Call the Midwife

It's unusual, and honestly weird, that we haven't traveled for a few weeks. Well, for work anyway. But it's given us a little more time to connect with the TV. I haven't decided if that's a good thing, or a bad thing. :)

One of my new favorite shows, has to be Call the Midwife. Have you seen it? It's on PBS. And honestly, I'm hooked! Partly because of their accents, partly because of the "time period," but mostly for the storylines!!!

I've got to give it to PBS, they've been coming up with some great shows lately! I'm also digging, Upstairs Downstairs. And of course Downton Abbey. ♥

Uncle and His Sweet Nieces

Happy Wednesday! How is everyone doing? I hope well. Around here, we've been crazy busy. But we're trying not to get too lost in everything. And a cute call from our "Little Nieces" always brings us back to reality!

These 2 little girls, sure do know how, to work their uncle. You see, when they really want something, and their parents aren't buying into it, they call up their uncle. And they schmooze him! "Uncle it's been so long, since we've seen you. We miss you. You are so handsome! And our favorite uncle. When can we go over to hangout?"

It really is cute. And they really do LOVE their uncle. And honestly, they don't call all the time for stuff. But there are just certain things, that grab their attention. Enter in...Stompeez.



These are slippers for kids. And when they walk, either the eyes, ears, or mouth pops up. They are actually really fun. How do I know about these? Last year, I bought Marissa and Mariella a pair. For their birthdays.

You see, they were with me. And we were watching cartoons. This silly commercial popped on. For Stompeez. They were in LOVE! Instantly! So I ordered 2 pairs. Well, recently that same commercial is popping up everywhere! And our "Little Nieces" saw it. While watching Saturday morning cartoons.

Well, uncle fell for it. And who could honestly resist, these 2 cuties? We just ordered 4 pairs. 2 pair for their home. 2 pair for ours. You know, we've got to keep fun stuff at our home too!

Is there anything that gets you? Something that you can't resist. An infomercial or commercial, that gets you. And you find yourself ordering something, that you wouldn't normally buy. Yes, we ALWAYS fall for these 2 little girls. I guess, as long as it's still reasonably priced. :) ♥

Isn't It Lovely?

I'm funny about things. When I like something, I like it. I don't care what brand it is. Where you buy it. Or if it's endorsed by a celebrity. When I like it, I like it.

And that's just the way I feel about Lovely. Sarah Jessica Parker's first perfume. I was not a big fan of Sex and the City. The reality is, I didn't start watching it, until 2007. When it came out, late at night, on FOX. Now I just feel like it's over played on TV. But once in a while, I get in the mood to watch it. Or one of the movies. But back to the perfume!



This perfume, and me, we were best friends, from the beginning. I had initially got it as a gift. From a good friend. And I was hooked! I think I averaged 2 or 3 bottles a year! That's how much I liked it. I liked that the scent lingered on my scarves. But it was never too over powering.

A few years ago, I stopped wearing it. I don't know why. I just did. The crazy thing is, I had 2 and a half bottles of it. Sitting in my fridge. So it wouldn't go bad. :) The other day, I found an old scarf of mine. And it smelled just like Lovely. Immediately, I knew I had to find my perfume!

I think my love of this perfume, comes from my love of lavender, orchids, and nectarine. The Woods White Musk, helps the perfume to not be so floral-y and girly. It anchors the scent, but allows it to still be feminine. Let's just say, I've been wearing it every single day. And I'm more in love with Lovely with each passing day! The pink bottle just melts my heart! ♥

Tarasacan Bean and Tomato Soup

So do remember, when I told you about Pati? From Pati's Mexican Table. One of my new favorite shows. YUM! Just thinking about this show, makes me hungry. Pati's recipes are delish! Anyway, I've really been in the mood to cook lately. I was so excited when I found this recipe! And guess what? It was a hit!



