Yes, it's true. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown this evening. As a tip of the hat to my familial Jewry, I will dip apples and challah in honey, and make some crazy delicious fried cinnamon challah french toast for breakfast in the morning. I can't think of a more appropriate celebration of the sweet beginnings DH and I are experiencing at this very moment.
But perhaps more revered in this household is tomorrow's holiday: Talk Like a Pirate Day. I can't remember the first year we celebrated the occasion. It has to be within the last four or five years. For the most part, we celebrate merely by acting making ridiculous pirate speak puns that leave us both in nerdtastic laughter-stitched tears. This year, I am giving DH a gift. I shall serve him coffee in this fabulous mug from ThinkGeek.com. I hope he likes it! Squeeeee! I mean...Aaarrrrggghhhh.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Stalker.
It is indeed a strange thing to receive nasty comments of a personal nature from abject strangers. It's even more strange when those comments of a personal nature pertain to content from my previous blog; which is quite some feat of disdain because that blog is 1. erased, and 2. unsearchable. It would seem I have a blog stalker. Considering the mealy-mouthed nature of her commentary, I am more than a little surprised to learn she followed me here since she seems to find my own existence so questionable. But, as Heather Armstrong (@dooce) so cogently pointed out about her own blog stalker just a few days ago on Twitter, "I'm guessing my blog stalker has so much time to harass me because her crusty panties have permanently glued her to her chair."
Dear Blog Stalker, I learned a lot more about you last night than would make you comfortable, I'm certain. This is the internet, after all. Perhaps it would behoove you to live your life in as "Christian" a manner as I am 100% certain you profess to in your bland, sanctimonious existence. Instead of the newly-pregnant, perhaps you could pick on another deserving group, like kittens or baby seals.
Dear Blog Stalker, I learned a lot more about you last night than would make you comfortable, I'm certain. This is the internet, after all. Perhaps it would behoove you to live your life in as "Christian" a manner as I am 100% certain you profess to in your bland, sanctimonious existence. Instead of the newly-pregnant, perhaps you could pick on another deserving group, like kittens or baby seals.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Farmer's Market Haul
Three Cucumbers
Three Zucchini
Three White Eggplant
Four Yellow Squash
Two Sweet Potatoes
One Pound Red Butter Potatoes
One Enormous Bunch Basil
One Big Bag of Fresh-Shelled Black (Purple?)-Eyed Peas
I spent $13 my first time out at the Farmer's Market at City Island this morning. Unfortunately, it seems like "farmer's market" is something of a misnomer. I really had to hunt between the vendors for locally grown produce. That being said, I did very well. This will make for some fun cooking this week, for sure. I'd never even seen white eggplant before today!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Memes: They're easier than essays!
This meme brought to you by: 
1. What is something that you have changed your mind about either recently or over a number of years?
Marriage, parenthood, the whole nine yards. When I was half my age, at the beginning of my senior year of high school, I thought I'd never have children--I thought I'd be a fighter pilot and commit my life to the service of my country. Of course, that option never came to pass, but I thought I would certainly continue my education with advanced degrees. I envisioned myself marrying at that time, but later, after a failed engagement at the age of twenty-four (to my now husband), I thought I would not marry. Ten years later, here we are. I'm keeping house and he's the breadwinner. Things change. I don't imagine it will always be this way, either, but for the time being, it works for us.
2. Choose either subject, but does your a) church b) job feel more like a dental chair experience or an easy chair (recliner) experience?
I have neither a church nor a job, and in both, I feel blessed. In actuality, I would like to find a spiritual center of some kind, I don't know if it's "Church," per se; but it's difficult to find one in which the political convictions of the congregants and the spiritual purpose for which we attend church do not clash horribly.
3. Kisses or hugs? I actually typed "huts," which might have been a more interesting question.
From my new husband? Yes, please! Both together. I like my chocolate in my peanut butter.
