Before the polishing
I just can't wait to use this
Almost done polishing
I had to polish this 3 times. This is after the first time.
Cleaned up very nicely, not bad for $2.99
February 19, 2009
Finds
Since leaving Begium we haven't gone shopping for "finds". Sunday we just came across these wonderful finds. However I just got done polishing them and I'm tired. Good news is they are all shiny now.
February 18, 2009
It's Chili Outside
For the record I have never been a fan of chili. I have been invited to chili dumps in Chicago that entailed driving to Wisconsin, which I think are gross. (never ate the chili) Then when I was dating Joe his friends would make chili for the football games. Being new to the circle I would try and eat it (actully the first time I have ever tried chili )
For some reason I decided to make this chili the other night. I think it was the "mole" ingredient that looked good to me. I first tried mole sauce in NYC when I was attending FIT that one summer. A girl from one of my classes introduced me to it. But that is another story for another day.
Congressional Chili - from House Beautiful Magazine Feb or Jan 2009
Serves 8 to 10
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
2 cloves garlic, pressed
2 ½ pounds ground beef, preferably sirloin
16 ounces canned tomato sauce
3 tablespoons prepared red mole
3 tablespoons chili powder
3 cups of water
32 ounces canned kidney beans
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced green onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, peppers and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers begin to soften. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Brown the beef in a soup pot; drain off any excess fat. Add half of the sautéed onion-pepper mixture to the meat. Stir in the tomato sauce, mole, chili powder and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Adjust the seasoning by adding additional salt, pepper, mole or chili powder to your liking. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add the beans and the remaining half of the onion-pepper mixture; cook for 15 minutes. Serve topped with cheese and onions.
For some reason I decided to make this chili the other night. I think it was the "mole" ingredient that looked good to me. I first tried mole sauce in NYC when I was attending FIT that one summer. A girl from one of my classes introduced me to it. But that is another story for another day.
Page from House Beautiful Magazine
Mole sauce - you can get it in the mexican section of the grocery store
It's cooking
Yum Yum Yum!
Congressional Chili - from House Beautiful Magazine Feb or Jan 2009
Serves 8 to 10
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
2 cloves garlic, pressed
2 ½ pounds ground beef, preferably sirloin
16 ounces canned tomato sauce
3 tablespoons prepared red mole
3 tablespoons chili powder
3 cups of water
32 ounces canned kidney beans
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced green onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, peppers and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers begin to soften. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Brown the beef in a soup pot; drain off any excess fat. Add half of the sautéed onion-pepper mixture to the meat. Stir in the tomato sauce, mole, chili powder and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Adjust the seasoning by adding additional salt, pepper, mole or chili powder to your liking. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add the beans and the remaining half of the onion-pepper mixture; cook for 15 minutes. Serve topped with cheese and onions.
February 17, 2009
Travel Guru
I believe that anyone thinking of traveling to Europe, anyone who watches PBS or anyone who is/was an expat in Europe has heard of Rick Steves. The other weekend I saw in the paper that the LA travel and adventure show was going to happen on February 14th & 15th at the LA convention center and one of the speakers would be Rick Steves.
His books got me, and I know a lot of other friends in Brussels through many cities in Europe. I didn't use his tips on hotels (they didn't usually allow dogs) or restaurants but his simple step- by-step of how to catch the train from Florence to Pisa Italy, his quick-guide map of the Louvre in Paris, the hours of the Sistine Chapel and many many more have tips have been very helpful in planning my trips.
Once we got to the Convention Center we went to Rick's booth just to check it out before we went to listen to him and take a photo of him for the blog. Surprise! He was at the booth getting ready to go get ready for his lecture. He looks so different in person than on TV or in his books, Joe and I were debating if it was him or not. Finally someone had him sign a book and we ran back over for me to get my book signed and a photo op. Joe was just laughing cause I was smiling so big in the photo. He is not as goofy in person as I was hoping for, maybe because he was trying to get to the area to give his speech on budget travel. He did let me take a photo of him so that was good.
So since we saw Rick we didn't go to his lecture (oops sorry) we just walked around the expo and got good info on Hawaii, California and Fiji so I can start planning trips again.
The Flanders booth was next to Rick's so we visited for old times (with things like this popping up, how am I going to get over not being there any more?). Chatted with the lady-of course she asked if we visited Bruges when we were in Belgium. You know I'm not a fan of Bruges and thought Rick was going to ask me about it but, no, someone from Belgium that had Bruges brochures brought it up. I connect very well with Colin Farrell's character in the movie "In Bruges". I'm rooting for the film at the Oscars Sunday (original screen play) or Brad Pitt. Click here for my movie review.
