tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51117724431713206252024-03-14T14:49:09.714-04:00Car Free in Ann ArborAstridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.comBlogger441125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-51995775865804881852011-03-06T19:29:00.004-05:002011-03-07T07:16:07.096-05:00Basement - Finished!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3SLujLMQPoxRrRkcvVxV4fjf6ioiAJakgXbsS3AAxqUNpNh2mbouUC4ItqTxTqeD-uvtmB5__kdh5XeOXHFApw0hgMyLPFR_rudhOtETVkww3YEM2POuW19aFtTQPnABe3Dy6ZGJ_oFE/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3SLujLMQPoxRrRkcvVxV4fjf6ioiAJakgXbsS3AAxqUNpNh2mbouUC4ItqTxTqeD-uvtmB5__kdh5XeOXHFApw0hgMyLPFR_rudhOtETVkww3YEM2POuW19aFtTQPnABe3Dy6ZGJ_oFE/s400/067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TEFdlojoDbKLEIacplyWePrUORFdluQk_nXI16SV_0ejqJcja9ki_bfhGLdVbbR_bs4_nx5qtDdwCsMFWlxtBZAbDhbakXGduP_3iVO6moj4AK-2-KiGtwBWWo9auSF562jWxpEdQSPN/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TEFdlojoDbKLEIacplyWePrUORFdluQk_nXI16SV_0ejqJcja9ki_bfhGLdVbbR_bs4_nx5qtDdwCsMFWlxtBZAbDhbakXGduP_3iVO6moj4AK-2-KiGtwBWWo9auSF562jWxpEdQSPN/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is a finished project that has been a long time in the coming. Renovating the basement common area to something usefull and tasteful that will entice people to use the space - for something other than a dumping ground.<br />
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The youngest had a large table for Lego, and it's been used as a game room/Xbox room off and on. But yet, it wasn't comfortable or enticing. Just some space where junk accumulated.<br />
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Our oldest is away at college and comes home from time to time during school breaks. With his departure to college, his bedroom was immediately taken by one of the younger kids. We still needed a place for the oldest to come home to. So the Basement Improvement Project was conceived.<br />
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We hauled out all of the junk, finished out an archway area into more wall space and a door, painted the walls, replaced the skanky carpeting, bought new furniture, and made the basement a combination part time bedroom and teen rec room.<br />
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I think it turned out wonderfully! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyXgbhQJUQQ32LitVp3YVf-KxEU-ZBccu4cy-NjiuIyRfPDn8_J4Rpl6kEwftMHcCnUJE4LeNBC5TNv7ZK5aU7Ii97DBKnxyIJ4Y9jL3VNDUHmeh5yHbv3TqdzLjAIFIQczfy58J3tekp/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyXgbhQJUQQ32LitVp3YVf-KxEU-ZBccu4cy-NjiuIyRfPDn8_J4Rpl6kEwftMHcCnUJE4LeNBC5TNv7ZK5aU7Ii97DBKnxyIJ4Y9jL3VNDUHmeh5yHbv3TqdzLjAIFIQczfy58J3tekp/s400/036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ikea Billy bookcase and Hemnes TV stand</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaY-E6SwMWxHdVhywvo4mMkgwoqf1kHBf52fRT5LEp9FwumLeIdQylpJ1f8NIbrzIpYdDZEkFtDcoRGzZSbSdxbkJJyF2qjdidmiryaLNYgIvrUX4r4scxIokbT8Mkbivh1Cuu67044VA/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaY-E6SwMWxHdVhywvo4mMkgwoqf1kHBf52fRT5LEp9FwumLeIdQylpJ1f8NIbrzIpYdDZEkFtDcoRGzZSbSdxbkJJyF2qjdidmiryaLNYgIvrUX4r4scxIokbT8Mkbivh1Cuu67044VA/s400/042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hemnes 3-drawer dresser</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScjkcEwxDlh-7ilZKs7e1geLk1BQqzJ77ieJrqpg9q51DRgjPx4nspA6arqhIvzHTIZo2o3eCXCUaj7upk4M3U5M2VECVe7SrHxnQn_HIISmpcyjbkUioQAZnr5S5lGMnBnqThyhQfj6t/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScjkcEwxDlh-7ilZKs7e1geLk1BQqzJ77ieJrqpg9q51DRgjPx4nspA6arqhIvzHTIZo2o3eCXCUaj7upk4M3U5M2VECVe7SrHxnQn_HIISmpcyjbkUioQAZnr5S5lGMnBnqThyhQfj6t/s400/051.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conference table, four chairs and Manstad sleeper sofa</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAA_LoUv1yK0XLGFGcOen1WzHFlCl_POsZc5UwbRWki_O4jTuEfhqYXBBrwxkGoxh2Gza6Ay3lZP_3zgAvnNdrFsXg_c2Iu5yFDpAvCK5ZGlBANtzlg7yLy9pARwEccpuvSAp6_TOU7YDz/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAA_LoUv1yK0XLGFGcOen1WzHFlCl_POsZc5UwbRWki_O4jTuEfhqYXBBrwxkGoxh2Gza6Ay3lZP_3zgAvnNdrFsXg_c2Iu5yFDpAvCK5ZGlBANtzlg7yLy9pARwEccpuvSAp6_TOU7YDz/s400/066.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving in - homework, computers, guitars</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKfXwB0PqQ7yEzp5ikZ8uFFyCv6S8XuTd5wWT4Zkwd7AmZavY5jSuFUby_fJhh2fsgbYHRoGPgVHlRSUQF9xBLBznQrSv5N3ntGTr7oyPhhyphenhyphenjsYp2LjIP4S9-DS0ppyFUog1xAPL1-pCw/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKfXwB0PqQ7yEzp5ikZ8uFFyCv6S8XuTd5wWT4Zkwd7AmZavY5jSuFUby_fJhh2fsgbYHRoGPgVHlRSUQF9xBLBznQrSv5N3ntGTr7oyPhhyphenhyphenjsYp2LjIP4S9-DS0ppyFUog1xAPL1-pCw/s400/068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seating area - couch and 2 bean bag chairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNCVx4kbvtXlm4u8wVt0Ia06c7FAM0Dqsb2q0WqU6jaIvG-Y3mrYHfrUcmObUkT9vsfuo1G4Y9YOj_RUfbYTGs4WoNoDsgh88QpU3IKWlOPSuTidth8532ZCMkfkmAbGIjUA7LGvvPKNe/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNCVx4kbvtXlm4u8wVt0Ia06c7FAM0Dqsb2q0WqU6jaIvG-Y3mrYHfrUcmObUkT9vsfuo1G4Y9YOj_RUfbYTGs4WoNoDsgh88QpU3IKWlOPSuTidth8532ZCMkfkmAbGIjUA7LGvvPKNe/s400/072.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ikea Manstad couch folded out to a double/queen bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I'm thrilled with the results. It's the way I envisioned the colors and features. Hopefully, Big Boy and other kids will enjoy the space for years to come. <br />
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The Flor carpet squares worked out really well and the furniture looks to meet the function. The party starts here tomorrow!<br />
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On to the next project.<br />
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<a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/01/basement-overhaul.html">Start here</a> for the first Basement post.<br />
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Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-21455287244954238312011-03-06T14:54:00.005-05:002011-03-06T19:03:06.129-05:00Basement - Carpet!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEKtlKHnAzIeHVlYGlvPR1XtX-yAzuV0280bFHJG6ewmXalNKnxd0Ho8OABwv1t7bFCMZ_zBwD_Ls7kctDJJ1Aoi2i62qcApzOWG0gVoYBdtkDEuWJASnhpZU6iiysADHszJMehbpiz7f/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEKtlKHnAzIeHVlYGlvPR1XtX-yAzuV0280bFHJG6ewmXalNKnxd0Ho8OABwv1t7bFCMZ_zBwD_Ls7kctDJJ1Aoi2i62qcApzOWG0gVoYBdtkDEuWJASnhpZU6iiysADHszJMehbpiz7f/s400/031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male bonding - Stuart, Jake, and Kris laying (on) carpet squares</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The <a href="http://www.flor.com/">Flor</a> squares are pretty cool! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZesZ3bIWvqlr6xGAuJQStN8caBqz1qvKGiNOImR2gFYhd2mYaUIJHX7O0vbZurO-JKqZw5iQ0EZ0a8kiH38qExMjChdDgdKh_UGuVvaAkWhSMn7s_ZL_e6oa8s4ZzJwc4Oa8ZYSEAxhW/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZesZ3bIWvqlr6xGAuJQStN8caBqz1qvKGiNOImR2gFYhd2mYaUIJHX7O0vbZurO-JKqZw5iQ0EZ0a8kiH38qExMjChdDgdKh_UGuVvaAkWhSMn7s_ZL_e6oa8s4ZzJwc4Oa8ZYSEAxhW/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After laying down a few squares to get the feel and squareness of the room - all it takes is a little sticky to join the corners and you're good to go. The floor was carpeted in no time. