So far - so good

Resolutions to stop and smell the roses more - do lunch with hubby - workout - stay engaged, organized and task-oriented (blowing through that old "to do" list ;-) are going rather well. Of course, it is pretty much officially day 1, but.... a good start, regardless.

So we did a morning in the Strip District (and, yes, locals, it was cold :-). Breakfast at Deluca's (eggs benedict for hubby - veggie breakfast burrito for me) - Steelers gear shopping (as hubby said.... gotta be ready for the play-offs) - a stinky stop in Wholey's fish market where Lil was fascinated by the live striped bass and lobsters - a fragrant stop in Penzey's spices where we only had the foresight to grab ready-made taco seasoning despite loads of tempting, lovely, exotic spices - then.... limited by time, we grabbed a coffee and headed off to get Milo at school (and, yes, the routine is in full swing - Olivia due home soon - Enzo next...). A nice day :-).

And, btw - I am on a personal quest for improvement, as many of you out there are. I do always appreciate your comments - and.... lately, they have come mostly via Facebook and Facebook messaging, which I love. I also appreciate all the blog comments and my emails (and texts :-) as well. I LOVE hearing your stories - rants about your challenges - quick notes about happy moments - bursts of ego-boosting comments - and even probing questions regarding what to do in difficult situations. I even like "nice photo", "I disagree with you" and other random-ish comments. So.... thanks, as always. I'm sorry that some of you have either stopped following me or just prefer not to interact on this blog - would love to have you back - know that all bloggers in this niche area do like the back and forth, but.... I do respect the fact that some people have chosen to move on. Remember, though, it NEVER hurts to lend support, a shoulder to cry on, or a bit of snarky, funny, or serious advice ;-).

See you later this week; I need a bit of a break.

Welcome 2011

Not that 2010 was bad; it was actually quite good. I am just anxious to start a new year - I really am (I am also anxious for everyone's "winter break" to end - schlepping teenagers from shopping to movies to sleepovers is getting old as is trying to pick up the remnants of Christmas AND keep all three little ones fed and occupied and in clean clothes and on some semblance of a schedule - I mean, they wanted chips for breakfast today and I allowed it.... uh oh).

So what did you do to ring in the new year? Hubby and I went to the gym together yesterday (at which time, I carried my new Adidas by Stella McCartney gym bag :-) - browsed Anthropologie a bit - hit Whole Foods for some treats - and had lunch at BrGr (see photo - and, yes, that really is a side of gravy, friends, with my turkey burger, which tastes like Thanksgiving on a bun - yum - glad I strayed from my "tree hugger" veggie version for a day - and hubby is partaking of the Festivus ale, which was very mild and tasty...). Anyway - a nice day. We came home, fed our wee ones, sent the teen up the street to her annual get together, and... made ourselves some eggnog and a blackberry crumble with fresh whipped cream while we watched The American (which was OK)...... we are boring, but we know what we like ;-). Of course, there was the texting Happy New Year to Olivia at midnight - the countdown with hubby here - the quiet (aside from some neighbor's fireworks) otherwise :-).

So ... have a pleasant day, all. I know everyone's eyes are on the rain and the pending "Winter Classic" hockey game, so... good luck with all that ;-). We are off to dinner with family later - have a lot of laundry catch-up and Good Will bag packing to do (all those discarded and forgotten toys - tsk tsk).

2011. Wow.

So I finally made it out sans kids :-)

We chose Tamari in Lawrenceville - went with hubby and a friend (Salt not open until New Year's Day, but... if you are interested... they are doing the traditional "good luck" pork and sauerkraut meal - no reservations allowed, though). We did appetizers, beers, wine and sushi (don't know why - but I am so into avocado and cucumber these days....love it... crazy for the California Roll ;-) - though, tonight, I tried my "When Harry met Sally" ordering technique where I want everything customized, and I confused the waitress, resulting in one extra order of spicy tuna. Oh well). Conversation. Nice atmosphere. Night out!!!

