shady lane

obsession of the month: home tours

2011-04-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Home tours are not a new thing in my world. I've enjoyed them for years. In fact, this year was my fifth White Rock Home Tour. It's become a bit of a tradition in my family because we are now joined by my mother (or "Mimi" to Harper), my dad (or "Deedak" to Harper -- don't ask, long story), my sister (Aunt Mallory), my brother (Uncle Jarred), and anyone else who wishes to join us.

April in Dallas is a month of home tours, in fact. Earlier this month, we also did the Park Cities Home Tour. Despite the rather large homes and beautiful landscaping, those homes were a bit too lavish for me with King Louis XVI drapes and wallpaper, rooms overflowing with hefty antiques, and guilded baths. I can appreciate the homes and the neighborhood (ooo-la-la!), but it's not me. White Rock Home Tour, on the other hand, is fantastic because: 1) It's my neighborhood. I'm so proud. 2) The homes are all modern, many of them mid-century modern, a style that I love and appreciate with marked jealousy. 3) There is often a "green" home on the tour, and I love sustainable materials. 4) Every home has modern interiors (not contemporary, but modern -- the two are strikingly different), a style I infuse into my own home.

I snapped the above shot in the backyard of a mid-century home (circa 1955) that had a 2010 addition on the back, which added a bedroom, bath, and living space. It is my dream home.

the joys of toddlerdom

2011-04-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

No, this is not a post to rant about temper tantrums or to boast about Harper's growing vocabulary (although she now loves to say, "That's the ball!" in the most endearing Texan drawl I've ever heard). Rather, I'd like to expound upon my belief that when you are a stay-at-home mom or a work-from-home mom, etc., there is a semi-immense pressure to expose your child to all those worldly experiences (a.k.a., keep her entertained and exhausted so she takes an adequate afternoon nap).

At 18 months, my beautiful daughter is no longer content to play pat-a-cake in the den with mommy. Now we must have outings each day to various places that hopefully have either a playground, large expanses of grass, or something to climb on. In the last two weeks alone, we have attended Baby Bounce classes, purchased a yearly membership to the Arboretum, made new friends and learned how to go down the slide at the local library playground, gazed at gorillas at the Dallas Zoo, and made an appointment to check out Kidzone. I'm not kidding.

I don't know about Harper, but I'm exhausted.

Photo by Uyen Beiswanger

obsession of the month: PacNW

2011-03-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

It might have something to do with the fact that The Husband proposed to me there. Or because I haven't been back since 2005. Or it could have something to do with the fact that I finally got around to reading the Twilight books. Whatever the reason, I'm fixated on the Pacific Northwest right now. The forests, the seafood, the drizzle, all of it. Luckily, my sister and I felt the urge to whisk ourselves away to Seattle and Vancouver later this month. I'm stoked to see Jen, who ran away to Seattle not long ago, and the 2-hour roadtrip to Canada with my sister, where we are hoping to spot some vampires. It's a mini-adventure with no concrete plans in place. Just four days of Pacific Northwest goodness.

*I took the above photograph in 2005 just outside Vancouver, BC.

thanks, mr. frost

2011-01-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

I'm in a poetic sort of mood today, which reminded me of my most recent trip to New England and a beautiful cemetary in Bennington, Vermont. I knew Robert Frost was buried there, so I begged The Husband to pull over and all three of us piled out of our rented SUV. The October air was perfect -- crisp, not too cold, quiet, sunny. Harper was bundled in her hoodie. There was a gorgeous white church built in 1700-something-or-other, and it was surrounded by gravestones of Revolutionary War soldiers. But perhaps the most breathtaking part of the scene was the bright yellow falling leaves that seemed to be everywhere -- coating the pathways and landing softly on tombstones. Mesmerized by the beauty of the place, I couldn't stop snapping pictures. We slowly made our way through the graves, following arrows that said "Frost grave." And suddenly there it was, and I was practically alone with a poet that filled many of my days as a pupil and, later, as an English teacher. By the time we arrived at Frost's grave, I wanted to thank him for leading me to that place, a beautiful, historic cemetary on a hillside in rural Vermont. I never thanked him properly, so instead, I'll leave it with one of my favorite Frost poems and a hope that one day I'll return.

A Late Walk
by Robert Frost

When I got up through the mowing field,
The headless aftermath,
Smooth-laid like thatch with the heavy dew,
Half closes the garden path.

And when I come to the garden ground,
The whir of sober birds
Up from the tangle of withered weeds
Is sadder than any words.

A tree beside the wall stands bare,
But a leaf that lingered brown,
Disturbed, I doubt not, by my thought,
Comes softly rattling down.

I end not far from my going forth,
By picking the faded blue
Of the last remaining aster flower
To carry again to you.

colin firth = freakin' awesome

2011-01-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Colin Firth,

Why are you so freakin' awesome? Seriously, I love you. And not in a kissy-kissy type way (although you are quite dashing) but in a you're-the-best-actor-to-ever-star-in-myriad-period-pieces way. Yep, I saw The King's Speech recently, and you've outdone yourself.

I will buy the following circa-1939 poster (coined by King George VI) in commemoration:

shelter mags, how i love thee

2011-01-04T13:10:00.001-08:00

Once upon a time, I was an editor at a shelter magazine. I spent my days perusing design blogs, interviewing designers, choosing rooms shots, and writing about demask wallpaper, mid-century furniture, and other interior trends. Alas, the magazine did not make it, like so many other home and garden magazines (RIP Blueprint, Domino, and Cottage Living). While I've mourned the death of several shelter magazines during the last few years, I'm still able to peruse the design blogs, thank goodness.

Recently, I came across a new shelter magazine that's very much alive and kicking, Covet Garden. Clever name, eh? It's dedicated to inspiring rooms and interiors and spends less time ooo-ing and ah-ing over products (though it does include some).

I love magazines with artful covers, and Covet Garden does it well. Here's a link to past covers. The mag is short (less than 30 pages), but what it lacks in size it makes up for in style. It's simply beautiful to look through. I'm feeling inspired already...

obsession of the month: mad men

2010-12-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I'm "late" to the whole Mad Men thing. But hear me out: I have a 15-month-old, and my television time is not what it used to be. So I'm using Netflix to catch up. I thought, 'Oh, I'll get season 1 and see if I like it.' Holy martini, it's so good! I adore the one-liners, the clothes, the furniture, the uncontrollable drinking and smoking, and the misgivings of 1960 society. It's a very smart show.

Perhaps what I most love about it is that it makes me think. I think about how much social norms have changed since then, how different my life would be if I lived then and whether I would be a beatnik or a housewife. A career woman or a mom. A wife or "the other woman." The truth is, I would hate living during that time, but Mad Men gives me a chance to imagine what it would be like. So thank you, Mad Men, for being a smart show, because I hate mind-numbing TV, like those "World's Most Ridiculous Car Chase" programs. Give me smart TV. Give me Mad Men, please!

out with the old...?

2010-12-03T11:49:00.001-08:00

*Photo by Mallory Hill

Last night, we ventured to a new gastropub in the Dallas Design District, and it will be difficult to describe in words just how fantastic it was. Meddlesome Moth is a take on Britain's gastropub phenomenon--a fancied-up, pub-like atmosphere with high-quality, four-star cuisine (not to mention a myriad beers from around the world on tap). My sister and her boyfriend joined The Husband and myself in a cozy booth overlooking the entire restaurant. I noticed the stained-glass windows tilting into the room immediately--relics from my childhood when they were on display in the now-demolished Hard Rock Cafe in uptown. Before we even tasted anything, I was already impressed by this detail. I decided to try a beer flight (above) rather than trying to take on the 140 different ales, lagers, wheats, IPAs, etc. on the menu. I chose "Hop Head" because, well, I like hops. The food was an adventure too since most of the menu is meant to be shared. We ordered and (I kid you not) polished off all the following: hummus and olive spread, shrimp and grits, pork belly with pancakes and syrup, cornbread and collard greens, sweet corn, seared ahi tuna, pumpkin pie, and an apple tart. It was all incredible, but next time, I think I will stick with a traditional English meat pie, just for ol' times sake.

On a sad and somewhat related note, one of my favorite foodie spots in Dallas, York Street, has closed. It was a tiny place with about 10 tables in Lakewood, but my-oh-my was it good. I hope Sharon Hage, the owner and chef, opens a new place soon.

dear harper

2010-11-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Harper,

As I watch you, everyday, become the beautiful child that I can't BELIEVE is mine, I am continuously reminded of the day you arrived. You were all red-faced and screaming and totally helpless, and I remember thinking, 'here we go!' I couldn't wait to begin. Now that you're 1 (actually, 14 months now), you are doing incredibly grown-up things, like walking, laughing hysterically at mommy when she's silly, and trying to shove as much cheese as possible into your mouth at one time. (That Jarlsberg is SO GOOD!)

