Fascinating Books

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This past fall I read both Jaycee Dugard's memoir "A Stolen Life" and Malika Oufkir's memoir "Stolen Lives". They were heartbreaking and disturbing stories about their countless years of imprisonment. I couldn't put them down because I was so eager to hear how these women and their families survived such horror. The stories are haunting but so fascinating that they are absolutely worth reading.
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Golf Saved My Life

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Here are two short articles from the "Golf Saved My Life" section of Golf Digest that are worth reading (even if you're not interested in golf they are worth reading)...


A Golf Trip With My Dad I Won't Forget

Finding Peace on The Road

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Merry Kissmas

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Hilarious, right?

This is my friend Beth's family. Beth (back middle with bangs) is truly one of the funniest people I have ever known so it is no surprise that her family is also hilarious. I wanted to use this idea for my Christmas cards next year but I can't resist sharing it. I love this photo. I love the twinkle in Beth's eye because I know she is dying of laughter inside.

Her family also has an ugly Christmas sweater contest (obviously) where you're not allowed to spend more than $20 on your sweater (shipping included). And as if they aren't fun enough already, they also have a "Hairy Christmas" facial hair/mustache contest with the following rules:

The judges will determine which contestant’s facial hair best enhances the contestant’s overall appearance, style and personality, taking into account:

· Overall condition and health of the facial hair

· Uniformity of color
· Thickness
· Symmetry
· Size including but not limited to length
· Presentation

May the best man win!

Is it wrong that I want to be part of her family at the holidays? I love my own, but come on, how fun and creative is her clan?!

Wishing you all a belated Hairy Kissmas!

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The Nurtured Heart Approach

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My friend Jackie did the extensive training for The Nurtured Heart Approach and uses the approach for parenting her four children. It sounded like such an interesting approach that I asked to learn more. She recommended the book All Children Flourishing - Igniting the Greatness of Our Children because it's the easiest of the books to read and implement. I haven't finished the book but I was so excited about the strategy that I signed up for the one-day training when Howard, the founder of the Nurtured Heart Approach, was in Seattle awhile back. It was amazing, inspiring and eye-opening.

Side note: Most of the people at the training were counselors, teachers and principals. There are several local school districts that are adopting the approach because of it's effectiveness, especially with tough kids.

Since the training I have been trying to stay on course with the Nurtured Heart Approach because when I do, I can definitely see a difference in my daughter's behavior. The reason it's difficult to stay on course is because it requires more energy up front, but when you give a little extra up front, you get better behavior, less whining, fewer meltdowns and more. Sometimes I get off-track. I resort to yelling, bribes, time outs, taking away toys and privileges, and more... and not surprisingly, I get more and more of the bratty behavior. 

It's a confusing approach to stomach at first, because it turns everything you've learned upside down. It asks you to put in all your energy in when your child is behaving good, rather than bad, which is so often when mommy wants to quietly slip into the other room for a breather rather than risk disrupting the calm moment by interacting. I know I've been there.

It's not about saying "good job" all the time. It's about labeling good behavior with indisputable facts and creating inner wealth, thus promoting and rewarding the behavior that you want, not the behavior you don't want. It's hard to sum up in a blog post, but if you're interested in learning more, I highly recommend the book and strategy.

I'mmmmmmmmmm Baaaaaaaaack!

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Happy Happy New Year!!!

I'm easing back into the blog world after a chaotic holiday season. I'll start slow and work my way back up to regular posts. I'll start with a few things today... a quote of the day, an interesting article, my new favorite dessert and a cooking tip.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Cheat the earth and the earth will cheat you."
- Chinese Proverb


ARTICLE OF THE DAY

There is a high price to cheap food and this article addresses one of the many issues... the poor working conditions for migrant workers. When I was in middle school my youth group babysat migrant workers' children in Lynden, Washington while the parents worked in the fields. When free childcare isn't available, many children (even school age children) spend their days out in the farms, playing or working with their parents. It was one of the most eye-opening experiences I had as a teenager. We met the families and saw their working conditions, their temporary housing (for some it's their cars), their extreme poverty and high work ethic, taking them from one state to the next as different crops are in season. This article was interesting to me because of that experience and because everyone deserves safe and fair working conditions. Help right this wrong by shopping at stores like PCC who support farmers doing the right thing.

Article: "Justice for Farmworkers"


RECIPE OF THE DAY

On a lighter note, for New Years Eve I made Chocolate Almond Butter Cups and served with a scoop of Bluebird's Caffé Vita Coffee. It is now my daily dessert addiction. It's just the right size, oh so rich and a great flavor combo.


