Another Election Done

Empire State Building Photo by CNN

Despite a hurricane, fights over voting rights and annoyances over voting procedures, the people have spoken.

I don't mind living in a country with at least two political parties.  It's called a democracy.  And I don't mind living in a pluralistic society.  That's called the 21st century.  With the election over, let's get back to compromise and respecting differences.  As President Obama said, we are not red states and blue states, we are the United States.

We live in hard times, not just here at home, but all over the world.  People need hope, jobs and opportunities to take care of their families.  I know I'm not alone in wanting to see politicians and everyone else work together for our common good.  Why is New Jersey's Governor Christie being attacked for praising the President's quick response to Sandy?  

I was a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. at a time when U.S. Senators from opposing parties fought one another all day to get their bills passed, then socialized with one another after hours.  Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch were from opposing parties and good friends.  Compromise wasn't considered a weakness, but the way to get legislation passed.  It's how our political system is set up to work.  As we begin a new session of Congress, let's aim higher than gridlock, rise above special interests and political parties and solve difficult problems.  There is no shortage of problems to solve!  

In a world that is always changing, where people are multicultural, let's all try to rise above fear and ignorance and a single point of view.  Sometimes life is fair, sometimes not; however a little compassion goes a long way.  Staying informed and working together is the only way to get things done.  

It will be interesting to see what tactics, President Obama comes up with in the next 4 years to force Congress to get more done.  (Hmm?  Lock vexing members in a room?  Sauce inflexible ones up with White House beer?  Take away office heat until resolutions are reached?  Yeah, that's the one!)  Regardless of politcal leanings, critics describe Obama as a smart and measured problem-solver.  Out of adversity there is potential for greatness.  Obviously, for democracy to work our leadership must succeed.

NBC News created this map using the skating rink at Rockefeller Center.  Photo by Bobby Ghosh, snapped the morning after the election, November 7, 2012

You gotta love Florida.  (See map.)  Fortunately, it wasn't decisive in this race.  After a very loooong day of voting, the state has not been called.  Late last night, NBC's Chuck Todd said poll workers had gone home and planned to continue the next day.  (The heck with counting votes!)  Other reports had Floridians still voting during the President's victory speech!  (Time he took the stage: shortly after mid-night.)  Election officials promised to do better next time.

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Holiday Gift Ideas ... Yes, Time To Begin!

Believe it, or not, Christmas is only 7 weeks away, and Hanukkah begins on December 8th this year.  So it's not premature to start thinking about gifts.  Anticipation and early planning will help you sail through the season on a budget.  To avoid the stress of the Christmas rush, prepare early.  Your goal is to make the people on your list happy with a carefully chosen gift that you can afford:

Here are five great gift ideas to consider:

1. Benson & Clegg cufflinks – For the gentlemen in your life, take advantage of a special offer:  Buy two, then get two free enamel cufflinks, made in England and hand finished in a range of elegant designs.  Under $45 a set.

2. Camileon Heels – For women on the go, comfortable shoes with easy-adjustable heels.  A wearer can walk to her destination in kitten heels.  Once she arrives, her 1½ inch heels transform into 3½ inch heels in seconds.  No more carrying an extra pair of flats for walking.  When first on the market, these leather pumps sold for $300.  Now they retail from an affordable $99 - $130 a pair.

3. Interchangeable Peace Sign Band Watch Set –  For family and friends who like to change their watch to suit their moods and outfits.  The watch has a black face and white, easy-to-read numbers.  Its silver rim sparkles with tiny rhinestones. The 4 switchable bands are blue, orange, green and purple.  Very cute.  Costs: $11.95 for the set.

4. Cell Phone Buddies – For anyone who needs a designated place to put his or her cell ... plus a smile.  They are sturdy metal cradles with acrylic hands and feet to resemble little people ready to help.  Three colors: red, blue and orange.  Makes an adorable stocking stuffer.  Costs $4.95 for a set of 3.

5. Nova Mini Portable Speaker by Tego Audio – For music lovers who want to play music from their ipods, smart phones and tablets.  The speaker is small enough to fit in a pocket, but produces a sound loud enough to fill a room.  Very impressive bass sound.  It has a lithium ion battery, which recharges over USB and plays up to 8 hours.  Also plugs into computers.  Costs: $39.99 each, or $99.99 for a 3-pack.