4. What do you think is the biggest threat to families today?
I think the biggest threat to families are narrow-minded bigots who can't mind their own damn business about what happens in other people's families.
5. A day after you grocery shop, you open a perishable item that is horribly spoiled. Do you take your receipt back to the store to be reimbursed or just throw it away and forget about it?
I will usually toss the item unless it's something expensive, like organic milk.
6. What personality trait (feel free to address good or bad or both) do you notice yourself adopting from your parents?
I hate that I try to talk over people; interrupt to get to my own story; like my mother does. So far, that's the only bad one I've noticed.
7. How many slices of bread do you leave in the bottom of the bag when you throw it away? Two? Three? Just the heel? None? (I really want to know if you eat the heel.)
I don't buy bread like this. If I purchase bread, it's usually a baguette or something similar.
8. What mispronunciation or usage error really irritates you?
Oh, this list is long and distinguished. I think one of my biggest pronounciation peeves is "supposably." This, people, is not a word. The word for which you seek is supposedly.
9. In honor of the uniqueness of today's date, what does the numeral 9 mean to you? (Any special life moments attached to the 9th? Are you the 9th kid in your family? Can you count by 9s really fast? etc.)
Nine is one of my favorite numbers. :) I like 3s and multiples of 3s. It's a lucky day!
10. Does the general color palette in your closet match the colors you chose to decorate your home with?
My clothes are mostly dark, though there are some lighter pieces. My house is bright and airy. I think the house would be depressingly dark if I dressed the house in a similar palette.
11. When you're hanging out with friends in the kitchen, do you automatically ask to help, or do you sit there and chat until the host asks if you'd like to help? I'm not implying that the 2nd choice stems from rudeness or laziness, just not a first-response like it is for some people.
I will ask, or simply say, "What can I help with?"
12. Let's end on a pleasant note: What do you enjoy about September the most?
The weather makes the least noticeable of dips in temperature around here, but some nights get cool enough to throw the windows open for a bit. Also, I enjoy the turn of the season, the Autumnal equinox, the rhythm of the year.
1. What is something that you have changed your mind about either recently or over a number of years?
Marriage, parenthood, the whole nine yards. When I was half my age, at the beginning of my senior year of high school, I thought I'd never have children--I thought I'd be a fighter pilot and commit my life to the service of my country. Of course, that option never came to pass, but I thought I would certainly continue my education with advanced degrees. I envisioned myself marrying at that time, but later, after a failed engagement at the age of twenty-four (to my now husband), I thought I would not marry. Ten years later, here we are. I'm keeping house and he's the breadwinner. Things change. I don't imagine it will always be this way, either, but for the time being, it works for us.
2. Choose either subject, but does your a) church b) job feel more like a dental chair experience or an easy chair (recliner) experience?
I have neither a church nor a job, and in both, I feel blessed. In actuality, I would like to find a spiritual center of some kind, I don't know if it's "Church," per se; but it's difficult to find one in which the political convictions of the congregants and the spiritual purpose for which we attend church do not clash horribly.
3. Kisses or hugs? I actually typed "huts," which might have been a more interesting question.
From my new husband? Yes, please! Both together. I like my chocolate in my peanut butter.
4. What do you think is the biggest threat to families today?
I think the biggest threat to families are narrow-minded bigots who can't mind their own damn business about what happens in other people's families.
5. A day after you grocery shop, you open a perishable item that is horribly spoiled. Do you take your receipt back to the store to be reimbursed or just throw it away and forget about it?
I will usually toss the item unless it's something expensive, like organic milk.
6. What personality trait (feel free to address good or bad or both) do you notice yourself adopting from your parents?
I hate that I try to talk over people; interrupt to get to my own story; like my mother does. So far, that's the only bad one I've noticed.
7. How many slices of bread do you leave in the bottom of the bag when you throw it away? Two? Three? Just the heel? None? (I really want to know if you eat the heel.)