Have I said this yet this week? Take care of "you", blogger pals :-). Enjoy family - soak in the season - remember the charities, but... take care of YOU. Very important.

Photo: Waiting and waiting to go out tonight - kids fed, bathed and in pjs - pizza ordered for teens.... Now - where IS that hubby?

Fruitcake... and other holiday comfort food :-)

I had to add that list bit to the "fruitcake" lead in, otherwise, you might think I was referring to myself - given my recent rants and tongue lashings. I could unleash more, but... won't (you're welcome ;-). I will, however, insert one more plug for good holiday behavior.... Please people - give some thought to kindness this season. Don't bump someone out of their seats at the Christmas pageant - don't act rude to other shoppers, even if you're tired, even if they are being a little pushy - don't forget to tip or give gifts to people who take care of you all year long, like hairdressers, newspaper delivery people, and mail carriers - don't forget that everyone else has also had a long year full of happiness, sadness, stress and calm, which means it wouldn't kill you to send a card, inquire about a family member, deliver some candy, extend a helping hand. Off my soapbox now.... really..... cuz we have something more important to discuss... food.

So - yeah. Fruitcake. I like it - always have. When my parents lived in Europe, all the Europeans wanted this highly coveted brand from the states (probably brought as gifts from Americans, but...) - Claxton Fruitcakes and, since I had a sometime home in the South, at the oceanfront - no less, in total fruitcake manufacturing country, I would go in to my local grocery store and load up on.... well... just a cartload of Claxton fruitcakes like a crazy person (and, since I was living in Europe for a good part of the year, too - some people would literally ask me when I would be able to make my fruitcake run, if at all, that year ;-). See, they wanted a really gooey, nut and fruit-laden version - none of that cakey, overly sweetened stuff (and we worked those cakes as hostess gifts, office gifts.... more - crazy for the Claxton Fruitcakes :-).

Anyway, this morning, hubby and I watched the likes of Nigella Lawson and other British chefs show off the proper techniques for making a fig pudding on CBS Sunday Morning, and... well watching all the sugars, dates, nuts and figs being mixed together (and then lit with alcohol - and I mean LIT - like the holly topper was in flame - all meant for another post entirely ;-) made us hungry for some delicious, dense, sweet, gooey, nutty, fruity.... well... cake. So... on my run to Whole Foods for baking supplies, stuff for dinner tonight, and school lunch treats, I grabbed a fragrant rosemary tree, Belgian chocolates, sweet clementines, Panetone, and a tray of holiday cookies to make hubby's office festive, AND..... I grabbed a fruitcake for US :-).

So, yes, I will cut and serve fruitcake in my house on Christmas, and I will continue to bake and bake and bake. Fudge and sugar cookies yesterday - chocolate chip something or another today - probably an apple pie later this week (I have the granny smiths to prove it). It's funny; I am a pretty healthy girl - spent years as a vegetarian and calorie and fat counter - still buy natural, organic and healthy, but.... when it comes to my holidays and / or my desserts, I want total comfort food. I mean, I am so weirded out when my mother in law suggests white rice and salad as sides to a holiday meal. Salad (and keep in mind - I eat salad all the time - total raw foods girl - bought myself green beans and snap peas to eat raw today - already made myself some cooked, plain spinach - will have my treat of coconut milk yogurt and Grape Nuts later... I really watch what I eat)?!?! I mean - why? I'm just gonna put gravy on it. I want my sweet potatoes, casseroles, roasted turkeys and roast beefs, potatoes with gravy, etc. AND, for dessert - I am a dark chocolate connosieur so look out, and.... I love rich, layered flavors. To me, the otherwise fat and calorie counter, I do not think fat or sugar-free belongs in a dessert (though, for health reasons - diabetes on both my mom's native american and british sides of the family, we will absolutely fix our desserts so that all can partake). So ... if you see me, at any holiday gathering this year, with a "is that a piece of green on my plate?" look on my face, don't be alarmed; it is me - I am OK - I am just in holiday food mode (all I can say as an excuse is exercise, exercise, exercise....;-).