Extra tip: For access to sellers across the country use Amazon as a product reference.  At times, you can get lower prices by ordering there.

Even when we focus on the true meaning of the holidays (which indeed, we should!) there are always several gifts to buy for family and friends.  Try buying fewer, but more thoughtful gifts that the recipent will use.  And be sure to throw in the gift of real time spent together.  This year leave all cell phones in their cradles.

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A Sweet And Haunting Halloween Harmony

Candy corn is probably the most traditional of all Halloween candy ... dating back to the 1880s.  Created by George Renninger in Philadelphia, PA, it was originally mixed and molded by hand.  It was shaped to mimic real kernels of corn, while its tri-color design was revolutionary in 19th century, rural America.  People flocked to buy candy corn, and here we are 130 years later.  Today the Goelitz Confectionery Company is the longest producer of this abiding Halloween treat.

The basic ingredients of candy corn remain the same: sugar, corn syrup, carnauba wax, marshmallow, honey and food coloring.    And as far as spooky treats go, it's not a bad choice.  A single serving, consisting of 22 pieces, has about 150 calories and 0 grams of fat.  But, it's very sweet, so a little goes a long way.  Just remember to brush you teeth soon after eating.

Moreover, what would Halloween be without a lovely, but haunting little ditty?  Down In The Willow Garden is a traditional Appalachian murder ballad.  Historians believe the song comes from various Irish folk songs. Sometimes called Rose Connolly, a version of the song was noted as early as 1811 by the Irish folk music collector, Edward Bunting.  

The rendition featured here is by the Everly Brothers from their gorgeous 1958 album. Every song on that album is a gem.  It's time for the Kennedy Center Honors to recognize the Everly Brothers, while they are still alive and well.  The duo was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, The Country Music Hall Of Fame, as well as, received coveted awards for their songwriting talents.  They also have a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on Hollywood Boulevard.  Hello.  Swe-et Car-o-line, it's high time!  An eerie ballad in ¾ time ... click the arrow to listen and follow along with the lyrics, if you wish: 

Lyrics

Down in the Willow garden

Where me and my love did meet

As we sat a-courtin'

My love fell off to sleep

I had a bottle of Burgundy wine

My love she did not know

So I poisoned that dear little girl

On the banks below

I drew a sabre through her

It was a bloody knife

I threw her in the river

Which was a dreadful sign

My father often told me

That money would set me free

If I would murder that dear little girl

Whose name was Rose Connolly

My father sits at his cabin door

Wiping his tear-dimmed eyes

For his only son soon shall walk

To yonder scaffold high

My race is run, beneath the sun

The scaffold now waits for me

For I did murder that dear little girl

Whose name was Rose Connelly 

Enjoy a safe, frightening and Happy Halloween!

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Add Red Oxblood To Your Closet ... Sounds Spooky!

Dress-Topshop, Pumps-Ann Taylor, Bag-ASOS-Nail Polish-Essie

Oh, but contraire!  Neutral colors are an indispensable part of a wardrobe.  You need a few dresses, skirts or leather basics, such as shoes and purses, in solid understated hues to stretch your trousseau. (Yesss, I'm teasing you with a fancy word, but you get my drift.) A few subdued, main-or-accent pieces will mix and complement other bright and flashy articles to form totally new outfits.

Perhaps it's my skin coloring, but I don't care much for beige.  What you see in my closet is black, navy blue and grey.

And now straight from the fashion runway comes a trendy color to join them.  Oxblood.  Darker than burgundy, oxblood is classic and bold, yet still appears understated and flatters nearly every skin tone.  Neither boring, nor overpowering, an oxblood blazer, or pair of heels look rich and warm.

This brownish-red color is ultra versatile.  Pair it with glitter or earth tones.  Also, red oxblood adds sophistication to busy patterns such as stripes, geometric designs and florals.

In a nutshell, oxblood is posh and down-to-earth ... bewitching and accessible.  You will not find a more perfect yin and yang color for your fall or winter wardrobe.  It is showing up as nail polish and lipstick too.

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Eco-Wise Wool Blankets For A Long Winter's Nap

There is no stopping Old Man Winter.  Like it or not, he's coming.  Having soft, warm blankets, so the whole family can swaddle and snuggle, is a cold weather necessity.  This year Lands' End is teaming up with Pendleton Mills, the celebrated Northwest weaver, to offer quality and comfort for much less than you will pay anywhere else.