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm63W0b2wxAPqPL2Vn7FOWz-EIoDBN-r38UTYaXzAs1Xf6JzypHzPH3qiTLG-Vtrx96nZChJWFKbvDf-GhIxEbEEKJQ-vO4viOqbDU6BuuvNDqHFp0blSPW0tT1utcVztIApvb03k6GFI/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm63W0b2wxAPqPL2Vn7FOWz-EIoDBN-r38UTYaXzAs1Xf6JzypHzPH3qiTLG-Vtrx96nZChJWFKbvDf-GhIxEbEEKJQ-vO4viOqbDU6BuuvNDqHFp0blSPW0tT1utcVztIApvb03k6GFI/s320/054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahteqo-Lt1pbLOkWMq7doUY23mzKEVI4v30tRPFc_met7Ubj6zFRlyViQuykUP1zcu0W7Oe81LQMBT0YgFthfYVqJqitNCfTDOVoB5LaAXZyqqqWl2B7ZMGhZreQ66OogNV8NR_rrxi3c/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahteqo-Lt1pbLOkWMq7doUY23mzKEVI4v30tRPFc_met7Ubj6zFRlyViQuykUP1zcu0W7Oe81LQMBT0YgFthfYVqJqitNCfTDOVoB5LaAXZyqqqWl2B7ZMGhZreQ66OogNV8NR_rrxi3c/s320/055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-PdjKZRhimGNDhvR4kIhjX4neUI_Nv805UwdJ2MmVArRuHQXtG961iC3BDB-q8wk9hf9An2N49oxA6kEuu3blJc6hEvdOSVG8K6azYHT6Tvt6tma_u1wgEbYs1ZONSusN04yVSXosP84/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-PdjKZRhimGNDhvR4kIhjX4neUI_Nv805UwdJ2MmVArRuHQXtG961iC3BDB-q8wk9hf9An2N49oxA6kEuu3blJc6hEvdOSVG8K6azYHT6Tvt6tma_u1wgEbYs1ZONSusN04yVSXosP84/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joining the corners with little stickies</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTJOTvCnTH3Tr1TG-yBvtCsJT5DL0P1LbnokuUMD9pgZYiQLF7hAoMfsZoCkEzDl9K8eCivUKUXNnE6WmjUfD1S5TI45uGcqSxJxMNq8mnTwIkFchDcPZJuk7_uvNsKfu8pDhfh1702SO/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTJOTvCnTH3Tr1TG-yBvtCsJT5DL0P1LbnokuUMD9pgZYiQLF7hAoMfsZoCkEzDl9K8eCivUKUXNnE6WmjUfD1S5TI45uGcqSxJxMNq8mnTwIkFchDcPZJuk7_uvNsKfu8pDhfh1702SO/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWR5jjYwrohiY6av6321zaYDhLGc0DDqIDmdeiFm-V_OMeAI5doEYVxvndcdWy4SPxOaP2ml72l1UcKHwfoyzYRWRYkJMiBwbwdUxVDA2j-dq4E-dpIbWuFrX_NEcETRLXsKrYjRzdqWW/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWR5jjYwrohiY6av6321zaYDhLGc0DDqIDmdeiFm-V_OMeAI5doEYVxvndcdWy4SPxOaP2ml72l1UcKHwfoyzYRWRYkJMiBwbwdUxVDA2j-dq4E-dpIbWuFrX_NEcETRLXsKrYjRzdqWW/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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On to the last phase - moving in the furniture.<br />
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Previous basement post - <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/03/basement-color.html">wall painting</a><br />
First <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/01/basement-overhaul.html">basement post here</a>, the "before" picture<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Astrid</div></div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-9148415805937852672011-03-06T10:57:00.003-05:002011-03-06T11:03:20.707-05:00Saigon Kiss<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpUoJMldKEKy1GW7-ivYR3JIU43MOjS3mkO8NGacMFqg8fp2XC0jbgKWilWsx8Hvj6HzdhkccBuMBcZkNQXHnkYu-xrYj6U9X4P6YfId53nn1ax8iDJtyhIPuE9k-A823Hbu27lV0Z7Hv/s1600/450px-Motorbike_jam_Saigon_Vietnam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpUoJMldKEKy1GW7-ivYR3JIU43MOjS3mkO8NGacMFqg8fp2XC0jbgKWilWsx8Hvj6HzdhkccBuMBcZkNQXHnkYu-xrYj6U9X4P6YfId53nn1ax8iDJtyhIPuE9k-A823Hbu27lV0Z7Hv/s400/450px-Motorbike_jam_Saigon_Vietnam.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motorbike jam in Vietnam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've expressed my love of Wiki from time to time. Another one of my favorite websites is Urban Dictionary which helps me to keep up with modern slang. A while back, I checked on some lyrics of a song I like by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BMZdmFa-HU">The Cult, Li'l Devil </a>that mentions a "Saigon Kiss", which after checking with Urban Dictionary, means a burn on the inside of the right calf caused by the exhaust pipe of a small motorbike. Which leads me to today's post!<br />
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Recently, a friend returned from Hanoi, and was telling me how jam-packed the city is with motorbikes and that the sidewalks are almost impassible with parked bikes. To bring this concept home, he gave me a copy of an article from <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703559604576176653871308960.html">Friday's Wall Street Journal</a> by Daniel Henninger which echoed the same theme!<br />
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<blockquote>There's nowhere to walk here explained a waitress in a Saigon restaurant. The sidewalks are covered with motorbikes. Saigon has been described as a city of nine million people and 30 million motorbikes. </blockquote><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH5DzkXVW-3sfWZFXRL6npLegijGPt75LCfBA4oSpd2mi8-0YovU8kp0l3Q8-HIqi5L1ErUkIYByb8jfKSo4Uw1_Kxh4iiYxYJySRmOPV7ITI4EEyysFBSQ2F8Xr5nKGLlGL_vtOOfZio/s1600/800px-Motorbikes_at_hanoi_vietnam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH5DzkXVW-3sfWZFXRL6npLegijGPt75LCfBA4oSpd2mi8-0YovU8kp0l3Q8-HIqi5L1ErUkIYByb8jfKSo4Uw1_Kxh4iiYxYJySRmOPV7ITI4EEyysFBSQ2F8Xr5nKGLlGL_vtOOfZio/s400/800px-Motorbikes_at_hanoi_vietnam.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidewalks taken over by parked motorbikes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I had no idea! The article went on to describe Vietnam as a motorbike culture. I'll have to check with Copenhagenize and see how that squares with his interest in alternative commuting - bicycle cultures. <br />
<br />
Thanks to those who contributed to today's lesson in world cultures, I learned something new today.<br />
<br />
Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-17869439185587608112011-03-06T09:41:00.000-05:002011-03-06T09:41:59.158-05:00March Breakfast Meet-up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3im9lm-zM_g9HeSl8B1IZZmlRIDhZ9F6cE5niOgr0bK37gXnTauy37I72TyZaJrGyDtE0n3-4RD0otLjDdeo48wWeONYeCFLAd1wdMx5L6ZvT4ZLSYslbKNZMcM_WIqzxB5XWkljhXbw/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3im9lm-zM_g9HeSl8B1IZZmlRIDhZ9F6cE5niOgr0bK37gXnTauy37I72TyZaJrGyDtE0n3-4RD0otLjDdeo48wWeONYeCFLAd1wdMx5L6ZvT4ZLSYslbKNZMcM_WIqzxB5XWkljhXbw/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh few inches of snow from last night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As today is the first Sunday of the month - that means breakfast at Mark's Mid-Town Coney Island. We met friends at the top of the street and trudged through fresh snow and ice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBlhn5va49-MSc2otqAwPP646E1uceHDxt5R84wdYslBro_BfeupjiinluN8lrd_anV83jbH9B3MovbAGdW9Qe6v14r9m3UAAAbWjnojZtaT0WGiVj7di2mzFUorv2hyTQlq_RTLHp-6Q/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBlhn5va49-MSc2otqAwPP646E1uceHDxt5R84wdYslBro_BfeupjiinluN8lrd_anV83jbH9B3MovbAGdW9Qe6v14r9m3UAAAbWjnojZtaT0WGiVj7di2mzFUorv2hyTQlq_RTLHp-6Q/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We enjoyed the usual odd assortment of foods off the menu plus copies amounts of coffee, juice, and Mountain Dew.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg71B0R-3MepLQfBaDgWXvXNhrZKabr8sXpvRo9_eeFNEsQLv14MWvpnMNQsIvfcZjNcfch5i8SRrJwgB0clS9sKspZcDQ3UiCSFv1Rkjo3_JUHUWhVrtHoTiMG7st_AsNrqJHR6yMX47/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg71B0R-3MepLQfBaDgWXvXNhrZKabr8sXpvRo9_eeFNEsQLv14MWvpnMNQsIvfcZjNcfch5i8SRrJwgB0clS9sKspZcDQ3UiCSFv1Rkjo3_JUHUWhVrtHoTiMG7st_AsNrqJHR6yMX47/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">split grilled cinnamon roll</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnPhrn3jJVg5laPGZ3vl7XU5BmnwdBf8hCZtcT4Oj-ZAO8YbQ1p-Tbr1BrLpErVE9OfG5QelSCLXZRzndoKqVVdsii3_QH1Js0hVjsD58-fKZkxiRAqHJXAs4vtzui_cLhGXYtJJAm20c/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnPhrn3jJVg5laPGZ3vl7XU5BmnwdBf8hCZtcT4Oj-ZAO8YbQ1p-Tbr1BrLpErVE9OfG5QelSCLXZRzndoKqVVdsii3_QH1Js0hVjsD58-fKZkxiRAqHJXAs4vtzui_cLhGXYtJJAm20c/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chili cheese fries - the cheese is underneath the chili</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIb08XZjpEhpgFYrivFBYXi_AxUP9Afy6_nvRGCPvCOWHmrjIcumxS15WATrt471f2ar2bf7C8MkP6AzzvP9EVYL6K1nYtRr520GXLD11ZVZ8bKD-xhpiwjwOlONAbXBcRdrmkCEpLHaX/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIb08XZjpEhpgFYrivFBYXi_AxUP9Afy6_nvRGCPvCOWHmrjIcumxS15WATrt471f2ar2bf7C8MkP6AzzvP9EVYL6K1nYtRr520GXLD11ZVZ8bKD-xhpiwjwOlONAbXBcRdrmkCEpLHaX/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hash browns, eggs, sausage and cinnamon raisin toast</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvxtf0UQ3ngW6-rgWgIOCLK8HD9HWw_XftLQTTJK_yXj3meshFOcRSTrvNCdNUFH8odsPxyu6VdEs5JI8f2VRGyiDb5O1RKco78sJPaU_xQ7qALiHI0DU9Jd7uCkovrOXRirDgQtBK17V/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvxtf0UQ3ngW6-rgWgIOCLK8HD9HWw_XftLQTTJK_yXj3meshFOcRSTrvNCdNUFH8odsPxyu6VdEs5JI8f2VRGyiDb5O1RKco78sJPaU_xQ7qALiHI0DU9Jd7uCkovrOXRirDgQtBK17V/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">omelet with rye</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And then the little people got restless!