tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26556954572629130102024-03-20T21:54:42.914-06:00Wise Axdbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-51988800500018989432012-08-21T11:00:00.000-06:002012-08-21T11:00:10.383-06:00Belated Birthday Dinner for LizLast night my friends Liz and Susan came over for dinner to catch up and celebrate Liz's birthday last week. We were also celebrating the bounty of the big garden (see blog post about the big garden <a href="http://wiseax.blogspot.com/2012/05/our-girls-garden-2012.html">here</a>). It's the first time we've gotten together since I started eating a plant-based diet. I know from talking to friends and family that they worry about getting together for meals with me now because they can't think of anything to make.<br />
<br />
So, I'm determined to prove to them that I am not denying myself the satisfaction of preparing and eating delicious meals. Point, in case, last night I made the following meals for me and the girls. We started with Creamy Gazpacho and then had Summer Squash Tacos with Avocado Chimichurri and Avocado Lime Slaw. Sounds delicious, right? I'm happy to say that the meal really was delicious and my meat-eating friends couldn't have agreed more!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgDoVUXwBYLzQdEy71zgycbCjmP5I-ifVCfKl4qWbOzFIvmUFytJ0_dQm3EkTfNzF124qP9Mdo2w4R5HUEewioLjBmwldDLtJk0W5WKi8wDuSAHkk7tCs_RsLGVFauxdaZmbP8atX0io/s1600/Creamy-Gazpacho_s4x3_al.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgDoVUXwBYLzQdEy71zgycbCjmP5I-ifVCfKl4qWbOzFIvmUFytJ0_dQm3EkTfNzF124qP9Mdo2w4R5HUEewioLjBmwldDLtJk0W5WKi8wDuSAHkk7tCs_RsLGVFauxdaZmbP8atX0io/s1600/Creamy-Gazpacho_s4x3_al.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
You can find the recipe for the Creamy Gazpacho <a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/kelsey-nixon/creamy-gazpacho-recipe/index.html">here</a>. I've made this a few times now using Roma tomatoes, Armenian cucumbers, and red peppers from the garden. I have a high-speed blender and it whips up this tasty soup into a smooth, creamy delicious treat in no time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjBQmbJK97uMB7zTBdaCh1WdRBuL9X1DRoGo3H44WD81YV4TyD0ODegySWabFNAZWnYTDPIawPn0N-RT9MWh-BKjGLnEN9-aKpShnyPaOCdricS-bT7LoclKbAfdyqK53CqgQpXhEZa0/s1600/summer-squash-tacos-with-avocado-chimichurri-sauce1-550x824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjBQmbJK97uMB7zTBdaCh1WdRBuL9X1DRoGo3H44WD81YV4TyD0ODegySWabFNAZWnYTDPIawPn0N-RT9MWh-BKjGLnEN9-aKpShnyPaOCdricS-bT7LoclKbAfdyqK53CqgQpXhEZa0/s320/summer-squash-tacos-with-avocado-chimichurri-sauce1-550x824.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Our main course was the summer squash tacos. The recipe can be found <a href="http://cookieandkate.com/2012/summer-squash-tacos-with-avocado-chimichurri-sauce/">here</a>. The tacos were tasty and the inclusion of black beans makes them hardy. The recipe calls for black-eyed peas but I had black beans on hand so I substituted them. I will definitely be making these again and I'll try them with the black-eyed peas next time. The avocado chimichurri was smooth and very fresh tasting. A nice addition to the taco filling. I didn't use the radishes that were called for in this recipe. I didn't have any at home and am not a big enough radish fan to make a special trip to the grocery store for them.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEFTwazm1fKUg5qLE0Tp7Ku7yIbAGOh6AQ28DLArVeWRukiW3GTiK7eXuv5vok9YcxYbq9S5LxtIfr3bwsxnJatdJrGCqb8mPHzG0vhbPfryKdtlBeacnxbgEVUrclg4ABu9JrxpNWHg/s1600/coleslaw-1024x751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEFTwazm1fKUg5qLE0Tp7Ku7yIbAGOh6AQ28DLArVeWRukiW3GTiK7eXuv5vok9YcxYbq9S5LxtIfr3bwsxnJatdJrGCqb8mPHzG0vhbPfryKdtlBeacnxbgEVUrclg4ABu9JrxpNWHg/s320/coleslaw-1024x751.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On the side, we had avocado lime slaw from 'A Nutritionist Eats' blog (here's the<a href="http://anutritionisteats.com/avocado-lime-coleslaw/"> recipe</a>). A word of warning, both the tacos and the slaw have copious amounts of cilantro in them so if you aren't a fan you may want to substitute another herb.<br />
<br />
All in all, everyone really enjoyed the meal and I loved catching up with my girlfriends and utilizing so much produce that we grow ourselves was the frosting on the cake!dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-8166073197896151562012-08-15T15:21:00.000-06:002012-08-15T15:21:53.468-06:00Social Media: A History - InfographicI've been a fan of social media for a while now and have used it personally for years. My new job, however, has me using it in the professional setting too. So, I've been talking to friends who work with social media and reading tons of articles, blogs, etc. to make sure that I stay on top of things.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I stumbled across this infographic today and thought it was interesting. Can you pin where you entered the fray?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/212372938649164538/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="1379" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/142074563214984326_nqGpJlRj_c.jpg" width="553" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
Source: <a href="http://www.creativeramblings.com/social-history-media-infographic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">creativeramblings.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/dbh801/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Diane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>
</span></span></div>
dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-50589989266578520732012-08-14T19:01:00.000-06:002012-08-14T19:01:37.672-06:00The Hidden Costs of HamburgersAs some of you know I decided to change my diet to plant-based one four weeks ago. Improving my health was my motivating factor. I'd gained twenty pounds over the last year and want to get off the blood pressure medication that I started a year before that.<br />
<br />
In typical Diane fashion I dived headlong into this new venture reading anything and everything I can. I've learned a lot in the last few weeks. One thing that surprised me was the environmental impact of industrial agriculture or in other words, raising animals to eat. If you have a few minutes, watch this video. There isn't any disgusting images of slaughter houses or anything just some eye-opening information.<br />
<br />
I'll dedicate another post to have the first month of eating has gone for me. Here's a hint: good!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ut3URdEzlKQ" width="560"></iframe>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-83915652337555871482012-07-13T12:35:00.000-06:002012-07-13T12:35:04.679-06:002012 Summer GamesIn case any one else out there is geeking about the start of the summer Olypmics in a few weeks, you may want to check out this media guide. What sports are you most excited about?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/100008547/London-Olympics-Media-Guide" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View London Olympics Media Guide on Scribd">London Olympics Media Guide</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_93386" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/100008547/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-d7fo0kyuzqo25i09z80" width="100%"></iframe>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-43913288061924178232012-07-05T10:05:00.002-06:002012-07-05T10:06:10.487-06:00Small Town Fourth of July<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7508471856/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7508471856_692aea0b9e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July holiday filled with fun, family, friends, and food! I spent the day in Midway, Utah, a small community 45 miles east of Salt Lake City.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7508640514/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7508640514_37784015ca.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
In addition to BBQ, bike riding, and soaking in the pool, I also took a walking tour of historic Midway homes. Here are few snapshots of some of the homes I learned about. For more information about historic Midway, click on this<a href="http://midwaycityut.org/history.htm"> link</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7508474726/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7508474726_f3974fd385.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7508476158/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7508476158_50d3a4182d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-68041827907065483542012-06-28T07:31:00.000-06:002012-06-28T07:31:34.826-06:00July 4th - The More You Know....<a href="http://degreesearch.org/blog/july-4th-bbq-beer-and-the-pursuit-of-celebration/"><img alt="July 4th : BBQ, Beer, and the Pursuit of Celebration" border="0" src="http://degreesearch.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/july4th.jpg" /></a><br />Via: <a href="http://degreesearch.org/">DegreeSearch.org</a>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-88981673938426562352012-06-25T10:31:00.001-06:002012-06-25T10:32:08.952-06:00End of June Garden UpdateOur girls garden is growing so fast! I went over on Saturday to do some weeding and couldn't believe how much the plants had grown.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7441203054/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7441203054_cfa55081d2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This is the same place I took the picture that I posted on my blog a few weeks ago. The tomatoes on the left are getting big and the squash on the far right has flowers and few zucchini on it already. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7441204584/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7441204584_ac2ab2bb12.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
We planted two varieties of corn which should mature approximately two weeks apart. The other night at the farmer's market I had roasted corn slathered in mayo, parmesean cheese, lime, and chili powder. It sounds a little weird but it was really tasty! I'm definitely going to be experimenting with recipes for it at home once fresh corn is available.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7441207374/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/7441207374_eaaf79ff57.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Susan has these beautiful hollyhocks growing at the back of the garden. I think they are so pretty!dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-37640869026776050372012-06-21T08:33:00.001-06:002012-06-21T08:33:18.630-06:00June's New Moon Fire<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7410363912/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/7410363912_51cc1182b9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
