If My Embarrassment Helps Even One Person Its Worth It...

Yep, thats right it's time to pre-order your copy of New Moon. What? You thought I was referring to something else? Like what? my battle with dry skin? or post baby weight loss? Ha ha ha, no no my dear friend it's something infinitely more important. 

Now for those truly Twi-sessed folks this is old news... like Tiger Woods is gross old news. But as I said above, if I can share the good news with even one person it'll be worth it. Click here to buy New Moon on Blue Ray and here for the "regular" dvd.

I am ordering my copy on Blue Ray, my very first one. I don't count Batman, that's totally DH's. 

Do you remember the first video tape you owned? Mine was Silver Streak with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder. It was a favorite of my dad's and we watched it on our enormous VCR over and over and over. But I've digressed again haven't I? Shocking I know.

I gave DH a PlayStation 3 for Christmas this year and as the nice BestBuy lady told me it also plays Blue Ray DVDs. Of course I didn't know what a blue ray dvd was or more to the point what the difference was but I nodded and smiled so she'd see I was impressed. Even now I'm not sure I'd pass a pop quiz on the subject but for my purposes I'm pretty sure it means that RPatzz will be way hotter on this version. S-O-L-D! 

I was only able to see New Moon once in the theaters. However, I did attend the midnight screening despite giving birth to our second child less than 10 days before. What? Stop looking at me like that, I was totally out of the hospital and home by that point. Never the less I think I used up most of my goodwill with DH in attending the midnight showing. I'm afraid if I told him I was going for a second or even third time he'd actually start worrying about my "quirky little obsession." So needless to say I'm dying to see it again and over analyze every little thing I can. 

And just think, by the time my hot little Blue Ray New Moon DVD arrives on March 20th, I'll only have to wait another 3 months till Eclipse hits theaters! 

Cheers, 

Ousier

Slice of Humble Pie with a Side of Yo-Yo Ma Please

That may be the weirdest blog post title I've ever written. huh, anyway...

Is it just me or did your parents become a whole lot smarter after you turned 30? I mean once I was firmly in my 20's I appreciated Mamere so much more and we graduated to a real friendship. But now that I have two kids of my own and I'm nearing my *gulp* mid-thirties I see her in a whole new light. All those little bits of wisdom she so earnestly tried to impart on me in my younger days ~ Oh wouldn't life have been more than a bit smoother if I'd listened? But that's not what today's post is about... although I would like to say 
THANK ~ YOU ~ MAMERE!


One of the most prevalent memories of my childhood is time spent in the car with my mom ~ running errands, picking me up from school, from gym, from swim practice, from kickball. That is a lot of miles in the car and with swim practice came a 4am wake up call. Honestly sometimes I slept in my swimsuit... too much? okay, sorry


I will say that we had some of our very best talks in that darn beige 1980's Volvo stay-wag.  But inevitably whenever I got in the car there was classical music playing. Gawd, how I hated classical music. Why would anyone choose to listen to a song with no words when Bon Jovi or Depeche Mode were only a few turns away on the dial. Yep, that was back before digital radio or really digital anything but I' digress.


So isn't it fitting that I've recently found myself listening to Yo-Yo Ma. It's so soothing and while I adore my precious little angels I've realized just how much I appreciate ANYTHING that is soothing ~ a bubble bath, a massage, a big glass of wine and yes Classical music. 


So on this Friday please enjoy a few moments of soothing cello from one of the world's most talented artists. 

Cheers, 

Ouiser

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty & Witty & Oh Heck, Just Gimme One!

You may recall I first wrote about this amazing up and coming jewelry designer, here. But if not take a look at some of her new pieces below and on her website here. Ester Design Jewelry founder Tanis Herndon works with vintage chains, including some from Channel (gasp, yes that Channel) as well as vintage broaches. I love love love her style and did I mention that she's willing to work with you on custom pieces?! How cool is that? Um, what a totally unique gift idea!!


Okay, I know at least mamere is chuckling right now... oh wait I think I heard a guffaw or maybe it was a kerfuffle. So I'll fully disclose the fact that not only did I grow up with Mrs. Herndon she's also one of my best friends, BUT and it's a big but (snicker snicker) it doesn't change the fact that I adore her pieces. 


Below are a couple of my absolute favorites but check out her website for yourself. She has lots of other pieces online and having spoken to her yesterday she's promised to put up some new things on line any day now. 


So, Mrs. H, do I get a discount on referrals?! *wink wink*

Happy Shopping!


