Seriously, what's up?

Has anyone noticed that Brad Pitt has been sporting some chapeau bizarre of late? He seems to favor porkpie hats and newsboy caps. Not a look that makes me swoon.

Things that I really don't like

1. Getting outbid on eBay

2. Having to call the plumbers, Juan and Gilbert

3. Cold showers

4. Traffic


I am usually quite positive, but my eBay loss has made me a bit morose.

It is not such a bad idea

Here is one way to get your point across.

Problem resolved

For some reason I can't add links in Safari, but I can in Firefox. Go figure.

Bummer

I have a new hard drive, but I am having some problems with Blogger. Stay tuned.

Sur la plage

I am at the beach until Saturday. In technology news, my hard drive died a slow and painful death, so my computer is getting fixed by the little geniuses at the Apple Store.

Heading to the beach!!!

I am headed to a friend's beach house on Tuesday. It is an annual trip and always so much fun. My hostess gift is really cute, an extra-large L.L. Bean tote with Tybee Time monogrammed on it. The khaki color is great looking.

Perfect, I need to buy a few gifts

If this is not good news, then I don't know what is.

But if it turns out that they are, he has my full support

According to L'Osservatore Romano the pope's loafers are not Prada. Well, Benedict, I am a huge fan of Prada loafers and can't say enough good things about them. I recommend them highly; they are the perfect balance between fashion and comfort. The pope's loafers should be Prada.

New drink!

We are always up for a new drink recipe. Today's drink comes from our friend Cary who got it from a golf club.

The Transfusion

1 or 2 jiggers of vodka
1 can of Fresca
A splash of grape juice

Pour all of the above into a styrofoam cup or a Tervis tumbler filled with ice and enjoy.

Rest in Peace, Tasha Tudor

Mr. H and I were very sad to see that one of our favorite authors, Tasha Tudor, died on Wednesday. We are both big fans of her masterpiece, Corgiville Fair.

Thunder, lightening, the way you love is frightening

A bad thunderstorm blew through town yesterday; it ended around 6:00 PM. For some reason, around 8:45 our electricity went out. Two words-still air. It was not terribly hot, but the air was still and humid and it felt like you were breathing carbon dioxide. Fortunately, at 4:30 AM the power was restored.

Thanks, farmers

Blueberries have been really expensive lately, so I decided to see if they had some at the farmer's market. Score! I got great berries, Monica Pope's sage crackers, and delicious lemon sorbet. I have the ability to walk away from the farmer's market with lots of things that are not produce.

New Sandals

Thanks to the largesse of a cute second grader, I have a new pair of Bernardos. I have the ones pictured above already. The new pair looks like this. It is never a bad idea to give your child's beloved teacher a Nordstrom gift card.

Chocolate Chip Cookies, Yum!!!!!!!

These cookies remind me of the Kathleen's Bake Shop/Tate's Bake Shop cookies.

2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1+ tablespoons vanilla
2.33 cups Ghirardelli semi-sweet chips

Prehear oven to 350 degrees F.

Line pans with parchment paper.

In a small bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, and kosher salt, and set aside.

Using a mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla and mix to blend. On low speed, add the flour mixture and mix until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

Spoon tablespoons of dough onto pans. Bake 12 to 15 minutes.

These are the best cookies I have ever made.

Won't you be my neighbor?

New people moved into the house across the street from us. We know people that live in our neighborhood, but we don't really know anyone that lives on our actual street, so I decided to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies for the new neighbors. The cookies were phenomenal, and the neighbors appeared to be pleased. I will post the recipe today; I am pretty proud of my cookies.

Happy Anniversary

Today is our third anniversary, and so today my post is in honor of Mr. H. Here are just a few of his good qualities.

He is very kind to small creatures, children, dogs, turtles, any small creature.

He is up for trying new things, especially restaurants.

He loves nature.

He really helps around the house, and does lots of nice things to make out home more comfortable.

He remembers to do the small things which make life special.

