food and books and stuff. fun.

Awesome Chicken Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:16:00 +0000

Merging leftovers is a good thing.

I cup chicken breast, chopped
1/2 avocado, diced
1 T mayo
Salt and pepper
Dash of pique (Puerto Rican sauce)

Combine and serve atop dressed greens.

I love Marston's San Pasqual salad dressing.

Perfect for a light lunch for one.

Sol Food - San Rafael

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:14:00 +0000

If you find yourself in San Rafael, California and are a bit peckish, don't hesitate stopping at Sol Food. Such loveliness should not be missed. And if you know me make sure to pick up a bottle of the piqué to bring back as a gift.

Sol Food Restaurant

Timbers Opener 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:07:00 +0000

When it rains, when it pours, let the Portland Timbers score.

Timbers Section 110

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:13:00 +0000

My section mates in the Timbers 110 for 2012. Only one home game remains for this lackluster season. So sad. I will miss the comraderie. #rctid

Portland Street Art

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:53:00 +0000

It was midnight.
I saw geese. At least they weren't pink elephants.

Love Portland street art. Located on MLK Blvd near Russell.

Amanda Palmer at The Wonder Ballroom

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 17:21:00 +0000

The night was hot. It was hot in that ballroom. Hot. Hot. Hot.

The night was also beautiful and wonderful. The opening acts were fun and charming. It had the feel of the cabaret. All that was missing were the little round tables, red velvet and cigarette girls.

I can't help but feel as if the performers last night were characters in a novel, visions of The Great Gatsby wafting here and there.

The opening acts were mini shows put on by members of the The Grand Theft Orchestra, who are amazingly talented, silly and fun. Amanda Palmer filled the role of emcee and spoke to the crowd as if we were all just friends hanging out in her space. Friends who were there to enjoy the show. She ate anamorphic fruit while her tiara sparkled from afar. She was energized.

Here is a vid of Olly Olly Oxen Free.

Another of Want it Back.

You can pay what you want for the album. It's worth your time and some cash.

Theatre Is Evil - Pay What You Want

Some of my favorite music videos of songs from the Theatre is Evil album are out on the internets and are amazing and NSFW.

Here is one. Remember NSFW! If nudity bothers you then don't click the link. :)

A show for you and a show for me...

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 05:56:00 +0000

I get to admire the poster.

That's all I got to see of the Shins show in Portland last night. You see, my teenage daughter went to the show and I did not. I went to bed early.

Woe is me.

But I get to see Ananda Palmer tomorrow night. Tee hee hee!

Corpse Reviver #2

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:46:00 +0000

Ahhhh, that's the ticket.

I've been away for a long time. Here's to my sprinkling this blog with random posts from time to time. Cheers.

Iv'e read that the Corpse Reviver #2 was thought to be a hangover cure. I've never tested that theory. I do love the occasional cocktail at a local resto, La Capitale, served up by Rob. That's @robdrinkenstein if you do the twitter.

1 oz. gin
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. Lillet Blanc
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 dash absinthe
Ice cubes
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: cocktail
Garnish: orange peel

Shake all ingredients in a shaker, strain into a chilled glass and garnish.

Adapted from The Savoy Cocktail Book

Portland Timbers Home Opener 4/14/11

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 04:16:00 +0000

Amazing. Just amazing.

This video from Match Day 360 captures the night well.
Except for the rain.

A few shots from my iPhone.

Until the next match.

Snaps Around Town

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:40:00 +0000

Sunny Day

Rainy Day

Dusk

Dawn

Norsen's Cove on Vashon Island

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:34:00 +0000

A relaxing walk leads to an amazing treasure. Norsen's Cove is a private refuge that is down the road from family that live on the west side of Vashon Island.

We were lucky to get permission, with a quick wave and chat, to take a walk down the green path to the cove below.

What a wonderful weekend walk.

Vashon Island Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:07:00 +0000

A few snaps from our adventures visiting family on Vashon Island.

Father and Son

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:12:00 +0000

Finding time for chess.

Concentration.

Super Dip for a Super Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 23:55:00 +0000

Dip is divine. So much variety. So much goodness.

My favorite dip as a child was the universal Velveeta and salsa. Spicy, cheesy, gooey and messy.

These days I'm more into dips that I make myself.

Green Goddess
Caramelized Onion

Recipes are from The America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook.

