh hysterically every time I watch it so I'm going to post it anyway. I mean I guess there is an off chance you missed SNL this week or perhaps you missed any number of emails, blog posts and tweets linking to the clip on Sunday. Yep, it's now Tuesday, hardly breaking news I know. Well at least *I'm guessing* this will be new for Mamere. Of course Mamere probably won't think it's funny. Infact, she'll probably scold me for posting something with profanity. Tisk Tisk Ms. Ousier!

Okay enough with all the set up... Happy Politic-ing!

**Profanity warning** Yes, it's bleeped out but there is still a lot of it, so you've been forewarned!**



Okay what was your favorite part? Mine? Oh you're so sweet to ask... Well I'll tell you, it was the Facebook bit. What are you fourteen? hee hee I can't stop laughing!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

How Have We Not Talked about Amazon?

In the midst of being house bound over the extended weekend I did some browsing on other people's blogs and found this blog has a great category that I am unabashedly going to steal.... "How Have We Not Talked About This?" So great right? Especially because I'm pretty much always late to the party be it cultural references, tv shows, viral videos, and yes even blogs.

Blog Credit: Thanks for the tip G-man, wouldn't have found it with out you!

So with that in mind... How have we not talked about Amazon!?!?

For years I only used Amazon to buy the occasional book that I couldn't find at (or too lazy to check) my neighborhood book store. Apparently I didn't get the memo that you can in fact find anything and everything you need, don't need, think you might need one day and know you'll never need but better to buy it just in case... all conveniently located on your laptop. 

My DBIL (that's darling brother in law) mentioned one year that he signed up for free shipping on all of his Amazon orders for some ridiculously low annual fee. At the time I thought, well I'd never need that, I hardly ever order anything from Amazon. But now that I'm home with two munchkins still in car seats and only one that can walk, err toddle I'm all like WHERE IS THAT OPTION?

Does it work just to throw cash at my monitor??

So far this month we've ordered eight e-books for my kindle (more here), one "real" book, a sesame street toy remote for the precious one, some nursing-mom things (trust me, don't ask), DH's Valentines day present **giggle giggle** and a crib rail cover in the third round attempt to keep the precious one from eating his crib. Incidentally he's already gotten through the paint and into the wood. So if there are learning "problems" somewhere along the way I think we all know what (and not who) to blame. 

Wonder if my order is in there??

I mean other than my discovery of diapers.com which by the way is AMAZING! I think Amazon may be my most favorite store ever!

Best wishes that you find everything you never knew you needed and more! 

Cheers, 

Ousier

Expedition for Essentials...

Just back from the Great Tundra where I've been out foraging for food and other essentials.... And yes "essentials" include Glitter Heart Fairy Wands, Butter and Beer..

En route to 7-11 *cue heavenly harp music* I made a stop into the Dairy Godmother for brownies, cookies, frozen custard and some heart shaped fairy wands, natch.

Imagine hearts instead of stars. Can't find a pic of the hearts & my son is sitting on me, preventing me from taking a pic of the ones I bought. 

After some fun snow-bantering I trudged on to 7-11. While I assumed they'd have all sorts of fun grocery items DH was a little less sure. He's such a pessimist, okay okay "Realist".

So what do you think? Did I get the good stuff? I gave a half second thought about getting a slurpee but decided to go for the sparkling water instead.

Off to make a dinner of "Snacks" think nachos and popcorn. Perfect for watching the Super Bowl.

Geaux Saints!!!!!

Cheers, 
Ousier

A SnOMG Journal...

Day One: Prepare for Snow-sault...
 ~ Stock fridge with food. DH came home with twice as much steak as I requested but "forgot" the lettuce.
 ~ Stock bar with wine & liquor. You know, for warmth!

~Unexpected power outage around 9:30pm. DH worries about heat for the babies, while I stress about our wireless internet access.

 ~ Remain calm and light candles. Note to self: Buy some non-scented candles. Our house still smells like a mixture of Christmas pine and black cherry with a hint of lily. PS that combo does not smell good. 


