Ania's Wild Rice Recipe

Ania's Wild Rice Recipe
(from Martha Stewart's Website)

Ingredients
• 4 scallions
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 1/4 cup wild rice or wild rice blend (any seasoning packet discarded)
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Directions
1. Thinly slice scallions, separating white and green parts. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add scallion whites and cook, stirring often, until soft, 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add wild rice and cook according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine vinegar, dried cherries, and 2 tablespoons water. Bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce to a simmer and cook until vinegar is almost absorbed, 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and add rice mixture, scallion greens, and chopped pecans. Stir well to combine and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 4 to 6

Kyle's Hot Spiced Cider

Kyle's Hot Spiced Cider

2 quarts apple cider
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 sticks cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1/8 teaspoon ginger
1 orange, sliced

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot, cover, heat on low for 2-5 hours.

Gary B's Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Gary B's Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe (with Abbie's tweaks)

Ingredients & Materials Needed:
1 Organic Fresh Turkey
1 cooler with ice
1 roasting pan with grate
1 brine-ing bag (or can use a clean trash bag if in a pinch)
1 package Turkey Brine Mix from World Market (Cost Plus)
1 cup white wine (preferably a sweet wine)
1 lb baby carrots (or carrots sliced 1/2 inch thick or more)
3 or 4 yellow and/or green squash, sliced into 1/2 inch circles
2 sticks butter (don't melt them, keep as sticks)
1 meat thermometer
2 jars pre-made gravy
1 Strainer
1 Saucepan
1 Turkey-sized Serving platter (for the bird)
1 Serving Dish (for the veggies)
1 Gravy Boat (for the gourmet gravy)


Instructions:
2 days before Thanksgiving
1) Boil the brine mixture in water (read instructions on the bag) - to evenly disperse the salt. Let the brine mixture COOL.
2) Put turkey into brine bag with the brine mixture, add more water so that Turkey is covered in the mixture.
3) Place turkey into the cooler with ice, but ensure the brine/water is a buffer between the Turkey and the ice in the cooler.  The turkey should not actually touch the ice. 
4) Let it brine for 48 hours.  The turkey needs to stay below 40 degrees during this time, for food safety.

Thanksgiving morning
5) Line the roasting pan with the veggies - grate should fit on top of the veggie mix, pour the wine over the veggies
6) Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
7) Take Turkey out of the brine, and rinse off all the salt/etc.
8) Place Turkey BREAST SIDE DOWN on the grate.  You will want to leave it breast-side-down for 2/3s of the cooking time.  The reason is, the breasts will be all moist and juicy this way.
9) Roast Turkey in the oven (note times below)
10) Approximately 2/3s into the cooking time, you will need to turn the turkey over.  Breast-Side-UP.  It may be difficult to turn the turkey.  ask for help if needed.
11) Roast Turkey breast-side-UP for the remaining 1/3 of the time. Run stick of butter along the Turkey breast and sides so the skin crisps up nicely.  If you feel the skin is too crisp and you are afraid it may burn, then you may use foil and tent-it over the top of the turkey.  If you feel you missed a spot, you can add more butter.  Check on the turkey every 30-45 minutes to apply more butter as needed.
12) Use Meat Thermometer to determine when the turkey is done cooking.  The breast should be approximately 170 degrees, the thigh should be approximately 180 degrees.
13)  Move Turkey onto a platter for carving.
14) Place strainer over the saucepan and poor the cooked veggies and Turkey drippings/juices over the strainer, set veggies aside into a side dish -cover to keep warm, the juices will now be in the saucepan.
15) Put gravy from jar, into the saucepan.  Heat, stir, simmer.  This will be your gourmet version of the gravy.
16)  Serve Turkey, Veggies, and Gravy.  Recommend gravy as topping for side dishes (such as Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, etc).


here is an approximate turkey roasting timetable - compliments of Fabulous Foods.com

