Where's the "star I wonder"

 

mio albero di natale.

i need my guy to put up the stella, though. i'm too stumpy to reach.

Did Dr. Spock know about this ingenious weaning methodology?

overheard: Funny fact: [My sweet little son] wanted to nurse this morning but then told me my breathe stank and then went back to sleep. Score!

What is it with our nation's leaders and grabbing Angela Merkel?

 

girl's gonna have to start carrying a taser to all her G8s.

Ready for the workforce

"you have some kids who have such tiny stitches, they're ready for sweatshops. and then you have some kids who've sewn three stitches along the ten inches of fabric." 

—jak, after helping the kindergarten class sew fleece winter caps

No words

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Haus kleening

Daily
  Make beds.
  Pick up the clutter on all flat surfaces.
  Wipe down kitchen counters, oven, microwave, and stove top.
  wipe down bathroom counters and sinks.
  sort mail.
  wipe down kitchen floor at the end of the day.

Weekly
  Vacuum
  Dust furniture and shelves.
  Clean out fridge; toss leftovers, and reorganize shelves.
  Clean bathrooms.
  Clean mirrors throughout the house.
  Sanitize light switches and door handles.
  Change bed linens.
  Do laundry: wash, fold, and put away.
  Wipe off living room side tables.
  Rinse and wipe out inside of dishwasher.
  Wipe down refrigerator doors, and sanitize handles.
  Sanitize kitchen sink.
  Wash makeup brushes.

Monthly
  Mop the floors.
  Wipe out and sanitize trash containers.
  Wipe down refrigerator shelves and drawers.
  Wipe down baseboards.
  Clean the oven.
  Vacuum or wipe out window tracks.
  Change air filter (every other month).
  Dust open shelving.
  Dust ceiling fans.
  Maintain organization in pantry, cabinets, linen closets, etc.
  Wipe down doors and walls.
  Dust plants.

Every Six Months
  Sort through clothing, books, and magazines, and donate what's not used.
  Dust blinds.
  Dust and wipe kitchen shelves and cupboards.
  Clean washing machine.
  Clean vacuum cleaner.
  Clean computer.
  Reseal grout throughout house.
  Wash inside and outside of windows.
  Wash and wax vents.
  Wash plants.

courtesy of AskAnnaMoseley.com

Not on my list

Circling my prey

considering these for christmas eve dinner . . .

Peach and Sour Cream Tart (here)

 

serves 8 to 10
hands-on 35 minutes
total time 2 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients
flour for the work surface
1 store-bought pie crust
5 ripe medium-yellow peaches, quartered
1 tablespoon honey, warmed
1 16-ounce container sour cream
4 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons thinly sliced almonds

Directions

1. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Gently drape the dough on top of a rolling pin, lift it up, place it over a 10-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom , and unroll. Press the dough into place. Run the rolling pin over the top of the pan to trim excess dough. Prick the dough several times with a fork. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Place oven rack in upper third of oven and heat to 400°F. Place a baking sheet in oven. Line the crust with parchment paper or foil, fitting it up the sides of the pan. Fill with pie weights or dried beans and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Remove the weights and paper. Return the tart crust to oven and bake for 5 minutes more. Transfer pan to a rack to cool.
3. Place the peaches in a medium bowl, drizzle with the honey, and toss. In a bowl, combine the sour cream and sugar. Spread the mixture over the cooled crust. Arrange the peaches, rounded-side down, on top. Sprinkle with the almonds. Bake for 45 minutes or until the cream is set, the almonds are golden, and the peaches are tender.
4. Cool on a rack for 20 minutes. Serve warm or cold.

 
Graham-Cracker Pie (here)



serves 8
hands-on time 30 minutes
total time 4 hours 30 miutes

Ingredients
2 cups graham-cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
1 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 eggs, separated and yolks slightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Mix the graham-cracker crumbs, butter, and 1/2 cup of the sugar in a bowl. Set aside 1/2 cup of the graham-cracker mixture. Add the remaining mixture to a deep pie plate or pan and press into place using the back of a large spoon. Bake the crust for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
2. Heat 1 3/4 cups of the milk in a medium saucepan until just boiling; lower heat to medium. In a small bowl, mix another 1/2 cup of the sugar with the cornstarch and the remaining milk. Gradually whisk the mixture into the hot milk and cook until creamy, about 2 minutes. Stir a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks; add this back into the mixture. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes or until the custard has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. While the custard is cooling, beat the egg whites with 1 tablespoon sugar until stiff. Stir the vanilla into the cooled custard and pour into the graham cracker pie shell. Gently spread the egg-white mixture over the top of the custard. Sprinkle with the remaining graham cracker mixture and place in a 400° F oven for 2 minutes or until the meringue is slightly browned.
4. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.