~ When all out of conversation (aka DH is tired of me talking) go to bed earlier than either of us has since Baby Deux's birth.

Day Two: Snow-vasion continues
~ Thank God for the return of power and immediately make coffee, check twitter and reset all the clocks. Note to self: Add coffee press to list of items needed in our home emergency kit. 


~ Make ginormous breakfast of fried eggs, bacon and homemade biscuits.

~ Super DH heads out (without his superhero cape) to shovel the house out. Roof and all!

~ Bundle up and go play in the snow with DH and the baby. Baby Duex stays inside and sleeps through it all. He's so lazy, right? 


~ Dry off and eat again. What is it about snow days that makes me want to eat everything in my fridge?! S'now not okay. tee hee hee

~ Put baby to bed and start making Chicken Tortilla Soup and Quesadillas for dinner. Soup was delicious by the way but I can still feel the burn from the jalepeno. Its the next day and I've even showered. How long does it take capsaicin to leave your skin???


~ Atempt to rent a movie on On-Demand. Denied AGAIN and resort to watching Baby Mamma on HBO! What tha? I swear I paid the bill this time! Darn you Comcast! **shakes fist wildly in the air**


Day Three: Snow-bored

~ Wake up leisurely at 9:30. WHAT? Sweet DH lets me and Baby Duex sleep in as he wrestles with the drooling mess that is our older son.

~ Make another monster breakfast ~ Meegas the size of Chipotle Burritos!

~ Survey the quickly dwindling contents of our fridge.

~ Realize that the neighborhood cheese shop is closed again today rendering my fondu SuperBowl menu defunct. Worse yet is the realization that the only store open in walking distance is 7-11 and begin a very unhealthy "grocery" list.

Silver lining... we still have plenty of good wine so I will not be forced to buy any from 7-11. At least that's something!

Cheers, 
Ousier

Snow-ma-geddon

The DC area is bracing for the "snow storm of the decade". If we hadn't already had several big snow storms this winter I might be more excited but we've stocked up on snacks and wine so as far as I'm concerned we're all set.

Having said that DH is home early and so no post for me today... Instead I'm going to play with DH and the boys all afternoon.

I'm off to make some hot cocoa. Okay ONE tip to share. When making hot chocolate add a few chocolate chips to the milk and cocoa powder to kick up the chocolatey flavor. Shhh, it'll be our little secret.


Enjoy!

Cheers,
Ouiser

Make Your Living Room Smile

As I'm cooped up in the house awaiting what I'm lovingly referring to as "the big bad snowstorm" I thought I'd do a quick post on some of my favorite finds for the living room. Did you guess that we are redoing ours? Well its bit by bit but yes.

Of course considering that the little ones are both napping (AT THE SAME TIME!) I'm avoiding what I should be doing... um lets see... shower, cleaning the house, those pesky bills I didn't get to yesterday and probably a number of other things I'm not even thinking about. But no I'm blogging.

The Iris Chair from Grandin Road

I love this chair in red but I'm thinking brown would be better for my house full of boys. Yes, I've been married almost 6 years and we're still transitioning from a girly country french to more male friendly neutrals. And did I mention the price? It's only $199. That's right, $199. If I've got the room two would really look better than one and at that price it's hard to beat. You can buy your own at www.grandinroad.com or by clicking here.

The Luccia Sofa from Red Barn Mercantile

I stumbled upon this sofa while in one one of my favorite stores, Red Barn Mercantile the other weekend. If you live in the DC area you really should checkout this little gem located in Old Town and if not you can visit them online at Red Barn Mercantile. They have great furniture, children's books, linens and other super unique home wares. Since this is a custom upholstered piece the prices vary quite a bit. Again, with two little ones at home, I'd go with the slipcovered option in a neutral dark tone.

And I think some of these pillows from Ballad Designs would help add some color to this or any sofa and are a great way to change up you room's look for each season. I have the Ballard Design's Basic Square Pillows on my girly pink and white striped sofa in green and white and in chocolate brown in my bedroom, all with embroidered monogram, natch. You can get your own here or here.

