The Good Samaritan

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A quick recap of our housing situation is this:

Homes in Phoenix, AZ are on the market for mere hours unless there is something really, really wrong with it. We are not opposed to working hard on a fixer upper in a good neighborhood. It does not have to be a castle.

The prices are so good that the investors have returned with a vengeance.

We were hopeful on one house but lost out.

There are currently 8 houses in our MRLS portal. We have seen them all.

Insert Panic Here.

I am a type A personality. (Big shocking reveal I know!)  I like to plan and have my ducks in a row. On Tuesday I had a flat out panic attack. Sweaty, heart beating out of my chest, etc. I was thinking about being homeless and that this is the last week of school for Sweet Boy and the Fashionista leaves in 3 weeks for her summer internship at a fashion house in California and she needs a car and did I mention in a few weeks I will be homeless?

Bring on the hyperventilating.

Generally I punch out the panic with prayer. My go to books are Proverbs and the Psalms. They are filled with promises of protection and provision.

So, yesterday my neighbor shows up with a beautiful boy on my doorstep. She had rescued him from a sad situation and thought “I know who will take him.”

Now, don’t look into his eyes….

Oh, it’s too late you already did, didn’t you?

So I sent Mr. Décor his picture and said “This dog is homeless and yes, I know that technically in about 30 days we will be too. We both know that God has a sense of humor and His own sense of timing. But what if this is sort of like Jesus dressed in a dog suit asking to trust in Him that He will provide?”

Mr. Décor is fair and pragmatic. Even when his wife is clearly off her rocker

 

He said, “I will see you tonight and meet the dog then.”

By now two children had gotten wind of the situation and were giving me “the look”. You know the one:

So it played out like this:

Mr. Décor came home. New guy barked once and immediately sat when Mr. D said “Sit.”

Mr. D. sat down and the new guy laid next to him. After a minute or so he laid his paw on Mr. D’s arm tentatively asking “Father may I?” The new guy gingerly climb onto Mr. D’s lap. One minute more and a kiss was bestowed.

I had fed and loved the little charlatan all afternoon and had not received such adoration. It was clear he knew where his bread was buttered.

Mr. Décor had to leave for cub scouts and said he would “Think about it.”

Later that night I came upon him looking at the internet. “Did I ever show you the guy that our Rudi is named for?” He asked.

Rudolf  “Rudi”  Völler, a fabulous German soccer player.

Now you must remember two things.

Mr. Décor was born and raised in Panama and loves soccer.

We lived in Germany and dachshunds were originally bred in Germany.

So then Mr. Décor shows me another soccer player that he likes.

Franz Beckenbauer, another fabulous German soccer player.

I’m thinking “Wait, what? Dog names. NO! You’re the pragmatic one. Tell me we cannot keep this dog.”

DTA readers I would like to introduce to you

Franz Gunn

 

He is a beautiful standard black and tan dachshund. He is so long that Sweet Boy says he is a stretch limo.

He is polite and well mannered unlike a miniature red shorthair we all know and love.

How did this happen? Please, someone, anyone give me one good reason….oh wait I already had one.

Laura

When Dinner Gets Interesting

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Last week I announced to Mr. Décor that I didn’t plan on moving the contents of our panty or the back up pantry. (Our back up panty is a small cupboard devoted to canned goods and staples.)

Canned goods weigh A LOT!  So nope, I’m not gonna move them. 

I continued on with the conversation.

Me: “So, that means that dinner around here is about to get interesting.”

At that moment I saw a twinkle in Mr. Décor’s eye. I could tell that it was on the tip of his tongue to say “How is that different from any other night?”

But Mr. Décor is a smart man who knows that I know where he sleeps. He also knows where he doesn’t want to sleep.

So he instead said, “Ok, sounds good.”

Now, someone tell me what to do with all these beans.

