Obsessions

New Cat-eye glasses atop "The Postmistress" (my in-between book club read.)

Hot Tea brewed in mini teapots.

Animal Crackers!  Can't. Put. Them. Down.

Perfect shade of purple on these blossoms off Park Avenue.

My husband's David Yurman Necklace.

Chocolate Popcorn

Earlier this week, a reader requested the recipe for the pink popcorn photographed at my Wicked Book Club meeting.

Using the basic concept, I've been experimenting with a variety of flavors- pictured above is chocolate-caramel popcorn with walnuts.

Not only is it easy and fun to make, this treat makes for a beautiful presentation!

Here are the basic instructions- Don't be afraid to mix up the add-ins!

1.) Microwave a bag of plain/natural flavored popcorn (NO butter or kettle corn flavoring.)

2.) While the popcorn cooks, line a large baking sheet with wax paper.

3.) Spread popcorn evenly across the baking sheet, carefully removing any unpopped kernels.

4.) Pour a bag of chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark) into a microwave-safe bowl.  Heat chocolate in 30 second intervals, stirring at the end of each interval, until chocolate is melted and smooth.

5.) Using a spoon, drizzle chocolate evenly over popcorn, using the spoon to turn popcorn in melted chocolate until covered.

6.) Place baking sheet in refrigerator for 20 minutes, allowing the chocolate to harden.  

Enjoy!

* For Pink Popcorn, I placed 5-6 drops of pink food coloring in melted white chocolate before drizzling.  This idea is great for any color-themed event!

* For Chocolate-Caramel Popcorn, I melted Caramel kisses instead of chocolate chips, scattering walnuts over the mixture while the chocolate was still hot.

I can't wait to try more add-ins, like heath bar or shredded coconut!  Yum!

Brilliant Bows

I love the floral pattern, the size, and the bright colors on this headband.  

My one beef with the hair accessory?  Inevitably, it leaves me with a headache as oversized as the bow!

Alas, beauty is pain my friends.  Beauty is pain.

Wicked

For book club this week, we discussed Wicked by Gregory Maguire.  

Keeping more in line with the play than the book, our meeting was themed pink for Galinda or green for Elphaba (the main characters.)

While I love the Broadway musical, I'm not a big fan of the book.

I find it long-winded, depraved, and depressing.

Of the 12 book club members, only 2 gave it an above average rating.

Our next read is a Sci-Fi novel, and I'm hoping it will be a breath of fresh air!

Galinda's Pink Popcorn

Elphaba's Green Tea Cupcakes

Pink & Green Candies + The Wicked Musical Soundtrack

Group Photo Op- My mom is the Green Lady. :)

Obsessions

Fresh Blueberry Waffles.

Panera's Green Tea- Just the right amount of sweetness!

Crushed Candy Crackle Nail Polish.  So cool!

Blooming Tabebuia trees.  I call them Yellow Tabbys- it's easier to pronounce.

The revolving plays at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre.  Beowulf was my favorite!

Pass the Pasghetti

The variations of Spaghetti are endless- meatballs or meat sauce? Spicy or mild? Thick or thin?

Tired of fatty pork, veal, and Italian sausage, I fashioned meatballs from the much leaner ground chicken.

I feared chicken might dry out the meatballs, but they came out moist and flavorful.

Give this recipe a try for a lighter take on the classic!

Ingredients:

16 oz can crushed tomatoes

12 oz can tomato paste

8 oz can diced tomatoes

2 1/4 cups water

1 diced yellow onion

4-5 cloves minced garlic

1/2 cup red wine

red pepper flakes (to taste)

2 lbs ground chicken

1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated parmesan

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning

salt & pepper (to taste)

1 box whole-wheat spaghetti

Directions:

1.) Place crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, onion, garlic, and red wine in slow cooker.  Add red pepper flakes, salt & pepper to taste. Stir.

2.) Combine chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, eggs, and seasoning.  Add salt & pepper to taste.  Form mixture into 20-24 large meatballs, dropping them into spaghetti sauce.

3.) Cook on low, 6-8 hours.  Serve with cooked spaghetti and a sprinkle of grated parmesan.

Enjoy!

Patterned Slacks

Generally, I don't classify myself as a bargain shopper.

I lack the talent and the patience required to wade through mismatched colors and sizes in discount stores.

By sheer chance, I spotted these New York & Company slacks on the rack while shopping for scrapbook supplies.

Titled the "Jackie" Style, I bought them without trying them on and luckily, they fit!

I love the checkered pattern- it gives a fresh spin on standard gray or black.

If only they'd spelled the style "Jakki" like I do!