He can talk to anyone, and has friends from all walks of life.

He is really funny.

He likes to go on trips.

He is easy-going and fun to live with.

He is handsome.

I heart summer

I am relaxing and generally behaving like a lady of leisure. One of my goals this summer is to eat more fruits and vegetables. I have concocted a pretty good breakfast of berries, walnuts, Kashi twig cereal, and Greek yogurt.

Mr. H is much better, but is still not working full days. It is fun to have him at home in the afternoons. Huey is in ecstasy with both of his parents at home.

We are going to some place on the Gulf of Mexico this summer. We are thinking Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Watercolor, Alys Beach, etc. If you have a favorite spot in the vicinity let me know.

Life Update

I am still going to yoga. I love it and I sleep like a rock.

Huey got the cutest haircut.

School is out for summer!!!

Voskos yogurt is fabulous.

Mr. H can drive again.

Good Sandwich

I thought this up on the drive home today, and it turned out wonderfully. I would include a picture of the sandwich, but I ate it.

Ingredients:
baguette
avocado
tomato
manchego cheese
dressing*

Slice a piece of baguette, cut it in half, and toast it lightly. Let bread cool. Slice avocado, tomato and manchego. Spread dressing on each side of the baguette and add other ingredients. Eat.

*Dressing
1 T Dijon mustard
3 T white balsamic vinegar
9 T olive oil

Whisk mustard and balsamic vinegar. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Dressing will be pretty thick.

Reader Question

My good friend, Lynn, posed an interesting question about jorts.

"I hope I don't have to pose this question in a haiku to have it answered... What I want to know is do they still sell these, or are guys wearing the same ones they've had for 15 years?"

Lynn, the sad answer is that jorts are still available. Here is a lovely Girbaud pair to remind you of your favorite jeans in the 80's. If the black doesn't work for you here is a great denim pair. Traditionalists will love this pair.

Jorts appear to be widely available and, from what I have seen at Astros games, are still wildly popular in some circles.

PSA Haiku

Jean shorts are never
A good summer idea
Jorts are so tacky

Summer PSA

Keep in mind that white flip flops, especially those with sparkles, really cheapen your look.

Words of Wisdom

One margarita = good, two margaritas=headache.

Interesting facts about Elizabeth

Mr. H is the only guy I ever really wanted to marry; from our first date on I knew that he was the one.

My brother-in-law looks like Matt Lauer.

I have five friends that I have known forever. I can't remember a time when I did not know them.

When a Mexican food craving hits I must have Mexican food immediately.

I never order veal or lamb at restaurants because it makes me feel guilty, but I have no problem ordering a nice filet.

I was a vegetarian for five years. I missed hamburgers the most.

Huey is my best pet ever.

I adore all forms of dark chocolate.

White chocolate repulses me.

I have a serious ice cream addiction. I try to ward it off with Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches.

I cried when our fish died.

I don't like getting dressed up.

I love to go to the beach.

I don't understand people that do not like pizza.

Huey and the Slumbering Patient

The Patient is Home

Will's surgery was today. It was supposed to be on Monday, but there was a scheduling change. We are at home and he is resting. The surgery went well, but the recuperative period is going to be pretty long. I am glad that school is almost over!

Huey is a great nurse.

Ice Cream World Tour

Here are my favorite ice creams (or gelatos) by location. In order to make this list the product can't be widely available and must be made in small batches.

Taos Cow Ice Cream, New Mexico

Old Bridge Gelateria, Italy

Giolitti, Italy

Amy's Ice Cream, Texas

Our karma may be a little off

Last week, I had to go to the emergency room due to severe stomach pains. This week, it was Mr. H's turn. He tripped while going down a flight of stairs this morning and tore his patella tendon. We headed over to the ER around 9:00 this morning. We had a much more pleasant experience this time. Mr. H will be in surgery on Monday morning to repair the damage.

Scary!!!!!

Just say no to plastic surgery.

