That Makes the Two of Us Sister!



Got Thanksgiving Dinner Leftovers?

Here's a very useful and delicious recipe that caught my eye from the Etsy blog. I even posted it on the RetroFlirt facebook page along with another recipe!

photo by Kimberley Hasselbrink

Turkey Cheddar and Apple Hand Pies from Kimberly Hasselbrink

Whole wheat pizza dough (pre-made or following this recipe)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1 cup roasted and diced turkey meat
1 medium, crisp apple, diced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

If using chilled pizza dough, allow to come to room temperature for about an hour.
Warm the butter in a skillet over a medium low flame. Saute the onion, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about ten minutes. Add spinach and stir to wilt the leaves, about two minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the turkey meat, diced apple, cheddar cheese, thyme and sage and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Set aside.

On a floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large square, roughly 12×12 inches. Divide into 16 squares about 3×3 inches. Place the squares on a large, lightly oiled baking sheet.

Using a spoon or your hands, portion a generous tablespoon of the filling in the center of each square.

Fold one edge of the square over the other, forming a triangle. Fold and pinch the edges together to seal. Pierce the top with a fork. Brush the surface with a little olive oil, and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Best enjoyed hot. Can be reheated. They freeze well.

My stomach literally was talking to me and I just about drooled on myself after looking at this recipe! You can basically fill them with any leftovers from Thanksgiving Day! I simply just set aside some portions of the food I was preparing on Turkey Day into Ziploc bags. I put together some corn kernels, mashed yams, a little bit of cranberry sauce and strips of turkey and ham. Then I let it sit overnight in the fridge. The next day I just rolled them right up like a soft taco and heated them up. I don't know what it is about Thanksgiving leftovers? They seemed to have fused very well marinating in it's own flavors, creating a delightfully sweet taste and wholesome at the same time. My stomach sang praises to me and my mouth savored every bite! Great bite to eat for those occasional midnight munchies too.

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

I look forward to seeing my Aunt
try to out do herself this year!

Hopefully your own shin-dig
doesn't turn out like this!

A tradition of mine is to watch Miracle On 34th Street after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I like to switch between the classic and the 1990's remake each year. I've been cooking all this morning and enjoying watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with my daughter. It is particularly enjoyable this year since my kid is an active tot. I can clearly see her reactions to things. They're kinda like a couch potato when they're younger than two years old! What are some of your Turkey Day traditions?

Calling All Hopeless Romantics: Twilight

The latest installment of the Twilight Saga has a really lovely style, then again, there was a wedding to be had! There was a huge build-up over the top secret wedding dress. 

The official replica of Bella Swan's gown.

The official replica gown is designed by Alfred Angelo. He has worked exclusively with Summit Entertainment since May to get the gown out in time for the premiere. Dresses were available since Monday at Alfred Angelo stores nationwide, priced at $799. The onscreen dress is designed by Carolina Herrera. She will be selling her dresses at the CHNY boutique starting next year. I like this gown, but I would add more pizazz to it somewhere. It is however, very much a gown for Bella, simple, very innocent, and sweet with lace.

One thing I can say is that each soundtrack does a great job in capturing the overall essence of each movie, but with just a few odd ball fill-ins thrown into the mix.

Tracks I adore on The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Pt. 1 [Original Soundtrack] are:
(in the order of CD)

1. Endtapes - Joy Formidable
2. Love Will Take You - Angus & Julia Stone
4. Turning Page
6. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
10. Northern Lights - Cider Sky
11. Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version) - Iron & Wine

Iron & Wine's track ties Edward and Bella's dance at prom and their wedding together. I think when you actually listen to the lyrics instead of just the melody they're quite strange. So Turning Page is my absolute favorite, (not by default) just can't get enough of it. The lyrics fit the melody so well. It just oozes honey! Needless to say, hopefully some day this will be part of my own wedding playlist.