TIP OF THE DAY

I took a cooking class awhile back and was told that when making soups, stews or sauces, don't add the pepper until closer to the end. "They say" if you add it too early and it simmers for many hours, the pepper can turn bitter. I've never noticed a difference but I pepper toward the end now anyway, just in case.

I'm not going to update all my recipes so if you see that a soup recipe that calls for pepper early on, just postpone.
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Perfect Little Morsels of Chocolatey Goodness

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My friend Erika gave me a jar of JOLLY HOLIDAY SQUARES that rocked my world. These bad boys are so rich and delicious. I just polished off the last one and might have to make a batch tomorrow now that I know such a delicious little morsel exists.

Who knew the combination of chocolate, butterscotch, marshmallow and peanut butter would create such perfection! And who knew you could create such a great holiday treat without even turning on your oven?! For the record, she's given out the recipe so many times she has it memorized!!!!

Erika packaged them in cute glass jars with holiday ribbon and a tag. I think I know what I'm giving out next year. (If you don't mind a copy cat Erika????)

Jolly Holiday Squares

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 bag butterscotch chips
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
3 t canola oil
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Melt everything but the marshmallows over low heat. Use a cast iron pan if you have one. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper. Pour half the mixture into the pan. Sprinkle with marshmallows. Pour other half over and smooth the top surface to make even and smooth. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into squares and deliver these delicious little morsels to your favorite friends and teachers.

* Don't double the recipe. If you want to do more than one batch, do them side-by-side.

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Bag of the Day: Celine Clasp Bag

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Easy & Delicious Rotisserie-Style Roast Chicken

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Last night I made Gwyneth's Rotisserie-Style Roast Chicken and loved it. It was so easy to prep - make a little rub with some butter (not much at all) and spices. Rub all over the bird and throw it in the oven, rotate three times and you're done. I served it with caramelized brussel sprouts and parsnip puree. A perfect dinner for a cold winter night and another great recipe from Gwyneth's cookbook.
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Quote of the Day

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"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."

- Muhammad Ali
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Holiday Treats

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My friend Marly and I made holiday treats today to share with friends. It's not a holiday season without Chex Mix so that was a no-brainer.

We also made Sicilian White Cookies because they're my most favorite holiday cookie (thank you to my friend Erika for giving me the recipe). I love a few of these cookies with coffee for breakfast.

My friend Ali highly recommended these Brown Butter Shortbread Cookies so how could we not make those too, right? So glad we did. They're also delicious.

What are you making for holiday treats this year? Any great new cookie recipes?
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Look of the Day

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The darling Jessica Hart

(photo from her own blog)



What to Wear, What to Wear???

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Interesting observations from Garance Doré:

"Party Dressing: New York vs Paris"
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A Family Who Flies Together, Cries Together

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Interesting article on couples who dare travel with their children....

"It's Not the Carriers, It’s the Kids"

I wouldn't be surprised if the 200 people who "recommended Mr. Barr's comment" were the passengers on my Seattle-to-Honolulu flight last February. Every last one of them would have been justified in writing that children should not be allowed on planes after being trapped with George Terpening for 6 hours.

Here's an article explaining the good 'ol days of flying with kids, and tips for traveling with little ones now...

"Are We There Yet? When Families Fly"

Arm Candy of the Day

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Fendi's Chameleon Charm Bracelet

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I'm So Over This Trend

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This is a hilarious mini-article about "Small Plates".

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Shoe of the Day

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Jimmy Choo Whirl

My friend Jennie just bought these little beauties. Who doesn't love pink and gold together? It makes a dashing duo.


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The Hostess with the Mostest

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Interesting article on hostess books...

"Sitting Pretty: The hostess who cares the mostest still goes by the book"
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This whole idea of a "hostess book" is beyond my world of entertaining but I still love the idea. It would be nice to keep notes on things that were delicious, too salty, overcooked, or forgotten items. While I'm not so formal that I could include seating charts and invitations (does a text or evite count?), I'm still a sucker for planning a party. It's almost as fun as the party itself.

Get a great entertaining book, shown above in black and green, from Graphic Image.

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Shoe of the Day

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Jimmy Choo Kilda

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The Art (or Lost Art) of Listening

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. "....human beings have two ears but only one tongue. Why is this? Probably so that we have to listen twice as much as we speak."

