Clark Girls

Holly is my cubicle buddy. She told me she made a torte with ganache. And I said, wha? So, that is why I posted the torte and ganache definitions. Holly said, do they even care or don't they already know this? I said, "I don't know, but I'm going to post it anyway." So, I did. Holly is an accountant, she graduated from IU. She is a Mom and her little boy's name is Garrison. She calls grilled cheese sandwiches cheese toasties. How cute is that? We know everything about one another because we are cube mates. She knows all about Ya'll too. She thinks I'm part crazy. Holly is very analytical and practical minded. When I had my gall bladder surgery she had sympathy pains. That's just how close we are. If she gets pregnant, I might get all fat and stuff. But at least I'll have someone to blame. Hey you guys, Happy New Year in advance!
Peace and Love to You~
Silliness to the Talliness

A torte is a cake made with many eggs and usually ground nuts or even bread crumbs instead of or in addition to flour.^[1] Tortes are Central European in origin. The word torte is derived from the German word "Torte" (pronounced [ˈtoʀtə], which has a somewhat different meaning), which was derived from the Italian word torta, which was used to describe a round cake or bread. ^[1]

The most well-known of the typical tortes include the Austrian Sacher torte and Linzertorte and the many-layered Hungarian Dobos torte. But other well-known European confections are also tortes, such as the French Gateau St. Honore.

A element common to most tortes is sweet icing. (Exceptions include several French tortes, such as Gâteau Mercédès and Gâteau Alcazar.) When the cake is layered, a thick covering of icing is placed between the layers, but there is almost always icing on the tops and sides of the torte. A number of European tortes do not have layers.

Ganache (pronounced /gəˈnɑːʃ/, from the French word for "jowl"^[1]) refers to a variety of icing, fillings for pastries, and glazes^[2]. It is typically made from chocolate and cream. Its origins date to around 1850, when it may have been invented in Switzerland or in France.^[3]

Ganache is normally made by heating heavy cream, then pouring it over chopped, dark chocolate. The mixture is stirred or blended until smooth, and can be enhanced with liqueurs or extracts. Depending on the kind of chocolate used, cream should be adjusted to reach desired consistency.

Ganache can also be used in filled chocolates, chocolate truffles, and other desserts. The portions of chocolate to cream vary depending on the intended usage of the ganache. Typically, a ganache is equal parts chocolate and cream; this is used for filling cakes. For a chocolate truffle base, twice as much chocolate as cream is used. For making a glaze, one should use three times as much chocolate as cream. Ganache can also be allowed to cool and whipped to increased volume and then spread to cover a cake.

Ganache is said^[who?] to originate from a culinary accident, whereby a chocolatier's apprentice spilled cream in the chocolate he was melting. The chef called the apprentice 'Ganache', a word meaning, figuratively, 'fool'. The result was delicious, and the name stuck.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (King James Version)

10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

KiKi~

This picture kinda says it all doesn't it?
Pretty Big Smile
Scurrying About
Bringing Someone a Cocktail
Is the other drink for her?
I think so.
cute little green sweater
nails are done
hair and make up,check.
looking dressed up even though she has jeans on? priceless.

Always smiling, always doing for others, lookin' cute taboot'! That's the KiKi we all know and love. She can cook, she can sew and she always puts her family first. It's like that Virtuous Woman description in the bible, Have I already posted that? Hard tellin. well, I will post it again and I will dedicate it to our Lovely little KiKi with the big smile and the servants heart. Just ask Conner... What's so special about KiKi anyway? Everything. Awww shucks.
Snaps for CCR
Peace, Love and Sisterhood!
S.T.

1. I had my gallbladder succesfully removed. (Yeah!) After suffering for seven years, (Dang fool)
2. Started new job
3. I saw Lion King
4. I got a new car
6. I baked my first pumpkin pie with homemade crust
7. I made home made ranch dressing... twice(watch out!)
8. I learned how to make french knots. (sewing technique) Thank you, Ann.
9. I learned the difference between the two kinds of truffles
10. Oh, I learned that whole thing about Mariska Hartigay and who her parents are and in my defense, I don't watch that show... by the way... not that I eat a lot of truffles either, but I digress.
11. I read Lonesome Dove
12. I'm a Silly Tally! I realized how little I know, which makes me totes brill because that is the essence of smartness. Realizing how little one knows. That's what my Dad told me and at the ripe old age of forty four I am supremely humbled by my vast lack of knowledge and it feels good. I have been wrong so many times it finally had to come to this. I don't know one whole hell of a lot about much of anything. What a liberating concept that is. I'm still curious and I'm still full of hope and even faith but, dang it, I finally realize how much I really don't know and that makes me totes brill and so glad I'm so old and so wise, yet dumbfoundingly, happily ignorant. Realizing how much you really don't know is what makes you smart. That's what WLC said. And I do declare, the Man was right. Exhale.

