The Getty and Gardening

A few weeks ago, my honey and I went to Los Angeles for a long weekend.  We had such a great time.  It all came about because I got us tickets to go to a taping of The Price is Right!!  Then I found airline tickets from Houston to LA for $200 each.  So, only my husband getting off work was standing in our way...  I called him, and he said he could get off work! 

So the planning began!!  :)

This is my husband and me pretending to win a car for the photographers at The Price is Right....  This was the closest we got to getting on stage :)  It was SO much fun to be in the audience, even if we didn't get to "Come on Down!!"  Drew Carey and the whole crew were really funny. 

We had a great time, and may try again some day.

 

The Getty Center

My husband grew up in Woodland Hills, CA (a burb of LA). It was great because he can drive there easily (in the craziness).

We went everywhere!!!

Today I am going to tell you about going to The Getty Center on the first day were were there. Luckily, my husband loves museums as much as I do, so the day was extra delightful!

The grounds and buildings are fabulous! And, it is all free!!!

 (Except for parking....).

Lots of buildings and lots of beautiful flowers blooming.  The day was fabulous and the weather perfect!

A view from The Getty - looking towards downtown LA.

I took an Art Apreciation course while having fun taking classes at the local community college when my daughter started kindergarten.  I LOVED it.  (I took many, many classes for fun, and plan to start back this fall - just pick a class, something I know nothing about - just to learn and be in the

college environment).  Because of that fun class, I love Art - all kinds!!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures that I took inside that turned actually out.  You couldn't use flash, and lots and lots of people were there...

 

Rembrant - "An Old Man in Military Costume"

Picasso - "Picador Smoking and Woman"

Monet - "Still Life with Flowers and Fruit"

 

Renoir - "La Promenade" - I LOVE Renoir....so lovely, just like a sigh...

 

Van Gogh - "Irises" - Can't believe I got to see a van Gogh!!!

Khnopff - "Portrait of Jeanne Kefer" - Isn't this little girl precious!!!  I love this one...

In addition to the beautiful art, the gounds were outstanding.  We walked around enjoying the beautiful day, with hundreds of other people.  So delightful!  So thankful my honey suggested we go to The Getty!!

 

 

Loved the succulents there - tons of them in beautiful pots.

March in My Garden

I have had several setbacks regarding my garden so far this year...  I planted on or near February 14 (usually the good luck start date here to get ahead of the hot, hot summer in the North Houston area).  Well, we had several freezing days since then :(

I have lost all but one of my tomato plants, all green beans, and my potatoes, that had just started coming up, were frozen back to dark green globs...

However, all the "cold" plants are thriving!!  Cabbage, Swiss chard, carrots, Brussel sprouts, lettuces.

Aren't the cabbages lovely?  I need to get busying finding recipes, and enjoying them at their peak!

 

 

Purple cabbage, carrots and lettuce

 

After the potaotes froze back, I didn't know exactly what to do... So, I waited...  The potatoes seem to be recovering from their near death experience (a.k.a. the day it was Icy in North Houston...).

River Birches covered with ice!!!  This doesn't happen here!!!

The Meyer Lemon tree that froze...  Hopefully it makes lemons this year....

I hope that your March is going well!!  I am ready for Spring!!

~ Joeby

Cooking School and Valentine's

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a class at the Viking Cooking School inside Hubble & Hudson Market in The Woodlands.  My husband had gotten me the class as a Christmas gift :)  It was a Macaron and Whoopie Pie class.  It was soooo much fun!!! 

The group I was in made Chocolate Macarons - they were delicious!!

This shows them already mixed and on the parchment

(dusted with cocoa) prior to baking.

It was a rainy, and very humid day in The Woodlands...  Humidity and Macroons do not get along very well....

All of the Macarons were almond flavored cookies, and then we added food color paste to make them pretty colors.  The fillings were what made each of the five kinds we made unique.

A view of the class - all super nice people. I think only a couple of people came together.  Everyone else met for the first time at the cooking school!  My favorite way to meet new people :)

A view down into Hubble & Hudson from the 2nd floor cooking school.

Our baked cookies!  We let them cool and then "peel" them off the parchment to fill and sandwich together to make Macaron.  They puffed up pretty well.  Had it not been so humid, they would have risen more.

The instructor made the purple ones to show us how.  I got to fill some of them with the most incredible raspberry/blackberry butter cream.  It was the BEST thing there!!  I promise, I could have eaten all the left over icing....

All completed!  A lot of work, for just a few cookies...  But, you really don't want to eat many since they are so decadent!!

Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Cream filling! 

They were good, but not as good as the Macarons :)

My plate of goodies that I got to bring home!!  Such pretty colors!!