- Henning Mankell


Quick read from the opinion pages:

"In Africa, the Art of Listening"

The Real Deal Sex Ed

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Great article about a high school sex ed class....

"Teaching Good Sex"

I think every high school in America should have a teacher and a class like this. Why not educate kids on a subject they're all curious about while they're trapped in a high school classroom. There's such an opportunity there to help them think and act differently - to be more mindful, mature, respectful, confident and safe.

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Your Quick Read for the Day

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Interesting article about Chelsea Clinton...

"Chelsea Clinton: Living Up To The Family Name"

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How Does She Do It All?

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Great article on the admirable and uber-perfect Tory Burch.

"Perfectly Perfect: Tory Burch"

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Shoe of the Day: Balenciaga Booties

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Photo Credit: Jak & Jil

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For All You Bret McKenzie Fans

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A quick read from The New York Times Magazine...

"On Composing for Kermit the Frog"

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Cool Casual

My friend Jennie and I found these paper placemats and went nuts for them. They're genius, right?! I like to set a pretty table but I also love a casual vibe. What better way to accomplish both than setting the table with cute paper placemats?!

For Halloween I used a white tablecloth and some fun decorative pumpkins down the middle of the table. The pumpkins had little sparkly balls so they paired perfectly with the polka dot paper placemats. I had cute napkins from the same company (the ones with the fork, spoon, and knife) and that was it. No glassware - people always have a drink in hand anyway. No silverware - I put it by the plates for when people dished themselves up. No flowers. No frills. I thought the table looked really cute and it took me less than 5 minutes to throw together.

I love the different styles and can think of lots of ways to use them. Next time I'm going to use the last one and write in names so it's a placemat and a placecard. Super simple, super cute.

I think these make a fun and unique hostess gift as well so I grabbed a few extra sets. We'll see if I can part with them though.

You can find these at Stuhlbergs on Queen Anne (best gift store ever!) and The Paper Source in University Village.

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A Wintry Vegetarian Dinner

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My friend Jen sent me this menu for a A Wintry Vegetarian Dinner from Saveur magazine. This is a great menu to serve when entertaining a vegetarian guest, or just steal a recipe or two for a casual night at home. I would love to sit down to this meal with several bottles of wine and a friend. I mean several friends and a bottle of wine. I mean, several friends and several bottles of wine. Yes, that's it.
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Seattle Shout Out of the Day: Bar Method on the Westside!

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I'm late to the game posting that the Seattle Bar Method studio is open (and has been open for several months now) and is A.W.E.S.O.M.E! I'm loving the new studio for many reasons... pure convenience (a few blocks off the freeway), the teachers are amazing (tough and motivating at the same time), the studio is brand new, clean as a whistle and beautiful with a great locker room, showers and more. And lastly, I love how much daylight there is in the studio (I'm getting claustrophobic as I get older and dark makes me crazy). The classes are hard as sh-t but in good way. It never gets any easier but the more you go, the faster the time goes by. If you haven't tried a Bar class, I highly recommend it. You won't thank me later because you'll be too sore.

....up and inch and down an inch....up and inch and down an inch.....

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Look of the Day

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Photo credit: The Sartorialist

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How to Talk to Little Girls

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My friend Sarah sent me this article and it's a good one.

"How to Talk to Little Girls"

Worth reading if you have daughters, grand-daughters, nieces, little cousins, friends with girls, etc. (Basically, everyone should read this article.)
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Look of the Day: Arm Candy

Because I

the look!

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Photo credit - most, if not all, courtesy of The Man Repeller

Impress Your Brunch Guests...

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My friends and I did a third cooking class with Dana and once again it was fun, filling, and full of great food, tips and recipes. This time around we did a "brunch" cooking class. Let me just say that there is no better way to start a Sunday morning than with Dana's homemade Classic Currant Scones with homemade honey butter. The scones were heavenly.

The next thing to come out of the oven, flaky and delicious, were Dana's Petits Pain au Chocolat. Who knew making homemade pain au chocolat could be so easy and what a fun thing to make for a snack with your kids or the next time you host a brunch. What guest wouldn't be impressed to be offered a homemade croissant fresh out of the oven upon arrival?!

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Dana had a few recommendations for the pain au chocolat. For starters, use a good quality puff pastry (and avoid Pillsbury Puff Pastry if you can). She stocks up at Delaurenti in Pike Place and throws it in the freezer. The night before you need it throw it in the fridge to thaw. Dana used Semisweet Pain au Chocolat Sticks from the King Arthur Flour website (just ordered mine today for Christmas morning!). They are the perfect size and shape for petite pain au chocolate, or you can use two sticks for a larger version.

