Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now -- Part 25

It has been some time since I wrote a Four Faves post -- see the most recent one here: http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/search/label/Four%20Faves -- but the people who read this blog before (literally 3 of you), have asked me to do this again.  Your wish is my command, loyal readers!

Four Faves, reboot style:

1.  I've probably admitted my addiction before, but Garrett's Cheese Popcorn is my kryptonite.  I'm drawn to it like a bee to a flower, like a fly to honey, like e coli to raw room temperature shrimp.  I get their emails and usually, I delete without reading because it's dangerous, but about two weeks ago they had a special on for National Cheese Day and I couldn't resist.  I ordered one can of cheese and one can of Garrett's mix (caramel and cheese mixed) and, well, you can see what happened within a week.  The cheese is long gone and the mix is hidden in my closet to leave the premises soon.  A pox on you, Garrett's!

2.  I watch a lot of reality TV and am an expert in all things Bravo.  Note photo of me with the Bravo guru Andy Cohen and my niece at this year's Chick Lit Luncheon benefitting Community Partners of Dallas.  Such a nice guy!

But my current addiction is 90 Day Fiance on TLC.  I have a friend who also watches and some nights we are keeping the texts ON FIRE as we comment back and forth.  And the franchise doesn't stop there -- They now have a show called Pillow Talk where former and current cast members lie in bed and comment on the evening's episode.  It is hilarious.  Well worth several hours of your time a week -- and yes, you read me right, SEVERAL HOURS...

3.  I ordered this Jin Soon Nail Polish on Amazon after seeing a recommendation somewhere.  I do my own fingernails and am always trying to find one that stays on better.  Light colored nail polish is my favorite (because I can't see the chips and imperfections as much), so I ordered away and hoped the polish would look good.  It does and the best part is it dries SUPER quickly.  I do the bottom coat, 2 coats of color, and a top coat, and I'm not kidding, it seems to be pretty dry in about 10 minutes.  My old polish (Chanel, Essie or OPI) would crease even after hours of drying.  This stuff is a winner!

4.  Traders Joe's Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend is the BOMB.  I was late to the game, but my friend Cynthia told me about using it on avocado toast and it is a revelation.  I've tried it on baked potatoes, mac and cheese -- it would be good on anything.  Don't walk, run to the store and make yourself avocado toast and put an over easy egg atop it tomorrow.  Sprinkle away.  YUM.

What are your faves?

P.S.  I do not know why I cannot get these photos to right themselves.  Enjoy the neck stretch...

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 19

I cannot believe that it's been this long since I've done a four faves post -- the most recent one was in July.  Check it out here http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2014/07/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html and follow the links each time to see the rest if you are new to my blog.  I often find new favorites, but I pretty much never turn against an old one -- just like friends, I dance with the ones that "brung" me (or least the ones who flung me around the dance floor at Dick Chaplin).

Anyway, it's Halloween, so enjoy it and the faves today:

1. I LOVE my personalized cups from Paper Affair -- and since they are on the Partners Card (a fundraiser for The Family Place -- a fantastic cause), you can get 20% off if you buy them this weekend using your Partners Card.  My set before this were orange and had a chevron pattern, but I've long been a fan of a polka dot too. 
   
2. What a gift it is to drive up to my office building and see the wonderful Meadows Foundation staff planting pansy after pansy in our flower beds!  Community Partners of Dallas is truly blessed to have been given this building for the past 6 years.  Four more to go, so plan to hear from us soon about our future building to come #CapitalCampaignStarts2015  #Yikes!  #Win4TheKids! 
   
3. My latest breakfast is the easiest thing ever and I love it!  Enjoy my receipe for Paige's Bit of Canadian Bacon with Parmesan:  First, put your skillet on medium heat and put just a tiny bit of butter in it.  Let the butter melt and then put 1 piece of Canadian bacon on top of the melted butter and let it cook a couple of minutes.  Turn and cook a couple of minutes more.  You should see a bit of grill marking, but doesn't matter -- you're just trying to heat it.  Turn it back over, turn off heat and sprinkle a pinch of shredded parm over the top and just let it sit on the stove another minute.  Remove and add black pepper.  Enjoy with a slice of apple on the side.  Probably only about 50 calories and keeps me filled until lunch.
   
   
4. Holiday decorating is what separates us from the animals and I like to prove I'm human every single holiday of the year!  Halloween is second only to Christmas at my house.  Here's my dining table.  Love! 
   
   

What are your four faves?

6 People I Like

I agreed to give a speech next week about a topic with which I'm not familiar (don't ask), so even though I've known about this speech for more than a year, I'm on a deadline to write it NOW.