Laura

Leaving A Stone ~ Part I

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Back in November Mr. Décor, Sweet Boy and I traveled to Washington D.C. to visit my dear cousin L and her wonderful family. While making our “must see” list there was one place on the top of Mr. Décor’s list~ Arlington National Cemetery.

We of course went to see the tomb of the unknown soldier.   It was an honor to view the solemn ceremony of the changing of the guard. Respect was paid to the Kennedy Family.
As well as many other famous heroes who have given their service to our beloved country.  
The day was crisp, clear and beautiful. The scenic views of D.C. from the rolling hills were amazing.   Onward we walked through this beautiful garden of stones.  
But for all those in this famous cemetery who are visited by the multitudes every single day there are thousands more known only to a few. To this one we paid our respects on bended knee. In the Jewish religion there is a tradition of leaving a pebble or stone on top of a tombstone to signify that someone has honored the deceased person’s memory with a visit to the grave. I have always loved this gesture even more so than flowers. So we left our stone with our left hand on the left side of the tombstone. We paid our respects to a man who was far too young, a father of three and Mr. Décor’s good friend.

Flowers fade and even stones eventually crumble, but praise be to God we may have life everlasting.

Laura

Jesus said to her, “ I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” ~ John 11:25 ~ 26

Comments are turned off in observance of the Sabbath. If you have a prayer request please contact me HERE. 

Leaving A Stone ~ Part II

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We are a military family. To us Memorial Day has never been just a day off to picnic. It is a day to reflect and to remember. Many have wondered if the sacrifices made in the name of freedom by those often referred to as “the greatest generation” will soon be forgotten by this next generation. Korean War Memorial, stainless steel statues ~ Frank Gaylord As parents we feel it is our privileged duty to instill in our two children the knowledge that freedom is not free. Vietnam Veterans Memorial, bronze figurative sculpture~ Frederick Hart Far too many have paid the ultimate price so that we can continue to walk in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. ^{World War II Memorial ~ Friedrich St.Florian} So we take small hands into our own and guide them to names they know.   When the list grows to long and too tall and exceeds even our reach we still strive to plant a seed of thankfulness.   We pause while gazing in awe and yes, reflect on those who died leaving a legacy that lives on. Have you ever stopped to consider what you reflect?   To the many men and women who have lost their lives in the name of freedom we offer our deepest gratitude. We will not forget.

The Gunn’s

Comments are turned off in observance of their ultimate sacrifice.   You can read Leaving A Stone Part 1 HERE.

Toweling Off

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The Fashionista and I have had a major crush on the Anthropologie Perpetual Blooms towels for over a year.

She likes the gold.

While I dream about the turquoise.

Every time I am in that blasted store I go over and cop a feel of their soft luxuriousness. But the bath towel alone is $36. For ONE towel. Even with my discount I refuse to pay $75 for a set of towels.

When someone shows a pretty bathroom makeover I can spot that towel a mile away.

They will not be going on sale any time soon. Anthro keeps restocking and selling out.

So I set out to find a knock off. I checked the usual suspects Pottery Barn, West Elm, Home Goods, JCP and then I was in Target.

I bring you the Target Home Floral Towel. It comes in yellow and aqua. It’s also on sale this week for 20% off.

While the towels are not quite as luxurious or thick, they are affordable. Since the Fashionista’s roommate recently moved out and took her shower curtain with her, we picked up the Target Home Floral Sketch curtain. (Also on sale.) The gray pulls in the gray from her bedroom and works nicely together.

Don’t even get me started on the bath mats.

Now, as soon as I actually find a home the aqua gems are mine, all mine!

Laura

Week 18: Seafood Frenzy Friday & Top 50 Worldwide Restaurants

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Welcome to Week 18 of Seafood Frenzy Friday where I select seafood recipes from some of my food blogging friends to showcase for all of you since I don't eat any fish myself. Simply click on the name of the recipe underneath the picture to be taken to the author's original post. 

