Camper

Thanksgiving 2011

 

 

 

Our Thanksgiving is in the books and this triptych pretty much sums it up:

The turkey was demolished before I could take his portrait. It was probably Adam's best turkey yet. He's always in charge of the turkey which is fine with me!

The beautiful flowers were designed by Krista, who has a knack for this. She doesn't like to cook but she loves flowers.

And the pie ... oh, my! It might be The.Best.Pumpkin.Pie.Ever. I tried  a new recipe this year and it is a keeper. I don't like to cook turkey but I do like to make desserts!

But the best part was just hanging out. Together.

Playing Barbie with Campbell.

Playing Whack-a-mole.

Playing Hungry Hungry Hippo.

Watching (too much) football.

How about you? What was the best part of your Thanksgiving holiday?

 

Dotti

I am Corn

I am reading Omnivore's Dilemma.  Adam read it about a year ago and has been after me to read it ever since.  Now that Campbell puts herself to sleep and I have regained some "me time" in the evenings during which I can read, I am finally getting around to getting him off my back.

If you haven't already read this book I will channel Adam and say that you "have to read it. Everyone should be forced to read it."  Michael Pollan's book is a riveting, page-turner of an expose on the American diet and food industry.  A real picture of American largess if ever there was one.

The first thing explored is the amazing role corn plays as the anchor of our food system.  I had no idea how much stuff we make from the massive surpluses of corn generated by outdated and corporately manipulated agriculture policies (more in a future post).  Given that corn is on my mind right now I took a peak at my LeanCousine box while my gourmet lunch was nuking. . . .

Yup, you guessed it corn.  No less than six of the 20 or so ingredients listed on my box were corn.  What was I eating? Pizza.  And not that freaky Mexican pizza that they used to serve in my elementary school cafeteria that had corn on it.  Italian pizza - pizza margherita. 

So, corn? Really? Six forms of corn are needed to make something consisting of dough, tomato sauce, cheese and tomatoes and onions? Actually, I'm guessing based on my reading so far that a seventh ingredient (modified food starch) probably has some form of corn in it since it is denoted by an asterisk that signifies it is "not an ingredient in regular mozzarella cheese."

Crazy . . . I never would have guessed that corn is a bedrock ingredient in pizza. Omnivore is a real eye opener.  We are all corn. 

Holiday Wish List - Last Minute Hints

I know none of these will be under the tree for me this year . . . I agreed to give-up most of my Christmas so Adam could get his camera and my big present from my folks is a new coffee table.  So, this little wish list is more for those of you who may have a few last minute gifts to get . . .

Apparel
Comfy Cozies
I (and all of my female friends) am addicted to pj's.  I have them on within 5 minutes of getting home no matter what time of day it is.  If you stop by my house at any random time you will find me in my pjs.  I am in desperate need of new pjs as mine have gotten quite worn out.  I found these on Red Envelope while wishfully "shopping" for replacements and may just have to treat myself for President's Day . . .

The New Perfect Dress
The little black slip dress has been a staple of mine for ages.  It's perfect for dinner parties, weddings -  you name it.  But I just discovered this dress from J Crew and am IN LOVE.  It can be dressed up or down with the right shoes.  Throw a cardigan over it and wear it to work.  Grab flip flops and wear it to the pool.  It looks amazingly comfy, too!

It's Cold Outside
I love a good, stylish coat.  It's the best thing about cold weather.  Unlike Adam I don't own a million coats though because I can never bring myself to pay for more than one coat at at time.  Unfortunately, my red coat from last winter is still in fabulous condition - if it weren't this Ann Taylor beauty would be this year's buy.

Jewelry
Understated Motherhood
Mommy jewelry is big.  There are those necklaces with the mommy figure hugging the baby figure or the clunky birthstone bracelets.  They may work for some but for me I like the Mommy jewelry that doesn't scream "I am a Mommy!"  Plus, I've wanted a channel band for my right hand for years.  This ring is, to me, a great understated way of symbolizing Campbell with her birthstone but in a way that only says "Mommy" if I choose to explain . . .

Stocking Stuffers
My Mom is huge on stocking stuffers and is always on the hunt for unique stocking stuffer options.

These ornaments are darling - I am a Christmas ornament nut and make a point to buy a new one every year.  If I hadn't already purchased a silver snowflake with Campbell's name on it, this little fellow from Restoration Hardware might be the winner for this year.