Thursday's things

The feel of summer is in the air and for some reason I can't help thinking about summers spent with my grandparents.  Specifically I've been thinking about how during those summers my grandmother would always take me to the local department store...the only department store...in town and let me pick out something.  Leon's was the name and despite searching the internet for some shred of  evidence that it existed, I came up empty handed...though I was never empty handed when I went to Leon's.  I feel like we spent hours there each visit and oddly I can remember looking at all those round racks packed with crisp clothes and being able to fit under them.  The rounders were jammed in the little space and occasionally  I'd hide under them which I'm sure sent my grandmother into a tizzy.  Nevertheless, I can remember the smell of the new clothing, the bright fluorescent lights and the tiny dressing rooms.  I also remember those shiny pink bags bearing the black cursive writing of a store that I loved so well.  Sadly, it's no longer there but in my mind I can still go there.  I can still feel the cold refrigerated air on my warm shoulders and the rush of getting something new!  You can't beat summer smells and memories that have lasted a lifetime.


image credit: sf station

be right back

Under the weather...and if I had a wing to tuck my head under I'd do it! After a week of misery I finally forced myself to go to the doctor today.  I'll be on the mend soon...hopefully!  Until then, check out a couple of my fave blogs...
Atlantic Pacific and A Cup Of Jo
Be back soon!

Lucky 13

13 years ago today I was crouched in a tiny pre-war bathroom in a wedding dress chugging Mylanta. Luckily, I haven't needed it since those pre-wedding jitters! The husband and I will be celebrating this evening...along with his accounting firm as today is also tax day...how romantic! Wish we were leaving for Spain tomorrow but alas...when we decided upon April 17th all those years ago we had no idea that the husband would eventually end up in the accounting field or that the government would change the deadline to the 17th. Lucky indeed! Cheers babe!

Thursday's things

I am completely obsessed with the HGTV show House Hunters...and House Hunters International...and have been for a while! I don't know what it is about the show but it always lures me in. It's always interesting to see what all is out there and what people are able to spend and what awful houses they are willing to shell money out for, especially on the International version. I know an idyllic countryside home in Ireland is good and all but the fact that it's close to a million U.S. dollars and is nothing short of squalor is truly dumbfounding. I love seeing what they've done with the place on the "1 month later" shot though. I've got the husband and my mom and sister hooked as well. We like to play this little game where we guess which one they'll pick and I'm happy to say that I usually win! Maybe deep in my heart I'd love to be a realtor because I love to look at houses and would do so endlessly but the husband gets tired of schlepping me around for no reason but to look aimlessly at what's "for sale". And one more thing...how do these people afford tropical resort like homes as a second home? I'm pretty sure the only second home I'll ever have is the block version the toddler builds me from time to time, and, well...that's just fine. I'll keep watching House Hunters and keep on dreaming!

image credit: hgtv

Thursday's things...

When I asked for a panini press for Christmas the husband thought I'd lost my mind. Another appliance that will go unused and take up valuable counter space was his thought. So when I opened the Breville on Christmas morning at my parents house I could almost hear his inner groans. I, however, was delighted...albeit a little intimidated by it's cool stainless sleek design but I was determined to use it, if not to just prove the husband wrong! It didn't take long for it to take it's place on the tiny remainder of free counter space in our shoebox galley kitchen before it earned it's right to be there...er, taking up space. I'm happy to say that I have mastered muffalettas...in fact, I had one at a restaurant yesterday that I must say was not as good as mine! I've whipped up quesadillas and grilled cheeses for the toddler in a flash. We've grilled chicken in it. I've even gotten adventurous (read...I was starving and these were the only ingredients I could come up with) and made a grape jelly and blue cheese panini. It was amazing! This has become such a favorite kitchen appliance that it's fast becoming a staple! We're even taking it to the beach with us next month. I love a hot sandwich and the Breville panini press certainly fits the bill. If you're looking for something to make your life a little easier at mealtime yet impress your guests with restaurant quality vittles...this should be your go-to item!

image credit: oprah.com