Give these recipes a try. You won't be sorry!

Start the Conversation

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I'm reading the book NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children and found the chapter "Why White Parents Don't Talk About Race" to be really interesting. We have the same conversations that most families are probably having with their young children about race, and communicate our values strongly. But the chapter really encouraged me to initiate more discussions on race and racial differences because the thought that kids learn by our example is not always the case.

I knew a great way to start the conversation with a 4 year old would be through children's books and a great resource for those is always the librarian at your local public library. We stopped in and got several great recommendations. The one we're enjoying most as a family is Unicef's book Children Just Like Me: A Unique Celebration of Children Around the World.

My daughter loves learning about the different children from all over the world - what they eat, where they live, what they like to do, etc. It creates a perfect opportunity to discuss differences in race, appearance, language, family units and more. It is also eye-opening for her to see how different people live and that not all families have water readily available or electricity in their home (which means no TV and no Caillou!).

I asked my daughter if she wanted to make a page for herself like the ones in the book, and she couldn't have been more excited. I'll be ordering her a copy of the book for Christmas since she can hardly put it down and the library won't let us keep it forever. A fun book to check out from the library or buy and a great way to start some conversations.


About the book:

A delightful, attractive look at children from around the world. The authors spent two years meeting and photographing youngsters from every continent and more than 140 countries. The volume is divided by continent, which is introduced with photos of children, their names, and nationalities. Then a double-page spread features pictures of each child's food, eating utensils, housing, school, friends, and family. The text gives the young people a chance to comment on their favorite games, friends, and hopes for the future. The final section includes excerpts from the Kindersleys' travel diary. This book is factual, respectful, and insightful. It provides just the right balance of information and visual interest for the intended audience.
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The Way to a Man's Heart...

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I needed to bring an appetizer for a cocktail party this past weekend and couldn't settle on what to make. The host mentioned that her husband always wished there was more guy food for the men at the party. Mission accepted. A man appetizer it is.

I couldn't settle on what to make so I asked around for some ideas. My friend Ali suggested little sandwiches like mini BLTs or roast beef with horseradish and arugula. Genius. I also thought little pork tenderloin sandwiches would be good, and since I'm crazy(!) I made all three versions (plus a brie appetizer because I was craving it). The sandwiches were a hit. I had two huge platters of mini sandwiches and every last one was gone by the end of the night.

I bought Marination's Nunya Sauce at Delaurenti in Pike Place for the BLTs. It was a great twist on a classic BLT. I also did some BLTs with homemade garlic aioli sauce. Those were good too but the Nunya Sauce was the best.

These recipes would be good for dinner, Superbowl parties, tailgates, cocktail parties or any other type of entertaining, especially where men will be circling an appetizer table looking for something more than cheese and crackers.


Party BLTs

Good bacon
Tomatoes, as good as you can find this time of year
Butter lettuce
Good bread (I bought Grand Central sliced Como bread)
Nunya sauce or garlic aioli

I like to cook bacon in the oven on a wire rack atop a cookie sheet (thanks to Ina). I cook it at 425 for 15-25 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the slices.

I slice my tomatoes, then lay them out and sprinkle with salt and pepper. I think it adds a little to the flavor of the sandwich.

Toast the bread slightly and cut off the crusts. Slather with Nunya sauce or garlic aioli. Then top with bacon, tomatoes, and butter lettuce. Cut sandwiches in thirds and stick with a toothpick.


Ali's Roast Beef Sannies

Baguette
Roast beef
Horseradish mayo *
Arugula

Slice the baguette in half. Slather with the horseradish mayo. Top with roast beef and arugula. Put the top piece of bread back on and cut into 1.5-2" slices. Stick with a toothpick to keep them together.

* I bought a horseradish sauce and mixed it with mayo, salt and pepper.
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Mini Grilled Pork Sliders

Follow this recipe for Pork Sandwiches. You can use pesto or the Nunya sauce. Of course I tried both and both were great. I skipped the tomato. Assemble the sandwiches and cut in half. Stick with a toothpick and serve.
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Christmas Gift Idea: Help the One You Love Travel in Style

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For that very special someone in your life who is impossible to buy for, consider a a piece of Rimowa luggage. They offer several different collections, colors and price ranges. I love these.