So, a quick list of people I like, in no particular order:

1. Mo'Ne Davis
2. Jenna Bush Hager
3. The Kardashians (and Lord Disick)
4. Mike Rawlings
5. Brene Brown

And YOU.

Thanks for reading and prayers for the speechwriting, please -- Paige

P.S.  Gotta add Joan Rivers.  RIP.

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 17

Yep, it's that time again -- Four Faves.

I don't really keep count of what I ever write about on this blog, nor how often I do a favorites post, but it does seem to be monthly lately. 

I'm glad because I really, really love passing out advice, so I love writing about this stuff.  Sometimes I think I like to write one of these posts best because it is easier than one of my regular posts, but that's not really it.  Sometimes I think I like writing them when I'm not feeling quite my usual happy self, but that's not it either. 

I think I just enjoy talking about things I like.  I think we all do. 

Last year Joanna told the person who got me as their Secret Santa recipient at Community Partners of Dallas that I was easy because everyone already knows what I like (and don't like, but that's a different blog post altogether!).  My Secret Santa Lauren did a fantastic job, so there are some benefits to letting people know what you like, people. 

As an aside to the ladies -- tell your husband what you want him to get you as a gift.  He just wants you to be happy -- don't make him guess!

NOTE:  I know you think that he should know what you want if he loves you.  He doesn't.  See italicized line above.

NOTE TO NOTE:  Yes, I know I've never been married, so why take advice from me?  Because I'm right.

On to the Four Faves -- if you missed the last one, visit it here:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2014/05/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html

1. I am the biggest fan of Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa.  Her cookbooks are the best and I have never made a single thing from any of them that I didn't like.  I usually don't have them all lined up like this because there is always one open near the stove!
   
2. I didn't even know why I wanted a cuckoo clock, but I just always wanted one.  The other night I thought -- wonder if they have them on Amazon?  Of course they do and now this one is mine.  I love it and when I bought it I called my mom to tell her and she said we had one when I was about 3 years old.  So glad to have it and this one has a light sensor so at night you don't hear it.  LOVE!
   
3. Summer always has me thinking about camp -- about to write the Hicks girls a note to Mystic in a minute -- so of course camp makes me think about s'mores, which makes me think about these tasty morsels of goodness -- LU Petit EcolierDark Chocolate European Biscuits.  Pick some up today and buy the dark chocolate.  I prefer milk chocolate normally in all other things, but these are best in dark.  Trust me.
    
   
4. Ah, Netflix on my I-Pad.  What else can I say?  I love being able to walk around the house and watch it wherever I happen to light.  The simple joys of life.
   

What are your four faves?

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 16

Gosh, I'm really thinking a lot about food lately.  Now, you guys who know me know that this is NOT AT ALL unusual, but I'm REALLY thinking about it lately.

I don't know if it's that summer is coming and watermelon will be again a good part of my life, or maybe it has something to do with the 5 to 8 pounds I've gained lately (amount gained depends on the day, people), but no matter what, food is on my mind.  So for this month's Four Favs, I'm pretty much all food all the time.

NOTE:  In case you missed my most recent Four Favs post, visit it here:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2014/04/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html

Fav Number One:

Since I mentioned the weight gain (I attribute that to the Garrett's Popcorn I ordered for Spring Break), I decided to get healthier (and hopefully lose a few, but no progress yet -- probably something to do with number 2 and 3 below) and try something new for breakfast.  My friend and favorite food blogger Katie Mears (Her blog is http://isthereanywineleft.com/) mentioned something about loving green smoothies, but did not give a recipe yet, so I made one up on my own (with the help of the Internet, of course).  Here it is and I love it:

 

First, Take a handful of spinach and a small handful of kale and put in your blender with 3/4 cup of water.  Blend it on low for a minute just to breakdown the greens.

 

 

Next, add one small frozen banana (I buy fresh and cut into disks, then put in a small zip-lock and freeze), 4 pieces of frozen pineapple and 4 pieces of frozen mango.

 

 

Add a big dash of cinnamon, then blend on the smoothie setting.  Be sure you hold the top on because I've already endured one green smoothie explosion.  I usually do about half of another smoothie setting blend, then pour it into a glass.  Since I take mine to work, I like a disposable one, but if I'm out of them, I use a Tervis Tumbler, then bring it home that night and wash it.

 

 

After you pour it into your container, add one tablespoon of Chia Seeds and stir them in.  This is what fills you up until lunch.  The other thing that I love about this is that if I don't eat another stinkin' fruit or vegetable all day, I've had five of the things.

 

Okay -- now for the fattening stuff...

