The First Book I Don't Want on My Kindle

This came as a bit of a shock to me but there is an actual book (hard copy and everything) that I want... and not on my kindle. **Gasp!**

If you've been to visit or read some of my previous posts on the subject you know that we are woefully lacking in bookshelves in the (not so) new house. Therefore I'm on strict orders (that DH can really crack the whip) not to buy any more. 

Almost all of our books are still in their little brown cardboard moving boxes in our storage shed. And I tear up a little thinking about how sad and cold them must be as even the boxes are starting to sag from the weight of being stacked on top of one another. I really must find a more fitting space for them in our home, it would be cruel not to. 

Setting aside my cold lonely friends for a moment, I LOVE this book and can't wait to own my very one copy.

I noticed it yesterday courtesy of a tweet from the Luxist. You've heard me mention them before. Oh and while I'm on the subject of Twitter... Are you on? Are you following Bergdorf's? Oh you should be. It makes me smile every time I see the familiar little purple icon pop up to tell me some fabulously stylish little tidbit. You can follow them by clicking here. 

As you might imagine, this is a collection of "the most architecturally and historically significant estates in the South", or so say the people at the Luxist. I've seen a lot of pretty coffee table books but this one seems to both have beautiful photographs as well as wonderfully rich stories about the building of the homes and the families that lived with in them. So, totally up my alley. 

Happy Reading!

Cheers, 

Ouiser

My (Newest) Favorite Skincare Line

I don't think its going to come as any big surprise that I'm the type of girl that likes all sorts of fun skincare products. The fruitier smelling and pinker the bottle the better!

I can spend hours at the makeup counter and as a stay at home mom I don't even wear makeup regularly. That is with the exception of lipgloss. Cause that totally makes up for no makeup, not blowdrying my hair and the fact that I'm usually in jeans and a tee shirt.

Yes my lovely readers, here's a secret Ouiser tip~ quality lipgloss and a statement worthy necklace can make any scruffy looking gal fabulously stylish, or at least that's what I tell myself, so please don't burst the bubble.

One of my favorite people in the world (and not just because she was the third person to read my blog after Mamere & DMIL) is the fabulously stylish Ms. Marilyn. She is my mommy role model! She's a CEO, a mom to three precious angels AND she has time to feed my reading obsession ~ both high and low brow. Can you guess which I prefer?

So when I was looking for a new moisturizer of course she came to my rescue and suggested I check out Garden Girl, a natural skin care line for all types of skin. I have moderately sensitive (and very fare) skin so I usually need something that isn't too greasy or has too many scents.

Once on their site I decided to try out a few of their products...

No Worries, Night Cream for Sensitive Skin ~ I love this product!!! It's thick which is exactly what I want in a night cream but isn't greasy at all. Plus it doesn't irritate the skin around my eyes, like so many other night creams do. I kinda-sorta feel like my face has a bit more of a glow but that might be the fact that our new baby is finally sleeping through the night. And I mean really, it's not a magic potion, it's just a moisturizer people.

Zippity Do Dah Peppermint Foot Cream ~ Also LOVING this one!! I don't know about you but my feet always have a rough (tee hee hee) time in the winter. And now's the time I'm constantly moisturizing my feet and sleeping in socks. Most of the pepermint foot creams I've tried seem way too intense, to the point that I have a hard time sleeping because my feet are all tingly (and not in a good way). This cream is still pepperminty but not so overpowering and again it's not greasy, which I think I've establish how I feel about greasy lotions.

Pucker Up Exfoliating Sugar Scrub ~ So, I'm a huge fan of smell good exfoliants and this one has it all! From the time I was 12 and bought my first St. Ives Apricot exfoliant (you know you had it too) I've been a sucker for them. I must say that the pucker up scrub rivals my all time favorite, Kiels' honey almond exfoliant.

They also threw in a travel size sample of their face wash, which I'll be honest I haven't tried yet. At first I thought it'd be perfect to take with me on my next business trip. And then I remembered I haven't taken a business trip since February of 2008.

So if you're in need of some new skincare products or just looking to mix things up a bit I highly recommend these products. Either way, you should check out their website as they have lots of other girly, smell-good, pink products. YUM!