I don't buy bread like this. If I purchase bread, it's usually a baguette or something similar.
8. What mispronunciation or usage error really irritates you?
Oh, this list is long and distinguished. I think one of my biggest pronounciation peeves is "supposably." This, people, is not a word. The word for which you seek is supposedly.
9. In honor of the uniqueness of today's date, what does the numeral 9 mean to you? (Any special life moments attached to the 9th? Are you the 9th kid in your family? Can you count by 9s really fast? etc.)
Nine is one of my favorite numbers. :) I like 3s and multiples of 3s. It's a lucky day!
10. Does the general color palette in your closet match the colors you chose to decorate your home with?
My clothes are mostly dark, though there are some lighter pieces. My house is bright and airy. I think the house would be depressingly dark if I dressed the house in a similar palette.
11. When you're hanging out with friends in the kitchen, do you automatically ask to help, or do you sit there and chat until the host asks if you'd like to help? I'm not implying that the 2nd choice stems from rudeness or laziness, just not a first-response like it is for some people.
I will ask, or simply say, "What can I help with?"
12. Let's end on a pleasant note: What do you enjoy about September the most?
The weather makes the least noticeable of dips in temperature around here, but some nights get cool enough to throw the windows open for a bit. Also, I enjoy the turn of the season, the Autumnal equinox, the rhythm of the year.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Aunt Sandy's German Pancake Recipe
This is an impressive-looking dish, let me tell you, particularly when it is fresh out of the oven and the sides are at the height of their golden puffy peak-i-ness!
Ingredients:
*1/2 c. unsifted flour
*1/2 c. evaporated milk or heavy cream
*1/4 tsp. salt
*4 XL eggs
*4 Tbs. butter (3 would be fine, I think, if you prefer)
*Enough confectioners sugar to sprinkle atop the finished product.
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Oven rack should be slightly below center.
2. Melt butter in a 10 inch, ovenproof skillet or pie plate.
3. Combine flour, milk, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, whipping well.
5. Pour batter into melted butter: DO NOT STIR.
6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until puffy and brown (my oven usually calls for 13 minutes).
7. Sprinkle liberally with powdered sugar. Serve with favorite fruit, preserves, or syrup.
Before Sunrise.
It's been a productive day already here in Pop Housewife-land. Having gone to bed far earlier than usual--around 8:30pm, or whenever The Rays were having their asses handed to them by the Yankees and I decided I couldn't watch any longer--I awoke far earlier than I usually would have.
My Darling Husband has an early dentist appointment, so the day began at 6:00am. Wanting to capitalize on the the unusual flush of energy at this hour, I *grudgingly* made the decision to make a trip to Walmart to pick up a 10-inch pie plate. I obtained a yummy recipe for a German Pancake from my mom, and I had completely forgotten that my glass pie plate was broken in our move over a year ago. I hate Walmart, but I wanted to get a move on, so I went.
It would seem that my local store has received some remodeling. The store was almost devoid of customers, but there were many, many executives walking around in suits and ties. I stopped one to ask where I might find Housewares, and he didn't know. He asked me if I usually shopped there, and I replied honestly, Absolutely not. He seemed surprised at my strong reaction, and probed further. I have to tell you, I was so so excited to finally tell someone in a SUIT who works at Walmart to SUCK IT, I could barely believe my luck. So I answered him honestly again: I disagree with your Pharmacy policy to not carry Plan B, or any emergency contraception. It's misogynist, and frankly, if that's the political drum you want to beat, you don't want my money badly enough.
He blinked at me, and stammered that he wasn't aware of the policy and told me to have a nice morning. He couldn't get away from me quickly enough, which I found utterly hilarious and unnecessarily awkward. I giggled at the absurdity--I love that I made him uncomfortable. Feminazi, in Housewares, Aisle 10321!
I still bought the pie plate. And I feel dirty.