 

Fav Number Two:

 

My second fav is cookies from The Great One Cookie Company.  They are located over by Javier's (another of my fav places to eat) and everyone at our office is obsessed.  Ann likes lemon, Joanna likes chocolate cherry, Annie likes pecan chocolate chip, Lauren likes plain chocolate chip, and the rest just like it all.  These really are worth the effort and the calories.  You may be thinking, why doesn't Paige show us these fabulous specimens?  It's because if I open the box we will not have enough for the staff pooch party this afternoon.  What is a staff pooch party, you ask?  Don't ask.

 

 

Fav Number Three:

 

The Party Mix from City Cafe to Go is amaze-balls.  It is spicy and delicious, especially after you've had too much sweet stuff and need something salty.  It is not cheap, but I'm addicted.

Fav Number Four:

 

The fourth fav is unrelated to food.  It's reading.  I just read The Little Way of Ruthie Leming and while I didn't love it, it moved me to tears over and over again.  But really just the joy of reading anything is my fourth fav.  So glad that I have the ability and grew up around readers.  Reading brings so much joy to my life.

 

What are your four favs?









Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 15

I just had to write a Four Favs post this week because I found something new that I'm in love with -- and that's all it takes.  I love to share my new (and old) favorite things, so getting to write about them periodically is so much fun. 

Hope you'll both enjoy and share these ideas and let me know what you thought.  I know that a bunch of people bought my North Face jacket after the last one (visit it by clicking here:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2014/02/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html ), but I never heard back if they liked them -- gosh, I hope so.

If not, they're wrong.

Anyway, on to FF #15...

1. How could I possibly write a post during the week of Community Partners of Dallas' Chick Lit Luncheon without giving you my favorite book by our author Julia Reed?  Her latest memoir is called But Mama Always Put Vodka in Her Sangria -- it is hilarious, chock-full of recipes, and fun -- if you are missing the luncheon Friday, you're going to miss a great one.  Read this book!
   
   
   
   
2. My neighbor and her friends were all raving about Deep Eddy Ruby Red Grapefruit Flavored Vodka the other night.  When she brought me an airplane sized bottle, I knew I was hooked and jumped over to PK's last night to stock up.  All you need is ice, club soda, a lime wedge (I use 1/4 lime for each drink), and this delicious stuff and you are in refreshment nirvana.  PK's also carries the cranberry flavored one, so I bought it too.  Texas vodka -- it's what to drink!
   
   
3. I absolutely love my Happiness Pots from Wisteria http://www.wisteria.com/Happiness-Pots-Set-of-3/productinfo/W1812/-- you can see them behind the vodka in the photo.  The tall one is HUGE and the three together really make a statement.  I bought a bunch of the small ones to hold orchids to decorate my birthday luncheon last year and they are now living in my den.  They are not cheap, but wow.
4. It's an oldie but a goodie, but I just about inhaled my Chicken Lettuce Wraps from Pei Wei at lunch yesterday.  The only thing wrong with it is who needs lettuce to healthy it up?  Wish I had some left over for today.

What are your new favs?

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 14

It's been quite some time since I last wrote a four favs post, but today seems like a good day for a new one.  If you've missed the previous posts, here's a link for the most recent one:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2013/11/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html

Aren't we all sick of the POLAR VORTEX?

I certainly am -- and normally I love cold weather.  I have always said that I look better with clothes on, so fall and winter are my friends.  However, enough is enough with the threat of ice every day.

NOTE:  I really do mean that the threat of ice is what is pissing me off.  Can I get an AMEN from every boss in town?

Anyway, I decided to focus this Four Favs around the cold weather.  Here you go...

• My new jacket from The North Face -- I ordered this after my sister-in-law explained to me that it was super thin, but super warm.  It is!  Of course, I also saw it on The Today Show and they showed how you can roll it up into a ball to make a small pillow...  They have lots of colors and this is not the color I would normally have ordered, but when you're about to get on a plane for Iceland, you can't be choosy.  I will say that I get compliments on it every time I wear it, so the color must be pretty good.  It's called the thermoball and it is about as heavy as a zip-lock bag.  Here's the link:  http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/women-39-s-thermoball-full-zip-jacket.html
• I gave my besties gloves for Christmas -- they are by Echo and come in all colors.  They have the technology to work an I-Phone -- on all five fingers of each hand -- and this pair really does work (as opposed to some of the older ones I've tried).  I got them at the Women of Saint Michael (WOSM) Gift Exchange in Highland Park Village.  If you go, be sure to tell them that Community Partners of Dallas sent you -- WOSM are some of our favorite donors!
• What do you want while you're stuck inside?  If you are Paige (and you are not because that's me, but if you want to want the same things as me), you want popcorn.  I have tried every conceivable pre-made specimen, and if I'm not going to home-make my own, Garrett's is BY FAR the best.  It ain't diet food, but you'll be smackin' your lips and licking your fingers over their cheese (ohmygoodnessthebestthingyou'veevertasted) popcorn.  I literally dream about it.  Just ordered myself a couple of tins this week and I run home every day to see if it has arrived yet.  You'll know it has arrived when I have yellow fingers.  http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/
• My favorite game for friends and family to play is Cranium.  Almost every person on a team of 3 or 4 can do something well out of the selections.  We play it at CPD on our annual staff-bonding day a lot and it's always a winner.  Buy it on Amazon and use amazonsmile -- and choose CPD as your charity of choice, please!

