Both recipes look good. Skinnytaste is one of my most favorite website. I found her about 4 years ago and her recipes are outstanding. You would not know they are lower calorie. She has everything in WW points. Her website is: http://www.skinnytaste.com/ Keeping my fingers crossed everything goes well with the new bundle of joy!
Aha! You already had a post up when I pushed "Send!" The two recipes at the end look like winners for both of us here.
When you have your little Elsie coming over to back cookies with you one day, you'll get interested in decorating for Valentine's day again, probably. And she's going to be here very, very soon. I know MC will be glad, as will everyone else. Sending many good thoughts and prayers.
Oh---and ...um, are you sure it's LAYLA who's got a crush on the new vet? ;) T.
Believe us when we say that you have really no idea about lethargy or laziness! We can certainly teach you about them. In our eyes you are always on the go ........we look positively comatose in comparison.
And, the big event is soon to happen. Now that will be something to celebrate. We can imagine you cooking up a real storm for that party!
Oh yeah! Today's the day! I can't wait to hear and see pics of the new gd of yours. Your steak looks just amazing..I need to give that a try. And I like your centerpiece..it's unique and fun. So prayers sent and fingers crossed for a healthy and easy delivery too. Hugs Cindy
Good luck to Mary Clare. Sending positive thoughts that all goes well and is quick & painless, too! :)
This time of year is so hard. It's around the time that I am officially over Winter & can't wait for Spring. However, we see to be getting hit with a foot of snow every. single. time it snows now. Ugh!
I have the Skinnytaste cookbook too and I love it!
Hi Jane.... Up early as I am nursing a hideous head cold... Can't wait to see pics of the wee one... Too bad they didn't wait 'til the 11th! **wink wink** Your snack looks awesome, and the steak very satisfying... Best of luck today... Cheers! Linda :o)
I like this post, Jane. It's relaxed, yet shows us what you do to keep yourself busy. Have fun the next few days with your new baby!! Debbie xo
February 10, 2015 at 8:41 AM
Anonymous said...
Hi Jane, I have missed you! Am I weird for enjoying the cloudy cold days of winter. I like to light candles and just cozy up with no grass to cut or weeds to pull :) Just resting up for all the Spring work to come. Your recipes look delish. We have just recently gotten into fixing flank steak so I will definitely try your salad. Happy New Year xo
Blondie, Saying a prayer for MC...and the baby. Blessings to your whole family. Glad your dog is better. You are a very inventive cook...it looks so good. I had forgotten about cream cheese and celery. Take care and be safe. oxox, Susie
Tulo really does resemble a polar bear out there! Hope Layla's ear is getting better by now. She's such a flirt! ;) Sending good thoughts for Mary Clare today. Praying for a quick, smooth, perfect delivery for her. Can't wait for pics!
Hi Jane, I hear you - February is oftentimes a difficult month, still locked in winter's shorter days and longer nights. I think lots of us experience February "Blahs". It's when I will sit down with past Spring/Summer issues of Elle Decor, Veranda and House Beautiful and enjoy the promise of Springtime... Gardening and outdoor fun in the sun. The photos inspire me to look forward to the folly of Spring. Buying flowers always brightens my days. Poor Layla, hopefully in two weeks the ear problem will be resolved. It is so hard to see our fur children deal with health problems. Jane just a stupid silly question, taking a survey I guess. I never cook with an apron and wonder if you do. Seems guys who like to grill and think they are grill masters like an apron that announces just that. So Yay or nay to aprons? Looking forward to the photos to see your families new bundle of joy. XOXO, Vera
I'm really excited for you, believe me you will be in awe when you hold the baby for the first time! I just thought today about having four grands and not when in diapers anymore, the years are flying by! Prayers and good thoughts for you!
Oh my! Baby tomorrow! That should put any and all boredom aside. I'll whisper your name in my prayers for a safe delivery for both mama and baby, good weather, and everyone on the medical staff. Best wishes!
Sorry, had to delete my previous comment because of a couple of accidental typos. Your vignette is so pretty...love that bird tray. Poor Layla and her ear infection, though I think she's purposely not feeling well so she can go see Dr Bauer! ;-) Re. a Pinterest button, I'm not sure you need to "install" one. I've noticed now that when you hover the cursor over any picture online (blogs and most other sites), that in the upper left corner, a Pinterest icon automatically appears. Such exciting news that your granddaughter will be here tomorrow!! Can't wait to see pics of this beautiful new blessing.