Turning Page  

 Performed by Sleeping at Last

Written by: Ryan O'Neal (of Sleeping At Last)

I've waited a hundred years

But I'd wait a million more for you

Nothing prepared me for

What the privilege of being yours would do

If I had only felt the warmth within your touch

If I had only seen how you smile when you blush

Or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough

I would have known what I was living for all along.

What I've been living for

Your love is my turning page

Where only the sweetest words remain

Every kiss is a cursive line

Every touch is a redefining phrase

I surrender who I've been for who you are

For nothing makes me stronger than your fragile heart

If I had only felt how it feels to be yours

Well, I would have known what I've been living for all along

What I've been living for

Though we're tethered to the story we must tell

When I saw you, well, I knew we'd tell it well

With a whisper we will tame the vicious seas

Like a feather bringing kingdoms to their knees

Etsy shop CarolinePhotographie

I Am Lucky To Have This Bunny!

I got this handmade
pink bunny hat from one of the booths
at the farmers market.
I guess I was in a bunny type of mood
that day!

Amel Larrieux- Lucky To Be Me

What a day

Fortune smiled and came my way

Bringing love I never thought I'd see

I'm so lucky to be me

What a night

Suddenly you came in sight

Looking just the way I'd hoped you'd be

I'm so lucky to be me

I am simply thunderstruck

With this change in my luck

Knew at once I wanted you

Never thought you'd want me too

I'm so proud

You chose me from all the crowd

There's no other girl I'd rather be
I could laugh out loud

I'm so lucky to be.. me

The Flipside To the Farmers Market Story

Yes, there's is at least an cute fairytale-like ending to the horror at the Soulard Farmers Market. I went to the petshop with my daughter and enjoyed watching her look at all of the live cute pets. Now I want to get a Golden Comet Fish and a SUPER ADORABLE bunny rabbit. Not just any old rabbit, a Lion-headed Rabbit! It was twenty-six dollars. Just as cute as can be in a large cage with two other rabbits. They had to be at least 6 weeks old. The one I particularly adore is a brown color and the other two are jet black. I didn't like the idea of just the one being sad and lonely. So I thought I might have to comeback and get two. But then the one left at the shop would be sad! Then two of them (the brown one and one of the black ones) did the cutest thing ever. They shared this one big carrot that was hanging in between the space in the cage and it looked like they were kissing each other! I know, I know, just made me want to explode into glitter like a Ke$ha or something LOL. So now I have my mind set on getting all three if I can, if they are still there, which I doubt because they are so awesome!

All of the reviews I've read say they are great with people, other lion headed bunnies and some other pets (depending on that particular pet's temperment). They love attention and have their own personalities.

Back to reality though. I don't know too much about rabbits. I never had one before and don't have any supplies that they need already. I know that part of the care of rabbits is that they require lots of fur grooming. The Lion Head Rabbit doesn't shed as much as other rabbits when they are older.  BUT when they are younger they go through stages of shedding. The mane on it's head is made of wool so really have to comb it out or else they could injest too much of their own fur.

Here's what the lion head looks like:

lionheadrabbit.net

pic via Google

Click to see bunny in action from aftertherainrabbitry.

The Horror At The Market!

Nothing beats a great trip to your local farmers market! Unfortunately, I had a camera malfunction so I personally couldn't take any photos. It's quite a drive from where I live, but it is still located in St. Louis, MO. Soulard Farmer's Market is the oldest market in St. Louis. It's origins date back to 1779! It was started by Antoine Soulard and his wife Julia Soulard. Julia had acquired the deed to the piece of land on which the market still sits today. Officially in 1841, Julia had two city blocks for two main buildings.

Okay so now that we got some brief history out of the way..