Happy Pampering!

Cheers,
Ouiser

LOST ~ Bringing Dialogue to Marriages Since September 22, 2004

Do you watch LOST? No? Okay, I'm going to shoot strait with you. Go ahead and stop reading. Aside from my witty, charming and endearing writing this post isn't going to be of any interest to you. shoo. 

Okay, fellow Lost fans (stop snickering DH~ I'm still a fan.) now that it's just us.

I'm sure I don't even need to ask if you watched this week's episode cause its Thursday. And even if you were stuck at the office err gym.. okay the bar and missed the episode, you've surely seen it by now online or courtesy of your Tivo. 

There are a million and one theories out there on the island, the characters, the "monsters" ... blah blah blah blah. I won't bore you with discussing them all. I do however want to discuss what I think it all means. Helloooo this is my blog ~ what, were you expecting a democracy? not here people. 

So, it just so happens that I'm in the midst of reading Dante's Divine Comedies ~ Inferno, Purgatorio & Paradisio. Ah yes, thank you twilight fanfiction for turning me on to said reading.

I'm more convinced than ever that the entire Lost series is based on these Medieval poems. I don't want to turn this into a lecture so I'll be brief but if you want to discuss further by all means leave me a comment... or email me. I'd love to discuss.

1. Being "Lost"

Divine Comedies (DC): We first meet Dante when he is lost. Literally in the woods and figuratively~ his soul's path toward salvation. 

Lost: Each of the characters who find themselves "lost" on the island also seem to be struggling to find their way in their real lives as well as physically on the island. 

2. Good vs. Evil - The Rules

DC: There are clear rules that seem to be unbreakable in hell, purgatory and heaven (paradise). One being that the devil is unable to leave hell. He there for can not enter purgatory nor can he enter heaven.

Lost: IF the island is hell as some have described and our new "friend"- the man in black/smoke monster is indeed the devil he is physically unable to leave. Of course there have been hints at a loophole that would allow him to leave. Alas, am thinking that in Dante's time "loopholes" to your salvation did not exist.

3. Pennace is required for one's salvation.

DC: The entire Comedies are based on this notion.  Accepting God is without question the most crucial step towards salvation however, your past sins aren't exactly wiped away. You must repent and pay penance for your sins before you are invited to paradise. In the Comedies these sinners are forced to pay penance (in some pretty creatively nasty ways) for hundreds and thousands of years before they may assend.

Lost: Our lovable sinners are given a much easer time of their penance if in fact that's what is happening. Regardless, it is clear that they are all being forced to work through their "real life" issues and behavior.


4. Virgil & Hurley
DC: Dante is led through Hell by the Greek poet (and one of Dante's heros) Virgil. He is able to calm, instruct, persuade and even scold Dante when needed. 
Lost: Hurley is the most genuinely good figure in this story. He is innocent but wise and often scared but always brave in the end. He is the "voice of truth" expressed by those unable to do so themselves (usually because they are dead but that's another issue)


okay... seriously peeps I could go on, (ie Jacob being the Angel at the gates of Purgatorio keeping the devil out) but nap time is almost up and mommy needs to get started on today's errands....so this is it.


5. Beatrice & Isabella
DC: She is at the very heart of Dante's life and his writing. To quote an incredibly talented author. "she represents courtly love, poetic inspiration, faith, hope, and charity. She is the ideal of feminine perfection, at once intelligent and compassionate, and vibrant with the kind of selfless love that can only come from God. She inspires Dante to be a better man." She is the driving force and the reason that Dante's soul may be saved. 
Lost: It is clear that Richard and Isbella have an epic love as well. Their situation seems to be oddly reversed from that of Dante and Beatrice. Richard was able to spend his "life" with Isabella but now must face eternity with out her. Despite this separation, on more than one occasion Isabella "saves" Richard. Even now she is only concerned with his salvation. She is clearly watching over him and appears (through Hurley) to remind Richard not to stray from his intended path.


