Happy Birthday to my friend Kim!

It's Kim's birthday! I love what Stephanie says-- "That's so Maven!" (she is the Maven of Mischief, after all...) And Oh, the Mischief. I honestly don't know what I'd do without the magic of my Kim in my life. Unfortunately because of schedules and overall life, I don't get to see her nearly enough--but a good dose of Kim is definitely what's needed more often than not. For her birthday I thought I'd give you a nice photo album tour of my silly friend...

This may be my all-time favorite shot. It brings back an evening where I laughed so hard I thought I would pass out! The story is a bit long to re-live here but let's just say it involved a tuft of hair that Stephanie pulled surprisingly from her head after a bout with a power tool. (again, long story!) We had just finished a Feminine Hijinx episode and were already giggly...this just put us over the edge. This wad of hair ended up everywhere...and I mean EVERYWHERE. Good times my friends, good times.

Speaking of the podcast, starting that thing up eventually led to Kim and I's stint on FM107's Undiscovered Divas contest. Alas, we didn't win...but we did make it to the finals and had a one hour live show. It was both scary and exciting. Alas again, there could be only 2 of us on the show so one of the Hijinx Minxes had to stay home...both Kim and Stephanie were arguing over who WOULDN'T have to do it with me! Kim ended up being the more willing one, so there she was. She did an awesome job and I dare say we had a blast. It's fun to say we did it, anyway!

Ahh, the Which Witch party. Kim had remembered me mentioning how much I used to love this game as a kid and how excited I was when I finally remembered what it was called! She surprised me with the game that she had found on ebay for my 40th birthday. She and Stephanie had quite the ruse going, making me believe we were heading out for a night on the town and instead ended up at Kim's for a game night. Woo hoo! Yummy comfort/game food prepared by Steph, decorations, and two not-so-willing but very generous friends playing not one but two games with me. Now THAT'S friendship.

And this is what happens after a night of games and drink and Kim. Come to think of it, this was another bit of hair that ended up EVERYWHERE. huh.

After an afternoon or evening tipping back a few beers or glasses of wine, you can expect Kim to start up on her dirty dancing. No one puts this Baby in the corner!!

I will leave you with this image of Kim and I walking the streets of New York City (the most fabulous and memorable trip with she and Stephanie!) with our hands on each other's tushies. Just some more of the Maven's mischief--there is never a dull moment when she's around!

So Happy, Happy Birthday to Kim! May the Mischief be with you!!!

Farewell, Summer...

I'm here! I know it's been forever since I've blogged--so sorry to the two people that check up on me here every so often. ;-) All is well, it's just been a busy summer. And the times that weren't busy...well, who wants to write about that?! As writing a letter or journal entry can be DAUNTING when you haven't kept up with things--so much to catch up on!--I will make this more of a scrapbook entry, if you will. On to the Highlights of My Summer:

As nice as it is to have the summer to DO things, often there is nothing better than to just lounge on your deck in your cushy Papasan chair. Luckily we HAVE a Papasan chair, and a darn nice view of the woods from our deck. Nothing quite like relaxing out there, especially with a nice summery Tanqueray and Tonic. Now that's gettin' your zen on!

Normally I hate having to be involved in one of my kid's school projects...it's like, didn't I go through this already when I was in school??? But Vivian's summer project for her upcoming advanced Social Studies class was to do a report on some historical place of her choice in Minnesota. She chose the Split Rock Lighthouse, which is up in Two Harbors. What a great way to start off the summer--taking in gorgeous views of the north shore and just feeling one with nature. Plus I got to hang with my brother and his kids, it's always great to see the cousins having a good time together. This was one project that was just as interesting to me as (hopefully!) it was to Vivian, and one thing I did learn for sure...those lighthouses are a bit claustrophobic...

