a new friend- sloppy joe

Sloppy Joe and I have not been friends over the years. I thought he smelled bad and tasted even worse...frankly, he was a mess. I could never figure out why anyone would want chili on soggy bread.

Recently we met again, and I decided to give him a second chance. Since we've both matured a little, things are going much better. He is healthier, more sophisticated, lower maintenance and smells better than ever before.

Grown-up Sloppy Joes

1 lb. ground beef (low fat) or ground turkey
14-1/2 oz. diced tomatoes
1 small onion, chopped
3 tbsp. brown sugar, packed
2 tsp. worchestershire sauce
1-1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
dill pickle slices
focaccia bread

Brown meat, combine all remainng ingredients, put into slow cooker. Cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.

Serve with dill pickle slices on toasted focaccia.

Makes 6 servings.

Oh, and don't forget your veggies...a big colorful salad would be a perfect side.

the play by play

Last week I hit the road for work. Part of traveling so much for work means that you have to become good at self entertainment.

My first evening away, I treated myself to a picture show. I saw The Blind Side, and I absolutely loved it. The story is moving, inspiring, but best of all it is a true story.



Then I headed over to the Nordstrom and treated myself to a couple things. First up, a Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Blue Raspberry. This is by far my most favorite lipstick right now. It is nice and moist...perfect for winter wear.



I have had my eye on the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist deoderant for a while, and decided to finally try it. I don't know what took me so long. Wow! It has a soft scent and works really well...for those of you still doing your shopping, this would be a great stocking stuffer.



A successful evening out, and back to the hotel for a rest.

code green

When I was growing up, we had a system to handle 'code greens' at our house during the holidays. A 'code green' would occur when someone would unexpectedly show up at the house with a gift for the family.

We always had a few extra gifts under the tree that were wrapped and ready to go, just in case. Not such a bad idea if you ask me.

Here are some ideas for your surplus stock. They'll never know it wasn't hand picked for them.


{sweater sleeve candle from anthropologie}


{sweet treats from a local chocolatier}


{desktop calendar from eggpress}

The Twelve Cookies of Christmas

Friday night a couple friends and I hosted a holiday cookie party for a group of our gal pals. We hosted it at Les Madeleines Bakery. We had a very nice dinner, gift exchange and everyone left with baked treats. It was so nice to have everyone together.


{table setting}


{visiting and gifting}


{no fuss fresh food}


{a few of the gals...c, m, d, and me}

winter greens

Knowing she would have a partner in crime, my darling friend Debbie asked me to join her on Sunday for a holiday wreath making workshop at Red Butte Gardens.

I chose to use various winter greens and dried limes, the smell is absolutely divine.

non traditional decor

We're kind of diggin' this abstracted aluminum Christmas tree over here.

h2oh!

Tonight I went to private holiday party at Nordstrom with a couple friends (fancy me!). They had lovely appetizers and cocktails galore.

While waiting in line for a drink I spotted the gorgeous bottles of Evian water they were pouring. Upon closer inspection I saw that it was a collectors edition bottle designed by Christian Lacroix. A visit to the Evian site revealed that Lacroix was not alone in this mission. Jean Paul Gaultier and my personal favorite, Paul Smith, have also contributed.

Wouldn't you just love to grace your table with these?


{christian lacroix}


{paul smith}


{jean paul gaultier}

a simple gift

This past weekend, my little neice celebrate her first birthday. Josh and I struggled to know what to get her. We wanted it to be something meaningful, but something she would use. We decided to buy her the Caldecott and Newbery award winning books for the year she was born, and commit to buying them for her for every birthday after. The idea is that as she grows older she will have a collection of childrens books that celebrate both literature and art, a personal library of books.

I have been so thankful throughout of my life that I was taught to love and respect books and know their value on many levels. They can teach, comfort,entertain and encourage you to dream...and that is a true gift.


{happy birthday little miss}


{the house in the night, first caldecott award winner since 2008}


{the graveyard book, first newbery award winner since 2008}

knit wit

Simply a knitted tuque (cap) for your pouf. Furniture can get chilly too, you know.




{bonnet collection by dutch designer liset van der scheer, via yatzer}

keeping it up

Three weeks ago, I completed my first 5K run. It was such a great feeling to finish and meet the challenge I had issued myself a few months ago. I am looking for another race to train for, so that I will stay focused on running.