At Lands' End, the many choices include cotton, fleece and wool blankets, goose down, or hypoallergenic comforters and Chenille throws.  Like their high-end coats and jackets, the blankets are temperature rated.  Select the perfect blanket -- warm, warmer and warmest -- to suit your needs.

Pendleton has designed blankets for 140 years.  The family-owned business is strongly committed to weaving wool with methods that are environmentally friendly.  Their blankets are 100% virgin wool and machine washable.  Created to last, they retain their softness and color for years to come.  Lots of colors and stripes too! 

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any of the bedding, or bath towels and rugs at Lands' End. Discover plush and durable home essentials at very reasonable prices.  Extra tip: Check LE's website periodically for promotions to save 30% - $40% and receive free shipping.

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Healthy Lentil And Quinoa Soup, Or Is It Stew?

Over the weekend, I got out my crock pot and made a thick, vegetarian lentil and quinoa soup.  Though meatless, this dish packs a powerful nutritional punch.  Lentils are an excellent source of protein, iron, phosphorus, copper, folate, manganese and dietary fiber.  And if that's not enough, quinoa contains all 8 amino acids, making it a complete protein all by itself.  Carrots give you plenty of vitamin A [beta-carotene].  The tomato sauce provides vitamin C.  Mushrooms have a bit of protein, vitamins B6, C, D and minerals, including zinc, folate, potassium, manganese and selenium.  This delicious, one-pot meal is so simple to prepare.  Here's how:

Lentil-Quinoa Soup

 Ingredients:

16 oz (equals 2 cups or one bag) lentils

8 oz mushrooms, thickly sliced [I used white cap mushrooms.]

4 large carrots, sliced

4 celery sticks, sliced (include the leaves)

1 large onion, diced

1 8 oz can no salt tomato sauce

12 cups water

4 large [double] bouillon cubes (or 8 small-single cubes)

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 large bay leaf

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon oregano

12 turns of the black pepper mill

dash of red pepper flakes

dash of paprika

dash of parsley

dash of celery powder

½ teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon rosemary

8 oz (equals 1 cup) quinoa

Directions:

1. Throw all the ingredients, except the quinoa, into a 6 quart slow cooker (or large pot on top of the stove).

2. Cover and bring to a boil.

vegetarian

4. Add the quinoa, and simmer for another half hour.

Because of the salt in the bouillon cubes, you can omit additional salt.  Using dried spices will intensify the flavor.  However, you can use fresh garlic and/or leave out the dried celery if you wish.  

Recently, I stopped buying canned soups.  Not only is homemade less expensive, it's just better in every way!   So hearty and easy to make.  Most soups, including lentil, freeze well.  I divide it up into 16 ounce containers.  One batch makes fast, convenient lunches and dinners later. 

When all the ingredients are tender and blended together, you are ready to eat.  If you like, make a leafy green salad, add slices of crusty bread, and pour your-grown-up-self a glass of red wine.  Bon Appetit!

Lentil soup is popular around the world with every country varying the spice of the same basic recipe.  Here are 5 winning alternatives to try: French lentil soup here, Becky's Italian lentil soup here, German lentil soup here, Indian lentil soup here and Japanese lentil soup here.

This last image is lentil soup I made on another day. Into the pot of 1 pound of lentils I tossed a purple onion, celery, 2 small Jalapeño peppers, a 14 oz bag of frozen spinach, 3 medium potatoes, 3 small carrots, a plum tomato, 2 large chicken bouillons, dried spices and a 12 oz package of turkey franks. The spinach  jazzes up the look and nutrition of the soup ... fancy! See I've become an advanced home cook since 1st publishing this blog!😉

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Who I Am: Pete Townshend

Look who's next on my reading list. ♬♪♪♫

Earlier this week I stood a few inches away from Pete Townshend, who was in town promoting his new book at Barnes and Noble.  Actually, I have Matthew, a long time fan, to thank for my being there.  It turned out to be a fun evening, and Pete had to be pleased to see hundreds of his die hard fans eager to meet him after so many years in the business.  Luckily, we got in.  Many fans didn't. [I have to give a shout out to new friends and fellow fans, Siobhan, Kevin and Kara!]

Now I'm looking forward to starting his book.  I know The Who's music.  Their hits are a part of the soundtrack of our lives, as well as, the theme songs of all the CSI television shows.  (CSI's creator is a big Who fan.)  But, I don't know all that much about Pete Townshend, up close and personal.  I know he is literate, a respected guitarist, the group's second vocalist and its principal songwriter.