Thank you for giving me hugs and wrapping your arms around me so tight when you're frightened. Thank you for being the best napper this side of the Mississippi. Thank you for enjoying restaurants as much as your mommy does (one of these days, when you're ready, I'll take you to Stephan Pyles). Thank you for your love of animals, even when you insist on giving the dog an open-mouthed kiss. Thank you for being an explorer and a curious mind (just don't' talk to strangers). And thank you for being my baby. For even though you are no longer an infant, you will always be my baby.

Love,

Mommy

obsession of the month: jarlsberg

2010-11-11T10:16:00.001-08:00

I'd heard of jarlsberg cheese long before I saw it in the cheese section at Whole Foods. I'd heard it mentioned in movies (Devil Wears Prada) and seen it on menus in restaurants. But then I tried it. Oh. My. Goodness. It's the best cheese in the universe. I learned it is a Norwegian cheese, and it was first produced in the early 19th century. Who knew?! It has that sweet, nutty flavor that I love in cheeses, and it just begs for an accompanying glass of Malbec. MmmMmm.

NYC Discoveries: The High Line

2010-10-09T15:05:00.001-07:00

During my recent trip to New York City, my friend Jen suggested we visit the High Line. I had heard about it long ago but did not know the details. Apparently, the good people of Manhattan decided to turn an abandoned set of 1930s-era, raised railroad tracks into a skinny, walkable park. Parts of it are still under construction, but we climbed up at West 20th Street and strolled down to 14th, where we climbed down and explored parts of the Meatpacking District. The weather was beautiful that day, and it was nice to see the the city and the Hudson River from up there. A concrete pathway meanders through natural plants and grasses on the High Line, a very modern design.

food. food. food.

2010-10-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

In my very glamorous life as a SAHM and freelancer (ahem), I'd almost forgotten about one of my favorite local blogs. In fact, I hadn't read it in so long that I feel behind the times. The folks over at D magazine have a blog called SideDish, and if you're a lover of all gastronomy and a foodie at heart and you live in Dallas, then it's the blog for you. Check it out. Yum.

autumn in the northeast

2010-09-24T08:49:00.001-07:00

Fall is officially here, and I am giddy and happy per usual this time of year. This fall is more exciting than normal because 1) Harper turns 1 next week, 2) I spent last weekend in New York (more on that soon), 3) Harper will get to experience her first State Fair EVER, 4) my brother is getting married next weekend, and 5) we are going back to New England next month. This time it will be the Berkshires in Massachusetts, upstate New York, southwestern Vermont, and perhaps a little northern Connecticut thrown in if we have time. It was a last-minute decision to take this trip, and I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to see the leaves, taste the cider and squash, and curl up by the fire in our condo.

I'm thinking of going to Whole Foods to purchase some Cinderella pumpkins just because. I tend to feel much better with a gourd on my porch.

*Photo above is Amherst, Mass.

coastal views

2010-09-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

The travel bug has hit me hard this week. It might have something to do with the travel writing I'm doing for Ehow.com (see here and here). It might have something to do with the fact that I'm not working a full-time job, so the vacation possibilities seem endless. It might have something to do with it almost being fall and my obsession for New England fall foliage. Or it could have something to do with my discovery of this article , "America's Most Beautiful Coastal Views." I now want to travel to Cape Cod or Maine or somewhere equally gorgeous and New English. During our trip to Maine in 2006, I remember thinking, "I want to buy a vacation home up here somewhere." I love, love, love it there.

how to be alone

2010-09-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this video:

5 trips i want to take RIGHT NOW

2010-08-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

Driving the California coast from San Diego to Eureka:

Ireland Roadtrip:

Iceland:

Savannah and Charleston:

Banff and Glacier National Parks:

heartache? here? on this blog?

2010-08-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Before you have a baby, everyone tells you it will be the best thing that ever happens to you, which is true. You don't believe it until you experience it, but watching your baby become a little person is the most incredible feeling. However, there is one feeling that parents don't seem to mention: fear.

This past week I've struggled with a paralyzing fear that was initiated by this heartbreaking story. I did not know this family and never had the pleasure to meet their beautiful baby girl. But she reminds me of Harper in so many ways. I have never been so affected by the death of someone I had never met. I found myself crying daily, every time I would think about it. If you are feeling kind, consider making a donation to Children's Medical Center, here, in the name of Margot Miller.

mommyhood and happiness

2010-08-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I found myself at a tot's birthday party in the company of several SAH moms. It's strange, but I think you become part of an exclusive, mommyhood sorority when you have kids, especially when you decide to work from home or become a full-time mum. I never thought I would be the kind of mom who would converse about playdates, mom-and-baby activities, and preschool and get EXCITED about it. But there I was, in a friend's kitchen, holding a beer, and watching gazillions of toddlers and kids run around me like little bees. The Husband stood next to me, holding Harper, and we were all engrossed in parenthood fodder. I was so happy. I was so giddy about being a mom that I came home and joined the local early childhood PTA.

Once we got Harp home and asleep in bed, we watched A Single Man, one of the most visually stunning films I've seen EV-ER. If you know me well, you know I am a tad obsessed with the 1960s, and this director got it SO RIGHT. Granted, I've never been to the 60s, but I know it was right on the money. I could FEEL it. Anyway, the storyline was good too, but I was more embedded within the visuals and lovliness of this film. While the ending was somewhat sad, I went to bed feeling happy and alive. And Colin Firth was fantastic. Simply fantastic. See it.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes

2010-08-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

My blog has a new look, and my life has undergone some ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (thank you, David Bowie). In the last month I have 1) quit my job, 2) started freelancing again full time, and 3) realized how much I've missed writing. Teaching a literature/writing class is a big commitment, and while I miss my students and the adventure that teaching can bring, I am excited to explore some things that I could not do with a full-time job. My daughter is growing by leaps and bounds, and I've realized (now that she's older) that one of the things I most look forward to as she grows is introducing her to the things that I love so much. I can't wait to take her to Europe. I can't wait t0 visit the library with her like my mom did for us every summer to check out books (WHY do library books smell so good??). I can't wait to read her The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter, and all those fantastical books that made me long to begin my own personal adventures. I can't wait to shop for back-to-school supplies. I can't wait to take her to a museum and tell her how special every exhibit is. I can't wait to experience childhood all over again now that I'm an adult.

Well, that's all for now. More to come soon.

fixing a hole

2010-02-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

When I was about 2, I discovered the Beatles. No, seriously. I must have been a wee tot because my first memory is of my mother singing me a Beatles lullaby. To this day I can't hear "All My Loving" without getting sleepy and sentimental. I've been a Beatles fan ever since, and readers of this blog can attest to this fact. I listened to them obsessively throughout my entire adolescence, and I visited almost every major Beatles site of significance in England. I'm telling you all of this so you will understand my excitement over the newly remastered Beatles records. I was skeptical at first--that is, until I listened to the remastered version of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I heard things in the instrumentation that I didn't know was there; it was kind of like hearing it for the first time. And for a Beatles fan like me, that's a big deal. I especially found a new love and fondness for "Fixing a Hole," a song I didn't pay much attention to before. Now I can't stop singing it... "Fixing a hole, where the rain gets in..."

my kind of store

2010-01-01T12:48:00.000-08:00

While shopping for my little one, one store just makes my heart flutter. Janie and Jack is like the Anthropologie for babies and tots, and I can't get enough of it. I shop their sale rack because, well, I just don't see the point in paying full price for something that will be outgrown in a matter of months. But please don't hold that against me. I have found some fantastic items on clearance, like this minty green dress embellished with trees and tiny deer. Besides the super cute and fashionable outfits in stock, Janie and Jack also has less pink frocks than the average baby store. And anyone who knows me knows that I am a firm believer in baby girls wearing more than just powder pink onesies. I mean, really, would you want to wear pink outfits with little butterflies on them everyday? So thanks, Janie and Jack, for giving mums like me a better place to shop.

a day in the life

2009-12-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

I'm a Paul kind of girl. But I was intrigued to read this new biography about the life of John Lennon after my mom read it. I've been reading a bit each night after the little one falls asleep. Despite the fact that I'm a Paul fanatic, I must admit that John seems to have been the Beatle with the most interesting personal life. He's definitely not someone I would have wanted to know or be friends with although I do admire him musically. I started thinking, does liking a certain Beatle say something about your personality? If you love John, are you extroverted and thrive on chaos? If you perfer George, does that mean you're shy yet worldy? I'm optimistic and open-minded, so I MUST be a Paul girl, right?

autumn continues...