But, before I do that, I wanted to share with you Restaurant Magazines World's 50 Best Restaurant list which was released last month. Tell me how many YOU have been to by commenting below! 

These are the world's 50 best restaurants: 1) Noma (Copenhagen, Denmark) 2) El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, Spain) 3) Mugaritz (Errenteria, Spain) 4) D.O.M. (São Paulo, Brazil) 5) Osteria Francescana (Modena, Italy)6) Per Se (New York)7) Alinea (Chicago, Illinois)8) Arzak (San Sebastián, Spain)9) Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (London, England)10) Eleven Madison Park (New York)11) Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)12) L'Atelier Saint-Germain de Joël Robuchon (Paris, France)13) The Fat Duck (Bray, England)14) The Ledbury (London, England)15) Le Chateaubriand (Paris, France)16) L'Arpege (Paris, France)17) Pierre Gagnaire (Paris, France)18) L'Astrance (Paris, France)19) Le Bernardin (New York)20) Frantzén/Lindeberg (Stockholm, Sweden)21) Oud Sluis (Sluis, Netherlands)22) Aqua (Wolfsburg, Germany)23) Vendôme (Bergisch Gladbach, Germany)24) Mirazur (Menton, France)25) Daniel (New York)26) Iggy's (Singapore)27) Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan)28) Nihonryori RyuGin (Tokyo, Japan)29) Quay Restaurant (Sydney, Australia)30) Schloss Schauenstein (Fürstenau, Switzerland)31) Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo-Bizkaia, Spain)32) Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy)33) De Librije (Zwolle, Netherlands)34) Fäviken Magasinet (Järpen, Sweden)35) Astrid y Gastón (Lima, Perú)36) Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico)37) Momofuku Ssäm Bar (New York)38) Biko (Mexico City, Mexico)39) Waku Ghin (Singapore)40) Quique Dacosta (Denia, Spain)41) Mathias Dahlgren (Stockholm, Sweden)42) Hof van Cleve (Kruishoutem, Belgium)43) The French Laundry (Yountville, California)44) Amber (Hong Kong, China)45) Vila Joya (Albufeira, Portugal)46) Il Canto (Siena, Italy)47) Bras (Laguiole, France)48) Manresa (Los Gatos, California)49) Geranium (Copenhagen, Denmark)50) Nahm (Bangkok, Thailand)

AND NOW FOR THIS WEEK'S SEAFOOD ROUNDUP! 
It All Tastes Greek to MeSalmon Fillets with Roasted Lemon, Fennel and Cherry Tomatoes
The Foodie PhysicianTropical Shrimp Salad with Honey Chipotle Dressing
Necessary IndulgencesRuby Red Trout
Dixie Chik CooksCrab Mango Pico de Gallo
Sumptuous SpoonfulsParmesan Almond Crusted Fish with Peach Cilantro Salsa
Katrina Runs for FoodCajun Shrimp Alfredo
The Little ThingsFish Burger with Wasabi & Lemon Sauce


Rock Recipes
Orange Five Spice Glazed Salmon

My Cooking Hut
Clams Steamed in Sake


Pinch of Yum
Almond Crusted Tilapia


I hope you all enjoyed this week's seafood roundup and THANK YOU for allowing me to share your wonderful recipes. I'm heading to the NYC TECHMunch Food Bloggers Conference tomorrow morning and will be busy all day, so I'll respond to comments over the weekend and fill you in next week.

Enjoy!

Pasta Salad with Avocados & Black Beans in a Goat Cheese Lime Vinaigrette

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Last June, I posted this information from the California Avocado Commission about how to select and peel a fresh avocado. Since it's been a while and I do use avocados quite often in the spring/summer months, I thought I'd share these helpful tips with you once again. 