Come on Girls, I can't wait to see your personal recaps, declarations and accomplishments, however profound or mundane. Although having my gallbladder removed was the biggie for me and taught me a lot about keeping your sense of humor and being grateful for painkillers and good healthcare and family, reading LONESOME DOVE was a definite highlight. Sometimes it's the little things, like french knots, that can mean the very most. Show me what you got, I can't wait.
S.T.

Hello to all! It's Tuesday Morning and oh what a beautiful day! Christmas was absolutely fantastic. Breakfast at the Hirschfelds was glorious! What a delightful treat! How gracious and wonderful! I love adjectives! A lot! I am dipping a candy cane in hot chocolate as we speak. Scrumptious. Have you guys ever had Graeder's ice cream from Ohio? Holy Toledo (HAHAHa) Talk about delicioso! My friend Emily brought me some to try. Isn't that sooo nice? And I'm telling you it's the best ice cream ever. I got black berry with dark chocolate chunks & peanut butter with milk chocolate chunks. UTTERLY delightful (HAHAHa) They have a website and they deliver. Yumiferous! Well, back to work for this little chickadee. Oh, one more little thing before I go. I watched Oh Brother, where art Thou last night. I haven't seen it in like forrreeever and it was so good. Oh my gosh, how funny.(She R-U-N-N-O-F-T) Of coarse, Conner loves it too. I need to find him a hillbilly beard and some overalls. Yeah, that's exactly what he needs isn't it? He knows two chords on his guitar now. A & E. And he can totes play through a whole song. He's been a strummin since a fore he was one. And he can play the drums through a whole song too. Boy's got rhythm. We are having a New Years Eve party if anyone wants to come on by. Fred and Gayle will be there as well as Hank and Ellen (neighbors) Bridget, Brandon, Misty, Josh and Teresa and Edward. Steph will have some friends over too. I'm going to bake a ham, there will be a fire in the fireplace and live music. I even bought some kids wine! And I bought cool ranch AND nacho cheese DORITOS because they go together like ramalamalama yipeededangdedong. I MIGHT even bake a pie~ I probably will bang pots together because that's my kinda fun, I'm a pot bangin fool come midnight . So, come one, come all! The more the merrier, as we all know.

Ladies, the posting has decreased and that needs to change! I know its the holidays and everyone is busy but i want to know how everyones christmas went!!

Hi guys! I hope everyone had a great holiday. I've been enjoying my time in indiana with my family and I have just one more christmas tonight with Jake's mom's side of the family. We are still unsure about new years plans but I have no doubt that something exciting will come up. I want to hear what everyone's favorite gifts were!

TIS CHRISTMAS EVE AND MY HOUSE IS WARM AND FULL OF EXCITEMENT AND FOOD OF COURSE. READY TO FIX FAVS LIKE PRIME RIB, CREAMED CORN, GREEN BEANS, SAUSAGE GRAVY AND BISCUITS. OH HOW JOLLY IT WILL BE.
FAVORITE ACTRESS: MERYL STREEP
FAVORITE ACTOR: DUH JOHNNY TRAVOLTA
FAVORITE ICE CREAM: WITHOUT A DOUBT CHOCOLATE ALMOND
FAVORITE MEAL: SHRIMP ROMELAUDE..PRIME RIB..CREAMED PEAS..MASHED POTATOES..APPLESAUCE CAKE..RED WINE
FAVORITE LAUGH..KELLY'S ARMS GETTING STUCK IN THE CHAIR
FAVORITE CHRISTMAS PRESENT;MADAME ALEXANDER DOLL (BALLERINA)
GETTING READY FOR BEBE'S 2NITE, WE WILL MISS YOU ROGERS, BUT I KNOW YOUR HOUSE WILL BE BEEMING WITH EVERYONE AT HOME
LOOKING FORWARD TO A BEAUTIFUL WEEK WITH ALL MY BABIES AND GRANDBABIES HOME YES, TIFF I STILL CALL YOU A BABY AT 34

precious molly and her cute pal abs

although he could probably beat me up now!

i still remember conner walking in in this outfit vividly.

so I was flipping through some old pics on facebookand looky at what i came across. I literally laughed out loud at how tiny everyone looks!!

I am watching one of my favorite movies this afternoon, What a Girl Wants, with Amanda Bynes. I just love it, it is sooo adorable and I adore Colin Firth. Enjoy your afternoon!