What are you doing to stay warm?

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 13

It's that time again -- a new list of my Four Favs!

NOTE:  I know it's Tuesday, but it's Wednesday somewhere -- plus my hair looks so good that I want it to last longer, thus the loss of Tuesday.

NOTE for the NOTE:  I do realize that this logic makes no sense.  Sometimes I amuse myself alone.  Back off.

NOTE for the NOTE for the NOTE:  And since you were so rude to think about my non-logic, make a donation to Community Partners of Dallas right now at www.CommunityPartnersDallas.org.  I forgive you.

In case you've missed my other Favorites posts, you can view the most recent one here:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2013/09/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html

Now, on to what you came for -- the list...

1. My brand new Neiman Marcus Calendar for 2014 -- I've been using these since my friend Lynn McBee took me to a TACA dinner in 2006 and it was the party favor.  The paper is so nice and damn-it, I am not going to leave paper, people.  I'm old.  You can buy them online with NM too, but then it doesn't have the Neiman Marcus lining.  The lining is only available in the store.  But you can get it monogrammed if you order online, so make your choice.  I like the lining because I'm old and like to be fancy.
2. Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus -- I cannot get enough of this song.  It is on super-high rotation in my car (just like Katy Perry's Firework was when it came out).  Maybe I'm not so old?
3. The novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is coming out as a film later this month, but I encourage you to read the novel first.  It is amazing.  I promise you that tears will shoot out of your eyes.  What?  That isn't what you want out of a novel?  You're wrong.
4. Cynthia's Yum Potatoes -- I haven't had these in awhile, but damn, they're good.  My friend Cynthia O'Kelly gave me the recipe and it's so easy that everyone needs to have this in your arsenal.  Make them tonight!

• 4 or 6 small potatoes, scrubbed and cut in half
• 1/4 cup butter
• grated parmesan cheese
• garlic powder

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt butter and pour into a 9x13 pyrex and spread evenly across the bottom (I usually just put the butter in the pyrex and put it in the oven while it's preheating.). Generously sprinkle parmesan cheese and lightly sprinkle other seasonings all over the butter. Place potato halves face down on the butter and seasonings. Place in preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool for at least a FULL 5 minutes before removing from the pan, otherwise the parmesan crust won't stick to the potato. Optional:  Serve with a side of sour cream for dipping (I don't do this -- love them just the way they are).

What are your four favs?

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 11

Sorry that I missed last week's post, gang.  I had every intention of writing one last week while on vacation, but the best laid plans...

Anyway, here we go with a new Four Favs.  If you have missed any of my other Favorites, click here for the most recent:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2013/06/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html

My friends will not be surprised that I have one thing on my mind today:  BIRTHDAY TIME, SUCKERS!  Yes, it is that time of year again -- my birthday is rapidly approaching -- so I thought for this Four Favs post I'd give you some of my go-to gifts to give to girlfriends.

NOTE:  Of course, I realize that the timing of this post is rather self-serving, but I write this blog for free, people.  And as my friend Priscilla used to say "If you can't take advantage of your friends, who can you take advantage of?"

NOTE:  Not sure that the Priscilla quote fits the occasion, but I love it.  Priscilla was and is a trip.

So, without further adieu...

1. I love giving a magazine subscription to one of my favorite reads.  Pictured are an array of just of few of them.  It is an inexpensive gift and so fun to share a read that your friend might not have tried.  My friend Lisa gave me Garden & Gun last year and I love it.  Bonus:  Only 6 issues a year, so no coffee table build up!  Of course, O is my go-to for this.
2. Everyone in Dallas loves an orchid -- and if they don't they just haven't been exposed enough.  I turned Joanna finally and now she can't get enough (Verified Proof:  Orchids on the Chick Lit Luncheon table for the past 2 years, but yes, our fab donor Central Market had something to do with that too!).  This arrangement was just 3 small $12 orchids from Tom Thumb (Shout out to Frank in Floral at HPV!) in a great Wisteria blue and white "Small Happiness Pot".  Only water them every 2 weeks and they'll last for months.
3. If you forgot a gift until the last minute, head to Paper Affair on Lovers Lane.  Your friend will think you thought of her weeks ago -- but only you and I will know that you whipped in and picked out a $13 or $15 box of note cards and had them personalized (for free) lickety-split by their wonderful staff.  Tell them CPD sent you!
4. Who doesn't love the gift of music?  And since barely anyone buys a CD anymore, it is an unusual gift.  Hey, I love a quick download as much as the next person (Who doesn't love having Blurred Lines on their I-Phone this summer?), but I really enjoy listening to the whole vision of the artist.  Also, a CD of a musical or a concert you saw together is a fun way to memorialize the past.

