tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344963752012-02-16T20:28:55.662-06:00Here I will chronicle my favorite things from my favorite store, as well as other ramblings from my daily life about food, decorating, housekeeping and so much more.My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.comBlogger721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-61193212338058997432007-12-14T13:11:00.001-06:002008-03-08T10:10:15.942-06:00

I think I am going to combine my 2 blogs, as it is hard to keep up with both. I really like "My Domicile Style" as a title, so read that one until I can figure out how to merge them. :-)Visit me at http://domicilestyle.blogspot.com

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-69086551048832681732007-12-05T09:41:00.000-06:002007-12-12T09:49:26.051-06:00

I combined this recipe with a recipe by Maida Heatter for Spicy Chocolate Icebox Cookies. Below, I upped the amounts of pepper and cayenne and may substitute Kahlúa for the instant espresso powder. I also figured out how to sift flour when you don't have a sifter, and let's see if the second batch of cookies are lighter than the first. Oh, the trials we must endure, to make a good cookie. :-)

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-26105440086234519192007-11-07T11:23:00.001-06:002007-11-07T11:27:10.091-06:00

OK - I have already almost finished all of that Christmas shopping! It has really helped since we simplified gifts for siblings, spouses and cousins.I was reviewing the Holiday Control Journal from www.flylady.net and wanted to share it. It is a free PDF file to download, you can print all 25 pages, or print them as you need them to use. There is also some other good advice as far as "

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-5774057968986769472007-10-05T09:12:00.001-05:002007-10-05T09:48:37.902-05:00

I am exhausted! This is a common ailment among women, who try to do too much. In fact, there is a book called Women Who Do Too Much by Patricia Sprinkle. A friend and I are reading her book, as it has discussion questions. Of course, as is typical of a WWDTM, I am reading 2 or 3 books all at the same time. Perhaps, I should just concentrate on one book at a time, do you not think?Note: if you

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-74669157305261570822007-10-02T12:55:00.000-05:002007-10-21T10:10:43.333-05:00

OK, look at these blogs and tell me that you didn't just gain 20 lbs! Luscious!!Miss Chocolate and Zucchini has published her own cookbook. Amazing that it all started from a blog.http://tartelette.blogspot.com/http://chocolateandzucchini.com/http://www.cupcakeblog.com/http://52cupcakes.blogspot.com/

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-89722473678022758712007-09-30T17:25:00.001-05:002007-10-21T10:11:03.400-05:00

I was playing around on Sprint tonight, trying to still figure out my new Treo755. I love it as it combines my Palm with my cell phone. It rocks!! However, I am still figuring it out, so if you get random calls from me, it is because I most likely accidentally called you from my contact list. If you click on a contact's phone number, it automatically dials it!I happened up this part of the Sprint

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-1178118774196009612007-09-24T11:28:00.001-05:002007-10-21T10:11:22.032-05:00

OK, I listed items 1-3 last week. Of course, I took out Raggedy Ann to wash her and give her to charity instead of throwing away. I felt guilty, which is probably why we hang onto things much longer than we should, instead of getting rid of them!Here is what is leaving my house this week:4. TV - my neighbor said he wanted it after much prodding. I don't think he believed that we wanted to get rid

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-54119602928378766842007-09-15T19:30:00.000-05:002007-09-15T19:55:33.302-05:00

Clutter, I mentioned it the other day and then as I was purging my magazines, I ran across an article called Declutter Your Mind. "Is the road to enlightenment lined with stuff? Hardly. Just throw out 50 things... start with old clothes, lipsticks, or keys, then move on to the negative thougts that litter your head and hold you back." (Real Simple, April 2007)OK, I was going to do a smaller

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-51789568993603990372007-09-14T10:56:00.000-05:002007-09-14T11:14:50.209-05:00

I am happy to report that Costco is now carrying the giant size refill of Method Hand Soap. Their products rock!While Sweet Water is not my favorite fragrance (I would rather have Green Tea & Aloe), I love the idea that for $7.99, I can get a huge refill bottle of soap that is NOT anti-bacterial. I am anti anti-bacterial!! Now if only Bath and Body Works would make Coconut Lime Verbena in a

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-62185459500024071382007-08-28T12:53:00.001-05:002007-08-28T13:20:31.071-05:00