If Los Angeles is being ripped off, we aren't alone. A couple of weeks ago, Graydon Carter's new restaurant, Waverly Inn, continued its controversial path (no reservations, no one answers the phone -- Jesus, do they also trip you on the way in?) with news of a macaroni and cheese special with a very special price: $55.

The diner said he didn't realize that what was being shaved over his "tiny" entree wasn't Parmesan, but white truffle. A photo of the offending receipt made it to Consumerist and Eater, followed by discussion over whether or not the waiter said the word "truffle," if the diner just didn't hear.

To me, it's the wrong line of questioning. Presuming it was a truffle the waiter was shaving and not, say, a piece of balsa wood -- shouldn't the diner have been able to smell it?

Which is what I suggest you do the next time you're confronted with the possibility of paying $90 for a plate of spaghetti. Ask to see the truffle; inhale deeply. If all you get is a whiff of the waiter's Polo Black, get the Bolognese.

Truffle oil is a modern culinary ingredient added to foods, which is intended to impart the flavor and aroma of truffles to a dish. Most truffle oils are not, in fact, made from actual truffles, but are instead a synthetic product that combines a thioether (2,4-dithiapentane), one of numerous organic aromatics odorants found in real truffles, with an olive oil base. A few more expensive oils are alleged to be made from truffles or the by-products of truffle harvesting and production, though the flavor of truffles is difficult to capture in an oil.

Truffle oil, available in all seasons and steady in price, is popular with chefs (and diners) because it is significantly less expensive than actual truffles, while possessing some of the same flavors and aroma. The emergence and growth of truffle oil has led to an increase in the availability of foods claiming to be made with or flavored with truffles, in an era when the price of truffles has pushed them out of reach for most diners. "Their one-dimensional flavor is also changing common understanding of how a truffle should taste," Daniel Patterson complained in a New York Times article.^[1]

So many truffles you can barely see the butter! A favorite on top of steak; a delicious addition to pasta; an ideal seasoning for braised, steamed or sauteed vegetables. For flavor-per-ounce, this has to be the truffle's shining moment. Let little pats melt over a fish fillet or lobster or grilled veal chops. Swirl into warmed mushrooms to make a fettuccine sauce. Brush over toast and float on top of soup.


I've never had this but because I didn't know that a truffle was a fungi, I thought it was chocolate butter. Somehow I knew that wasn't right. I think there is truffle oil too...uh oh, I better look up truffle oil just to be sure.

In France they use pigs for truffling(truffle hunting).

Finally, I get it. There are two kinds of truffles! ok! I feel better now! My whole life this has confused me!
Love,~Silly Tally

A chocolate truffle is a type of chocolate confectionery, traditionally made with a chocolate ganache center coated in chocolate or cocoa powder, usually in a spherical, conical or curved shape. Other fillings may replace the ganache: cream, melted chocolate, caramel, nuts, almonds, berries or other assorted sweet fruits, nougat, fudge or toffee, mint, chocolate chips, marshmallow and popularly liquor.

They are named for their resemblance to the truffle fungus.

A truffle (IPA: /ˈtrʌfl̩/) is the valuable and highly sought-after edible fruiting body of a group of subterranean ascomycete fungi of the genus Tuber. All truffles are ectomycorrhizal and are therefore found in close association with trees. These are the only "true" truffles, however, the term has been applied to several other genera of underground fungi around the world.

The ascoma (fruiting body) of truffles is highly prized as a food. Brillat-Savarin called the truffle "the diamond of the kitchen". Truffles are held in high esteem in French, northern Italian and Istrian cooking, as well as in international haute cuisine.

I am gearing up for the big trip to indy! I am working today and then i'm off tomorrow. I am going to get the house all cleaned up and ready so that I don't have to come home to a dirty house and get the car all packed up so we can head to indy. Hopefully the weather won't be torrential and we can make good time. But I am getting super excited to hit up citgo for a slushie on christmas eve and then happily going over to beeb's to get into the christmas spirit! yippee. i hope i can contain my excitement!

I like Gingerbread Girls hair dude.

Yeah, Boo, I'd say he has your eyes alright.

ok so this a clip from an old mtv movie awards that i watch over and over and get the chills. I cannot handle the hotness. It is through the roof!

I am leaning toward not, but I think that mostly has to do with the personality.

ps- that's simon cowell btw, think american idol

so here is a pic of my little lamby's just chillin and being cute! o so cute! looove it!