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKPjApd2qyRndNlncxuEU8UfK72Cl7_kQLzMKwMMUuSQPKdd4yaY9xJYarhyphenhyphenW1cKq7oZ4rext7fsfSNfnLWJjkv8aH7-VVXlcwigO1a8FzHDjxftnRbvZWS9nvt6B67NPV-BON7JiziLf/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKPjApd2qyRndNlncxuEU8UfK72Cl7_kQLzMKwMMUuSQPKdd4yaY9xJYarhyphenhyphenW1cKq7oZ4rext7fsfSNfnLWJjkv8aH7-VVXlcwigO1a8FzHDjxftnRbvZWS9nvt6B67NPV-BON7JiziLf/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrjFpwOJpycixc8e5JDv_IyunLKn4L68X9VpVCcIH6Q3nkAoy5nywAOncN_1jSumMtcWiLMtuS1aW3Yrvu_O-Ke10wbwYY-UCNcxSaAIMTbinDNztGTMDRk-4KtUt_ENaEjD3hopiaOLj/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrjFpwOJpycixc8e5JDv_IyunLKn4L68X9VpVCcIH6Q3nkAoy5nywAOncN_1jSumMtcWiLMtuS1aW3Yrvu_O-Ke10wbwYY-UCNcxSaAIMTbinDNztGTMDRk-4KtUt_ENaEjD3hopiaOLj/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS8pahp1I84G_Sik82Hu1ICn_4yAyi28wR6JoWZcJeve5wr3yKEe3FYv9_uAclW_XiyKFZ14pa7vHCZ9By5DIRrwt8oPgbqRFK2lnuNI_cz2-A7SnDTNpx_L1CjOJYYsa4wmn76kugu9a/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS8pahp1I84G_Sik82Hu1ICn_4yAyi28wR6JoWZcJeve5wr3yKEe3FYv9_uAclW_XiyKFZ14pa7vHCZ9By5DIRrwt8oPgbqRFK2lnuNI_cz2-A7SnDTNpx_L1CjOJYYsa4wmn76kugu9a/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBdZlVg-xDkE-bwrTIBKHKcvpK6bmE4OZvVqQ2gVDp1Zs2QbJOF1Yj13IA0ZFftHNboe3u8nNRkDbGuQA5jXiAww5_juGSwUmWxSozQmaO7Cqg7v8iEmGov4ySJOWs7r5YM1JpHaoUO1l/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBdZlVg-xDkE-bwrTIBKHKcvpK6bmE4OZvVqQ2gVDp1Zs2QbJOF1Yj13IA0ZFftHNboe3u8nNRkDbGuQA5jXiAww5_juGSwUmWxSozQmaO7Cqg7v8iEmGov4ySJOWs7r5YM1JpHaoUO1l/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
See you next month for another great time - Sunday April 3, 2011 at 8:00 am. Mark's Coney Island at Plymouth and Green, Ann Arbor.<br />
<br />
Astrid<br />
</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-21111930053089883032011-03-05T13:24:00.000-05:002011-03-05T13:24:03.017-05:00Chevy Volt Sales<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXXQWJt1Blp7I4Ikl5N-LyXVQa8pak_m3-ZqsrX_ABx9zXZjoP1BZG-53u1-qVtfJylG1HwvLt06mtDm8XTkaf4SUdlkMoRb7Tt4u2BRd5stWoXaYjJVKnpH9ATIut-tS7yUzj2zw0Isa/s1600/11_che_vol_gal_ext_large_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXXQWJt1Blp7I4Ikl5N-LyXVQa8pak_m3-ZqsrX_ABx9zXZjoP1BZG-53u1-qVtfJylG1HwvLt06mtDm8XTkaf4SUdlkMoRb7Tt4u2BRd5stWoXaYjJVKnpH9ATIut-tS7yUzj2zw0Isa/s400/11_che_vol_gal_ext_large_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chevy Volt</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Here's a funny and sarcastic <a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/car-talk_552899.html">story of Chevy Volt sales</a> that my Dad caught on the Weekly Standard Car Talk yesterday. <br />
<br />
<blockquote>Hey everybody--<a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/colliding-reality_508831.html" target="_blank">it's the Age of the Electric Car!</a> Sales numbers for the Chevy Volt are out and you'll never guess how many of these future machines consumers gobbled up in the month of February. Go ahead and try. I'll wait.Is that your final answer? Okay. Well the real number is:</blockquote><div class="left article-photo"></div><blockquote>281.</blockquote><blockquote>Yup. 281 Volts were sold in February. That might sound terrible to you, but it's actually really strong. Because Nissan only sold 67 Leafs (Leaves?), and the Leaf is both cheaper and, as far as over-priced econo-boxes go, way better than the Volt. So really, the Volt is doing pretty great. In fact, if you had told GM execs last year that the Volt was going to out-sell the Leaf by more than 4-to-1, they would have been thrilled.</blockquote><blockquote>Now if you wanted to be a Grumpy Gus and fixate on the bad news, it's true that the trend isn't great. In January, GM moved 321 Volts, so February represents a 12 percent decline. But again, there's a bright side: Leaf sales dropped by 23 percent! So actually, the Volt has better legs than its prime competitor, too.</blockquote><blockquote>What, you want more good news? Okay, how about this: Because the Volt and Leaf sales are so . . . emerging, taxpayers saved money! The government gives everyone who buys one of the overpriced Volts or Leafs $7,500. So every electric car that <em>doesn't</em> sell is money back in our pocket!</blockquote><blockquote>The only real problem is what these numbers mean for President Obama's goal of having 1 million electric cars on the road by 2015. At this rate, it'll take 232 years to hit that mark. But never fear. <a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/way-we-drive-now_552546.html" target="_blank">As Fred Barnes reminds us,</a> Washington won't ever give up trying to influence how Americans drive. They'll think of something.</blockquote><blockquote>Bonus Fun Fact: The Volt's 2011 production run was originally supposed to be 60,000 units. GM cut that number to 10,000 units. At this rate, the Volt is on track to sell 3,612 Volts this year. (Assuming sales don't decline any further.)</blockquote><br />
I, more than most people, desperately want the electric cars to take off, so that I can have a car to buy, seeing as how we are between cars. Imagine a future for your kids, that ride/drive cars but have never pumped gas?<br />
<br />
I did yet another survey for the Nissan Leaf yesterday that asked endless questions about my perception and what the hindrance was to sales...lack of charging stations, perceived battery shortfalls, how many electric cars did I think would be sold by 2015? all sorts of goofy questions. At the end, I was asked if I had any questions and concerns....my answer? Why can't I go to a dealership and try and electric car now? Why is it that I live near the Volt manufacturing facility but can't test drive a Volt? How come the Toyota Rav 4 EV was available in the mid-90's and now totally unavailable even after all this time?<br />
<br />
Our family is the perfect candidate for an electric vehicle - we have short commutes and a garage. We can easily charge the EV at home and do all of our running around within a few miles from our house....and yet we wait.....<br />
<br />
Astrid<br />
<a href="" name="read-more"></a></div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-83781761433149862472011-03-03T17:15:00.000-05:002011-03-03T17:15:39.094-05:00Mexican Night - Feeding My Peeps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UiNxiRWvZ5xx7f2f-I9rcPOh1mwLW-DDXRqBNTJtkPrXe8f4y0iEBcKLGQ5RM3QREIzbGJEKzjO8SE0HTcn6FbIqAU3cIiDIUfWxXPOHASElbGEatyIykOspMp2CW3C6OH9s4W8Fijv1/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UiNxiRWvZ5xx7f2f-I9rcPOh1mwLW-DDXRqBNTJtkPrXe8f4y0iEBcKLGQ5RM3QREIzbGJEKzjO8SE0HTcn6FbIqAU3cIiDIUfWxXPOHASElbGEatyIykOspMp2CW3C6OH9s4W8Fijv1/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black beans and lamb over lettuce with some tortilla chips</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I recently learned from Urban Dictionary that "peep's" is short-hand for "people". Too cute! So now I think of my kids as peeps - a cute name for my cute kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As it's Wednesday night, we had something vaguely Mexican made with dried black beans. We also had a pound of lamb hiding in our chest freezer. I thought I had used it all up, but no.