I am so thankful to have such a thoughtful husband who got the cooking class for me for Christmas! 

 

I am especially thankful since Hubble & Hudson and the Viking Cooking School, on the Waterway in The Woodlands, are closing in the next couple of months.  I am sad the store is closing.  It has such cute things.  And, sad that an independent store is closing.  They are keeping their fabulous Bistro and will continue to have their prepared items to purchase.  There is also a Hubble & Hudson on Research Forest in The Woodlands and that one is remaining open.  They have a great salad bar and soups to purchase.  The Carrot and Ginger soup is really delicious.  I have just discovered it, and have had it several times already :)

 

Valentine's Wreath

I saw a cute wreath on Pinterest recently.  It was an item for sale on Etsy.  It had already sold, but they had similar ones for sale.  It was slightly expensive...  And, I really like to make my wreaths.  Plus, I try very hard to not copy-cat items I see.  I had rather draw inspiration from items - making the things I create my own.   I didn't pin the wreath, and then couldn't find it again...gotta pin those things you see, because you can't find them again!!  So, based on a fleeting picture I saw on Pinterest, I made this Heart Wreath.

While watching the first day of the Olympics, I sewed this heart by hand :)

I found a piece of gingham material and freehand cut out the heart (2 of them).  Then sewed them together by hand and stuffed them with polyfill.  You can tell it isn't perfect.  But, that is ok with me.  I am not a factory...

I purchased the green wreath form from JoAnn's.  I thought I would make an Easter wreath, but found this use for it instead!  The white sprigs were on a different wreath.  It was on my front door and falling apart.  So, I helped it along by pulling the sprigs off.  I used some twine and secured them to the wreath form. By not gluing the sprigs, I can take them off easily when I want to repurpose the wreath form.

The finished product!  I love it :)

 

I hope that your day is going well!  I am anxious to get in my garden!  The usual spring planting day here in the North Houston area is 2/14 (Valentine's Day).  It has been really cold here this summer and was below freezing this morning.  But, it is supposed to be 73 here tomorrow!  I really need to get to a nursery and get some tomato plants and seed potatoes.  I am going to get out in my garden tomorrow and see what I can plant.  I will post pictures!

 

Make it a good one!

~ Joeby

January Happenings

January is slipping by....

I can't believe that January will soon be a memory.

I have had 2 stomach bugs, and an ear infection so far this year.  Saying goodbye to January will not be a problem for me..

Pintrest Happiness

I have been cooking and making crafty items from Pinterest lately.  I must say, I am addicted to Pinterest!  I found this delicious salad posted by The Pioneer Woman. I love Pioneer Woman.... She is fabulous!!  I have been following her blog for years...  And, a few years ago, my husband took me to Houston to a book signing.  We waited in line for hours!  But, I got my cookbook signed, and she gave me a t-shirt!  How cool is that??  I have bought all of her cookbooks published since then as well as the childrens books, and the novel she has written :)  All are fabulous.  I have never tried a recipe from her cookbooks, or her website that wasn't fabulous!



All the ingredients - ready for chopping!  Lots and lots of chopping....  but, worth it!

Look at all the pretty ingredients!!  A food rainbow :)

Asian Noodle Salad - look under my "Salad" board on Pinterest for the link.

My husband also grilled some chicken kabobs with peppers, and tomatoes - just delicious!

 

Pantry Cleaning

I cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned the pantry.  It was a mess.  But now it is nice and neat. I love my organized and clean pantry.  Trying to click off those New Year's Resolutions.  Organization is one of my keys to happiness, and have sorely neglected that part of me these last few years.  This year , however, I am determined to be organized!  Happy to start with the pantry :)

 

Snow in Texas

 

It has snowed in the North Houston area!!! Well, it is actually sleet...but I'm counting it! Can you see it on the purple cabbage leaves?

As long as it doesn't hurt my cabbages, I'm ok with it.  It is supposed to be 27 degrees tonight, and 77 on Saturday!  That's south Texas for you!

 

I hope everyone is happy and warm this evening!

~ Joeby

 

 

 

 

Merry Little Christmas

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  ~ Luke 2 :8-14

 

Merry Christmas!

 

I hope that your Christmas is full of

love and happiness.

~ Joeby

Winter Time

Short Days

Warm Attires

Crackling Fires

Low Lights

Early Nights

Love & Care

Crisp Air

Snowy Hopes

Winter Time

 

It is hard to believe that it is only 3 days until Christmas!!  I love the days leading up until Christmas.  We have several traditions.  A couple of my favorites are riding around to look at Christmas lights in our pajamas, and eating popcorn in the car.  I also love making home made candy to give to friends.  I have been busy making candy in the last couple of days.