Ahhh, the 4th of July. At Stephanie and John's, once again. How lucky are we to get pampered and spoiled by the best cook (s), the most gracious hosts, the lovely scenery, titillating conversation (I love that word) and fireworks on the golf course?? Honestly I never cared that much about the 4th--well, not since I was a child and we spent it at Iowa City City Park every year...great memories there--but the 4th with Steph and Company definitely now makes it a highlight of my year!

Summer is great for family togetherness, but it's also superb for donning your favorite sundress and going out for a lovely dinner with your peeps. Somehow Stephanie Kim and I have stumbled into a dare-I-say regular routine of trying a new restaurant together once a month or so...well, new to Kim and I--we let Stephanie guide us to the right places! Oh do I love hanging out with my girls. Never underestimate the power of getting a bit gussied and having a night out with your buddies! It is a wonderful thing. Of course the sad thing is this has sort of replaced our podcast get-togethers for now....but only for the time being. I'm not ready to give up on Feminine Hijinx yet!

Summer in Minneapolis would not be complete without visiting one of the 10 thousand lakes! Not much makes a Mommy happier than to see her child enjoying themselves so completely and so purely in the sand and sun. Sullivan spent hours this day working on a very cool sandcastle complete with moat. When we dragged Coreman back out there that evening, it was amazingly still there.

Ahhh, Brookside. Our family will probably never have any other summer vacation but heading up there--but you know, that is not such a bad thing. Kids are safely free to roam and play, parents can relax (or be active...I myself mostly choose the former...!) with good company and just be a family. And since Brookside is also a childhood memory for me, that makes it all the more special!!

And we say goodbye to yet another summer by hitting the Great Minnesota Get-Together..the State Fair, of course! Both kids had their artwork displayed and ribboned...Sullivan getting a blue for his first time in! Yes, the fair is crowded and dirty (oh, the germs!) sometimes unbearably hot...but I for one can't resist it anyway. Where else can I eat a gyro, some mini donuts, fries and an elephant ear all in one day, absolutely guilt-free??!

So there it is, my friends, my summer in a nutshell. Nothing too spectacular in some eyes, I'm sure, but perfect by me. The only downfall is that it went by wayyy too fast...and it goes faster every year. I am excited tho, for the new beginnings that a new school year will bring for the kids. Here we go again...!

All in All...

Doesn't this look good? It is my friends, it is. Stephanie and John's pool is pretty much a little paradise, especially because whenever I am there they are such wonderful and gracious hosts that I feel like a queen. Lucky me has been able to enjoy the pool and the hosts (or at least one host) a lot lately and that's just fine by me. Sprinkle a little Kim in there, and it's all good.

July 4th was a blast, as I knew it would be. It's been our tradition to spend it with Steph and John for a few years now, and this year it turned out to be a bonafide party with Stu (yes, the Wine Genius) and his wife Debbie, Debbie's sister Michelle, Harry, Stacey, Coop-a-Doop, and Digby, Margo and Levi. Yes, doggies were invited too and darn it all, I did not get a photo of those guys. It was quite hilarious, all of them running around and sometimes in the pool. Poor Margo was just trying to get away from these crazy boys. She took refuge in anyone's arms, and that made for one happy Sullivan. Everyone contributed to the meal, and the food was delish. After some swim and some vittles, we all went out onto the golf course for the show. We all agreed that this year seemed to be the best one yet, amazing! Pretty darn satisfying, even if the fireworks are over very quickly--as Sullivan would say, "Just like a good sneeze." :-)

Stephanie, Kim and I took advantage of a last-minute free evening and went out for dinner to a restaurant called Luci Ancora in Saint Paul, of course on Steph's suggestion. YUM with a capital Y, it was positively delicious. And you just can't go wrong with a cozy dinner out with your peeps anyways. It was lovely!!

Then again with my fine friends, and again by the pool. It was a Mom/Kid affair, bringing the Trio together again. (sorry, but for certain annoying reasons only 2 of our children are shown in this photo...!) Btw, the kids are the only people you will see on this blog in their bathing suits, in case you are wondering...!!!