Roger Daltrey (lead singer), Pete Townshend (guitarist), Keith Moon (drummer) and behind, John Entwistle (bassist)

However, I don't know much about his English family, musical influences, the dynamics of the band, nor have I heard all of The Who's Rock and Roll antidotes (other than, Pete was permanently banned from all Holiday Inns from coast to coast. Due to Keith Moon's craziness, hotels in New York City wouldn't let the band check-in. They had to lodge outside the city when they played here).  So his autobiography should be a riveting one.  I also like the fact that he waited until the age of 67 to publish it.  Writing about events with a bit of perspective and the wisdom that comes from living a full life makes an interesting read.

At the book signing, we were treated to songs played on his acoustic guitar, which at the end of the set, remained intact.  Pete said the first time he smashed his guitar on stage, it was an accident.  Now in his fifth decade of performing, Pete Townshend is looking and sounding spectacular.  And the man has a great sense of humor.  After signing so many books, I wonder how Pete's hand feels.  I imagine he won't be touching a guitar for several days. ♬♪♪♫

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Your Fall Wardrobe: Shop For Value

Photo by Goop

The arrival of fall presents a good time to take stock of your wardrobe.  Put away your summer shorts and dresses and throw away what is shabby and can't be worn next year.  Now decide if there's anything you lack to get you through the colder seasons.  Perhaps you need a new wool suit, a pair of leather boots, rubber galoshes … or some stylish basics: long sleeve t-shirts, jeans, or new undergarments.  Here are five retailers to help you with your task:

Hirshleifer – This 100 year old family run store is expensive, but they have absolutely beautiful things from Rag and Bone wool blazers and Alaia flannel skirts to Yigal Azrouel zip jersey dresses and Laurence Dacade short suede booties.  This is the place to look when you want to find a few, expertly tailored, classic pieces you will wear for years to come.  Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan.  She has a big budget.  You may settle for one practical, exquisite piece, and what's wrong with that?

Lands' End – Here quality meets unbeatable prices.  Shop for cashmere cardigans, snow boots, waterproof Squall jackets and goose down Chalet winter coats.  Plus, all of their goose down vests and coats can be machine washed and dried, which means no dry cleaning bills.

Uniqlo – They design sleek basics with Japanese technology.  Get premium cotton t-shirts, easy leggings, stretch jeans, feather-light jackets (that keep you warm), innovative Airism tops, undergarments and more.  So much more that I featured Uniqlo in an earlier post.  The Airism tops provide full support, as well as, wick perspiration away.  Perfect to wear for a workout, or under a dress.

FootSmart – A retailer offering comfortable shoes and boots with just right heels, as well as, hard to find sizes and widths, plus custom designed pain relieving tools to treat specific foot problems like hammer toes and plantar fascitis.

Target – It's where to go for sports bras and premium Champion active wear.  Sells for $10 - $17.  Why pay more, when you can get it for less?

With a bit of experience under my belt, I tend to be an under buyer.  But when I need something, I buy it. Always know your budget and stick to it.  Shop for value.  As you can see, value is available at every price point. Be open, resourceful and flexible to find it!

Photo by chuvaness.com of Uniqlo's Airism tops, which also come with sleeves

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Ale To The Chief: The White House Beer Recipe

Photo: White House/Pete Souza 

On a campaign stop, President Barack Obama told an Iowa man his bus was stocked with White House home-brewed beer and offered up a bottle.  This led to a number of questions for White House Spokesman, Jay Carney, about the details of the beer.  It was revealed that the White House chefs have been experimenting with home brewing for a while, using honey from the First Lady's beehives in the recipe.  The White House crafts two versions, a light and dark beer.  (See video.)