Tarascan Bean and Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

Soup
6 cups of bean puree
1 pound ripe plum or roma tomatoes
1 garlic clove
1 ancho chili, about 1 ounce, steam and seeds removed
1/2 cup white onion, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons safflower or corn oil
3 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth or water
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, add more to taste

Garnishes
4 corn tortillas, cut in half and into strips, fried until lightly golden or toasted
1/2 cup cotija or queso fresco cheese, crumbled (farmers cheese, ricotta salata, mild feta or shredded mozzarella cheese may be substituted)
1/2 cup fresh Mexican cream(heavy cream or cream fraiche may by substituted)
1 ancho chili, stem and seeds removed, cut into thin strips, flash fried (optional)
1 avocado, peeled, seeded, flesh scooped out and diced

To Prepare:

Place the tomatoes, garlic, and the seeded and stemmed ancho chili in a saucepan, cover with water and simmer over medium-high heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until tomatoes are completely cooked through. Once the tomato mix cools down, place it in a blender or food processor with a cup of the cooking liquid, the raw white onion and a teaspoon of the salt; puree until smooth.

Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the tomato puree and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it darkens in color and thickens in consistency. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the bean puree and broth or water, simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the soup has seasoned and has a creamy consistency. Taste for salt and add more if needed. Turn off the heat as it thickens quickly.

The soup without the added garnishes may be cooled and stored in a closed container and refrigerated for up to 4 days. Since it thickens a bit as it cools, you may need to add some chicken broth or water to thin it out when you reheat it.

Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle on top a tablespoon each of cream and cheese, a handful of tortilla strips, a few fried chili strips and some diced avocado. You can also place garnishes in bowls on the table to let your guests garnish to their liking. Makes 6 to 8 servings.



This is such an easy, and yummy recipe! I'd definitely recommend it. And the garnishes, definitely add to the soup. It changes up the flavor. This is definitely a recipe, that we'll be repeating many times. Yum! ♥

Pati's Mexican Table

I want to share something with you. Something that has made me so happy! I don't know where I've been. But I've missed this amazing mujer...and her show! Have you ever heard about Pati? And Pati's Mexican Table?

Well, just a few months ago, I was sick, and in bed. Not feeling well. It was a cold and rainy day. Usually, the type of days that I enjoy most. But not that day. I was miserably sick. And this man, was trying to work.

Most of the day I slept. Wishing that I was home. But coming to grips, that we were on the road. And I was sick. I napped on and off, all day, I tried to make myself comfortable. I tried to find something, that would make me a little happy.

I turned on the TV, and put it on PBS. Nothing else is really interesting on a Saturday afternoon. Because, well most people are out doing something. Not me! I've come to realize, some of the best PBS shows, come out on Saturday afternoon.

One of the many garden shows was on. Which, I don't remember. Not at all! But I do remember this. I fell asleep. Then I heard this very calming voice. With a broken accent. It reminded me of someone. I couldn't place it at the time.

That voice, it woke me up. And I watched. In amazement. The food looked delish! The show had great music, Pati had a calming voice, the food looked great, the dishes were fun, and Pati had some great stories to tell! And guess what, Pati is a true Mexican cook! Cooking authentic and traditional food. Oh, I was in heaven! Half alive, but it was bliss!



I took a little time to get better. Later that week, I went to Pati's website. And I explored PBS. Looking for the days and times, of Pati's show. Once I found our local station, I put the day and time into our TiVo. I was not going to miss another episode!

Since then, I've managed to watch all of the episodes. I've tried countless recipes. And read that, Pati will be releasing a cookbook later this year! Oh, I just can't wait! On top of all of this, Pati really does interact with you, on her website.

If you enjoy Mexican cooking, or are interested, in learning how to cook authentic Mexican food, you have to watch Pati's Mexican Table. You have to! This is such a great show. One that I hope, PBS keeps on air, for a long time. Pati is such a great cook. And really makes you want to try every single recipe! ♥

Italy in America

Do you ever watch Lidia on PBS? For a few years now, I've watched her various shows. I just enjoy the way Lidia cooks. And the stories that she tells. From time to time, I scribble down a recipe, or technique, and I try it out. Last week, I finally went here, to look at some of Lidia's recipes. Let's just say, I got lost for a few hours...