2009-11-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

On Halloween, we took the wee one to the Dallas Arboretum to gaze at mums, frolic among fallen leaves, and have fun with pumpkins. I discovered that there is a tree on the arboretum grounds that has been there since before the constitution was signed. (I love learning interesting facts about my city.) It was an absolutely perfect day (I wore a sweater!), and Harper slept the entire time. Despite the fact that she didn't see much of the gorgeous colors, we did snap some pretty darn cute pictures.

I've decided that holidays, outings, seasons, and special occasions are so much more fun with a child. I can't even imagine what Christmas is going to be like. There's something incredible about the idea of sharing these moments with my daughter, teaching her about traditions and the world around her. I can hardly wait for the next adventure...

a note on mommyhood

2009-11-04T13:34:00.001-08:00

Nothing prepares you for being a parent. No book, no article, no Discovery Channel documentary show. (Although they are all quite helpful.) Nope. You can't understand what it's like to be a parent until you are one. And it's wonderful. And amazing. And empowering. And frustrating. And every emotion you could ever hope and hope not to experience.

One of the most incredible films I've seen in recent memory is Sam Mendes' Away We Go, a little indie flick with a huge message. The first time I saw it, I misinterpreted the message. I thought it was about a couple trying to find a new city to live in, one that would be perfect for their not-yet-born baby. But I saw again after we had Harper, and I get it now. It's about the many ways you can be a parent. The good ways, the bad ways, the ridiculous ways of being a mommy or daddy. I'd recommend it for anyone who is planning to have or already has children. You can thank me later.

early childhood musical tastes

2009-10-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Could it be that my one-month-old has better taste in music than I did at her age? After all, it took me at least 17 years to discover Radiohead. All joking aside, Rockabye Baby is a miracle worker. And Harper seems to enjoy the Radiohead version. I put it on, turn out the lights, and (wham!) she's out like a light. The geniuses over at Rockabye have created lullabye versions of "Paranoid Android," "No Surprises," and some of my other Radiohead favorites (although they seem to have left out everything from The Bends... grrr). We also own the Beatles Rockabye Baby, just in case she feels like drifting off to "I'm Only Sleeping"...

tick-tock

2009-10-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of my absence from the blogging world lately, I present these adorable clocks from Decoylab. Wouldn't one be lovely in Harper's room? I thought you'd agree. They are works of art with time-keeping functionality! Genius, I tell you.

my little fall pumpkin...

2009-10-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Born: September 29, 2009
12:15 a.m.

lemony heaven

2009-09-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

I am officially now head-over-heels for Haagen-Daz's "Zesty Lemon" sorbet. I seriously can't stop eating it, and the tiny pints are $3+ each! Not only do they contain zero grams of fat, but the calorie count isn't bad either. This new addiction can't be good for my pocket book, but perhaps this treat will help me lose baby weight?

autumn, here we come

2009-09-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

While I wait (impatiently) for the arrival of my baby, I keep reminding myself to stop and smell the roses. (We don't have any roses, but I digress.) I'm sensing the arrival of fall, my favorite time of year, which officially begins tomorrow. Nevermind that the temperature is still in the 80s. Somewhere, somehow there is a green leaf slowly changing to crimson, and it makes me giddy. I took the above photograph a couple of years ago, and decided to post it because, well, I love gourds. I just love them. Pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors are on sale at Whole Foods already. Call me silly, but I live for autumn.

My Autumn Top 10:

10) Cooler temps. We don't get much of a break between summer and winter in Texas, and I cherish all three weeks of it. I adore breezy temps in the 60s.

9) Halloween. This was my favorite holiday as a child. My elementary school would have a Halloween carnival, and it made the night so much more festive. I don't dress up now, but I never miss a chance to give out candy to the neighborhood little ones.

8) Thanksgiving. As a young adult, my favorite holiday morphed into Thanksgiving, and my mouth still waters thinking about my Nana's turkey and dressing with the sounds of a football game in the background.

7) Pumpkin bread. There is a tradition in my family of clove-and-nutmeg-enriched, pumpkin-bread-making in the fall. We are not allowed to begin until October 1, and all baking must cease by January 1. It keeps it special.

6) Colorful leaves. Lest you begin to think that my entire list is food related, worry no more. I once made a pilgrimage to New England in October just to leaf-peek. I'm a weirdo. In Dallas, we only have a brief show, but it makes me happy.

5) Football. I'm from Texas. It's a prerequisite.

4) Charlie Brown's "The Great Pumpkin". Don't laugh. You know you love it, too.

3) Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum. I begin to lose consciousness (not really) when I think about how, this year, I will have a little one to take to the Arboretum, snuggle her up against some pumpkins, and take a picture. Sigh.

2) Gourds. Green ones, white ones, striped ones... I'm addicted. It's no coincidence that Cinderella's pumpkin turned into a magic coach to take her to the ball. Gourds are magical. And they don't taste bad, either. Bake a butternut squash with some cinnamon, and you'll be addicted, too.

1) The State Fair of Texas. This is, hands down, the best thing about fall in Dallas. The fair begins this Friday and ends October 18. I've only missed it once my entire life, and I look forward to it every year. I'm beginning to salivate right now. But it's about more than the fried food; it's the ferris wheel, the livestock, the giant talking cowboy in Wrangler jeans, the tradition of attending a fair that's more than a century old. It's beyond explanation.

Well, did I leave something out?

just my style

2009-09-06T20:10:00.001-07:00

Because I sometimes feel inclined to put a label on things (hey, so what?), I started thinking today about my own personal design style. This sometimes happens when I'm cleaning the house and looking around at how I've chosen to decorate my abode. If someone asked me to describe my design aesthetic, what would I tell them? I'm certainly not just "modern." I'm far from "traditional." No where near "classic." Anything "contemporary" is too new. I like retro pieces mixed with new. I came across the term "bohemian modern" recently, and that seems more like me. Then I thought "vintage modern" might do. Am I over-thinking this?

One of my favorite designers is Amy Butler. She designs mostly fabrics, but her home is divine. Just my style. The above photograph is an image of her dining room. What would you call this? Whatever it is, it's "me."

macca macca macca

2009-08-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

I should have posted this a week ago, but time gets away from me these days. August 19 was the Paul McCartney concert at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, which, by the way, is a huge, flashy place of superlatives. If you know me well, then you know about my love for The Beatles. And if you know me really well, then you know that Paul is my favorite Beatle. I love his Lennon-McCartney work, his Wings work, his solo work, his Fireman work. You name it. That being said, if you know me really, really well, then you know I've already seen him twice before (The Husband has ventured to his concerts three times before). And let me just say that I've seen some smashing live acts in my day, including Radiohead while pressed against the stage baracade back in 1997. Paul always puts on a great show.

This time was a bit different, being eight months pregnant and all. But no worries, the swollen feet and four hours of sleep did not deter me from enjoying myself. We had floor seats near the back, which made it hard to see him, but we had the jumbo screens to help. My parents were with us, which was fun because, after all, they were around for the real McCartney mania and can appreciate the experience perhaps more than we can (although that might be tough).

We snapped the above photo with the Blackberry, so it's not high quality, but it's a momento nonetheless.

a year in the life

2009-08-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, I will post this, and then I promise to post something non-baby-related. But as the day draws nearer, I find that I am curiously drawn to things like this. Makes me smile. Hope it does the same for you.

feathering my nest

2009-08-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was baby shower time, and like everything, I was picky about the details. My wonderful sister (pictured below) was the marvelous hostess and helped me make my shower dreams a reality. We created an afternoon high-tea party for 40 guests in my living and dining rooms. Mini chicken salad sandwiches, mini cucumber sandwiches, mini muffins, scones, macaroons, fruit, sugar cookies, a giant two-tier buttercream cake, pineapple-strawberry punch, and (OF COURSE) hot and iced teas. We even had sugar lumps. Favors were loose-leaf tea bags wrapped in a cutesy fabric that announced "A Baby Is Brewing." It was all very dainty, ladylike, and fun. My mom and mother-in-law were endlessly helpful as well. I never could have pulled it off without everyone pitching in to make it so perfect. Needless to say, the nursery is now very full with baby items and clothing. Happiness.

nursery revealed

2009-08-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

The nursery is finally (mostly) finished, and I am so happy with the result. I chose a birdie theme, which begins with the wall colors by Martha Stewart. The accent wall is called Bird Nest while the other three are appropriately named Forest Lichen. While it took a lot of work and time, I'm really proud of my modern yet whimsical decor, most of which I found on sale or from cheap sources. (I'm not one to spend $500 on a sheet set, after all.) So I was patient and waited to find the perfect items. Both the crib and changing table were gifts, but they are from Wal-Mart's ModBaby line. The rug, lamp, side table, and frames are all Ikea. The retro 70s rocking chair was my mother's. In fact, she once rocked me in it! My grandfather built the beautiful bookshelf, which we painted and fastened tight to the wall. It almost looks built in, doesn't it? The bird prints were made by my sister, a graphic designer. I've found myself on occasion standing in the middle of this room and just staring at everything. Soon, there will be a baby living in there...

