Sunday, November 28, 2010

cinema.

I love Netflix and the wide variety of movies it gives me to choose from. Last night I watched "Changeling" staring Angelina Jolie, Colm Feore, and Amy Ryan. Clint Eastwood did it again-mystery, suspense, drama, and thrill. I never saw what was coming and although it wasn't the outcome I wanted for Jolie's character, I loved the ever thickening plot. 5 stars.

I had "The Blind Side" right before I left for California and was pleasantly surprised by a movie I expected to be just some cheesy story about a white lady who helped a struggling African American boy. I really enjoyed that the entire community rallied around Michael-encouraging general acceptance and compassion-even if it did take a little work and convincing. I also really enjoyed the family dynamic that the kids had for one another-a instant blood bond-which not even all genetically bound siblings share. 5 stars.

More to come....actually I should be reading or knitting, but I love movies!!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

cleaning.

I always come across things when I cleaned that I tucked away and meant to use later or had a big plan for. Today I went through some photos and found some forgotten photos of my Grandpa Richard and the most hilarious photo of my sister that is a shining example of what her son looks like-goofy half smile and all.

I'm almost done with my extra bedroom's transformation into half bedroom, half craft room. I need to get a better table though. I can't constantly be using my table and pulling all my stuff off it, then putting it back...over and over. Sheets for the bed is one of the last things I have left to do, but that list doesn't include vacuuming. Eek!

Oprah cracks me up.

Now off to mop the kitchen and then vacuum again...I'm pretty sure for the 10th this week and I am NOT exaggerating in the slightest.

apple lovin'.


So I sadly broke my Grandma Judy's casserole dish today...I literally stood in my kitchen and cried. I also haven't thrown it away yet. But on a better note I found this recipe at TOWNABOVEWATER and my mouths been watering since.
Thank you!!!!


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups coarse fresh whole wheat (or grain) breadcrumbs
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
3 T granulated sugar
3 T unsalted butter, melted & divided
2 lbs McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and cut
3 T light brown sugar
4 T apple cider
1 tsp grated lemon rind
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/8 ground allspice


Recipe:
Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons butter.
In a separate bowl, combine apples, remaining 1/2 tsp cinnamon remaining 1 tablespoon butter, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cider add next 3 ingredients.
Sprinkle half of crumb mixture in bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon apple filling over crumb mixture, and sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling.
Spoon remaining 2 tablespoons apple cider over crumbs.
Cover and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbling.
Serves 8. Serving Size 2/3 cup
Weight Watchers recipe

Nutritional Info:

144 calories, 4.8g fat
1.3 g protein, 26 carbs

sweet dreams.


If I slept in a room like this I would sleep like a itty bitty baby. The colors, the lights, the nature element. Love.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

holly jolly.

Just ordered my Christmas cards and there's a new deal through my printer for greeting cards with envelopes. They're sold in 25 packs and CHEAP!! Considering the price and more size choices it's quite the deal. Happy Holidays!
4x5 $10.50
4x6 $10.50
4x7 $11.25
4x8 $11.25
5x5 $11.25
5x6 $11.25
5x7 $14.00
5x8 $14.00

Monday, November 22, 2010

a year ago.

A year ago I....
was getting ready to have my first Thanksgiving without my Grandpa Richard.

was enjoying a long awaited Iowa Thanksgiving with my Mom, Mike, Cody, Rose, and the rest of the family.

was convinced I'd be alone for the rest of my life.

wasn't sure what I wanted to do with myself.

was stuck at a job I hated to love, and loved to hate.

was amazed that my little sister had been married a month....

and that her daughter was getting to celebrate her first Thanksgiving and Christmas soon.

wanted every thing that wasn't good for me.

made early resolutions that I never stuck to.

had my brother living in my spare bedroom.

started to take interest in knitting.

had some wonderful girls nights out that sadly faded away soon after.

was sad.

missed having him in my life.

started saving money to go to California.



A year ago....is in the past.