Dining by Candlelight
on Nov 5, 2009 in Narrative dining by candlelight Just as I was about to start making dinner tonight, the dark sky opened up and a slow and steady rain began outside.  I started to hear the raindrops hit the air conditioner in the window and all the sudden, a streak of lightning flashed outside. ...

Wordless Wednesday
on Nov 4, 2009 in Wordless Wednesday The day after a very busy Halloween, Nick and Madeline beat me downstairs, with Nick eager to see what the Halloween Fairy had left for them. By the time I got to the living room, he was already reading Madeline her new book and picking out favorite...

The Only Sugar Cookie Recipe You Need
on Nov 3, 2009 in Narrative AllRecipes Cowardly Lion Cookies sugar cookies Shortening.  I virtually never use it.  The last time I did was about two years ago.  But in the past week, I’ve used it twice. Sugar Cookies.  I virtually never eat them.  They just don’t do anything for me.  I’m much more of...

Saying Yes More and Cowardly Lion Cookies
on Nov 2, 2009 in Narrative Cowardly Lion Cookies John Travolta Rainbow Cake saying yes shaving cream silliness Or the alternate title … creative uses for the Mini M&Ms in your kids’ trick-or-treat bags. When it comes to being a parent, the word “no” freely flows out of your mouth without hesitation. “Mom, can we…?”...

Weekend Photos in Review
on Nov 1, 2009 in Photos (more…)...

Halloween Traditions
on Oct 29, 2009 in Narrative Chinese New Year Christmas Halloween tradition I’m big on tradition.  Whether it’s a new one or an old one, I like the comfortable feeling of being able to rely on tradition.  The kids each open up one present on Christmas Eve, a tradition carried over from my own childhood, and it&...

Cooking for One: Sauteed Shrimp with Asparagus
on Oct 28, 2009 in Narrative cooking for one Glamour magazine Judith Jones Julia Child Sauteed Shrimp with Asparagus “Where does shrimp come from?” Nick asked me tonight as he helped me peel the shells off. “From the sea.” “What are they again?” “Shellfish.  A kind of fish.” “They’re not alive still, are...

Bribery and Etsy
on Oct 27, 2009 in Narrative barrettes Etsy hair accessories holiday gift ideas I never noticed her cheekbones until these pictures.  Now they just melt me every time I look at them.  I’ve been trying to grow out Madeline’s bangs lately, to see if that helps tame her wild locks just a bit.  All that is fine and go...

Banana Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins from Baked Bakery
on Oct 26, 2009 in Narrative Baked bakery Baked: New Frontiers in Baking Banana Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins Brooklyn Martha Stewart Oprah In the stack of books on my nightstand, amongst the chick lit, biographies and business and finance books, you’ll see a few cookbooks nestled into the stack as well.  I like reading cookbooks too.  Half of you may think that’s weird. ...

Weekend Photos in Review
on Oct 25, 2009 in Photos (more…)...