Recently, I was watching Italy in America. And there were 2 dishes that grabbed my attention. The first being her Stuffed Tomatoes. Yum!

Stuffed Tomatoes

Serves: 8

"Italians will stuff anything, but when it comes to a nice summer tomato this is the recipe. It is good just out of the oven and delicious at room temperature. Wonderful as an appetizer, vegetable and also a main course, this dish is, popular at Italian family gatherings and festivities and it looks great on the buffet table."

Ingredients

1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
2 bay leaves
¾ cup arborio rice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 firm-ripe medium tomatoes
¾ cup fresh mozzarella, cut in small cubes
2 ounce piece ham, cut in small cubes
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Grana Padano , or Parmigiano-Reggiano
10 large basil leaves, chopped
½ teaspoon dry oregano

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small pot, bring to boil 2 cups water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the bay leaves. Stir in the rice and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until rice is al dente and liquid is almost all gone, about 10 minutes. Scrape into a bowl to cool.

2. Slice the tops off the tomatoes, reserving the tops. Scoop out the inner flesh of the tomatoes with a spoon, leaving a thick shell. As you work, put the flesh in a strainer set over a bowl to collect the juices. Once all of the tomatoes are scooped out, season the insides of the tomatoes with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.

3. Chop the tomato flesh and put in the bowl with the rice. To the bowl, add the mozzarella, ham, 1/2 cup of the grated cheese, the basil, the oregano and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss to combine.

4. Pour reserved tomato juices in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Evenly divide stuffing in tomatoes. Arrange cut-off tomato tops in the baking dish and place a stuffed tomato on each top. Depending on the size of your tomatoes, you may have a little leftover stuffing. If so, roll it into “meatballs” and place in the spaces in the baking dish. Drizzle tomatoes with remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle tops with remaining grated cheese. Bake until tomatoes are soft and juicy and stuffing is browned on top, about 20 to 25 minutes.



The second being these delicious crab cakes. Yum! One of my favorites. But these are absolutely AMAZING!

Crab Cakes

Serves: 8

"These are the crab cakes from the Faidley Seafood counter in Baltimore, the best I have ever had. Under the crisp outer layer of the crab cakes, big chunks of succulent sweet crabmeat were barely held together by condiments and what I later found out were crisp crushed saltine crackers. I managed to work out this fairly close recipe, since Faidley’s would not part with the original one. Rémoulade is a condiment that kept resurfacing on my research trip all over America. It appeared in Baltimore with the crab cakes, in New Orleans with fried artichokes, as a topping for po’ boy sandwiches, and some rendition of it has even turned up as a topping for today’s Big Mac. The closest Italian traditional condiment to the rémoulade is the aglio e olio (aioli—the emulsified rendition of olive oil and garlic which is used on the Ligurian and French coast). The French- sounding name implies some French heritage, but, then, the French played a big role in the founding of America, in particular in the Louisiana Territory."

Ingredients

For the Remoulade
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup chopped dill pickle
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

For the Crab Cakes
1.5 sleeves saltine crackers, enough to make 2 cups when crushed
1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

For the Rémoulade: Whisk together all the ingredients, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The recipe for rémoulade makes extra; it can be used for a variety of dishes, or you could halve that part of the recipe.

For the Crab Cakes: Crush the saltines with a rolling pin (while keeping them in their plastic sleeves). Empty the crumbs through a sieve into a bowl below, shaking to separate the larger crumbs from the fine crumbs. You will need about 1 to 1 1⁄4 cups fine crumbs for dredging the crab cakes. Put the larger crumbs in a large bowl, and add the crab, mayonnaise, mustard, and Old Bay. Mix gently until you can press the mixture together to form balls. Form into eight balls, and place on a parchment- lined baking sheet. (If you have time, refrigerate for 1⁄2 hour to let them set up a bit.)

