Am…musings

Last year around this time, I discovered Keller Farms corn. They only sell it on the day it’s picked so it’s incredibly fresh and delightful. If you live in the ‘Lou and like corn on the cob, it’s back in all its summer glory.

I’m back too … after a month and a half. Between my summer glory of working, vacationing and spending time with my man … time is at a premium. As much as I love blogging, it was the thing that had to give. I hope to stick with it now that I’m back because I definitely miss the writing and sharing recipes, pooch updates and love life scoop. (So as not to keep you hanging, things are going great with S., and he and I enjoyed some lovely grilled corn for dinner tonight. Yum!)

Hi there! Remember me? I apologize for falling off the face of the blogging earth. I do have some juicy news to share so hopefully you’ll forgive me for being gone so long.

As I peeked back at my last post just to see how long it’d been, I had to smile. As I’ve mentioned before, I’d begun to wonder if I was still single because I hadn’t truly decided what I wanted in a relationship. Then along came the Late Bloomer Bride’s amazingly beautiful quote about souls entwining and branches coming together to form a miracle of lace against the heavens. Reading it … then and now … takes my breath away and I decided instantly that was what I wanted in a relationship.

That evening I received a Facebook friend request from S. We went to the same high school and had lots of common friends, but I was pretty sure I didn’t know him. I typically ignore those requests, but for some reason accepted his. A day later S. sent a sweet message saying he wanted to get to know me if I would be interested … I was.

We had our first date a few days later … 12+ hours of fun, including NHRA drag races (the most unique first date I’d ever been on), dinner and hanging out with the neighbors (his idea). We had date No. 2 the following Wednesday, and have seen each other every day except one since then.

He’s amazingly sweet and thoughtful, and treats me like a queen. He’s also an awesome dad to a cutie-tootie 5-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter, who he adopted when he married her mom. And he regularly makes me smile and laugh uncontrollably … in an “I’m laughing so hard I may hyperventilate” kind of way, which is one of the best feelings in the world.

We both agree we feel like we’ve known each other forever, even though today is our two week anniversary (he brought champagne and a sweet card). And while it might be a little early for branches forming a miracle of lace, I’m happy to shout from the tree tops that our souls are entwining quite nicely.

Being single and nearly 39, I try to have faith in things happening when they are meant to. But lately … especially when the funk hits, I wonder … should I have settled? The Late Bloomer Bride, Suzanne, posted a gorgeous quote on her blog and Facebook today. It articulates the kind of relationship I want, and … would be hard pressed to get by settling.

A portion of your soul has been entwined with mine. A gentle kind of togetherness, while separate we stand. As two trees deeply rooted in separate plots of ground, while their topmost branches come together, forming a miracle of lace against the heavens. ~Janet Miles

Also, this quote makes me smile because it reminds me that my standards … the ones that have kept me from settling … aren’t at all about looks, a job or money. It’s really personality and chemistry that do it for me … and I’m pretty sure only the right personalities and chemistry could create the kind of love and partnership described above.

Now, I just need to find the guy … with the right personality and chemistry, of course … that will allow our “souls to entwine.” Sigh.

(Sure … Johnny Cash deserves better than this title, but I saw Walk the Line again over the weekend and this title popped in my head and won’t leave so … so be it.)

Almost every spring since I’ve moved into my house I get a touch of the blues. Spring is absolutely, positively my favorite season … daffodils, tulips, blooming trees, warmer temps. But it also brings a lot more work around the house. In addition to feeling a little overwhelmed by it all … I catch myself thinking it’d be nice to have a husband to share mowing and trimming duties, do the nasty-ass pick-up after the dogs and help me rake and cut down ornamental grasses, which are very difficult to do alone. And yesterday, in the midst of all these tasks, Chewy got out of the yard. After about 10 minutes of roaming through backyards in the subdivision behind mine, wishing I had some help, I finally caught him, but that pretty much sent my funk over the edge.

Wine seemed like a good cure and I had some with the neighbors last night … the mood didn’t budge. Taco Bell for lunch energized me for about a half hour and then I was crabby again. I thought ice cream would surely do the trick … nope. There was also a cookie in the freezer next to the ice cream … it didn’t work. And by then I was not only crabby, but pissed at myself for all the calories.