All in all, I'd say summer is going pretty darn well. Other than the fact that every time we have a storm lately it's a violent one, and in our woody lot it's causing many branches to be broken. Not fun because each time it happens they are left hanging over power lines or something and we have to pay to have someone come out and saw them down. This is getting expensive! I guess to be expected when you live in Cakeville...!

From Pineapple to Tofu

Just call me Stephanie--I've been a cooking/baking fool lately. Well, it's not like I've been cooking a lot, I guess--I've just been more experimental. (and I'm just a fool.) Our gourmet dinner group of course lends itself to trying new things--although often I just want to make something that I know will be GOOD and I'm not in the mood to experiment. Inspired by the Byerly's spring magazine, I decided to go for making a Pineapple Upside Down Cake. It was daunting to me--will it be all mushy on the top?? Since I have to saute the pineapple and then actually pour the cake batter and bake it all in the same pan, will it really turn out okay?? For whatever reason I was feeling brave and went for it--and I'm glad I did! I have to say, the cake itself wasn't exactly spectacular--I mean, it was tasty and all, but I don't know if it really made a difference to chop and process crystalized ginger to add to the batter and it was a bit dry--but since Greg said it tasted just like his Mom used to make, I figured it was a success. There, I did it. I made a Pineapple Upside Down Cake in my life. There is something so 1950's about that, isn't there?? Nice! (yes, the cake didn't quite get centered on the plate...YOU try flipping over a hot and heavy Le Creuset sauce pan quickly and accurately on a serving plate...not so easy!)


Then tonight I actually cooked with tofu. (sorry, no photo of that one.) I've tried it in the past and never hated it or anything, but it never struck me as something I needed to eat much either. Lately tho I've been both wanting to find healthy alternatives and have some variety for goodness sake--so why not try tofu?? I found a site on the web that told how to cook it so it doesn't turn out mushy...I have to say, it was good advice. I used the asian marinade and it was downright YUMMY. Totally crave-worthy. Sullivan actually liked the first couple of bites but then started spanking his head Andrew Zimmern style, so I guess I can't really say it was a hit with the entire family. Ah well, I'm hoping that was just the sauce. (he's not a soy sauce kind of guy) I'll try it again. I did read somewhere that you actually have to get your kid to try something some ridiculous amount of times--like, 17-- before they will actually like it...so keep serving those kids that broccoli, my parental friends! (at least both Sullivan and Vivian do like that!)

Who knows what will be next on the menu? Actually, I think I may try a coconut rice pudding and try it out on my dear friend Stephanie when she comes over for coffee on Friday. She and my friend Darcie are about the only ones I can think of that would actually EAT that kind of thing. YUM, I say.

Try something new this week! Heck, it's spring. Or is it?! (she says as she laments about the weather forecast of another 6 inches of snow...)

A Busy Week and Another Year Older

Yes indeed--spring is springing and the busy times are coming. Both kids birthdays in March and April, and then the month of May that includes 4 birthdays and 3 Mother's Days which basically makes it like another Christmas around here.

First of all--Happy Birthday, Sullivan! It was actually March 12th, but today we braved it and had some of Sully's classmates in our house for a little party. It's so tough, we had soooo many friends we wanted to invite, but sadly we can't have them all. It was a great time, his friends are adorable and they were entertained by magician Brian Richards. He was definitely worth every penny, just a really nice guy--a great magician and great fun for the kids. He had us all laughing. What, you think I'm going to have all of those kids in my house and entertain them myself??! I'm not THAT brave!

The other day we all went to the public library to see Sullivan's art work on display. He was one of the chosen few selected to have his 'Self Portrait Collage' up on the for the next month, and we actually went to the 'art opening' to see it. He was so proud, and of course Mommy was too--but certainly not surprised. Both of my kids have amazing artistic talent!!