Selecting Fresh FruitThe best way to tell if a California Avocado is ready forimmediate use is to gently squeeze the fruit in the palm of your hand. Ripe,ready-to-eat fruit will be firm yet will yield to gentle pressure. Coloralone may not tell the whole story. The Hass avocado will turn dark green orblack as it ripens, but other varieties retain their light-green skin even whenripe. If you plan to serve the fruit in a few days, stock up on hard,unripened fruit. Avoid fruit with dark blemishes on the skin or over softfruit.
Peeling a California Avocado1. Start with a ripe avocado and cut it lengthwise aroundthe seed. Rotate the halves to separate. 2. Remove the seed by sliding the tip of a spoon gentlyunderneath and lifting out. The other common seed-extraction method - strikingthe seed with a knife and twisting - requires some skill and is notrecommended.3. Peel the fruit by placing the cut side down and removing theskin with a knife or your fingers, starting at the small end. Or simply scoopout the avocado meat with a spoon. Be sure to sprinkle all cut surfaces withlemon or lime juice or white vinegar to prevent discoloration.

I had picked up some ripe Hass avocados on my latest shopping trip thinking I would make some guacamole over the weekend but never got around to it. So here I had two avocados, now overly ripe and deep brown in color, and needed to make something with them. I decided to make a salad, always a good choice, and throw in some of those black beans (down to one can now! lol). Now you're asking "Why the goat cheese?". Well, I also had purchased some of that on sale a couple of weeks ago and forgot about it and it was going to expire in a couple of weeks so I threw some of that in the dressing too. It made a delicately light and creamy dressing for this pasta salad and all of the flavors blended nicely for a wonderful salad. 


Pasta Salad with Avocados & Black Beans in a Goat Cheese Lime Vinaigrette
1/2 Box Barilla Piccolini Mini Zucchini & Spinach Wheels Pasta
2 Ripe Hass Avocado, pitted and chopped
1-15oz. Can Black Beans, rinsed
1 Large Plum Tomato, diced
2 Scallions, chopped
Prepared Goat Cheese Lime Vinaigrette


Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and let cool, then add to a large bowl. Add the avocado, beans, tomatoes, scallions and prepared vinaigrette and mix well. Makes 8 cups


Goat Cheese Lime Vinaigrette
1/4 c. Crumbled Goat Cheese
1 tbsp. Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1 Lime, juice only
1/4 c. Distilled White Vinegar
1/4 c. Canola Oil
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
1/4 tsp. Fresh Ground Black Pepper


Whisk all ingredients together until they are well combined. 



*1/2 Cup Serving Nutritional Information: Calories 119, Carbs 15g, Fat 4g, Protein 4g*1 Cup Serving Nutritional Information: Calories 237, Carbs 30g, Fat 9g, Protein 8g

Enjoy!
*Calculations based on ingredients entered into MyFitnessPal and may not be 100% accurate.

Lemon-Ginger Grilled Pork Chops

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Happy Monday~I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! This past Friday I attended a Food Blogger conference called TECHMunch and had a great day learning some tips from some of the industry's best, as well as meeting some of my favorite food and lifestyle bloggers. All in all it was an informative day filled with lots of laughs and good food. Who could ask for anything more? 


On another note, I was recently diagnosed with high cholesterol but not high enough to be put on medication, which I'm happy about. But, I do have to start watching what I eat,  exercise more frequently, and find foods that help lower cholesterol like Ginger. Here are some health benefits of Ginger I found on eHow.com


1. Look for whole ginger root that is light brown and knobby inappearance.


2. Store the ginger wrapped in a paper towel and sealed in a plastic bag.Keep this bag in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator.

3. Peel fresh ginger before you use it.Instead of peeling the whole root, only peel the portion that you cut off touse.


4. Look for recipes that call for ginger (like this Lemon-Grilled Pork Chops I have listed below!)
5. Add ginger to a variety of foods to loweryour cholesterol. Use ginger that is grated, minced or chopped in homemade icecream, soups, salads, marinades and vegetable dishes.