Well, I am on week 6 of my 5-month long, 5-day a week work out program and I rock! I am constantly pushing with heavier weights and finding that I can lift them. I figure, the more lean muscle I put on, the faster my metabolism will be.So the eating has become a little easier, not to say that I don't slip up now and again. For lunch today, I had a large mixed baby greens salad, with 3 0z. of

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-19618900232455861512007-08-24T12:25:00.000-05:002007-08-24T13:33:10.327-05:00

Here is what I am reading from the New York Times online.August 22, 2007A Good AppetiteSo Many Tomatoes to Stuff in a WeekBy MELISSA CLARK (click to see more articles by her)OF all the produce that tastes amazingly better in season —peaches and apricots, strawberries and peas — none inspires the same cultish devotion as summer tomatoes.Meaty and succulent, their velvety flesh enclosing a fragrant

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-56271278121187740102007-08-22T12:54:00.000-05:002007-08-24T13:17:49.943-05:00

Here is an update to the 101 meals, as he had such a good response.101 Quick Meals? Make It an Even 111I also thought this was interesting, a vegan blog who did the same thing with the 101 meals. Yes, on this training program, I have to have a lot of protein hence meat, however, I love the idea of vegetables galore!

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-80692392468859332112007-08-04T07:53:00.000-05:002007-08-24T13:04:54.172-05:00

OK - it has been pointed out to me that I haven't posted since July 10! What have I been doing? Let's see, I started working out 5 days a week for 5 months at this intensive personal training program. I just finished week 2, but for the last two weeks, I was beat! My energy level has increased, so here is something I found interesting in the New York Times.Some of these are high in protein and

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-64287430000913817402007-07-10T09:00:00.000-05:002007-07-10T09:00:06.695-05:00

I have been bad about posting lately, but have been busy. The other day, as I was stripping my own dried herbs (I know I am nuts, in fact, that thought crossed through my mind as I was doing this), I thought of my favorite recipes for Thyme Scented Almonds from Patricia Wells. What a dream it would be to go to her cooking school in Provence.While I didn't find a link to the first recipe, I did

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-89827523900813290622007-06-19T14:42:00.000-05:002007-06-19T14:55:09.727-05:00

OK - I have used #2 and #11. What else have people used? Thanks, Katie for passing them on to me.1. REHEAT PIZZA - Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove. Set heat to med-low and heat until warm. This keeps the crust crispy.2. DEVILED EGGS - Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-74656320745031154662007-06-12T08:03:00.000-05:002007-06-12T08:04:28.776-05:00

I forgot to post the Sneak Peak, this week we are cleaning out main bathroom and another room.

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-83823361404015580472007-06-04T13:17:00.001-05:002007-06-08T11:29:05.259-05:00

If your husband is like mine, he loves to grill! Which is great for us, as we don't have to heat up the kitchen when it starts to get warm outside. We love our Tuscany grill from Costco, bought it with the cash back we got from our Costco American Express!I still refer to Weight Watcher recipes quite often and like the e-mails they send out. You don't have to be a member to access the recipes

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-3049590561759549532007-06-04T13:16:00.001-05:002007-06-08T10:10:17.234-05:00

Marinades are such a simple way to add flavor when grilling or cooking. I thought these had some good information and some good marinades to try.http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=10141

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-76198180764765648242007-06-04T10:30:00.000-05:002007-06-04T13:01:38.038-05:00

I thought this was an interesting article as I was reading online this morning. We were without Internet access for 4 days last week! We are not happy with Time Warner as it took 4 days for them to come out and tell us what we already knew - our modem was shot. Since my husband works from home as a software consultant, not having e-mail or Internet access was a real pain. Unfortunately, we don't

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-60767456621598895002007-05-25T15:25:00.000-05:002007-06-10T13:42:34.728-05:00

Yes, I started another blog, because at any given time, I have a million things on my mind. This way, I can keep them all in one place and refer to them when I want. So if ;you don't really cook or care about cleaning, but you like decorating, that is where I will put lots of stuff!http://domicilestyle.blogspot.com/

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-25123665848485561162007-05-25T14:26:00.000-05:002007-05-25T14:35:58.889-05:00