baby book: check

2009-07-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

Much like baby bedding, the world of baby books is plagued with tacky, cartoonish pink and blue characters whose smiling faces make me want to barf. Luckily, snobs like me have Etsy and sellers like Edna Mae, who sell beautiful, sophisticated, modern baby items. I found this baby book today, and Etsy once again had my business. It is handmade, not corny, and has a cover I can happily display in the nursery.

hello, birdie

2009-07-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

The nursery is coming together! Slowly but surely, my initial vision for this room in distress is taking shape. The furniture, lighting, bedding, rug, and even some knickknacks are in place and ready for baby. The last few decorative items will be added in the coming days, and I will be able to take some photographs and post the finished room. All we need now are the baby essentials to fill the room. I never realized how many different items are needed to take care of a little one. Humidifiers, diaper contraptions, receiving blankets, and a smattering of other baby things are clogging my gift registry at Babies R Us and Land of Nod. Will I really need all this stuff? I did, however, manage to register for some adorable, swoon-worthy items, like this birdie mobile made of bamboo.

cup of goodness

2009-07-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

Remember my gushing over Pinkberry? My longing for REAL frozen yogurt in Dallas? Enter OrangeCup. Same concept as Pinkberry, just much closer to home. I simply love this place. The Husband and I have been there about three times in the last week and a half. The chic modern decor and green philsophy aside, I can get my ice cream craving satisfied here for less than 200 calories and no fat. It's real frozen yogurt, actual yogurt that is frozen. Not ice-cream-frozen-yogurt. I think I need to buy some stock in this place...

nursery triumph

2009-06-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, the woes of finding the perfect crib bedding. It has just about killed me. Perhaps I put way too much thought into this, but I believe a nursery is an extension of your living space and should reflect the sensibilities and decor of the rest of your home. It should NOT be an homage to Winnie the Pooh or look like the circus has come to town. That's just my opinion (ahem). (If you're inclined, check out Oh Dee Doh, a fantastic website for parents and parents-to-be who refuse to give in to ridiculous kid spaces and prefer well-designed rooms.)

In the process of creating my modern yet feminine nursery, I noticed that crib bedding is either a) hideous or b) not hideous but too expensive. However, I discovered discount online shopping and (lo and behold) Nurseryworks' pea berry mocha crib set popped up on super sale at Overstock.com. I snatched it immediately, and it was delivered lickity split. Thank goodness for small miracles.

the pregnancy road trip

2009-06-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

At first thought, going on a 10-day, cross-country road trip six and a half months preggo seemed mighty crazy. After all, hours sitting in the car with a smooshed bladder doesn't really sound appealing, does it? But The Husband and I squashed the notion that we would have a horrible time and opted instead for the optimistic attitude when we planned our trip across the Texas panhandle, into the Colorado Rockies, through the planes of Wyoming, and into the mountainous terrain of the Tetons and Yellowstone. After doing some research on pregnant road trips, I felt confident that I could weather the storm. As long as we stopped every hour or hour and half to stretch and take a potty break and not spend more than six hours a day traveling, my doctor assured me that everything would be fine. And the more research I did, the more I realized that couples are taking "babymoons" more often these days. After being back for three days, I can report that it was an uplifting and wonderful experience, one of the best trips we've ever taken as a couple. More to come soon! (I couldn't resist taking a photo of the pregnant woman on a horse scultpture in downtown Jackson, Wyoming.)

memorial music

2009-05-26T19:34:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Memorial Day, and I simply love this holiday. Perhaps it's that feeling that summer is about to begin. Everyone is outdoors doing some kind of activity. The fireflies are out, there's still a faint spring breeze in the air before the summer humidity kicks in, and everyone is off work and in dandy spirits. The Husband and I are lucky enough to live within walking distance of Flagpole Hill. Each Memorial Day, the Dallas Symphony sets up on the hill to play followed by a fireworks show. Last night around 8, we trudged up there, blanket under arm, and made camp under a towering, leafy oak within perfect view of the bandstand. I peered down the hill and thoroughly enjoyed watching children weave in and out of the crowd with their glow-in-the-dark swords, couples sipping wine and chewing on grapes, and feet bobbing back and forth during the uplifting, patriotic movements of the orchestra. It was lovely.

summer parfait

2009-05-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

For my mom's recent birthday party, I whipped up this chocolate-strawberry parfait. It was pretty darn tasty. My sister wanted seconds before we had finished serving everyone. It's incredibly easy and provides a nice, cool dessert for summer. Here's the recipe!

Chocolate-Strawberry Parfait

1 box dark chocolate cake

1 large tub of Cool Whip

1 large can of strawberry pie filling

Fresh strawberries

Prepare cake according to package instructions. Let cool completely. Cut cake into mini squares and place one layer on the bottom of a glass serving dish. Cover this layer with half of the strawberry pie filling. Then put down a layer of Cool Whip. Repeat layers. On top, garnish with fresh cut strawberries. (You will most likely have leftover chocolate cake.) Refrigerate parfait for about two hours before serving.

nursery swoon

2009-05-01T17:51:00.000-07:00

Big time swoons for this nursery by Denai Jones at Petunia Pickle Bottom. It is the inspiration behind our yet-to-be-born baby girl's nursery. I abhor most nursery decor (probably because it's usually powder blue or a hideous shade of pink). So I wanted to find something that was more me, yet something that would be soothing for the baby. I've opted for two shades for the walls, "Forest Lichen" and "Bird's Nest." I plan to incorporate mostly white furniture and dress it up with a vintage modern bird theme. The walls are painted, but that's about it for now. I'll post some pics when it's all done! In the meantime, you can gaze at more beautiful photos of my inspiration here.

family car

2009-04-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

Ever hear of family-car-syndrome? I have. I never thought I would contract it because I've always wanted a green Mini Cooper with white racing stripes (and this was BEFORE they were available in the U.S. of A.). The Husband and I have fallen victim to this incurable pandemic, and before we knew it, we were at the Honda dealership buying one of these. I must admit that I was smitten by the newer design and 27-mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency (ain't bad for an SUV, no?). Plus, the roadtrip to Yellowstone will be ever so much more comfortable. I'm a Honda girl from way back. My last two cars (both Civics) have been so good to me, so I have to give a woot-woot to the Honda brand. (Woot! Woot!) Go get one!

hello, decemberists... er... happy bullets

2009-04-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

The Happy Bullets - "Herbert Had a Dream" from geoff johnston on Vimeo.

I was thrilled when I discovered this video online thanks to Geoff Johnston over at Quick. I adore this living-room-impromptu sit-in of Dallas band The Happy Bullets, not only because I know these fine folks (some more than others) but because they are simply marvelous. They also quite remind me of those great northwesterners, The Decemberists, but that's neither here nor there, now is it? I'm so glad to hear some new Bullets music. Enjoy.

fiz

2009-04-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

With my cravings ebbing and flowing like Lake Michigan lately, I have a new obsession: Izze sparkling fruit drinks. You can buy them at Whole Foods or (surprise!) Super Target. I'm smitten for the mandarin and grapefruit flavors, but they have blueberry and other offerings as well. The can says "pure fruit juice and sparkling water made with natural ingredients and fortified with vitamins." They are about 70% fruit juice with no refined sugars or preservatives, something that Welches surely can't boast. On top of all this goodness, the Izze Beverage Co. seems likes a hip place to work!

best things about teaching

2009-04-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

In order to pysch myself up about the dreaded PPR exam this weekend, I've created a list of my favorite things about being a prep school English teacher. Once this test is done (and I pass it, of course), I will be officially certified. This has been a truly wild year, one I have learned so much from. It really has been an adventure of sorts.