What are your Four Favs? 

P.S.  I'm having trouble posting pictures on the blog today -- I have one for each of my favs, but for some reason can only get this one to upload and I can't get it to turn.  Ugh.  Just when I think I have all of the technology down, I'm reminded of why this stuff is such a pain.

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 10

Last month's Four Favs post (visit it here if you missed it http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2013/05/4-favorite-things-i-love-right-now-part.html) was so popular that I even got a present from a reader:

Copper Moscow Mule Cups!  Thank you, Sandy -- as you can see, I put them right to good use!

I've been super busy lately and the office is blowing and going with Community Partners of Dallas' Back to School Drive, staff vacations, staff changes, etc.  So, I almost forgot about the blog today.  Luckily, I saw a package of my 2nd fav on my desk and away we go!

1. Lexus RX350 -- I am currently driving my fourth one of these (I've had black, brandywine, red, white, in that order) and I can tell you that I don't think I'll ever buy a different car or model.  This is the small SUV and it is perfect for me.  Love everything about it.  Call Jeff Hazelwood at Sewell for sales and Sara Cockburn for service -- they are the best!  Tell them I sent you, of course.
2. Sour Patch Watermelon -- Joanna got me on these tiny bites of deliciousness and oh, how I wish she hadn't ever done so.  They are so good and just a perfect bite of sour and sweet.  If you like the way your pants fit now, don't try them. 
   
3. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris -- Or really anything by David is worth a read and a laugh.  I wish that I could make him my best friend and have dinner with him once a week.  Haven't yet read Exploring Diabetes with Owls, but I own it.
4. Karen Adams Calendar -- This is one of my favorite things to purchase each year at Paper Affair.  Each calendar page is beautifully designed and it has a little sparkle for the glamour girl in all of us.  My 2014 refill is already sitting in the drawer ready to be put into action! 
   

What are your Four Favs?

4 Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 9

I'm taking a quick detour in my Secrets in Non-Profit Management Series, since SO many of you have been asking for a Four Favs post!  Visit the most recent one here:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2013/03/4-favorite-things-i-love-right-now-part.html

NOTE:  "SO many" means Corinne, but hey -- I aim to please my best readers, people...

1. Mary Kay SatinHands Lotion -- This stuff is the bomb.  It is unscented and really works.  Mary Kay has a whole SatinHands system with scrub and other stuff, but I just love the lotion.  Always keep some on my desk and by the kitchen sink at home.
2. The Junior League of Dallas -- There is not a better organization in Dallas for women.  The JLD provides great support annually to non-profit agencies (Including Community Partners of Dallas -- Yippee!), but I will never cease to be amazed by all of the leaders trained by the league who are changing lives every day in our community.  I am honored to be a member.
3. Keurig K-Cup Brewer -- I know that I'm late to the party on this one and I love it so much that I am pissed at all of you who didn't tell me about how great it is.  Thank goodness that Lauren talked me into buying one for our office.  Truly, I can't wait to get to work each morning for my first cup of coffee.  LOVE it!
4. Moscow Mule -- For some reason, the whole office has been talking about Moscow Mules lately. Now, it may just be because the Back-to-School Drive is inching ever closer at CPD and we're just prepping for the onslaught, but still the subject has come up. And my recipe (adapted from Oprah) is the best:

Paige's Moscow Mule (makes 1)

• 1 ounce vodka (or more -- I use Absolute)
• 1 t simple syrup (I make this by putting 1 C sugar and 1 C water in a sauce pan. Heat and stir until mixture is clear, then cool. Keeps in fridge forever.)
• Juice of 1/2 lime (must use fresh)
• 1/2 C ginger beer
• 1 sprig fresh mint

Directions: I make the drink in a measuring cup, stir, then pour over ice. Garnish with mint sprig.  I serve it in a Tervis Tumbler mug since I don't own copper ones.

What are your 4 favs?

4 Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 8

Seems like I haven't written about my 4 favs for some time now (visit the past 4 Favs here http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2013/01/4-favorite-things-i-love-right-now-part.html), but of course it is not because I don't have any favs -- quite the contrary.