I decided to do a little Thanksgiving Day shopping yesterday morning. I was passing by a butcher shop in one of the outdoor wings of stands. I didn't really get a chance to catch the company name of this particular shop because I was too preoccupied with staring in shock and amazement at their items. I was looking at freshly killed (probably like that same morning type of fresh) and skinned opossum, muskrats, and beaver! The beaver still had it's tail attached and the skin was still on it! Then they had live white ducks and chickens just waiting around in cages off to the side of the counter. My sister was completely grossed out. I was not completely grossed out, I more was like entranced sort of.. I don't know, sometimes I can be quite morbid. Or maybe it somewhat had an affect on me. Hence, I'm typing this now to get it out of my brain and unleashing it onto you. LOL it was probably best that my camera was out of commission at that moment! I just never ever saw those animals in person before, sad they had to be already dead. As I was pointing at the sign that said what type animals they were a women came over with her friend and actually was like, "Hmmm, opossum! That's right up my alley with a little gravy!" The realization of it being food.. for people. That's when I was just done. Her friend was just as turned off by it.  

10 Things That Make Me Happy

1.  My daughter.
2. My blog and blogger friends.
3. Listening to music.
4. Helping others when I can.
5. Being creative and decorating: sewing, putting together homemade gift sets, making collages with beautiful pics, painting the house, arranging flowers, etsy treasury lists.
6. Being in control of the camera but not necessarily being the one in the picture. Hey, what can I say? I know what I want the picture to look like.
7. Non-curmudgeon, creative, unique and quirky-cute (not scary strange-derange) people.
8. Having a good hair day.
9. Hilarious comedians. Who doesn't need a great laugh???
10. Being left-handed (just one more thing to set me apart).

Bad-Mood Intervention

Sometimes we all need to perform a bad-mood intervention for ourselves. Some bad experiences can have lingering effects, but it doesn't have to stay that way. This is for myself. I have noticed others are going through an mixed bag of inner-struggle too. So, this could also be for you at this particular time.

1. Don't believe in all of the negative things you tell yourself. You are your own worse critic. So tell the inner heckler to SHUT-UP!
2. Walk with my head held high and own it, what ever it is.
3. Smile even when I don't feel like it. It makes me even more so approachable. Every time I leave the house, even just for a walk, a different guy approaches me (great ego boost). Funny that's when I feel like I'm so sweaty and icky I just wanna get back home to the shower.
4. Change up your scenery. Rearrange furniture, add real flowers, paint a wall etc.
5. Always have something to look forward to like going out to dinner, hosting a party, or buy tickets early for a show.
6. BGTY (be good to yourself). You can't let your happiness depend on anybody else.

Needing A Hit Of Happiness?

Here's some clues:

1. Kissy-feely PDA couples make you sick!
2. The only time you're in tune with nature is when you go to your car, or see a nature TV show!
3. When someone asks, "Is somebody having a bad day?", you actually growl!
4. If for this Christmas your boyfriend gives you a new sweat suit!
5. If at number 4 you were wondering, "What boyfriend?"
6. If you don't even feel like going through the "getting to know someone new phase" all over again.
7. You blow off your girl friends because you're too busy... doing a whole bunch of nothing.
8. You have a seriously lulled libido.

What would you add to the list???



Hostess With the Mostess!

It seems like everyone has completely forgotten about Thanksgiving Day and intentionally skipped to Christmas (including me) since the day after Halloween. Actually I was so ready for the Christmas holiday season in mid October! Weirdly enough, the only holiday I can fully enjoy is Halloween. The rest of the cold weather holidays kinda suck on the actual day of because it requires a loved one (besides your own nana, mom, kid) or spending major money. But by the time you get to the actual day of Halloween you feel like you've already celebrated it early from all of the build up. Especially with all of the outdoor activities you can do in the beginning of autumn. Just so we don't completely throw away this upcoming holiday, I've curated a Thanksgiving Day hostess Shopping Guide!

Funny Signs: Church Edition!

I would so make this sign at church:

To Our Lionhearted Warriors: We Salute You!

Have A Happy

Friday Freebies For Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day, which is tomorrow, alot of restaurants are offering free meals!