OK - I went by Wal-mart today to see if they had BonAmi as SuperTarget does not. Instead, I found Bar Keeper's Friend, see earlier blog: http://www.blogger.com/posts.g?blogID=34496375So far, on my porcelain sink, I had tried baking soda, borax, and vinegar and soda to get rid of stains. Bar Keeper's Friend got rid of them and it is only $1.56 a container! Very cool and cheap! I plan to try it on

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-43913685331823094572007-05-22T15:20:00.000-05:002007-05-22T15:23:19.064-05:00

I thought this was a hoot! This in no way reflects upon my husband.We are approaching BBQ season again. It is therefore important to remember the etiquette of this outdoor ritual, since it's the only type of cooking a real man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ, the following chain of events takes place:Routine:1. The woman buys

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-14275081900344729042007-05-21T08:35:00.000-05:002007-05-22T09:05:21.152-05:00

I have almost used up all of the food in our outside freezer! Yeah! Then I can defrost it and clean it out before I start again. I have told some new moms that I would make and freeze some baked pasta for them.Here are my updates for recipes, click on the title above and it will take you to the post.Spice-Baked Sea Bass (Frozen Halibut for us, Orca brand from Costco) and Red Lentils - my husband

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-82382223953984670702007-05-14T15:33:00.000-05:002007-05-22T09:20:10.616-05:00

I was having a discussion with my friend Katie about cooking. She doesn't really like to cook, and even though I do, I hate cleaning all those dishes from making big dinners! Plus, it is getting warm, and I want to have lighter fare at night so we can go on walks after dinner.However, this week, I am trying to use what I have at home to clean out the big freezer. Here are recipes from my last

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-5385694246567625872007-05-14T08:18:00.000-05:002007-05-14T08:20:05.513-05:00

OK - here is our sneak peek for the week. Cleaning the main bathroom. I am sending you to their site as to not infringe on any copywrite stuff. Kind of silly, but lawyers have to make money somehow.http://www.flylady.net/pages/sneak_peek.aspI will discuss my new plan for cooking in advance later today if I have a chance.

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-23728475318338820592007-05-11T09:14:00.000-05:002007-05-22T09:20:49.513-05:00

Going to help a friend take her 3 little ones to the doctor today, so I don't have a lot of time to write witty prose. I thought I would share this e-mail from www.greenerpenny about Wrapsacks. What a cute and clever idea. I LOVE gift wrap, but hate the waste involved. I think that is why gift bags have become so popular as you can regift in them.Helpful hint - check out your nearest dollar store

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-78500820133414574322007-05-09T09:40:00.000-05:002007-05-22T09:29:07.224-05:00

I consider myself a pretty accomplished cook. In fact, I was quite pleased with my tapas dinner last night - Tortilla Espanola (Potato & Onion Cake), Roasted Peppers with Minced Garlic (see my How to on peppers, click on the labels tab at the bottom of the blog) and Allioli sauce (the French spells theirs Aioli), more or less a garlic and mayonaise sauce. I used mayo versus raw eggs and olive oil

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-90522440663648069652007-05-08T08:41:00.000-05:002007-05-08T08:43:32.249-05:00

Oh, it is that time of year where the sun is shining (when it isn't raining in N. Dallas), and we want to start purging and lightening up. I think throwing away things is cathartic! So this week happens to be the week that I am trying to get rid of things by donating them to charity. I don't have the patience for a garage sale and truthfully, it is better to get rid of stuff, than hang on "

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-39133264644476424382007-05-01T10:01:00.000-05:002007-05-08T08:44:30.818-05:00

I was reading this morning one of my Flylady e-mails about cleaning glass cooktops. They suggested "Bar Keepers Friend" which I had never heard of. It was suggested that it is made by Bon Ami, but I don't think that is the case as I looked up both websites.However, both products seems to be great and non-toxic. I think Bon Ami is carried most places, not sure about Bar Keepers Friend (it showed

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-3029785534625196632007-04-27T09:13:00.000-05:002007-04-27T09:17:53.039-05:00

Lately I have been thinking about popcorn. Probably because it is our late night choice snack as it is low-calorie and high fiber. I like mine with a glass of skim milk, spiked with some Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Syrup. Mmmmm!We usually have the microwave but I have been thinking that:1. it is expensive2. that it can't taste as good as the real stuff cooked in a little healthy oil with

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-33167041565759167752007-04-24T08:46:00.000-05:002007-04-24T08:55:40.022-05:00

Here are some comments from my friend about vinegar!Anyway, I LOVE cleaning with white vinegar. My mom introduced me to it when she came and cleaned when I was on bedrest. Her cleaning lady introduced her to it. She said her 90 yr. old aunt swears by it. I have a spray bottle 1/3 full of vinegar and the rest water. I use it for tons of stuff and it works so well. I used to swiffer my wood

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-1922200340449614292007-04-23T10:32:00.000-05:002007-05-22T09:29:26.784-05:00

I have figured out how to put labels on everything, so if you are looking for recipes, go to the bottom of the blog and click on the "recipes" label. It will bring up all the posts with recipes. Pretty cool!