Top 10 Things I Love About Prep School Teaching

10. The people. There are so many incredible teachers at my school. Smart. Educated. Caring. Dedicated. I have learned so much from them.
9. Watching teenagers do their teenager thing. Honestly, I laugh every day. Don't you remember caring so much about so many silly things at age 15?
8. Christmas Break and Spring Break. Need I say more?
7. Summer Break. Helllll-0.
6. The opportunity to rediscover the splendid novels of my youth and college years. I forgot how wonderful Great Expectations really is. Way to go, Dickens.
5. Seeing looks of recognition and amazement on my students faces when I teach them something new. There's nothing like it.
4. Watching my students grow smarter by the day and getting to say, "I helped them do that."
3. That familiar sigh of relief as the school year winds down, a feeling I haven't experienced since I was a student. I can only imagine that the fall will feel like a fresh, new beginning.
2. Helping young people understand the splendor as well as the misgivings of life and giving them advice and support.
1. Being able to wake up each day and know that today will be completely different than yesterday.

spring walks in the park

2009-03-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

It's that strange time of year when, if you glance out a window, it still looks remarkably like winter, yet the weather is much warmer and little buds are sprouting here and there. The Husband, the Dog, and I have picked up our afternoon/evening walks in the park again, and once more I feel lucky to live so close to a protected greenbelt.

On another spring note, the Elfa closets I mentioned in a previous post went on sale, so we jumped at the opportunity and completely revamped the closet in the second bedroom. Eighteen drawers, 14 shelves, and two hanging rods later, we have a brand new closet! Prior to the installment, however, we had to do some massive spring cleaning, seeing as how we used that closet for storage. I did come across some hilarious photographs and keepsakes from years past though, which was quite entertaining.

ram on

2009-03-10T17:25:00.001-07:00

I am happy to share something I discovered recently from Aquarium Drunkard. Apparently, some really fan-tastic bands from L.A. decided to re-record Ram, one of Paul McCartney's first solo records (one I quite like and tend to recommend to people, along with McCartney). Bands like The Parson Readheads and Frankel took part in this endeavor. I'm not normally into covers, but I listened to this record straight through, and there were very few tracks I took issue with. In fact, the entire thing is pretty darn good. Download away, people.

home-improvement mode

2009-02-24T19:07:00.001-08:00

I am once again in home-improvement mode. After The Husband and I complete a project, I tend to sigh with relief (as does he) and take a breather. I avoid even thinking about the next venture. However, my mind now has a few more ideas in the hopper, including a closet organization in our second bedroom. It is a somewhat-massive closet, larger than the one in our master (thanks for nothing, mid-century architects), but it's awkwardly shaped with hideous sliding doors that swing back and forth when closed.

I've considered two options. One is an Elfa closet from The Container Store (pictured). The other would be cheaper but requires more ingenuity. Ikea has large wardrobes that fit inside closets. We would simply remove the doors and slide in the wardrobes (but "simply" never turns out to be as easy when it comes to Ikea). It will likely be a big expense, but I find it a necessary one at the moment. The new bamboo floors in the den will have to wait.

officially thirtysomething

2009-02-09T20:09:00.001-08:00

journey to montana

2009-02-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

The Husband and I have long discussed a roadtrip to Montana: "Big Sky Country." There's something fascinating about that area of the country. Perhaps it's the untamed, Wild West feeling or all the natural beauty. We're not sure. We just know that we want to go. We are planning to hit the road in early summer with stops planned in Jackson Hole, WY, and Yellowstone. Part of my personal fascination with Montana is the fact that wild horses still roam there., but they are being threatened by lost grazing areas, which sickens me. Nonetheless, I'm hoping in our upcoming trip that we might catch a glimpse of a herd traveling across the plains...

say it isn't so

2009-02-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

First Blueprint, then Home & Garden, and now this. Another one of my favorite shelter magazines, Domino, is folding. Having recently worked for a home decor mag, I understand how the economy is affecting the industry, but this is seriously heartbreaking. There isn't going to be a shelter magazine left that suits my demographic and lifestyle. What's a girl to do?

before and after

2009-02-02T18:57:00.000-08:00

AFTER (thoroughly modern):

The curvy, ugly light fixture in my dining room has finally been replaced with this drum shade from CB2. It really ties the decor together in the room. The previous light was way too ornate. When the new light arrived, we were somewhat shocked to realize that it was a plug-in light! After some wire-splitting and a trip to Home Depot, however, we had it all wired and done. It really makes a difference in the room.

BEFORE (curvy insanity!):

nyc adventures, vol. 3

2009-01-26T17:48:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the strangest experience in New York was our encounter with Daniel Radcliffe's bare bottom (and other unmentionables). I'm a huge supporter of theater, and I get star-struck just about as much as anyone, so the thought of seeing Harry Potter himself in the flesh was, well, a no-brainer. We bought tickets to Equus prior to our trip, knowing full well there was a nude scene. The theatre was small, and we had very good seats in the lower balcony. Besides the nudity, the story itself was bizarre. It involves a troubled teenager who formulates his own religious connections with horses and ends up blinding a barnful of them in a shameful rage. I can't say I've ever seen anything like it. We left speechless and a little creeped out, but Radcliffe did an excellent job, as did his fellow actors. It definitely makes you think when it's all over about the crazy things the mind will come up with. As we were leaving, a man behind us remarked, "I'll never watch Harry Potter the same again."

nyc adventures, vol. 2

2009-01-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

My best meal in New York City this time around? Easy. Aquavit--a Scandinavian fine dining restaurant in Midtown that we tackled for lunch in order to save some moolah. We opted for the "cafe" part of the restaurant, which was decked in a very Euro-mod style and much cheaper than the "dining room." A $24 two-course lunch seemed kind of over-the-top, but why not? We were in New York City, after all. Ahem. First course was a steaming bowl of butternut squash soup, perhaps the best damn soup made of ghord I'd ever had. Resting on top were four marshmellows that slowly melted and blended into the soup for a sweet-buttery effect. God, it was good. Main course for me was roasted chicken with some kind of mash and crispy green beans. Jen had a very colorful salmon with a Scandinavian fruit medly I can't recall the name of. I enjoyed my meal with a $7 cup of chamomile tea. (I had these images of a man hiking into the Alps to pick fresh chamomile to deliver it to my cup; hence the high price.)

nyc adventures, vol. 1

2009-01-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

While in New York City, Jen and I managed to twice escape frigid morning temperatures on Broadway inside a Europa Cafe for egg sandwiches and coffee. I like mine with egg and cheese only on an English muffin. In my mind, there's no better place for an egg sandwich than New York City. I've tried to make my own, but nothing compares to the NYC egg sandwich. Nothing.

egg sandwiches, snow, and light bulbs

2009-01-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

Jen and I spent the weekend in glorious New York, and I always feel a shock to the system when I return home after a trip to the city. After days of constant, in-your-face metropolitan action, life in Dallas just seems so simple. In the coming days, I will post a few of our adventures, including how we survived in sub-zero temperatures, Daniel Radcliffe's bottom, and the best egg sandwiches in the universe. But nothing (nothing) tops the talking light bulb ("unlock... the CODE!"). Thanks, Jen, for finding a video of it. I still can't believe modern art sometimes.

new music obsession

2009-01-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

I first saw Zooey Deschanel in the movie Almost Famous. She played the music-obsessed older sister. I will never forget her line, "Simon and Garfunkel is poetry!" Perhaps she reminded me of my self a little... but I digress. Zooey has an L.A. pop band (She & Him), and they are absolutely fantastic. I think she has incredible style and a beautiful voice (remember her in Elf when she sang,"Baby It's Cold Outside" in the shower?), and her home is even featured in Domino magazine this month. I think I'm either jealous or slightly obsessed... you decide.

an evening of celebrities, dallas style

2009-01-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

Last night I ventured out into the too-warm-for-December air to dine at Nick Badovinus' new restaurant, Neighborhood Services, where I was to meet my old friends Renee and Jason. At the urging of Renee that we MUST arrive early (because this restaurant is apparently the new IT place), I pulled up to a valet line that wrapped around the curb and onto Lovers Lane at 5:50 p.m. Surely, all this excitement couldn't be over a restaurant, could it? Before 6 o'clock? But what was I thinking? This is Dallas, a place where local chefs are gods and people flock to their latest offerings like pidgeons on stale bread.

Having arrived first, I trotted inside and was greeted by at least 50 eager patrons, most of whom seemed at least 20 years older than me. I pushed my way toward the host stand, where I nervously glanced at a list that covered almost an entire legal pad. "How long is the wait?" I asked timidly. "Well," replied the well-dressed host, "I am about to seat the dining room, and then they have to EAT. Then we can seat you. So... probably an hour." I said "okay" and gave him my name and party number. I found Renee, second to arrive, in the same valet predicament I had just escaped from. "One hour," I mouthed.

Once we were both inside among the throngs, Renee and I planted ourselves two feet from the bar and peered at two women who appeared to be readying themselves to be seated. We were right, and before long, we had shimmied our way into a comfy post at the bar, where I ordered a "Beauty School Dropout"--St. Germain Hanger One mandarin blossom vodka, elderflower syrup, and crushed raspberry rose champagne. A tiny, plastic monkey was hanging from the edge of the martini class. I started to like this place.