We also took part in our city's 'Unplugged' day, a day where everyone is supposed to shun their electronic devices and actually spend time with their families instead. I have to say that it's a little sad to me that this needs to be spelled out for people, but, there it is. Local restaurants had deals so cooking Mommies (and Daddies too, I suppose!) could be unplugged as well, so we took advantage of that with a meal out and then came back here to play family games. Yes, that is my husband happily playing a board game. He will try to tell you that he doesn't enjoy himself doing such a thing, but don't believe him. Just to make it easier on him we all endured listening to Adrian Belew. Why is it that he hates playing games, yet when he does he always wins??! No fair.I myself did manage to take some time off this week to smell the roses--okay not the roses (yet!) but at least the melting snow. We almost hit 50 degrees one day and I just had to enjoy it out on my deck. It will be so fun to enjoy the first spring in our new house! Connie was visiting for a couple of days, resting up from her trip to Italy before she drove back home.

And tonight, a relaxing dinner at Steph's to hang with her and meet some friends visiting. I have to say, after a house full of kids I can't think of anything better than to have my good friend Stephanie cook for for me.

Back In the Saddle...

...to get rid of the saddle. Bags, that is. Yesterday I re-signed myself up at the gym. I was going pretty regularly for over a year, but then I got into a walk/run faze, hit summer-time and thought--'who needs the gym'? Apparently, I do. I guess I'm just one of those people who will NOT work out out of doors unless the weather is perfect--and how often is that in Minnesota?! I am not like my hearty friend Steph, who gets out there and walks it pretty much rain or shine, icy patches on the street or no. One little slip on one of those patches and weee! There goes my back. So I guess the Ellipse machine and weights all in the confines of the athletic club is where it's at for me. And you know, I like it. I like having to get up and go somewhere, away from my house. I feel like I get a better workout on those machines than I do simply walking--or even running. I even missed the smell of the gym, I have to say. (well, most of the time. not when someone is working out next to me and they reek of B.O. Then the gym is not so pretty.) No, I don't plan on looking like scary macho Barbie here, but I do want to be feeling good and getting rid of that darn hibernation padding that creeps up around the middle this time of year.

So I started my day this morning with a bang, hittin' the gym once again. It was great until I almost passed out and/or puked from over-doing it. I got on the Ellipse for 30 minutes, then hit some weights and some floor stuff. I was amazed that I actually remembered how to work some of that stuff--and dismayed at how weak I am now. Man, it sure doesn't take long for you to lose your stamina and your brawn when you get off track. bummer. But! I know I'l get it back. But a note to self, and to the rest of you thinking about spring/summer and putting yourself back into exercise...go slow. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was a flat stomach. Luckily I was overall fine, but woowee, I sure hit that point where I was like, "I'm done!"

As much as I wanted to just lay down and go to sleep I needed to run out and get groceries this afternoon. I was pulling into a space and just as I was doing so, a car pulled up into it from the other side. I was grumbling and threw a dirty look at the person only to realize it was my dear friend Stephanie. ha! We had a good laugh about that one. Nothing like making grocery shopping more fun by having your peep there with you. We proceeded to stand in people's way at lunch-time at the salad bar, gabbing away--hey, we've had to skip some all-important coffee dates recently and had some serious dish to catch up on! Luckily we are squeezing in a coffee date in a couple of days so we can finish what we started by the olives. Never enough time to chat, my friends, never enough time.

And on that chatty note, I must run! The kids will be coming home from school soon and it's like Christmas every day to see what they brought home in their backpacks! :-) I will leave you with a lovely spring-like photo of my bulb pot I just HAD to buy. I highly recommend one of these to anyone living here in Minnesota at this time of year...bring on the spring!

A Birthday in the States

Happy Birthday to my friend Dan! The husband of my lovely friend Darcie, Dan has now joined us in the 40 demographic. It was quite a treat that we got to celebrate together--considering that Darcie and family are all supposed to be living temporarily in London right now. It's a long and crazy story as to how they ended up here, but basically my poor friend Darcie was stranded in Paris on a little vaca and couldn't get back to her family in England. Because of a screw-up with their visas, they all had to immediately come back to the states. I know it doesn't sound too rough to be stuck in gay Paris, but believe you me, it was not fun for her.