Cheers, 
Ouiser 

Recipe of the Week ~ Ham & Beans with Southern Cornbread

I just couldn't decide what recipe to share with yall this week, believe it or not this is usually the hardest post to write each week. Obviously when it comes to recipes there are endless options available but I genuinely only want to post things I love so sometimes it takes awhile to find some inspiration.


I'm not a huge fan of stews but during the cold and dreary days of January I think we all crave something warm and homey. Well today's recipe is the definition of a warm and homey meal. 


Mamere made Ham & Beans for DH and I last month when she was here for a visit. Aside from being absolutely delicious, I was hard pressed to remember the last time I had Ham and Beans. Something so simple and reminiscent of home yet I'd never once made it since moving "north". Thankfully DH was as big a fan as I. 


I made this version of Ham and Beans along with the BEST cornbread (I'm touting the recipe of course not my baking skills) for dinner last night and you can bet I'll be warming up a bowl today for lunch as well. 


And as I was browsing around for a nice picture of cornbread I stumbled upon this little number. I made mine in our cast iron skillet (really the only way to go) but aren't these darling? As I recall Mamere has two sets of these her self.... but of course she does! You can order your own here.


Ham and Beans
Serves 4 -6


1 pkg      Dry beans (I like the 15 bean mixed bag)
2-3 qts. Water (amount depends on how "soupy" you like)

1 lbs       Ham or Smoked Sausage, cut into bite size pieces

Rinse beans then add to water and cook over high heat till it reaches a rolling boil. Cover and reduce heat to low and let simmer for an hour.


After an hour add the ham and continue to simmer for another 30 mins to an hour.


Add seasoning if needed but it likely will be plenty salty from the ham. 

I DO NOT claim any ownership of the corn bread recipe. It's yet again from my all time favorite cookbook, The Joy of Cooking. You can purchase your own copy here if you don't aready own it. And as I was finding the link to share with you I noticed they've come out with a new addition, The 75th Anniversary Addition. 




Southern Corn Bread
Serves 8


Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees


1 TBS    Bacon grease or shortening (butter/oil is okay)
1 3/4 C   Stone ground cornmeal
1 TBS      Sugar
1 tsp        Baking Powder
1 tsp        Baking Soda
1 tsp        Salt
2              Large Eggs
2 C           Buttermilk


Grease a cast iron skillet (or MUCH less desirably an 8 X 8 glass baking dish) with bacon grease.


Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. Whisk together the wet ingredients then add the wet to the dry and whisk until just blended. 


Heat the skillet for a minute or less in the oven then pour the batter into the skillet and return to the oven. Cook for 20 mins or until the top is browned. 


I can't stress enough what a difference cooking this in a cast iron skillet makes. The crust has a bit of a crunch that is missing when made in a glass dish. 


I hope you make this sometime soon. I know we'll be having it again before spring arrives! 




Cheers, 
Ouiser

Sugar & Spice and All Things Nice...

What are little boys made of?

What are little boys made of?

Frogs and snails, and puppy-dogs tails,

And such are little boys made of.

What are little girls made of?

What are little girls made of?

Sugar and spice and all things nice,

And such are little girls are made of.

I've always liked this section of "What Folks Are Made Of", mostly because I revel in the idea of being sweet with a bit of a bite. As far as boys being made of frogs and snails and puppy dog tails... I might have disagreed with this premise until having boys of mine own. Granted they are both little ones who mostly smell like the Mustela wash I bath them in but I'm beginning to glean my future and it's not pretty. In fact its filled with dirt and sand and trucks and poop. All of which my oldest son is interested in playing with and in some cases eating (not the poop, God, please say not the poop!)

So, when it all becomes too much I book an appointment for some girly pampering. Alas I can no longer spend all day at the salon or spa in this case but I can get away for an hour or two thanks to DH.

During the last couple of months I've spent a number of blissful hours at Sugar House Spa. Located in the Old Town neighborhood of Alexandria, Sugar House offers a wide range of services that you can read about here. If you live in the area or are just visiting and looking for a little (or a lot of) pampering please call and book your appointments now!

I usually don't get mani/pedis at nice spa/salons because in my experience they are at best the same as the cheap places and at worst much much worse. In fact the worst mani/pedi I've ever gotten was at Elizabeth Arden in Chevy Chase. (sorry I hate to name names but it's true) For the most part I go to Eastern Market Nails on Capitol Hill. Tina and the other ladies are wonderful!! However, my experience at Sugar House was pure unadulterated bliss. From the moment I walked into the second floor nail room and met Monique, my nail technician I was pampered. I settled into the ultra comfy chair, flipped on the vibrating back, pulled out my book and ipod and sighed deeply. By the time I left, an hour and a half later I was practically jello. Kudo's to you Monique, I will be scheduling with you in the future!