 
Pressed-Crust Pear Tart (here)



serves 8
hands-on time 20 minutes
total time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan, at room temperature
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for your fingers
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup sugar, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons
l large egg
2 to 3 Bosc pears, peeled, halved, and cored
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
whipped cream (optional)

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Butter a 14-inch rectangular tart pan and set aside.
3. Combine the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl and set aside.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and 1/2 cup sugar at high speed in a large bowl. Lower speed to medium, add the egg, and beat until incorporated. Gradually add the flour mixture until fully incorporated. The dough will be very soft.
5. Push the dough into the pan with floured fingers to form an even crust. Arrange the pear halves, top to bottom, cut-side down.
6. Sprinkle with the cinnamon and the remaining sugar. Bake until the crust is golden brown, about 45 minutes; let cool.
7. Heat the apricot jam and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, mixing until combined. Remove from heat and brush gently over the entire tart. Serve with the whipped cream, if desired.

Peppermint-Mousse Cake (here)
serves 8 hands-on time 20 minutes total time 3 hours

Ingredients: 
1 16-ounce frozen pound cake
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 8-ounce container mascarpone cheese or sour cream (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds, chopped
1 12-ounce bag semisweet mint chocolate chips, chopped, or 1 12-ounce bag semisweet chips plus 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 tablespoon corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter
1 candy cane or 5 peppermint hard candies, chopped

Directions:

1. Defrost the pound cake according to the label directions. Slice it horizontally into 3 layers.
2. In a large bowl, combine the whipping cream and sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold in the mascarpone, almonds, and 1/3 of the mint chocolate chips.
3. Place half the remaining mint chocolate chips in a small bowl and microwave 1 minute or just until shiny. Stir until smooth. Gently fold the melted chocolate (plus half the peppermint extract if using plain chocolate chips) into the whipped cream.
4. Spread the bottom layer of the cake with half the chocolate cream filling and top with the middle cake layer. Spread with the remaining chocolate filling. Set the top layer in place. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to set. (Can be made up to 1 day ahead to this point.)
5. Melt the remaining chocolate chips in a small bowl and microwave about 1 minute or just until shiny. Stir in the corn syrup, butter, and the remaining peppermint extract (if using plain chocolate chips) until smooth. Pour this glaze over the cake. Top with the crushed candy. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Best miscellaneous- and bargain-shopping web sites

overstock.com
Designer clothes and shoes, furniture, sporting goods, electronics, luggage―what doesn’t this site carry? Everything is discounted, and almost all the merchandise qualifies for free shipping.

smartbargains.com
A veritable bargain bazaar. Normally pricey goods (like cashmere scarves and Egyptian-cotton sheets) can be picked up at a fraction of their cost elsewhere―up to 70 percent off.

Miscellaneous
duluthtrading.com
Once upon a time, this company was all about tools for construction workers and longshoremen. Now it offers everything from grooming products to toys to toothbrushes for dogs―and tradesmen-tested gear―with a real commitment to customer service.

minimus.biz
Thousands of mini-size products―three ounces or less―make travel a breeze. A brilliant idea.

organicbouquet.com
Pesticide-free blooms from organic farms, some with an added bonus of proceeds going to nonprofit groups partnered with the site.

seacloth.com
Fabrics in poppy tones (and a small collection of home goods) are organized by color, so it’s easy to find what suits your palette.

seejanework.com
The most stylish office supplies and organizational tools ever. 

courtesy of Real Simple

Best gift-shopping web sites

bestcrystal.com
The kind of wedding presents (Waterford, Lenox) you would buy at department stores but often cheaper and with free shipping, no tax, and personal customer service.

dwellstudio.com
Quiet simplicity is the hallmark of the bed linens, table linens, and children’s gifts you’ll find here. Wonderful for out-of-the-ordinary wedding presents.

etsy.com
The place to buy (and sell) one-of-a-kind gifts and inexpensive handmade arts and crafts.

fredflare.com
This stylish emporium offers low-cost clothing, accessories, and home goods, all with a sense of humor.

spoonsisters.com
A much loved source for gifts of a whimsical nature, including―you guessed it―spoons of all kinds.

2jane.com
Based in Britain and quirky, this site features inventive items you may have a hard time giving away.

wrapables.com
Gifts for the home, for the jewelry lover, and even for pets and their owners. Fun and extremely affordable. 

courtesy of Real Simple

Best clothing-shopping web sites

bluefly.comShop top-drawer labels (like Kate Spade and Prada) by color, designer, or price, with deals galore.

bodenusa.com
Cute clothing; fresh, friendly-looking models; and clever copy, plus quick and efficient service.

freddyandma.com
Custom-designed purses, clutches, pillows, and plates on a site that prides itself on excellent customer service.

greenwithglamour.com
The name says it all: organic, eco-conscious, stylish clothing (with goods for the home, too).

hautelook.com
Offers exclusive (free) access to sample sales of designer brands like Tracy Reese and Alice + Olivia.

landsend.com
Time-tested clothing, an easy-to-navigate site, and sales agents who work overtime to make you happy.

llbean.com
The outdoor-gear giant goes above and beyond in its customer service, and everything―everything―is 100 percent guaranteed.