His books got me, and I know a lot of other friends in Brussels through many cities in Europe. I didn't use his tips on hotels (they didn't usually allow dogs) or restaurants but his simple step- by-step of how to catch the train from Florence to Pisa Italy, his quick-guide map of the Louvre in Paris, the hours of the Sistine Chapel and many many more have tips have been very helpful in planning my trips.
Once we got to the Convention Center we went to Rick's booth just to check it out before we went to listen to him and take a photo of him for the blog. Surprise! He was at the booth getting ready to go get ready for his lecture. He looks so different in person than on TV or in his books, Joe and I were debating if it was him or not. Finally someone had him sign a book and we ran back over for me to get my book signed and a photo op. Joe was just laughing cause I was smiling so big in the photo. He is not as goofy in person as I was hoping for, maybe because he was trying to get to the area to give his speech on budget travel. He did let me take a photo of him so that was good.
So since we saw Rick we didn't go to his lecture (oops sorry) we just walked around the expo and got good info on Hawaii, California and Fiji so I can start planning trips again.
My signed book
Rick & me - did I mention he is really really tall. I even have heels on.
The Flanders booth was next to Rick's so we visited for old times (with things like this popping up, how am I going to get over not being there any more?). Chatted with the lady-of course she asked if we visited Bruges when we were in Belgium. You know I'm not a fan of Bruges and thought Rick was going to ask me about it but, no, someone from Belgium that had Bruges brochures brought it up. I connect very well with Colin Farrell's character in the movie "In Bruges". I'm rooting for the film at the Oscars Sunday (original screen play) or Brad Pitt. Click here for my movie review.
February 16, 2009
Guest Room
As promised here a couple photos of the house...more to come but Joe didn't like the way my camera works since it was dropped so I got a new one for Valentines day. (thanks Honey) These photos are with the old camera that is why they are fuzzy.
Hand towels and vintage mirror in guest bath room.
Shower curtain - since this photo was taken I have ironed the curtain.
Goodies for you to enjoy!
February 14, 2009
Happy Valentines Day!
This is the only year I have ever asked for jewelry. My gift is wrapped in an ad for Cartier diamond necklace. I don't think that is what is inside, but I did get some pretty paper diamonds. We haven't open presents yet but I do know what it is...stay tuned.
Below is the google image for today - I love it!
February 13, 2009
February 12, 2009
Father's Office
Sunday we took a much needed break and drove to Culver City (Samy's Camera) to pick-up Joe's flash from his camera that was being repaired. Wanting to make more out of the side trip than just crossing an item off the to do list, we had dinner at Father's Office.
Burger dripping with caramelized onions, arugula leafs, Gruyere cheese mixed with bits of bacon and blue cheese with a side of small fries. (Three of the fries put to together = one fry width.) They have a strict no customization policy - I wanted no blue cheese but was giving a speech about if you don't like it we will take it back. I couldn't even see or taste it. We both agreed the burgers were good.
With 72 beers on tap Joe went with one he knows a little something about. The Bartender wanting to share his knowledge of Belgian Beer or impress us one of the two. Obviously he did not know our knowledge of the subject so we just kindly smiled and said "thank you".
The red tap was my choice. Water! how funny is that it comes from a red hydrant. I thought is was so clever I need a photo to share with you all.
Everything I have read about Father's Office says it has the best burgers ever. So I wanted to check it out for myself.
Burger dripping with caramelized onions, arugula leafs, Gruyere cheese mixed with bits of bacon and blue cheese with a side of small fries. (Three of the fries put to together = one fry width.) They have a strict no customization policy - I wanted no blue cheese but was giving a speech about if you don't like it we will take it back. I couldn't even see or taste it. We both agreed the burgers were good. 
Fun coaster for Joe's Beer.
With 72 beers on tap Joe went with one he knows a little something about. The Bartender wanting to share his knowledge of Belgian Beer or impress us one of the two. Obviously he did not know our knowledge of the subject so we just kindly smiled and said "thank you". 
The red tap was my choice. Water! how funny is that it comes from a red hydrant. I thought is was so clever I need a photo to share with you all.
February 11, 2009
Rain Rain Rain
With all the rain we have been getting streets and highways are flooding. Also our house is flooding...we discovered this Friday night our carpeting was soaked on the one corner of the house. So I still don't have my house all up to par. Maybe be one day soon. On the plus side our landlord now said we can get new blinds in the house!!!! (I didn't even ask he just offered...maybe cause I have been putting up curtains everywhere.)
February 10, 2009
Damages
Top of our patio umbrella
Present from Kate...Sorry Kate I'm trying to glue the pieces back on
Minneapolis painting - back torn
Book end from China Joe got last summer
Glass
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