I have had my hair cut and styled here, although it was at least five years ago. To be honest I thought it was just okay. I'm sure there are wonderful and talented stylists but I've long since fallen in love... head over heels kind of love with Kym, co-owner of Aquilano. As a girl who's seen the inside of a lot of salons in her 30+ years Kym is the best I've ever known. She gets my hair, knows what it can and can't (or shouldn't) do and her cuts and color are exceptional.

But back to Sugar House...

Okay, lets get personal... waxing. I know some of you love it, some hate it and some simply tolerate it. Now, I'm no waxing expert but my time with Timmy (Yes it's a woman!) was as painless as a girl could hope for given the purpose of the visit. Thats about as detailed as I'm getting for this PG rated post. The point being, she's the best. Oh and book now, she's clearly got a following!

I wanted to add a review of their massages, I mean doesn't just the idea of a massage relax you?  Alas, I couldn't get an appointment until Feb. 13th and since I am including Sugar House on my list of Valentine's Day gift ideas (a work in progress) I wanted to get in the overall review before then. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed it's spectacular!

Since I can't speak to the massages at Sugar House I will share another gem, Fountains Day Spa, also in Old Town on South Washington. I've been going there for years for facials and massages and I can attest they are fabulous! It's less frilly girl spa and more European health spa. And their line of Guinot skin care products are phenomenal!! I particularly adore their moisturizer and exfoliating wash.

Hope you spend time pampering yourself sometime soon! And if you are at Sugar House be sure to stroll around the corner after your treatments for a sweet treat at Bittersweet. They have to die for cupcakes, cookies and cakes as well as savory fare.

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Dante's Inferno

As I sit down to type this post, it is laughable that I am writing a "review" on Dante. In fact so laughable that I can't even bring myself to label this post as a book review.  Instead I'll just share my thoughts on this amazing literary work and strongly encourage you to pick up a translation and read it for yourself.  And of course if you are fluent in Italian by all means read the original.

Aside from being vaguely familiar with who Dante was-- an Italian writer from a long time ago... no, like a really long time ago-- I didn't have much interest in reading his writing. Too academic, not enough passion. (No, not that type of passion. Geesh, where is your mind?!) But after reading a story in which the main character was a Dante expert I was intrigued by his all encompassing obsession with Beatrice. So I toddled over to the library and picked up Dante's Inferno: A Translation by Michael Palma. I should mention that DH mocked me ruthlessly for my recent YA (that's Young Adult) book obsession so it was a VERY nice change of pace to check out something from the Adult section and Non-fiction at that.

I was immediately struck by how easy to read and comprehend his poetry is. Even though it was written in the middle ages his tone and word choice is relevant and accessible today. Of course I haven't read anyone else's translation of Dante Alighieri so it will be interesting to see if I feel the same after reading Purgatorio and Paradiso (the second and third poems from the Commedia) from other translators.

After settling into the story-- oh I guess I should start with that. Dante is lost in the woods when he's approached by the ghost of Virgil, one of Dante's literary influences. He is told by Virgil that Beatrice is worried about Dante's soul and has asked him to take Dante on a journey through Hell so that he may be saved. Blurg, this sounds so contrite and I'm cringing at my own oversimplification but I'll continue...

Virgil escorts him through each circle of hell as Dante witnesses what a tortuous afterlife is for many. And I'm here to tell you that the "wrath" some claim can be found in the bible has absolutely nothing on Dante. They should be teaching Inferno in those fire and brimstone churches to insure moral behavior. The descriptions, while terrifying and horrific almost beg to be illustrated. I can see why so many artists have tried their hand at illustrating Dante's words. His word choice creates a beautiful flow and is, for lack of a better word, lyrical.

I could go on to describe each circle of Hell but I won't. First and foremost I won't do it justice, I'm more than a bit intimidated to even review such a masterful piece of literature. Nevertheless I do hope that you'll challenge yourself by finding a translation and taking a crack at this story. I think you'll be surprised how easy it is to read.

I had the pleasure of participating in an online interview with a Dante scholar this weekend and they recommended translations by Dorothy Sayers and Mark Musa. You can bet I'll be checking them out soon.

Oh and Mamere requested that I mention The Poet's Dante: Twentieth-Century Responses, edited by Peter S. Hawkins & Rachel Jacoff.  It's a compilation of essays by famous 20th century poets and writers writing about how Dante has influenced their work. I just started it last night but so far it's quite interesting albeit a little slow at times.

