I was in Hollister the other day and the clerk was showing me the men's body sprays. Each one she picked up and tested smelled way strong and wrong, just wrong. We would wrinkle our noses and wave our hands in front of our faces to try and get rid of the nasty smell. I bet we were looking pretty hot right about then ;-).

We did find one that was good..... Manhattan Beach, Mmmm.

Holiday Mug

I want a cup of hot cocoa with a peppermint candy cane dipped in for that "minty" flavor. Of course, it would have to be this pretty little mug..... I think I talked myself into buying a couple tomorrow!

Spy Watch!!!

 

Look at this cool spy watch from Pottery Barn Kids. I think this may be one of the stocking stuffers this year.

Features include a world clock, night vision light, sight with crosshairs, stopwatch, alarm, decoder screen and motion alarm with time stamp.Two safe-drop message capsules and special spy paper add to the secret fun.

Volleyball Tournament

Volleyball tournament in Seaside Oregon. This was just after the event. Notice all the endless nets....It was a huge event!!! Click on the image to see a larger size.

Lake Photos

Some of my personal photos of one of our fave small lakes. A rather well-kept secret.

Assorted Color French Cups: Pier One Imports

I want a set of these!!! 

This is a back door that led into the grand room at the lodge. I thought it was a great shot for a black and white photo.

Healthy Pancakes

Earlier today I was talking on the telephone discussing healthy food, pancakes in particular. Something that I love to do when making pancake batter is to throw in a tablespoon or two of bran ( sometimes I will use oats, gluten, etc. Really whatever I have on hand). If you don't use too much it won't the change consistency or flavor, but you will sure boost the health content of your flap jacks :-)). I would only experiment with one extra item at a time to ensure you do not ruin the entire batch.

I like Bob's Red Mill. Maybe just because he has a store and restaurant, so you can shop around and then enjoy a seriously healthy breakfast, or maybe because I remember seeing the old mill with the big grindstone!

I store my bran in the freezer and it keeps forever.

My Fave Quote Of All Time

"DEAR SANTA,
   
                 I CAN EXPLAIN...

Caramel Latte (Macchiato)

I love my espressos and lattes, but I am the only one that drinks anything with the word "coffee" in it. Everyone loves the smell, but the taste is a complete turn-off. I have to admit that I am not one of those everyday I have multiple cups of coffee people, so to invest in a real machine and grinder is just not something I can bring myself to do.

I have the humblest of equipment, but I do not forfeit a wonderful tasting cup of Jo because of my old friends Mr. Coffee and Kitchen Aid! Instead, I have come up with a process that gives me a product I am satisfied with. In my opinion, I like just as well as the major shops (and maybe even better).

Here is my ancient espresso maker. Notice the Asian tea cup that serves as an interim for the now missing little pot that came with.

Old Pal coffee grinder. I try to grind enough for one day, but sometimes I get extra. It will last for an additional day or two. I can get the fine grind I want by getting a coarse chop in about 15 seconds, then I pick up the grinder and gently shake back and forth for another minute or so.

While on the topic of grounds, I should mention that it is very important to get the right consistency. If you quit while still coarse, you will get a weak bitter flavored coffee. Imagine turning on a garden hose over gravel. The water would drain way too fast. Same with the coffee.

I wouldn't be concerned about too fine of a consistency with anything but the best of grinders. There is

only so far one of these like mine can go.

place the grounds in the basket and press down with a tamper or your finger. I like mine to be pressed down, but not too firmly. This way the water can drain through nice and dark.

One step that is VERY important:   Make sure to pour a bit of milk into the freshly brewed coffee. This keeps away from the bitter flavor that lurks in so many a cup.

Now for the steamed milk and foam. Place the stem in the milk before turning on the steam. I don't move the cup around or lift the stem out of the milk.This is not the usual pattern, but it works best for that dense foam to produce. I turn the steamer knob slowly on. It is on low (I judge by the sound, no auto here). Remember to keep the stem touching the bottom of the cup.

I love to make a caramel sauce, but working full time and then housekeeping, does not always leave enough time for a homemade batch. There are shops that sell a great substitute for a reasonable price and it keeps well.

Pour in as much caramel as you like and Voila!

 

*I just purchase the house brand beans @ my favorite grocery market, but I do not grind at the store.

Fall Leaf

This leaf can't decide if it wants to turn yellow or stay green ;-)