I love coming here and reading your posts. I love seeing how many people respond to your posts! That is so neat! I am trying hard to make my blog interesting but I can't seem to get the readership I'd like. That spread looks amazing!!
Oooh Janie, I am just now catching up, and see today is the day!!!... I cannot wait to see pics of your precious little granddaughter!... loved all of your photos and info in this post, but well, a new little life just seems the most important of all!... xoxo... Julie Marie PS So happy Layla is getting better!!!
Congrats on your soon to arrive grand daughter, Jane! Hope all goes well with the delivery, bet you can hardly wait! Hope Layla's ears get better soon, poor baby. Keep warm!!
Winter lethargy does creep in and so do trips to the pantry. Luckily, I don't keep too much there that would get me in trouble. As for sweets I wish my hankering for them would go away. Hope all goes well on the birth day.
We've always had cream cheese-and-green-olive-stuffed celery at big dinners in my family. I'd always thought it was a regional (western PA) thing. :) It is SO good.
I feel ya Jane.I don't go crazy with valentines either, but just little things here and there. And this year, my son wanted Lego Star wars Valentine?! How can I ever make that a cute craft?! LOL! Hope Layla feels better. :-)
Hope all goes well!!! Yes, I love to eat...munch...especially during the winter months. And after seeing your spread I'm really hungry now! :) Blessings, Cindy
Jane, how exciting, today's the day! To see and hold her for the first time, nothing better! Can't wait to see photos! Sounds like Layla has a "doggie" crush! Makes going to the vet's so much less traumatizing! Enjoy loving on that sweet baby! Rebecca
Hi, Jane. Just sending prayers and good thoughts for Mary Clare to have a quick delivery. Can NOT wait to see the pictures of the baby! :) Your recipes sound so good. I wish my sweet tooth would go away, but it just seems to get worse every day. LOL
Yes!!! As I was reading this post I kept thinking...'so what about the baby'?? I thought for sure you'd have news, and there it was at the end you stinker! That will definitely cure any boredom. You know what though. Sometimes boredom is actually a good thing. Not that often mind you, but once in a while.
Can't wait for your next post!
Glad your fur baby seems to be better. It is so hard when they're sick don't you think?
your recipes look god! Love the dog in the slow-shave a big Lab so I get the in and out thing!
February 13, 2015 at 8:46 AM
[Image]I did a little vignette on a table in my family room, something to capture the essence of outside the window right now. A big lack of color, bare trees and shadows on the snow. Maybe I should spread some bright reds and yellows and blues around to brighten up the place. I think February is one of the harder months for many to deal with, that sort of halfway point between the start and end of winter. I really don't mind cold weather, I sort of roll with it. And gloomy days are taken in stride, I think of them as days to just cozy up inside and have a good excuse to be lazy. But lately it gets a bit lonely around here; busyness keeps me occupied and I am running out of ideas for busyness!
[Image]When the girls were young we made handmade valentine's with the usual construction paper, lacy white doilies and lots of glitter. We hung drugstore hearts on the windows and baked cookies with pink frosting. I really don't decorate at all for the occasion now. I lean towards pink and red flowers and candles, and I have cute little XOXO decoration on my front door, but that's it. It's probably good that I cut back from December until spring! lol! I usually find one or two bunnies to add to my collection then, and I have already seen the critter Pier 1 has out this year. Oh, my. I think it's more hare than rabbit. I can't wait to grab him up!
[Image]Good old Tulo came to visit yesterday and brought his owner, my son. This dog is always panting, 24/7, no matter the time of year. When he's not slurping down Milo and Layla's water, he cries to go out. This was probably his third trip out to my backyard, and he would just lie in the snow chewing on sticks he managed to find buried. He's a big, lovable polar bear.