Fantastic Fudge, Cookies & Cream Fudge,

and Pecan Pie Balls

The Pecan Pie Balls are a new addition to the candy making day (I found the recipe on Pinterest, and it is fabulous).  I have been making the Fantastic Fudge since I was a teenager!! 

Fantastic Fudge

4 cups sugar

1 (13 oz) can evaporated milk

1 cup butter

2 cups marshmallow cream

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

 

Butter sides of a heavy 3-quart saucepan.  Add sugar, milk, and butter.  Cook over medium heat to a soft ball (236º on a candy thermometer) stirring constantly.  Remove from heat; add chocolate chips, marshmallow cream vanilla and nuts.  Beat until chocolate melts.  Pour into a buttered 13 x 9 inch pan.  Score while warm.  Cut when cool and firm.

 

Savory French Toast

I was at the doctor a couple of weeks ago and ran across a recipe in the magazine in the waiting room.  I was there a good while, had little to no cell phone reception, so I looked at a germy magazine while waiting.  I usually do not touch the magazines, because, I mean, you are in a doctor's office, so people are sick there....  But, I looked.  And, found this great looking recipe.  I unfortunately do not remember which magazine it came from.  I also had to "invent" the recipe.  I should have taken a picture of the recipe with my phone, but didn't do that either.  But, this recipe came out great, so all is well :)



I made this for dinner a couple of Sunday's ago.  My husband and daughter LOVED it, and so did I.  I made extra so my husband could have it for breakfast or lunch at work the next day.  We love having "breakfast" for dinner at our house.  We do this most Sundays, and really enjoy looking for new recipes to try.  This one is a keeper. 

I am thinking about making this recipe and a sweet French toast, as well, for Christmas morning.  We will see.  I will have to take a survey from my family and see what happens. 

 

Joeby's Savory French Toast

Serves 4

8 Slices of bacon (or more if you're like me and nibble while cooking...)

1/2 onion chopped

10 cups fresh baby spinach

salt and pepper to taste

3-4 eggs (3 if large, 4 if medium)

1 cup milk (or 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup cream)

1/2 cup freshly grated nice-quality parmesan cheese (go ahead and get the good stuff)

4 (1-inch) slices of challah bread or sweet rolls (such as Hawaiian rolls)

1 Tablespoon butter

 

Fry bacon in nonstick skillet unil nice and brown.  Remove from skillet, and pour off all but 1-2 tablespoons bacon grease.  Add onions and saute until nice and soft and a little browned.  Add spinach to the skillet, add 1 tablespoon water.  Cook spinach with onions until the spinach wilts.  Salt and pepper to taste. (you may not need salt since you are using bacon grease).  Remove spinach from skillet and keep warm alongside the bacon (I usually put my items to keep warm in the microwave).

Whisk eggs and milk (cream) then add parmesan and mix.  Pour milk mixture over bread slices and soak about 1 minute on each side.  (If there is extra milk mixture when you are done, go ahead and soak extra bread for a quick lunch or breakfast the next day).

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in skillet. Fry the bread until golden on each side. 

To plate - put one slice of bread on each plate and top with 1/4 of the spinach-onion saute, and 2 slices of bacon!  It is very...very good!!!

Christmas Around the House

 I usually force paperwhites each year.  I love the smell and the tradition of doing something

from year to year. 

Lovely red amarillis this year!!

 

I hope that the days leading up to Christmas have been pleasant for you.  My husband, daughter and I attended the Houston Symphony Handel's Messiah performance last evening.  It was lovely.  We ate at a fabulous Italian restaurant - Nino's - on W. Dallas in Houston before the performance last night. Highly recommend it :)

I hope you have a great evening!

~ Joeby

December 20

"Christmas is not a time nor

A season, but a state of

Mind.  To cherish peace and

Goodwill, to be plenteous in

Mercy, is to have the real

Spirit of Christmas."

~ Calvin Coolidge

I can't believe today is December 20th...and it is almost over, at that!

December has flown by for me.

I have been crafting and cooking around my house pretty busily this past week.  Today, I made a coconut pound cake.  It is a great recipe.  I got it years and years ago.  About 25 years ago or so, I believe.   I wish I could remember who the recipe originated from....but, I do not. 

Delicious Coconut Pound Cake

The cake is incredibly moist and delicious!  I love coconut, and this is very coconut-y and fabulous.

