GOOP

Gwyneth Paltrow has long been one of my favorite actresses. Not only is she good at her craft, she has this classic presence that is so graceful and refreshing. It doesn't hurt that she is married to the frontman of one of my favorite bands, Coldplay. Lately, she has been working on some really cool projects that make me jealous. Her PBS series with Mario Batali is fantastic! They drive through Spain exploring different regions and its representative dishes. If you like food and travel, check it out here.



I discovered GOOP, a website she created a while back. It's really new so there isn't a ton of content, but enough to browse and keep you interested for a while. There are recipes, tips on gifts, travel, life topics and more. I can't believe she has the time to create such a website, but I'm glad she does.

Elf on the Shelf and on Stage

The Elf on the Shelf has joined our holiday traditions this year and up to this point I think I have read the kids the book one hundred and forty two times. Not really, but I do read it at least once daily. Our elf is named Twinkle and it has been a race in the mornings to see who finds him. If you are unfamiliar with the way the elf works, check it out here. It really is fun for the kids, though their behavior is far from stellar. With all the things that Twinkle has witnessed, it is questionable if Santa will even come at all. (I'm sure they're redeem themselves before the big night)

The oldest lil' darlin was fabulous in her portrayal as an elf in her school's Christmas program. She really made us proud with her fearless shaking of the booty on stage.

Introducing...

Our newest member of the family. He has been with us since Saturday and today he finally got a name. It seemed like every name we came up with either did not fit him or the hubby nixed right off the bat. It took me back to the prego days trying to name a child. So, here is Augustus, aka "Gus". I can't help but think about the movie 'Lonesome Dove' when I hear that name. Now I just hope that Truman (our dog) becomes Gus' lifetime friend, Woodrow. Let me preface the photos by noting that Gus hates the flash on my camera. So, naturally he has his eyes closed in every shot. Unfortunately you're not able to see his beautiful blue eyes, but these will have to suffice.

The Holidays

Once again, I am getting behind in my blogging. It is such a busy month! Like you didn't know that already. This is what has been going on around here...

Putting up the Christmas Tree

Making cookies

Putting more icing in her mouth than on the cookies

Oldest darlin' waiting on her sisters and YaYa playing short order cook

Finished product. Can I add that a 3 year old did the wreath in the middle all by herself. Gosh, she takes after her mom.

Easiest Pasta In The World

When Tony and I were in Rome two years ago, we discovered a new appreciation of simple food. Everything we ate was so delicious and usually made with only a few ingredients. Even the grocery stores there are tiny because they do not have aisles and aisles of processed, packaged foods. When I came back, there were a few dishes that I started making the basic way and discovered how easy it really is. So, here is my recipe for Pasta Alfredo...not good for the waistline, but good for the soul.

Ingredients
8 fl. oz. cream

1 oz. butter

A pinch of nutmeg

Salt and freshly ground pepper

2 oz. freshly-grated parmesan (I usually use more)

Instructions
1. Simmer cream and butter in a small pan, stirring regularly until mixture has thickened and reduced by a third (be careful not to burn or boil the cream, stir it regularly on medium to low heat)

2. Add a pinch of nutmeg (brings out the taste of the cheese and offsets the cream) and season with a little salt and pepper

3. Stir in grated parmesan and remove pan from heat

4. Toss cooked, drained pasta with sauce and serve at once with freshly-grated parmesan

Hot Mama-Not

Yesterday I was trying to take a nap when I heard my oldest ask the hubby, "Why is mommy's name Hot Mama on the Wii". In case you have never played a Wii, you create characters for yourself with a name, etc. I'm not going to defend my choice of name, but it was just one of those things that happened on a whim. Well, her question didn't stop there, she finished it by stating, "Why is mommy's name Hot Mama on the Wii, because she's not hot!". With a dagger painfully placed in my heart I rolled over and wished for sleep to come more quickly. But no, their conversation persisted, kind of like this...
Hubby: Yes, she is
Daughter: No, she isn't
Hubby: She is (knowing I could overhear this conversation)
Daughter: I mean, she's not all that

O.K., I am secure enough in myself to not be bothered if people think I am attractive or not, BUT, I thought that your first-born would be your biggest, most loving, unwavering fan. Don't all 7 year olds think their mommy is beautiful? Don't answer that question. So, tonight she will be eating chicken livers and brussel sprouts...that'll show her.