Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down?

This week's menu was created around new recipes. I thought I would give my two cents about the meals thus far...


I made the chicken & mushrooms with garlic white wine sauce this last Sunday. It was really good. Quick and easy as well. I substituted chicken broth for the white wine which gave it a flavor similar to a stroganoff. This will see the Senske Table again.

The next new recipe on the list was the chicken and barley stew. It was OK. Nothing special. In fact I found it a bit on the bland side. This was one of those recipes that I think I could have improvised and had a better result.


Finally I made salmon cilantro burgers. I found this to be a fairly quick and easy meal.


I loved the mayo-sauce that accompanied the "burger". It was tangy with just the right amount of cilantro flavor.


These burgers tasted great. The salmon, mayo, and cucumber went together really well. However, they could not really hold up to their label of "burger". The patties were quite fragile. Mine fell apart while eating it. Now I must disclose that I "eyeballed" my measurements. That might have played a part in their delicate nature. I will make this again but will probably skip the burger part and just make cilantro salmon cakes with the mayo sauce.

I haven't made the Asian-inspired pork roast. I "rescheduled" its appearance for this coming week.

I will post the coming week's menu tomorrow...

My Fancy New Flip-Flops

I am a huge fan of flip-flops. I live in them when the weather is warm. That can mean nine months out of the year in Houston. I have opted for the basic and cheap Old Navy version in years past. However there are times when one needs something a little dressier. So that put me on the hunt for some fancy flip-flops. Something that isn't made of rubber.

I turned to my favorite shoe company: Born. I have four pairs of their shoes, not including my newest purchases. They are comfortable. I can stand and teach in them all day without my feet aching. They have a modern yet classic look. And I like the fact that a lot of their shoes have a chunky heel but still have a streamlined look.

I chose to go with the classic black and dark brown. If I win the lottery I would love to have pairs of green, red, and yellow sandals...but since I have yet to choose those winning numbers I went with versatility.



In true Born fashion they are comfortable from the moment you put them on your feet. They look good with jeans and skirts alike. Did I mention they are comfortable?

The only downside: I have to keep up with a regular pedicure routine.

The Haircut

The Boy needed a haircut...for more reasons than one.
The early 70's Rod Stewart look just wasn't working for him.
Let's try...

...Flock of Seagulls...

...the Mullet...

...Mohawk Punk...

...Techno Boy...

...still feelin' the Techno Boy...

...Opie Taylor...

It amazes me how a simple haircut can change a boy's attitude.

Yarn Yen

I couldn't forget the yarn while on my textile spree.

I fell in love with this sweater as soon as I opened the magazine. The pattern was published in the January issue of Crochet Today!. It reminds me of the February Lady sweater that Erin made over at House on Hill Road. I am not ashamed to admit that I am very intimidated by this project. But my Mema, who taught me the craft, insists that I can do this. We shall see. I will use the yarn pictured above. I wanted something "earthy" and couldn't decide between green or brown. With this yarn I get the best of both worlds. It is a medium weight yarn and I am hoping it won't be too heavy for temperate Houston winters.

This sweater looks to be much simpler. I am not nearly as daunted when skimming this pattern which also came from Crochet Today!, the March issue. I can wear this practically year round...tank tops in the warm months, turtle necks in the cold. Again I chose a variegated yarn. I am a huge fan of variegated yarn. I don't get bored while working with it because it is always changing.

This "yarn" is really just for fun. The Girl saw the hot pink and wanted "a furry scarf". Why not? I bought a couple balls of the more subdued black for myself. A furry scarf is often the perfect accessory, don't you think?

Of course, none of this will be utilized until I finish that darn afghan. But it is always nice to have projects waiting in the wing.

A Fabric Fix

I have been on a fabric buying spree.
Such bliss!

What to do with all this treasure?



New summer threads for me.


Sun dresses for The Girl.

Cloth napkins...saving the planet and all.


PJ pants for The Boy.

Projects that remain to be determined.

This textile bevy is a mix of must-have items and sale bin finds. A couple of cool remnants were thrown in as well. I also bought supplies for a new project in the works...but I am keeping it under wraps, for now.

I admit that I have an addiction.
As they say, "If it's wrong, I don't want to be right."

Retro Housewife or Survivor Contestant?

I was able to get in some sewing time on Friday evening. I was very tired and didn't want to begin anything too taxing. Something small and easy to complete. Instant gratification.

I turned to Weekend Sewing. Jane's Head Scarf looked simple and seemed to fit the instant gratification bill. It was. I was able to work this up very quickly. The instructions were easy to follow. The material required was minimal.

I had been saving this fat quarter for a project where it could take center stage.


It came together so well that I decided to crank out another one.


I love the way this looks on the model in the book. But of course, she has long flowing hair. I am missing the long flowing part. I can't decide if I like it on me or not. One minute I think it fits the whole retro-Earth-Mother look. The next minute I think I look like a contestant on Survivor.

No skinny jeans here!

The jury is still out.

What's For Dinner?

Let's jazz it up this week and try something new.

Sunday: chicken & mushrooms with garlic white wine sauce, whole wheat egg noodles, green beans

Monday: chicken and barley stew, whole wheat bread

Tuesday: slow-cooker char siu pork roast, brown rice, stir fried vegetables

Wednesday: salmon cilantro burgers, sweet potato fries

Thursday: left-overs

Friday: sandwich wraps, salad

Saturday: hamburgers, oven fries

I also plan on making another peach cobbler. Who cares if swimsuit season is just around the corner, right?

All of the highlighted recipes are found through the Cooking Light web site. I am a fan of the Cooking Light.

Eat well, live well.