So there you have it, a few fun finds to spruce up your living room!

Happy Shopping!

Cheers, 
Ousier

Recipe of the Week ~ Chicken & Corn Chowder

Okay, so I know I'm super late getting this out but it's not my fault, I swear.

And by "not my fault" I mean I was totally wrapped up in twitter and online reading (aka fanfiction) not to mention my two little boys and bills and thank you notes (yes still working on my Christmas thank you list!, No judging please!) and wrapping up our '09 Tax organizer. A task I might add that I feel woefully ill-equipped to do. Isn't this why we have an accountant?!

Oh and I had a nice long chat with Mamere. I might add she's really been doing a number on my needy only child syndrom. You know the one that makes me irrationally irritated when she doesn't drop everything to entertain me every morning with a phone call. I believe I mentioned somewhere along the way that I'm both irrational and unreasonable.

blurg... I've gone rouge again haven't I?! Well it's super cold and snowy here and I'm a little stir crazy, speaking of...

Dear Snow Fairies, 
Thanks for all the snow, we've had a blast. We met our neighbors and made snow angels and snow balls and got lots of adorable pics of the baby in the snow. But now I'm tired of you, please please please go somewhere else. Now I hear your coming for another visit this weekend. Please stay home, we don't like you anymore. 
xoxo, 
me

Okay with that off my chest I can get to today's recipe. When it's cold outside (which I believe I've clearly stated above) I always crave soups. This week I'm making this one along with a Chicken Tortilla that one of my best friends recommended. If it's as good as he claims, I'll see if I can share it with you next week.

This version of Chicken and Corn Chowder is extremely simple and easy to make but don't let that fool you, it's absolutely delicious as well! It's courtesy of Mamere, so thanks!

Chicken & Corn Chowder
Serves 4
1                 Rotisserie Chicken, debone leaving only the chicken
1/4 C          Onion, chopped (I always prefer using sweet onions)
3 TBS         Unsalted Butter
2 16 oz.      Cans Creamed Corn
1 103/4 oz. Can Cream of potato soup
3 C            Milk (non-fat is okay but 2% is better)
1 TBS        Dried Parsley
1/4 tsp       Celery seed (I prefer celery salt to the seed) 
Salt & Pepper to taste
Optional: Hot sauce  (I love Texas Pete)
Mix all ingreadients in a large sauce pot and heat till soup is simmering. I serve this either alone or with a salad for dinner.

Keep Toasty!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Obligatory Valentine's Day Post

Whether your tastes run toward the sappy and sentimental...

or to the sarcastic and sardonic...







Remember the day is about celebrating those you love!

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays I appreciate but have never relished. I mean for a number of my adult years I spent the evening with my very best girlfriends drinking wine, snacking on cheese and laughing... belly laughing. It's pretty hard to top that in my book, no matter what the people at Hallmark tell you.

So once DH and I started dating it wasn't as if I expected flowers (Note: flowers are always appreciated~ not just on holidays and special occasions) chocolate and smaltzy poetry. In fact I prefer to skip the overcrowded restaurant scene on Valentine's Day and instead have DH make dinner that night. He really is an amazing cook, slow and methodical but amazing nonetheless. He has the patience to make things I'd never attempt.

I thought I'd share a few fun gift ideas for your special someone or heck for yourself! When I was in college I instituted a rule that I always gave myself a special gift if I was single on Valentines Day. One year it was a pair of Feragamo heels, another year a David Yurman ring. Both of which I loved and clearly still remember even if I did leave the ring in a woman's restroom counter years later. Arrg!

Okay, so a leather bound book of love letters might be a weird gift to give one of your girlfriends but I am a sucker for Smythons and I thought this was so pretty and romantic. I wish I knew what letters it includes but nevertheless I think it's adorable and would make a really really sweet gift! Just imagine snuggling up to your special someone and reading to each other. Click here to purchase.