The most underrated actors (who can actually act- like with real talent!) They also happen to be some of my favs
1. Leonardo DiCaprio (he is the least underrated, but i cannot deny how much i adore him-he is the greatest male actor of my time)
2. Zooey Deschanel (ooo lord, i love this girl, not only is she an amazing actress, she can sing like a pro!)
3. Ryan Gosling
4. Rachel McAdams (#3 & 4 combo is priceless!!--hello The Notebook)
5. Kate Winslet (5 academy award nominations! she is the greatest actress of my time- no doubt, you just feel everything she is feeling- you have to see more of her smaller films-but she's totes brills).
6. Kirsten Dunst (Not bring it on style, but marie antoinette style- looooovey!)
7. Will Ferrell (i had to add him- he makes me laugh in a certain special way!)

lily allen has a new cd coming out! I absolutely adore here (british accent!)

For just seeing in the magazine, I am most likely to pick up a mag with:
1. reese witherspoon
2. Lauren Conrad
3. Britney
4. heidi klum (auf wiedersen!)
5. jen aniston
6. victoria beckham

1. Leo
2. jakey G
3. Brad
4. david beckham
5. Will Smith

I think it would be a wise business investment to begin marketing myself as a personal shopper. If I do say so myself, I am quite skilled at the gift of shopping.

So we all know how busy the nurses are, especially at this time of year, working extra shifts and whatnot. So, I have been helping them with their christmas shopping. I did all the shopping online for my friend Jen, locating and finding the cheapest Ipod adaptor, tennis shoes and cell phone for her bf. then today, Angie (another nurse) wanted red hi-top converse for her son bc he wants to wear them while he plays the electric guitar he asked santa for (how presh?!) She thought 40 bucks was too much, but that was the best she could find. not true! i found them for $24.99 with 20% off (now $19.99), free shipping, and --it keeps getting better-- christmas delivery! I know I rock.

i just do not want my skills to go to waste. If you need something located or reviewed just call me! although i am trying to figure out how you would go about charging someone. I work best when the buyer knows what they want to get, I still need to working on my decision skills.

plus, the few years I worked at buis oil i ran all of christy's errands, buying christmas gifts and birthday presents all of which i loved. it just gives me a thrill of joy to find things for peeps and spend their money! Plus, if i could figure out a way to make a profit, I couldn't think of anything to make myself happier!!

Regardless, all of the nurses are begging me to help with their last minute purchases and it is so much fun! Especially seeing their reactions to the bargains i can find online in like 10 minutes!! I loooooove the internet.

OKKKKK

First of all I think Conner and I have the same eyes!!
Sorry to Kelly and Tori on the lack of postings. It seems like any spare minutes are spent either shopping my way home or wrapping gifts...and pity, pity I'm almost out of Christmas Cookies and I told Mom I would bring cookies for Christmas Eve. I also told Mom that Tori and I would come over on Christmas Eve afternoon to be directed so she doesn't have to have a sore back and be medicated for Christmas...she can just stick to scotch!! So any one that wants to join in the fun, come on over. This weekend Jon, Mick, Sydney and I are going shopping for a Noblesville Family that HSI adopted thru the United Christmas Service. That will restore your Christmas spirit. The mom needs a frying pan and the Dad only wants gifts for his 3 kids. Man, we are so blessed! Will and Ann will be home tomorrow and we have a cocktail party at the Castinos. Bobbi and I are going to have a gift wrapping party on Sunday. Mike is going to cook and Jon is going to rewire her sound system - I don't think we've informed the boys of these plans yet. Those are the big plans for this weekend. I can report that we will not be hearing from Tiff until after the weekend. She and Brian took the kids to the cabin to celebrate her Birthday for the weekend. Happy Birthday Tiff...we love you. Seems like weeks ago since we were at the cabin, it just went too fast. Cathy thinks we need to make a trip in the summer too. How about for Mom's Birthday?
That's my weekend posting...my older sisters need to step it up a bit. Logann and Steph have no excuses, you're both done with school. Love to all!!

french vanilla
butter pecan
mint chocolate chip
neopolitan
spumoni

just think... at this time next week christmas will be a thing of the past! i cannot believe it is soo soon although i cannot wait to have some quality family time. i am especially looking forward to the tradish bfast! looove it (singing). I am working today, which is a bummer because i really despise working fridays. I need the day off to prepare for the weekend. o well. I only have 3 more christmas gifts left to buy, but unfortunately, I still have no idea what to get for two of them. Owell! It's been awhile since anyone (other than kelly and I) has posted on the blog. I'd love to hear about some weekend plans! Something festive perhaps? I think i may watch Elf again, or maybe Rodulph because I have not watched that yet.

o btw, you guys have to look into this comedian, Jeff Dunham, you could probably find some of his sketches on youtube. jake and i are always watching it. he uses dummies (he is a ventriliquist--sp?) and it is his hilarious. my fav character is Peanut. he has a holiday special that would be perfect to watch over the weekend. so check it out! (check! check! check! Check it out-- singing).