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups dried beans - I used black but any other dried bean or canned will work</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 pound meat - beef, pork, or lamb, or no meat at all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup salsa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Soak beans for a few hours or overnight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cook beans until tender, if not using canned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I use a pressure cooker with enough fresh water to cover the beans and then a bit more water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pressure cook for 40 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While the beans are cooking, fry the meat in a medium to large sized pan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add 1 cup of salsa, salt and pepper to taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are inclined - season with cumin and chili powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add canned beans or cooked beans to meat and salsa mixture</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Heat and taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KnRUcHRMK3pVaFcU3v5SpWgURwlQi0nOcwxhZ6KIRBSI-Mkc5Pc6eFwdkT3-Gb4wtP9AY54c98EGR5yzgfpYsF-IYIoGrH38QpPyKv95OHP-W8r9n47vECfd_RFswOz9GruVcijCsY_9/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KnRUcHRMK3pVaFcU3v5SpWgURwlQi0nOcwxhZ6KIRBSI-Mkc5Pc6eFwdkT3-Gb4wtP9AY54c98EGR5yzgfpYsF-IYIoGrH38QpPyKv95OHP-W8r9n47vECfd_RFswOz9GruVcijCsY_9/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking ground lamb</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZayj3zRqC6PBGklqIiIh2SKjUz54jVTcRCP-4WzTpHjCEKCR6Quf8rf0PXmi1q-nbP9RY8I1MCtEWpWpJFq3U1tNu_ZVfxu_eib9a5FV_0-5ATE_ZITYRA5pdJEjg4v4g4A2rTYHSo8vv/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZayj3zRqC6PBGklqIiIh2SKjUz54jVTcRCP-4WzTpHjCEKCR6Quf8rf0PXmi1q-nbP9RY8I1MCtEWpWpJFq3U1tNu_ZVfxu_eib9a5FV_0-5ATE_ZITYRA5pdJEjg4v4g4A2rTYHSo8vv/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">black beans just finished in the pressure cooker</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7aTrx1FaqAzcLtyaoClIu-qtsiuHp5n0yW9b6kcGzL7HfwM9JO6xuMJVvlZ-XFWLQV8F8olSBUhP88piv6UFEHu-VzPjylJxVhqy54PAvNcHfey2dkZg_hQ1rIQ_TaCFXn0LdhG6aRp4/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7aTrx1FaqAzcLtyaoClIu-qtsiuHp5n0yW9b6kcGzL7HfwM9JO6xuMJVvlZ-XFWLQV8F8olSBUhP88piv6UFEHu-VzPjylJxVhqy54PAvNcHfey2dkZg_hQ1rIQ_TaCFXn0LdhG6aRp4/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb with salsa and black beans</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8eDz1ce9MtYsGIfvjOf8S2fhsV6e4E2Ss7qG-HTL2fXibHxCcbmYRed4Anc2_JK-Qun5Q7cMl3tr5VTqyoDNpPED4UCLFAxbaBJ2VkmWBjWwXxXhjAxXQurLq6WH32nO05XMNUwAx5yi/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8eDz1ce9MtYsGIfvjOf8S2fhsV6e4E2Ss7qG-HTL2fXibHxCcbmYRed4Anc2_JK-Qun5Q7cMl3tr5VTqyoDNpPED4UCLFAxbaBJ2VkmWBjWwXxXhjAxXQurLq6WH32nO05XMNUwAx5yi/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow's lunch for the peeps - they prefer the ingredients rolled in a tortilla instead of as a salad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5i-Ox4fCesNgedjIEA7-Ejxinz5qxp2VyP41-tMLp7OVS5gyOKNAmPTh3R8A6Fyh_DpNcYx4lxrurMsl2XN0P_q8y4fth_F7fbESqrv0J1F05dn3Ebbt6BPHVd3Vly8O_ur-KcTMjjJ1/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5i-Ox4fCesNgedjIEA7-Ejxinz5qxp2VyP41-tMLp7OVS5gyOKNAmPTh3R8A6Fyh_DpNcYx4lxrurMsl2XN0P_q8y4fth_F7fbESqrv0J1F05dn3Ebbt6BPHVd3Vly8O_ur-KcTMjjJ1/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">extras - salad dressing, cheese, romaine, sour cream, chips, more salsa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintB4NI1iE_fXXGx-mlgQgxVgZ5h4VIzQt3MnPJ4rdF_BD5zShG4UmTMHCPAjkpa6t2DzfztC_4XfWJJjzoAXVwKTD_sP7uoa-m97bHp5ufc_5OV7CJeV0_Xv81-Z-rvwWETaDBEkKrycA/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintB4NI1iE_fXXGx-mlgQgxVgZ5h4VIzQt3MnPJ4rdF_BD5zShG4UmTMHCPAjkpa6t2DzfztC_4XfWJJjzoAXVwKTD_sP7uoa-m97bHp5ufc_5OV7CJeV0_Xv81-Z-rvwWETaDBEkKrycA/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My plate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condiments of the gods - I put sriracha on pretty much everything!</td></tr>
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This is an easy dinner to throw together, especially if the beans are already cooked. I've been pressure cooking beans for years and don't give it much thought. I just need to build in 50 minutes to have the cooker come up to pressure, cook, and then release. <br />
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Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-8934587537679758902011-03-03T07:44:00.000-05:002011-03-03T07:44:42.846-05:00Biking in Amsterdam - No One Sweats<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbQacjevYQFoBjVMTOYeIqMZEJF75kW0GupFKFlnSzZcLJzjzypViZd4Yh5hT-fwr4kDon7T1spfmIKCuo-cNEJG5QEHnHRCpWvmt7rdbuXpV4r3bEYG8zxcmZfF7jdsSLY9S_kOIsVze/s1600/1_1245588128_amsterdam-bikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbQacjevYQFoBjVMTOYeIqMZEJF75kW0GupFKFlnSzZcLJzjzypViZd4Yh5hT-fwr4kDon7T1spfmIKCuo-cNEJG5QEHnHRCpWvmt7rdbuXpV4r3bEYG8zxcmZfF7jdsSLY9S_kOIsVze/s400/1_1245588128_amsterdam-bikes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes parked along a canal in Amsterdam</td></tr>
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Wow, I loved <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20110302/ap_tr_ge/eu_travel_trip_amsterdam_biking">this article</a> posted on Yahoo yesterday via the Associated Press!<br />
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<blockquote>AMSTERDAM – Nearly everyone in Amsterdam rides a bicycle.</blockquote><blockquote>No one sweats.</blockquote><blockquote>As a longtime cyclist in New York City, and a sweaty guy who can raise a few droplets going to the end of the walk to retrieve the newspaper in January, that's how it seemed to me when I was there. I was prepared for the ubiquity of cyclists. But the refinement was a surprise.</blockquote><blockquote>Who knew that urban cycling — which I find mostly exhilarating and joyous, but occasionally a grim struggle for a sliver of pavement — could also be elegant?</blockquote><blockquote>This is how I saw the Dutch cyclists.</blockquote><blockquote>I ride to news assignments, sometimes in jacket and tie, feeling overdressed. I saw well-dressed men riding to work in Amsterdam, and they didn't seem remotely uncomfortable.</blockquote><blockquote>And the women! Granted that riding a bike is like playing the cello — one of those things that makes men look dorky and women look hot — but women bikers in Amsterdam seem to cut no fashion corners. High heels and skirts are not uncommon, whether they are headed to the office or carting a crateful of kids to school on one of those <a class="kLink" href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20110302/ap_tr_ge/eu_travel_trip_amsterdam_biking#" id="KonaLink0" target="undefined"><span style="color: #366388! important; font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; position: static;"><span class="kLink" style="color: #366388! important; font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; position: static;">cargo </span><span class="kLink" style="color: #366388! important; font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; position: static;">bikes</span></span></a> with a big box up front.</blockquote><blockquote>Part of staying fashionable is that no one wears a helmet. Not the riders; not the kids sitting up front or on the luggage rack. Either cycling is extraordinarily safe in Amsterdam or the lawyers aren't in charge yet.</blockquote><blockquote>I came back to New York determined to apply the lessons of Amsterdam cycling to my own life. Some I couldn't. The helmet, for instance is non-negotiable. But could I ride elegantly in an aggressive city like New York?</blockquote><blockquote>Mainly, it meant slowing down. This is harder than it sounds. New York moves faster than Amsterdam. Plus the bikes we ride here were mostly built to race on the road, in the mountains or on a track.</blockquote><br />
There's more....<br />
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I'm going to have to try to a bit harder to live up to this image! <br />
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Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-41254229020554557252011-03-01T17:52:00.005-05:002011-03-06T15:21:07.990-05:00Basement - Color!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOjOGnSOoYmZzRWx9bMWb_gg-378_iIkEVfR2euKCFuc3b8iUeeOEg4BTPcUWn0d4-xY_RloAZ9MGZ8-Wt4CwihI3RiKeMusNyb7fd0OLRNVXxO2BDDwFR5q1rKBDYQ5wzhCk0UBXi45C/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOjOGnSOoYmZzRWx9bMWb_gg-378_iIkEVfR2euKCFuc3b8iUeeOEg4BTPcUWn0d4-xY_RloAZ9MGZ8-Wt4CwihI3RiKeMusNyb7fd0OLRNVXxO2BDDwFR5q1rKBDYQ5wzhCk0UBXi45C/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaOwtaRb5_8s6ZWHNeAaZg98cSPsJeVzLlUhUV4-U-VjIXmO4D2n9RGtsgewUAzuBqttIQUCXlt-eYDJULt4Js1P5zQY1u38FYL4QBZv-3Y_OjmbBe6lN4sZMkdHZqyMccuCNs83roL7c/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaOwtaRb5_8s6ZWHNeAaZg98cSPsJeVzLlUhUV4-U-VjIXmO4D2n9RGtsgewUAzuBqttIQUCXlt-eYDJULt4Js1P5zQY1u38FYL4QBZv-3Y_OjmbBe6lN4sZMkdHZqyMccuCNs83roL7c/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm so loving sunshine yellow!<br />