Coconut Pound Cake

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

4 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

½ tsp. baking soda

3 cups flour

½ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

1 Tbs. coconut flavoring

1 cup pecans

1 cup coconut

Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs (one at a time).  Mix soda in buttermilk.  Mix all other dry ingredients together and mix alternately with buttermilk mixture to butter mixture.  Mix well.  Add flavoring, nuts and coconut.  Bake in greased and floured tube pan for 1 hour and 20 minutes at 350°.  About 10 minutes before cake is done, mix 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, 4 Tbs. butter and 1 tsp. vanilla.  Cook for 5 minutes.  When cake is done, punch full of holes (I use a wire skewer).  Slowly pour sauce over cake (this takes a while).  Continue until all sauce is used (this may seem like a lot, but the cake is well worth it).  Let cake set in pan over night.  Next morning, run a knife around the sides of cake and around tube in middle and remove from pan.

 

Crafting

I need 10 little gifts for a party that I am attending tomorrow.  It is my card making club.  We are playing a dice game that involves the rules similar to dirty Santa, were you can steal from each other :)  Well, we have a $2 limit on each gift, so I decided to be creative and make most of mine.  I decided to make these little picture frame pin cushions.  I think they are very cute.  I am keeping the purple one, and taking the orange for one of my gifts.

 

I also made this little nativity from some supplies that I already had.  I think it is precious!!  I have enough materials to make myself one.  So, I will be adding to my nativity collection this year after all :)

 

I also made this coaster from wool scraps and an IKEA cork coaster.  I love how it turned out.  I am planning on making myself one :)

 

I hope that your Christmas plans are coming along well.  I have made several other things and plan to share some more recipes tomorrow if I have a chance.

I hope that the Spirit of Christmas is filling you with Peace and Goodwill towards yourself and others.

~ Joeby

 

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Ev'rywhere you go;
Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again

With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.

 

I can't believe that it is so close to Christmas!

I am VERY behind...

We had a death in our family over Thanksgiving, my sweet father, and I am having a hard time getting into the spirit of Christmas...

My husband, daughter, and I started our decorating this past Saturday.  I am determined to be filled with the Christmas Spirit soon...

 

Winter Gardening

 My garden is coming along.  It has been really cold (for the North Houston area) this past week, and several of my more tender vegetables have died (green beans, eggplant, and tomatoes).

 

The cold-hearty Swiss chard is looking fabulous!  The colors are fantastic, and adds happiness to my garden.

 

Big pot of lettuce!  I love these little greens.  I snip off a salad with sissors, and the lettuce regrows!!  It is fabulous!  Mixed greens.

 

I brought in some lettuce (the larger leaves are romaine) to have for dinner the other night.

The lemon tree only had 2 lemons on it this year....It had over 500 last year!!! 

 

Raw Brussel Sprout Salad

 

Shaved raw brussel sprouts (very thinly sliced - I used a mandoline).

 

I got this recipe from my good friend, Paula.  She had it at a resturant in Houston (and even took me there :), and then found the recipe.  I pretty much keep this in my refrigerator to nibble on at all times...

 Finished salad - ready to eat!!!

 

Raw Brussel Sprout Salad

1 pound of shaved brussel sprouts

1/2 - 1 cup of toasted walnuts (chopped finely)

1/4-1/2 cup grated parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese

2-3 Tablespoons olive oil

1 lemon - juiced (can add a touch of grated zest, too)

salt and pepper to taste

Mix together and refrigerate an hour before eating.

(I used more nuts and cheese than the original recipe - and those amounts are listed above - feel free to play to suit you tastes).

 

Decorating for Christmas

 

It is beginning to look like Christmas around here!!!  I love all of our decorations, and really love to add to the collection each year.

 

Darling Texas Nativity made by a friend - love it!!!

My trees!  I collect bottle brush trees, and love to mix and match with other trees. 

Pretty bird ornament from my wildlife tree that I have in the dining room.

Sweet hand made bird house ornament that we got in Juneau, Alaska in September.

I collect nativities.  (After blogging, I realize that I collect many things...hmmm). 

This little nativity is only about 2 1/2 inches tall :)

Beautiful snowflake ornament (from Pottery Barn - a few years ago).

 

I am sitting here watching Monday Night Football with my husband, but I have watched several Christmas shows today.  I love Christmas shows, and have a nice collection of Christmas movies.  I think my favorite is "The Homecoming" the first Walton's movie that the series originated from.  Poor Gramps (my husband's father - who lives with us), has had to watch it like 3 times in the last couple of weeks :)

Where ever you are, what ever your circumstances, I hope that you are beginning to get in the Christmas Spirt like me.  I know the sweetness and goodness of the Christmas Spirit can bring us happiness regardless of your personal beliefs, troubles or griefs.  May goodness touch your lives this day!

~ Joeby