Cauliflower Soup- Cause it's that time of year people!
Williams-Sonoma does not have me on the pay roll but as my good friend Ouiser posted, I die for the Williams-Sonoma catalog. I die. The recipes, the gorgeous products and cooking utensils. Food porn. I die. Finally Los Angeles is getting a dose of fall weather, it's been rainy and cold and I kinda like it! It made me remember my ALL TIME favorite Williams-Sonoma recipe.
I tried this over Thanksgiving one year. I served it as our early lunch meal before Thanksgiving dinner at 4pm. It really hit the spot!!!!
You have to try this! It's amazing!!
Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Ask The Mrs- It's A Sickness
I am starting a new series within my blog called: Ask The Mrs. I get questions all the time from Mom's and I usually answer them privately. I started thinking that maybe it would help others to share my answers and open the floor up for discussion. We can all learn from each other!
Question:
My daughter was invited to a birthday party last year and when we arrived the Mother announced that the birthday girl had the flu. After this awkward announcement the party continued with everyone trying to avoid going near the birthday girl. Then she threw up. They never stopped the party. It was awful. This year, her daughters party is here yet again. Then my daughter comes home and says the little girl has been out sick from school for three days. I called the school and they confirmed she was out sick. Then I get an email from her Mother saying, "Can't wait for the party! See you there!" I am not sending my daughter to the party, but I have to let them know don't I? I want to tell them how rude this is. Can I? What should I say?
- G
Mrs:
If I had a dollar for every person I would love to tell how RUDE they are, I would have $1,233,476.00. There is no point in trying to "teach" someone a lesson, instead focus on what is right for your family. You do need to let them know you are not going to be there, but depending how close a friend the child or mother is, sending an email would be fine. If you feel a call would be better, then just remember to focus on yourself. Tell the mother that you are going to sit this party out. If pressed for a reason, you can say that you don't want your daughter to get sick. Now at this point you know that she will launch into some BS excuse of how her daughter is not sick, and she just kept her home from school as a precaution, but her track record on being truthful is not good. Just be calm and repeat you won't be there and apologize. You don't want to hurt your child's relationship with her friend. Try to keep it cool.
Now it's your turn to weigh in? What are your thoughts?
Question:
My daughter was invited to a birthday party last year and when we arrived the Mother announced that the birthday girl had the flu. After this awkward announcement the party continued with everyone trying to avoid going near the birthday girl. Then she threw up. They never stopped the party. It was awful. This year, her daughters party is here yet again. Then my daughter comes home and says the little girl has been out sick from school for three days. I called the school and they confirmed she was out sick. Then I get an email from her Mother saying, "Can't wait for the party! See you there!" I am not sending my daughter to the party, but I have to let them know don't I? I want to tell them how rude this is. Can I? What should I say?
- G
Mrs:
If I had a dollar for every person I would love to tell how RUDE they are, I would have $1,233,476.00. There is no point in trying to "teach" someone a lesson, instead focus on what is right for your family. You do need to let them know you are not going to be there, but depending how close a friend the child or mother is, sending an email would be fine. If you feel a call would be better, then just remember to focus on yourself. Tell the mother that you are going to sit this party out. If pressed for a reason, you can say that you don't want your daughter to get sick. Now at this point you know that she will launch into some BS excuse of how her daughter is not sick, and she just kept her home from school as a precaution, but her track record on being truthful is not good. Just be calm and repeat you won't be there and apologize. You don't want to hurt your child's relationship with her friend. Try to keep it cool.
Now it's your turn to weigh in? What are your thoughts?
The Furry Grandchild
I am posting this today because my Mom is currently on a plane headed back to CT after her visit here. I am thinking she will miss this post! If not, tough cookies for me!!! Or should I say tough dog cookies....
Before I had children I had my first baby, my dog Shelby. I was obsessed about not leaving her alone for too long, making sure she was fed right, exercised, and happy. I would give dog sitters a two page set of instructions if I was gone for one night. I thought she was my baby.
Then I had a human baby. Then I realized my dog, was a dog.
The level of care, concern and love you have for a child is beyond belief. I finally understood what parents go through. How intense it is to raise a wonderful, caring and happy person.
When I was pregnant with Coco, my mother decided to have a baby of her own. A dog baby. This new baby dog Gracie became her entire world. She was in love. There was no phone call without interruptions from Gracie. When I tell would tell a story about Landon, she would pipe in with one about Gracie. This would be fine, except it was a DOG.
I have heard from a few girlfriends namely T, and K, that their Mother in Law and Mother's do the same. In fact I heard one story where Ruby the dog bit one of her kids and of course it was the kids fault. I thought this was ludicrous until Gracie bit Landon and again Landon was blamed. WHOA!
This visit I found myself trying to one up the dog. I said listen, Coco said "Twinkle!", she said "Wow"! And my Mom would reply "Gracie knows squirrel and walk!" Then I would say, Coco gives the best hugs, and she would talk about how Gracie wakes her up with a kiss. I give up. I can only hope she doesn't get a horse, or llama or something when the kids are in college.
How about you? Does your Mom or Grandma have a dog baby? Do you find yourself competing?
