tv talk and a pork recipe

Don't forget tomorrow's blogging for Cohen!

Real Housewives of NJ
Who does Danielle think she is??? I know Jersey may be a scary place (after watching season 1 of Jersey Shore, I understand this) but why do you need a body guard at charity events or fashion shows with all women?? The chick is seriously on something. Just like everyone else, it's a train wreck I can't stop watching.

If I did have a mafia, I would want Caroline as my boss.

The Bachelorette
Bravo ABC with the saved voice messages on Monday. BRAVO.

So You Think You Can Dance (dance dance)
Have ya'll been watching this season? They're all so good! There's not really anyone this season that I don't like. (Besides the token young, bubbly, blonde chick. gag) I know everyone loves Kurt, but I think Robert and Billy and Alex...O M G. Alex blows my mind. I just die over the strength of male ballet dancers. I like a male dancer with some strength and manliness.

Alex & Allison


I wasn't sure how this new format was going to work, but in my opinion, if Neil is on the show any dang format could work. Just Neil dancing (shirtless of course) would be my ideal format, really.

Neil & Danny


Besides all the awesome guys on season 7, Ashley Galvan is my favorite. (I know, the weird cry on week 1 was kind of awk, but I think she's a great dancer.)

Ashley & Mark
 

Who's your season 7 favorite? Do you like having the all stars back?

On to the food!

This is one of those recipes that Preston so kindly emailed to me as some kind of hint. Well, I've taken the hint, months later, and cooked the meal.

Pork Chops with Apple and Thyme
Ingredients
3/4c chicken broth divided
2 tsp cornstarch
2 tsp canola oil
4oz boneless pork chops (we used bone-in Berkshire chops. They were oh so tender and yummy)
1 small onion sliced
1 tart apple (granny smith)
1/4c apple cider or juice
2 tsp Dijon
1/4 tsp thyme

Mix 2 tbl broth and corn starch in a small bowl and put to the side.

Heat oil in large nonstick pan over high heat. Add chops and cook until browned, 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Reduce heat to med-high. Add onions to pan and brown in oil. Stir in the remaining broth, juice, mustard, thyme, and the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil and stir until thickened and glossy.

Return chops to pan and cook throughout.

Before

After

Preston and I just popped in the second Underworld movie. (Not sure what it's called.) This stuff if bloody!! P claims it's the blue ray that exaggerates the blood splattering but geez...I'm more of a Edward and Jacob kind of girl. Has anyone seen Eclipse? It was my favorite of the series. Can't wait to see it once the lines go down!

veal chops with balsalmic pan sauce

I pulled this veal recipe from one of Rachel Ray's overly complicated and way too long to actually cook recipes in her "30 Minute Get Real Meals" cookbook. Her recipes have always scared me. And I find her to be kind of annoying so it's rare I pull this one out. I thought the veal part of her "Veal Chops with Balsamic Pan Sauce and Spinach salad with Pecans, Pears and Gorgonzola" was doable. (It takes 30 minutes to say the dang name. Geez, Rach.)

Veal Chops

Ingredients
5 tbls extra virgin olive oil
4 bone in veal chops
salt and black pepper
7 to 8 fresh sage leaves
1/2 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 tbls balsamic vinegar
1/2 c chicken stock or broth

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of the EVOO (twice around the pan). Liberally season the veal chops with salt, pepper and sage. Once the skillet is screaming hot and you see the first wafts of smoke rising, add the chops and cook on the first side for 5 minutes. Resist the temptation to move the chops around the pan; you want a nice brown crust on them and messing with them won't help you get there. Before flipping the chops, reduce the heat to medium; flip and cook them on the second side for 8-10 minutes, or until desired doneness. (**I think our veal was thicker than RR called for, so it took a good 20 minutes or so and I flipped them a few times.) Remove the chops from the pan and let them rest under a foil tent for about 5 minutes.

While the cops are resting, make the sauce. To the same skillet, add a drizzle more EVOO, the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the balsamic vinegar and chicken stock and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

join me in a day of blogging silence for cohen

Megan's wonderful friends and some bloggers have teamed up to organize a day of silence for baby Cohen on the day of his memorial service. Details below.

What: Moment of Silence for Cohen

When: Thursday July 1st from midnight to 11:59 pm.

How: Bloggers participating will post the Cohen banner (below) or simply post Cohen’s name in large letters on their blog.

Why: July 1st Megan and Brent will be holding Cohen’s memorial service. The moment of silence is an opportunity for Megan’s blog community to stand behind her and support her on this difficult day. Linking up will give Megan a chance to see the support at a glance.

Participating bloggers can Link Up on July 1st at Send Love To Cohen.

I know Megan and her family have been on my mind lately, and I'm happy to show support in any way I can.
Remember to link up on Thursday and send prayers and love the Marshall's way.

**See Megan's post about Cohen's obituary here

a movie: time traveler's wife

Preston and I watched "The Time Traveler's Wife" Saturday night after Clemson's tragic loss. I read the book last summer when we went to Vegas and loved it. I wouldn't say it's really an easy read; I found myself jumping back and forth checking dates and times to make sure I got the sequence of events.