Happy Reading!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

A Plague On Both Your Houses...

We only have one house but Mercutio had it right. A plague of stomach illness overtook our house last week and it was ugly.

Sorry to abandon the blog but I wasn't able to do much more than groan as I limped from bed to sofa to the floor and back to the sofa. And yes, before you ask a limp is totally a symptom of the stomach bug.

The funny thing is that my sick son kept following me around all day. I'd lay him down on one sofa and go lie on the other one. Then he'd come over and lie on the floor next to me. After a few moments it would occur to me that leaving my son on the floor as I was lounging on the sofa was pretty crappy of me so I'd get down on the floor with him and we'd just lie there. It was a sad sad picture I'm not going to lie.

Thankfully Super DH (yep there's a costume that goes with that) arrived home from work to save the day. And luckily neither he nor Baby Deux contracted the plague... must be superior genes.

Now that we're on the mend I'm back online. Will try to post something later today or tomorrow but there is just so much important reading *Sigh, yes I'm referring to twilight fanfiction* to catch up on.

Happy Rainy Dreary Monday!

Hope it's sunny where you are.

Cheers, 
Ouiser 

Recipe of the Week ~ Boursin Chicken

I can't believe I haven't shared this recipe with you before! In fact I just did a quick run through of past recipe posts just to make sure. And to my surprise Boursin Chicken wasn't there.

DH loves roasted chicken and so I'm always keeping an eye out for new recipes. When we were first married I was so nervous about cooking a whole chicken, who am I kidding I'm still nervous about it. There is such a fine line between juicy and overcooked. Plus when you consider the fact that the breast cooks so much faster than the leg and wings its enough to make a girl call it quits and pick up a rotisserie chicken and just reheat for dinner. Well God bless DH he has happily eaten more than his fare share of overcooked and undercooked meals. Only on the rarest (snicker snicker) occasions has he asked that something be cooked a little longer. Get it rare and rare? okay, it's kinda funny admit it!

Well never fear, THIS is the recipe for you! There are basically only two ingredients and although the cooking directions are rather specific if you follow them closely I assure you that your chicken will turn out perfectly!

When I made this last week I paired it with roasted sweet potatoes and sauteed broccolini. Both turned out great and I'd highly recommend them.

Boursin Chicken
Serves 2-4


1 TBS olive oil
1 (3 1/2 - 4 lbs) Whole Chicken (I like the organic ones, they are smaller and have more flavor)
2 pkg. Boursin Cheese, garlic and fine herb flavor
salt & pepper


Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and coat the bottom of a roasting pan or baking dish with the olive oil. Rinse chicken with cold water and pat dry. Season well inside and out with salt and pepper. Place one whole block of Boursin Cheese inside the cavity of the chicken.


Cut the remaining Boursin Cheese block into fourths and pat 1 quarter of the cheese over the breasts. Allow remaining cheese to sit out. Place chicken (breast side up) in center of the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and spread melted cheese over the breasts. Return to oven and cook for 25 mins. 


Remove chicken and flip so back side is up. Cover backside with melted cheese from inside the cavity. Return to oven and cook for 25 minutes.


Reduce heat to 375 degrees and flip chicken over again (breast side up). Cook for 15-30 mins or until internal temp is 160 degrees and the juices run clear.


Transfer chicken to carving board, cover with aluminum foil and let rest for 5-10 mins while making the cheese sauce. Once rested carve and serve with cheese sauce


Cheese Sauce:
Remove and discard chicken grease/fat from the roasting pan/dish. Add 2 TBS hot water and the remaining Boursin Cheese. Mix until desired consistency.

Enjoy!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Book Review ~ Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan

Late last month I was enjoying a long awaited night out with two of my best girlfriends and about 10 of their "new" girlfriends for a birthday dinner. I knew that my life would change when I stopped working to stay home with the kids but of the many many things I expected I was surprised by my best friends making so many new friends. So as I strolled into dinner that night I was more than a bit nervous (okay and maybe a bit jealous) as I only knew one other person. 

Even before the first appetizer arrived, I was already enchanted by each of the ladies I spoke with. And as I was whispering this very statement to the birthday girl I realized... of course these were lovely, intelligent and witty ladies... they are exactly like my own best girls! And all of a sudden any unease or nervousness I had dissipated. 


I'm not even sure why I started with that, other than the fact that while I was chatting with one of the fabulous ladies she suggested I read Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan. So on Christmas evening as I played with my new Kindle (you can read about my special love for my Kindle here.) I decided to order this book. My "new friend" mentioned the story is about Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney, the woman with whom he had a love affair. Well she left out a lot! 