Unstuffed Turkey	Stuffed Turkey
8 to 12 pounds -- 2 3/4 to 3 hours 12 to 14 pounds -- 3 to 3 3/4 hours 14 to 18 pounds -- 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours 18 to 20 pounds -- 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours 20 to 24 pounds -- 4 1/2 to 5 hours	8 to 12 pounds -- 3 to 3 1/2 hours 12 to 14 pounds -- 3 1/2 to 4 hours 14 to 18 pounds -- 4 to 4 1/4 hours 18 to 20 pounds -- 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours 20 to 24 pounds -- 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours

New York New York Pictures & Movie Links

NYC Movies: http://s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk303/vslane/NewYork2009/
Abbie has multiple NYC Photo Albums on her FaceBook Site. Look under her albums for the following:
1. New York Dining, Dogs, and Death by Culinary Ecstasy
2. Last Day in NY
3. Winters Eve 2009 Highlights
4. MoMA - Museum of Modern Art
5. Bar Boulud
6. NY Celebrity Sighting
7. Macys Thanksgiving Parade
8. Balloon Inflation
Matt's Photos: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/10588422_tmaeF#735859682_KSikL
Abbie was a guest blogger for MyUpperWest, check it out: http://myupperwest.com/upper-west-side/winters-eve-recap/
Winters Eve Movies: : http://s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk303/vslane/Winters Eve 2009 Lincoln Square/

New York New York Last Day

Tuesday, December 1st -
Central Park morning
Lansky's Deli for another PLT
Flight Cancelled, but not
Last walk with Frank
Cab Ride home

New York New York Day 8

Monday, November 30th -
Emerald Inn - Chicken Pot Pie
Regis Sighting!
ISAW Photos in Central Park
Time Warner Center
Touristy-Shopping & Tasti-D-Lite
Much Needed Reflexology Session
Picking up the Laundry
Winter's Eve Festival!

New York New York Day 7

Sunday November 29th -
Leftovers
Home Brewed Starbucks Christmas Blend Coffee in the Krups!
Battery Park
Hot Dogs from a Vendor
Site of the World Trade Center Towers
Century 21 Shopping Wonderland - Matt's coat, my new purse
Santa Fe - Rosangel
67 Wine - Santa Julia Malbec, Mollydooker Two Left Feet

New York New York Day 6

Saturday, November 28th -
Starbucks Christmas Blend
Brunch with Gulru & Turkish Delight at the Central Park Boathouse
5th Avenue stroll to Tiffany's
EAST VILLAGE
Prune - Bone Marrow, Apple Pie A La Mode,
Cellar 58 - Bulgarian Wine?
The Continental - 5 shots of anything for $10. yeah, CRAZY!
Learning my ABC's-
Blue and Gold Bar
Porch
Duke's
Sunflower Deli with Kymry
Blessed Sleep and WHAT no Hangover? AWESOME!

New York New York Day 5

Friday, November 27th -
Levain Bakery - a 6 ounce dark chocolate cookie with peanut butter chips, and amazing Coffee!
National History Musuem - apparently where all the Black Friday KIDS go. It was MAYHEM!
Gray's Papaya
Shop a Little
La Traviata Pizza
Morrell Wine Bar - Mollydooker The Boxer