A day at a nice spa will certainly make that special someone glow inside and out!  A gift certificate to a nearby spa is a fun idea but if you want to go that extra mile, try booking the day for your sweetheart. You don't have to know what her favorite treatment is, just the fact that you took the time to pick a few treatments for her and scheduled them is a gift in itself! If you're in the DC area I highly recommend checking out Sugar House Day Spa. They are located in a beautiful old townhouse in the heart of old town and offer a wide aray of ways to pamper!

And if you allow for a little shopping afterwards check out Bellacara for fabulous makeup, skincare and candles and then stroll on down to Bloomers, an adorable little shop that sells underware, sleepware and loungeware. All of which is cute and flirty without being overly sexed-up (not that there's anything wrong with that). All three shops are within two blocks of each other.

If you're planning to spend the evening at home (like I am) why not pick up a special bottle of wine. Do you have a particular wine that you both love? Or had on a special occasion? DH and I do and I always gush when he surprises me with a bottle of ... mmmm, I'm not going to tell you. Some things just shouldn't be shared. :) But if you are in the Del Ray area, I implore you to stop by Daily Planet Wine. The staff is very friendly without being pushy and they are always up for talking wine and giving great recommendations.

And what is a Valentines Day with out dinner? Try taking a cooking class together! Sur La Table offers several different courses. I think the Southeast Asian Street Food Favorites looks delish! DH and I took the "Baby It's Cold Outside" class several years ago and I loved it! Not only did we have a great time it also showed me how much I enjoy cooking with DH ~ and a bottle of wine, natch.

I hope you've got a few good gift ideas from this post. And boys, (cause I like to pretend that boys sometime read this blog.. ha ha ha) girls like to know you put in some real thought and perhaps even a little effort. That matters much more than the amount of money you spend!

Happy Shopping!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Running a Close Second to My Twilight Obsession...

If you've read any of my post you know that I tend to get obsessed with things...

Twilight ... Sparkling Water ... Twilight ... Shoes ... Twilight ... Wine ... Twilight ... Reading ... Reading Twilight ... Reading Twilight Fanfiction. Okay you get the idea. My recent obsession? Twitter. Most definitely Twitter!

Are you on Twitter? Okay, just going to lay it out for you now.

Stop Reading.
Go to ww.twitter.com
Click on "sign up now"
Join.

Helpful Tip #1: Think about your username before you pick it. This will be the name that everyone uses to find you and what will show up when you tweet. Take it from me (@namorrell) I wish I'd known that before I picked such a generic user name.

Names I wish I'd picked...
Ouiser B. (my favorite monicker of course)
Shankapotomus (click here to learn more)
Shaglover (the movie people! where is your mind? tisk tisk)
Twi-sessed (pretty sure someone already has this one)
DesigningWoman (ooh, I gotta blog about this sometime)

Now that you're on twitter, go make some friends!

Helpful Tip #2 Introduce yourself to some of my friends.
@Paula_Deen
@nprbooks
@savannahGuthrie
@torianddean
@thebump
@heypopsugar
@real_simple
@Usweekly
@kenbakernow (from US Weekly)
@Twilight (natch)
@dailycandy
@vanityfairmag
@ENewsNow
@jaketapper (ABC correspondent- HILARIOUS!)
@cnnbrk
@ourkitchensink
@politico
@wmag
@WillieGeist1
@JoeNBC
@bittersweetOT
@dairygodmother
@DCLadies
@muse (great twitpics)

Helpful Tip #3 Twitter Dictionary. I'm still learning but here are few I know.
<3  = Heart/love as in I <3 you
ily = I love you
RT= Re-tweet

Helpful Tip #4 Don't be afraid to share the inane. Everyone does.

A tweet I sent during the State of the Union .... "Yellow is clearly the new red for Congresswomen. Of course Shelia Jackson Lee is holding strong with a forgetable red sequined shawl.." Thought it'd be something political? Oh I had those too!

Happy Tweeting!

Cheers, 
Ouiser