Friday's Photos - 21st Wedding Anniversary

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Today's post is dedicated to my husband.
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I know when you raise your eyebrows, and keep them there, you are not happy. I know when they quiver, you are trying not to laugh. I know when you mumble your words, you want to tell me something, but aren't sure what I'll think. I know you'll be happy if you open the pantry, and find chocolate or cookies. I know when you clear your throat, something is bothering you. I know that five minutes playing with the kids, and suddenly you're a kid again. I know that one minute after you leave the house, you will be right back, because you forgot something. I know that you hang in there, when others won't, because you truly care. And I know if I need you, you will always be there, and you know, that I will too!!
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Happy Anniversary Sweetie!!
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Bambu

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Look for the name Bambu!!

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Bambu is not a Bamboo company rather a renewable ideas company. Their products are made from bamboo that is sustainably harvested and free of fertilizers and pesticides. Bambu works only with manufacturing partners who demonstrate a commitment to health and safety, environmental protection and fair labor practices. 100% organically-grown bamboo, non-toxic water-based adhesive, natural lacquer (derived from the cashew nut tree), food-safe polyurethane.

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I love all their products - from the "Natural Utensils" and "Lacquerware" - to the single use disposable "Veneerware" which bio degrades in 4 - 6 months!!

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Products can be found at many retail locations such as Crate and Barrel, Dean and Deluca, Ralphs, and Whole Foods or on-line via Branch, or Organic Rush.

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My Pledge

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“The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.”

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I have always cared very deeply about those less fortunate or disenfranchised by way of their race, status, age or sexual orientation. With that in mind - my pledge is to work with Straight for Equality and any organization that will help further the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) individuals. Some of the exact same narrow-minded arguments that were used to keep blacks and others in a lesser status - not many years back - are now being used again against this (larger than you know) group of people. This world will be a much better place when there is equality for all.

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The First Annual Straight for Equality Awards Gala:

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On Thursday night, February 5, 2009, in New York City’s Times Square, PFLAG and Straight for Equality will make history by hosting the first annual Straight for Equality Awards Gala. At this event, we take time to honor and celebrate a few straight allies that embody the values of PFLAG and Straight for Equality. This year, we are proud to recognize:

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· Dr. Maya Angelou: Straight for Equality in the Arts & Humanities

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· Sigourney Weaver: Straight for Equality in Entertainment

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· Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole: Straight for Equality in Education

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· IBM: Straight for Equality in Business

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With:
· Soledad O’Brien: Emcee
· J.T. (Ted) Childs, Jr.: Gala Chairman
· Judy Reyes: Auctioneer

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Resources: PFLAG - Human Rights Foundation

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Follow-up Recipe From Ms. Garten

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(Photo Via Chocolate Shavings and Jupiter Images)
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I made these the other day and my whole family loved it!! It was easy and took about an hour to prep and cook. This is one great use for puff pastry.

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Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts
2008, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, All Rights Reserved
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Serves: 4 individual tarts

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Ingredients

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1 package (17.3 ounces/2 sheets) puff pastry, defrosted
Good olive oil
4 cups thinly sliced yellow onions (2 large onions)
3 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons dry white wine
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, plus 2 ounces shaved with a vegetable peeler
4 ounces garlic-and-herb goat cheese (recommended: Montrachet)
1 large tomato, cut into 4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices (I substituted sun-dried since fresh are out of season)
3 tablespoons julienned basil leaves

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Directions

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Unfold a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it lightly to an 11 by 11-inch square. Using a 6-inch wide saucer or other round object as a guide, cut 2 circles from the sheet of puff pastry, discarding the scraps. Repeat with the second pastry sheet to make 4 circles in all. Place the pastry circles on 2 sheet pans lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until ready to use.

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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

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Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium to low heat and add the onions and garlic. Saute for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are limp and there is almost no moisture remaining in the skillet. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the wine, and thyme and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned. Remove from the heat.

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Using a sharp paring knife, score a 1/4-inch-wide border around each pastry circle. Prick the pastry inside the score lines with the tines of a fork and sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on each round, staying inside the scored border.

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Place 1/4 of the onion mixture on each circle, again staying within the scored edge. Crumble 1 ounce of goat cheese on top of the onions. Place a slice of tomato in the center of each tart. Brush the tomato lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with basil, salt, and pepper. Finally, scatter 4 or 5 shards of Parmesan on each tart.

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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. The bottom sheet pan may need an extra few minutes in the oven. Serve hot or warm.