Before I had children I had my first baby, my dog Shelby. I was obsessed about not leaving her alone for too long, making sure she was fed right, exercised, and happy. I would give dog sitters a two page set of instructions if I was gone for one night. I thought she was my baby.
Then I had a human baby. Then I realized my dog, was a dog.
The level of care, concern and love you have for a child is beyond belief. I finally understood what parents go through. How intense it is to raise a wonderful, caring and happy person.
When I was pregnant with Coco, my mother decided to have a baby of her own. A dog baby. This new baby dog Gracie became her entire world. She was in love. There was no phone call without interruptions from Gracie. When I tell would tell a story about Landon, she would pipe in with one about Gracie. This would be fine, except it was a DOG.
I have heard from a few girlfriends namely T, and K, that their Mother in Law and Mother's do the same. In fact I heard one story where Ruby the dog bit one of her kids and of course it was the kids fault. I thought this was ludicrous until Gracie bit Landon and again Landon was blamed. WHOA!
This visit I found myself trying to one up the dog. I said listen, Coco said "Twinkle!", she said "Wow"! And my Mom would reply "Gracie knows squirrel and walk!" Then I would say, Coco gives the best hugs, and she would talk about how Gracie wakes her up with a kiss. I give up. I can only hope she doesn't get a horse, or llama or something when the kids are in college.
How about you? Does your Mom or Grandma have a dog baby? Do you find yourself competing?
Tear Your Cover Off!
Last Sunday preacher made mention of his son Jas. Jas was born with something called Fragile X, a form of autism and he also has mental retardation. He said that Jas tears every cover off of every paperback book they have in the house. It's like an interior designer came in and said: "you know what would be cool? Let's tear off all the covers of your books!"
The irony was not lost on his preacher father. Here's is a kid who can't help but be himself, who doesn't care what people think, reminding us all to tear off your cover. This is the meaning of the old adage "Don't judge a book by it's cover", but let's go further. The cover doesn't matter, what you are hiding behind, or trying to put on, is not real.
This Sunday be like Jas and tear your cover off. Come on. Be yourself! Besides, putting on a personality for other people is exhausting!
Being Teresa Giudice- Cooking Skinny Italian Style!
I recently bought Teresa Giudices cook book "Skinny Italian". I have been wanting to get it and try some of the recipes. Then I had a really brilliant idea. Why not chronicle my experience cooking like Teresa, just like Amy Adams did in Julie & Julia?
Brilliant right? Guess who agreed? Teresa! She contacted me and said she would like to follow along. So here goes!
Being Teresa is not going to be easy. First of all I'm not Italian and not skinny. I digress. As I thumbed through the book I decided I would start with a swordfish recipe. Actually the recipe is for "Sexy Swordfish With Capers and Lemon". I chose this first because it's early in the book, look fairly easy, and I am sexy. Have I mentioned I'm not the greatest cook? I told you being Teresa was going to be hard!Off to the market for swordfish, capers, lemon and garlic. Sounds good already. The good news was someone cut me off on the way to the store, I flipped them off. I think Juicy Joe would approve!
Back at home I follow directions, and start cooking. The wafting smell of lemon, capers, and olive oil make me think about how I could dress Coco in head to toe leopard. Maybe this book is
working!
The meal was amazing. Sexy Swordfish will now be in regular rotation. I served it with red skinned potatoes and peas. Delicious!!! Want the recipe? Buy the book you crazy #$%^&*!!! LOL. Right Teresa!?
10/10/10 Party!
I have heard a lot of people get married or have parties on these types of repetitive dates but this was my first event! My girlfriend Laine had a 10/10/10 birthday party!
She decided to have a fabulous lunch and private tour for her girlfriends at the LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art!). Such a lovely idea and it was great seeing a bunch of women looking gorgeous, and enjoying such a cultured experience! Without kids I might add!
First we had a private tour of the new Resnick pavilion. Lynda and Stewart Resnick donated $45 million to do the project and then $10 million worth of art to fill it!
The building is a single story 45,000 sq foot structure, the largest open plan, naturally lit museum space in the world. There were three exhibitions going on but the one I had to take pictures of was "Fashioning Fashion-European Dress in Detail 1700-1915".
Everything was so inspiring!! Look at that! A preppy back in the 1800's!
How about these guys?
A fabulous and fun day!! Happy Birthday Laine!
She decided to have a fabulous lunch and private tour for her girlfriends at the LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art!). Such a lovely idea and it was great seeing a bunch of women looking gorgeous, and enjoying such a cultured experience! Without kids I might add!
First we had a private tour of the new Resnick pavilion. Lynda and Stewart Resnick donated $45 million to do the project and then $10 million worth of art to fill it!
The building is a single story 45,000 sq foot structure, the largest open plan, naturally lit museum space in the world. There were three exhibitions going on but the one I had to take pictures of was "Fashioning Fashion-European Dress in Detail 1700-1915".
Everything was so inspiring!! Look at that! A preppy back in the 1800's!
How about these guys?
A fabulous and fun day!! Happy Birthday Laine!
Tailgating With Cooking Underwriter!