Jason arrived, and we were seated sooner than expected. For the next hour and a half, we munched on food that rivals Badovinus' other Dallas restaurants, The Porch and Hibiscus, and marveled at the large number of over-40s that filled the dining room. At one point, we noticed Nick himself, dressed in jeans and a white apron, his blond surfer hair flowing freely, chatting with the four-top sitting next to us. It wasn't until we were getting up to leave that Jason noticed that one of the diners on the four-top was no other than Cowboys great Roger Staubach. I stared at him and his steak for a moment before vacating the place. For the people-watching and cocktails, I highly recommend Neighborhood Services. The concept of the place and the food, of course, are nicely done too. The waitstaff are dressed in ivy league-style sweaters, and the dimly lit atmosphere reminds me of what a bar near Harvard University might look like or Greenwich Village in New York City--it's long and narrow with lots of wood accents. I also love the storefront, which is styled in a very mid-century mod kind of way.

But I must plead with Mr. Badovinus: Please start opening larger restaurants.

Photo by Carter Rose, DMN.

dust bunnies beware

2008-12-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

I observed something interesting yesterday: I am much more inclined to dust my bedroom, put away my laundry, and Dyson the comforter if there is good music playing. It's just a fact. Yesterday I purchased Apple's iHome iP9 alarm clock. Once we had the thing plugged in and linked up to the iPod, I could listen to my favorite music without having the darn plugs in my ears. I proceeded to immediately clean my entire bedroom, a mission that migrated its way into the spare bedroom. There's something about hunting down dust bunnies to April March and Radiohead that makes hunting down dust bunnies so much more enjoyable.

survival

2008-12-28T14:49:00.000-08:00

The Husband and I survived yet another Christmas. I have to admit that I'm enjoying this two-weeks-off thing that is bestowed upon the world of education. I think I may have needed it this year for the recovery process. The combination of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and the whirlwind that ensues in our combined families is enough to make you want to spew eggnog. I love my family (and even the in-laws) so much that I hesitate to say that I'm happy the whole darn thing is over. It starts early Christmas Eve and ends late Christmas night with very little sleep in between. But lest you call me a Scrooge, I've come up with my own holiday list (which I've checked twice)...

The Best Things About Christmas 08:

1) Two weeks off (hands down, the BEST thing)
2) My new Dyson vacuum cleaner (there has to be at least one materialistic item)

3) My granddaddy's eggnog

4) Christmas morning with a giddy 4-year-old niece

5) S'mores with friends

6) Having a "blast from the past" with people I haven't seen in years at The Porch

7) NorthPark mall's holiday decorations

8) Driving through Highland Park with hot chocolate to look at mansion Christmas lights

9) My Nana's turkey dressing

10) Buying extremely inexpensive plane tickets for New York City in January

And we still have New Years in the hopper!

visions of sugar plums

2008-12-20T07:11:00.001-08:00

There's nothing like a bit of girl bonding time while making Christmas goodies. Yet another great memory of my childhood is eating raw cookie dough until my stomach hurt. The kids would eat so much there would barely be enough for the cookies. My sister, my mom, and my Nana got together recently to make our famous sugar cookies. (And yes, we ate more dough than cookies.) We even made powdered-sugar icing to coat the already sugar-laden morsals. I'm starting to wonder how much sugar I've consumed this season. It seems that everyday brings a new batch of candy, cookies, or cake...

no time (like the present)

2008-12-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

I feel as though I've been neglecting everyone and everything. My laundry is piling up, the junk mail needs sifting, my friends in Austin probably think I'm dead, and my dog, Maggie, (above) hasn't been walked near enough. When I'm not researching something to teach my literature students or writing an article for the Dallas Morning News or grading essays or (lord help me) Christmas shopping, then I tend to want to spend my spare time reading a magazine or watching bad television (Mary Hart, you smile too much). I need a break so I can get caught up on chores and enjoy a slower-paced existence. The holidays can't come fast enough.

bringing a little joy to my life

2008-11-29T19:27:00.000-08:00

I have to thank Josh for introducing me to Little Joy. This band is one of the best I've heard in quite some time. Thank god for new, good music! "Don't Watch Me Dancing" is my new favorite song. It kind of reminds me of "After Hours" by the Velvet Underground (love it!).

wrap it up

2008-11-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

It's a holiday tradition in my household to drag The Husband to the Container Store, where in the parking lot he has a mini-mental breakdown whilst fighting over parking spots. Once inside, he follows me around as I hunt aimlessly for the ideal wrapping paper for the season. He huffs and puffs as I go, "hmmm" and, "What do you think of this one?" It's a festive annual excursion indeed. These were some of my favorites from this year's expedition:

2009, here we come

2008-11-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

I'm swooning over this 2009 calendar by one of my favorite Etsy sellers, Modern Printed Matter. It's gorgeous, is it not? I'm a sucker for letterpress and just about anything related to stationary. I love the large numbers standing in for the months.

welcome home

2008-11-24T12:39:00.000-08:00

Finally (finally!) we have a new front door. I kid you not when I say that when we moved into our mid-century rancher, the first thing I said I was going to remove was the front door. It had an oval (ick) window with gold-inlaid (ick) detailing. The door knob was also gold (ick ick). Now, four years later, we've finally found a front door that not only matches the historical integrity of the house but is so much more aesthetically pleasing. The Husband installed it with the help of my handy grandfather with minimal cussing. We painted it "andiron," a hue by the folks over at Martha Stewart. I love my new door. It's gorgeous, isn't it?

pumpkin bread batch #1

2008-11-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

My first batch of pumpkin bread this season was a success, and I can thank my Kichen Aide Mixer. I love it straight out of the oven with it's warm and fluffy inside and crunchy, sugary outside. However, I do have a fondness for the day-old-pumpkin-bread snack. After it's been wrapped in foil overnight, it morphs into a cool, moist dessert--especially with a dollop of whipped cream. (I've even been known to grab a slice for breakfast as I'm running out the door each morning.) Pumpkin bread is, I've decided, in my top 10 list of favorite things about the holidays.

homage to the pumpkin

2008-11-15T10:06:00.000-08:00

When I was a child, autumn had not officially begun until my Mom would bake pumpkin bread from scratch. I'd watch her pour all the ingredients into the mixture, from ground cloves and cinnamon to flour and eggs, and then my brother and sister and I would wait impatiently for an hour for the bread to bake. We luckily had a new loaf to devour almost every weekend. She still makes the pumpkin bread, though probably not quite as often, as the kids have moved out now and are attempting to make pumpkin bread loaves of our own.

Last Christmas, The Husband bought me a Kitchen Aide mixer, and I couldn't wait to use it to make a batch of pumpkin bread. However, the fall season was over, and I wasn't about to break the seasonal tradition by making pumpkin bread past Christmas. So I've waited, and not finding anything else worthy of my semi-culinary genius, the mixer has sat unused in the cupboard. I have since been reminded of my neglect, so we went to the grocery store, where I procured all the necessary ingredients to make pumpkin bread. I'll post the results here.

The photo above is an image of the white pumpkin (also called a "Casper") that I got from Central Market. I love these pale pumpkins. It's been the centerpiece on my dining room table all season.

leafy residential

2008-11-11T20:15:00.001-08:00

Autumn in Texas goes quickly. One day it's summer, and then suddenly the leaves are golden and on the ground. Sometimes, the trees skip the golden part completely and morph from green to brown. If you want to see fall in Texas, you must look quick, for after a good thunderstorm, the trees are left bare and it's suddenly winter. This unfortunate fact is a sad one for someone like me, who looks forward to fall so much. This week the trees on our property have dumped tons of happy little leaves all over our St. Augustine grass. I couldn't help but stand in the middle of them and take a few photographs.

yes we can

2008-11-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

pumpkin carving

2008-10-27T15:52:00.001-07:00

Random autumn fact: the jack-o-lantern was named after the phenomenon of strange lights flickering over peat bogs called ignis fatuus, or jack-o'-lantern.

In the spirit of autumn, my sister came up with the genius idea to have a pumpkin-carving-slash-wine-tasting with the family. The Husband and I made a rat pumpkin:

Here are some other photos of an afternoon well spent:

the deed is done

2008-10-24T14:23:00.001-07:00

I hopped down to my neighborhood early voting location this afternoon and voted. I'm so relieved that I am done with it. Politics can get nasty.

But I love the poitical humor. This is one of the best skits from SNL I've ever witnessed. I laugh every time.

gourd bliss

2008-10-22T20:08:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year. Yellow leaves, crisp weather, and glowing pumpkins make me giddy and goofy inside. I yearn to make pumpkin bread, snuggle in warm blankets, and drink toasty beverages. No other season lives up to fall's loveliness. This afternoon, the first gusts of the autumn cold front moved into Texas, and when this happens, I feel suddenly light and free.

howdy folks...