myshape.com
Calculates your body type from measurements you take, then directs you to the clothing made to flatter your shape. Genius.

searchbyinseam.com
Put in the type of pants you’re looking for and your inseam and this especially helpful site searches multiple e-tailers to comparison-shop for you.

shopcerulean.com
Brand-new and just building its inventory. The clothes and the home goods are darling, and there are bargains to be had.

storeadore.com
Locate extraordinary boutiques of both the online and brick-and-mortar sort. Browse by city (New York City, Brooklyn, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., are offered now) or category (“great sales,” “girly vibe,” and “quality customer service,” to name a few).

zafu.com
Shop for bras and jeans by body type and style. Makes your number of options manageable and eliminates the guesswork about which bra has the best push-up action or which jeans add a bit of curve to a flat bum.

zappos.com
This favorite of shoe lovers―which also offers clothing, bags, and accessories―provides free shipping both ways, so you can try out anything and everything at no expense. 

courtesy of Real Simple

Best cooking- and food-shopping web sites

chefshop.com
Picture an online supermarket with the most delectable gourmet items. A highlight: Batch’s Best Cherries, which can be ordered all year but are shipped only in July, at the height of their perfection.

ecookbooks.com
A comprehensive depot of cookbooks―more than 14,000 titles―all offered at discount prices.

froghollow.com
The California-based fruit purveyor (its gorgeous peaches have reached icon status) sells delicious fruit spreads and pastries as well.

ginnys.com
Cookware, appliances, and more on a site with reasonable prices and a friendly vibe.

kingarthurflour.com 
A wonderful source for bakers of all levels. It’s famous for flour, but you can also find cake and bread mixes, molds, pans, liners, chocolate chips, books, and more on this cheerful site.

wmboundsltd.com
Pepper mills (and the peppercorns to put in them) are the specialty here, from a company that has been producing the tools for more than 40 years.

zingermans.com
Unusual, old-fashioned, and delicious food finds from all over the country and the world. 

courtesy of Real Simple

Best home-goods shopping web sites

allmodern.com
One-stop shopping for contemporary home goods in an easy-to-browse, simply designed site.

ballarddesigns.com
This sprawling site, with a vast inventory at reasonable prices, is a favorite resource of interior decorators.

brocadehome.com
From Restoration Hardware comes a site full of sexy, curvy, ultra-feminine furnishings.

circalighting.com
Indoor lights, outdoor lights, table lights, floor lights, ceiling lights―and shades―all with free shipping.

designerplumbing.com
A wide-ranging collection of tubs, sinks, vanities, and more to redecorate your bath. Fabulous prices―there's even a section of "blowout specials"―and top-notch customer service.

hableconstruction.com
This sister-owned textile company offers totes, pillows, and other high-quality goods in fun, colorful prints.

homeinfatuation.com
If you're lucky enough to have a patio and a yard, you'll find everything you need to furnish your outdoor space―furniture, umbrellas, grills―here.

laylagrayce.com
Home furnishings (plus clothing for women and children) from around the world, all with a romantic sensibility.

moderndose.com
Reasonably priced reproductions of modern furniture classics, with free shipping and a money-back guarantee.

2modern.com
As streamlined as the modern furniture it carries, this site features the work of eco-conscious designers.

thpcollections.com
Decorative accessories and furniture with a global viewpoint, from sources as equally far-flung.

ugallery.com
Original artwork at every price. A view-on-wall feature lets you try before you buy, so you have an idea of how a work of art will look in your home.

unicahome.com
An eclectic roundup of modern, vintage, and kitsch from big names like Knoll and Herman Miller.

velocityartanddesign.com
Simple, clean, and graphic designs―from artwork to wallpaper―at affordable prices.

wisteria.com
Bright and simply laid out, this site features new, antique, and artfully weathered imports from across the globe. 

courtesy of Real Simple

Golden girl

Too cute

hills and bills pose and prepare to pose with the kennedy center–honors recipients

The wisdom of the 'tubes

"Remember, procrastination isn’t usually laziness. It’s a reaction and escape from anxiety."

 

image from the always-brilliant Hyperbole and a Half

Veni, veni, amica!

Prelude: "Prepare the Way of the Lord," Berthier, Taize' Community (recording) 
Procession to Wreath/Entrance: "Christ, Circle 'Round Us," Schutte (recording) 
Kyrie: Kyrie XVI (recording) 
Responsorial Psalm: 126 "God Has Done Great Things for Us," Haugen (recording) 
Gospel Acclamation: "Advent Alleluia," Joncas (recording) 
Preparation: "Creator of the Stars of Night," trad. (recording)
Eucharistic Acclamations: Memorial Acclamation: Storrington (recording begins at 6:38) 
Lamb of God: Storrington (recording begins at 8:25) 
Communion: "A Voice Cries Out in the Wilderness," Joncas (recording) 
Recessional: improv on "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," trad. (recording)

Hilarious to me because I have no minors in her care

Overheard: I am so out of it today. I won't even confess all the ways I endangered the carpool children this afternoon.