I feel very badly that they had to go through all of this, but on the other hand as I said to Dan because he got refused and old we all got to benefit by gathering at Chino Latino for an impromptu birthday dinner. It was a fun group of people, all people I've met and enjoyed over at Darcie and Dan's at some point. And get a load of that baby--his name is Crew, can't you stand it??--he was practically my little appetizer, I could have eaten him right up.


We all shared food and it was pretty good, but the best part about Chino is definitely the fun atmosphere--old suburban me feeling like I'm actually at a hip place for a change. And you've gotta love the tshirts that the employees run around in...one saying, "Wanna Bangkok?" and, "Ah, Phuket" ! All I could think of was bringing my kids in there and how their little eyes would light up with the naughtiness of it all. (I know, it's apparent I'm a parent.) Of course Sullivan wouldn't even get that Phuket could be mispronounced as a naughty word...he'd just be like, "oh, that's an island off of Thailand!" and then proceed to show me exactly where it is on the globe.

Tonight, more adult fun with Stephanie and John coming over for a raclette dinner. Not exactly gourmet food, but you can't go wrong with potatoes, ham and melted cheese. yum.

They're Baaaack....

Well, there they are again. Those greys. A while ago I posted about how I was embracing those grey hairs that were becoming quite prolific there on top of my head, and indeed I was...until I saw someone's beautiful shiny head of hair and decided that I needed that dark color--and a few streaks of gold and red, as well. I can honestly say covering the greys was not part of the agenda, it just came along with the coloring package--but I will also admit it was nice not to have to inspect my head every day for that wiley grey with disturbingly pubic-like qualities that would bend it's way up to the sky like a crazy antenna.

But this morning, alas, there those boogers are again. Ah well, at least these puppies are growing in straight, so I'm not going to bother them. Hey, if I could snap my fingers and have that gorgeous silvery grey hair overnight I'd be so THERE. I guess my dark brown, gold, red and grey hair will look good with my new glasses. Yup, after following the Coreman into Lenscrafters with his glasses saga--he can tell you that one himself!--I of course decided I myself needed a new pair. The ones I have were cool about 10 years ago. Frankly I wasn't sure if I even wanted to spend the money on glasses since the only time I wear them is right before bed and right when I get up. But it is nice to have a pair that you can throw on if you just don't want to deal with your contact lenses, you had a good cry and you don't want to put your contacts in, or you just want to accessorize. It also helps that my brother-in-law owns some of the Lenscrafters doctor's offices, so I get a good deal. Nice!

I decided to become totally funkified and went for these cool Vogue frames in bright blue, with the inside being a lime green. ! In the past my glasses selection had always been something a bit more tame, at least in color--something that would go with everything and be a bit more neutral. But now? Nope, I'm 40 (+--eeek!) and I'm going for the obnoxious ones. I was also looking at a clear frame, I think those are pretty cool--but the stranger who became my best friend of the moment and fashion consultant at Lenscrafers made the comment, "I've never been a fan of clear. If you're gonna get glasses, why try to hide 'em?" Wise words indeed, so I went for the bold statement. Being that I don't have them yet--so much for Lenscrafters getting them done in an hour, eh??--you'll have to settle for a photo of the same frame in pink. (which was cool too, and quite frankly I'm a little surprised I didn't go for the pink...but blue goes with more...) So there it is.

I ran into beloved Nordstrom to check out a perfume that I had read about and came home with 2 samples (that they made for me, of course...!) ...The Beat, by Burberry, and Au The Blanc, by Bvlgari. I always love trying new perfumes, especially with spring around the corner. Of course I'm still loving my Annick Goutal's Petite Cherie, and Dytique's Do Son. It's funny how as I age, my taste in scent does too. No longer do I go for the heavy vanilla-y amber-y laden scents I used to. (although it is funny how Au The Blanc does have a touch of amber in it...not surprising!)