And more to this point ~ the names Isabella and Beatrice. During the time which Dante is writing (late 1200's) the name "Beatrice" was understood to be a personification or the human beautification of love- from the Greek which has four versions of love. Eros (sexual), Agape (sacrificial), Philia (friendly), and finally Storge (familial).

Isabella, as you can guess is a form of Bella - meaning beautiful in Italian, incidentally this is Dante's native language. And speaking of Italy, Sandro Botticelli, the famous Italian Renaissance painter did an entire series of paintings depicting Dante's stories and his "image" of Beatrice. The woman depicted in his paintings is often referred to as his muse, La Bella Simonetta. Take a look at these painting and tell me she doesn't look a lot like Richard's Isabella?

This last one is Botticelli's painting representing the four types of love....

NOTE: The main issue for me remains to be Bernard and Rose. Why they are there? Is it a reward because she was sick in "real life"? Are they meant to be an example for the other characters? Oddly enough this is one point which DH and I completely agree on ... we are flummoxed. 

So my dearest DH, if you don't share a comment on today's post I don't imagine you ever will. ;)

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Recipe/Cocktail of the Week ~ Margaritas

I'm not going to lie, I debated about whether I wanted to share today's recipe with you. Everyone always raves about these and I'll be frank, it has kinda been my "thing" for years.

But, what can I say? I'm just that kind of person ~ kind, giving, always thinking of others ~ you know, basically like Mother Theresa with better clothes. 

Here in DC, Ms. Spring seems to have awoken and is peaking out from under her duvet. I for one am eagerly awaiting her annual arrival. Cherry blossoms, farmers markets, long long walks in the neighborhood and dining al fresco.

Which brings me to today's post. I absolutely adore cocktailing in the out of doors. Lets be clear, I'm not "outdoorsy" but if given a nice table and chairs on a stable surface I can stay outside for hours sipping away. 

I wish I could credit the right person for this recipe but frankly I've been making them since college... and if I were being totally honest maybe even high school so I have no idea where I got it. Never the less they are simple and delicious! I for one am NOT a fan of margarita mix, it always taste so syrupy. If you feel the same, please don't be scared by the limeade, I swear it has a nice clean crisp flavor. 

We've got another busy weekend but I feel confident that when push comes to shove I can make time for some quality backyard bonding with one of these in my hands.

Ouiser's Margaritas

Makes 4 servings

2 8 oz. cans of Minute Maid frozen limeade

1 bottle Corona beer

4-5 oz. Tequila (or more -- no judging from me) 

limes & kosher salt

Mix first three ingredients in pitcher until limeade has completely dissolved. Add ice to glasses before pouring and a slice of lime to each glass makes it perfect.

Notes: ~  I've tried any number of mexican beers with this recipe and Corona is by far the best! But by all means experiment till you find your favorite.

~ Maybe I'm getting old and persnickety but it's worth it to buy decent tequila. Yes, peeps it does make a difference. 

~ For those that like salted margaritas (that'd be me) just rub a little lime juice around the rim of the glass and dip in kosher salt before pouring. I've found that pouring kosher salt on a small appetizer plate is perfect for this little task. 

Happy Cocktailing!

Cheers, 

Ouiser 

There's a New Moon Rising...

**rings bells wildly and shouting**


The British Are Coming, The British Are Coming.....


So I'm taking liberty with that line but RPattz is British as is the good Doctor Cullen so work with me people. DH and I were up past midnight with Baby Deux and then back up again with him at 5am. Did I mention I've only had two cups of coffee?


Anywho, my dear post man arrived yesterday afternoon to me squealing....  It's Heeeeeeeeeeere. Yes, that's right my New Moon DVD arrived yesterday afternoon. Here's a bit of conversation I had afterwards with DH. And if you don't pick up the sarcasm you're not reading it right. 


Ouiser: So, our precious angel ran off with the remote control and I've just spent 20 minute on the hunt. It was in the bathroom, natch  PS New Moon arrived today, feel like breaking it in tonight?


DH: Oh boy, shouldn't that be saved for a weekend so we can really spend time analyzing it.


Ouiser: Wow, that soon? Are you sure I shouldn't just wait till you're out of town late next month?


DH: That is a good idea. Wait, you're watching it right now aren't you? you are. 