Thankfully, my friend Kelly has introduced me to Zumba. I almost headed home to wallow instead of going, but I’m glad I didn’t. A little shimmying, hip shaking and arm pumping does a mood good. Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks so. I just found this video on the Zumba site.

To find a class, visit Zumba.com.

There’s just no delicate way to say it … my face is full of pimples. I swear nearly the minute I started Dr. Hauschka’s daily routine a couple of months ago they disappeared. The problem is … I can’t pinpoint the cause of the blemishes because I didn’t conduct a very good scientific study.

The recent warm up and start of the grass-mowing season sent me straight to Whole Foods for some SPF (Dr. H’s doesn’t have it). Most SPFs cause me to breakout so I could easy blame my current condition on that. But … about three weeks ago I began using Dr. H’s ridiculously expensive Rhythmic Night Conditioner. I think a few slight breakouts started then … and I’m guessing the added SPF may have just pushed my skin over the edge (not to mention that the simple change of season alone could have instigated the breakouts as sensitive as my skin is).

My plan is to cease all SFP application, stop the Rhythmic Night Conditioner and (hopefully) let my skin get back to its pimple-free state. At that point, I’ll try the SPF samples and see what happens.

In the meantime, I should have some news to report on the lip-balm front soon.

Yes … I know it doesn’t sound good, but it’s one of my favorite holiday side dishes … ever. The recipe was handed down from my grandfather’s family and it’s staple at all of our holiday celebrations. In fact, it was probably my sole source of protein at most family events growing up … we have sauerbraten at Christmas (gag … straight to the dog under the table while my grandfather was still alive and would have been furious if I’d refused to put in on my plate) and I’m not a big ham fan, which is of course the go-to Easter meat.

What’s to love about bean salad? The tangy mayo-based dressing is pretty tasty. And the crunch of the celery, onions and green peppers is satisfying (I belong to a family of picky, anal individuals … and I’m not so much when it comes to veggie chopping … so mom had to come over Friday night to practically mince them as required.)

My grandfather was the most meticulous of bean salad chefs until he passed away in the early 90s. My aunt took the helm after that, but asked if we could spread the wealth this year. The first time I ever saw the recipe was yesterday so I might be breaking some family rule by sharing it here … but I figure most of you won’t try it anyway so what’s the harm?

Uncle Kenny’s Red Bean Salad

4 cans red beans
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 sticks celery, finely chopped
2 green peppers (slice three rings for garnish; finely chop the remainder)
1 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish, plus juice
2 boiled eggs (cut one into quarters or thin slices for garnish; finely chop the remainder — love my Pampered Chef Egg Slicer for this!!!)
Lemon juice
3 Tbsp. mayonnaise or lite Miracle Whip
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

• Drain and rinse beans and place in large mixing bowl.
• Add onion, celery, green pepper and chopped egg.
• Add pickle relish and a little relish juice (about 1/2 tsp.); a little lemon juice (about 1/2 tsp.) and the mayo or Miracle Whip.
• Mix together, adding salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Let sit several hours or overnight for flavors to develop.
• Just before serving, lay green pepper rings on top, place quartered or sliced egg in middle of rings and an olive in the center and sprinkle with paprika (here’s a little proof of the picky, anal thing, huh?!?).

So … do tell … what’s your weird family recipe or tradition?

Saturday was the family Easter BBQ. It’s the second year we’ve celebrated Easter a bit early. My dad takes one of his classic Buicks to a car show every Easter Sunday, and we’ve found we’re a lot happier at work on Monday when we haven’t rushed dinner and stayed up too late cleaning up the mess on a “school night.”

This year, I tackled four dishes:

• The cucumbers, which I blogged about last Easter;
• Deviled eggs (I’m IN LOVE with this Emeril recipe, which appeals to the “heat” lovers in the crowd and also works for the wimps);
• A nameless layered dessert with chocolate pudding and cool whip; and
• Bean salad … the acquired taste I referred to in the headline. It was the first time I ever tried making this family holiday staple and it only turned out mediocre, but still good.