New York New York Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 26th - Thanksgiving Day!
Lauren & Torrey left at the crack of dawn to catch an early flight.
We slept in some, but I dragged myself out of bed at 7am. Frank was trying to wake me up, I could tell. And I wanted to get him a walk before they put up the barricades for the Macy's Parade. I threw on some clothes, and my puffer vest, and off we went. Thankfully, even though Central Park West was barricaded, the crosswalk was still open. So we passed several families (setting up their spot on the corners), and ran over to Central Park. Frank did his business, and it was quick. He seemed to know something big was about to happen. He was also on his best behavior. He stayed with me, and weaved in and out of crowds of people, as we made our way back to the crosswalk. OH CRAP, now the crosswalks were barricaded! How would we get back to the apartment? I wasn't about to walk miles north to W 79th street to get around the parade. Heck no! Frank and I stood helplessly at the crosswalk, wondering what to do. Suddenly, I noticed a family ducking under the barricades and crossing the street to my side. OOH it WAS possible? I squeezed myself through a barricade, but then had to worry about Frank and his leash. I let him walk under one, but then I had to get his leash untangled. Bless his heart. He just put his paws on top the barricade and waited for me to get the leash figured out. Meanwhile, the crowd just LOVED him. Everyone was petting him, and oohing and saying "what a good dog!" and "my he is SOFT", and Frank was just eating up the attention. We crossed the street, and thankfully, the policeman was there, and I politely explained that we had to get through to our apartment. He was very kind, and physically moved one of the barricades to let us into our sidewalk. I thanked him. Another family we passed on the curb, had a little toddler. The cherub couldn't have been more than 1 yr old, just barely walking. The father asked if he could pet Frank. Of course I said. I also let them know that I was just dogsitting, so I kept a firm grip on Frank's collar while the toddler pet him. It was just the perfect moment. They thanked me, and then Frank and I weaved past the other clumps of people squatting along the street, and back to the apartment. Matt was still asleep. :-D
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We opted to run out to Breadsoul Cafe again for a quick breakfast, and then back to view the parade. By the time we finished eating it was 8am. People were passing us with portable chairs, ladders, blankets, kids in tow, strollers, and all heading towards Central Park. Unbelievably, everyone was in high spirits, and very friendly. Matt and I decided the crowd at the end of our street was too packed for us, so we split up (he with his camera) and I with mine. Matt would take a few shots, and then go back to the apartment to watch the parade on TV and football. I was determined to watch the ENTIRE parade. Gradually I inched my way through the throng of people up towards the front corner of the street and Central Park West. When the first Balloon came into sight, I actually had tears in my eyes. There is NOTHING like watching the Macy's Parade LIVE and in person. The TV just can't convey the electric enthusiasm of the crowd and performers. It was exhilirating!
It was hard to believe I stood there, snapping away photos, waving back at the parade float celebrities, and singing along with the marching bands, for TWO hours in the cold. But it was so worth it!
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Afterwards, I went back to the apartment and had Matt rewind the DVR so I could watch the parade again. Then it was time to shower and get ready for lunch.
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We had 1:30pm Reservations at Bar Boulud for Thanksgiving Lunch. They had a Prix-Fixe Menu, and it was DIVINE!
I love how close everything is in NYC. We almost literally crossed the street and rounded the corner and BOOM we were there.
We splurged on 2 glasses each of one of the best wines I've ever had! It was a 2005 Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel Magnum.
My menu choices were:
Soupe De Potiron - roasted butternut squash soup, candied pumpkin seeds, pomegranate molassas
Roasted Heritage Turkey - Corn Bread Stuffing (with giblets),haricorts verts, classic cranberry sauce, turkey gravy
Gratin De Pommes - Local granny smith apple butter, rouign amann cake, apple cider sorbet
Matthew had:
Coquilles Saint-Jacques - seared Maine diver sea scallops, brussel sprouts, butternut squash, almonds
Roasted Heritage Turkey - Corn Bread Stuffing (with giblets),haricorts verts, classic cranberry sauce, turkey gravy
Tarte Au Chocolat - bittersweet chocolate tart
and
Although we ordered only 2, we ended up tasting all 3 desserts (they gave us a free one)
Coupe De Potiron Confit - Pumpkin and Cranberry confit, toffee pudding cake, orange-caramel ice cream
It was just delicious!!!
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Then we "waddled" back home, to watch football and relax. After all, the Cowboys were playing, that's Matt's Team!
In our new tradition (since I learned about it from Wine Club), we had some Beaujolais Nouveau to celebrate Thanksgiving.
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Took Frank on his nightly walk, and fed him. We played fetch with his ball some too. He really loves to play!
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We planned to go to Sushi at Haru or Amber, but Amber was closed, as we walked up the street, and we ran into a place called Sushi Gari, quite by accident. It was delicious, but the night was cold, everything was closed, and NYC felt empty for once.
We went home to enjoy some more wine and watch TV before bedtime.