Ouiser: Moi? Sigh.... No, but I thought about it. Alas, good mommy won out and we're watching sesame street instead.


Poor poor Ouiser, right? I guess my feelings are best summed up by one of my favorite tweeps (that's people who twitter)...


"My gay husband just offered to come over and watch New Moon with me. My real husband says that's great!"


Sigh... where is my gay husband? 


So, long story short, my fingers are crossed I can watch New Moon during nap time today, that is unless I pass out from exhaustion. 


Cheers, 
(A Very Sleepy) Ouiser

Another Day ... Another Design

So I think you all know that we're in the midst of redecorating a few rooms in our home. And through out this process I've been a bit more like the turtle than the hare in my endeavors. I search and search and search... discuss with DH... make a decision ... change my mind ... and start all over.  Sigh. We ARE going to have the living room done before baby deux's baptism even if I have to make the sofa myself!

Last night as I was flitting between cspan coverage of the House health care debate, Twitter (natch) and some of my favorite design sites I stumbled upon a few things that I'm loving... but of course don't need. 

Realistically we don't have a need for the tables (we are swimming in ottomans used as coffee tables, seriously I'm so not kidding) and I'm pretty sure that two of these chairs would swallow up the space I have designated for two accent chairs. But Ms. Reality has never been a friend of mine so why start pretending to like her now? This from the woman that has bought at least three pieces of furniture that upon delivery didn't fit in the afore planned room and in one case didn't even fit up the staircase.

I do however think a series of three rooster paintings would look perfect on the long wall of our dinning room... and well I just love pillows... lots and lots of pillows... in every room and on any surface that will stand still.

okay... less talking and more pic posting... :) I should also mention that these all come from Pierre Deux.

I'm just really loving the peacocks... so prissy and full of themselves. ;)

Cheers, 

Ouiser

Spring Has Sprung...

Considering the Ouiser brood have been trapped in doors for what feels like forever, the spring like temps and sunshine have sent us running with full force outside. We've spent all week either in the back yard or at the park. In fact as I type these very words I'm lounging out back as the precious one "tinkers" with his toy car and baby deux is snoozing in his baby seat. The only thing missing is Daddy and he's offered to fire up the BBQ this weekend. Sigh. Life is grand.

Okay... just a cute little something I noticed this morning for your Friday online shopping pleasure. Its from a post on Luxist.com. I also follow them on twitter, lots of fun posts! Check em out if you're online wandering today. Click here for the post and here for their site and here to follow them on twitter.

 I LOVE the one with three bands covered in feathers. I only wish I looked better in headbands. I think my face is too oval shaped to pull off headbands very successfully. Never the less I have several that make the occasional appearance when I tire of my hair clips.

Okay back to pushing the little one in his car, whilst listening to tunes and reading a little from my kindle. Jealous? *wink wink*

Cheers, 
(Contented) Ousier

Things I Learned from My Girl's Night

Last night I hosted an impromptu girls supper after our designated host cancelled due to a seriously nasty bout with the flu. So far it sounds like the awful illness is still winning. (sorry sweetie!)

This is of course why I didn't post last night but it did give me today's post (as well as some seriously needed girl time) so there's my rational...and yes I know you're dying for this week's recipe so I'll try to get that out later today or tonight. 

As a stay at home mom I'm kinda what you might call "out of the loop". Basically the only things I can converse about intelligibly are which diapers are the most absorbent and which diaper cream works best (Pampers & Triple cream if you're curious) Frankly I'm not even that up to date with the latest baby accessories recalls. DH is always the one to send me the information. Yes, I know its another mom fail.

Any who, here are just a few of the new and interesting things I learned last night during my brief glimpse into the world of the working woman ~ sans children. 

1. Madonna is old and no longer cool because Lady Gaga isn't interested in appearing with her. 

*note: Lady Gaga is not in fact a man in drag as I assumed ala RuPaul. She's a very popular singer.

2. Boys and Girls no longer talk on the phone. They don't even email. They text. It is even acceptable to break up over a text. 

*note: I would not have liked this. I'm much too wordy.