What's a New Moon Fire you ask? Each month on the <a href="http://www.moonconnection.com/moon_phases_calendar.phtml">new moon</a> you get the opportunity to write down a wish and burn it in the fire to release your wish to the universe. Tuesday night was my first time participating in the New Moon Fire but my friend Darryl has been hosting these fires for the last year at his cabin in Midway. The setting is spectacular and the people involved are lovely. You should come check it out sometime. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7410364542/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7135/7410364542_bb67e2eb77.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7410365768/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/7410365768_656811bd15.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-54699053385699954112012-06-20T16:05:00.000-06:002012-06-20T16:05:43.234-06:00Weeding Day at the Garden<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7410374782/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5079/7410374782_202251264d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Last weekend, we had our first 'weeding party' at the big garden. Fortunately, it wasn't too hot and we got a relatively early start. It's so exciting to see the seedlings sprout and the plants start to grow! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7410377172/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7410377172_36cfa24c13.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7410375334/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="374" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5114/7410375334_2d20ee16f9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7410378512/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7410378512_641a9aa042.jpg" width="500" /></a>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-1535766613475024452012-05-16T09:33:00.001-06:002012-05-16T09:33:33.932-06:00Our Girls Garden 2012<div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7206523264/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="374" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/7206523264_7598bbb4ac.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
I'm so excited about gardening this year. A few friends and I are doing a community garden on a friend's property. The garden is huge! I know this because we tilled it last weekend. Working the tiller was a bit like wrestling a beast especially when trying to turn it around at the end of a row. But, we got it done and felt like a million bucks afterward, albeit, a filthy, sweaty million bucks. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After tilling, we planted seeds for corn, summer squash, soybeans, cucumbers, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, green beans, peas, and pumpkins. The peppers, tomatoes, and tomatillos go in this weekend. I can't wait to see the seedlings sprout!</div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-69592259122429730912012-04-11T08:02:00.002-06:002012-04-11T08:19:13.311-06:00Viva Las Vegas aka Lauren is 25 (!)<div><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7050933847/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7050933847_d2c04c22e2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Last week my Mom, Sis, and I flew to Las Vegas to meet up with Lauren to celebrate her 25th birthday. She was going to Vegas for the annual </span></span><a href="http://www.vivalasvegas.net/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Viva Las Vegas</a><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> rockabilly festival. </span></span><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">We all met up at the airport and made our way to the Luxor hotel. Have you stayed there? It's weird inside. They don't have elevators instead you ride up on inclinators and believe me, you can tell you are traveling up and sideways. </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">First, we went to Mandalay Bay to visit the Shark Reef Aquarium. I love aquariums and have been to many around the country. This one was pretty good. I saw this guy and it made me hungry for sushi. My sister thinks I'm evil. It's okay though, I know he would taste delicious.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/7050931277/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/7050931277_b55fb9a8c1.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Untitled" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool. The weather was perfect although the water in the pool was freezing! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6904840164/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6904840164_8318746c2b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On Wednesday, (happy birthday Lauren!) we visited the <a href="http://www.neonmuseum.org/">Neon Sign Boneyard</a>. This is a non-profit that seeks to preserve Las Vegas's unique art form. I really enjoyed the tour and think anyone who has visited Las Vegas for a long time would get a kick out of seeing those old signs that they probably remember. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6904819634/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/6904819634_cf66006151.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="Untitled" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6904526064/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6904526064_3eecc7c1cd.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Untitled" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6904819160/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/6904819160_962847b785.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Untitled" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And to top off a great trip, my Sister cleaned up on the slots and blackjack table! I think she's still home in bed rolling around in all the money she won. Here's a shot taken right after my Mom pulled a $400 spin on a dollar slot machine. Good times!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6904508296/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6904508296_1f457ef1f0.