Heat 1⁄2 inch vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dredge the crab cakes in the fine crumbs, and when oil is hot enough, drop the cakes gently into the skillet. Cook, turning on all sides without squishing or flattening, until the cakes are golden, about 6 to 8 minutes in all. Drain on paper towels, and serve hot with the rémoulade.



I want this cookbook, like nobody's business! There are so many great recipes in it. Oh, maybe if I'm really good, this guy, will buy me the collection of Lidia's cookbooks! :)

We had a delicious meal, the other night. Stuffed tomatoes, crab cakes, and a fresh salad. It was so yummy! And who said that these recipes serve 8? The 2 of us, polished them off, with no problems at all! You definitely need to try them out. ♥

Happy 100th Birthday Lucy!

Today, marks Lucy's 100th Birthday. Can you imagine? Yes, she past away more than 2 decades ago. But she is still a staple. One of my favorite actresses of all time! Yes, I LOVE watching I Love Lucy. There was a time when I'd get up at 3AM, just to watch an hour, of my favorite show!

There is just something about Lucy. And her show. Something iconic. And simple. It's about a time past. A life that was better than ours. A time when things were just better. And who can resists a good laugh?

Oh, how I wish! I wish I could travel to Jamestown today. But in my own way, I'll be celebrating. I found a Marathon of I Love Lucy. And I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my favorite Red Head! Happy Birthday Lucy! ♥

New Girl

New Girl looks like it's going to be so good. Something light and fun. Just what I need in my life. Is anyone else as excited as I am? I don't exactly know what it is, but I'm secretly counting down the days, until it airs. I guess I'm just ready for some laughter. And a little bit of time, to just forget "Real Life." And for me, good TV provides both of those things. ♥

Combat Hospital

Yes, this is quickly becoming one of my favorite TV shows. You know me. I'm a sucker for any kind of medical show. This one is no different! But what I really enjoy about this particular show, is the "inside" look to wartime. Yes, it's a definite "must see" for me! And because I never actually get to see it when it airs, you can watch it here. It's definitely worth a try! ♥

Maria la del Barrio

Maria la del Barrio was a telenovela, that I watched years ago, with my grandma. She was so into it. And because I was there, I got sucked in too! Telenovelas are a mini version, of an American Soap Opera. It's the Latin American version. And they're usually a bit more racy. And a heck of a lot shorter! A telenovela usually runs for a few months. And tells the entire story.



This particular telenovela starred Thalia. You know, the Mexican Megastar! But that was before I knew about Thalia. I was probably only 12 when I watched this. And I really enjoyed it. Honestly, watching telenovelas, made me feel a lot more comfortable with my Spanish.

Anyways, recently I was on eBay. Searching for some Disney cartoons. I HATE how Disney only releases movies for a short time. But that rant is for a whole other post. I was looking for Beauty and the Beast. I'll admit it, it's my favorite.

Somehow, I came across the series Maria la del Barrio. I thought about it. Looked at the price. Wondered if I'd really watch it. Thought about the time my grandma and I spent watching it. And I bought it! I just couldn't help myself. :)

So I've had this guy watching it with me. Although he's not fluent in Spanish, he's been enjoying it. We laugh hysterically at all the silliness. Yes, it's that hilarious! But I do enjoy it. And it brings back so many memories! ♥

Fraggle Rock

I'm going to "date" myself here. But oh well! My Guy and I were talking about this earlier today. Do you remember Fraggle Rock? Ya, I used to watch it all the time! We had talked about it, in passing, last week. But this morning, we were on a mission to find a video. Look at what I found!



That just made me smile. Yes it did! I don't know why. Maybe it just took me back, to when I was a kid. You know, during the crazy 80s. When I wore crazy fluorescent colors, "Hammer pants," and feathered bangs. At least I have the excuse, I was a small child. And I didn't know any better. But the TV, it was good stuff! ♥

Sonny and Brenda's Wedding

The first full day of our "vacation" and what did we do? We both caught up on some TV. Sorta. We brought some electronics with us, to paradise, to do just that! While My Guy was catching up on his favorite show, and some much needed sleep...I was catching up on General Hospital!