7-ELEVEN  (Ok, so this isn't a restaurant but none the less offers freebies!) - You can donate $1 to help "Operation USO Care Package". * http://www.7-eleven.com/Only-at-7-Eleven/Promotions/Donate-$1-to-the-USO/Default.aspx

APPLEBEE'S - Applebee's is offering a free meal for veterans AND active duty military on November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. http://www.applebees.com/menu/vetsday

CHILI'S - Chilli's is offering a free meal for veterans on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The restaurant is offering a choice of seven entrées. http://www.chilis.com/documents/veteransdaymenu2011.jpg

GOLDEN CORRAL - Golden Corral is offering a "thank you" dinner to anyone who has served in the U.S. Military as part of their 2011 Military Appreciation Monday. The dinner will be held Monday, November 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. http://www.goldencorral.com/military/

HOOTERS - All veterans AND active duty military personnel can receive 10 free boneless or traditional wings, with purchase of a drink, all day Friday, November 11. *

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE - Outback Steakhouse is thanking veterans AND active duty military by offering a free Bloomin' Onion and Coca Cola from November 7-11, in honor of Veterans Day. "Operation Feeding Freedom" http://outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx

T.G.I. FRIDAYS - Buy one entrée, get one free, for all active U.S. military personnel AND veterans on Friday, November 11. Must wear military uniform or present valid identification. The special is valid only at participating locations. * http://www.tgifridays.com/home/welcome.aspx

*Check these companies websites for your specific location.  

Screams For Eames

Charles (1907-1978) and Ray Eames (1912-1988).

Who doesn't know that Eames products are quintessential for creating your mid-century style home or Mad Men office? But did you know Charles Ormond Eames Junior is a native of St. Louis, MO?  He attended Washington University's School of Architecture. It is rumored he was dismissed from the school because of his modern views. Others say it was because of sleep deprivation between having the demands of school and work. To further his education in architecture, he moved (in 1938) to Michigan. Charles attended the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He decided to use the St. Louis riverfront as his area of focus in order to apply for the Architecture and Urban Planning Program. With the help of Eero Saarinen (friend architect partner), Charles designed prize-winning furniture for New York's Museum of Modern Art "Organic Design in Home Furnishings" competition. Originally developed by Alvar Aalto, it displayed the newer technique of wood moulding. Eames further developed this technique in multiple moulded plywood products including: splints and stretchers for the U.S. Navy during World War II, and of course furniture!

After Charles divorced his wife of 12 years and mother of his daughter, named Lucia, Charles Eames married his second wife in 1941. He married his Cranbrook colleague Ray Kaiser. Mrs. Bernice Alexandra "Ray" Eames met Charles while preparing models and drawings for the "Organic Design in Home Furnishings" competition in September of 1940. Tsk Tsk.. dating before you're even officially divorced.

In 1943, 1944, and 1947, Ray Eames designed several covers for the reputable magazine, Arts & Architecture. She also had two of several textile designs produced by the company Schiffer Prints. So yeah, Ray can stand on her own two feet. Though, it is agreeable that Mrs. Ray was very involved and important in the designs with her husband. The Eames fabrics were mostly designed by her.

The Eames continued to be innovative in the 1950's, using plastic resin chairs and the wire mesh chairs designed for Herman Miller.

Throughout the mid to late 50's and into the 60's and 70's, Charles designed many exhibitions:

• Textiles and Ornamental Arts of India (1955)
Glimpses of the USA (seven screens for the American exhibition in Moscow, Sokoolniki Park) (1959)
Mathematica (for IBM, 1961)
IBM Pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair
Nehru: The man and his India (1965)
The World of Franklin and Jefferson (1975) built for the US Bicentennial Commission opens in Paris, travels to five other countries and the US.