So - happy, happy, all. Hubby at Steelers game today - planning big, cozy pasta meal later to keep the cold away - saw niece and nephew in a holiday music show last night and ALMOST went skating on the downtown plaza (those lines.... man oh man... think we'll do a weekday instead) - went to church today, remembered my dad and watched the lighting of the advent calendar (and missed a friend's email telling me about her church's holiday show - would have liked to have seen it, but... the season isn't over yet :-) - in some ways, just beginning.

Gotta go hang kids' artwork, make some cookies, and snuggle under the big comforter while we watch some holiday specials on tv over and over. Busy, busy ;-).

Random images of a holiday in the making.

So - Enzo was up at 5 am this morning (very enthusiastic boy lately - photo of a "tiger cloud" on this post is from a Thanksgiving food shopping outing on which he cheerfully accompanied me - And, for the record, when we texted Daddy the cloud, he thought it looked like a scorpion.... What do you think? Seriously. Enzo will be interested) - while, by contrast, we had to prod Olivia a number of times to get her moving. Milo did NOT want to go to school (even for this short, half day) and made up excuses like his coat is not warm enough or his hair looked funny - even the dreaded "my stomach hurts", but.... kicking and screaming, he went to the car with Daddy (and both boys had their bags of crackers for the school's food drive) - Lil has decided she wants to only wear her princess pull-ups this morning and is having carrot sticks and green apple for breakfast (and has "poltergeisted" the tv room with legos). In the midst of all this - at literally 7:30 in the morning, Milo's beloved doctor called us to discuss those blood text results from a few weeks ago (and, truthfully, I'm glad he waited - TOO much chaos with dentists, and orthodontists, and well check-ups, and routine tests, and sick people...). Anyway - all good so far - one more text after the New Year and, hopefully, his red cells will be back to normal, and we'll be done with it for a while (at least the anemia and iron deficiency is better).

We have plans for tomorrow - not hosting but definitely cooking. I love Thanksgiving food so do not necessarily mind making a sage and marjoram stuffing, corn pudding, sweet potatoes with pecans and brown sugar, glazed carrots, a dessert, spiced bourbon cranberry sauce, and fresh basil and pesto bruschetta. We'll have a car full of stuff as we head to my sister-in-law's house. We have plans to skate around the tree downtown, see a movie, attend a few birthday parties, continue our home improvement, shop, etc. What are your plans this holiday weekend? And - what are you all cooking for tomorrow? Really - I so dig Thanksgiving ....memories of being home from college - family, the parade, football, food, laughter......Digressing....

So - a hodge podge of photos today - Everything from Olivia's "no braces" countdown and rejected "matchy - matchy" holiday outfits (for a photo - and speaking of outfits... while trying to buy online for her Shadyside Snow Ball dress and call stores for dress availability, we had some adorable dress sizes and colors just disappear before our eyes - from Nordstrom, J. Crew - the crazed shopping season is upon us) to the food lying about our kitchen, ready to be whipped into Thanksgiving submission today.... And, really, it will be a frenzy, I think.

Regardless, totally primed and ready for my run to the store today for last minute basil, whipping cream, corn, crusty bread, and pecans... Wish me luck ;-).

Salt of the Earth - here in Pittsburgh

I blogged / raved about this place and the gracious chef / owner there a few weeks ago .... way back when hubby and I could walk in off the street, late evening after a night on an art walk. Looks like that might not be possible anymore.... getting to be quite popular :-). Go - I command you all now - go! Pictured in the article, btw, is the pudding I mentioned / dreamed about / coveted.....

Zombie Gingerbread Update

Decorated. Voila! That's a lot of cookie "bling" :-).

Missed Conan O'Brien's debut on TBS last night, and he had Jack White on - bummer. Just heard a song by that band that even my teen loves right now - The Neon Trees (Animal - yes, I know - the song is now permanently in your head - at least for a few hours) - and the song is entitled "1983" - AND they reference crawling and eating lollies at the age they were.... well way back then. OK - I think I was definitely walking - probably doing algebra..... sigh.