Fleur de Sel, ice cream worth eating

This may be the best ice cream I have ever had in my entire life.

In which Elizabeth takes one for the team........

Last night was fabulous! I had the privilege of being a second grade chaperone at the annual school lock-in. The kids did an inflatable obstacle course, ate pizza, watched a magician saw a fourth grader in half, and watched The Bee Movie before falling asleep in their sleeping bags around 12:30. I slept on my Aero Bed until about 6:45 when I heard sweet little voices. We fed them a healthy breakfast of doughnuts, let them play on the playground, and sent them home. Upon returning home, I collapsed in my bed for a few hours with Huey P. Long, canine extraordinaire.

Bedside Manner

Yesterday, I had really bad stomach pains and fever. I talked the doctor on-call and he said that I had to go to the ER as it was after hours. Can you say nightmare?? First, there was this old lady that felt the need to talk to everyone and give them profound advice about life. I was seen by the triage nurse then had to wait for about two hours for an actual exam room. I was in a pretty severe amount of pain, and having to listen to the old advice giver was not helping. Finally, I was put in an exam room. It was wonderful to get away from the advice giver and be able to chill with Mr. H.

Then the doctor came in the room. She was, shall we say, lacking in bedside manner and perhaps made a wrong turn somewhere on the career path. She pretty much argued with me on every point, keep in mind that I am not an argumentative person. I tell her that I am not supposed to take Tylenol on the advice of my internist; she tells me that it is okay to take Tylenol. Gee, I guess the other doctor just said that to be contrary. She decided that I was "dried out" and chastises me for not drinking enough water. I tell her that I drink three 32 ounce Camelbaks per day, she tells me that is not enough. She decides to give me an IV, I hate needles, but I can make it work. The nice nurses come in to put in my IV and give me some water. We exchanged pleasantries, but did not have a real conversation. After about 45 minutes devil doc returns to chat with me. I ask her if I can have some pain medication; she tries to tell me that Chris the nurse tried to give me some and I refused. Ummm......I am pretty sure that I would not have refused if it had been offered. I hear her go into the hall and yell at the nurse for not giving me the pain medication. He replies that she never ordered it. Even though laughing was quite painful I did get a good laugh off of that one.

Finally, Dr. Troll Under the Bridge returns and tells me that I can go home. It is safe to say that the H family will not be returning to that ER again any time soon.

Pet Peeve

I really don't like it when I send an email and receive reply without the original email. It is usuallly people that use AOL that do this. It is especially annoying at work, as I send about thirty emails a day and don't remember what I each one says.

Pollen is ruining my life

I appreciate the role that pollen plays in nature, but the overabundance of it right now is killing me. Hopefully, the craniosacral massage that I am having later today will help.

News as it happens

1. I went to my second yoga class and I am still liking it. It feels great to be so relaxed, and I sleep really well after yoga.

2. It is teacher appreciation week at my school. I have been teaching at independent schools for 12 years, and this is the most amazing display of appreciation I have ever witnessed. I have gotten flowers and gifts, people have watched the kids at lunch, a parent cooked dinner for me. I feel very appreciated and very fortunate.

3. Huey remains our constant companion and little buddy. We both feel so blessed by this wonderful little pup.

It's all about trying something new

I went to my first yoga class today and I liked it.

Any one going to Jazz Fest?

Jazz Fest will be upon us soon. The H family will be attending the first weekend.

It's a perfect day

1. Slept late
2. Had tea, checked email, talked to friends on phone
3. Made appointment for mani/pedi
4. Took Huey for a long walk
5. Ate a light lunch
6. Went to salon for mani/pedi
7. Went home, relaxed a bit with Mr. H
8. Took a shower
9. Went with Mr. H to Peel Gallery Shop to look at some photos
10. Found a cool table at Peel
11. Decided that we were hungry
12. Went to Dolce Vita
13. Home again with Huey

Because it is the simple things that make you truly happy

Pitted kalamata olives are truly one of nature's (and Whole Foods) best gifts.