Anyway, let's get right to the good stuff...

1. My Trainer, Carrie Holland -- Thanks to my friend Joanna Clarke, I realized many years ago that I would not make myself work out unless I paid someone to come over to my house and make me "just do it".  Carrie is the best.  She arrives bright and early twice a week and puts me through my paces.  We started back up around Christmas after a long hiatus (due to my self-imposed frugality) and I can already tell the difference in my clothing -- I didn't have to release the waistband of that pair of too-tight pants until 4 pm the other day!  Carrie is beautiful, smart and a great therapist too -- I love and appreciate her so much.
2. Rubber Band Bracelets -- These made the list because Carrie said they are the hit with the elementary crowd.  I bought them from some cute girls who had a lemonade stand over the weekend (my mom and I always stop and buy from every kid we see), but since I already had a City Cafe Teamonade Shlushie, I bought $4 worth of bracelets.  I'm giving them out for the Easter season, so stop by while they last and one can be yours.  Carrie told me you can buy a kit to make them at Learning Express if you want to set up a stand this week.  Let me know where you set up, I'll come by...
3. Chimes Original Ginger Chews -- these were introduced to me by my friend Jill Bee.  Have you ever been in a meeting and started to nod off?  These chews are the antidote.  First, they are kinda hard to remove from their wrapper, so that wakes you up.  They are super chewy, so that wakes you up.  They are super spicy, so that wakes you up.  Sad to say, but I need them a lot, since I am about to fall asleep even as I write.  They are also good for indigestion.  Here's the link:  http://www.amazon.com/Chimes-Original-Ginger-Chews-1-pound/dp/B005ISUOEQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1362577246&sr=1-2&keywords=chimes+ginger+chews
4. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand -- I read this book for our JLD Sustainer Book Club (Between the Covers) that meets next week and it is hard to put down.  Hillenbrand wrote Seabiscuit and she uses the "same rich and vivid narrative voice" here to tell the true story of Louis Zamperini, a young lieutenant during WWII who became a POW of the Japanese.  Gripping.

What are your 4 favs?

P.S.  The bracelets and Chimes are shown above.  When are you coming over?

4 Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 7

We are nearing the end of January -- where has the time gone?  Since December is the month of giving, January always seems like a bit of a let down, but for someone like me who craves alone time (sitting in front of the TV or with a good book, of course), January is one of my favorite months...

The world moves a little more slowly in January (at least for the first couple of weeks of the month), so I really feel like I have time to think and reflect on the past and the future.  So for the Four Faves this month, I started thinking about some stuff that friends told me about, gifted me, etc.

1. Cucina Coriander and Olive Tree Kitchen Soap -- Lynn McBee gave me this as a gift many years ago and I have never stopped buying it.  The scent is heavenly and you can buy it at Sur la Table or on amazon http://www.amazon.com/CUCINA-Purifying-Hand-Wash-Refill/dp/B00023DIBI/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1358970135&sr=1-1&keywords=cucina+kitchen+soap
2. Tervis Tumblers -- Yes, I know that everyone has these insulated modern miracles http://www.amazon.com/Tervis-oz-Big-Clear-Tumbler/dp/B0002MR2WU/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1358970395&sr=1-2&keywords=tervis+tumblers, but my friend and co-worker Ann McCurdy gave me one with my name on it for the office and I drink out of it every single day -- I can't live without iced tea in a Tervis Tumbler.  Neither can Ann!
3. May Books -- I have an iPhone, and iPad, and write this blog on a computer or one of the aforementioned devices, but I still like to take notes or make lists with a pen and paper.  That is why when Emily Loper found these darling books, many of us ordered them and started writing!  The one pictured above is my 2013 thought book -- for Community Partners of Dallas stuff, quotes, lists of events, places to visit, etc.  This 2013 one has the checker-board pages, but I think I prefer the dot pages I had for my 2012 book.  No matter what, they are great!  Design your own at:  http://www.maybooks.com/
4. Ina Garten's Oven Risotto -- this is one of my go-to recipes given to me by my friend Ina (like Oprah and Maya Angelou, Ina is my friend -- if only in my mind).  I make a half making about every two weeks and have it for dinner for about 3 nights.  I always keep the stuff to make it, so it can be my dinner pronto.  Here's the recipe:

Ina Garten's Easy Parmesan "Risotto"

1 1/2 cups Arborio rice

5 cups simmering chicken stock, preferably homemade, divided (I use store-bought)

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (I do really grate the reggiano myself on my box grater)

1/2 cup dry white wine

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup frozen peas

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place the rice and 4 cups of the chicken stock in a Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is al dente. Remove from the oven, add the remaining cup of chicken stock, the Parmesan, wine, butter, salt, and pepper, and stir vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes, until the rice is thick and creamy. Add the peas and stir until heated through. Serve hot.