Well, sorta. Because I'm still way behind. Like months and months behind. But I did catch up on Sonny and Brenda's wedding. And I've sorta fallen in love, with parts of their wedding. Weird, huh? Well here are some of my favorite pictures...

Did you honestly ever think that Brenda would marry Sonny? Or that Jason would be "giving her away?" I've watched GH since I was in middle school. I never thought this day would come!

I have to say this much, I love the color pallet. Not your usual "Sonny colors." You know what I mean. But I really do like them! So girly, fresh, and unexpected.

The bridesmaids' dresses are really unexpected. But so cute! I do like the style, cut, and color of them. And how cute is the wedding party?

I've noticed these flowers are really becoming popular as of late. I'm not a huge fan of these "Balls of Flowers." But I do like the color combination.

Everything about this wedding is so laid back and easy going. The colors, style, everything. Funny. I always thought that Sonny and Brenda would have some way over the top, and dramatic affair. I know, that comes after the wedding. The whole "blowing up of the car." But everything about this day is so "cool as a cucumber."

And on to the bride's dress. I really like the simplicity. And the addition of "color" to the dress. It really is a gorgeous gown. And this veil, I'm in love! I'm not sure what it is, but it's just fabulous!

The fabric and the way it drapes, just gorgeous! I actually want to find some similar fabric, for a project that I'm working on. No, it's not for a wedding. But honestly, this fabric is just stunning!

Breathtaking! That's all I can say. Every detail is just perfect. And wow, I never thought this day would come on GH. Now if only Brenda had survived...

But seriously,what a happy couple! The flowers were gorgeous. Everything made my heart smile. Is that weird?

Maybe I'm just in the midst of a "Wedding Fever." You know, all my "engaged friends" are nearing their wedding dates. When I put on a silly bridesmaid dress, hold some flowers, and celebrate my friends. Maybe I'm just getting older, and softening up to the idea of "marriage." I'm not sure, but this wedding, it just made me smile! ♥

Lonesome Dove

I know. We're not 80 years old. But as a couple, this is our favorite movie to watch. I was really young when it came out on TV. Lonesome Dove originally aired as a mini-series. I remember it. I've seen it many times. Both on TV, and on DVD.

Tonight, we just stood in. Had a yummy dinner. And are just relaxing. My Guy and I are getting ready to watch Lonesome Dove. Again. For the millionth time. It never gets old. It still makes for fun night. Even if our friends make fun of us.

Do you have any movies that are your "go-tos?" Your favorite movies. Or the movies that you always watch with your significant other. We usually watch this, or catch up on our favorite TV shows. I'm telling you, when we're not working, we're pretty boring. ♥

Halloween Costumes

If you didn't know, Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday! No lie! I'm not sure why, it just is. So what kind of costume have I decided on? Well, My Guy and I decided to do a "Couple Costume" this year. Because we're actually going to have a Halloween Party.

My Guy has to work on Halloween, but we're going to have a party that night. And we're actually pretty excited about it. Because we never do things like this. You know how our life is. We're usually working. Or trying to stay out of the "Public Eye."

So what are we going to dress up like? Jeannie and Major Nelson! Yes, how fun is that going to be? I Dream of Jeannie is actually on of my favorite shows. :)

And they are the cutest little couple!

And I really like this costume. I'm not one for "Showing Skin." Well, other than for work. When I have to. But I have a soft spot for genies. When I was 5 years old, my Mom made me a gorgeous costume. Then between the ages of 10 and 25, I was a genie another 4 times. :) My Mom made all of my costumes!

This is the cutest costume that I could find. And it's not too trashy. Just cute.

And we're going to use this as inspiration. Cole is making our costumes. :)

I'm really excited! This is going to be a fun Halloween.

I'm really excited! I already have the gold high heeled shoes/sandals.