Soon a citizen filed a Freedom Of Information Act requesting the recipe, and 25,000 people signed a We The People petition, clamoring for the secrets behind the brew.  When word of the public's interest reached the President, he promised to share the recipe with everyone.  And as it turns out, making a tasty home brew is not too difficult.  So from the White House to you, here is how to do it:

WHITE HOUSE HONEY ALE WHITE HOUSE HONEY PORTER Ingredients 2 (3.3 lb) cans light malt extract 1 lb light dried malt extract 12 oz crushed amber crystal malt 8 oz Biscuit Malt 1 lb White House Honey 1 1/2 oz Kent Goldings Hop Pellets 1 1/2 oz Fuggles Hop pellets 2 tsp gypsum  1 pkg Windsor dry ale yeast 3/4 cup corn sugar for priming Directions 1. In an 12 qt pot, steep the grains in a hop bag in 1 1/2 gallons of sterile water at 155 degrees for half an hour. 2.Remove the grains. 3. Add the 2 cans of the malt extract and the dried extract and bring to a boil. [The water is now called "wart."] 4. For the first flavoring, add the 1 1/2 oz Kent Goldings and 2 tsp of gypsum. Boil for 45 minutes. [Hops gives beer its bitterness, flavor and aroma and keeps certain becteria from spoiling it.] 5. For the second flavoring, add the 1 1/2 oz Fuggles hop pellets at the last minute of the boil. 6. Add the honey and boil for 5 more minutes. 7. Add 2 gallons chilled sterile water into the primary fermenter and add the hot wort into it. Top with more water to total 5 gallons. There is no need to strain. 8. Pitch yeast when wort temperature is between 70-80˚. 9. Fill airlock halfway with water. 10. Ferment at 68-72˚ for about seven days. 11. Rack to a secondary fermenter after five days and ferment for 14 more days. 12. To bottle, dissolve the corn sugar into 2 pints of boiling water for 15 minutes.  Pour the mixture into an empty bottling bucket. Siphon the beer from the fermenter over it.  14. Distribute priming sugar evenly.  Siphon into bottles and cap. Let sit for 2 to 3 weeks at 75˚. The green is hops. Ingredients 2 (3.3 lb) cans light unhopped malt extract 3/4 lb Munich Malt (cracked) 1 lb crystal 20 malt (cracked) 6 oz black malt (cracked) 3 oz chocolate malt (cracked) 1 lb White House Honey 10 HBUs bittering hops 1/2 oz Hallertaur Aroma hops 1 pkg Nottingham dry yeast 3/4 cup corn sugar for bottling Directions 1. In a 6 qt pot, add grains to 2.25 qts of 168˚ water. 2. Mix well to bring temp down to 155˚. Steep on stovetop at 155˚ for 45 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, bring 2 gallons of water to 165˚ in a 12 qt pot. 4. Place strainer over, then pour and spoon all the grains and liquid in. 5. Rinse with 2 gallons of 165˚ water. 6. Let liquid drain through. 7 Discard the grains and bring the liquid to a boil. Set aside. 8. Add the 2 cans of malt extract and honey into the pot. Stir well. 9. Boil for an hour. 10. Add half of the bittering hops at the 15 minute mark, the other half at 30 minute mark, then the aroma hops at the 60 minute mark.  Set aside and let stand for 15 minutes. 11. Place 2 gallons of chilled water into the primary fermenter and add the hot wort into it. Top with more water to total 5 gallons if necessary. Place into an ice bath to cool down to 70-80˚. 12. Activate dry yeast in 1 cup of sterilized water at 75-90˚ for fifteen minutes. Pitch yeast into the fermenter. Fill airlock halfway with water. Ferment at room temp (64-68˚) for 3-4 days. 13. Siphon over to a secondary glass fermenter for another 4-7 days. 14. To bottle, make a priming syrup on the stove with 1 cup sterile water and 3/4 cup priming sugar, bring to a boil for five minutes. Pour the mixture into an empty bottling bucket. Siphon the beer from the fermenter over it. Distribute priming sugar evenly. Siphon into bottles and cap. Let sit for 1-2 weeks at 75˚.

Unlike the home distilling of hard liquor, or moonshine, which is still a felony, states allow you to brew your own beer.  You can buy a home brewing kit at your local spirits store.  Sometimes what begins as a hobby leads to a regional business.  Here are some delicious local brews to try:

1. San Franscisco Brewcraft

2. Oak Barrell Winecraft

3. Almanac Beer Co.

4. Hardy Park Craft Brewery

5. Goose Island Sofie

6. Sweetwater 420 Extra Pale Ale

If you have a favorite local beer, please add it under comments.  Me: I love Canadian (Moosehead) and Belgian (Blue Moon) beers too and hear there are excellent local Asian (Japanese and Indian) beers; and of course, I'm dying to try a White House Honey Ale.  So Mr. President, the next time you're in town on your campaign bus, pleassse stop by.

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