2008-10-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

Since toddlerdom, I've missed the State Fair of Texas only once--the year I lived in London, England (1999). And you better believe I thought about how I was missing it the entire month of October. Yesterday, The Husband and I made our yearly pilgrimmage to the land of corny dogs, livestsock shows, midway rides, and Big Tex. I had an interesting conversation in Austin last weekend with Liz about Big Tex and how Dallasites view him as a normal part of Texas life. If you're from the area, you think it's perfectly normal for a giant, Wrangler-wearing cowboy to be set up in the middle of Fair Park every year. He waves and talks, his motorized jaw awkwardly moving up and down. But take an out-of-towner to the fair to witness this site, and their jaws drop almost as awkwardly. Regardless, it's one of my favorite things about Texas, and D magazine recently took a poll that ended with Dallas voting the fair as the best thing about Dallas. It's true. We love our state fair.

Per usual, we ate several fried items yesterday. One of the best things about the fair is the fried food, and they add a new ridiculous one every year, like fried peanut butter, jelly, and banana sandwiches, fried oreos, and fried nutter butters. This year they had chicken fried bacon, and my carnivore husband just had to try it. They gave us a rather large basket of them, so I forced myself to take a bite. I was not pleased. It felt like a bomb of animal fat and grease had exploded in my mouth. Never again. Justin ended up with a stomach ache. Each year, I never miss the Fletcher's corny dog and a cinnamon roll from the Food Pavilion. But I also nibbled on fried green tomatoes and a fried s'more, which was in-cred-ib-le. Fried marshmellow, chocolate, and graham cracker? Yes, please.

In addition to eating, we also visited the livestock area and the automobile building and watched The Spirit of the Horse, a show we never miss. All the walking (hopefully) burned some calories.

Photo above: One of the many art deco structures on Fair Park grounds. This one houses the food pavilion during fair time.

tales from austin

2008-10-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

Austin is my little getaway. Ask any number of people who witness my thrice-yearly roadtrips to visit. Part of it (well, most of it) is that some of my oldest and dearest friends call the city home. But I also love Austin's vibe. The food isn't bad either, and I'm a sucker for an indie coffee shop that plays an entire Elliott Smith record while I sip my chai latte. The Husband and I booked via Hotwire (we normally stay with friends, but schedules didn't meld well this time) and ended up with a Holiday Inn resort overlooking Town Lake. I was petrified at first, as I'm a (guilty as charged) fanatic for high-thread-count linens, Aveda bathroom products, and mod remodeled bathrooms. But the hotel wasn't so bad. It wouldn't have mattered anyway because we ate and sipped our way through Austin the entire weekend. I can't really count how many eating or drinking establishments that we visited, but in addition to my old favorite The Hotel San Jose, here are some of my favorites from the weekend:

Parkside: an urban hip cafe where everything was incredible, from the cesar salad to the mac and cheese and (lest we forget) the homemade donut holes...

Blue Dahlia: organic and healthy bistro that reminded me of cafes I've visited in Santa Fe, Taos, and San Francisco...

Clementine: perhaps the cutest coffee shop to ever hit Austin's eastside. I was smitten, to say the least...

pinot grigio, anyone?

2008-09-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

California isn't the only state with a wine country. Turns out that Oregon, Washington, and most of the other states do as well, including my beloved Texas. The Husband and I were married five years ago in Grapevine, a tiny community in North Texas whose name says it all. I'm a wine fanatic, and I still get giddy at the thought that I can wine-taste so close to home. While Grapevine has less than 15 wineries, many of them offer fantastic selections, especially La Buena Vida Vineyards, my new favorite. Last weekend, I cruise-directed an afternoon outing with my family to this intimate wine hamlet. We made our way through three winery tasting rooms, filling our paletes with drys, sweets, and everything between. It's a great inexpensive outing, especially if your family and friends are on their way to oenophile status. Cheers!

down the rabbit hole?

2008-09-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

It's bit a while, I know. I blame it on this. But I digress. I couldn't resist sharing this photograph of a giant brown rabbit sitting in my front lawn. The Husband took this picture through our blinds, so it's not the best. But I'm sure you can make out the fur and ears and perhaps the slightest image of a wiggly nose. We are convinced that this is a pet rabbit that someone let free. I mean, it's a monstrous rabbit. The thing has to be as big as a domestic cat, no?

We are also experiencing a large number of possums this year. Maggie barks and growls and snarls at them while peering out the French doors that lead to our backyard. They are so funny looking and strangely cute.

nanner pancakes

2008-09-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday mornings are the ideal time to whip up some banana pancakes, perhaps my favorite breakfast. I'd almost be willing to eat these babies for dinner. Wait. Scratch that. I would be willing to eat them for dinner. They are best smothered in real maple syrup.

perfect day

2008-09-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

After Hurricane Ike swung through Texas, leaving heaps of rain yesterday afternoon (although the Dallas area only received a fraction of the rain we were expecting), today is one of the most gorgeous days I've witnessed in a while. It's a perfectly comfortable 75 degrees. The sky is a bright azure and punctuated with a few fluffy clouds. I have the windows open to let in the breeze, and as I scurry about doing Sunday house cleaning, I'm blasting some old favorites from iTunes, like Stereolab and Bob Dylan. It's put me in such a good mood that I couldn't help but step out on the porch and snap this shot of our front flowerbeds, happy and healthy after the early-fall rains. Life is good.

let them eat cake

2008-09-04T19:01:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time, a family of five gorged themselves on vanilla ice cream cake...

Yes, these are my loved ones. I'm lucky to have been brought up in the all-American family, the oldest of three children of un-divorced parents who are still happily wed. Last weekend was my brother's birthday, and, well, we like cake. So there.

giant vermin alert

2008-09-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can't believe that I get to talk about literature all day long. It's really quite unbelievable. Yes, I have to go through the pain and anxiety of grading endless essays and deal with the occasional misbehavior, but I'm so enjoying the process of being able to revisit some of the best books ever written. Since I was allowed to create my own reading lists, I just couldn't resist adding one of my all-time favorite modernist novels, Metamorphosis. And I can't wait (can't wait!) to see my students' reactions. The book is really bizarre and often disgusting. But it leaves you thinking and pondering in the end. It's also quite short and not one of those books that seems to drag on and on (despite the fact that I do teach English doesn't mean I'm one of those Shelley-loving maniacs who swears by bore-me-to-tears epics). So if you haven't read Kafka's great masterpiece, I suggest a trip to Borders. Or Barnes and Noble. Or Amazon. With fall approaching, it's the perfect brisk-weather read.

a peacock flock!

2008-08-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

Late one recent afternoon, several peahens and peacocks sauntered into our frontyard. I love the fact that we have our own neighborhood flock! How many people can say that peacocks roam their neighborhoods? There were about 10 of them hanging around that day, so I casually picked up my camera, walked up to where they were pecking, and started snapping away.

my cartoon alter-ego

2008-08-23T16:23:00.001-07:00

Jen made an avatar of herself, which reminded me that I had one, too! Oh, the silliness.

read me

2008-08-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

In my continuing adventures of learning how to be a prep school teacher, I've come to love ambiguity. In fact, "be comfortable with ambiguity" has been a lasting mantra among my fellow teachers. I was hired to teach 9th grade English literature and some journalism courses. But in the name of change (and ambiguity), my role has changed slightly. In addition to the 9th grade English and journalism/yearbook/newspaper duties, I have been assigned ONE 6th grade literature class due to the large number of 6th graders we have. You could not hide my delight when I discovered the first recommended book on the reading list this year: Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

Carroll's writings are a love of mine, and the Alice books, well, they are quite frankly some of the best children's stories ever written. During my year living in London, I purposely took a train to Oxford just to visit Carroll's haunts, like the Eagle and Child pub (nicknamed the "Bird and Baby"), and Christ Church Meadow, where he imagined Alice's first glimpse of the White Rabbit and chasing him down the rabbit hole. Sigh. Literature is such a splendid thing, is it not?

shellin' peas

2008-08-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

I spent a recent sunny Sunday afternoon shelling peas with The Husband, my father-in-law, and my grandmother-in-law, who, I'm told, is one of the best pea-shellin' fools in the state. I'd never taken part in this old-fashioned Texas pastime before, and I was surprised at how fun and relaxing it was. Some of the shells were effortlessly easy to open, like pulling apart a shiny, new zipper. Others needed to be forced open, and green bits of pea shell were protruding from my nails. I loved how minty green the peas were, and the smell... don't even get me started. I couldn't wait to eat some. Luckily, we were given a small sandwich bag full of the tiny morsels. I simmered them in hot water for an hour and a half and finished them off with a healthy dose of Worchestershire sauce, sea salt, and pepper. I'm a pea-lovin' maniac now.