This is a hard review for me to write because the book was so emotionally difficult. It both challenged my ideas of womanhood and motherhood and brought to question what I hold most important in my life. And to put it bluntly this novel is brutal in every sense of the word. No character comes away unscathed and the fact that the story itself is a true one makes it even more difficult for an emotional reader like myself to walk away.


While the story itself is factual, much of the inner dialogue is created by author, Nancy Horan with the exception of a few surviving letters from Frank and Mamah. Without the  creative additions given to us by Horan I'm not sure I could have enjoyed this book.  I'm not saying that it was a "hard read", but the inner turmoil and pain that all of the characters go through is gut wrenching.


I'll go ahead and admit that before reading this book, the only thing I knew about Frank Lloyd Wright was that he was eccentric and that he was a prolific architect.  Perhaps if I'd known more about his life I would have been less shocked by this book. 

The story follows the lives of Frank and Mamah both of whom are married with families at the time they meet. The story continues as they first fall in love and then later fight to spend their lives together while still maintaining relationships to those they were once closest. In both cases, their children are at the top of the list. 


I wish I could tell you that this is a story where all the characters live happily ever after but it isn't. Having said that, this may come as a surprise but I would highly recommend this book; which is of course why I'm reviewing it. I enjoy good fluffy romance as much as the next girl but sometimes it's nice to have one's thoughts and beliefs challenged, if for no other reason that it helps to sharpen one's personal ideals and morals in your own mind. And in this I think Mamah and I could agree. 


Despite my apprehension at some of the choices made, it is abundantly clear that both Frank and Mamah needed each other in every sense of the word. They fed off each other for their creativity and passion. In that sense it was wonderful to see them fight to be together in the most honest way they knew how. 


It is a beautiful and yet tragic love story that has stayed with me. 


If you've read this novel or do so after reading my review, please please let me know what you think. I'm dying to discuss this with someone and I'm pretty sure it's not on the top of DH's list. 


Cheers, 
Ouiser  

Something Borrowed, Something Blue...

As I've passed into my thirties I am attending fewer weddings and in turn more baptisms and birthday parties. But don't let this fool you, I still adore weddings and appreciate destination weddings now more than ever!

Holidays often inspire proposals, as it did for the fiance of one friend of mine this year. In her honor, here are a few ideas for fun gifts to celebrate this wonderful occasion.

It should come as no surprise that I enjoy reading about what's new in the world of weddings.  My favorite of course is ~ Town & Country's Weddings. As you know from this post, T&C is my favorite magazine. And it just so happens to be on news stands right now!



I stumbled upon this gorgeous notebook with "Wedding Belle" embossed on the cover while browsing through Smythons of Bond Street's online sale. I think it's the perfect gift to give a recently engaged friend. Lord knows when I was planning my wedding I was constantly jotting down notes about flowers, linens, guests lists and a million other things. I had a hot pink notebook from the Container store (which I loved!) but don't you think this little notebook is a bit more sophisticated? And it's on sale for only $36 right now. Click here to buy.

This beautiful glass has been one of my favorites for years! It celebrates love... of all kinds and just happens to be from my all time favorite shop, The Menagerie and not just because Vickie, it's owner was my very first employer. I credit her entirely with my love of sterling flatware. In fact, I could do an entire post on my love for this store. They sell linens, china, crystal, sterling and so many beautiful gifts for the home. Oh and how could I forget, they sell stunning one of a kind fine jewlery. I mean DH did have my engagement ring and wedding band made here. And his ring came from there as well, natch. So if you find yourself in Austin, Texas please please find time to stop in and tell Vickie I said hello! She and her staff make every customer feel like they are one of the family. If you don't find yourself in Austin, you can check out their website as well, www.themenagerie.com.

So, just a couple of gifts that make me smile. As with all my posts I hope you get a couple of new ideas and if you stumble upon a giggle or snicker here or there, well then that just makes my day!


Cheers, 
Ouiser

Golden Globes...

This will be incredibly short... if you are online and reading this... Stop,  Run don't walk  to your TV and tune in now to NBC to watch the Golden Globes!!! To me this show is infinitely more entertaining than the Oscars. Not to mention that one of my most favorite friend's father is the executive producer. Although don't think that means I've ever gotten tickets or anything. gahh! Maybe some public shame will help pave the way to attending one of these years.

Vanity Fair is also live blogging from the show if you want to check that out, click here.