New York, New York Day 3

Wednesday, November 25th
BreadSoul Cafe - where we dined for breafast (delicious and inexpensive)!
MoMA - had to do the Art thing. We saw Van Gogh's Starry Night, and the Claude Monet exhibit as the highlights of the day.
Rosie O'Grady's - where we went to lunch. We shared the Maryland Crabcakes, fries, and I had wine while Matt had Stella. Gorgeous Irish Pub!
67 Wine - where we bought wine for Thanksgiving Day. YES they had the Beaujolais Noveau Georges Duboeuf.
Dinner @ Alachi Masala with Kymry. After Lauren came home, we hitched a cab over to an Indian restaurant, where we met Kymry. We hadn't seen our dear friend in almost a year, so it was nice to get to visit with her again. This restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, but they will let you bring your own. So I brought some with us.
Macys Balloon Inflation Ceremony - Lauren took us to this event.
Then we walked back towards the apartment, stopping at a deli for desserts & a quick stop at the wine store. Back to the apartment (hiked up the 5 flights of stairs), and then much drinking and visiting with our pals.

New York, New York Day 2

Tuesday, November 24th - Lauren and Torrey had to work. We slept in late, then walked up the street to Lansky's Deli. Torrey recommended we try it. Matt had the PLT (aka Pastrami, Lettuce, Tomato) sandwich with fries. I had a burger with cheese. I was so hungry! Everything came with coleslaw and pickles. Matt was in heaven over the pickles. I was in heaven over my Burger and Fries. Everything was delicious! Hit the spot! Of course we could only eat 1/2 of our food, so we packed it up to take back with us.
We made a mental note that Lansky's will make you a Central Park Lunch Basket for 2, and I thought perhaps we'd do that later on during our stay.
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We stopped at a wine store along the way. I wanted something for dinner that night. Lauren had offered to cook up some cucumber/Thai dish, so we picked some wine to go with that. We grabbed a Sauvignon Blanc and a Malbec (I think? it has been a while so I forget). Lauren also had a bigger bottle that they hadn't finished yet. Matt insisted on a nap that afternoon (and since it was just Tuesday, I said OK).
Torrey was in and out most of the day, and we also learned Frank's routine so we'd be able to care for him while they were on vacation.
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We had a glass of vino ready for Lauren when she got home. Then we all ended up hanging out, talking and listening to music, while she made dinner. Since the kitchen was right next to the living room, Lauren could hang with us while she was chopping up the food. We had a lovely time chatting over the wine, and into the wee hours of the evening, and finally we had to get to sleep around midnight.
Whew!

New York, New York Day 1

This year, we had the wonderful opportunity to help out a friend AND have a fabulous vacation in the Big Apple. Our dear friend's Lauren & Torrey wanted to spend Thanksgiving with their family in Colorado, but they needed a sitter for their beloved dog Frank. Besides the obvious perk of caring for a smart, polite, and very well-trained dog - we had free lodging in Manhattan for 8 days. Their lovely apartment is situated 1/2 block from Central Park West (for walking Frank every morning), and very close to Lincoln Square. OF COURSE we offered to dog-sit. Why NOT?
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My dear friend Marybeth, sent me "Mike Colameco's Food Lover's Guide to NYC" about 2 weeks before the trip. I've almost read it cover-to-cover, bookmarked it, dog-eared the pages, carted it all over Manhattan, and it has been the BEST gift EVER. We couldn't have had the culinary ecstasy of a vacation without this book. THANK YOU MARYBETH!!!
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Monday Nov 23rd, we flew in. I was just starting to come down with a cold, but was lucky to only have Monday feeling ill, but recovering nicely on Tuesday. We arrived late that night, and Frank was super excited to see us. Lauren & Torrey were glad also, but it was super late (delays with the trains/subways and our Manhattan navigation abilities). Matt has decided that he does not CARE anymore if it's a $90 cab ride, he's paying for us to ride stress-lessly in one vehicle to our destination from the airport. No more hopping onto NJ Transit, then Subway, then Walking, then up 5-flights of stairs - all the while carting around each of our 40pound suitcases. We got a WORK OUT! Anyway, I enjoy the bustle, it's totally my thing.