We’ve called the dessert “Better Than Sex” cake, which was always embarrassing as a kid … and now that I’m old enough to know better, I think it’s false advertising . The recipe I have is titled “Yummy Dessert” … ok, I ask, “What dessert really isn’t yummy?” But whatever you call it, it’s delightful. See the recipe below and feel free to make up (and please share) your own name or let me know if this recipe looks familiar and you have some great name for it.

I’ll share the bean salad recipe tomorrow. If you don’t like beans, definitely feel free to skip it. But if you do, but the thought of bean salad doesn’t sound appealing, I urge you to give it a look tomorrow and then decide.

Crust:
1 stick butter, melted in a 9X13 pan at 400 degrees
1 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Mix together in the pan and press to form crust on bottom of pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool.

First layer:
1 package cream cheese (I used reduced fat and it worked fine)
½ of a large Cool Whip (use the remainder for topping)
1 cup powdered sugar

Mix together (I used the big mixer; a regular mixer would also work). Spread carefully on bottom layer.

Second layer:
2 packages instant chocolate pudding
3 cups milk

Mix with wire whisk and let sit until thick. Spread over first layer.

Third layer:
Top with remaining Cool Whip and sprinkle with nuts or chocolate sprinkles (I went with the festive colored sprinkles for Easter).

A month or so ago, my friend Chrissie wrote a Facebook post about her allergies, including one to sodium laurel sulfate (SLS). Our friend Val chimed in that she had the same reaction to SLS. I don’t have many traditional allergy issues, but I do have sensitive skin and wondered if SLS might be the culprit. I’ve also always wondered about products with petroleum … how healthy can they really be?

After a little online research and a query to Chrissie and Val on the SLS-free products they use, I made a trip to Whole Foods (WF), which is one of the only places in the ‘Lou that I can find organic products.* Here’s the scoop on my experiments so far:

• Overall … I’ve always felt WF was ridiculously over priced (hence the nickname … Whole Paycheck), but I do believe you get what you pay for and I don’t think my local grocery store would provide half the customer service I get at Whole Food. Proof positive … testers as WF aren’t just something to experience in the store. If you ask the extremely helpful employees, you’ll get a generous sample to try at home.
• Face – Val recommended Dr. Hauschka’s. It’s not for the faint of heart … it’s pricey and figuring out which products to use is a bit daunting. But I was willing to give it a try … partly because the approach made sense to me and mostly because I was a bit desperate. As a teen, I had pristine skin, but the second I hit college … bam … breakouts galore. They haven’t stopped since … even though I’m nearly 40. After a few days of Dr. Hauschka’s, my skin cleared up. My staples are the Cleansing Milk and Facial Toner at night and the Cleansing Cream, Facial Toner and Rose Day Cream Light in the morning. The Cleansing Clay Mask once a month is fun, but in my honest opinion, the Facial Steam Bath and the waaaay-over-priced Rythmic Night Conditioner aren’t worth it … although I’ve only tried them once and may give them another shot.
• Hair – Check your shampoo and SLS is likely the first ingredient. After switching to organic shampoo, my hair seems healthier. I have lots of fine curly hair that I can wear curly or straight so I like to have a few shampoos to choose from. For curly days, Kinky-Curly Come Clean shampoo works great. I pair it with JASON’s “thin to THICK” conditioner, which I swear is doing its trick on my mane. On days I straighten, the JASON’s conditioner with the “thin to THICK” shampoo is a good combo. Unfortunately, Avalon’s nourishing lavender shampoo is a bit too heavy for my fine hair, but I know Chrissie’s daughter Michaela loves it … and it smells awesome.
• Body cleanser – I discovered L’Occitane Shea Butter Milk Soap at little shop in Winter Park, Fla. It is a bit pricey, but smells wonderful, lasts forever and does good things for my sensitive skin. Trader Joe’s had a similar version at a lower price, but hasn’t stocked it the last few times I’ve checked.

Up next … facial SPF, lip balm and body lotion testing.  I’ll keep you posted!

*My beloved Trader Joe’s offers organic products, but they seem to have become a little stingy and are only stocking their store brand. I’m sure their “key message” on this “store brand” thing is that it keeps prices down. But as I dip my toe into the Au Naturale waters, I’d like to be able to compare the higher-priced versions with the store brands and make my own decision … which WF allows me to do.