My friend Holly says this is a really good movie and that it's actually kind of funny. I put it on here because it is easy to forget about good old classic movies until someone reminds you. I want to watch this right now. She is so pretty. I believe the actual movie was originally in black and white and maybe was nominated for a couple Oscars. Of coarse, the real story is the chemistry between Richard and Elizabeth. Russell Crowe reminds me of him. I wish he would find his on screen muse. Maybe Angelina! I'm calling Hollywood right now! Totes Brill! (I only used the good notes.) teehee.That quote made no sense in that context, really but it's so funny and I've been wanting to say it. And, Tori knows what I'm talking about right. Anyway! I'm dunzo.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Me; Conner, what do you think is so special about your Aunt Boo Boo? If you had to pick something about her that you like, what would it be?
Conner: I like her eyes. They're turquoise.
Me:Oh, that's nice, what about Aunt Hick?
Conner: Her voice.
Me:Oh, you mean her speaking voice or her singing voice?
Conner: Both.
Me: Well, then what about Aunt KiKi? What would you say is so special about her?
Conner: Everything
Me: Well, o.k. then. How about Beebs? What would you say about the Beebs?
Conner: Well, you can't miss a thing about her.
Me: hahahahahahahaha, What about Tori? What makes her special to you?
Conner: Her Dog
to be continued, He lost interest in me, briefly. Mike was eating Oreo's and doing Karate moves in the kitchen and I simply could not compete.

Maria Montessori-totes brill, ahead of her time.
Mother Teresa-saintly
Hillary Clinton-smart,driven,capable
Georgia O'Keefe-earthy, creative
Pocahontas-Was she in love with John Smith?
Princess Diana- Tragic Beauty
Stevie Nicks- My Muse
Cher- So confident, and that long dark hair!
Ella Fitzgerald-That voice! And what a life story
Shania Twain- a strong woman and so pretty
Bonnie Raitt- tough, cool
Joni Mitchell-intellectual, poetic, tough
Dolly Parton- Great Life Story, adorable, those dimples!
Jessica Lange- Can't put my finger on it, but she is so wispy.
Sally Field-I find her completely adorable
Carol Burnett- She is a jewel
Angelina Jolie- Can't take my eyes off of her, fascinating-Brad Pitt
Lauren Graham-Loreli
Shirley McClain-tough, talented, cool
Julie Andrews-perfection
Farrah Fawcett- stunning

My review went great, they doubled my work load. Can't imagine why.

guess what? I finally got viva pinata: trouble in paradise! I had to wait til i was done with school because i am such an addict and it totally consumes me. so, i may not have a ton of time for blogging today, i will probably be gaming 24-7! don't worry though, i will still check in! yay!

Wikipedia says:

Hair work, or jewelry made of human hair, was in fashion during most of the 19th century and a few decades into the 20th. It disappeared when short skirts and the bob became stylish around 1925.

Wellies! Wow! See this man on the left here? His name is William Morris and he was an artist in England in the late 1800's. His textiles are used primarily with the Arts and Crafts type of design. He also wrote, painted, was an architect and was very political. I own a book of his letters that I love. I like everything about him. So, I would like someone to make a film about his life and probably Russell Crowe should star in said film. But, imagine my surprise, delight when I found these wellies! William Morris Wellies! I am not a Wellie wearer myself. Stevie has always wanted a pair. but, anyway, I love to talk about William Morris and when I saw these wellies I knew my chance had come. So, if I were to wear wellies , this would be them. Did you guys already know about William Morris? Do you like him? I think he's a Dandy!

Dale Chihuly does Ikebana in all glass.

Ikebana

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement as a collection of particolored or multicolored arrangement of blooms, ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws emphasis towards shape, line, form. Though ikebana is a creative expression, it has certain rules governing its form. The main(?) rule is that all the elements used in construction must be organic, be they branches, leaves, grasses, or flowers. The artist's intention behind each arrangement is shown through a piece's color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the usually implicit meaning of the arrangement.

Another aspect present in ikebana is its employment of minimalism. That is, an arrangement may consist of only a minimal number of blooms interspersed among stalks and leaves. The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth, and man and in others sun, moon and earth. The container is also a key element of the composition, and various styles of pottery may be used in their construction.

A note about Adele...