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-34415159983308426952007-04-23T09:47:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:10:59.834-05:00

I am somewhat of a Crunchy Conservative (thought that term was a hoot). What I really am is a gal who likes to save money (so I can buy more lip gloss!). Cleaning products are expensive, and I really like the idea of using non-toxic cleaners that save money, as they are cheap to make.I found this site the other day, click on the heading "Top 10 Tips" as it is a link. I haven't tried these yet,

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-48408598746593058462007-04-12T15:32:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:11:53.885-05:00

We are back from Canada, where the weather was a balmy 17 degrees a couple of days. It made the days when it was 30 degrees seem warm!On the plane, I read again some of my Peter Mayle books, Toujours Provence and French Lessons. I have four of them, but need to get the rest. It is armchair gourmet reading at it's best.http://french.about.com/cs/culture/tp/petermayle.htmIn one of the books, a

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-2316782473128110702007-04-04T08:10:00.000-05:002007-05-22T09:30:08.831-05:00

I haven't been feeling very inspired lately, hence the lack of posts. I guess if I knew I had a million readers, I would post more often. :-) You can always post comments to let me know you like what I write. hint, hintOK - I am always on the computer, so I thought to myself "Self, why don't you post funny or interesting things that you read?"This is a girl after my own heart and she had some

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-56565455176879516542007-03-22T12:32:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:13:33.547-05:00

OK - when you like food, you come up against some funny issues. For instance, we think we might be pregnant, but not sure. However, I am trying to eat as if I am. Since the meat eater is not here right now, I have been indulging myself in all sorts of things that satisfy me, but leave him hungry (personally, I think it is all in his mind :-))I have been eating a spring mix salad, to which I add

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-76735616736866133572007-03-21T13:41:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:14:06.924-05:00

I love Cooking Thin with Chef Kathleen and use it often. She has such great commonsense wisdom and it is funny to boot! I linked her website as she has good recipes. Buy her book if you want a good healthy cookbook! She has a new one that looks great too!(if you click on the title Homemade Granola, it will take you to her website, she has recipes there too)I use her crisp recipe all the time (but

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-46252156323235966902007-03-14T17:39:00.000-05:002007-04-13T13:54:19.234-05:00

I have always liked the Burts Bees lip shimmer (my favorites are Nutmeg and Rhubarb). I have a thing for all things lip gloss (up to 18 so far), but I like that these are in stick form. It is much easier to stick in my pocket versus a liquid.Costco had a set of Burts products for $19.99, that included 2 Lip shimmers (Champagne & Rhubard), one Lip Balm, Peppermint Shower Soap, Coconut Foot Creme,

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-18903763873151579312007-03-06T12:39:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:15:44.645-05:00

OK - I need to put the homemade granola post on hold for right now and will post later this week.Here is an update to the chicken stock recipe. I wanted a stronger broth, as freezing in bags was good, but then getting them out and thawing was kind of a pain. I wanted a thick, gelatinous broth that I could freeze in ice cube trays.I bought one of the savory roasted chicken from Costco. They are

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-80652334675647409722007-03-02T17:01:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:16:29.518-05:00

OK - if looking at this site doesn't make you hungry, I don't know what will! YUM!!http://joakitchen.blogspot.com/

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-15123493155061761252007-02-28T09:03:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:16:29.519-05:00

Aren't you all lucky? You should look at my shared reading and read about Zaatar.We had a Lebanese restaurant here that closed (he was supposed to be moving), but their mezza and other food was amazing! Mezza was 18 small dishes which changed every night. It was supposed to be an appetizer, but we ate it as dinner! Usually had hummus, tabbouli, falafel, feta, olives, great veggie dishes and

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-83905069411340369162007-02-28T08:17:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:19:13.163-05:00