The couple had many short films documenting their interest, what we would consider indie films today. As part of the 20th Annual St. Louis Int'l Film Festival, the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts' Steinberg Auditorium at Washington University, will be screening "Eames: The Architect & the Painter". It is a revealing documentary on the husband-and-wife team.

Eames films include:

• Traveling Boy (1950)
• Blacktop: A Story of the Washing of a School Play Yard (1952)
• Parade Parade Or Here They Are Coming Down Our Street (1952)
• A Communications Primer (1953)
• House: After Five Years of Living (1955)
• Day of the Dead (1957)
• Toccata for Toy Trains (1957)
• Kaleidoscope Jazz Chair (1960)
• Powers of Ten (1968, rereleased in 1977)
• Image of the City (1969)
• Banana Leaf (1972)
• Fiberglass Chairs
• SX-70
• Eames Lounge Chair

No doubt they are part of America's most influential and important industrial designers!

Lunch At The Fountain

Today I had lunch with my family at The Fountain On Locust.

It is a retro, art deco styled ice cream parlor which also serves lunch and dinner.

When you first walk in this is what you see:

Antique radio.

Shadow boxes of ice cream and awards.

Ceiling art and light.

Checkered floor.

When you get seated you can take in more of the view:

Wall murals.

Speakers at the booths play a different vintage
radio soap opera every two minutes!

The forehead featured is my lil Sis LOL.
The (cute) guy to the right in the blue shirt is our server.

The Fountain On Locust prides itself on being voted the best ice cream parlor. Not surprising because the owner, Joy Grdnic (no I didn't misspell that), gets her ice cream from a family-owned Wisconsin dairy. It is the home of the ice cream martini. But before I get to that, they serve you delicious, hot, garlic basil cheese bread brushed with olive oil while you wait on your food. Unfortunately, we demolished it before I could even get any pictures of it! The presentation was beautiful enough for pictures. 

And now for that ice cream martini:

I had the Espresso Martini. A+
Eventhough it was too early for drinking,
I had to take a picture.
BTW it's not a sin to drink, only to be drunk.

I also had The Champion and a Tortilla Soup. Two A+'s are my scores. The Champion is a mozzarella cheese and meatball sub sandwich, with tomato sauce of course. Who would've ever thought about combining tortilla chips into soup? Apparently, Joy Grdnic did and it works! The evidence of that is this:

That's what's left now!

The Fountain On Locust does have the reputation of having the best soups made from scratch everyday.

They even have the award for best restroom in America! I think this is arguable. While the restroom decor is different, it did not stop me from seeing used paper towels on the floor instead of in the half filled trash can and the sink tops were completely covered with water. The OCD in me wiped down the sinks, and picked up the paper towels with a latex gloved hand (courtesy of my purse where I keep extras). Yeah, I seriously have some degree of OCD. The restrooms could've been worse though, so B+.

But any who here's the restrooms:

Ladies Only

Stall door

The Soda Fountain circa 1932 St. Louis, MO.

The sink after I wiped it down.

The gentlemens&ladies restroom:

Historic Locust Street, "Automotive Row", St. Louis, MO
circa 1920. It looks the same way out front.
Except, of course, without the horse drawn carriage and old cars.

The ceiling.

Antique scale.



Me on the scale!



My lil Sis reflection in the mirror.

  Yeah, we headed out after feeling like wierdos for playing in the restroom. That was before I found out that The Fountain On Locust is also the most photographed restaurant in St. Louis. I'm definitely no food critic, but no wonder I felt compelled to do a little photo shoot with all of the old fashion in the relaxed atmosphere.

This joint also host Burlesque Bingo as part of the "Locust Late Nights" events. Hmm.. I might have to come back without the family (wink wink) LOL. Just kidding just kidding. Don't get your panties in a bunch (pun intended)!

Overall, I enjoyed myself. A+

On A Great Note: Congrats To My Uncle!