[Image]Little Layla developed some complications from the ear infection she had a few weeks ago. She was scratching at the left ear and shaking her head a lot, the way we do when we get water in our ears. So off we went to the vet this afternoon and it turns out she has a lot of debris in the ear left over from the infection. He put some sort of oil plug way down in it and this dissolves everything. She has it taken out in two weeks. I think she has a crush on Dr. Bauer. I've been going back to him instead of our original vet, who is a female, as he treated her from the start of this infection. She used to nip at the other doctor but lately, when cute Dr. Bauer walks in, her tail wags, her ears go back and I swear she bats her eyelashes. Did I mention he was cute? Oh yeah, I did. ;-)
[Image]Do any of you eat when you're bored? We start off in January with such good intentions and before you know it, the refrigerator is a constant source of entertainment. My addiction to sweets has gone down drastically lately, I'm not sure why, hormones? I'm not going to question it, that's for sure. But I like something small between meals, usually something salty, and almonds just don't thrill me all the time. The other day I made a little spread to eat with veggies. I pretty much followed the holiday appetizer my mother always made, stuffed celery.
[Image]She simply mixed softened cream cheese with chopped green olives (with the pimento), and spread it on whole stalks of celery. We loved crunching on these while we waited for the ham or turkey to be ready. So here is simply 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, a 6 ounce jar of drained and chopped olives, and a pinch each of garlic and onion powder. I kept it covered in the fridge for a few days with a plastic container of cut up celery next to it. Oh yum...creamy, salty and tart. The perfect snack.
[Image]And I made the most fabulous dinner the other night as well. It's a variation of a recipe I found in a new cookbook of mine, Skinnytaste. This is a fantastic book filled with recipes that have been trimmed down of fats, sugar and processed ingredients. I really only changed it because I didn't have some of the ingredients and it wasn't going to stop me. In a nutshell, I made a dry rub of:
1 t. garlic powder
3/4 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. cumin
1/2 t. paprika
1/4 t. oregano
1/4 t. chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper
*Tip...I really don't measure much anymore when it comes to herbs and spices. Measure a teaspoon of salt or pepper in your palm. You will then get a future idea as to what that amounts to just by looking at it. And if you want more or less of something...go for it.
I used the rub on a 1.5 pound piece of flank steak, which is super lean. I really think you could use boneless chicken breasts or even a nice piece of salmon. Let the meat sit for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, make your vinaigrette:
3 T. fresh lemon juice (the recipe suggests 2 T. lime and 1 lemon)
2 T. olive oil
1 T. minced scallions
1 T. minced fresh cilantro
S & P
Shake or stir.
I used a grill pan to cook the steak over medium to high heat. Use a thermometer because the thickness of your meat will vary from mine. I cooked each side for 10 minutes to have a medium rare temp. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes and then cut it against the grain in to strips.
While the steak is cooking, assemble your salad. I made 2 plates that started with a layer of romaine. I then added some minced shallots and halved cherry tomatoes. I think you can do what you want with this part. I then spooned some of the vinaigrette over the greens, laid a few slices of steak over that, and then topped it off with the remaining dressing. As I said, I divided this over two plates for The Husband and I, and I had a lot of extra meat which I'll use in one way or the other.
I'm still working on a Pinterest button. Feel free to cut and paste or come back next week when I hopefully have it.
[Image]I just caught Layla going to town on a rawhide bone, she must be feeling better. The little monster.
And I'll end with really exciting news. Tomorrow morning Mary Clare's labor is going to be induced. I am beyond excited, the whole family is. A new generation of B's! Say a prayer and the next time I come back I'll have a few snaps of this long awaited miracle!
Jane x
posted by Blondie's Journal at 10:09 PM on Feb 9, 2015
"DOG DAYS OF WINTER"
35 Comments -
Both recipes look good. Skinnytaste is one of my most favorite website. I found her about 4 years ago and her recipes are outstanding. You would not know they are lower calorie. She has everything in WW points. Her website is: http://www.skinnytaste.com/
Keeping my fingers crossed everything goes well with the new bundle of joy!
February 9, 2015 at 11:10 PM
Aha! You already had a post up when I pushed "Send!"
The two recipes at the end look like winners for both of us here.
When you have your little Elsie coming over to back cookies with you one day, you'll get interested in decorating for Valentine's day again, probably. And she's going to be here very, very soon. I know MC will be glad, as will everyone else. Sending many good thoughts and prayers.
Oh---and ...um, are you sure it's LAYLA who's got a crush on the new vet? ;) T.