I almost pulled a Carrie Bradshaw in the Nordstrom shoe department, buying a pair on a total whim that I drooled over on their web site. I would have, too, if I hadn't just scored some other great shoes at DSW. Oh my though, these shoes are to die for. The Kill, as Steph would say--or maybe The Lick?? ;-) Wouldn't you agree??? Sex-Y with a capital Y. And actually pretty comfortable considering the 3 inch heel, with no platform in front. I don't know, another Silpada party or two and I may have to get 'em. At least now I have a real reason to get fun and funky clothes and shoes--my parties! That's reason enough for you stay-at-homes to do my business--you have a great excuse to buy party clothes! :-)

OK, enough of my shopping rave. Look at me--this started out about my grey hairs and quickly turned to shopping and coveting pretty things. Must be the spring tease right around the corner--doesn't it just make you want to go out and get some fresh new things?

Colder Than a Witch's You Know What!

Just what does a person do with themselves when it is this butt cold outside??? Well, this Metal Mommy braves the cold anyway as the hearty Minnesotan she is. (okay, not exactly hearty...I'm in and out as quick as I can be, that's for darn sure.) She soldiers on selling her wares at Silpada parties, shopping (but of course!) and making comfort food like creamy homemade macaroni and cheese.

I have had 4 Silpada parties in the past 6 days--whew! It's been busy, and fun. I do love my job. Where else could a girl make ridiculously easy money, small talk it to death, laugh and giggle with both friends and new women she meets, and try on fabulous jewels?? I often wonder why everyone doesn't want to do this. I guess there ARE people out there who cringe at the very thought of every one of those points...well, except making easy money of course. Hard to believe.

I'm already itching for spring and the retailers know it. Why else would they be selling short sleeved shirts, shorts and sandals when it's -13 outside with no hope for a decent thaw for at least 2-3 months??? They suckered me right into Banana Republic to buy a fabulous lavender oh-so-spring-like jersey dress...that I've already worn even, black boots and all. Metal! Black boots and a lavender dress, black boots being oh-so-metal on their own, of course, but also the sheer paradox of it all. Then at DSW I bought some crazy-fab shoes that--alas--I WILL have to wait for spring to wear. Metallic silver faux snake-skin loafers with a white wedge heel. Another paradox, for sure! As soon as I finish this sentence I'm think I'm just going to have to make the heavy metal salute.

Nothing says home and comfort like macaroni and cheese. I have nothing against the Kraft kind, mind you, I've been known to eat some in a pinch....but I'm talking about the REAL stuff--which honestly with the Velveeta cheese I use isn't much more un-processed than the processed kind, for sure...but I was feeling a bit adventurous and did add my own flair by making the sauce half Velveeta/ half Havarti. Another paradox!!! I do believe I made myself some Metal Macaroni and Cheese! nice. I just whipped up a little roux with butter and flour, then added the milk, cubed Velveeta and cubed Havarti. That's it my friends, very easy, very creamy and will totally give you that satisfying lump in your stomach. Just remember to eat your apricots. (and Steph, aren't you proud of me and my roux???)

Unfortunately since my braving the arctic elements really only consists of dashing in and out of a heated car, store or home, I won't be getting out and working OFF that Metal Mac and Cheese any time soon. Just storing a little extra for the winter, I guess--and I'll need it, didn't Punxsutawney say we're getting some extra? Dang.

Always Fresh Once Again!

It's about darn time! It felt good to get another Feminine Hijinx podcast done once again--we goils had been on one long haitus, considering it had been 6 whole months since our last one! A lot has happened since then, of course...first it was summer traveling and general busy-ness, then my whole move thing, school starting, the holidays...and now here we are, the new year and I'm gettin' some hijinx in with my peeps once again.