Till tomorrow peeps... kick back, pour a big girl glass of wine (I'm sipping on a delicious Petite Sirah) and enjoy the three day weekend. Oh did I mention that DH is making chinese food? That's right I said "making" not "ordering." I am a very very lucky girl!

Cheers, 
Ouiser 

One Luxury I Can't Give Up ~ Crane's Stationary

I understand we are in a recession and considering that DH and I have had two babies in as many years, we certainly changed our lifestyle and our budget along with it. Did I mention we also bought our first house last year? Yes, so we owe a whole lot of money to the good people at WellsFargo as well.

There are plenty of things we've cut back on... some greater than others but there is one thing I just can't give up... fine stationary. Much like my interest in all things having to do with etiquette, I have a minor obsession with beautiful stationary. During a Christmas trip to England with DH a couple of years ago I was practically escorted out of Smythons of London after drooling on their stationary. I mean gorgeous!

Before I continue I should probably let you in on a little secret. While I adore reading about etiquette and the rules of past society I'm not even close to keeping up with the social mores of today. Do you doubt me?  How's this for crummy behavior, today is January 16th and I've yet to write even one thank you note for myself or my boys from Christmas. Uh huh, that's right and you'd think the guilt would be killing me but it's not.

I've got my gift list, my address book and even my beautiful stationary (more on that below) sitting on my desk just waiting. And every time I pass them, I sigh knowing they are glaring at me with a very judgmental smirk.

This is a long weekend, so perhaps I'll set a goal of 5 notes. That's not hard right? I'll just whittle away at  the list till I'm done. Keep your fingers crossed I get through the list before next Christmas.


So on to the purpose of this post.... Stationary. Like so many other things in my life, I was first introduced to beautiful stationary by Mamere. She gave me my first set of *personalized stationary from Crane's when I was in junior high. Of course I picked the white correspondence cards with hot pink and lime green ink. I believe I have mentioned that I was uber preppy way before it was cool. In fact it was decidedly uncool as I reached tween status in the midst of the wretched "grunge" phase. Ick ick ick!

Over the years I varied my stationary from the wild to the more traditional and in recent years I've settled on ecru correspondence cards with gold ink. I love love love it. It makes me smile just to look at the navy Crane's box. I also updated my enclosure cards when DH and I got married and love them as well. Very traditional, ecru with our names scripted in blank ink. I know its silly (much of what I do and think is in fact silly) but it makes me feel connected to the past. I often imagine life at the turn of the century being something like an Oscar Wilde play and I want to have the stationary to match.

If you love stationary like I do, you have your own favorite I'm sure but even if that is the case, I implore you to take a look at Crane's stationary online at www.Crane.com or even better visit your local stationer. Feeling the stationary gives you an even better appreciation for it's quality.

Oh and if you're looking for a fun book about etiquette in society please check out Letitia Baldridge's autobiography, A Lady First: My Life in the Kennedy White House and American Embassies. I read it years ago and it is a lovely and charming book. I'd loan you my copy but it's been exiled to our storage shed along with all our other sad and lonely books. Dear bookcases, where for art thou?

Cheers, 
Ouiser

** My stationary is personalized using thermography not engraving but I'm going out on a limb to assume that most people reading this aren't interested in a lesson in the difference. If I'm wrong you can read about the differences and even see a video about it on the Crane's website.  Engraving is more personalized but thermography is also lovely and less expensive.  See DH,  I'm totally thrift conscience! 

Sleeping with Steinbeck...

This post really has nothing to do with John Steinbeck, other than the fact that his image is currently staring at me from my Kindle as it takes a well deserved nap. Am I making any sense at all? If you own Amazon's revolutionary e-book devise also know as "crack for readers" you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Sweet sweet DH gave me the Kindle 2 from Amazon.com for christmas this year, even though I never asked for it and only even mentioned that I was "curious" about it once, several months ago. Nevertheless, I've been dying to get one! And secretly hoped that DH would "just know". You know what I mean ladies. Similar to hoping your significant other will just know you've had a bad day and show up with flowers without you saying a word. Yes, I know its unrealistic and unfair but I'm a woman and I'm both unrealistic and unfair. Deal.

Anyway, in the last year I've become a ravenous reader. For the first time in my life I might add. And it's completely and totally thanks to Stephenie Meyer and the Twilight series. Before I was submerged into her delicious world I read occasionally... maybe a book every few months (at best). They were almost exclusively non-fiction... which may have been my problem. But now I'm going through books like ... umm.... like a baby goes through diapers. Sorry, I'm not that creative and frankly I change A LOT of diapers so it's on my mind.