6. 
Take ginger root juice to treat high cholesterol. Insert ginger into yourjuicer or add the juice to a vegetable-juice cocktail.




Tips & Warnings
1. Do not confuse ginger, or ginger root, withginseng, a plant that grows above ground.
2. Despite the benefits of ginger, it can haveunpleasant side effects, such as bloating, heartburn, burping, gas and nausea. 3. Ginger that isn't chewed or broken down properlycan block the intestines.4. Avoid using ginger as the sole treatment for highcholesterol. Ginger should be used as a supplement to other treatments, such asexercise and diet.5. It may be tempting to freeze ginger to keep itfrom going bad, but freezing it will result in lost flavor.
I made these pork chops last week and didn't even realize the benefits of ginger lowering my cholesterol until now, so I was pleasantly surprised. These were deliciously light and citrusy and were a huge hit for dinner.Lemon-Ginger Grilled Pork Chops
4 (4-6oz.) Pork Chops, boneless, center cut
1 Lemon, juice only
1 tsp. Fresh Ginger, grated
1 tsp. Honey
2 tbsp. Low Sodium Soy Sauce
1 tsp. Sesame Oil
2 tbsp. Canola Oil


In a bowl, add the lemon juice, ginger, honey, soy sauce, sesame and canola oils and whisk together. Trim any fat from your pork chops and add them to a resealable plastic bag along with the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Remove the bag from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to grilling to bring the meat to room temperature so the meat cooks evenly. Cook until proper internal temperature. Serves 4. 


Enjoy!

Soy Sauce Roasted Green Beans

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I do like to have themes when I make dinner, or at least similar flavors, so when I made those Lemon-Ginger Grilled Pork Chops, I also made these Soy Sauce Roasted Green Beans. These were so flavorful and went great with our meal. 


Soy Sauce Roasted Green Beans
1 lb. Green Beans (I used fresh and trimmed the edges, approx. 3 cups)
1 Clove Garlic, chopped
2 tbsp. Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
2 tbsp. Canola Oil
1/4 tsp. Fresh Ground Pepper


Rinse green beans and add them to a bowl. Add in the garlic, soy sauce, oil and pepper and mix well. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes (depending on how crispy you like them). Serves 4.


*Nutritional Information: Calories 93.6, Carbs 6.6g, Fat 7.1g, Protein 2g, Fiber 2.8g


Enjoy!
*Calculations based on ingredients entered into Sparkpeople and may not be 100% accurate.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

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Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a gluten free seed originally from the Andean region of South America. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute for rice or couscous. Quinoa contains eight amino acids and many people eat it to reduce their consumption of meat. It is also a good source of fiber and contains B vitamins and iron. I have only tried making this once before and served it hot as a side dish and the family hated it. I thought it was ok, but not something I'd make again, but I vowed to give it another try this time making a cold salad with it. AND, since I was sent home with 2 bags of it from the food conference I went to recently, this past weekend seemed like as good a time as any. 


Of course, I gave it my own flare with some of the flavors I love to use most and voila! I have a new salad that my family LOVED. It was filling and flavorful and I will definitely be experimenting with it again. 


Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
1 1/2 c. Water
1 c. Organic Quinoa
12 Kalamata Olives, pitted and chopped
1/4 c. Sun Dried Tomatoes, chopped
1 Scallion, chopped
1/4 c. Reduced Fat Feta Cheese Crumbles
1/4 c. Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt, to taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper, to taste


Add water to a pot and bring to a boil. Add in the quinoa, cover and reduce heat. Simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed then remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool. Add to a bowl along with the olives, tomatoes, scallion, cheese, vinegar and oil. Mix well and refrigerate. Serves 8 (1/2 cup). 



*Nutritional Information: Calories 191.2, Carbs 18.6g, Fat 11.4g, Protein 4.8g, Fiber 1.8g

Enjoy!
*Calculations based on ingredients entered into Sparkpeople and may not be 100% accurate.