Cooking Underwriter and I are neighbors and besties so when she asked me to join in with her on a tailgate post I said SURE! My contribution? The Mr. has a family brat recipe so we brought those and a caprese pasta salad.
Make sure you head on over to Cooking Underwriters blog to get all the recipes!
Make sure you head on over to Cooking Underwriters blog to get all the recipes!
The One Fabulous Mom Secret Act Of Kindness Challenge
A friend told me once that one of the most beautiful things you can do is be selflessly giving. A secret act of kindness with no want of recognition is a rare thing these days.
He told the story of a place he worked where everyone was unhappy. One night he wrote a note to each person about what a wonderful job they were doing and what a blessing they were. He put these notes in their mail boxes and left them unsigned.
That day the office was all a buzz. In the morning meeting there were various reactions to this secret act of kindness. One person demanded to know who it was that wrote the letter! Another person cried and said they had never received a thank you in all their years of working. Yet another person was inspired to do the same act at his sons school. You never know how much you can touch someones life until you reach out.
I have my thinking cap on, trying to figure out just what I will do. There is no small amount of kindness too little. Even bringing up someones trash cans from the street to the house for them can be life changing for another person! Imagine them calling someone "Someone moved my trash cans up to the house! It's going to be a great day!" Imagine how they will pass this kindness on!
Think of a secret kindness you could bestow upon someone. Make sure they never know it's you and that you take no credit. Just be happy in the knowledge that you did this act. Report back here to inspire other people to do the same! Blog about the challenge! Let's see how many people are willing to commit a secret act of kindness!
He told the story of a place he worked where everyone was unhappy. One night he wrote a note to each person about what a wonderful job they were doing and what a blessing they were. He put these notes in their mail boxes and left them unsigned.
That day the office was all a buzz. In the morning meeting there were various reactions to this secret act of kindness. One person demanded to know who it was that wrote the letter! Another person cried and said they had never received a thank you in all their years of working. Yet another person was inspired to do the same act at his sons school. You never know how much you can touch someones life until you reach out.
I have my thinking cap on, trying to figure out just what I will do. There is no small amount of kindness too little. Even bringing up someones trash cans from the street to the house for them can be life changing for another person! Imagine them calling someone "Someone moved my trash cans up to the house! It's going to be a great day!" Imagine how they will pass this kindness on!
Think of a secret kindness you could bestow upon someone. Make sure they never know it's you and that you take no credit. Just be happy in the knowledge that you did this act. Report back here to inspire other people to do the same! Blog about the challenge! Let's see how many people are willing to commit a secret act of kindness!
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Halloween!
Landon is a little excited for Halloween. He was so happy to see the decorations up! (He is not however excited to dress up).
These guys below came from Marshall's a millions years ago and I still love them!!
And this spray painted pumpkin and fabric are from Godmother years ago. I am putting together a little trick or treat party and I have to be ready! The kids are coming over for pizza and cupcakes before we go trick or treating. Fun!
These guys below came from Marshall's a millions years ago and I still love them!!
And this spray painted pumpkin and fabric are from Godmother years ago. I am putting together a little trick or treat party and I have to be ready! The kids are coming over for pizza and cupcakes before we go trick or treating. Fun!
Don't forget to look back at my Halloween dinner party with Godmother for inspiration!
Juggling Motherhood- Are we really getting anything?
I am reading the most fascinating book. Marcus Buckingham's Find Your Strongest Life. I am literally only on the first chapter, but the introduction already blew my mind.
He said he has been studying women and he found that we are no happier than we were twenty years ago. That in order to be successful today as a woman you must be a "virtuoso juggler", moving fast to keep all aspects of life going. "To keep every object in the air, you have to get rid of each one as quickly as possible, barely allowing it to register on your fingertips before you toss it away..."
Wow. How can you connect? How can you feel your life is meaningful while you are juggling?
I have prided myself in being juggler, but somehow I still felt unfulfilled and unhappy. I started realizing the key was to be selective and intentional. Some days are busy and there's nothing you can do but hold on. Even on those days I try to connect with my kids in key moments. Give them my full attention whether it's on a car ride, a playground, or at the dinner table. I am also taking things off the calendar now and being more choosy. This is making all the difference.
This book is amazing. Really making me think. I can't wait to get past the first chapter! What about you? Are you juggling? Feeling disconnected?
He said he has been studying women and he found that we are no happier than we were twenty years ago. That in order to be successful today as a woman you must be a "virtuoso juggler", moving fast to keep all aspects of life going. "To keep every object in the air, you have to get rid of each one as quickly as possible, barely allowing it to register on your fingertips before you toss it away..."
Wow. How can you connect? How can you feel your life is meaningful while you are juggling?
I have prided myself in being juggler, but somehow I still felt unfulfilled and unhappy. I started realizing the key was to be selective and intentional. Some days are busy and there's nothing you can do but hold on. Even on those days I try to connect with my kids in key moments. Give them my full attention whether it's on a car ride, a playground, or at the dinner table. I am also taking things off the calendar now and being more choosy. This is making all the difference.
This book is amazing. Really making me think. I can't wait to get past the first chapter! What about you? Are you juggling? Feeling disconnected?
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