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Tonight is painting around the edges, which are hard to get with a paint roller stick. Tomorrow is another coat to even out the color. Then carpet and finally furniture! A race against the clock.<br />
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See the first basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/01/basement-overhaul.html">here</a><br />
See the previous post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-practically-perfect.html">here</a><br />
<a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/03/basement-carpet.html">Carpet is next</a><br />
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Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-13637664098396524792011-03-01T17:35:00.000-05:002011-03-01T17:35:26.811-05:00Applebee's Restaurant Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfdA5Vqy4py7fBVE8lKouTtIAh_KI9eDCApptTWWnkKeqSBe5idDGpvfO_cGNBRpup2xNt9Ry2jkv9b9YJtN-1QlB-3eDoCJRReXzWR0tJQY8nB1Z1bH_NFutPRK7VK2ULHEf58pYJy4w/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfdA5Vqy4py7fBVE8lKouTtIAh_KI9eDCApptTWWnkKeqSBe5idDGpvfO_cGNBRpup2xNt9Ry2jkv9b9YJtN-1QlB-3eDoCJRReXzWR0tJQY8nB1Z1bH_NFutPRK7VK2ULHEf58pYJy4w/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chipotle Lime Chicken - my plate</td></tr>
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I had lunch at Applebee's today (see their main page <a href="http://www.applebees.com/">here</a>) so that I could enjoy more of their Weight Watcher menu items (<a href="http://www.applebees.com/Menu_WeightWatchers.aspx">Menu</a> with Points Plus). Having it all spelled out in Points Plus makes meal choices so much easier and pleasant than having to second guess and calculate. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNTj8Pj-jxaSYd0Ln-l9sgycu9Gga2OWWPOPrumj0n9qKqYTqn1L3nmLMW7rsIW9jNfnuR_ZhQNzjs8O0MWDXiybWF13s9K4NhGYhSKBrQnRqa7ol4wHpb82sIJxVAnrjX2m6fsqPmAxv/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNTj8Pj-jxaSYd0Ln-l9sgycu9Gga2OWWPOPrumj0n9qKqYTqn1L3nmLMW7rsIW9jNfnuR_ZhQNzjs8O0MWDXiybWF13s9K4NhGYhSKBrQnRqa7ol4wHpb82sIJxVAnrjX2m6fsqPmAxv/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side orders of tomato basil soup and oriental chicken salad served with a bread stick</td></tr>
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I ordered the Chipotle Lime Chicken and my coworker ordered off the Pick'N'Pair Lunch Combo menu - tomato basil soup and side of oriental chicken salad, served with a bread stick. <br />
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My meal was a Weight Watcher's dish and indicated on the menu for 13 Points Plus. I had to calculate my coworkers Weight Watcher's points afterwards. And this is the reason why I like it all spelled out on the menu. While I was doing the looking up and calculating, I'm thinking, how bad could this be...a bit of soup, some salad and a bread stick, all ordered off the lunch special menu. Well, would you have guessed 25 points? This is a huge amount for lunch, that sneaks up on an unsuspecting person. This is a classic for the Order This Not That from Men's Health blog by David Z something.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrdkV2sdLdSZbKzpMvcFNqiybWOQLeD2sz0hiXgU-Jl4z3CFUgfEaeGWd73t7uRak9Knd3qcby2zO5FfXnqTCUBvC2p4pvMDbx2cxfiirSDLiFUyFBULPeWKycfe3q8NEM5KTEAEp-gCU/s1600/img_ww-chipotle-lime-chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrdkV2sdLdSZbKzpMvcFNqiybWOQLeD2sz0hiXgU-Jl4z3CFUgfEaeGWd73t7uRak9Knd3qcby2zO5FfXnqTCUBvC2p4pvMDbx2cxfiirSDLiFUyFBULPeWKycfe3q8NEM5KTEAEp-gCU/s320/img_ww-chipotle-lime-chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chipotle Lime Chicken - photo from website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The menu describes Chipotle Lime Chicken as:<br />
<blockquote>Grilled chicken breast topped with spicy chipotle lime salsa, served with Southwest rice and black bean & corn slaw and cilantro tossed in our citrus vinaigrette.</blockquote>I really liked the spicy grilled chicken breast. As you can see from the pictures, mine had more cilantro than salsa, which I really enjoy on my foods - it adds such a zip for fresh flavor. I found the slaw to be mostly cabbage with very little vinaigrette, corn, or black beans. I don't think there were any black beans on my plate. The rice was nice and moist, with bits of tomato. I think the rice might have been more of a medium grained/arborio type of rice than traditional long grain rice.<br />
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While my plate didn't exactly resemble the menu, it was a very filling and spicy. For a lunch meal, 13 points is a lot but at least I won't be famished when I get home for dinner. My plan is to not eat as much for my final meal of the day, to make up for lunch. It's all in the planning!<br />
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I applaud Applebee's for being such a great supporter of Weight Watchers and incorporating the PointsPlus right on the menu. I'll definitely come back and try some of the other dishes. <br />
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Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-36570611324543881132011-02-28T19:46:00.001-05:002011-03-02T07:07:24.880-05:00Basement - Practically Perfect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR33-pfq3ybpcgCZjIg7q_TZ59BlYRmuVLaTBYeP9s_9FRWFHW5mKCMJuJ_zTOt7PImpM3v926haHlxzA3ITuaJp7RMdGFzr8ZPH39RsV2XfTsK-wjI0vgQqLbPc7nhpe7ZcBlE45huCUT/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR33-pfq3ybpcgCZjIg7q_TZ59BlYRmuVLaTBYeP9s_9FRWFHW5mKCMJuJ_zTOt7PImpM3v926haHlxzA3ITuaJp7RMdGFzr8ZPH39RsV2XfTsK-wjI0vgQqLbPc7nhpe7ZcBlE45huCUT/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This space used to be a very large opening and now is a door and wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUc910O62bNK-jtx9sUZOJ3p0UY8fUJIvAiCjVroKE999HDBEwCFRR1D1BrRz9SQx4LuoBfmRX8BDUhamVumeSB3z-0N3-ASq060561LYZRe-qO6QD6STMP4ShNIQvf1gMSXpVOEt7Jrx/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUc910O62bNK-jtx9sUZOJ3p0UY8fUJIvAiCjVroKE999HDBEwCFRR1D1BrRz9SQx4LuoBfmRX8BDUhamVumeSB3z-0N3-ASq060561LYZRe-qO6QD6STMP4ShNIQvf1gMSXpVOEt7Jrx/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leveling the concrete floor - a french drain was installed years ago. The drain and existing floor are now one</td></tr>
</tbody></table>First basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/01/basement-overhaul.html">here</a><br />
Previous basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-wall-texture.html">here</a><br />
See the start of painting <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/03/basement-color.html">here</a><br />
<br />
It just keeps on getting better and better.<br />
<br />
Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-17891327661044382782011-02-28T17:25:00.003-05:002011-03-01T07:08:49.299-05:00McShamrock Shake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/02/28/2349.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/02/28/s_2349.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McDonald's Shamrock Shake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It's back! Just in time for St Patricks day. It seems that these shakes are only available in limited locations and luckily, at my nearest Golden Arches. <br />
<br />
If you can spare the calories, these are a tasty treat-super rich and creamy with a minty vanilla flavor. I also really like the whipped topping and cherry on top. The alternating horizontal layers of vanilla and mint are pretty.<br />
<br />
According to the Internet , a medium 16 ounce serving has 550 calories, 13 grams far, 96 grams carbs, 13 g protein and no fiber. This works out to 15 Weight Watchers points plus. I won't be enjoying too many of these.<br />
<br />
My medium shake set me back $2.79 plus tax.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed one but that's enough for this year. I'm saving myself for Cadbury Cream Eggs for Easter- my true love!<br />
<br />
Astrid<br />
<br />