We started out the evening by celebrating Stephanie's 41st birthday at Sweeney's in Saint Paul. Nothing like a brewski and bar food to get a night rolling--and we ladies can be as loud as we want/need to in a rowdy bar! (although according to Stephanie she could STILL hear my laugh from the bathroom stall...yeah!) From there we came back here to our set-up in the living room. At the old house we podcasted from the 'naughty pine' downstairs...but what to call our new living room space? Kim ran with the vaulted ceiling thing giving it the moniker of the Vaginal Vault. Stephanie came up with the Virginal Vault, although after popping the podcast cherry last night I guess it can't be called that. Maybe it will just be shortened to The Vault, although the sunny open room that looks out over the street hardly seems vault-like. hmmm, I guess it's one of those things that will just have to come to us one of these days. (I see where you are going with that! Naughty!)

Regardless, it felt good to be back at it again...although I have to say I did feel a bit rusty. The girls and I thought that maybe we talked it to death too much at the bar before we got back here, that could very well be. In listening to it though, I feel pretty good about the turn-out. We've still got it... IT being the gab, the naughty talk and of course the never-ending laughs. Works for me! Who cares if I'm the only one who listens?!

Holy Eggs, Batman!

So I'm innocently cookin' up some eggs the other morning and a piece drops down onto the burner. I look down and...aaaahh!
(sung in a high full vibrato operatic voice) an angel! Do you think it's a sign? A message from heaven? Hmmmm. Maybe it's just a sign that if I eat too many fried eggs they will end up on my thighs. But heck, a serving of these eggs and some holy toast (I received the stamper for Christmas from my 11 year old daughter...does she know me, or what?!) and I could be onto something. Or not.

On a totally different note, Happy Birthday to my dear and Fabulous friend Stephanie!

More Celebrating

Happy New Year, one and all! I hope you all have enjoyed your holiday celebrations....I sure have! It's been the perfect mix of relaxation and fun, friends and family. I am behind in my blog-posting, there have been many fun days worth typing about but alas, not a lot of time to spend writing about it. Or I DO write a long post and then get so frustrated that my photos won't upload that I just pass. This post will be mostly photos, let's hope it works!

Any New Year's Resolutions for y'all? I've never gotten into that, I have to say. I refuse to deny myself anything, and most resolutions are usually about giving up something that's bad for you. (I don't do Lent, either.) I'd love to hear yours if you have some!

OK, here is A Very Metal Holiday, by Suz:

Steph and I's last coffee date, where she gave me the most fabulous of all egocentric Christmas gifts...a Juicy Couture bracelet that has it's name on one side--but of course!--and none other than 'Her Majesty' on the other. OMG, Fabulous. In my not-so-humble opinion, every woman should loudly declare her royal status. How very Metal!!

Here we are at Stephanie's house, enjoying a lovely Ladies Brunch. As she always does whenever I'm over there, Stephanie spoiled us with amazing food and her most gracious hostess-ness. One of The Best ways to spend an afternoon...great food with great women. (especially when someone else is cooking it for you...Her Metal Majesty definitely approves..!)

Christmas Eve was so nice...going to the Christmas Eve service as good Lutherans do and then coming back here for some serious present opening. I will say I'm pretty sure we all got what we wanted...especially me, my big gift from my ever-luvin' being an incredible sparkly blingy oh-so-me pink tourmaline, diamond and rose gold ring. wow.

A lovely Christmas dinner with friends and family. Dinner, gift exchange, a girl's card Bingo and a Men's Bowling game on the new Wii that Santa brought....fun had by all!

As you know, holidays are all about spending time with family and friends...and it was quite nice to spend a morning with my friend Darcie and her two sweet boys, in town from their year-long stay in London!

New Year's Eve found us at Stephanie's sister Stacey's incredible home, quietly partying it up with her friends and family. How lucky are we to be included in such company??

We spent the first day of 2008 over at Mark and Dawn's house warming up on a cold cold day with some fabulous chili. Four different kinds, to be exact! (my personal fave was a Vegetarian one that included cashews and raisins...sounds strange I know, but to die for...definitely a recipe I will get!) Another day spent with great people and food, even a little dancing to "Laura" by the Scissor Sisters...why have I not heard of this band?! Great disco-dance/sometimes bluesy/glam rock music with in your face lyrics such as "you can't see tits on the radio...". METAL!