February 10, 2015 at 1:28 AM
Hello Jane,
Believe us when we say that you have really no idea about lethargy or laziness! We can certainly teach you about them. In our eyes you are always on the go ........we look positively comatose in comparison.
And, the big event is soon to happen. Now that will be something to celebrate. We can imagine you cooking up a real storm for that party!
February 10, 2015 at 1:46 AM
Oh yeah! Today's the day! I can't wait to hear and see pics of the new gd of yours.
Your steak looks just amazing..I need to give that a try.
And I like your centerpiece..it's unique and fun.
So prayers sent and fingers crossed for a healthy and easy delivery too.
Hugs
Cindy
February 10, 2015 at 5:57 AM
Good luck to Mary Clare. Sending positive thoughts that all goes well and is quick & painless, too! :)
This time of year is so hard. It's around the time that I am officially over Winter & can't wait for Spring. However, we see to be getting hit with a foot of snow every. single. time it snows now. Ugh!
I have the Skinnytaste cookbook too and I love it!
Stay warm!
February 10, 2015 at 6:09 AM
Hi Jane....
Up early as I am nursing a hideous head cold...
Can't wait to see pics of the wee one...
Too bad they didn't wait 'til the 11th! **wink wink**
Your snack looks awesome, and the steak very satisfying...
Best of luck today...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
February 10, 2015 at 6:40 AM
Yay for baby....I know you didn't sleep. Ha.
February 10, 2015 at 7:14 AM
Yummy recipes and a new baby! Best post ever:) Hope your puppy is all better today! Have a blessed day and hurry back with some baby pics! HUGS!
February 10, 2015 at 7:28 AM
Looks yummy! Can't wait for the baby pix!! Enjoy!
February 10, 2015 at 8:10 AM
I like this post, Jane. It's relaxed, yet shows us what you do to keep yourself busy.
Have fun the next few days with your new baby!!
Debbie
xo
February 10, 2015 at 8:41 AM
Hi Jane, I have missed you! Am I weird for enjoying the cloudy cold days of winter. I like to light candles and just cozy up with no grass to cut or weeds to pull :) Just resting up for all the Spring work to come. Your recipes look delish. We have just recently gotten into fixing flank steak so I will definitely try your salad. Happy New Year xo
February 10, 2015 at 8:50 AM
Blondie, Saying a prayer for MC...and the baby. Blessings to your whole family. Glad your dog is better. You are a very inventive cook...it looks so good. I had forgotten about cream cheese and celery. Take care and be safe. oxox, Susie
February 10, 2015 at 8:56 AM
Tulo really does resemble a polar bear out there! Hope Layla's ear is getting better by now. She's such a flirt! ;) Sending good thoughts for Mary Clare today. Praying for a quick, smooth, perfect delivery for her. Can't wait for pics!
February 10, 2015 at 9:47 AM
Hi Jane,
I hear you - February is oftentimes a difficult month, still locked in winter's shorter days and longer nights. I think lots of us experience February "Blahs". It's when I will sit down with past Spring/Summer issues of Elle Decor, Veranda and House Beautiful and enjoy the promise of Springtime... Gardening and outdoor fun in the sun. The photos inspire me to look forward to the folly of Spring. Buying flowers always brightens my days.
Poor Layla, hopefully in two weeks the ear problem will be resolved. It is so hard to see our fur children deal with health problems.
Jane just a stupid silly question, taking a survey I guess. I never cook with an apron and wonder if you do. Seems guys who like to grill and think they are grill masters like an apron that announces just that. So Yay or nay to aprons?
Looking forward to the photos to see your families new bundle of joy.
XOXO,
Vera
February 10, 2015 at 11:31 AM
Very exciting time for you!!!.. and thanks for sharing that recipe, my husband would love it. I'm loving the leaner approach too.
Looking forward to your precious pics!
February 10, 2015 at 12:10 PM
Such exciting news at your house.
Can't wait to see pics and live vicariously.
February 10, 2015 at 2:53 PM
Owww your sweet doggie...love from me Ria ...x!
February 10, 2015 at 3:05 PM
I'm really excited for you, believe me you will be in awe when you hold the baby for the first time! I just thought today about having four grands and not when in diapers anymore, the years are flying by!