Sniffling through the Season

Well it's been a bizarre week post-party-month.
My Auntie Julie told me about how she went Low-Carb and took Wheat Gluten out of her diet, and promptly lost 50 pounds (over the course of a year). She looks fabulous btw.
Not long after that, my parents did a detox and started slowly introducing foods back into their diet, and they discovered that they both had issues with Wheat Gluten and Dairy. My dad especially (Auntie Julie is his sister), has had terrible allergies and asthma his whole life. He would take his inhaler DAILY. Now he has figured out that he only needs his inhaler when he eats gluten or dairy or refined sugar. Go figure. It took the family a good 31 yrs of my life to figure this out. Anyway, good to know.
I was sorely ticked off at first, because I'd actually PAID a damn allergist to test me for issues with Wheat Gluten, Dairy, etc. And nothing showed up except Bananas and Shellfish. 1) I don't eat bananas anyway, I don't like them. 2) I rarely eat shellfish, and when I do, I have not had any issues. and 3) If my weight issues ARE gluten/dairy related, then why the hell didn't THAT show up on my test? My OB/GYN tells me that the allergy tests can only show true allergies, not "food sensitivities" blah blah blah.
Well well.
I guess once that inordinately large Birthday Cake, and gallon of Birthday Ice Cream is gone, then I can start doing the dairy/gluten free thing.
Oh that will suck, I LOVE, love, love cheese, and eggs (do eggs count?).
At least Wine is gluten and dairy free, right?
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To add insult to injury, I started having sniffles almost daily now, in the mornings. At first I thought I was getting sick, and thus I have been working at home this week, but now, I'm rather inclined to think it's allergies. I DO have half-n-half in my coffee every morning. And we've been slowly eating away at that cake. Hmmm...
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In other news, we are knee-deep in planning our Thanksgiving vacation. This year, we are going to The Big Apple to dog-sit. Yeah that sounds weird, but think about it. The most well-behaved dog (next to mine of course) in history ... Free room and board in an apartment 1/2 block from Central Park... RIGHT on the Macy's Parade route...romantic time alone with the hubby...7 gorgeous days to explore the city and wine and dine ourselves...ooh I cannot wait!
Not that we are avoiding family, but all our trips this year have been family or work related, and it is nice to finally be ALONE and get to do OUR thing.
Love to the fam, but we are "do-not-disturb" for Thanksgiving this year.

Multi-tasker Extraordinaire!