And while I thought I'd miss the actual touch and feel of a book I've been surprised by how easy it is to read on a kindle. It really isn't like reading on a computer as much as you'd think. Because it isn't backlit you don't have the harsh glare like you do with your computer. Plus it's infinitely lighter and easier to haul around with me, the baby and my nursing pillow. Mmm have I shared too much? perhaps...

As I was discussing with Mamere this morning I will likely still buy the occasional book, when I know I will want to return to it over and over and potentially loan out. For example, the Twilight series, of course I want hard copies, obviously! But for most books it's so very easy. It took me less than a minute to search, purchase and have my book uploaded in full to my kindle. Talk about instant gratification!

And you can have a number of national newspapers delivered to your kindle daily as well as magazines and some really great blogs. Sadly they do not offer any twilight blogs yet... nor do they offer any fanfiction. Gaaahh, that really would be the death of me if they offered that on the kindle. I fear I'd never put the poor thing down. But I've gotten off track.


I would HIGHLY recommend buying a kindle if you like to read but have little space for accumulating books or if you aren't close to a library. Did I mention most books cost less than $10? And they offer a lot of free books and not just the crappy books, good ones! I just ordered one this week.

I'm woefully behind on my "real" reading as I was sucked into a loooong fan fiction story over the last two days. But I'm finishing up two other books that couldn't be anymore different- Dante's Inferno, translated by Michael Palma and Sleep is for the Weak: The Best of Mommy Bloggers.  Since I'm reading them simultaneously I thought I'd review them together as well. We'll see what that looks like. I'll hopefully write about them next week. Along with another review of a gut wrenching book I read over the holiday break, Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan. It was an emotional roller coaster like I've never known.

So check out the Kindle 2 on Amazon.com and if you have any questions, please post in the comments and I'd be more than happy to answer. It really is an amazing little device that I've fallen for hook, line and sinker!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Recipe of the Week ~ Beer Battered Fish Tacos

DH has returned home from Vegas and the kids' college fund is still in tact, life is good. 

I'm gonna keep today's  errr tonight's post short as I'd like to enjoy the evening with him, a nice bottle of chardonnay and  way too much Indian take out. Ohh, note to self I should really do a review of Bombay Curry Co. It's our favorite Indian restaurant and it just so happens to be about a quarter of a mile from our house. You know now that I think about it  I seriously think we picked our home because of it's proximity to our favorite restaurants. 

Something to ponder a little later, back to today's recipe.

Last weekend DH suggested we make fish tacos and he even found recipes for salsa mac n cheese and a homemade salsa curtesy of the uber talented Rick Bayless to accompany the tacos. If you have time check out some of Rick Bayless' recipes online. They are fairly easy to make and the depth of flavor is outstanding. 

These tacos are super simple and come together in a matter of minutes! About 10 mins from fridge to fryer to plate. I hope you'll try these sometime, I promise they'll be a hit!

Beer Batter Fish Tacos

1Cup        Dark Beer (I used a Shiner)

1 Cup       All purpose Flour

1/2 tsp    Salt

1 1/2 lbs Cod fillets, cubed

1 Quart    Vegetable oil, for frying

Corn Tortilla

Shredded Cabbage

Mayonnaise~Mustard sauce**

Lime

In a shallow bowl whisk together the beer, flour and salt. Rinse fish, pat dry and cut cod into 3 in long pieces. Heat oil in a dutch oven or large cast iron skillet to 360 degrees. Coat fish in the beer batter and fry in oil for about 2 mins per side or until a golden brown.

Let the fish drain and cool slightly on a wire rack. Place a piece of fish on a tortilla and add cabbage, mayonnaise-mustard mixture and lime juice to taste. 

** I mix 2 parts Hellmans light mayo with 1 part tabasco grain mustard for a tangy taco sauce. 

Cheers, 

Ouiser

My (not so) Secret Love ~ Drug Store Shopping

Good Morning peeps...


I'm on a high this morning and not just because it's only 9am and I've already had three large cups of coffee. As I mentioned before DH is out of town on business (in Vegas no less!) so last night I was on my own with the two kiddies. I was nervous, like really nervous.


Baby Deux was a rockstar! He let me sleep from around midnight till almost 5am! Frankly this is a longer stretch than I get on a normal night. And not to be outdone, our older son slept through the night as well. Recently he's been waking up around 3am, nothing too serious, just needing some parental reassurance.


Obviously I'm mommy extrodinare! Of course you just know that tonight is going to be a total mess with tears, spit up and poo. 


Anyway, last night as I was trawling twitter while sipping on a great red wine and reading, reading, reading I stumbled upon this little post "10 (more) Best Drug Store Beauty Finds". After actually letting out a squeal I hurriedly clicked on the link. How did I miss the first 10? 