3. It is still unacceptable to spend your 5th date in a row at the bar. And it is never okay to tell the girl you'll split the sushi roll she just ordered. 

*thank goodness some things haven't changed.

And lastly....

4. No matter how much dessert you eat while at someone else's house there is never enough arm twisting to get you to take even one bite home with you. Sigh... I have a lot of dessert in my fridge that I just know I'm going to have for lunch today. 

*note: I kinda already knew this one, but it didn't stop me from over buying at the store yesterday. 

Hope you found this tutorial helpful!

Cheers, 

Ouiser

Screaming Babies, Lots of Wine & Some Tunes That Don't Suck

Hi Folks, Ouiser here... I know today's post is late but it's been one of those Monday's.

You know the ones where you wake up early to a screaming hungry baby at 6am and then 16 hours later you finally get a screaming baby to sleep. Yep that was my day today... just add an over active toddler, an ill fated grocery store trip, at least 135 diaper changes and 3 glasses of wine (after 5:30 natch).... and here I am.

Oh and well ... **blushes**... umm


Le Coeur: Oh lord woman just spill it!

Ouiser: okay okay fine but it's like totally embarrassing

So, as I was taking baby deux to bed my pants literally fell down (yes, to my ankles) as I was walking up the stairs. It was almost in slow motion, slipping further with each step and I am pretty sure DH shed a tear or two he was laughing so hard. I in turn was shaking from laughing so hard and simultaneously praying that baby deux didn't wake up. So yeah, take that Justin Timberlake cause I'm totally taking Sexy Back. 

Anywhooo, I've been listening to these songs on repeat the last couple of weeks and have yet to tire of them. On my ipod when I'm on a walk with the babes, on my laptop while playing in the backyard with the babes and in the car when running errands ... yes you guessed it, with the babes. 

Do you like? DH actually agreed to take me to see BRMC at a club here in early April and I'm SOOOOO excited. We even have the nanny booked, which means it really is happening!

For my local friends... that means you ladies, I know its a school night but put on you skinny jeans and summon your inner (irresponsible) 25 year old self and join us!

Cheers, 

Ouiser 

An Oldie but a Goodie...

So yeah, it's 9pm here and I've had a play date ~ turned happy hour at which DH made a very welcomed appearance. Although sadly the precious babe was too focused on chicken nuggets and Shrek to notice when he walked in the door.

And now DH is toddling around in the kitchen making pizza. Mmmm, if only you could smell the wonderfully bacony ~ oniony ~ sausagey aroma coming out of our kitchen you'd know it's going to be good. Oh and apparently I'm not allowed to add anything... not even a sprinkling of sea salt. Kinda my "thing". I can't help it I <3 Sea Salt.

okay... so pizza is ready and DH is insisting that I get caught up on the last two weeks of Lost... so here's a little funny. Enjoy!


Cheers, 
Ouiser

Eclipse Trailer ~ Officially Released

If you're curious about the enormous THUD that happened online this morning around 9:00:02 it was Summit dropping the first trailer for Twilight's Eclipse.

Note: The flick is due in theaters June 30th-- I know I know like you didn't have the date circled in big sparkly ink on your calendar.

Oh hey, did I mention I'm going to be in Door County ~ a remote (albeit it fabulously beautiful) peninsula in Wisconsin that week on vacation with DH and his whole family, all 17 of us. I've been told there are 2 theaters in a 90 mile radius and that one is a drive in.  Thank goodness my teen-neice (also twi-sessed) will be with us!

No word on whether either one will even be showing Eclipse but I've got faith in the big MovieGuyInTheSky that one will have it....  please please please be the drive in theater, I've never been and have images of recreating the  Sandy & Danny scene from Grease-- well not the whole weird sneeze... hand over the shoulder ... breast grope but you get the idea.

Umm, how did I get onto the topic of Grease? I really need someone to sit next to me and keep me on track during the day. Like when I walk into a room, clearly with a purpose but then have no idea why I'm in there. Please say I'm not alone.

Okay, enough about me on to the trailer. Let me know what you think.....