OK, here is my recipe. I used the 6 lb. bag of epsom salts from Costco (around $3), so I had to increase my recipe below to adjust. I ended up using 40 drops lavender oil and 15 drops rosemary oil for 5 lbs. of salt (I had used some from the bag before). Even with all that, I still have tons left in my essential oil bottles - about $15 for the oils.I was going to omit sea salt, but then found it

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-50290480504172747702007-02-22T15:52:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:18:35.795-05:00

If I only had $1 to my name, I would use it to buy a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (OK, I would have to have $1.08 to my name, if we were being exact).I hate our shower, especially the fiberglass floor with raised dots. Even after scrubbing with a brush and Soft Scrub with Bleach, it still looks dirty! I had given up on a sparkling shower, until my sister-in-law raved about this item, and I saw in Real

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-53738303965277966232007-02-14T07:52:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:21:31.857-05:00

I thought this was an odd combination, but I bought chuck roast at Costco, as it is less expensive than flank steak and perfect for the crockpot.This was really good! I didn't have yogurt, so I used some Laughing Cow cheese (2 wedges), flour and milk to make the sauce. You can also use this sauce (see below) from Kraft Foods website (I have a link) that calls for 4 oz. of Neufchatel (light cream

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-52628868683302403242007-02-12T09:54:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:21:31.857-05:00

OK - I was reading an article that said Paula Wolfert loved to use her crockpot for making confits, etc. I thought perhaps that would be the best way to make chicken stock as it could cook for a really long time at a low heat and not raise my gas bill astronomically!Here is what I did.One carcass from a roasted chicken (I have heard for more flavor, buy raw chicken wings and throw them in)

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-40898824175070836782007-02-07T09:39:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:18:35.796-05:00

If you buy the big 12lb bag of baking soda at Costco, try this recipe.For general deodorizing, sprinkle baking soda on carpet, as needed, before going to bed and let it set overnight. Vacuum the next day.Carpet deodorizer recipe:1/2 cup baking soda1/2 cup cornstarch15 drops of your favorite essential oil fragrance

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-40507991796590450882007-02-05T09:00:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:21:31.858-05:00

I said I would post this and never did! Banana Bread PuddingTakes approx. 1 1/2 hours to make.Oven temperature: 325 degrees1 loaf stale (day-old) French bread, cubed, with crust left on4 cups milk (whole or 2%) - I used skim3 eggs1/2 cup sugar1 tsp. vanilla extract4 ripe bananas, mashed1/2 cup raisins (I used Craisins)1 Tbsp. cinnamon1/4 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg1/2 cup roasted pecans2 Tbsp. rum

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-10563412782863084542006-12-20T11:02:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:22:43.935-05:00

Boy, I have been busy. And lazy, as I haven't posted since after Thanksgiving. Oh well, today I am using the leftover chicken bones from a roasted chicken we had last night to make chicken stock. I didn't quite have everything for a mirepoix (the trinity of onions, celery and carrots), so I peeled some garlic cloves, threw in some baby carrots and seasoned the bones with onion powder. Cut some

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-11975072313171377542006-11-27T09:32:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:22:43.935-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I took last week off to relax.I found this today online, and thought it was helpful.http://www.realsimple.com//realsimple/web/pdf/1204/giftbudget.pdfHowever, I think the guidelines for the holiday budget are kind of wacky! 1.5 % of pretax income? We never spend that kind of money and don't expect anyone to spend that on us!Never forget that the retailers

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-7393506618846334242006-11-17T10:31:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:22:43.936-05:00

Thanksgiving is next week, so if you are doing a big gathering (or even a small one), here is a timeline that looks interesting from Real Simple.http://tinyurl.com/wdqej

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-74604278069163774762006-11-15T09:30:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:22:43.936-05:00

Here is a cool link:http://www.containerstore.com/experthelp/recipes/index.jhtmlContainer Store has an expert help menu that has everything from homemade holiday recipes to ways to wrap presents like a pro. I love info, so I am going to bookmark this page.Speaking of the container store, I could buy shoe boxes until the cows come home. They have changed their styling, they are narrower now, so

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-14467688810040419402006-11-14T10:52:00.000-06:002006-11-14T11:39:40.565-06:00