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-85953029976470815522011-02-27T13:16:00.001-05:002011-02-28T19:48:56.318-05:00Basement - Wall Texture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-lQevU-3KjkRskz8bMxntQRMoV-7BuPtKhgF3CSn6DNJ6YZKUSG_Q2CFWqaZsTb_VOE9BgRA89gHzXZBUJqu31t4RligsGlQXG050AW7U7eHTJdYhNzANoycqGGIxhrSdfnXHB9vGgb8/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-lQevU-3KjkRskz8bMxntQRMoV-7BuPtKhgF3CSn6DNJ6YZKUSG_Q2CFWqaZsTb_VOE9BgRA89gHzXZBUJqu31t4RligsGlQXG050AW7U7eHTJdYhNzANoycqGGIxhrSdfnXHB9vGgb8/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">texture on the new sheet rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNklFoeIphNptPJCRi1MA1C4UDK3FUhP7R-2d_czAfWYHchJU-nh9uSOPv16sLz3vqCxSUb5Dz3J80RbDz4bvvJbDxdXvW88NX1fPNlH-wT7cPkAH8va-iTJcFP12KSAgEdjY4Bq4p7x3/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNklFoeIphNptPJCRi1MA1C4UDK3FUhP7R-2d_czAfWYHchJU-nh9uSOPv16sLz3vqCxSUb5Dz3J80RbDz4bvvJbDxdXvW88NX1fPNlH-wT7cPkAH8va-iTJcFP12KSAgEdjY4Bq4p7x3/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDmUo_qQBxdBV1YmokAunKlMAK8UTiPd89rXTpFPtyn5R8mmVRWanqx4O8AF1iPIRiZU6xydHeMdHBSnWItYpNRjDnUhgbrWPGrnIk48WnhXtsjKr787Nc0qGILq-Gcm3GApnQdHqeD7N/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDmUo_qQBxdBV1YmokAunKlMAK8UTiPd89rXTpFPtyn5R8mmVRWanqx4O8AF1iPIRiZU6xydHeMdHBSnWItYpNRjDnUhgbrWPGrnIk48WnhXtsjKr787Nc0qGILq-Gcm3GApnQdHqeD7N/s320/033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0HBV8KT4Z0VkmyPVP-8tUth2TLp2oJcgts8O5Q5m1ssPK59xoj4hYc4STSsOLRkrULpra1_7jlxb-X-jPvQVBsCoS-oYIujiAZMdhgwpL7NJbWVJLJTKwqB1ZSxDKS0aFq-GqyAPfeVR/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0HBV8KT4Z0VkmyPVP-8tUth2TLp2oJcgts8O5Q5m1ssPK59xoj4hYc4STSsOLRkrULpra1_7jlxb-X-jPvQVBsCoS-oYIujiAZMdhgwpL7NJbWVJLJTKwqB1ZSxDKS0aFq-GqyAPfeVR/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
See previous basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-great-progress.html">here</a><br />
See first basement post<a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/01/basement-overhaul.html"> here</a><br />
See next basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-practically-perfect.html">here</a><br />
<br />
Progress - and today we bring home a TV.<br />
<br />
Astrid<br />
<br />
</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-91644961966614008762011-02-27T12:48:00.003-05:002011-02-28T08:42:59.356-05:00More Black Bean Soup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2pk2EGbCjIh487VhL3eVOS-jyLkqhZVZ-9h5VaQYvRWM0keEqf2eDOffK1e-dhFgnhpVXcJ4JGFDT2w_GTXlRygcFkLqbjSWrCSvy-UDg3Db-S1RpzN47tjP8PjCogKqAVU3jNBJt8lp/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2pk2EGbCjIh487VhL3eVOS-jyLkqhZVZ-9h5VaQYvRWM0keEqf2eDOffK1e-dhFgnhpVXcJ4JGFDT2w_GTXlRygcFkLqbjSWrCSvy-UDg3Db-S1RpzN47tjP8PjCogKqAVU3jNBJt8lp/s400/029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bean Soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I haven't cooked regular meals all week as the Boyz have been out of town over Winter Break. Now the cold slap of reality has set in and I'm contemplating lunch. I'm thinking a quick soup with some packaged frozen Taquitos (corn tortillas rolled around chicken and cheese). I title this post "more black bean soup" as I make soup most weekends - see another version with dried beans <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2010/11/black-bean-soup-and-tortilla-chips.html">here</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL5voaL8KJspvfJ5MueOHhcQiJG9tsBmiRcRjqbb2wC1yMgLqOH3mk4oEqrf6z5kUU9Y_sXMdBWgsVoUa6eZO27tf70E4mBGwrd6l0UayDbhBwIe7ljmPHkhHeQUDyHSTM8jdiTSsCQkV/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL5voaL8KJspvfJ5MueOHhcQiJG9tsBmiRcRjqbb2wC1yMgLqOH3mk4oEqrf6z5kUU9Y_sXMdBWgsVoUa6eZO27tf70E4mBGwrd6l0UayDbhBwIe7ljmPHkhHeQUDyHSTM8jdiTSsCQkV/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black beans, salsa, celery, carrots, and 1/2 of an onion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>3 cups of chopped vegies - I had about equal amounts of onion, celery, and carrots. <br />
1 tablespoon cooking oil<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 cup of prepared or fresh tomato salsa<br />
1 can of drained and rinsed black beans<br />
<br />
Chop vegies. The exact amount isn't that important and neither is the combination. The point is to add a bit of bulk. The veggies don't need to be evenly chopped either as I plan to purree the mixture in a blender for a smooth soup. I hate the complaining about chunks in soup.....you could leave it a little courser, texture can be nice at time.<br />
<br />
Heat oil in a medium sauce pan<br />
Add veggies and saute until starting to brown the onions a bit<br />
Add the water and salsa<br />
Continue to gently boil until veggies are tender - about 20 minutes<br />
Add the beans<br />
Heat through<br />
Pour into a blender or use a stick blender to puree to desired consistency<br />
Reseason with a bit of salt, pepper, cumin, paprika etc.. to give the soup some zest.<br />
<br />
Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar, chips....it's all good.<br />
<br />
A quick and satistying lunch. <br />
<br />
I watched the movie Red last week with Bruce Willis. He's not getting any younger but was great in his role as a retired secret agent. He was called "grandpa" as a taunt by a younger agent. As the fist fight starts between them, the old Aerosmith song, Back in the Saddle starts up. A great scene - old guy still kicking butt.<br />
<br />
As for me....I'm back in the saddle, preparing regular meals with all the four food groups.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHV6MBdIYYTCm_IDbolLGAqiYsj3r1KS2tpanK_9zSeJEY1nIbhvs4olhO_ctsxQePvJT9O39V46Lhja6INSg7Ez2iA1PGbczPB_yRUXxiHe8-7i7TSHugRHo5UKqdtiFIlicyAMqGWObj/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHV6MBdIYYTCm_IDbolLGAqiYsj3r1KS2tpanK_9zSeJEY1nIbhvs4olhO_ctsxQePvJT9O39V46Lhja6INSg7Ez2iA1PGbczPB_yRUXxiHe8-7i7TSHugRHo5UKqdtiFIlicyAMqGWObj/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em> </em>I love these - 2 Weight Watchers Points Plus each</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf0fKt8NJ8r-g-mR038_dSPlU5twichmCn9TaYR9aA11_oSj6rADlqQyLen08h8_KQp7nzjaYKjIhYqxFvXvS1xZXAwVwDvSfLvOypgMt9qMGzDkcUaxKFHH8VCMlknKTO3RA6asL7gkj/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf0fKt8NJ8r-g-mR038_dSPlU5twichmCn9TaYR9aA11_oSj6rADlqQyLen08h8_KQp7nzjaYKjIhYqxFvXvS1xZXAwVwDvSfLvOypgMt9qMGzDkcUaxKFHH8VCMlknKTO3RA6asL7gkj/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Astrid<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrzPwCWhv0ZoFf8FU9-JrGqjcM_RfbmFB2EXejndEqnzxjJp94DuH-LlbYG4lzTI5hH7sgqPPl9yqOWAYzI-S27EHyB7DbcMgX3bZew0xPEgw7WrAw3Co4P6vt6rkYqy5E7yP7KnamkZn/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrzPwCWhv0ZoFf8FU9-JrGqjcM_RfbmFB2EXejndEqnzxjJp94DuH-LlbYG4lzTI5hH7sgqPPl9yqOWAYzI-S27EHyB7DbcMgX3bZew0xPEgw7WrAw3Co4P6vt6rkYqy5E7yP7KnamkZn/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My plate is upper right - the minimalist</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Weight Watchers Points for soup - 3 points for oil, 7 points for beans, no points for veg..10 points for the pan or 2 points for a nice sized serving. Extra points for cheese, chips, sour cream, Taquitos etc. The taquito and soup make for a 4 point meal. for me.</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-29469313330840927202011-02-27T09:17:00.004-05:002011-03-02T07:45:05.458-05:00Pączki<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGH5uZsh7SyGC5S5GUQ4VPIFpcj4TnaHjqdgiNMNZQDXStucWA5WTBVgn7j7EAyzPSvrRDyOY_rnr4XdtDuTTVNejk1HyMwHBrZ9bBXpw2o5tFz7OdIq-y4hulxx512drKDl0E-arh6gN1/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGH5uZsh7SyGC5S5GUQ4VPIFpcj4TnaHjqdgiNMNZQDXStucWA5WTBVgn7j7EAyzPSvrRDyOY_rnr4XdtDuTTVNejk1HyMwHBrZ9bBXpw2o5tFz7OdIq-y4hulxx512drKDl0E-arh6gN1/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Paczki with coffee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last night, when I went to pick-up Kat from her Busch's shift, she brought me a box of strawberry Paczki - YES! I've been holding off, trying not to buy a box as these are donuts on steroids. Here are some tidbits from Wikipedia:<br />
<br />