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Untitled" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-5909004866311666882012-02-14T12:00:00.003-07:002012-02-14T12:50:55.554-07:00Wine Social Dinner Club<div>Last month a group of us attended the Meditrina wine social. We had a great time and inspired by the fun event, we decided to host our own monthly wine socials. My friend, Liz, hosted the first one at her home last Sunday. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll post the menu and pictures and try to get links to the recipes to include in the posts. We divided into teams and each team was responsible for a course and wine pairing. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; "><b>Appetizer (Whitney & Cooper)</b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; ">Mushroom, Onion, & Gruyère Pull-Apart w/ Pinot Noir</span></div></div></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6870319239/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6870319239_092ef4b235.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6870350579/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6870350579_8e791b0960.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; "><b>Salad (Susan & Melissa)</b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; ">Arugula, Butternut squash & Hazelnuts & Fume Blanc</span></div></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6870351319/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6870351319_7a9f7e75ac.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6870362319/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6870362319_2d99660cbb.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; "><b>Main Course (Liz & Diane)</b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; ">Vegetable Hash with Short Ribs w/ a Spanish red</span></div></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; ">(Somehow I missed taking a shot of the ribs. Sorry! </span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6870361309/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6870361309_275a10ed0d.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6870364417/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6870364417_baea31e34b.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; "><b>Dessert (Jackie & Susie)</b></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; ">Chocolate Fondue & Tawny Port</span></div></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Tahoma; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6870368475/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6870368475_f4799b0289.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span>Finally, here's a little video of Cooper demonstrating how to use a wine key.</span></div><div><span><div><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="225" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=1aa4d3ee39&photo_id=6870341935"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=1aa4d3ee39&photo_id=6870341935" height="225" width="400"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><span>Mangia!</span></div></span></div></span></div></span></span></div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-33094318745698147332011-12-14T12:41:00.002-07:002011-12-14T12:44:38.302-07:00The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nYyKUM1NQ8c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>I CANNOT wait for this movie to come out next week! As you may know, I've read the books and seen the Swedish films based on the books. I was very skeptical when I read that an American remake was in the works but I have to tell you, the trailer looks amazing! </div><div><br /></div><div>The books and movies aren't for the faint of heart though but if you are looking for something intense with interesting characters, you should give it some thought. </div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-80034804401649747472011-10-28T15:48:00.003-06:002011-10-28T15:52:39.223-06:00The Lady is a Tramp<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZPAmDULCVrU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Tony Bennett still sounds amazing and Lady Gaga is terrific. I'm looking forward to listening to this Duets albums while drinking a glass of wine. But let's be honest, I'm typically pretty excited about doing anything and drinking wine. </div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-44326820244393362152011-10-05T14:44:00.002-06:002011-10-05T14:59:33.338-06:00Hike: Calf Creek Falls<div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6214984411/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6214984411_566ac91210.jpg" width="373" height="500" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I spent the last few days in <a href="http://www.torreyutah.com/">Torrey</a>, Utah. The weather was spectacular with clear, sunny skies and warm temperatures. On Monday and Tuesday I hiked to Calf Creek Falls with some friends who had all done the hike before but it was my first time. It's about three miles of mostly flat trail to the falls (six miles round trip). <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6208814211/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6208814211_6490b52713.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>The road from Torrey through Boulder, Utah was lined with gorgeous aspen trees with near electric yellow leaves. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6208858339/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6208858339_e3b9d423db.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The hike and the falls were gorgeous and next time I will pack a picnic lunch to eat next to the falls. A few brave souls swam in the freezing cold water but I only waded around in ankle deep water. </div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, we treated ourselves to fabulous dinners at <a href="http://www.cafediablo.net/">Cafe Diablo</a>. The sweet potato and black bean empanadas were scrumptious! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6215017183/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6215017183_104cbd8f7c.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-20706284985456170092011-09-29T07:59:00.001-06:002011-09-29T08:01:04.465-06:00The Great Shake Out<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OXIM4Nf3gZk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Gulp. I really need to come up with a better preparedness plan than using my stockpile of wine to barter for necessary items if the big one hits. </div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-7473877901484120532011-09-28T10:32:00.003-06:002011-09-28T10:33:43.917-06:00Movie: Objectified<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/S9E2D2PaIcI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>It's not what you think, Objectified is a documentary about design and manufactured goods. While it sounds rather dry, the film was very interesting. Best of all, if you dropped your DVD option from Netflix recently, Objectified is available to view instantly. </div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-5250737506104849582011-09-10T17:01:00.001-06:002011-09-10T17:02:50.676-06:00100 Years of Style in 100 Seconds<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7JxfgId3XTs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>In honor of Fashion Week! So many adorable styles. ♥</div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-51223407433003591422011-09-08T07:43:00.002-06:002011-09-08T07:52:04.949-06:00Zucchini Noodles with Peanut Sauce<div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6127223160/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6127223160_d6b85c2b09.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This year I was fortunate enough to get one of the community garden plots in my condo complex and I've had a great time tending to it this summer. Like most gardeners who plant zucchini I suddenly found myself with more squash than I could possibly eat. Sure, I gave some away, shredded and froze some, but I really wanted to use as much as I could while it was fresh. <div><br /></div><div>I found <a href="http://kitchenconfidante.com/guest-post-cilantropist-zucchini-noodles-with-chicken-and-tangy-peanut-sauce-recipe">this</a> scrumptious-looking recipe for zucchini noodles on the excellent food blog, <a href="http://kitchenconfidante.com/">Kitchen Confindante</a>. I even ordered one of those crazy shredding tools mentioned in the blog post to make the noodles. I have a mandolin which would do the job as well but being a bit clumsy I sliced open my thumb using the mandolin and decided my digits would be better served using the $5 tool. </div><div><br /></div><div>The recipe was very simple and a perfect light meal for a warm summer night. The leftovers were terrific for lunch the next day too. </div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-45123091254173954902011-08-30T08:45:00.002-06:002011-08-30T08:45:48.314-06:00Book Review: The Hunger Games<div><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1293504845m/2767052.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games">The Hunger Games</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/153394.Suzanne_Collins">Suzanne Collins</a><br /></div><div>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/201415347">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /></div><div>I read this book in less than 30 hours. It's been a while since I was that engaged in a book. Interesting plot and characters. This is also the first book that I've read on an e-reader. I liked that experience more than I expected. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/396484-diane">View all my reviews</a></div><div>
<br /></div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-86637792831248345632011-08-03T12:51:00.003-06:002011-08-03T13:06:01.936-06:00Terrariums<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6006239442/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/6006239442_a6c5066459.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a><div><br /></div><div>These adorable little treasures are my latest obsession! Ever since my friend Jodi posted pictures of a few terrariums that she'd made last summer, I have been wanting her to teach me how to make them. Last night that dream was realized. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6003890655/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/6003890655_f981f61bda.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'd found a few jars at thrift stores and yard sales and even purchased some awesome apothecary jars online. Jodi brought over the gravel, charcoal, and potting soil. I had also picked up a few small <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=air+plants&hl=en&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=s5s5TsuAJ4TWiAK8g_TgDg&ved=0CEgQsAQ&biw=1599&bih=915#hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=small+succulent+plants&oq=small+succ&aq=3&aqi=g2&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=56775l58145l0l60610l10l9l0l1l1l0l192l885l3.5l8l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.&fp=61e8e49a407ad5f2&biw=1599&bih=915">succulents</a> and Jodi brought <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=air+plants&hl=en&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=s5s5TsuAJ4TWiAK8g_TgDg&ved=0CEgQsAQ&biw=1599&bih=915">air plants</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6004432992/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/6004432992_eec943b884.