I am addicted and every day must check out the baby panda.http://www.zooatlanta.com/animals_panda_cam.htmDang my sister for causing this addiction. However, I have passed it onto many friends. You have to check frequently, because pandas (like dogs) sleep an awful lot. Sometimes you will catch the mommy panda holding the baby girl and licking her. It is so darn cute!!!Speaking of dogs sleeping,

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-32521678990067184472006-11-13T11:00:00.000-06:002007-05-22T09:26:24.742-05:00

I bought a huge bottle of this the other day.http://www.litehousefoods.com/product_details.asp?pid=34It is perfect as a dipping sauce for potstickers, a dressing for chinese coleslaw or as a stir-fry marinade. I make a huge batch of healthy fried rice (very little oil) using the Kirkland Stir-Fry veggies, brown rice and some egg. We added some of this dressing and it turned out great.

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-35164007310816166362006-11-10T12:06:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:19:13.163-05:00

No antibacterial soap for me! Studies have shown that not only does it destroy good bacteria, but washing your hands correctly is more important. I think it is a way for manufacturers to charge more.Interesting article from ABC news about washing hands.http://tinyurl.com/y2bnrgMy beloved Costco only carries antibacterial soap, so I don't buy soap from them. I did find some Ivory liquid soap,

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-10140534831732667412006-11-09T12:02:00.000-06:002007-05-22T09:29:45.201-05:00

Don't ask me why, but not working has allowed me to tap into all the creative sides of me. Right now I am making my own bath salts. My feeling is - how hard can it be? I am trying to do it with dried rosemary (from my garden) and dried lavendar, but am not sure how strong the fragrance will be. I may need to buy some essential oils to add as the herbs may not cut it.Costco has a huge bag of Epsom

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-86815199581276333052006-11-08T11:55:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:30:56.527-05:00

I love reading and gathering information. So I thought I would share it with you. Of course, once I give away all my secrets, I may lose my ability to impress others with my wealth of knowledge. :-)Real Simple's - 25 Ways to Get Ahead for the Holidayshttp://tinyurl.com/vvzp7I especially love the idea of giving olive oil, etc. as a hostess gift. Crate & Barrel's price is no longer $10, now $12.95,

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-36385760574894143152006-11-06T16:31:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:29:48.642-05:00

We finally celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. As in the previous year, we were going to celebrate by staying in downtown Winnipeg after going up for Canadian Thanksgiving (Oct. 13). However, with my husband's new job and travel schedule, we weren't able to go.We finally decided to celebrate Saturday night. We opened a bottle of wine from our honeymoon trip to Napa. It was a 1999 Markham

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-81719559469796407792006-11-06T16:29:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:28:26.526-05:00

This is my item of the week. A 1-lb bag of shitake mushrooms for $9.99. Great to keep and use in such recipes as mushroom risotto (refer to my post about my anniversary dinner).I was also reading on Epicurious where someone grinds the mushrooms into a powder to use in sauces and rice dishes to add an earthy flavor. There is a recipe on the back of the bag for a Chinese chicken and mushroom dish,

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-40763683377328046712006-11-01T20:39:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:28:58.633-05:00

I love shrimp! My husband doesn't love it, so when he is not home, I try to have it. I tried this the other night using a large pack of grape tomatoes I brought home from Costco. It was fabulous!! Everything the recipe calls for I bought from Costco - feta, shrimp, tomatoes. The only thing I didn't buy there was the parsley. I had chopped up some I had mixed with basil and olive oil and froze

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-86773810423108361462006-11-01T20:37:00.000-06:002007-04-23T10:28:26.527-05:00

that a Costco is opening right across the street from me! So not only will I have a SuperTarget & Chik-fil-a, I will also have a Costco not more than 2 minutes from me! My husband is very, very scared. :-)

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-12442976687366858282006-10-18T11:04:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:28:26.527-05:00

Sorry I have slacked in posting last week!Here is my item of the week. A huge jar of pesto, for around $8.00. No one can eat that much (or should) pesto by the end of October, so freeze it! Yes, you can make your own, but no one except me seems to do that. Speaking of, I need to cut back my basil, mix with olive oil and freeze in ice cube trays. I may also make some arugula pesto as ours has gone

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-6282357913452689322006-10-05T06:24:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:28:26.527-05:00