eco-bag

2008-08-08T15:20:00.001-07:00

Take a gander at my new bag. It's made of jute. I wasn't completely sure what jute was until I looked it up, but apparently it's an eco-friendly material. I now have two of these bags, but the demask design is my favorite. A Texas duo created the market bags after they heard about the number of plastic grocery bags we Americans use every year (the numbers are too depressing to post here) and couldn't find a stylish reusable bag anywhere. I now keep the totes in my trunk for grocery store trips, although it's easy to forget they're back there. As soon as I get in the check-out line without them, I give myself a little mental doh! Get your own market bag for a very reasonable $15 here.

modern and fabulous

2008-08-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

EQ3 finally opened a store in Dallas. We made our way there this afternoon and (holy moly) it was fantastic. Several of their pieces are far too modern for me. But some are just right. The prices are similar to West Elm, which is a definite plus. (It's never okay to spend $10,000 on a coffee table, people. That's just madness.)

indie pop is back

2008-07-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen... I present The Redwalls. Perhaps it's the Beatle boots, but I've liked this band for a couple of years now, and they are coming out with some new material. Download their music and show off your coolness.

garden tomatoes

2008-07-25T16:59:00.001-07:00

They may not look as pretty as the tomatoes you buy at the store, but I guarantee they taste better. These lovely crimson and green fruits came from The In-Laws garden, and the flavor just oozes out of them. A tomato's sweetness often gets lost in a salad or cooked dish, overwhelmed by the other flavors. Not these darlings. Oh, I'm drooling right now.

lifelong love of learning

2008-07-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

My posts have been few, I know. But there's a reason for my absence lately. I'm embarking on a new adventure, one I hope I will learn from and enjoy. For the past seven years, I've spent my time as a journalist working in book publishing, newspapers, and magazines. I even worked in radio for a short while. Media, specifically writing and editing, have always been my calling. But this summer, faced with an opportunity to try something new rather than grapple with the turbulent publishing industry, I accepted a job to teach journalism (as well as English). So in the fall, I will find myself standing in front of a room of college prep students. The thought of talking and teaching about words, literature, and writing is something I've grown increasingly excited about. For the last two weeks, I've been embedded in intense training as well as teaching summer school courses. I've also been catching myself up on some reading, such as Siddhartha and other novels I haven't cracked since college or high school. I still plan to continue writing and editing. In fact, I'm working on a piece for the Dallas Morning News right now. I'm hoping I can continue to do editorial projects and still keep my sanity.

found!

2008-07-15T15:13:00.001-07:00

I am head over heels for the Edison Chandelier from Pottery Barn. I'm not normally a Pottery Barn type (although I do own a few select pieces that I just adore), but this light fixture really caught my attention. It has that industrial vibe, does it not? At 400 big ones, I'm not sure if I'm willing to part with the cash to see it hanging like a beacon from my dining room ceiling. But wouldn't it be glorious? Sigh.

martha, my dear

2008-07-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

This week I decided that I don't listen to the Beatles enough anymore. Once upon a time, I was obsessed (I guess you could say that, in a way, I still am) with all things Beatles. And if you don't know about my love and admiration for Paul McCartney, then, well, you just don't know me very well, do you? I'm still convinced that I have been cheated by the heavens for not being alive during the 60s (specifically, in swinging London). So while I've read all the great books, seen all the great films, listened to all of the incredible music, nothing seems to transport me there as much as my heart longs for it. (For those of you in the market for a great book about those times, read Many Years From Now, Paul's authorized biography.)

I am tirelessly digressing here, I know... To get to the point, this week I pulled out the White Album. It had been a seriously long time since I'd listened to a Beatles record in full (lately I've been more into McCartney, Paul's first solo record on which he played all the instruments). And I was relieved to be listening again. The songs sound just as sweet as they did when I was a child. My Mom used to put on Beatles records and dance around the house while dusting, vacuuming, or cooking, which bloomed into my own obsession with the band, so thanks, Mom!

My favorite song on the record, which, strangely, has never appealed to me much before, is "Martha, My Dear." I love how it's about Paul's English sheepdog, Martha, who lived with him on Cavendish Avenue in London when the song was recorded. When I was living in London in 1999/2000, I walked to St. John's Wood to Cavendish Avenue and stood outside the gates of Paul's former home. I stared at the lawn and windows and realized that, more than 30 years earlier, girls would stand outside and wait for Paul to emerge. It was a surreal experience.

Beatles stories? Anyone?

a 30-minute meal

2008-07-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

Enthused to try something new, I scoured my Rachel Ray's 30-Minute Meals book until I found something that seemed both interesting and easy. So last night, I prepared Chicken Paillard with Baby Greens. At first, I thought it strange that I was instructed to prepare a roux, cover the bottom of a plate with it, and then place tossed greens on top. (Really? A gravy-type substance with field greens?) But it was a real hit. We both cleaned our plates. Thanks, Rachel Ray.

(Photo courtesy Madeline.)

new curtains

2008-07-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

Ikea has an impressive selection of unique curtains. It's a good thing, too, because I was just about to give up on my quest for living room curtains. At long last, I found these beauties. The Husband and I hung them this afternoon.

a fair park fourth

2008-07-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

It had been years since I'd seen fireworks, so I organized a family trip to this year's Fair Park Fourth celebration downtown. My parents, brother and sister, and grandparents joined us for a family picnic on the grass. We spread a few blankets and ate sandwiches, eatZi's pasta salad, grapes, chips, and homemade cookies while a polka duo played nearby. My sister and I even did a little jig to the music. Since all the museums were free until 8 p.m., all nine of us scampered over to the Natural History Museum to gaze at preserved bison, bobcats, and dinosaur bones. It brought back memories of school fieldtrips. The fireworks started about 9:30, and we all huddled on the concrete underneath the impressive facade of the Hall of State to watch. Besides being home to my beloved State Fair of Texas, Fair Park has been around since 1886, but many of its Art Deco structures were completed in 1936 for the Texas Centennial Exposition. Interesting fact: Fair Park has the largest collection of 1930s Art Deco, exposition-style architecture in the United States! It's comforting to walk down the esplanade, which bisects the buildings, and marvel at these beautiful buildings, knowing that they're an important part of Dallas history.

thank you, dallas city council

2008-07-01T18:47:00.001-07:00

This is Linus. He was on the short list to be euthanized in a Dallas-area shelter earlier this year. He was rescued by City Pet Rescue and lived in our house for a short period while waiting for his forever home. Luckily for Linus, he is now living with a wonderful couple. But unfortunately for other animals like him, tens of thousands of dogs and cats are put down every year in Dallas alone due to irresponsible owners who won't get their animals spayed and neutered. Last week, the Dallas City Council overwhelmingly passed an ordinance that would require most pets in the city be spayed or neutered (unless you have a permit to breed), among other provisions. I was insanely happy upon hearing the news. Finally, the city is taking some responsibility and forcing it upon the stupid people in this city who don't care what happens to the animals in our care.

good wine under $10

2008-07-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

I just finished a bottle of Becker Vineyards' Iconoclast Cabernet. For $9.99, it's one of the best bottles of wine you can buy under the $10 mark. If you're in Texas and near Austin, please visit the winery itself. They have a very Texas-meets-Sonoma tasting room, along with tours and even its own B&B! There's a beautiful wraparound porch where you can purchase a glass and watch grazing horses. I'm a huge Cabernet drinker, and I'm always on the lookout for a well-rounded, affordable vintage. This one fits the bill. (And I just love the label art.)

Anyone know of one I should try?

fresh, summer produce

2008-06-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

On Friday afternoon I headed to Rockwall to the Barking Cat Farm "off-the-truck" sale. Each Friday at 2 p.m., they transport a load of their freshly grown items to a random parking lot near the farm and allow the public to purchase directly. A sustainable, all-natural farm, Barking Cat grows fruits and veggies, flowers, and herbs. Depending on the season, you might find tomatoes, onions, radishes, or rosemary, among other produce. They also sell farm eggs, goat cheese, and free-range chicken. I purchased some baby carrots and 2 pounds of new potatoes and baby purple onions. Saturday night, I sauteed the carrots in some olive oil with a bit of sea salt. Not only were they full of flavor, but I felt good knowing I was supporting a local farm that's practically in my backyard.

three-legged dog, thy enemy

2008-06-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to the joys of extreme muscle pain. I blame the three-legged-dog yoga pose. I hope the two of us can make friends because my poor biceps feel like a train ran over them.