In the meantime, I got myself some new gear for those upcoming winter runs.


{nike pegasus +26}


{nike cold weather running pants}

I also have my eye on this gadget (wink, wink, Santa).


{nike+ sportband}

new favorite

New holiday favorite over here, Carrot Souffle.

holiday preparation

Put up that tree faster, Daddy! You can do better than that...



...while we settle down for a long winter's nap.



Love Henri and Franklin
XO

a tale of two movies

Two movies, two days, two very different stories.

A Christmas Carol
Great! A lovely suprise. We weren't expecting to love this as much as we did...a must see.




2012
NOT so great! 2 hours and 38 minutes of our life we will never get back.

soups on!

A couple weeks ago when I knew I was getting sick, I was craving comfort foods. I found a recipe online for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup and have changed it a little to suit our tastes. We like it so much, we've had it for dinner at least 4 times in the last couple of weeks...including tonight. This is excellent with a fresh loaf of bread.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

8 c. chicken broth
1 finely chopped leek or 3 finely chopped green onions
3/4 c. uncooked orzo pasta or acini di pepe
salt
black pepper
2 large eggs
1 lemon, juice of
shredded chicken from half pre-cooked rotisserie chicken

Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a pot. Put leeks or green onions into pot and cook for 5 minutes. Add in the orzo and chicken; simmer uncovered until orzo is cooked (about 10 minutes).

In a medium heat-proof bowl whisk together eggs and lemon juice until frothy.

Remove a ladle of hot broth from the pot and slowly add the broth to the egg mixture whisking vigorously; pour the mixture back into the hot soup.

Remove immediately from the heat. Do not let boil.

Serve and enjoy.

see what all the fuzz is about

Did you hear? Avenue Q is coming to Salt Lake City in February 2010. I saw this Broadway show is NYC about 5 years ago, and it is hysterical! I just bought our tickets today...I can't wait!

Get your tickets here.

let the good times roll

This weekend I was asked to sit in as a sub on a Bunco team. For those of you who don't know what Bunco is (I was in your shoes before the weekend), it is essentially a game of dice played in rounds by teams of two. What it really is, is a good excuse to get together with a bunch of ladies, eat and laugh...a social club if you will.

Oh, and you can win prizes too! I was the recipient of a very cute grapefruit ginger cleaning suite. Now, I did win for the biggest loser category, but that means I have room for improvement. I loved it, I felt so....ladies who lunch.

I had so much fun that now we, (my friend and I), want to start our own group...interested?

a good laugh

Tonight we had the pleasure of seeing the witty and irreverent Kathy Griffin live in SLC. It was the first time she has ever performed here.

If you have an addiction to all things Bravo, love trashy celeb updates and want an off-color take on current events, you must see this show! Check out the schedule for future shows here.



Image from Bravo.

ah-choo!

It's cold and flu season and I am already down for the count. Although getting sick is never fun, there a few things I enjoy...always better to stay positive...right?

1. everyone is a little nicer...you can't be mean to a sick person
2. the soothing sound of a humidifier
3. napping is encouraged
4. lemons, tea and soup
5. cuddling up in a blanket
6. self indulgence is acceptable
7. potential weight loss
8. creating a little nest of books, tissues, lip balm, and cold medication on the nightstand
9. the world outside looks like a very busy ant colony unnecessarily rushing about

What is your favorite thing about being sick?


{unmade bed by imogen cunningham}

stamp

Can't wait for our new 123 house stamp to arrive...yay for family branding!

a pure heart

It is an amazing gift to have someone in your life with a truly pure heart who is willing to share it with you.

letterpress cards

This Saturday, I spent the day at Sycamore Street Press in Heber, Utah to make our holiday cards. There were 10 people in the class and we all learned how letterpress works and then printed our own cards and made custom envelope liners. It was quite a lot of fun!

Since many of you will actually be receiving one of these, I can't completely reveal them, but here is a little preview.

a rockin' night out

This weekend we saw the movie Pirate Radio. Inspired by real events, this movie reminded me of simple things in life that I take for granted. It was a thoughtful romp with a light heart and great soundtrack.