These were on demo the other day. Really good and amazing nutritional stats. I did make the mistake of telling hubby that they had soy cheese and he made a face. I think he needs to taste them to see how good they are. A box of 8 is $8.95, so it comes to about $1.19 a burrito. Much better than ordering a pizza!Each burrito has 260 calories, 1 gram of fat (that rocks!), 7 grams of fiber, 490 mg of

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-69643625810492931422006-09-28T15:06:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:22:13.786-05:00

This from a NYTimes article about expensive night creams:"But dermatologists say that many night creams do not offer much value, especially given the substantial investment required for so many of them. Is glopping something onto your face really any better than allowing your skin to breathe while you rest?"Here is a link to the full article:http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/21/fashion/21skin.html?_

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-72761711348542264762006-09-25T08:58:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:21:31.858-05:00

YUM! We love these. 5 potstickers have 260 calories, 7 grams of fat, no trans fats, 2 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein. Use less oil than they recommend, we just use about 1 Tbsp. to coat the pan. We often serve this for dinner with the sesame noodles below. I don't keep sesame seeds on hand, so I omit those, use chunky peanut butter and only half the amount of hot sauce as that is plenty

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-63340249466143351312006-09-25T08:57:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:27:29.491-05:00

My friend Katie tried to post this under comments, but it wouldn't work. So here it is. They did make them for us and they were good!Laurie-nothing about a crock pot but it is aboutchicken! Something that is super yummy and easy tocook and super cheap- is chicken quarters. My parentscook it once a week or so. It takes about 45 min. buton the grill. You just have to keep turning them sothey don't

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-82451644087122106382006-09-22T07:02:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:28:26.528-05:00

I volunteer at a food pantry in my city. If you don't support your food pantry, seriously consider it. They are there to serve the underprivileged, but to also support families who have been laid off and need temporary help. Here are some pointers from my experience:1. Get to know the clients in your area - our food pantry serves a client base that is 75% Hispanic, so items that are in demand are

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-10687944050508776992006-09-19T07:06:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:28:26.528-05:00

Note to self - don't put vegetables in until the end. It was really good, but all my veggies fell apart. Let me play with the recipe some more before posting. I think the chicken and seasonings need to be cooked first.

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-88476554953944259002006-09-19T07:01:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:28:26.528-05:00

If you are looking for good low-fat recipes, take the time to subscribe to the Cooking Light newsletter. I have bought a couple of their cookbooks, and was annoyed that I could never log into their website to see recipes, as it only seemed to be a perk if you bought the annual cookbooks. However, I have noticed recently that their e-mails link to lots of recipes. That is a change for the better.

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-51652414515198903252006-09-18T10:00:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:30:31.902-05:00

Yes, that appliance of old has really come in handy. When I first quit working, I was cooking pretty big meals every day (& then cleaning all the dishes associated with cooking big meals)! What a pain. So now, about once a week, I pull out the crockpot and experiment. Today I am making chicken thighs (they don't dry out with long cooking) and vegetables, seasoned with herbes de provence and white

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-69397496869654896422006-09-16T10:07:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:21:31.859-05:00

My all time favorite recipe for couscous using roasted red peppers. I bought a huge 14" deep skillet from Costco and use that to make a lot so that we have plenty of leftovers. Couscous with Provençal Vegetables (adaptation)2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil3 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1 - 14.5oz can diced tomatoes with juice 1/2 lb green beans (cut in 1 1/2" lengths) 1

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-10471675451016523422006-09-15T22:00:00.000-05:002007-05-22T09:25:54.788-05:00

1. Cut of the ends of the pepper (I then cut out the green part, trim that and trim around the stem on the bottom. Dice and freeze to use for recipes. 2. Slice pepper vertically, open and scoop out membranes and seeds. Lay as flat as possible on baking sheet.3. Roast under broiler until skin is charred pretty well. That makes it easier to peel the skin.4. After roasting, put in a container or a

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34496375.post-1158370771775845312006-09-15T20:38:00.000-05:002007-04-23T10:19:29.056-05:00

OK - after talking nonstop about Costco, I decided to put online all of my goodies. The next best thing would be me shopping with you, but since that isn't possible, this is the next best thing. Most of what I look for is relatively healthy, with a few exceptions as man does not live by low-fat alone.Check in for reviews of products weekly, plus my favorite recipes, etc.Here is my pantry:Filled

My Domicile Stylenoreply@blogger.com1