Gingerbread

It is, after all, the holiday season. This time of year, we move from one to the next. So... we did gingerbread cookies yesterday (have saved them for today to decorate). Milo and Enzo begged after watching the Halloween special, Scared Shrekless (yes - Shrek and friends tell scary stories) in which "Gingy" (the gingerbread man) tells a horrific tale of creating his perfect bride only to lose her in a "mixing accident" at which time she returns as a zombie cookie, droning "together forever". So... we have a couple "Gingys" and a couple of "zombie brides". Should be fun. I used this recipe, which was VERY easy to manage with the kids - came out a good consistency - seems tasty (and has no egg for little ones who want to taste the batter and moms who fear salmonella).

Oh yeah - and I have a house full of sick kids - like throwing up, everything is a mess, no sleep last night sick (and, as we all know - "just turned three year olds" do not do well getting sick on something that is NOT a blanket, couch, rug, parent's clothing, etc. - poor cupcakes :-(. Started late evening. All good now (though I am hoping that Olivia doesn't get it, as she has avoided it thus far - and... has another dance coming up - Shadyside Academy's Snow Ball, so.....more on THAT later :-). Chicken soup, crackers and Ginger Ale await.

A good day.

A couple of weeks ago, we were winding down after school with a snack and a movie(Enzo, for some reason, had chosen Julie and Julia - he likes cooking shows :-). As we were watching Julie (Amy Adams) pan toast some luscious looking buttery bread and chop and mix some fresh looking tomatoes and herbs in the movie, Enzo decided he wanted to make that bruschetta - that "bread and potatoes", as he said. Of course, that meant Milo and Lil were on board, and... even Olivia had once mentioned that the food in that segment looked good to her - though she wanted to try a recipe with peppers; therefore, I decided to do both.

I, of course, did all the chopping (peppers, tomatoes, onions), but... I had my little ones pick and tear basil for me - I had them pour our oil, vinegar and herb mixture over the top (we were improvising) of the veggies - I had them mix. Then ..... we all ate, and it was yummy (Olivia was served a special platter while doing homework in her room). Such a good afternoon.

Anyone have a good day lately? A project they did with the kiddos?

Sun, shadows, leaves and pumpkins ... and food and football....

Embracing the true autumn spirit this weekend. We checked a campfire / scary folklore book out of the library (I swear it is the same one I read as a kid) and have been reading it endlessly - telling and retelling these creepy stories. We FINALLY watched Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland (love it), and we have pumpkins all over the house - we've been playing in the leaf piles in the front yard - talking walks - mulling cider (and immediately drinking it - wait all year for that luxury) - soaking up the sunshine and cool air at field hockey, soccer and while talking to the neighbors outside (and one neighbor brought us some "grown up" cookies last night - nothing R rated - just big and gooey - good to live near an angry baker ;-) - the teen hit Fright Night at Kennywood with her Shadyside Academy and Oakland Catholic friends last night (and actually scared themselves ;-). Truly a great time of year.

Today, me and the girls went shopping in Shadyside (hair clips for Olivia's homecoming, new corduroys from J. Crew, scarves on sale and what not) - while the boys played football in the backyard (and watched the big game, of course - go Steelers). Tonight, we're making grilled asparagus and chicken under a brick (marinated in lemon, olive oil, oregano, parsley, rosemary and sage) cuz we love to be out on the deck (soaking up all that cliched, but beautiful dappled autumn light) - I'm throwing together my cheesey, sour cream potatoes and a nice, light autumn bread and herb dressing (with marjoram and other fresh herbs - really nice taste - celery, onion, free range chicken stock - I keep it simple :-). The kids helped break up the bread and squeeze the lemons (in hindsight - as it's all bubbling and baking now, I'm wondering if the boys washed their hands before doing all this.....). Sunday supper is ON. All good. Lovely day. How was yours?