So? To quote one of my favorite twi-fic authors masenvixen "Meh. No Kissing. No Grunting. No Fighting. **shurgs**" That about sums it up for me. Although don't be fooled, I've already watched it three times today and will probably watch it a few more times before the day is over.

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Recipe of the Week ~ Tiramisu

Today's (okay okay tonight's) recipe comes from one very talented lady. Both a writer of Twi-fiction as well as a gourmand, clearly she's my role-model! And isn't it great when I can combine two of my favorite things... cooking and twilight?

Now I think we all know that I lurv most sweets but I've never been a big fan of tiramisu. Not sure why, perhaps because when I'm actually in an Italian restaurant I usually gorge myself with the pasta so that I can't even dream of having dessert.

I'm still pretty much making a dessert a week as I did when I was pregnant (note I now have a 4 month old... sigh...) and for some reason haven't exactly kicked the habit yet. So when I noticed that the multi-talented Ms. Ninapolitani (yep, she's Italian) posted her tiramisu recipe I decide to try it..... Oh and check out her recipe blog, it's very witty! Click here.

It was AWESOME... like ~ lick the bowl, beaters, spatula and yes the few spills on the counter ~ kinda good. And warning, it very rich so a little goes a long way but we are still snacking on the one I made on Monday afternoon. What? I know it's only Wednesday but I'm at home ALL day people, you can't expect something this good to stick around very long. Did I mention it has Frangelico in it? Y-U-M-M-Y! A few years ago I went through a big coffee and frangelco phase were I ordered it after every meal. I think DH was happy to see me get past that one.

Step one... Mix eggs & sugar in double boiler, which (along with our cookware set) is courtesy of the hosts of our engagement party. Thanks guys!! This is like the 4th time I've used the double boiler in 6 years. 

Step Two... fold in whipped cream into sugar mixture and pour yourself a cup of coffee... 

Step Three ... You're almost there so why not add a little Kaluha to your coffee? mmm, yummy! 

Step Four... Let the finished product chill for 8 hours in the fridge... or just dig into it with a spoon cause its really that good!

Below is Nina's recipe. I hope you'll try it and let me know what you think!

PS. If you're thinking to yourself that it looks a lot like a trifle it's cause it does. I didn't have a pretty tiramisu dish... trust me it tastes just the same people.

Cheers, 
Ouiser

System Wide Change

Hi Folks!


I am working on a recipe for today...promise... and will post later this evening once the darling ones are in bed, DH is fed and I have a glass of wine... or three.


Until then just some quick blog business. I've changed the web address for the blog. You can now find Le Coeur de la vie at....


http://ouiserb.blogspot.com


Hope I don't loose any one of my five (non-family) followers with this transition. 


Cheers, 
Ouiser

BIGgie Anniversary

If you knew me in high school ... and college ... and okay anytime in my 20's then you know that I had what you might call an obsession with '90's rap.

I know, I know kinda shocking right? Seriously, think Easy-E, Dr. Dre, Beastie Boys (yes, they count) and Notorious B.I.G (may he rest in peace).

After he was gunned down in LA in retaliation for the murder of Tupac (aka Elvis of the rap world) I was consumed by Biggie's murder. And if you've ever seen an interview with his mother, it'd break your heart.

He really shouldn't have been killed. All evidence points to Biggie's innocence and instead to the nefarious psychopath, Shug Knight. But I've probably gotten too far in the weeds for you. I'm nothing if not a woman of varied interests.

Anyway, DH even gave me this video one year. I'm pretty sure it was a gag gift that in fact wasn't a gag for me at all. I watched it... like a lot.


I don't know what happened over the last few years... marriage...work... babies... but I've sorta lost touch with my rap roots (its okay to laugh, I am).

Well, I was shocked to see a tweet this morning from MSNBC's Willie Geist reminding peeps that today is the anniversary of Biggie's murder.

So here's a video of the man when he was only a kid. He was... if nothing else... greatly talented.



Cheers, 
Ouiser

Modern Family ~ Best Show this Season

Okay, you already know I'm a mom of two, you know that I'm twi-sessed and you know that I read ... a lot. So you can probably guess that there is very little time in my life for television. I still "pretend" to watch tv every night with DH but I think he's on to my rouse as each night I sit curled up on the sofa, sipping wine with my laptop (or my kindle or real book) precariously perched on the arm of our sofa.