<div><blockquote>Pączki (Polish pronunciation <span class="IPA" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Polish" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Polish"><span style="color: #0645ad;">[ˈpɔnt͡ʂki]</span></a></span>) (<span class="unicode" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/File:Paczki.ogg" title="About this sound"><img alt="About this sound" height="11" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Loudspeaker.svg/11px-Loudspeaker.svg.png" width="11" /></a> <a class="internal" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/Paczki.ogg" title="Paczki.ogg"><span style="color: #0645ad;">pronunciation</span></a> <small class="metadata audiolinkinfo" style="cursor: help;">(<a href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Wikipedia:Media_help" title="Wikipedia:Media help"><span style="cursor: help;"><span style="color: #0645ad;">help</span></span></a>·<a href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/File:Paczki.ogg" title="File:Paczki.ogg"><span style="cursor: help;"><span style="color: #0645ad;">info</span></span></a>)</small></span>) are <span style="color: black;">pastries traditional</span> to <span style="color: black;">Polish cuisine</span><span style="color: black;"> </span>(the word <i>pączek</i> is sometimes translated as <span style="color: black;">doughnut</span>). <i>Pączki</i> is the <span style="color: black;">plural</span> form of the Polish word <i>pączek</i> <span class="IPA" style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Polish" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Polish"><span style="color: #0645ad;">[ˈpɔnt͡ʂɛk]</span></a></span>, though many <span style="color: black;">English</span> speakers use <i>paczki</i> as singular and <i>paczkis</i> as plural.</blockquote></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8j8d6TX8heyKtLhbgCPG_SBmw0npb23quxoEGLkmebSOXCEboJ-G9oImfhnZ9mMj8HU3I26aSwH0AyRTngITy_u4Uc85KRQaDp7z6EdGCeaRPlTdicI8qStvUk23gwqRaCYwNP171wJ5/s1600/250px-Paczki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8j8d6TX8heyKtLhbgCPG_SBmw0npb23quxoEGLkmebSOXCEboJ-G9oImfhnZ9mMj8HU3I26aSwH0AyRTngITy_u4Uc85KRQaDp7z6EdGCeaRPlTdicI8qStvUk23gwqRaCYwNP171wJ5/s1600/250px-Paczki.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paczki photo from Wikipedia<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><blockquote>A pączek is a deep-fried piece of dough shaped into a flattened sphere and filled with sweet filling. Pączki are usually covered with powdered sugar, icing or bits of dried orange zest. A small amount of grain alcohol (traditionally, Spiritus) is added to the dough before cooking; as it evaporates, it prevents the absorption of oil deep into the dough.</blockquote></div><br />
<blockquote>Although they look like<span style="color: black;"> bismarcks or jelly doughnuts, pączki are made from especially rich dough containing eggs, fats, sugar and sometimes milk. They feature a variety of fruit and creme fillings and can be glazed, or covered with granulated or powdered sugar. Powidła (stewed plum jam) and wild rose hip jam are traditional fillings, but many others are used as well, including strawberry, Bavarian cream, blueberry, custard, raspberry and apple.</span></blockquote><br />
<blockquote>Pączki have been known in Poland at least since the Middle Ages. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/J%C4%99drzej_Kitowicz"><span style="color: #0645ad;">Jędrzej Kitowicz</span></a> has described that during the reign of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/August_III" title="August III"><span style="color: #0645ad;">August III</span></a>, under the influence of French cooks who came to Poland, pączki dough was improved, so that pączki became lighter, spongier, and more resilient.</blockquote><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWho-oaNWl1QK7PZzymBQwyRhhBh3lAZKOXgkf9-QWWKVz9FDR4l_hUSEYmDNdZOjlW-b3-HLZSbNlUvrOPkivm1R-OU1q6KeA2UIvRWkIzx6xpftgZXq3WQc0QA5VRLHavnBD-TD47D7i/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWho-oaNWl1QK7PZzymBQwyRhhBh3lAZKOXgkf9-QWWKVz9FDR4l_hUSEYmDNdZOjlW-b3-HLZSbNlUvrOPkivm1R-OU1q6KeA2UIvRWkIzx6xpftgZXq3WQc0QA5VRLHavnBD-TD47D7i/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paczki from my local grocery store</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h2><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </h2><blockquote>In the large Polish community of Chicago, and other large cities across the Midwest, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/P%C4%85czki_Day" title="Pączki Day"><span style="color: black;">Pączki Day</span></a><span style="color: black;"> is celebrated annually by immigrants and locals alike. In </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/wiki/Hamtramck,_Michigan"><span style="color: black;">Hamtramck, Michigan</span></a><span style="color: black;">, an enclave of Detroit, there is an annual Pączki Day (Shrove Tuesday) Parade,<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>which has gained a devoted following. </span></blockquote><span style="color: black;">This year, 2011, with Easter being later in April, Fat Tuesday, Paczki Day will be celebrated on March 8th in the Detroit Area.</span><br />
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<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64sGMANq0z2-De9X5Jy1Gjkl-WAI7zYUxo9rtkNW_fmSr436Id3MwaMBpyVInNBK0oAtIe1-Iw6lL6ZVgmpPDy-jyT4DygWbfITa1I6nJThy5rCD6rVmlEjQd6M-6bkrTUrFpPz8K0USD/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64sGMANq0z2-De9X5Jy1Gjkl-WAI7zYUxo9rtkNW_fmSr436Id3MwaMBpyVInNBK0oAtIe1-Iw6lL6ZVgmpPDy-jyT4DygWbfITa1I6nJThy5rCD6rVmlEjQd6M-6bkrTUrFpPz8K0USD/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
These donuts are richer, thicker, and chewier than traditional donuts. The Lent thing - of having to use up all the lard and sugar in one's house - being the excuse to make fabulous donuts. Or in modern time, the excuse to eat fabulous donuts during the dreary winter season that is hanging on longer than it should before Spring's arrival. More snow is on the way for us today, but at least our tummy's are full.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioc75dcqYUUMV6r9U_7i_ImYMRX2r33u0yRtRHDkDSCi4cCZdaglFQyL5sdxo7uWhyphenhyphenh3PvCOq3FgHVBGEIlHtLUk8NBGil95LAD0VBIDkOjzfVzGLUze2AdzJ9_FQLVK0gh4-JHRcTK63/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioc75dcqYUUMV6r9U_7i_ImYMRX2r33u0yRtRHDkDSCi4cCZdaglFQyL5sdxo7uWhyphenhyphenh3PvCOq3FgHVBGEIlHtLUk8NBGil95LAD0VBIDkOjzfVzGLUze2AdzJ9_FQLVK0gh4-JHRcTK63/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">preparing for the autopsy shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
For some reason, my box of Paczkis didn't include nutritional information - which makes me grumpy! I thought it was a law or something, seeing as these were prepared and packaged in some industrial facility and sold in the box as-is. I didn't pick out each individual donut and place it in my box from a high-end bakery.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm42wyJnLwRI9n0Lfk67o8wkSlxwojAphSdXQHkIi5rssr8HpNddIkWOXtiJacRpaByzqw-sLvZ4VlyHKjotLmprdNeUi9U_UE_sPZ4AxwKvrR2c_QxYn1c_Mb9K1jZjtGyxq6ymL16MU5/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="174" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm42wyJnLwRI9n0Lfk67o8wkSlxwojAphSdXQHkIi5rssr8HpNddIkWOXtiJacRpaByzqw-sLvZ4VlyHKjotLmprdNeUi9U_UE_sPZ4AxwKvrR2c_QxYn1c_Mb9K1jZjtGyxq6ymL16MU5/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">autopsy shot - loads of jelly</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Using generic nutrition information gleaned from the Internet, each one of these is worth approximately 14 Weight Watcher's Points Plus...here's my bite for the year, not quite a quarter donut, or 4 Points. Each of these is over 500 calories! Turn away while you still can.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo-_QzLZQL-P3ain-yzw-mZzGkHMs4_cguU2fawIhwk9o3dvRSqucxzFrYWrvhUzvtK6ONiaNfHiZvWNaADPAlhiwoPm02CnEc1dLyzB7ejRLIkE68Lgk5yqJBXqWZqCxQwevh14igr64/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo-_QzLZQL-P3ain-yzw-mZzGkHMs4_cguU2fawIhwk9o3dvRSqucxzFrYWrvhUzvtK6ONiaNfHiZvWNaADPAlhiwoPm02CnEc1dLyzB7ejRLIkE68Lgk5yqJBXqWZqCxQwevh14igr64/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My yearly taste of polish donuts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I just had an evil thought - what if I made bread pudding out of Paczkis instead of Krispy Kremes!!!! See my previous Krispy Kreme abomination <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/krispy-kreme-bread-pudding.html">here</a> - wow - I need to lay down.....<br />