She was just nominated for four grammy awards. I agree with kelly, the cd is a most. it is so old school and bluesy. She actually attended a music school in england with Leona Lewis (who is also amazing) and Amy Winehouse. She had no clue she was going to be nominated and actually stayed up late to see if her school friend, leona lewis, would get nominated. And then her phone started ringing off the hook! She was nominated in 4 categories, Leona in 1 or 2. Kinda cool right!

I am doing a Belmont girls gift exchange tonight and we are going to go to the Cheesecake factory. I am sooo excited and I am going to be staring at the menu all day trying to decide what to get. Although I believe I am decided on my dessert, Oreo cheesecake. you guys can be jealous!! Miss everyone.

Sea salt, obtained by the evaporation of seawater, is used in cooking and cosmetics. Historically called bay salt,^[1] its mineral content gives it a different taste^[2] from table salt, which is pure sodium chloride, usually refined from mined rock salt (halite) or from sea salt. Areas that produce specialized sea salt include the Cayman Islands, Greece, France, Ireland, Colombia, Sicily, Apulia in Italy, Maldon in Essex UK^[3], and Hawaii,^[4] Maine, Utah, the San Francisco Bay, and Cape Cod in the United States. Generally more expensive than table salt, it is commonly used in gourmet cooking and specialty potato chips, particularly the Kettle Cooked variety.

Where mineral salt has been readily obtainable it has long been mined. The salt mines of Hallstatt go back at least to the Iron Age. However, it has not been readily obtainable everywhere and the alternative coastal source has also been exploited for thousands of years. The principle of the production is the evaporation of the water from the brine of the sea. In warm and dry climates this may be done entirely by solar energy, but in other climates fuel must be used. For this reason, sea salt production is now almost entirely an industry of Mediterranean and other warm, dry climates.

"Fleur de sel" sea salt, Île de Ré.

Such places are today called salt works, instead of the older English word saltern. An ancient or medieval saltern could be established where there was:

1. Access to a market for the salt.
2. A gently-shelving coast, protected from exposure to the open sea.
3. A cheap and easily worked fuel supply; preferably, the sun.
4. Preferably, another trade such as pastoral farming and tanning so that it and the salt could each add value to the other in the form of leather or salted meat.

In this way, salt marsh, pasture (salting), and salt works (saltern) enhanced each other economically. This was the economic pattern in the Roman and Medieval periods around The Wash, in eastern England. There, the tide brought the brine, the extensive saltings provided the pasture, the fens and moors provided the peat fuel, and the sun sometimes shone.

Manual salt collection in Lake Retba, Senegal.

The dilute brine of the sea was largely evaporated by the sun, and the concentrated slurry of salt and mud was scraped up. The slurry was washed with clean sea water so that the impurities settled out of the now concentrated brine. This was poured into shallow pans lightly baked from the local marine clay, which were set on fist-sized clay pillars over a peat fire for the final evaporation. The dried salt was then scraped out and sold.

Gourmets often believe sea salt to be better than ordinary table salt in taste and texture, though one cannot always taste the difference when dissolved. In applications where sea salt's coarser texture is retained, it can provide different mouthfeel and changes in flavor due to its different rate of dissolution. The mineral content also affects the taste. It may be difficult to distinguish sea salt from other salts with a high mineral content, such as pink Himalayan salt, or grey colored rock salt. Sea salt is purified less than the high mineral pink salt.

Because sea salt generally lacks high concentrations of iodine,^[5] an element essential for human health,^[6] it is not necessarily a healthful substitute for regular iodized table salt,^[7] which is usually supplemented with the element, unless another source of dietary iodine is available (such as dairy products or regular processed foods).^[8] Iodized forms of sea salt are now marketed to address this concern. However, unrefined sea salt contains many minerals that regular iodized table salt does not contain, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, sulfate, and traces of others (including heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and strontium)^{[citation needed]}.

cosmetic and gourmet use, sea salts are also used as a main ingredient in the production of bath salts. These are used as bathing additives and are believed by some to possess therapeutic and healing properties.

Sea salts that are used in the production of bath salts are not just taken from any body of water. Some of the common properties of the location in which they are extracted are age, seclusion from human intervention, and mineral content. Common bodies of water in which these salts are extracted include the waters of the Himalayas, the Dead Sea, Pacific Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Utah's Great Salt Lake.