Last night was different because I realized that we have like FIVE weeks worth of my (oops-I-forgot-about-you) favorite show on television ~ Modern Family. Are you watching? Oh My Gaaaaawwwd. Seriously, if you aren't watching you are missing the best show.

So, I'll be honest I have the sense of humor of a twelve year old boy... inappropriate and childish 'bout sums it up. Side bar: Did you ever notice that President Bush said the word "duty" no fewer than 10 times in EVERY single speech? And every single time I giggled... he said, duuuuty. Come on people that is funny.

Oh dear, I've strayed haven't I?

My point is that you need to watch Modern Family. It's on ABC, Wednesday nights at 9 EST. Here are a few clips that actually made me snort I was laughing so hard. Yes, seriously I was snorting... and there might have even been a snicker and perhaps even a guffaw.

LOVE this clip... not only does it showcase Minnie Driver but as a former professional turned stay at home mom I relate to this more than you know. Although in my case I was vacuuming the lint filter on our water heater. No, I'm not kidding.






Are you laughing? Are you?

Cheers, 
Ouiser

A Few New ~ Old Things You're Going to Adore

You've heard me go on and on about "A Bloomsbury Life" Blog. Well today is yet again inspired by her blog.

I've always loved old things, of all kinds. I'm by no means a pack rat, in fact I really really detest clutter but there is something so inspiring about physically touching something that has seen another time. Not to get too deep on a Friday morning but it seems to connect me to the past. This is probably one of the many reasons I am enthralled by historical social behavior.

Anything or anyone can elicit this feeling ~ People, clothing, books and especially photographs. I can spend hours lost in old photos imagining what was happening just before or just after one was taken. What are people in the photos thinking about? What problems and joys did they face on that day? The questions are just endless.

okay, snapping out of it.... sorry... I could go for way too long about my weird fascination with times gone by. **le sigh**

Really, please do check out her post today. It is inspiring, enchanting and beautiful. Click here to see for yourself.

So.... if you're still with me. I found these two items on her blog and I absolutely LOVE them both. With all the rough and tumble my poor mac book takes I've been thinking it's about time I get a case for it. Well this one is PERFECT, I couldn't imagine anything better. I'm thinking the brown would be sublime.

And how quaint and a little quirky is this?! I'm old enough to remember using (okay more like playing with) a typewriter ~ it was my mother's and it was the 1980's so it was electric, all function no charm. Never the less I think this would be a charming addition to my laptop. It's backordered (clearly too many others agree with me) but you can sign up to be on the wait list.

Happy Reading, Browsing & (perhaps) Shopping!

Cheers, 

Ouiser

I totally want to hang out with ... The Guys from OK GO

So I may have just stumbled up on a new regular feature for the blog... "I totally want to hang out with..."  just think of all the possibilities. Aside from RPattz cause he'd be my first choice, natch. 

I was going to blog about the funny singing filet-o-fish from the McDonald's commercials. No, I'm not kidding. What? Its funny. Seriously. Okay, well you can click here to see it and judge for yourself.

Instead, you've lucked out because DH was annoyed that I'd even pull up the fish video much less blog about it, so he suggested I take a look at this....

Totally amazing right? Have you already seen this? I'm guessing since I'm the 2,995,455th viewer you might have. Gaawwwd, why am I always late to the party? Sigh... well I'm guessing Mamere hasn't seen it. Although she does work with college students so you never know.  Sometimes she's surprisingly hip! 

I'm pretty sure there is a least one guy in that video that may (or may not) have helped me pass high school science. What? So I'm not a math-science person. I have other talents. But I totally want to hang out with these guys. They look like they'd be a riot. And of course we'd be in a pub in London, making it all the more fun. 

Anyway, here is another one of their videos that I think is amazing, freaky and hilarious all at once.

Are you laughing? I hope so!