I think it would be impossible to include everything from the book in a movie but they included enough to hold the story together. (P didn't ask any questions = held it together.) We both enjoyed the movie. Eric Bana is HOTT and I really like Rachel McAdams. I wish they had held true to the book with the ending but regardless, it was a tear jerker and a movie (and book!) I would recommend.

what's your favorite mj song?

I know I'm a few days late, but I wanted to post a few of my favorite Michael moments. What are some of yours? (And don't judge on the Lisa Marie video. It's definately one of my top 3 favorite mj songs.)

"Black and White" is the first powerful memory I have of Michael. I knew "Thriller" and Jackson 5, but this video is the first time I remember being blown away.









OK- I'll stop now :)

thrift store finds

Christine and I made a stop into our local Salvation Army store yesterday and I made a haul! We had already run through Hobby Lobby and their ceramic stuff was 50% off. Ceramic owl? SOLD.

Both of the owls will get a paint job. Just trying to decide on a color.. I needed some more bowls and stuff to fill our shelves with but I may put the crystal bowl with the feet on the window by our sink.

Total cost = less than $16!

The $16 actually evened out since I returned by B&N purchase.  I'm not sure what I was thinking that day; the package came in the mail, and it was only the third book of the series, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest", in hardback. At $16 it was still a great deal, so I did consider keeping it. But then I felt like if I did keep the hardback, I would have to buy the others in hardback...and I'm not a fan of hardbacks (not to mention they can be twice as mush as the paperback). So, I returned the darn thing. I'm holding off ordering the first two in paperback, until I finish my latest read. Next time I'll definitely read the description a little better!

Hope ya'll have a good weekend!

friday faves

Favorite New Find
I love these cutting boards from Starboard Planks. If I had 2 spare Benjamins hangin' around I would get one for my dad.

Favorite DIY/Favorite Room
I plan on copying those canvases as soon as I decide on three numbers. 405? 843? 609? Help.

Domino

Favorite Eye Candy of the Week

I'm glad the world cup lasts forever.

Carlos Bocanegra

Landon Donovan

Lucas Neill

On that lovely note, I hope everyone has a good weekend!

finished: little bee

I finished "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave this last weekend. LOVED.IT. I know there are a lot of "The Help" fans out there, but I liked "Little Bee" ten times more. It was easier to read, it was interesting, I couldn't put it down. This book felt more real to me. The story didn't sugarcoat or fantasize anything and I really liked that the author kept it real. ("Kept it real" to me, may be "depressing" to others. It's just kind of the books I like!)

It does have some heart-warming ness to it. The story is narrated by both a Nigerian refugee and English journalist who meet accidentally on the beach in Nigeria. Their lives become intertwined in a way neither expects. The story really is about racism, globaliztion, and the human condition. Again, I loved it.

I had "The Year of Magical Thinking" with me at the airport, but I think I'm going to set it to the side to start "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". Has anyone read "The Year of Magical Thinking"?

chicken and noodle salad with chili dressing

I know last week I claimed I would be posting recipes...sometimes I'm bad at following through. I apologize.

We ate this meal last Thursday night. It was easy and quick and Preston ate it. The lime is so summery and refreshing. This salad may be yummy chilled also.

Chicken and noodle salad with chili dressing

Ingredients
8 oz angel hair pasta or rice noodles
1 tbs olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
kosher salt & pepper
1/4 c fresh lime juice
1 tbs sesame oil
1 tbs sugar
1 jalapeno  (red or green)
1 bunch watercress (I didn't use this)
1 seedless cucumber, cut into bite size pieces
2 scallions, sliced

Cook the noodles according to directions.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cooked until browned.

In a bowl, combine the lime juice, sesame oil, sugar and jalapeno.

Slice the chicken. Divide the noodles, chicken watercress cucumber, and scallions among the plates. Drizzle with dressing.

household help

1. Any tips on how to get nail polish out of carpet? (tag: personal care) I managed to spill a bottle last week. I let some dry while and I worked on some spots with nail polish remover. Well, now the areas I didn't touch isn't noticeable, while the places I worked on look like big huge "Cajun shrimp" colored spots. (Yes, the color is fabulous. Not on carpet. On your nails.) Help!

I feel like nail polish companies have a duty to provide a product that gets this out of fabrics.

2. I'm feeling starved of my shows this week. I haven't touched the DVR since we've gotten back. I know eventful things happen on "The Bachelorette" and the final episode of the RHoNY reunion. I really hope party planner Jen joins next season. I can't seem to get settled before 9 pm to watch anything. And tonight may not be any better since I'll be scrubbing carpet... I bet these ladies never have to scrub carpet. OR paint their own nails!

wordless wednesday

this past weekend & tonight's creamy mustard chicken

Preston and I just got back from visiting his family in South Carolina. The weather always seems to follow us wherever we go, so needless to say it was HOT. Good thing we spent the weekend on the lake!

Since living in Florida, neither one of us has accepted our paleness. We both fried. So it was a painful flight home..

The Lake Bowen was really beautiful. On a clear day, you can see the mountains in the background.