Prayers and good thoughts for you!
February 10, 2015 at 3:27 PM
Oh my! Baby tomorrow! That should put any and all boredom aside. I'll whisper your name in my prayers for a safe delivery for both mama and baby, good weather, and everyone on the medical staff. Best wishes!
February 10, 2015 at 3:53 PM
This comment has been removed by the author.
February 10, 2015 at 4:42 PM
Sorry, had to delete my previous comment because of a couple of accidental typos. Your vignette is so pretty...love that bird tray. Poor Layla and her ear infection, though I think she's purposely not feeling well so she can go see Dr Bauer! ;-) Re. a Pinterest button, I'm not sure you need to "install" one. I've noticed now that when you hover the cursor over any picture online (blogs and most other sites), that in the upper left corner, a Pinterest icon automatically appears. Such exciting news that your granddaughter will be here tomorrow!! Can't wait to see pics of this beautiful new blessing.
February 10, 2015 at 4:45 PM
I love coming here and reading your posts. I love seeing how many people respond to your posts! That is so neat! I am trying hard to make my blog interesting but I can't seem to get the readership I'd like. That spread looks amazing!!
February 10, 2015 at 5:13 PM
Oooh Janie, I am just now catching up, and see today is the day!!!... I cannot wait to see pics of your precious little granddaughter!... loved all of your photos and info in this post, but well, a new little life just seems the most important of all!... xoxo... Julie Marie PS So happy Layla is getting better!!!
February 10, 2015 at 6:54 PM
Congrats on your soon to arrive grand daughter, Jane! Hope all goes well with the delivery, bet you can hardly wait! Hope Layla's ears get better soon, poor baby. Keep warm!!
February 10, 2015 at 6:54 PM
The meat looks delicious. So you wrote this yesterday so maybe a baby by tomorrow? Look forward to hearing the news!
February 10, 2015 at 7:51 PM
Exciting news! I'll eagerly await the photos of the new baby. Keeping you all close in thought.
February 10, 2015 at 8:31 PM
Winter lethargy does creep in and so do trips to the pantry. Luckily, I don't keep too much there that would get me in trouble. As for sweets I wish my hankering for them would go away. Hope all goes well on the birth day.
February 10, 2015 at 8:44 PM
We've always had cream cheese-and-green-olive-stuffed celery at big dinners in my family. I'd always thought it was a regional (western PA) thing. :) It is SO good.
I hope the delivery goes--or went--smoothly. ♥
February 11, 2015 at 12:41 AM
I feel ya Jane.I don't go crazy with valentines either, but just little things here and there. And this year, my son wanted Lego Star wars Valentine?! How can I ever make that a cute craft?! LOL! Hope Layla feels better. :-)
February 11, 2015 at 11:13 AM
Hope all goes well!!!
Yes, I love to eat...munch...especially during the winter months. And after seeing your spread I'm really hungry now! :)
Blessings,
Cindy
February 11, 2015 at 1:26 PM
Jane,
how exciting, today's the day! To see and hold her for the first time, nothing better! Can't wait to see photos! Sounds like Layla has a "doggie" crush! Makes going to the vet's so much less traumatizing!
Enjoy loving on that sweet baby!
Rebecca
February 11, 2015 at 1:50 PM
Hi, Jane. Just sending prayers and good thoughts for Mary Clare to have a quick delivery. Can NOT wait to see the pictures of the baby! :) Your recipes sound so good. I wish my sweet tooth would go away, but it just seems to get worse every day. LOL
February 11, 2015 at 3:27 PM
Yes!!! As I was reading this post I kept thinking...'so what about the baby'?? I thought for sure you'd have news, and there it was at the end you stinker! That will definitely cure any boredom. You know what though. Sometimes boredom is actually a good thing. Not that often mind you, but once in a while.
Can't wait for your next post!
Glad your fur baby seems to be better. It is so hard when they're sick don't you think?
XXX
February 11, 2015 at 6:15 PM
Come on Elsie!
Always in my prayers!
~Lynne
w/L.
February 12, 2015 at 7:09 AM
your recipes look god! Love the dog in the slow-shave a big Lab so I get the in and out thing!
February 13, 2015 at 8:46 AM