Kosher salt or Koshering salt is a term that describes one of the most commonly used varieties of edible salt in commercial kitchens today. Kosher salt has a much larger grain size than regular table salt, and a more open granular structure. Like common table salt, kosher salt consists of the chemical compound sodium chloride. Unlike common table salt, Kosher salt typically contains no additives (for example, iodine), although kosher salt produced by Morton contains sodium ferrocyanide as a free-flow agent. The term kosher salt is restricted to North America; in the UK it is called koshering salt,^[1] and in other parts of the world, "(coarse) cooking salt". In North America, the British term koshering salt has been proposed as more accurate and is sometimes used in industry (e.g., The Salt Institute), but it is rarely used in everyday language.

Kosher salt gets its name not because it follows the guidelines for kosher foods as written in the Torah (nearly all salt is kosher, including ordinary table salt), but rather because of its use in making meats kosher, by helping to extract the blood from the meat. Because kosher salt grains are larger than regular table salt grains, when meats are coated in kosher salt the salt does not dissolve readily; the salt remains on the surface of the meat longer to draw fluids out of the meat.

Kosher salt can be used in nearly all applications, but it is not generally recommended for baking with recipes that use small amounts of liquid (wet ingredients). If there is not enough liquid, the kosher salt will not dissolve sufficiently, and this can result in small bits of salt in the resulting product; in certain applications this is undesirable. In recipes where there is enough liquid to dissolve all the salt, table salt can be replaced by kosher salt, but the volume must be adjusted. Because kosher grains occupy more volume (for equal weight) the volume of kosher salt should be increased. Because kosher salt grains can vary in size considerably from one brand to another, it is recommended that one check the box for a conversion guideline, which is generally provided. If there is no guidance provided, twice as much kosher salt (by volume) to replace table salt serves as a rough estimate. Another reliable technique is to use an equal weight; a gram of kosher salt is equivalent to a gram of table salt. Because of the absence of iodine, kosher salt is preferred by most chefs to iodized salt.

chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2007/05/get-...

Cool blog, all about interior design, shows you where to get some of the cool stuff in Kate Winslet's cottage in The Holiday.

Did I properly thank you for doing my hair and Steph's hair at the cabin? Well, I just wanted to make sure you knew how much we appreciate your hard work. Geez, what did you do 6 cuts and 4 colors? Maybe more, lets see you did yours, Logann's, Tori's and my color. And you cut Anns, Steph's twice , mine, Avrees, Did you cut Tori's? That was so awesome of you to do all that. You are a such a sweetheart.

I have my green plaid scarf on today and have received 2 compliments already. Not that I'm counting. And I want to say to Ann how much I love my very, very soft white gloves and scarf. I am saving them to wear to church on Sunday. Actually we are going to church twice on Sunday.(Christmas Concert in the evening)

My interview with Conner W.H. (That is how he signs his art work) funny.

ME: So, Conner, what is the meaning of Christmas, do you think?

Conner W. H. : Giving Joy to each other
Worshiping the Lord
Giving to people who don't have that much
Celebrating a special holiday with your family.

ME: Who is Jesus and what did he do when he lived on Earth?

Conner W. H. : A Beloved Man, who did nice things and helped people. He sacrificed his life on the cross.

ME: What do you believe happens when someone goes to Heaven?

Conner W. H. : Angels surround you as you are going up to Heaven. More Angels as you go. And you get to see some friends.

ME: Conner, what do you believe is a good way to live?

Conner W.H.,: The best way to live your life is in peace.

AMEN.

ps. Conner gave me these answers very matter of factly, without having to consider an answer at all. I think he did a wonderful job. We know he has learned some of these answers from the people around him, but the way he answered them, so confidently, it seems like he has a concrete grasp on these ideas and believes them with all his heart. He never once hesitated, he is a wise young man, so it would seem.

Boo, this is the salt I was thinking of~

That kind of looks like a fun job, for a week or a day.

Posted Jul 3rd 2008 11:00AM by Max Shrem
Filed under: Spices, Artisan Foods

Fleur de Sel is my favorite salt. Sprinkled over a chocolate mousse it incites intense gastronomical excitement. It tastes clean and fresh, like the ocean, and exudes an aroma of bright violets. Unfortunately, unlike most salt, it's not cheap. While you can spend as little as three dollars for three pounds of kosher salt, Fleur de Sel costs approximately 10 dollars for only 5 ounces. But, of course, there is no comparison when it comes to the enormous difference in taste.

The reason why Fleur de Sel is so expensive has to do with its superior quality. To understand the price we pay for Fleur de Sel, we need to comprehend the intricate process involved in collecting it. Fleur de Sel must be harvested by hand with great care, because it is not supposed to touch the coarse grey salt beneath the surface. It is delicately scraped off of the surface where it floats.