Green Goddess Dip

1 cup 1 percent lowfat cottage cheese
1/4 cup boiling water
1 cup lowfat sour cream
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh chives

Process the cottage cheese and boiling water together in a food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the sour cream, oil, lemon juice, parsley, tarragon, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and continue to process until combined, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the chives. Cover and refrigerate until the flavors have blended, about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Caramelized Onion Dip

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, minced
1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
Salt and pepper
1 cup 1 percent lowfat cottage cheese
1/4 cup boiling eater
1 cup lowfat sour cream
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 scallions, sliced thin

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in an 8- inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion, brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is golden and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile process the cottage cheese and boiling water together in a food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, sour cream, vinegar, Worcestershire, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and continue to process until combined, about 30 seconds.

Transfer the processed cheese mixture to a bowl and stir in the caramelized onion and scallions. Cover and refrigerate until the flavors have blended, about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Okay, I fess up I don't use lowfat sourcream. Ick. And I processed mine in a blender. Easy peasy.

Enjoy.

Red and Green make Brown Smoothie

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 03:25:00 +0000

Making smoothies can give you a bit of education in mixing colors. Today I had yellow pineapple, red and blue berries, creamy bananas and dark green collard greens. When you mix the dark red/blue with the dark green you get a reddish brown color.

Normally I would steer clear of a drink this color, but I made it so I know what's in it. And in my world anything with pineapple is bound to be delicious.

Red and Green make Brown Smoothie

2 bananas
3/4 cup frozen pineapple
3/4 cup cherry berry blend fruit mix
4 collard greens
1 to 1 1/2 cups water

Blend well.

Pro tip: When you use frozen fruit you will need slightly more water to get to the same consistency you would have with fresh fruit.

Pro tip: Trader Joe's has great, affordable frozen fruit.

Enjoy.

Confession. I'm not following the green smoothie detox plan anymore. After two weeks I made a move to smoothie for breakfast and lunch with a hopefully healthy dinner. Just saying.

How do you like your collard greens?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:26:00 +0000

I bet you never thought of eating collard greens raw, in a smoothie.

The green smoothie recipe for today includes that very large leafy vegetable.

Apples and Collards - Green Smoothie

2 ripe bananas
1 large apple (cored)
4 collard greens
1 cup water (little more, little less)

Blend well.

Enjoy! This is one of my favorites.

Green Smoothie - Very Berry Variety

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 23:26:00 +0000

Here is a recipe for a green smoothie that's not so green. It would be easy to sneak past unsuspecting children.

1 Banana
1 1/2 cups Very Berry frozen fruit mix
2 stalks celery chopped
1/2 cup sprouts
1 to 1 1/2 cups water

Blend well.

Notice the red color. See, green but not green.

Notice the super snazzy blender circa 1970's. It does the job. Sometimes the smoothies are not as smooth as a fancier Blendtec blender would make them, but it suffices.

Oh yeah, today is my cheat day. I had a wonderful tofu scramble with spinach for breakfast. The pinch of curry was the ticket.

Green Smoothie Detox - wha???

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Okay, here's the deal. My wonderful friend Judith asked me if I'd like to take part in a green smoothie detox. She told me that when she signed up she was able to add a guest for free. She mentioned I could take it at my own pace and that during the program there would likely be solicitations for other products but I didn't have to buy anything.

I said sure. Then I thought to myself, hmmm, what is a green smoothie detox?

Now I know.
I'm learning lots.

Some of which are.....

I like green smoothies.
A raw diet is "interesting" :)
I can now grow my own sprouts.
My 1970's blender was kick-ass for it's time and still is.
Buying lots of leafy greens is cheaper than buying meat.
Kale is my friend.

This program, which is put on by the Green Smoothie Queen with mention of the Raw Food Divas, is completely foreign compared to anything I have ever done before. I have never even contemplated eating raw. Never. Ever. Never. And....I'm pretty sure detox has never been on any of my "to do" lists.

But, I'm doing it. And with minimal cheating. I make it through each day reminding myself this is a detox and that I am not making a complete 180 and changing to a complete raw lifestyle. But, I'll likely continue having green smoothies.

Hey, it's only a month right. I can do this. I'll keep you updated as the month progresses.

Back to my friend Judith. I met her a few years ago. She was a nurse practitioner at my work's health clinic. She left the company we worked for to explore new possibilities. After my heart attack last July, I sent her a quick note thinking she was still back east studying but discovered she was back in town. What a boon for me.

Judith teaches. She teaches about food. She teaches about self and what's important. Sometimes we forget the basics and we need a teacher. Judith reminded me to...Be happy. Destress. Eat well. Take time for myself.

So my journey continues and I'm not perfect but if you are interested in being reminded to...Be happy. Destress. Eat well. Take time for yourself...then check out her website All That Nourishes and sign up for the newsletter.

