Strikes my fancy

Because, I admit, I've been catching up on this show on Hulu!  I haven't watched the bachelor....since the first season, I think.  The cattiness of the women DRIVES ME CRAZY!  Usually the guys are much more chill (although this season is challenging that in my opinion). But let me share some things that have me intrigued:  - how do you pack to be in North Carolina, Bermuda, London (wherever else they go) IN ONE BAG?  This goes for the guys because I notice they don't show what Emily is packing!  I need to pay more attention to what they are wearing to see how they mix and match.....  - these dudes wear a lot of v-neck t-shirts.  One scene has 2 in regular t-shirts and everyone else is wearing a v.  Not knocking - I like the look.  Just interesting (maybe guys have less choices in necklines?!)  - I have heard more country song in the first 4 episodes of this season than I have heard in maybe the last year....  - "We ...

This recipe had a bunch of modifications by me.  So below is how I found the recipe and I'll outline my changes after. 1/2 cup dry quinoa 1/3 cup red onion, chopped 1 orange, peeled and segments chopped 1 avocado, chopped 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed & drained 1 cup pomegranate arils (about 1 pomegranate worth) 1 cup frozen corn, thawed 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped salt & pepper For the Lemon Vinaigrette: 2 lemons, juiced (1/4 cup) 2 garlic cloves, microplaned or finely minced dash of sweetener salt & pepper 6 Tbl extra virgin olive oil Cook quinoa according to package directions.  Set aside to cool. Combine all the ingredients for the lemon vinaigrette in a jar and shake.  Or add everything but the oil into a bowl and whisk the oil in. Combine cooled quinoa with red onion, orange segments, avocado, beans, pomegranate arils, corn, cilantro, salt and pepper.  Pour lemon vinaigrette over the salad and stir to combine.  Serve...

This book starts in Florida (but it took me 3/4 of the book to figure that out...for some reason I thought they were in Boston!), but quickly moves to France...in the summer.   Is there a better time to read a book about southern France than in the summer?! (Def on my list of places I still need to go).  The book follows a woman named...Heidi...so it was a little weird to read at first.  Luckily it was written in first person so her name is not used often!  Heidi is working through the grief of losing her husband years ago so her mother thinks it a good idea to send Heidi & her son to the family house in France to rebuild it.  A fire had destroyed the kitchen.  The traveling group also includes Heidi's 16 year old step-niece (is that a term?). They spend some time touring Paris before going to southern France and the small village/town that the house is in.  This book is about healing, it's about coming together as a family, it's about a...

I found this recipe on LaaLoosh .  While not on Weight Watchers, I enjoy seeing what she comes up with.  And since her picture is so much better than mine, click the link above to go to the picture and her thoughts on the dish. Ingredients 1lb skinless salmon filets 1 28oz can diced tomatoes 1 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 tsp cumin 1 tsp paprika Sprinkle of red pepper flakes Salt and pepper Instructions Rub salmon with salt, pepper and paprika, and set aside. Spray a large, nonstick skillet with non-fat cooking spray. Sauté garlic until softened , about 2-3 minutes. Add in salmon, then top with remaining ingredients. Cover and let simmer on med-low heat for about 15-20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through. Preparation time:  5 minute(s) Cooking time:  20 minute(s) I thought this was a great way to cook salmon (and kept the fishy smell down too!).  I cut the cumin as I didn't have an...

What do you do with a used cabinet door that you bought at a thrift store for $1? There was only one, so unfortunately, I cannot replace the cabinet doors in my kitchen. At first, I thought I would paint it, distress it and paint some crazy sign to sell at the Antique Show. But then, I thought I had one more space on my wall that I could use a sign. I am an anglophile. I love most all things British (though in fairness, I also love the Irish. I also consider "British" in this sense to include Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.) I have visited many times and can never get enough. And yes, I think often of visiting my pals in Northern Ireland. I enjoy the traditional music, the culture, the people, the food, the styles, many of the authors, and the ease of travel (with or without a car). So lots of sanding took place!  And what is better than using my favorite phrase while showing some British love at the same time? I started with...