Tonight my Uncle on my Mother's side of the family chose to get baptized! Hey, "better late than never", right? When I got baptized on Mother's Day of this year, it was like I had to finally do it on my own or I just wouldn't ever do it after that moment. I had been contemplating over it for years before that point! The funny thing is that right after I got baptized, the dreadful gray clouds and rain let up and gave way to a beautiful warm sunny day. LOL My first thought was from the book of Matthew 3:13-17, when heaven opened and God said He is pleased with His Son.

Some people just come to the light slower than others. They make themselves have to go through "the fire of suffering that brings forth the gold of Godliness." ~Madame Guyon. Being baptized definitely does not mean you won't go through any troubles from here on out on earth. The Lord Himself had troubles and temptations, what makes you think you won't? See 1 Peter 4:12-19. I think the suffering gets worse or more intense in some ways actually. Think of it as you're right along with Jesus in the desert being tempted right after being baptized. Indeed, we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory (Romans 8:17). My minister was so right when he told me afterwards, "Now the easy part is over". You'll look back and wonder why'd it take you so long to get baptized when that's the easier part of God's whole plan.

I am acknowledging that I believe in the Lord and all of His strength and mercy. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I'm taking on more spiritual responsibility with my outward and inward actions. When you're trying to do the right things and succeeding, that scoundrel of a devil presses harder to get you. See Galatians 6:9. I take it as a compliment that I'm doing something right and the devil can't take it. When that one thing that was bothering you goes away because you've conquered it, something else troubling pops up. Thank goodness, I realize that the hardships are there to help you grow. God's goal is not to completely break you. See 1 Corinthians 10:13. If you are doing something wrong, the Lord does discipline those He loves. Like a father to His children. See Hebrews 12:4-7. I don't know about you, but I'd rather keep getting disciplined real fast here on earth then for an eternity in hell.

Prayer is very important. Always keep communication with the Lord open. Be sure to praise Him before asking for what you want, even through the rough times. How would you like it if you helped people EVERYDAY, ALL DAY, then someone else is asking for stuff without a simple heart-felt thank you? See Ephesians 1:15-23, and 2 Thessalonians 5:16.

1 Peter is a great book in the Bible to read. I highly suggest reading  The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren as a great Bible study guide.

Oh gravity stay away from me, Lord just keep me where the light is. Amen.

1 John 1:5-10 and 2:1-14,

Luke 11:33-36 (NIV)

Once A Cardinal Always A Cardinal

Rest in peace Bob Forsch. The former Cardinals pitcher passed away today from an heart attack. He's known in Cardinal Nation for throwing multiple no hitters. He pitched for the Cardinals in 1982, 1985, and 1987. The year 1982 was another World Series win for the Cards. He was a teammate with Ozzie Smith. In Ozzie Smith's own words: "Bob Forsch was a fierce competitor and a great teammate. Bob was one of the finest men I had the pleasure to play with and my deep condolences go to his children and family. Heaven just got a starting pitcher." He was only 61 years old and leaves behind a wife and two daughters. In his career he's had 1,133 strikeouts, a 3.76 ERA and a .533 winning percentage. Seems like only just yesterday Mr. Forsch was out throwing the first pitch during game 7 of the 2011 World Series at Busch Stadium.  

Hold On To Your Pumpkins Folks!

Got pumpkin leftovers? Just because Halloween is over doesn't mean you have to waste a perfectly good pumpkin. But, how do you use the leftovers from your pumpkin? I found this great website! It has 23 different ways to use up the last bits of your pumpkins, recipes included!

You know me, I had to throw in some awesome Etsy finds.

Roasted pumpkin seed spices, Etsy shop GustoSpice.

You can also use popcorn seasonings,
Etsy shop cookoutsidethebox.

Spa pumpkin face mask, Etsy shop CrowleyManor.

Pumpkin body scrub for a nice healthy glow,
and unclogged pores.
Etsy shop DressGreen.

And of course, there's a plethora of organic pumpkin bar soap available for our pleasure!