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A Litttle Advice From Ina

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To be a better cook, start with the right ingredients. Ina Garten recommends a list of 11 must-haves for the pantry or fridge that can help improve a whole range of dishes.

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1. Puff pastry. “It’s an incredible time saver.”

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2. Instant coffee. Add it to chocolate for a deeper, richer flavor.

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3. A good, syrupy, aged balsamic vinegar.

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4. California olive oil. She prefers the Olio Santo brand.

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5. Homemade chicken stock (Ina's homemade chicken stock recipe). It’s one thing she insists on making herself, but it can be done in a big batch, then frozen in smaller containers.

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6. Parmesan cheese. Her favorite: Reggiano. “Anything that doesn’t have a great flavor can be made better with Parmesan cheese.”

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7. Sautéed garlic and onions.

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8. Good vanilla. She suggests Nielsen-Massey vanilla extract, but she always has on hand her own homemade vanilla extract. She orders the vanilla beans in bulk from Regional Access in Trumansburg, N.Y. (607-387-6959). Pack a big jar with vanilla beans, then fill it with vodka. Each time you use the beans or the extract, add more of each. “I’ve had this jar for 25 years,” she said, opening an aromatic container.

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9. Grand Marnier. “It’s great with chocolate, with vanilla, with anything orange. I recently made a raspberry sauce with Grand Marnier.”

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10. Kosher salt. Diamond Crystal is her brand of choice.

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11. Fleur de sel, “when you need a little salt at the end. It has a brininess that’s not salty.”

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P.S.

I survived a week filled with too much work - and a neck injury that came at a very inconvenient time - but was also filled with lots of wonderful fun!!! Thanks for all the well wishes!!

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Busy Week

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I'll be back on Monday!!

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P.S. What's Your Pledge?

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Celebrity and Katalyst present The Presidential Pledge Video

I'm Ready!!

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The inaugural festivities are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. EST. The following was provided by the AP.

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Musical selections of The United States Marine Band, followed by the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

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Sen. Dianne Feinstein provides call to order and welcoming remarks.

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Invocation by the Rev. Rick Warren.

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Musical selection of Aretha Franklin.

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Biden will be sworn into office by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

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Musical selection of John Williams, composer/arranger with Itzhak Perlman, (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Gabriela Montero (piano) and Anthony McGill (clarinet).

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Obama will take the Oath of Office, using President Lincoln's Inaugural Bible, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Scheduled around noon.

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Obama gives the inaugural address.

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Poem by Elizabeth Alexander.

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Benediction by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery.

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The National Anthem by The United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters."

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After Obama gives inaugural address, he will escort outgoing President George W. Bush to a departure ceremony before attending a luncheon in the Capitol's Statuary Hall.

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The 56th Inaugural Parade will then make its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.

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MLK - Day of Service

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I hope everyone is enjoying this moment in history as much as I am!!
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2009 King Day of Service Will Be Largest Ever – 12,100 Projects and Counting!

Millions of Americans are expected to honor Dr. King and answer President-elect Obama’s call to service by volunteering on the January 19 King Holiday. More than 12,100 service projects are taking place across the country, more than double last year. Americans will make it “a day on, not a day off” by delivering meals, refurbishing schools, reading to children, signing up mentors, and much, much more.
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MLKDay.gov
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Fridays Photos - White House and Decorator To the President

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For two years Laura Bush worked with funds from the White House Historical Association (no tax money involved) to return the Lincoln Room to some sort of historical authenticity. So far critics are approving and from all that I have read and seen I have to agree.

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Lincoln's Room was actually his office during his Presidency and he never slept in the bed but his son Willie Lincoln, 11, died there from typhoid fever in 1862. Harry Truman is most responsible for the creation of what has become America's most revered bedroom.

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You don't want to get me started about the White House - it's history - decor and how each family impacted it. I could go on for hours on this subject, and know far more than the average person -- as my family painfully knows. Although my husband, who's main interests have always been History/Politics, appreciates this little known fact about me. Thank you Mark! So when I read the article at domino online entitled - Meet the New White House Decorator - I was all over it.

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"I would love to redecorate the White House!" Michael Smith told domino magazine in April 2008, foreshadowing the January 12 news that the Los Angeles-based interior designer has been selected to do exactly that for the Obama family. "The family's casual style, their interest in featuring 20th century American artists and utilizing affordable brands and products will serve as our guiding principles as we make the residence feel like their home," Smith says. Michelle Obama says that "Michael shares my vision for creating a family-friendly feel for our new home and incorporating some new perspectives from some of America's greatest artists and designers."

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If your interested in an online tour of the White House click on this link:

Historical Tour of the White House

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