And then a warm feeling of realization washed over me... I'm not alone ... there are clearly others out there that LOVE to shop at the drugstore. 


Now don't get me wrong, you all know I love me some Neimans but I also adore wandering through the aisles of my local CVS browsing the makeup, nail care, hair care, lotions and especially the magazine sections. In fact I was just thinking the other day what a luxury it is when I can make a drugstore run with out the kids. Sadly when they are with me there is absolutely zero "browsing". It's more like a precise military mission... get in, get the absolute necessities and get out. A successful mission involves no blood loss, not having to pay for something "we've" broken and getting out with at least half of the items on my list. 


I'm already planning a Saturday morning at Sugar House, my neighborhood spa for some lady pampering once DH gets home. Did I mention I got an obscene amount of gift cards for Sugar House this Christmas. Is it that obvious?


So, I'm thinking I'll have to build in some time for a leisurely browse through my neighborhood CVS to check out all these suggested "Best Beauty Finds. You know for "research" purposes. ;) 


These lists were put together by the writers at The Frisky- Life. Love. Stars. Style. I thought it was a website but I think it's a blog. You can visit their site by clicking here and you can follow them on twitter (as I do) by clicking here. 

Okay enough with the credit.... Check out the first top ten list of beauty finds here and the second top ten list here. I can tell you that I've been using Rosebud Salve for more years than I can count. I think Mamere turned me on to it but I'm not totally sure.  Of course when in doubt its never a bad idea to credit ones mother for all the good things in your life!


Happy Browsing!


Cheers, 
Ousier

Town & Country ~ My Favorite Magazine

When girls my age were all drooling over Tiger Beat, Teen Bop or even Seventeen magazine, I was  perusing Town & Country. Yes, I know I was an odd child.

Never the less I've had a subscription to Town and Country on and off since about age 10... that's 23 years for those of you counting and I'm still just as enamored with the publication now as I was then. There is something otherworldly about this magazine. As a kid I must admit that I was more enthralled by the wedding and party pictures... oh and those Ralph Lauren ads, mmmmm. I didn't have pictures of Kirk Cameron or Johnny Depp covering my bedroom walls as a tween.  Instead, I had the boys of Ralph Lauren pasted all over my wall in all their polo playing, garden strolling glory. Somehow they always seemed to have a gatsbyesque quality to them. And for those tweens today... think Chuck Bass!



As I got into high school I started noticing a few of the articles, especially "Social Graces". It was about that time I received my first Emily Post's Etiquette book. I was enthralled instantly and began what has been a lifelong interest in historical and present day etiquette. So, as you might imagine the "social graces" editorial quickly became a favorite. I can't be the only one that finds it fascinating that at one time the dimensions of one's calling cards denoted that person's age and if they were single or married. Okay, maybe its a very small pool of people but I know you're out there! And for years I kept an enormous folder filled with my favorite wedding invitations I'd received. At the time I justified it as planning for my own wedding but now, I'm not sure what my excuse is other than the fact that I love looking at beautiful calligraphy.

And now that I'm a bit older I still appreciate the party pictures ~ think"where did she find that dress and where can I get one too! ~ and look fondly on the wedding photos, remembering my own special day with DH. Hard to believe we will celebrate our sixth anniversary in a couple of months. And I still read the social graces column and chuckle. It is really very well written.

But now my favorite articles are those on travel. How did I miss these in years past?! Oh to be a travel writer for Town and Country! Well a girl can dream right? As I am a travel junkie, there is hardly a place on the globe I wouldn't want to go assuming they have indoor plumbing. I said travel junkie not adventure junkie. I can't tell you how many folders I have in our filing cabinet that are over flowing with torn out pages from past T&C's with all sorts of travel tidbits and recommendations for the classics ~ NYC, London and Paris to the more obscure ~ Croatia, Honk Kong and St. Petersburg. I may never get to some of these places and thats okay, I can still enjoy learning about them and for that I have Town and Country to thank.

I could go on and on and on... I haven't even mentioned their annual Bridal Issue -- really does any woman get tired of looking at bridal magazines? I don't think so. Their Green Issue, Philanthropy Issue, Home Issue & Fall Fashion (ahhhh two of my absolute favorites) and so on.

So, if you aren't familiar with the magazine I implore you to please pick up a copy or if you've been thinking about getting a subscription, do so!

For me, I'm going to re-read my January issue again as I eagerly await the arrival of my February issue.


Cheers, 
Ousier