_
Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.
_
_
I know, I know, his actual birthday is on the 12th of February, but in honor of him, my kids are out of school today - so we are celebrating early!!
_
Monday, February 9, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Friday's Photos - Farewell to domino
_
_
_
As most everyone has heard by now domino magazine is no more. March 09 will be the last month it will be available. It was my absolute favorite magazine, and I will miss it very much. I always had a copy with me where ever I went, and even though some of the styles were different from my own, I always appreciated the creativity, and beauty found within it's pages.
_Here is one such spread - a house tour of J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons is a study in unexpected contrasts that bring a new definition to elegance!!
_
_
_
_
Thursday, February 5, 2009
"Go Red" On February 6th!!
_
_
_
I just wanted to pass along that tomorrow - Friday, February 6th - is National Wear Red Day. Wear red to support the fight against heart disease - the #1 killer of women. It's a simple, powerful way to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke. Join with millions of women, as well as companies, organizations and cities across America. By wearing red you'll help the American Heart Association in their effort to raise awareness. Thanks!
_
For more information check out "Go Red For Women".
_
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Medical Appointments
_
__
__
I am off to my yearly mammogram and gyn appointments. I am even having my hormone levels checked - for the first time. I don't have any signs of perimenopause yet, but I know it's right around the corner. I've decided to move myself up higher on my list of priorities this year. Why is this so difficult to do? Such is the life of all women.
_
Some information all women (my age especially) should know.
_
Typical Perimenopausal Symptoms:
_
Around age 40, women’s bodies begin perimenopause, the transition leading to menopause. Many women sail through “the change” without any symptoms at all. Others experience a wide range of symptoms, all of which have physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. During the years before menopause levels of progesterone typically decline, while estrogen levels remain stable or even increase. This is the most significant issue for the majority of women; many of the early symptoms that women feel are due to progesterone levels that are too low, in relation to their levels of estrogen. This state of a low progesterone-to-estrogen ratio is also referred to as “estrogen dominance.” Some of the symptoms that women suffer when progesterone declines include:
Around age 40, women’s bodies begin perimenopause, the transition leading to menopause. Many women sail through “the change” without any symptoms at all. Others experience a wide range of symptoms, all of which have physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. During the years before menopause levels of progesterone typically decline, while estrogen levels remain stable or even increase. This is the most significant issue for the majority of women; many of the early symptoms that women feel are due to progesterone levels that are too low, in relation to their levels of estrogen. This state of a low progesterone-to-estrogen ratio is also referred to as “estrogen dominance.” Some of the symptoms that women suffer when progesterone declines include:
_
Breast swelling and tenderness
Breast swelling and tenderness
_
Mood swings
Mood swings
_
“Fuzzy thinking”
“Fuzzy thinking”
_
Irritability
Irritability
_
Trouble sleeping
Trouble sleeping
_
Water retention
Water retention
_
PMS
PMS
_
Weight gain
Weight gain
_
(Information Courtesy of The Christiane Northrup, M.D. Website)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Electric Cars - The Aptera and Peapod
_
Aptera
Peapod
Aptera
Peapod
I live in a city where electric cars can be seen around town daily. Here in Sonoma County our county government has pledged to reduce greenhouse gases by 2015 to at least 25 percent below 1990 levels. Electric cars are one way to work towards this lofty goal.
_
Currently the City of Santa Rosa's fleet exceeds 1,000 vehicles, including heavy-duty construction equipment. Twenty six are hybrid vehicles and 12 are all-electric. Santa Rosa also boasts hybrid electric-powered buses that can be seen all over town. These numbers will be increased soon and hundreds of employees of Sonoma County and its nine cities could be driving electric cars by 2010. Love it!!
Currently the City of Santa Rosa's fleet exceeds 1,000 vehicles, including heavy-duty construction equipment. Twenty six are hybrid vehicles and 12 are all-electric. Santa Rosa also boasts hybrid electric-powered buses that can be seen all over town. These numbers will be increased soon and hundreds of employees of Sonoma County and its nine cities could be driving electric cars by 2010. Love it!!
_
While some electric cars on the market look so cool and futuristic, others just look like any car you might see currently on the street. I would love to own an electric car but it would have to be practical, affordable and safe. Maybe someday soon - electric cars will sit in driveways across America.
_
_
P.S. Don't the cars above somehow remind you of the one used in Woody Allen's film "The Sleeper" from 1973?
_
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday's Photos - 21st Wedding Anniversary
_
_
_
Today's post is dedicated to my husband.
_
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!!
_
Happy Anniversary Sweetie!!
_
_
_
__
_
__
____
_
_ 
_
_
Today's post is dedicated to my husband.
_
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!!
_
Happy Anniversary Sweetie!!
_
_
_
__
_
__
____
_
_ 
_
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Bambu
_ 
_
_
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.
_
I love all their products - from the "Natural Utensils" and "Lacquerware" - to the single use disposable "Veneerware" which bio degrades in 4 - 6 months!!
I love all their products - from the "Natural Utensils" and "Lacquerware" - to the single use disposable "Veneerware" which bio degrades in 4 - 6 months!!
_
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.
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.
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_ 
_
_
_
_
_
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
My Pledge
_
___
_
___
_
“The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.”
_
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.
_
_
The First Annual Straight for Equality Awards Gala:
_
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:
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:
_
With:
· Soledad O’Brien: Emcee
· J.T. (Ted) Childs, Jr.: Gala Chairman
· Judy Reyes: Auctioneer
With:
· Soledad O’Brien: Emcee
· J.T. (Ted) Childs, Jr.: Gala Chairman
· Judy Reyes: Auctioneer
_
_Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Follow-up Recipe From Ms. Garten
_
___
_
___
_
(Photo Via Chocolate Shavings and Jupiter Images)
_
_
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.
_Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts
2008, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, All Rights Reserved
_
Serves: 4 individual tarts
2008, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, All Rights Reserved
_
Serves: 4 individual tarts
_
Ingredients
Ingredients
_
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
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
_
Directions
Directions
_
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.
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.
_
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
_
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.
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.
_
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.
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.
_
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.
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.
_
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.
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.
_
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