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then, it's just a matter of putting down a layer of gravel followed by charcoal and finally soil. Next you add plants and little found objects like shells, rocks, pieces of glass, miniature items, etc. I was very pleased with the first three terrariums that I put together. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6005694421/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/6005694421_fa44a816df.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6006253920/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/6006253920_2c88317e4f.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6006239946/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/6006239946_142b334c39.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-13077500324348540102011-08-02T07:40:00.003-06:002011-08-02T07:45:51.052-06:00It's Time to Make the PestoThe basil plants that I have in my planter box are, um....thriving. I had to trim it back before it bolted to seed. So, with my bounty of basil I made pesto over the weekend. I used <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/basil-pesto-recipe2/index.html">this</a> recipe from Food Network. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6001401815/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/6001401815_c0074c06d8.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But, seriously, how much pesto can one girl eat? Obviously not enough (even if I invite friends over) so I froze the pesto in an ice cube tray. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6001401363/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/6001401363_574e4542db.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Last night I popped the pesto cubes out of the tray and put them in labeled freezer bag for future use! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/6001948798/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/6001948798_ba0be2bda3.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-43055918666190828282011-07-25T23:35:00.000-06:002011-07-25T23:37:44.595-06:00Book Review: Loving Frank<div><div><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/898885.Loving_Frank" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Loving Frank" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1296932387m/898885.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/898885.Loving_Frank">Loving Frank</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/460979.Nancy_Horan">Nancy Horan</a><br /></div><div>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/186386694">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /></div><div>Fascinating read about the married woman that Frank Lloyd Wright fell in love with and the struggles she faced with her family and society as she followed her heart.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/396484-diane">View all my reviews</a></div></div><div><br /></div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-72779312774935825922011-07-19T10:37:00.000-06:002011-07-19T10:38:20.980-06:00Book Review: The Ice Princess<div><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7058405-the-ice-princess" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Ice Princess (Patrik Hedstrom, #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1276862753m/7058405.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7058405-the-ice-princess">The Ice Princess</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/72887.Camilla_L_ckberg">Camilla Läckberg</a><br /></div><div>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/186387209">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /></div><div>Not nearly as captivating as Steig Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series but the same genre. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/396484-diane">View all my reviews</a></div><div><br /></div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655695457262913010.post-9020428779274734642011-07-11T07:45:00.003-06:002011-07-11T07:54:41.104-06:00Weekend Project: Re-purposing a Tea CartI can't help myself from looking around furniture consignment shops and recently I was in the neighborhood of one of my favorites, Elemente. Right inside the front door was this darling tea cart. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/5921766031/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5921766031_8c5ed5df1e.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The paint was peeling and it had some rusty spots on it but I knew a quick trip to the home improvement store for some <a href="http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/s_trmt_naval/overview/Loctite-Naval-Jelly-Rust-Dissolver.htm">naval jelly</a>, primer, and spray paint would have the cart looking great in no time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I chose a bold orange color which I thought would contrast nicely against the newly painted blue-gray walls of the dining room. I set the cart up as a bar and suddenly feel like having a party! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/5921759787/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5921759787_3a466d4997.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a shot of the dining now. What do you think?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29558015@N08/5923099642/" title="Untitled by axta_grind, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5923099642_b582648117.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="" /></a></div>dbhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814978016342367725noreply@blogger.com0