Milo's first PB & J!

I'm not kidding. That is how picky my Milo is. You all remember that we are on a quest to improve his iron absorption, and.... the doctors will tell me (in desperation) - "give him a sugary cereal that is iron-fortified" (and a lot of them are, btw), but... my Milo doesn't like Fruit Loops or Honey Nut Cheerios - or any other sugary sweet crap that other kids just scarf up. I mean... potatoes are a semi iron-rich food, and he doesn't even like french fries. He doesn't like pizza, mashed potatoes, pasta, bagels, hot dogs, cheeseburgers - all the other greasy, yukky / yummy stuff on which other kids subsist. He is not entirely without nutrition - happens to be a granola, whole grain, fruit, juice, yogurt and milk lover, but.... he does NOT like new things (recently tried ham because they mention it in his new favorite move, Ponyo, but... gobbled it up for a few days then abandoned it again... go figure...). Anyway, here is something for those of you with picky eaters. Oh - and here. And here. And... oh I could go on all day, having spent a good deal of my own time researching this. BUT -today - is a banner day! He tried SOMETHING NEW - other more nutritious stuff may follow :-). Holding my breath....

I would like to note here that... I DO think this is a direct result of Milo eating lunch at school with his friends. He observes what others eat, and he wants to try them. I know they share a bit. I remember when my Olivia was in daycare - they would have the kids sit at a table together and eat family style (when she got to be about 4 or so - when they are able to pass plates, etc.). Doing so caused my picky Olivia to expand her food interests and her palate, and she began to want to dip bread in olive oil or revisit peas and corn - taste different meats and cheeses or pair rice, potatoes, other veggies with her "regular" meals. I think the family dinner table is good for this too (see my blog list - Dinner: A Love Story - thanks AB and friends for that - and a number of my other recipe / mom blogs). I think eating well and exercising are so important - particularly as kids get into sports and as we all begin to age (and I don't mean "become elderly" - I mean move from our 20s to our 30s to our 40s, etc.). Anyway.... I am officially OFF the soap box. Anyone have a story / advice to share?

Speaking of food (and you all know how I do), here is a yummy place - currently Pittsburgh's number 1 brunch (though they do dinner too). Try it; I'm going to.

Favorite things...

I am pressed for time today - need to spend some quality play time with Milo and Lil - need to put away piles of laundry - need to clean the kitchen AGAIN (that dishwasher... is it EVER empty? and that floor - that nasty, nasty 1990's linoleum floor that is never clean...) - need to get dinner in order so that I can attend Olivia's field hockey game tonight - need to sneak in a workout, pick up Enzo, take out the garbage, clean the yard up a bit, continue putting away and cleaning summer toys, organize more school paperwork, touch base with my freelance contact, get our kid costume party invitations out (Lil's b-day... sorta) and try to enjoy some of this gorgeous day!

Pictured / featured items today (in no particular order): My Illy coffee (I could write a sonnet or an "Ode to Illy" on how much I love this product) - my orange and black "Halloween scarf" (and it is so old that I have photos of me wearing it when Olivia was a toddler - when I was hangin' with college friends on a girls weekend years ago... it is timeless / ageless and.... oddly still in one piece and not faded - soft, familiar, big and drapey - I love it!) - my Neutrogena spot acne cream (yeah - mine has been worse in my 30's and beyond - forget those teenage years) - my "Orange Sapphire" (stop laughing - I know the name is cheesey) body spray from Bath and Body Works that Olivia put in a big gift bag for me back on my birthday just as a little extra AND.... we both love it (that's right, O - I know you steal it ;-), use it all the time - my hubby's Burberry after shave / splash (I am not a huge cologne / after shave fan, but.... this smells really good. My Dad was always a Burberry guy too..... when he would wake me in the mornings for school, my room would smell like that or his Bay Leaf herbal stuff. Now... I think of this scent when I picture coffee with hubby - when he heads off to a meeting in the morning - when he has kissed the kids and they smell like him) - Trick or treat bags (they're out - it's time!) - and my kids' artwork (which I am going to do a post on very soon - have been rummaging and organizing and I am so proud :-) - Drinking chocolate (all fall and winter long!!!) - And ... my old worn, comfy motorcycle-ish boots that I bought when I was pregnant with Milo because I needed something easy, hip and functional, chasing toddler, Enzo, hanging with active grade schooler, Olivia, and expecting wild boy, Milo ;-).