It was really nice being away for the weekend and we always love being spoiled by Preston's parents with their southern hospitality. But we've missed the dogs...and maybe it's time I start getting back to reality. Laundry and cooking.

Tonight I cooked a Cooking Light recipe I found. (That I can no longer find the link to. But I know it was low cal. But you wouldn't think that while eating.) Preston and I both really liked this meal. Had he not been so focused on the baseball game, I'm sure he would've given me some words of affirmation. (Boomer sooner!)

Onto the recipe..

Grilled Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce

Ingredients
1tbs + 1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbs olive oil
1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 split chicken breasts (we used 3)
3 tbs mayo
1 tbs water

Combine 1 tsp mustard, oil, rosemary, salt & pepper. Brush evenly over chicken and place on the grill.

Mix 1 tbs mustard, mayo, water and serve with chicken.

danielle staub the next kim zolciak?

This whole performance makes me uncomfortable. I can accept party-track Kim, or rapper Luann...but balladeer Danielle? Not OK.



see the bravo video here

levi's pioneer sessions - dirty projectors

Dirty Projectors - "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine"



Levi's Pioneer Sessions - Colbie Caillat
Levi's Pioneer Sessions - She & Him
Levi's Pioneer Sessions - The Swell Season

happy dad's day!

Happy Father's Day, dad! I hope you know I think the world of you and hope to celebrate with you soon! I love you!

josie maran argan oil

Josie Maran argan oil is similar to Moroccan oil but it can be used for all sorts of stuff. I'm not sure where I heard about it, but I was sold after reading it can be used on hair, bug bites, lips, cuticles, heels...need I go on?! (See all uses listed on the website.) You can buy it in oil form or stick form. The mini-stick is only $6 and I snatched one up from Sephora.

I am IN.LOVE. After 4 day's the stick's half way gone, and I'm not allowing myself to take it out of the house. It's that amazing. I love it on my lips and face/eye area. It also did wonders for my cuticles. I know Sephora had the oil form, but next time I'm definitely picking up the big time stick. If you're looking for Moroccan oil for the skin, this is it!!

friday faves

This week was quite busy for me. Between work, floods and power outages...I didn't have a ton of time to read through my greader. But a few did manage to catch my eye!

Favorite DIY

Once again, Remodelaholic posted another great DIY from The Fickle Hobbyist. This Eiffel Tower model cost a total of $4.05!! So cute.

Favorite New Recipe

Domestic Goddess posted a Cooking Light recipe I'm looking forward to trying.

Smoky Spanish-Style Pan Roast

Favorite Videos

I am many things, but makeup expert is not one. (My current label for makeup and beauty stuff is "personal care". Not luxurious and girly. "Personal care" is what my Quicken told me to call it! Oh well, I am my mother's daughter.) Joi posted her favorite YouTube beauty girls and I am now obsessed. I can just visit my friendly YouTube for makeup how-to's? Who woulda thunk it?!This girl is my fave. She's too cute.

Katie at The Neo-Traditionalist posted the trailor for Sofia Coppola's latest film, "Somewhere". It looks so sweet.

Favorite Quote

La Dolce Vita posted this quote that I think belongs in our bathroom.

Favorite Room

A Diary of Lovely posted a tour of the house that won the teeny-tiny division of Apartment Therapy's 2010 Small, Cool Contest. At 350 swuare feet, I would say it is indeed teeny-tiny. But I love the dark color used in the home. It looks so striking against the white baseboards. I'm thinking..office?

Favorite New Blog

(New to me anyway.) Makeup Diary Confessions & Saltwater Dreams also tie into the "personal care" theme.. These girls try out all kinds of products, including self tanners and the best red lipsticks. They have the life I dream of..visiting local drug stores and the occasional MAC counter, buying and trying all kinds of loot. It's gong to take a lot of  how-to youtube videos before the trying is actually worthwhile. *Sigh* A girl can dream.

mad love for barnes & noble

I get a lot of e-mail coupons. That's one of the first things I do when I wake up: turn off my phone alarm, check email, delete junk. It's RARE I actually read the coupons. It's hard enough reading the subject lines, but reading the entire body of the e-mail would lead to bad, bad things. Like buying. Or worse, BUYING IN BULK. So read here (J.Crew), I don't read the coupons! However, with a couple of vacays coming up, this morning I somehow rationalized checking out what Barnes & Noble had to offer.

Seriously though, B&N never lets me down. I clicked the summer sale list and immediately saw the Millennium Trilogy series in hardback for $15!!! And I'm a Barnes & Noble member, so I get free shipping. Can't beat it!

I spent a little time searching through their sale books; I didn't even glance through the tons of movies and music they have for super cheap. They had "Unaccustomed Earth" in hardcover (that I recently finished, and highly recommend) for $3.99!

I'm scared to admit, but I've kind of been wanting to read Tori Spelling's books. Has anyone read these? I'm not a mom, nor do I live in Hollywood but I'm intrigued. (Have you seen the show? Her son's hilarious.)

**Mom, you'll be happy to know, that blogger added a spell check feature! Yay!

sorry again for the changes!

Please bare (bear?) with me as I'm trying to code and change the design myself. I know it's not looking pretty! Sometimes my patience can't take it so baby steps :)