Brunch!!!!

Every year we go to Brennan's for Easter brunch. It is loads of fun; they have bunnies that you can pet on the patio, and the food is outstanding. Every year, after returning from Brennan's, we fall into a food-induced coma that last for at least two hours.

Polaroid Question

Does anyone know if the Polaroid film problem has been resolved? I have a hankering for a Polaroid camera.

When in the District, eat at 2 Amys, then go to Georgetown Cupcakes

2 Amys is D.O.C. certified meaning that they have been recognized by the Italian government as authentic Neopolitan pizza makers. I had lunch there on Wednesday and loved it. The roasted olives are really good as well. I may try my hand at them tomorrow.

Georgetown Cupcakes is fabulous; their frosting is perfect. Fortunately, the line was not spilling onto the street when we went by and we were able to procure a mint chocolate, chocolate coconut, and a chocolate with vanilla frosting. Tasty, my friends.

Bonjour, Bush

We slept late this morning, had tea/coffee, and then walked from Cristina's house in Georgetown to the White House. On the way, we stopped at The Bread Line for a sandwich; delicious. Next up, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. We circled the White House, made it over to the World War II monument and discovered that it was windy and cold along the river. After a warm up at Starbucks we made our way back to the house for a cookie baking session.

On Vacation

I am in Washington visiting my friend Cristina. Later.

Rodeo Gelato

On Wednesday, we went to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to see John Fogerty. He is an amazing entertainer, and I hope to see him again soon. A friend of a friend is one of his guitar players, so it was fun to see him in action as well.

One of the main features at the rodeo is the food. They have fried Snickers, fried Twinkies, fried Oreos, etc. While I did not try any of those fried treats, I did spy a gelato stand. Gelato is not something that I usually ssociate with rodeos, but it was fantastic.

Thai is Tasty

1. Passion fruit and prosecco drinks are very easy to make. The ratio is 50/50, just make sure both are very cold. I used Zardetto Prosecco. It was recommended by the NY Times, and it is the only brand that my liquor store carries. I found passion fruit juice in the regular grocery store, much to my surprise.

2. Passion fruit juice and prosecco is very good with spicy Thai food. We journeyed out to Kanomwan last night for some spicy red soup and fried shrimp with chiles. Yum!

New Drink

On Wednesday night I had dinner with my friend, Catherine, at Dolce Vita. We had these amazing prosecco and passion fruit drinks. I purchased some passion fruit juice and will try to recreate them tomorrow.

Keeping it positive

Things I like.........

1. The blog, Stuff White People Like (Seriously, have these people been following me around?)

2. Sebastian Laminates Shampoo for nice shiny hair

3. Valerie McDaniel, our vet

4. Seeing so many people voting and caucusing last night

5. My comfy bed (the mattress is the brand with those talking sheep)

6. The way watching a Netflix movie makes me feel like I have actually accomplished something

7. My co-workers, Ashlea and Katie

8. My Gucci loafers, worn and comfortable

9. Pizza

10. Math games

Big Question

Does anyone know when the new season of Big Love will start?

The H Family Update

1. Huey got a bath a Gizzie's yesterday; he looks fluffy and beautiful. It won't last long.

2. I am looking for a platinum velvet fabric for my sofa. Let me know if you locate any.

3. I bought some Sebastian Laminates shampoo and conditioner today. I will let you know if I think is is worth it.

4. We are going to see John Fogarty at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It is the world's largest rodeo.

5. Parent/teacher conferences were yesterday. I have a wonderful class and enjoyed talking to their parents about them.

6. Netflix may not be the thing for me. I don't seem to watch the movies.

The Happy House

We moved into our house in June. It is still a total work in progress, but I am stating to feel like we are getting somewhere. My absolute favorite thing is the bathtub. It is an old, deep iron tub, and I can fill it up and soak for hours without the water getting cold.