Cheers, 

Ouiser

RecipeS of the Week ~ BEST Burgers EVER & Yummy Baked Chocolate Pudding

As you may recall from reading this, I promised LeCoeur (yes I talk to my blog... it's not weird... and don't tell me if it is) that I'd post two over the top fabulous, delicious recipes this week to make up for my utter failure to post much of anything last week. 


So, Happy RecipeS Wednesday!


I mentioned today's first recipe way back here. It comes from Bon Appetite and my wonderful MIL (who puts Martha Stewart to shame) made it during one of our summertime Texas visits years ago. Ahh, sitting by the pool sipping a cool cocktail. It's nice visiting the in-laws. but I digress....


DH immediately fell in love and asked that I get the recipe. Unless I'm making turkey burgers (cause seriously sometimes you need to eat healthy) I always make this version for a good juicy deliciously indulgent burger. 

Andouille & Beef Burgers with Caramelized Onions, Blue Cheese & Spicy Mayo
Serves 6


Spicy Mayo: Mix together and let chill about an hour before serving.
1/2 C Mayo (I love Hellman's light)
2 TBS Lime Juice 
1TBS Hot Sauce (Tx Pete rocks!) 
1 tsp Cayenne Chili Powder
1 tsp Cumin
Note: This is actually my own version of the sauce


Burgers: Mix together then form burgers. Season and let rest about 15 mins before grilling
1/2 lbs Andouille Sausage, cut into 1/4 in. cubes
3/4 C pecans, toasted and chopped (best pecans ever can be ordered here)
1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef, chuck (80/20 is recommended but I usually go leaner)
Salt and Pepper


Onions: Heat oil then cook onions over low heat till caramelized (about 30-40 mins)
3 large Vidalia Onions, sliced thin (mandelin does the job well)
2 TBS Olive Oil


about 5 mins before serving toast hamburger buns then construct burger with spicy mayo, onions and don't forget the crumbled blue cheese! You'll need about 1/4 lbs but more if you like (which I do!) 

And I can't remember if I mentioned this in a previous post but DH gave me Ina Garten's latest cookbook for Valentines Day. I'm always a sucker for Ina, but you already knew that. Okay so EVERY recipe looks divine but I had a request from DFIL to make this particular dessert after our birthday dinner celebrating DMIL's birthday. All I can say is kudos to you DFIL, this was rich, decadent, fork and finger licking good. I'll warn you though, it's ridiculously rich. It really must be served with ice cream to help cut through the richness. I went with Vanilla Custard from the Dairy Godmother, natch. 


Oh and the recipe calls for one large baking dish, but next time I might try making it in individual ramkins for a cute alternate like in this photo.


Baked Chocolate Pudding
Serves 6


1/2 lbs Unsalted butter (2 sticks), plus extra to butter dish
4 Extra large eggs (I used large)
2 C Sugar
3/4 C Good cocoa powder (I used Giradelli)
1/2 C All-purpose flour
seeds scraped from 1 Vanilla bean (I used 2 tsp of vanilla extract instead)
1 TBS famboise liqueur (optional: I didn't have framboise-- a raspberry liqueur, so I substituted 2 TBS of Kahlua)
Vanilla ice cream, for serving


Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees and butter a 2 qrt baking dish. 


Melt butter and set aside. In a large bowl beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high for 5-10 minutes and until mixture is very think and a pale yellow. Next, sift the cocoa powder and flour together and set aside.


When egg-sugar mix is ready, lower speed to low and add vanilla, liqueur (if using) and the cocoa-flour mix. Mix until combined, then add the cooled butter, slowly until just combined.


Pour mixture into the prepared dish and place on a larger baking pan (I used my lasagna pan). Add enough very hot water so that it comes half way up the sides of the baking dish. Bake for exactly one hour. The center will appear very under-baked but that's good, it should  be between a brownie and a pudding. 


Allow to cool and serve with vanilla ice cream.


**Chef's note: Ina's recipe calls to make this in your standing mixer. Well mine is in a box out back in our storage shed so instead I made this with my hand mixer and I think it turned out just dandy!


I know these seem like two random recipes but they are two of my favorites (one old and one new) plus they are both over-the-top decadent, so there I found a common theme. Yay me!


Happy Noshing!


Cheers, 
Ousier