My Darling Husband has an early dentist appointment, so the day began at 6:00am. Wanting to capitalize on the the unusual flush of energy at this hour, I *grudgingly* made the decision to make a trip to Walmart to pick up a 10-inch pie plate. I obtained a yummy recipe for a German Pancake from my mom, and I had completely forgotten that my glass pie plate was broken in our move over a year ago. I hate Walmart, but I wanted to get a move on, so I went.
It would seem that my local store has received some remodeling. The store was almost devoid of customers, but there were many, many executives walking around in suits and ties. I stopped one to ask where I might find Housewares, and he didn't know. He asked me if I usually shopped there, and I replied honestly, Absolutely not. He seemed surprised at my strong reaction, and probed further. I have to tell you, I was so so excited to finally tell someone in a SUIT who works at Walmart to SUCK IT, I could barely believe my luck. So I answered him honestly again: I disagree with your Pharmacy policy to not carry Plan B, or any emergency contraception. It's misogynist, and frankly, if that's the political drum you want to beat, you don't want my money badly enough.
He blinked at me, and stammered that he wasn't aware of the policy and told me to have a nice morning. He couldn't get away from me quickly enough, which I found utterly hilarious and unnecessarily awkward. I giggled at the absurdity--I love that I made him uncomfortable. Feminazi, in Housewares, Aisle 10321!
I still bought the pie plate. And I feel dirty.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Pop Modern Find: Adorable Apron from Etsy
I think one of the clearest indicators of my narrow concept of housekeeping is the fact that I tend to think in terms of accessories. Case in point: I bought two aprons within a week of the pending nuptials; "Gifts to myself," I justified. I am remorseless. This is one of them:
Handmade by Momomadeit at Etsy.com. So many cute patterns. Yummy!
Handmade by Momomadeit at Etsy.com. So many cute patterns. Yummy!
Pop Vintage Find: Tomato Pinafore Apron...and A Post-Post Modern Idea.
Inspiration arises from the most unassuming of details. This adorable pinafore apron was $3.99 at a local antique store. I couldn't resist the little tomato illustration on the pockets. 
On that particular shopping day, two days prior to the wedding, I was in the market for "something old," namely an English penny to stick in my shoe. I found this apron by sheer providence. It's so much cuter in person. This apron, or rather, the combination of this apron, the tropical sleeveless dress (acquired from a boutique in Atlanta, the name of which is escaping me at present), and my maternal grandmother's plastic red and pink costume pearls gave me an idea; the first creative writing idea I've had in quite some time: "Pop Housewife."
I snapped a photo of this apron and the outfit to post on a discussion forum I frequent with sassy, brassy ladies, when I realized the highly-stylized, cartoonish cutiepie staring back at me belies the caustic tongue I associate with my own tartish internal monologue.
Whatever is happening right now, this impulse to embrace and chuck the idea of a gilded cage, I plan to buck the negative, anti-woman, anti-educated association with what it means to be a Home Economist these days. I hope I might change some minds while I'm here, particularly my own.
Here's your apron. Get to work.
On that particular shopping day, two days prior to the wedding, I was in the market for "something old," namely an English penny to stick in my shoe. I found this apron by sheer providence. It's so much cuter in person. This apron, or rather, the combination of this apron, the tropical sleeveless dress (acquired from a boutique in Atlanta, the name of which is escaping me at present), and my maternal grandmother's plastic red and pink costume pearls gave me an idea; the first creative writing idea I've had in quite some time: "Pop Housewife."
I snapped a photo of this apron and the outfit to post on a discussion forum I frequent with sassy, brassy ladies, when I realized the highly-stylized, cartoonish cutiepie staring back at me belies the caustic tongue I associate with my own tartish internal monologue.
Whatever is happening right now, this impulse to embrace and chuck the idea of a gilded cage, I plan to buck the negative, anti-woman, anti-educated association with what it means to be a Home Economist these days. I hope I might change some minds while I'm here, particularly my own.
Here's your apron. Get to work.
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