* Yahoo images has lots of bizarre photos under the heading of bathtub.

Yes or No???

I am thinking about this curtain for my kitchen windows. It will give a bit of privacy and does not block the light. Yes or no?

Home again, home again jiggedy jig

We had a fantastic time in Austin. We had great meals at El Chile, Hoover's, and Galaxy Cafe. I recommend all of them. One thing that I really like about most Austin restaurants is the emphasis on fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetable.

The wedding was beautiful. The Barr Mansion was a great venue with amazing organic food. It was possibly the best wedding food I have ever eaten. John and Stacy planned a wonderful wedding. The 5:30 start time, although sort of random in my opinion, worked out well. I had more drinks than I normally do, but woke up (at 11:00) with no headache. I can't say them same about Mr. H. Staying out until 2 AM requires more energy than I have at this point in my life.

Wedding bells are ringing for John B.

We are off to Austin tomorrow for a wedding at the Barr Mansion. The wedding starts at 5:30. Is it just me, or does that seem like a rather random time to have a wedding?

Things that you can do in lieu of writing report cards...

The laundry

See what eBay has for sale

Brush your teeth

Read every blog that you can and then find some new ones to read

Call all of your friends

Straighten your closet

Decide to play outside with your dog

Take a nap because you are oh so tired from writing report cards

Watch The Princess Diaries for the 20th time

Think of random godparents for your friend's new baby

Drink lots of water

Make hot cocoa

Brush, brush, brush your teeth

I love to brush my teeth (I never said that I was normal), and I am very picky about my toothbrush. I was a huge fan of the Lactona extra soft brush, but I have a new favorite. Recycline toothbrushes are made of recycled materials and come with wonderful, gum-massaging ultra soft bristles. They also come in a variety of funky colors.

My vita is dolce and I like it that way

Mr. H and I had a delicious dinner at Dolce Vita, one of our favorites. We decided rather late that we wanted to have our Valentine's Day dinner there. I called today to see what they had available and, well, 6 PM was all they had left. I felt like an elderly Floridian, but the food was great. My lovely husband gave me a wonderful book on Sean Scully. I gave him a book on Pete Maravich. We are a family of readers; Huey may even know how to read.

Valentine's Day is a rather special one in second grade. I got lots of candy and a few other nice gifts. One kid gave me a Built wine tote, and another gave me a really nice pen. Score! We also made fleece blankets for Project Linus today. Our school does not have Valentine's Day parties, and instead each grade does a community service project. The kids did a great job and we really had a good time.

News you can use

1. I am going to DC over spring vacation to visit the lovely Cristina.

2. Cover Girl Lash Exact mascara is just fine for every day use. I have been going through this phase where, when I run out of something, instead of going to The Galleria to buy MAC or whatever I just go find a substitute at CVS. This has more to do with laziness than cheapness. The aforementioned mascara and Noxema perform just as well as their more expensive counterparts, and I am not forced to go to The Galleria.

3. Because I dislike going to The Galleria, I ordered two cute dresses from Saks online; both were on sale. We have to go to a wedding in Austin in two weeks; of course, I have nothing to wear. Also, what do you wear to a five o'clock wedding? That seems like a rather random time to get married.

4. When I was a middle school student I thought that living in Houston and being able to go to The Galleria all of the time would be the best thing ever.

Home Improvements

I am in love with this rug from West Elm.  We have another West Elm rug that I love in orange, so I will be getting the grey rug.  That orange is rather snappy though.

Just one reason why I love my job

I found this on my desk today.

Mopey, but cute

Here is a picture of my mopey boy. He is a little happier though because his dad came home early to check on him.

Do you love your cell phone?

If you love your cell phone and would recommend it highly, please let me know. My carrier is AT&T. I need a camera phone with texting and the like. I am more about function than bells and whistles.

I am a Democrat, but........

I know this is really immature and not based on any important issues, but I can't vote for Hillary Clinton because she makes weird faces and they bug me.