It’s been about a month and a half since I last posted about Buster and Paisley. Here’s the scoop on my latest (and last) Stray Rescue fosters:

Bye-bye B. – My neighbors are adopting Buster. He’s been living with them for a week. It’s nice having him next door and I can’t say I miss him too much as it’s much easier to keep up with one at this age. And Paisley is much better behaved without him.

New names – The dog formerly known as Buster is now Duke. Paisley is still Paisley, but I’m a user of two names when someone does something bad (Chewy becomes Chewbacca Morris). I don’t want to call her Paisley Morris so she has a middle name now … Paisley Marie … and unfortunately, I seem to use it more often than I’d like.

Packing on the pounds – I used to be able to hold them both at the same time and now I struggle to hold either of them alone. They weight almost 25 pounds and Paisley legs have gotten super long. She’s about an inch and half or two inches taller than Chewy and much stockier than him. Also, I thought they were going to be small because their paws weren’t big when I got them. Not so much anymore … I’m guessing they’re going to be about 50 or 60 pounds when it’s all said and done.

But she’s still a lap dog – She still tries to get in my lap and I sometimes let her sit there while I’m at the kitchen table on the computer. In a few weeks, I’m guessing that won’t work, but I think she’ll still be a cuddle bug.

But she’s a little bipolar – Because they were rescued in an abandoned house and didn’t really have a lot of human interaction before being rescued, she’s a bit skittish (Duke is a bit too actually). She’s great with me and does pretty well with my neighbors and anyone who visits so I didn’t really realize the problem until I took her for a home visit with a couple interested in adopting her today. She kept her tail between her legs, barked at them and almost snapped at the guy … although I kind of don’t blame her … he was a bit aggressive with her even though she was clearly timid and scared.

My plan is to start taking her more places with me and introducing her to more people. I also think the right person or couple (probably no kids) who is willing to work with her will be rewarded with a good dog once she comes out of her shell a bit. Please pass the word along if you know someone who might fit the bill.

“It’s been way too long” … I find myself saying this to my friends about catching up (in person rather than via Facebook) more often than I’d hope. I feel sort of the same way now about you.

Around the last time I posted, I started an extracurricular project for work. I love to decorate and when talk of updating our office breakroom came up, I gladly volunteered.

Five teams needed a place to share notes and information. I found this great idea for a cheap, yet cool magnet board and after a little finagling, they came together great.

We also needed a little color in the drab, window-less room. Our company colors are royal blue, purple, mustard, lime and burnt orange … the perfect inspiration. I’d seen this Martha Stewart project for custom-colored chalkboards years ago and thought they would not only solve the color challenge, but also be useful. They were way beyond my basic construction skills, but luckily my friend D. (yes, that D.) is handy and as much of a perfectionist as I am, and agreed to tackle the job.

The title of this post could mean that I’m so talented, Martha better watch out, lest I take over her domestic diva spot. But really … it means, she better watch out for me because if I happen to run into her in a dark alley I’m going to unleash the most brutal sucker punch I can muster!!!

Even though I’d planned ten chalkboards and I know projects can take longer than expected, I think D. and I figured it’d take a week or two tops. That was more than a month ago … a long month of late evenings after work and weekends.

First, buried in the directions was a line about the boards needing primer … tack on time to run back to Home Depot and to apply it. Second, Martha totally down played the need to thoroughly … within an inch of your life … mix the paint with the grout. Third, it’s best to use a special sponge roller, which I found at Home Depot after two failed painting attempts, for the flattest finish. Just considering those three missing directions … it took several days (including drying time) just to get the first chalkboard right.

Then … the boards really need two coats of paint even though big dumb Martha only said one. For one, no matter how much you mix (I finally chucked the stir stick Martha said to use and resorted to paint mixer attachment for a drill, which D. luckily had) there will be small clumps of grout that need to be sanded and recovered. And for two, because the paint seemed to want to separate a bit from the primer and the color looked much better with the second coat.

All in all, I think the room is going to look amazing (I will share pics — D. and I finished up earlier this week and they’ll be hung up later next week). And I likely would have proceeded even if I knew what all was involved, but I just wish Martha would have shared more thorough directions.

And oh yeah, it’s good to see you again after all this time!