Photo Credit We had 2 thanksgivings - sort of. Matt's sister's hubby's family (say that one 3 times fast) - wanted to go to Golden Corral for the big lunch, but I vetoed that, and then they decided on Cracker Barrell. What we didn't know is that they don’t take reservations. So, everybody has to be there, in line, when they open at 11am. Then they put you on a list. But wait - they won't "activate" your party until all the people in your party are there. Then once you are "activated" you get put in the official "waiting list" until they can seat you. We had 12 people in our party. Thankfully, we were seated around 12noon, and it was a nice day high of 65, so it wasn't terrible to be waiting outside. The service was great, the food was great, and I was full. mmm.
I thought perhaps we'd go back to Rachel's house, or to Matt's mother's house afterwards, but we all just hugged and then went home. I had made a pan of Baklava for them, since Brad (Matt's stepdad) loves it so much. They took the pan home with them. - So then we went home, walked the dog, finished framing photos (we had taken a photo a long time ago of Erika and her Dad together, so we framed one for each of them). Then we drove over to feed Chris & Mina's fish and cats (since they were outta town). The third/last pan of Baklava went with us to Erika's house for the big meal. We were told to arrive around 4:30pm. I was not sure what the dress code was, so I wore heeled boots, jeans, and a nice sweater, and styled my hair pretty . Turns out that was fine. - They had 3 ovens in their kitchen (huge house) - turkey, asparagus, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, 2 gravy boats, dry stuffing, wet stuffing, macaroni and cheese, baklava, homemade zucchini bread, pumpkin bread, cranberry sauce, I cannot remember what else.
Lots of red wine and a drink called the "old fashioned" - I guess it's their signature drink or something. Everybody loved the Baklava of course, and all the guests helped clean up the dishes and I helped put away the leftovers into tupperware containers. Then we played SCRABBLE down in the gameroom/bar area. Nice. Erika's stepmom is a stupendous Scrabble player. Then we went home to bed around 11pm. I was TIRED. and full.
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Friday I worked from home - and put up the tree and Christmas decorations. I couldn't put up my ornaments yet, as I needed to buy new lights for the tree. Matt had to go IN to work, but he came home for a bit for lunch. we fed the cats and fish again, Then later that night it was the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll, so we went downtown. he treated me to a nice SUSHI dinner, and then we strolled around the art galleries. We stumbled across some new places we hadnt' been - Star (a bar/jazz club/etc), and the Besherat Gallery. Mon Dieu it was breathtaking. Everything in that gallery was just beautiful!!! The gallery ITSELF was a work of art, complete with plexiglass stairs, and gorgeous railings, lighting fixtures, etc. I was blown away. THIS is my new favorite gallery in town now! Then we closed out the evening at No Mas for some chips/salsa and I had a diet coke so I could sober up to drive us home. Whew! Free wine at gallery's is/are nice, but DAMN it can hit you like a ton of bricks. Matt had a margarita and got the free bracelet with it. It's a wooden bracelet with saints on it. Very cool. then home to bed.
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Saturday, we went to Lowe's to price out a new front door (it was way way way too expensive, but good to get an idea), and then we bought christmas lights for the tree and porch. We are going to string icicle lights along the porch again, but that's it. I don't usually do outside lights - too much work. Saturday afternoon, we fed the cats and fish again and then drove to IKEA to pick up my closet (I'm getting the PAX Birkeland - if you want to look it up). Long story why. Basically, we are getting a roommate for the "Zen room" and because of this, I need to get all my clothes OUT of the roommate closet and into a new place. So, we installed this white 78" closet along the wall (between the bathroom and the green guest room). I also got the nifty slide-able shoe racks, so now all my shoes have a new home! woo hoo! Our friend Jeff has a truck, so he was helping us bring all the boxes home. We took him out to a local pizza place (Vintage Pizza) as a thank you for driving us and unloading my boxes from IKEA. Then our new roommate prospect came over to hang out. he's super nice. Anyway, we ended up watching Star Trek : Nemesis Movie on TV - one I had not seen before. I cooked up some kung pao chicken also. It was a nice evening.
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Sunday I started working on the closet and by Monday night it was all done.
Monday I finished addressing/stamping the Christmas Cards on my lunch break and mailed those out. Also mailed all the pkgs I had wrapped up for Christmas gifts. I think that is all done except for maybe 2 gifts?
Now it's time to get ready for the Craft Fair! We are having a work Craft Fair in the Activity Center next week. I am going to be selling some of Matt's prints in 5x7 and 8x10 sizes, and also some larger pieces for $150-$300. 10% of the proceeds go to charity. I cannot wait to see people's reactions. Good practice for the business and maybe we will make some $ too?
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I'm going to Stretch class tonight, cannot wait. WHEW! Now I am tired. talk to you soon!

Squash me baby

Photo Credit We made this soup Saturday evening. mmm mmm delicious!!! Recipe is also linked.

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Well, for a pre-Thanksgiving holiday prep, I'm doing 3 days of eating nothing but fruits and veggies. I'm not doing the "Raw" thing, I do like to cook some of my stuff, but I am doing this with some girlfriends at work. One lady swears that when she does this, she loses 5 lbs, and then doesn't gain anything after Thanksgiving Day. Also, supposedly it helps flush you out. Matt was a little concerned about lack of protein, but I'm taking Spirulina supplements, and one of my veggies is Edamame - high in protein, so I am thinking this will be fine. It's only 3 days after all. not long term. I feel great so far.