Patience

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 01:32:00 +0000

Chacha seems to know what time it is and who is due to be home any minute.

Yes, I know. That tree needs to come down.

Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Nothing says Christmas like a little Shane, Kirsty and the boys.

All the best to you and yours.

and More Gift Ideas - 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:30:00 +0000

Mas. Mehr. Mer. Daha.

More.

Zinc Outdoor Thermometer

Cute. Love it. From terrain.

::

Faded Floral Hottie

Yes it is a UK site but I still love it. Toast.

::

Dandelion Necklace

From the site Twig.

::

.... and then almost anything from buyolympia.com. And make some time to check out land located on North Mississippi Ave in Portland.

::

Local apple goodness can be had online at Wandering Aengus Ciderworks.

I recently went for a tasting of their wonderful cider up in the way out west hills location outside of Salem. I learned that their last tasting at this location is scheduled for next weekend (December 3rd & 4th) and I hear there will be a Groupon coming out that sounds wonderful. They are slated to have another tasting event in January (7th & 8th) at their new location in Salem. If you are unable to make it to the tastings and would like to try their cider (I <3 Bloom and Wanderlust) then purchase some online or locally at Lifesource Natural Foods.

Have fun.

More Gift Ideas - 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 16:24:00 +0000

More gift ideas for the coming exchanges. Be prepared.

Keyhole Flats

I love these. So simple yet yummy. Made by Molly Puzo from Long Beach, CA and sold in her Etsy shop - HydraHeart

::

Fox on a Bike

A bit of whimsy. Fun t-shirts can be had at Dark Cycle Clothing on Etsy.

::

Shadow Play

I can envision a little girl sitting on her bed looking at this print on the wall and just thinking. Imagining. Wondering, is it possible?

Delightful prints from Ella MacKay. Her Etsy shop is theaterclouds

::

The Swimmers

This could be a picture from my youth. A 13 x 19 print from local artist Lisa Golightly on her etsy site kikiandpolly.

Also peruse her website - kikiandpolly.com, where you could order a custom piece. I am partial to her line portraits.

More options.
More fun.

Enjoy.

I think I might have another sliver of pie. Ciao.

Gift Ideas - 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:31:00 +0000

Once again I will assemble a few links to gift ideas for the upcoming holiday exhanges.

The Redhead

It is a giclee print of an original acrylic and pencil illustration from Kat Hannah.

:::

2011 CD Case Desk Calendar

A wonderful desk calendar with fun illustrations from a local Portland artist/graphic designer. Alex Winjen

::

Funny Joke

A lovely art print by Tali. tushtush on Etsy

::

Help with Luggage

Another art print. I own one of Sophie Blackall's prints. Love it. This one struck me. ~ half asian girl

::

Swept Away

Another print. I've already purchased this for someone on my holiday gift list. Artist is Kelly Place. kad0081 on Etsy.

<3 the Avett Brothers.

::

And finally.

Eye Chart Cork Necklace

Lovely necklaces from a designer from New Jersey, Catherine Ivens. uncorked on Etsy.

Enjoy!

Croon and Swoon - Salem Art Association Holiday Gala 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 02:08:00 +0000

Check out the Salem Art Association's Holiday Gala on November 12th from 6:00-9:00pm.

martini bar
40's costume contest
big band music
art
handmade gifts

Sounds like a fun evening at the Bush Barn.

Croon and Swoon.

Fall - Halloween, Minto Brown Island, Dog Park and Pumpkins

noreply@blogger.com (Jennie) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 15:49:00 +0000

Happy Halloween.

I plan on sitting by the fire tending the doorbell while the spooks and ghouls chant their mantra.

Trick or Treat!

My own three ghouls will be scattered about, one helping with the door and the other two making any excuse they can to go on their own trick or treat trek.

How old is too old? We don't have an age limit here. It's all about fun.

I still need to buy the candy and can't decide whether to get what I like or what I don't like. You know the dilemma. Right? Hmmm.

On another note, I have decided that fall is pretty nice, especially when there is a reprieve from the rain.

These pics were taken at Minto Brown Island park.

Whenever I see a car driving down River Road with a dog in it I know it's a happy dog. You know it knows it's getting close to the dog park. If it could talk I think it would be chanting, "DOG PARK. I'm going to the dog park. Hey, we're getting close to the dog park. Dog park. I can smell the dog park! Dog park, dog park, dog park. Oh my God, DOG PARK!"

Enjoy the day. Our pumpkins are out and ready to be lit.

Oh yeah, that kid of mine is a charmer. :)

Happy Halloweenie!