 

4 Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 6

Since it's almost Christmas, I know you are all freaking out while waiting for the latest 4 Favs!

NOTE:  That is if "all" really means my mom and Cynthia...

I usually start shopping early for my friends and actually chose many of their gifts last year before Christmas, but they didn't arrive in time to give them in 2011.  Of course since my friends read this blog (You better be, ladies!), I can't tell you what I got them; but suffice to say I love all of their gifts and I think they'll be happy to receive them.

So this got me thinking about some of my favorite gifts that I've received, thus this month's 4 Favs (check previous posts of my 4 Favs by clicking here http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2012/10/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html ):

1. Red Leather Cole Hann Gloves:  Joe gave me Cole Hann gloves like these http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=697727&productGroup=697723  many years ago and they still look just as good as the day he presented them.  Buttery soft leather and cashmere lining.  Would I like them in more colors?  Yes, please!  You'll want them too!
2. T3 Featherweight 2i Luxe Hair Dryer:  For many years I have been praising all of my hair products and how they really tame my extremely curly and frizzy hair.  I neglected to give credit to this modern miracle.  This hair dryer http://www.zappos.com/t3-featherweight-2i-luxe cuts drying time and smooths hair so much better than regular hair dryers.  I had forgotten it's amazing power until I didn't have it on my Thanksgiving trip to Fredericksburg.  Have you seen a photo of me from that trip?  You won't.
3. Thymes Candle in Frasier Fir Scent:  This is always a winner and since I put up a fake tree, the smell really puts you in the holiday mood http://www.candleluxury.com/thymes-frasier-fir-candle.html.
4. Scojo Reading Glasses:  You know you're getting old when reading glasses make your Christmas list, but since my brother's dog Tanner (best dog in the world, bar none) ate 2 pairs of mine a few years ago, Tanner then gifted me with these as replacements.  They are the best http://www.scojo.com/women/womens-gels-collection/gels.html.  Extremely lightweight and come in a million colors.  I have pairs of them all over my house and office.  Love them. 

And since it's the time of the year for abundance, I'm giving you a 5th Fav this time:

A holiday honorarium card to CPD:  We would love for you to honor your friends and family with a donation to CPD!  For a minimum $10 donation per card we will print a darling personalized card to your honorees -- and if you want, we'll even mail them for you,  It is the easiest way to show someone you care AND help an abused and neglected child in Dallas County have a great holiday with a toy from our toy drive.  Click here to purchase now http://www.cpdtx.org/default.asp?contentID=77

What are your 4 (or 5) Favs?

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 5

It's Four Favs Time Again!

The regular readers of this blog (the tens and tens of you) may have noticed that I have started writing about my four favorite things about once a month.  Click here to see part 4:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2012/09/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html

If you haven't guessed, I really, really love to give advice, so telling you about my favorite products and food items is a real joy.  I'm glad that you like them too, so here goes:

1. Andrew Weil Vitamins -- I decided early in the year (While at Miraval -- a future fav thing for sure!) to start taking vitamins regularly.  Dr. Weil's website asks you a bunch of questions about your health and then recommends the ones you should take.  They come in the mail and are packaged together according to time of day they should be taken.  I have to say that since I've been taking them, I have been healthier.  I definitely feel better and have not been as prone to illness.  Take the vitamin advisor test here:  https://www.drweilvitaminadvisor.com/drw/ecs/Va2/land_goog_08girl.html?aid=999910&aparam=Google_S_andrew_weil&gclid=CLWxh5fymbMCFU6mPAodCQUAiQ
2. Kuby's Pimento Cheese -- Surely almost everyone in Dallas has tried this fabulous stuff, but it you haven't, get thee to Kuby's Sausage House in Snider Plaza now.  It comes in jalapeno and plain (I actually get both and mix them together for just the right spice for me) and buy their bagel chips to spread it on.  This is my go-to treat for new neighbors.  Run to Kuby's, buy the pint sized jalapeno version, the bagel chips, and put all in a cute gift bag with your personalized note card (from Paper Affair of course) and welcome them.  Be sure to give them all your phone numbers and tell them which house you live in in the note (if your notecard envelope doesn't have your address, that is).  Don't forget to buy yourself some pimento cheese too!
3. The Hunger Games -- this book by Suzanne Collins is amazing.  If you saw the movie, I still think you would like it.  I read it at the recommendation of a friend (before I saw the film) and couldn't put it down.
4. CPD Pens -- Our Community Partners of Dallas-branded pens are just the perfect pen for me.  They are blue ink, have a clicker (so no pen cap to keep up with), and just write really well.  We always get them for our events, so if you attend the Chick Lit Luncheon on April 5, 2013, you'll get one of your very own.  In the meantime, you can come to our office and I'll be sure that you are gifted on the spot!