Where does it come from?
The salt enters shallow marshes, called œillets, off the coast of Brittany from the Atlantic ocean through an elaborate series of 10 winding waterways. But, before entering the marshes, Fleur de Sel enters a basin, called a vasière, where fish, eels, and other living oceanic organisms are cleared from the water. The complicated system of canals that lead to the œillets is crucial. Ocean water has roughly 27 grams of salt per liter, but, by the time the water ends up in the œillets, it's far saltier, containing 300 grams of salt per liter. Information on how Fleur de Sel is collected and the type you should buy can be found after the jump.
How is Fleur de Sel Harvested?
During the warm dry months (typically, the summer), Fleur de Sel is cautiously raked up with a lousse à de fleur, a tool designed to collect the salt without disturbing the tender crust. The job is done by specialists. Originally, it was done by women called paludiers.

What kind of Fleur de Sel should I buy?
It's true that there is Fleur de Sel from other parts of the world besides Brittany. You can find Fleur de Sel de Camargue from southern France, and you can even find some from Spain. I highly recommend that you purchase Fleur de Sel de Guérande. The tradition of collecting Fleur de Sel began in Guérande, in southern Brittany. It's likely that Fleur de Sel from other regions is mechanically harvested. I'm not stating that those others types are bad. On the contrary, I know that they are artisanal salts. But, the work involved in collecting Fleur de Sel de Guérande is more involved, and, in my opinion, produces the best Fleur de Sel.

Have you used this salt recently or tried dishes with it? If so, what were they and how did they taste?

Nobody has ever before asked the nuclear family to live all by itself in a box the way we do. With no relatives, no support, we've put it in an impossible situation. ~Margaret Mead

Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown

If you don't believe in ghosts, you've never been to a family reunion. ~Ashleigh Brilliant

We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott

The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~Erma Bombeck

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. ~Joyce Brothers

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

I couldn't pick just one, tell me which one you like best.

Alas, another legend has passed. If you're a Dita von Teese fan, make sure to pay homage to the original pinup queen, Bettie Page. She lived to be 85 and passed away yesterday in LA. She broke the rules in the '50s. She had a hand in the exploration of female sexuality, creating a liberated character in risque lingerie and skimpy bikinis — not too mention taboo toys like whips and eye masks. Here's to you, Miss Bettie.

Hi Fams,
I just want to thank you all for a delightful time. What a wonderful weekend we had.
Things that stand out in my mind:
1. Abby handing out ramaki's and cookies. So cute.
2. Tiffani calling herself domesticated.
3. Logann's hair
4. Watching The Holiday.
5. Hiking with Avree. So cute.
6. The man in the red shirt.(sorry)
7. does not compute, does not compute. (robot hands)
8. catheter's for anyone too lazy to get up and pea
9. Ann tending the fire
10. Kelly P. doing the zip line.
11. Drave, Maverick and Lovee
12. Viva La Beaverville! nice. or was that Beavertail?
13. The full moon over the icy pond.
14. Christmas Music!
15. Artichoke Dip
16. hearing Tori sing into Mr. Microphone, or British accent holiday greetings.
17. Julie's story about the letter her Dad wrote her that she framed and her Christmas ornament he gave her.(still, gulp.)
18. KiKi's Quilt Quest.
19. BeBe & Lovee
20. Tiff's socks
21. Lovee's pajamas. & sweater
22. Dirty Santa~fun
23. Accidentally pinning the whole row of quilt squares to the bedspread.
24. watching Abby and Avree paint.
25. Logann's story about Hunter telling her about the man in the tree.
26. Stephanie getting her hair cut, twice.
27. Ann and Drake snuggling by the fire.
28. Tori sitting with Maverick (barely) on her lap.
29. Seeing Steph on the 4 wheeler with Avree
30. Abby putting mayo in Hic's hair.

I was only going to do the top 10 but what the heck, they just kept coming. Please add to the list as you remember things I didn't see or forgot to mention. I love you all so much my heart is so full. How fortunate we all are to have the sturdy little cabin to keep us all warm and to have each other to be with and we can be ourselves and just hang out together. We are all so busy it's such a treat to get to spend time together. The quilt turned out great and all the food was fabulous. Thank you Boo and Hic for sharing your getaway with all of us. Thank You for letting me bring Kelly too. She makes me feel like a kid again, I swear! Tori, Logann, Ann and Steph, you girls are all so sweet, I adore you all. Mom and Ann, you are both so precious, Julie and Avree, I'm so glad you were there, I don't get to spend much time with you and You are both adorable. KiKi, you are my hero. Tiff and Abby, I love you both so much, you make my eyes leak.