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Went to Dance 101 twice this week. Sunday I did the Yoga class. Wow did that feel great. Then Monday I did my YMCA Cardio Morning thing, and then Monday night (after a bout of wrapping presents and packages), I went back for "The Bridge" class. This one is a mix of Pilates, ballet, yoga moves, and DAMN that girl worked us hard. I loved it though. I'm feeling muscles I haven't used in a LONG damn time. My buttcheek actually started to cramp up during one move, but I was able to work through it. My fave move - which I have NOT mastered yet - was when we had to do a backbend, and then pull our heels off the floor, so we are doing the backbend with our tip-toes, and then she has you balance on ONE LEG and put the other one straight up - 45 degrees from your stomach. Talk about HARD. I tried, but kept wobbling and almost fell over. I need more CORE strength for those I think. WOW! Of course the instructor just kept on, like it was as easy as yawning. I really envy her toned bod, I want mine to be like that. Slim but STRONG as hell. yeah! Gotta keep working my muscles then! woo hoo!

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Today I slept in and gave my aching muscles a bit of a break. Tonight we are headed out to the last APG meeting of the year (Atlanta Photographer's Guild)- they keep telling me the place we meet at has good chili. I may have to pass and order the salad. We'll see.

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In case I don't blog before then . . .

HAPPY TURKEY DAY everybody!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

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And here's some ATL fun - The Atlanta Barbies.

Happy National Baklava Day!

Photo Credit
Happy National Baklava Day!
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Total coincidence. I was making Baklava on Sunday (so I could mail some to Grandpa), and then Monday I updated my Facebook status about it, and someone told me that November 17th, is National Baklava Day! I had no idea, and yet here I was baking some! So Happy National Baklava Day everyone!
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Baking Baklava is a Thanksgiving Tradition in my family. My grandmother would always bring a pan of it when she came to visit for the holiday. My family isn't Greek or of Meditteranean ancestry, but we just enjoy the dish I guess. I always thought it was difficult to make, but after Grandma passed away I asked for the recipe from Grandpa. He had 3 different recipes for it, but the photo in this blog, more closely resembles the type that Grandma made. She used almonds for the nuts, and always put a clove in the center of each piece. You would then remove the clove to eat the baklava, but it was a nice flavor to have in the pastry while you baked it. Mmm mmm mmm. Makes the house smell AMAZING too! Free aromatherapy while you bake. You can't go wrong with that!
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Just fair warning, they say it's about 590 calories per piece though. Eat with caution.

Sobering up to Reality

Photo Credit goes to Matthew Lane of www.zazenphoto.com

Dreaming is one thing. However, the holidays are upon us. Now is NOT the time to be buying new furniture, when there are gifts to purchase. Yes I already have a couch. Yes it is still in good condition. However, it doesn't support my back very well, and I tend to get out of alignment when I sit in it for long periods of time. So what? My friends and dog love the couch. I will compromise by doing the lotus pose on the floor while watching TV. That's better for my back anyway right?

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Besides, I not only dream of a new couch, but I want a King-sized platform bed with a relax-the-back tempura-pedic mattress. Oh sure, if you have about $4000. oh well. I am so over the sleep number bed idea, been there, done that, didnt' love it. I can survive for now with my J-pillow & cervical pillow, and china gel applications. right?

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Well, this weekend we are visiting the family and meeting Matt's Aunt & Uncle up in Tennessee for a artisan/craft show thing. It's for wholesale buyers I hear, so we probably won't shop too much, but it will be nice to see everyone again.

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I'm just cringing because this is the fattest I have EVER been in my life, and I can't blame it on anything like pregnancy to get away with it. Nope. I just love food and wine, and my day job is me sitting on my rear-end for 8 hrs doing reports and scheduling. So I'm getting fat. Working out is not helping me at this point, but I cannot tell you why. It's like my body is saying "oh yeah? screw you, you can work out all you want, but you're STUCK!" ha! well we'll see about that. I haven't been dragging my butt out of bed at 5am every other day to hit the YMCA for nothing.

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Holiday stress is hopefully not going to be bad this year. I have a couple of nifty gifties already and have planned out the rest. The only dilemma (which we solved last night) was WHICH family to visit WHEN and the logistics, etc. Looks like we are planning to stay HERE for Thanksgiving, but still deciding what we are doing for Christmas and afterwards.

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Whew, it would be nice if we could suddenly find a couple of thousand dollars laying around someplace that we forgot about. Yeah right. Toodle-loo for now.