What are your four favs?

P.S.  My #FundraisingFriday gift is going to Highland Park United Methodist Church.  They are on their way over here right now with blankets and more -- love my church!

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 3

Time for another list of my Four Favs, people!  If you missed any of my other lists, here's the link to Part 2:  http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2012/07/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html

Everyday, I thank God that I live in this great city.  Dallas really is a fabulous place to live and work and we have so many wonderful places to enjoy -- delicious food, fabulous entertainment, beautiful foliage and architecture -- and almost every spot in town is air conditioned!  Keeping cool in Dallas really is a must at this time of year, so here goes on my coolest Four Favs:

1. What is better on a hot day than staying in air conditioned comfort with a good book?  My favorite so far this summer is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.  I didn't read it when it came out because I didn't think I'd like the story of an intersex person who starts living life as a woman and ends up living as a man, but my friend Stephanie recommended it highly, so I gave it a try.  It is a great book that traces the history of a family through multiple generations.  Won the Pulitzer.  500+ pages, but definitely worth it.
2. Dreyers Fruit Bars are my latest obsession.  The coconut one makes my heart pound, but I also love the acai blueberry.  OMG -- they are ridiculously good!
3. If you know me, you know that I love reality TV and especially the Bravo shows.  Andy Cohen is the host of Watch What Happens Live and I always tune in for his interviews with reality stars and real stars (of course, I own my very own Bravo "Mazel" t-shirt too -- yes, I'm "one of those").  Anyway, the other night Andy got to interview his biggest real star yet -- Meryl Streep (wow!) -- and he served her a "Fresquila" -- tequila and Fresca over ice.  Easiest cocktail ever and absolutely delish -- and oh so low cal.  Love it!  NOTE:  I use Patron for this -- cheap tequila is not my friend, nor should it be yours.
4. If you haven't been to the Wisteria Dallas Store over by Love Field -- go.  I took my mom over there last weekend just for something to do in air conditioned fun and we both loved it.  The entire store (it's in a warehouse -- I love a warehouse of any type) is set up like small rooms and they really just have beautiful things.  In the rear of the store, there are lots of bargains too.  Here's the address and details:  Wisteria Dallas, 6500 Cedar Springs.  Open Monday-Saturday: 10-6

What are your four favs?

Stay Cool!

P.S.  My #FundraisingFriday gift is going to Junior Achievement in honor of my friend Linda Schoelkopf who is retiring after many years of service to JA.  Congrats, Linda!

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 2

Well, I’m still on holiday break from July 4 (took a few extra days to sit around and read, play bridge, go to the movies, cook – all of the things I love to do, but cannot seem to make enough time for when I’m working).  I'm back in the office tomorrow, so cancel the dancing boys, co-workers...

Installment 2 of my four favs (in case you missed it, click here for Installment 1: 

http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2012/06/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html):

• White Bean Dip – I make this dip from Giada De Laurentiis all the time.  One of my go-to items and everyone loves it.  It has a hummus-like quality, but tastes better and no tahini, so less mess.
• 1 Can of Cannellini Beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1/4 C Italian Parsley Leaves (loosely packed)
• 2 T Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 Garlic Clove
• 1/3 C EVOO
• Put all (except olive oil) into food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.  With machine running, gradually mix in EVOO until mixture is creamy.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve with Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips.  Enjoy!
• Quivers:  A Life – this is Robin Quivers auto-biography.  Robin is Howard Stern’s long-time side-kick and before they moved to satellite, I listened to them every morning.  Her biography was written in 1995 and tells the fascinating story of her journey to radio stardom.
• The Perfect Polish Combo – I have finally found that the perfect color combo for “pretty” nails is one coat of OPI Bubble Bath and one coat of OPI Privacy Please, in this order.  Completely natural and touch-ups not required.
• The Dallas Theater Center – Joe was surprised the other night when I told him that I see a live theater or music performance at least 3 times a month!  Frankly, I was too, but when you have series subscriptions with several friends and family members, plus generous friends who include you as their guest periodically, you just do.  The Dallas Theater Center is consistently at the top of my list.  Their productions are exciting, imaginative, and thought-provoking.  Well worth the money.

Hope this list gives you some ideas!  What are your current four favs?

P.S.  My #FundraisingFriday gift is going to the Dallas Theater Center this week.  Use that $10, wisely, Kevin Moriarty and team!