Home again

Back home again after an extended trip to visit the family in west-central Maryland. This Thanksgiving was a remarkable one for its list of firsts: my first Quorn roast for the Thanksgiving table, my first Black Friday shopping excursion where I was actually out of bed at 5:00am, and my first visit to Volt.

Creamy mushroom veloute to start, goat cheese ravioli with butternut squash as an entree, and an apple tart to finish. Delightful. My parents definitely were not telling tales when they raved about this restaurant - the waitstaff is perfectly orchestrated--the plates are set upon the table in unison--and the atmosphere is laid-back modern (Chuck Taylors with suits). Didn't get pictures of the food, but here you see mom and me with big smiles.

The minute I returned home this afternoon I set up the Christmas tree and hung my front door wreath (both faux versions). The cats were awfully glad to see me. So glad in fact that they promptly curled up on the bed and took long naps. Good to be home.

Recipe cards and organizing blogs

In my quest to move toward a more organized way of life (and isn't that always something I'm bringing up? - well, I at least feel it is), my coworker has been introducing me to some organizing blogs for inspiration. One of the best ones she suggested is Penelope Loves Lists. Although new, it has so much potential...and one of the latest posts on it is actually apropos to my own organizing of recipe cards that I started working on last week.

Over the past week or so, I've been spending my time here and there going through my own blog posts to see what recipes I loved and am copying them onto cards for easy access. Although I love my wireless internet at home, sometimes you need that card in front of you - a place to quickly refer and to write down notes. Plus, I have a cute collection of blank recipe cards that I must use.

Any other organizing blogs you love out there? Do tell!

museum fun and my new denim trousers

I just finished watching last night's Glee and have last night's Top Chef next to watch. This season's Top Chef is especially fun for me because one of the contestants (well, two actually) are from my hometown area. I definitely have a favorite that I'm rooting for, which I won't officially reveal because I'm afraid it might jinx it.

The looming holidays have me in a bit of a panic. First up is our Christmas program at work that I have yet to plan - it involves holiday scenarios in the historic rooms of the house and a whole memo that tells the tour guides what they should say in the rooms of the house. It has to be based on historic fact and include interesting aspects of the family's history. No problem!

I wore my new Ralph Lauren (outlet purchase) denim trouser pants this week and am totally in love - denim in a work appropriate pant?! Why did I not jump on this before now?! Definitely the best of both worlds and they are the perfect length for wearing with cute ballet flats.

Pink in progress

Yes, Mom, I'll post to my blog! I tried to tell her that nothing exciting had happened, but we'll make something up anyway. It is rainy and dreary and work may be closed tomorrow because of massive flooding. I keep thinking about how I should open up my composter to get some rain on it and wet it down, but I then think about how I'd actually have to put on my rain boots and walk out there in the rain and get wet and cold and then I say 'I'll do it tomorrow' like Scarlett and then I don't. So instead I sit here and just listen to the raindrops.

I plan on completing a project that has been in the making for over two months now: the painting of my living room. I promise. In the meantime, one wall is painted and I am really very pleased with the result. Now I need to decide on what to hang where. I got a great still life at a local flea market (for $2) that is perfect for the room and I'm going to save my pennies to recover the wing chair and ottoman in some sort of navy blue pattern that will pick up pinks and greens elsewhere in the room. Ah, I love planning. Not so big on the executing.

Butternut squash perfection

My, my, my. When I bought $5 worth of butternut squash at the farmers' market this weekend I didn't imagine anything exciting happening with it. I figured I'd turn to one of my old standbys - a pasta sauce or a soup. I did in fact turn to a soup, but decided to try one of Ina's recipes using two critical fall ingredients: butternut squash and apples. The result? Something new for my repertoire.

I took this recipe, but made a few adjustments (one key one was since I didn't have apple juice/cider, I used more water and added some fat-free half & half). My favorite topping? Freshly-grated Parmesan. And the curry adds just that little something. Perfection.