It's funny. Because My Guy is the one that suggested this idea. While I was watching an episode of I Dream of Jeannie.

I think it's going to be a lot of fun! I've never dressed up as a couple. Ever! In Mariachi, the BBs, and the LBs, I've had to dress up. We'd pick a theme. Because we always had to perform on Halloween. So it was like group costume. You know things like The Wizard of Oz or Flappers/Zoot Suit guys.

This year, our gigs are a week earlier. And I'm really excited about that! Because we have Halloween off. I honestly haven't had a Halloween of since I was in High School. Then we'd have a game to cheer at. I just can't wait to get our costumes from Cole. I know they are going to be amazing! ♥

Happy 40th Anniversary!!!

So it is early! Really early for me. I'm getting ready to head to the airport. To head to my hometown, for a 2 day medical conference. It has been an amazing and very tiring 2 weeks. But my work in Sin City is over. For at least a few weeks. To be honest, I haven't slept. And I am trying to get some work done.


But when I turned my computer on and headed over to my favorite place ever, Google, I was reminded of Sesame Street! Today is the 40th Anniversary of Sesame Street. And doesn't Big Bird look good for his age? hehehe

As a kid, I LOVED Sesame Street. It was my show. I watched whenever I could. If you know me personally, you know that wasn't a lot. But it was my favorite show. I could read when I was 3 years old. I could count. I knew my colors and my shapes. And could even talk in spanish. That was me. I would sit and watch Oscar the Grouch like he was the coolest dude around town! :)

I was a PBS kid. Reading Rainbow, Mr. Rogers, and Sesame Street. When I got the chicken pox at age 4, I was devastated. I had to miss Valentine's Day at school. But I had Bert and Ernie. Actually, when I was young, I had stuffed animals of Bert and Ernie too. My big brother had given them to me. I also had this Big Bird that I could make talk. This for the kid, that was born in the early 80s. My favorites though, were my Sesame Street bedding and Christmas ornaments.

After all these years, I am sure that my parents have all these things put away somewhere in their home. Along with my Big Bird bookcase and Sesame Street books. In fact, not long ago, I saw my Sesame Street comforter in the linen closet, at my parents' house. But I have the ornaments. And every year, I put up my set of ornaments on the Christmas tree. It was probably the only thing that I remembered from my childhood when I moved out. It was years before Elmo. We bought them at the Price Club (now Costco.)

Now, I have to admit. It has been a while since I have last watched Sesame Street. But it still lives on. My niece Sandy had her 1st birthday in August. Her party theme was Sesame Street. She loves Elmo. As does my goddaughter, Anahi. Who had a Cookie Monster cake for her 2nd birthday. And all my friends' kids love to watch Sesame Street too!

The last time I saw an episode, Sarita (my goddaughter) and I watched it in spanish. She is 4 years old. But she just lit up. Singing all the songs and dancing away. It is amazing how many people have been positively touched by these characters. My sister who is now 38 years old, was a huge fan too! Sesame Street bridges generations, socioeconomic differences, and racial differences. It doesn't matter if you grew up in the projects or in middle class America, you were somehow touched by Sesame Street.

Here is to another 40 years! And millions and millions more children who are positively influenced by Big Bird and the gang! ♥

Eastwick

Eastwick is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows. It is! The only thing, I never get to see it when it comes out. I usually have to watch it online. At 3AM, between charts and patient visits. But I am really enjoying this show. I never really got into Sex and the City. I was too busy with life at the time. In the last few years, I have slowly watched it in syndication. But I think this show is a mix between Sex and the City and Lipstick Jungle. A show that I really loved! But it unfortunately got the axe too!

There is something about these 3 women that intrigues me. Maybe it is because they are strong characters and hilarious! Or it could be the storyline. Way back when I first lived on my own, I used to watch Port Charles. It was a 30 minute soap, that was about vampires. Loved it! So Eastwick is just that perfect mix of all my favorites. Great story lines, love the sets and costumes, and tons of fun! ♥