Do you guys have fave things you want to share? I know ya do....

Some goooood food, a "crawl" down Penn and GO, OLIVIA!

First of all, BIG congrats to Olivia for getting her JV field hockey team's FIRST goal (all season) last night (they are all new to the sport and are playing some experienced teams). They tied the game, 1 - 1, but..... GO OLIVIA!! Nice work.

So ... after the big victory and late night Oakland Catholic pick-up, hubby and I headed out to First Fridays on Penn, which I was under the impression was a small event - only a couple of businesses participating, but.... it is huge - blocks and blocks of fun. We were at The Cotton Factory most of the night, listening to a super cool '80s New Wave DJ, drinking beer from plastic cups and perusing the diverse selection of t-shirts (I spotted an olive green onesie for wee ones with a retro trike on it and the phrase "first love" - clever, cute - someone bought it before I did). Anyway, everyone from The Yoga Hive to Voluto Coffee to The Quiet Storm and Pageboy Salon and Boutique participates. Something for everyone.

On our way home, we stopped at the new restaurant, Salt, and had some appetizers and wine. Sitting at the kitchen bar, we met Chef Kevin and sampled a pork belly with pickled eggs, beets and greens on the house (nice guy, Kevin - seriously - happy to talk about his food, his kitchen, his neighborhood) - ordered some brioche with a perfectly poached egg, crab and spicy sauce - oggled the other entrees (duck, octopus, beef short ribs, eggplant) but weren't hungry enough to partake (did toy with getting some chocolate or hazelnut pudding for a quick sweet bite, but... time was getting away from us - this was not a planned "stop in", and... as is the case lately, we are not spontaneous people anymore). Nice place. Interesting crowd. Menu is on a chalk wall and changes every few days. Entrees reasonably priced - anywhere from $10 - $23 or so - appetizers all around $8. Nice size portions - all very fresh. These guys are passionate about their food and their atmosphere (very nice -upscale feel - long communal tables - great lighting - huge windows that look out on Penn and right at Dance Alloy's building - beautiful kitchen and bar - and... there is a loft-like second floor). Go, go, go. We are definitely going back.

All in all, a good night, eh?

Photos: My view from my happy kitchen bar seat at Salt (of the Earth) - hubby's big plate of food ("second supper", as he called it, hobbit- style ;-), sent to Olivia to entice her to join us at one of these palate-expanding establishments one of these days :-) - and.... self-portrait on Penn....

Quick closing note: A large number of Fisher Price recalls recently (some popular toys). Info. here.

Olivia's first homecoming dance tonight. Wish us luck ;-).

How do you feel about rainy days?

I like them. However, today is REALLY soggy - I am soaked from a morning of gymnastics and errands with my Milo. And I'm cold - like to the bone cold.

Have some vegetarian recipes here to warm us all up (Olivia always says I'm half "veg-head" - hubby says I am "barely a carnivore" - and... I take it all as compliments, having a long vegan past - now abandoned, of course - but will take veggie over meat anyday - still feel that animal rights activist fighting to get out - so does that make me a hypocrite or just sensitive? Hmmm.... food for thought ;-).

And... locals.... Spoon is now open in East Liberty (why do I think food when it is cold and rainy out?).

Photos: Me and Milo EXACTLY one week ago having coffee and treats at a sidewalk cafe while we drew pictures and filled out Enzo's birthday party invitations - breezy and warm. And.... Milo and Lil today at noon "morning out" pick up. Rainy, rainy, rainy (and cold).

Oh - and, hey - is anyone watching Top Chef Just Desserts? I am.