Hallelujah, successful photo posting! Here's to 2008!!

Let's Get Gourmet!

Oh yeah, Gourmet Night in the new house! Love it. And with a recipe from my lovely gourmand friend Stephanie, it was definitely a hit. It was so good, in fact, that I might just pull a Steph and add the recipe in my comments below!

Our gourmet group has been getting together for about 10 years now--isn't that crazy?! The eight of us are actually the second incarnation, Pastor Tim asked us to join after I accidentally blurted out "damn" in our new members class at church. There I was thinking I was surely going to hell and instead I got into a gourmet dinner group. (my love and appreciation for Pastor Tim started right then and there.) Only about a year after The Coreman and I joined, one of the couples left. (I've often wondered about that one..!) Being the newest of the group, we got to pick the replacement couple--which were Mark and Dawn. So here we are, basically in our 10 Year Anniversary...The Coreman and I, Mark and Dawn, Rosemarie and Greg, and Tim and Nancy. I could not be with a better group of people, I am so blessed to have them in my life! They are the sort of folk that even though our meetings sometimes don't go beyond our monthly dinners or a weekly 'hello' at church, there is an unspoken bond there that we all feel with each other. I know I could go to any one of these people with anything. That's pretty cool. After 10 years of trying to think of new recipes, we may not be very gourmet, but it's a sure thing that there will always be a hearty helping of laughter and fun.

I just love it when our turn to host the group falls around the holidays. The house definitely feels festive just with all of the holiday stuff out. Light a few candles and voila! Instant Glamour. Our table looks especially nice these days, last year The Coreman had a moment of insanity and told me to go to Pier One and buy some nice dishware. I was a little afraid but ran out the door without question before he could change his mind. The result is a plethora of beautiful golden plates and "crystal" glasses--sorry, we're not talking Waterford here--very nice. For this occassion I added some Christmas crackers which housed bad jokes and plastic charms--the best part of these things was the gunpowder smell that emitted from them upon cracking--and a mirrored trivet I purchased at World Market (my new favorite tchotchke place!) on every other plate, as a 'take-home gift' for each couple. I wanted to get a photo of my table all set up, but alas, I became too busy in preparation and forgot. Hate it when that happens!

Hosting the group around Christmas means you must have the White Elephant gift giveaway--to me, the highlight of the evening. I also affectionately call this 'Wrap Your Crap'. To those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, basically you hunt around your house for things that you have no use for and have no idea why they are still around, wrap them up disquised in wrong-sized boxes and/or pretty paper and then take turns opening them up. Some people play with dice--we just have each person select a number (in this case, 1-8 since there were 8 of us) and take turns picking out the gift. I believe something can be stolen twice, but on the third time around it stays with it's owner. I was sad to lose a beautiful holiday candle only to be given The Claw Award in it's place. Yes, even though Greg was the person who first opened this hideous thing, it was I that ended up with it. Luckily The Coreman has taken it to work for his own employee White Elephant exchange. What I really love about our gourmet version is the fact that Rosemarie never plays by the rules and actually runs out and gets really CUTE things from Target (everybody picks her gifts first, we are no fools) and Pastor Tim never steals anyone's gift. I guess you can take the Pastor out of the church, but...well, you know the rest. I actually did end up with a very cool 60's/70's glass vase from Dawn--I guess my threat to karate chop anyone who tried to steal it actually worked. This White Elephant thing is a true example of "One man's junk is another one's treasure"!

What a fun evening--fun that is, until it's time to clean up. Ah well, I guess we all take turns with this as the host/hostess of the month. That's the time I find myself cursing our big idea of fancy golden plates from Pier One, as they need to be hand washed. Who's idea was that anyway?!

Happy Holidays! (and don't forget to check out that recipe!)