<br />
Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-37536913205392239762011-02-25T20:10:00.002-05:002011-03-01T07:09:29.306-05:00Spicy Thai Meatballs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUaVGlfNd5JSZnWASH5O1PKmzKL4v4K9ATX0lmIftWokgfS32kPjqMaVrUZkcHCgG8ZPC37Vrw2ynBA-Ao9CeWGJYxdwHSi7B8tIi8QNxWKeGROEWgpPILUNQZJUNb8jBPJbD9r8AhxmH/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUaVGlfNd5JSZnWASH5O1PKmzKL4v4K9ATX0lmIftWokgfS32kPjqMaVrUZkcHCgG8ZPC37Vrw2ynBA-Ao9CeWGJYxdwHSi7B8tIi8QNxWKeGROEWgpPILUNQZJUNb8jBPJbD9r8AhxmH/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy pork and peanut butter meatballs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I was looking through the Peanut Butter & Company Cookbook for inspiration the other day and I ran across a recipe for a Spicy Peanut Butter Burger. I changed it up a bit, added cilantro and substituted salsa for sauteed onions. I thought it would be fun to have the dish as small meatballs instead of burger patties. <br />
<br />
I made 36 smallish meatballs out of 1 pound of pork but they are very rich, with all that peanut butter, so I would think this is more than enough for 8 servings as part of a main course or served with cocktails as an appetizer.<br />
<br />
1 pound ground pork<br />
1 egg, slightly beaten<br />
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter<br />
1/2 cup minced cilantro<br />
1 tsp dried red pepper flakes<br />
1/4 cup salsa<br />
3 tablespoons bread crumbs<br />
srirachi sauce and additional cilantro for serving<br />
<br />
1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except oil for cooking. <br />
2. Shape into smallish meatballs.<br />
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. No additional oil is needed as the pork will render some fat.<br />
4. Gently saute meatballs in batches, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes per batch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oHXLhBop7M3CqsZcojDCyUlXMaUz1wnKSIttzNzp_j0Dh9s31GHhYPV_hTfGulPYNTW-icRd3L-4uYZ64XyWqvths-fXSHGYXbGCwjQUTSvzOp7DvJsFEjpAezWNrfIGNA15dwewN3Bm/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oHXLhBop7M3CqsZcojDCyUlXMaUz1wnKSIttzNzp_j0Dh9s31GHhYPV_hTfGulPYNTW-icRd3L-4uYZ64XyWqvths-fXSHGYXbGCwjQUTSvzOp7DvJsFEjpAezWNrfIGNA15dwewN3Bm/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With additional srirachi and cilantro </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Astrid<br />
<br />
</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-78798162324498562642011-02-25T18:10:00.003-05:002011-02-27T13:17:37.754-05:00Basement - Great Progress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjEPL97SGFQy-W52Ll-BzyTsdjUKuCxOFtKDu7YQqoKNYcFZbvgM7gXaUyoP284cZN7CeHGVm6s30GoHNln4mxgE3xe8-byv3VFzG657simlGcIUmFVbV06Bpkwh2ISfcrSRvgbzXb2h9/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjEPL97SGFQy-W52Ll-BzyTsdjUKuCxOFtKDu7YQqoKNYcFZbvgM7gXaUyoP284cZN7CeHGVm6s30GoHNln4mxgE3xe8-byv3VFzG657simlGcIUmFVbV06Bpkwh2ISfcrSRvgbzXb2h9/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathrin, aka, My Little Elf, started putting furniture together!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kathrin never ceases to amaze me - she was fired up and started putting the TV stand together. Tomorrow is dresser time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiq12_Keu94Ch8KDmQGjT-1UapMXq_QXQfJ1ncbqUhAyYxiAOozHNn-JFeiHX885kcL6H2p66i4k7Hfec1KAsejvz5uAsAN12N2nZGebra3qVqBfv9KWxAgedR7Z7qdz9YDYwVXT-CKHt_/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiq12_Keu94Ch8KDmQGjT-1UapMXq_QXQfJ1ncbqUhAyYxiAOozHNn-JFeiHX885kcL6H2p66i4k7Hfec1KAsejvz5uAsAN12N2nZGebra3qVqBfv9KWxAgedR7Z7qdz9YDYwVXT-CKHt_/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
While she was busy with the drill and screw driver, I was with Rose at Ikea for my last trip - couch time. And wow are couches large! I didn't have my camera with me at Ikea but I wouldn't let anybody unload the SUV until I took a picture. Four large boxes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9uCD2mXhptouU_abBIOpN2ptwOg76W2niQxDZlOCK2ExGHImaOZO5TCK5V7CKwJCag0YSZByZIvhUc167oJwZl3o0tfzJuisw444-Ffids_dMfVoxEcKdrKKX9TGtyC57r9FndR0xl6S/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9uCD2mXhptouU_abBIOpN2ptwOg76W2niQxDZlOCK2ExGHImaOZO5TCK5V7CKwJCag0YSZByZIvhUc167oJwZl3o0tfzJuisw444-Ffids_dMfVoxEcKdrKKX9TGtyC57r9FndR0xl6S/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose helped me with the last remaining item, a large L-shaped couch/fold out bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d-Z99lLBRhPboSmOMfMvpZ0fZ53fgRYuv573S-K4F9rw_EiQg1NkC4uv3VP_gt7Z2eUaDe8FMUmxEQO1dZiQGzJ9hJJ8aKJyaArIub4HnP4TqwmX7NOKoUzs3xyVuAxuBnMskb9vZ4kN/s1600/manstad-corner-sofa-bed-w-storage-right-gray__75630_PE194096_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d-Z99lLBRhPboSmOMfMvpZ0fZ53fgRYuv573S-K4F9rw_EiQg1NkC4uv3VP_gt7Z2eUaDe8FMUmxEQO1dZiQGzJ9hJJ8aKJyaArIub4HnP4TqwmX7NOKoUzs3xyVuAxuBnMskb9vZ4kN/s320/manstad-corner-sofa-bed-w-storage-right-gray__75630_PE194096_S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ikea's Manstad couch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivR1apPzMi0zww8wMN5Gzbz1-8fpG-xoL-CG2mwt5hnV15HGMEYqKrq21lNFs0XFgRPdLqrRw8-b8taoCNj65mBUxfZoqPWiLDMmunefPeNj4bjWp1SO_YTd2gqtXP48V2Nqu1d7YV_2VE/s1600/manstad-corner-sofa-bed-w-storage-right-gray__75656_PE194142_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivR1apPzMi0zww8wMN5Gzbz1-8fpG-xoL-CG2mwt5hnV15HGMEYqKrq21lNFs0XFgRPdLqrRw8-b8taoCNj65mBUxfZoqPWiLDMmunefPeNj4bjWp1SO_YTd2gqtXP48V2Nqu1d7YV_2VE/s320/manstad-corner-sofa-bed-w-storage-right-gray__75656_PE194142_S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manstad couch folded out</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi-NvIGlgrFNinrfXJZRCbaLooMxPU3KCLHiq8WqXHga0TvkEAdiwvdqx4PFVZ7NHEBf9rFgbPwJT0DrhIxE47ZFdBzXU9qd2V2j_hv6kG9uYyn-4IBnBwv48qUzPQ6jpxyQVq6VVTSWa/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi-NvIGlgrFNinrfXJZRCbaLooMxPU3KCLHiq8WqXHga0TvkEAdiwvdqx4PFVZ7NHEBf9rFgbPwJT0DrhIxE47ZFdBzXU9qd2V2j_hv6kG9uYyn-4IBnBwv48qUzPQ6jpxyQVq6VVTSWa/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manstad couch in our living room!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
All the furniture is home now. Time to finishing painting and laying carpet, put together a bit of furniture, and then it's all done and ready for Stuart. Great team work from so many people!<br />
<br />
Astrid<br />
<br />
See next basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-wall-texture.html">here</a><br />
Previous post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-matched-set.html">here </a><br />
First post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/01/basement-overhaul.html">here</a><br />
<br />
</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-32767737563529716012011-02-24T20:48:00.001-05:002011-02-25T18:14:07.234-05:00Basement - matched set<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusZcDsh3gBqBsjRC5K4_pbxs5OrA5rfGqGz6SUXgLOWdBD4NfSQTuNO8BCoWVljqHheWBgegLDO_VDDv1mMHEwriiTZ81enT76l8guy_GzwQnIvlg9KjMaoUY-IjgHaXVlw7ZlrX9BY0o/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusZcDsh3gBqBsjRC5K4_pbxs5OrA5rfGqGz6SUXgLOWdBD4NfSQTuNO8BCoWVljqHheWBgegLDO_VDDv1mMHEwriiTZ81enT76l8guy_GzwQnIvlg9KjMaoUY-IjgHaXVlw7ZlrX9BY0o/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four matching chairs for the game table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today was another race against the clock between snow storms. My friend Nina and I managed to bring home 3 chairs, a 5-foot table frame, a set of table legs, a 2-drawer TV stand, and assorted small items (more dishes - cough cough) all in my sub-compact rental - yeah girl power. And poop to the old man who didn't think we could get it all in the car and felt compelled to make cutesy comments!<br />
<br />
Kathrin learned how to put office chairs together from her good friend Alyssa. So while I was pushing snow off the driveway, Kat was using her new skills. Thanks girls!<br />
<br />
And for tonight's entertainment, another coat of primer to hide the marks on the walls. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrK1aNh7y73jui_D0Hk6zNoyoQ1UkdkI55EYTJJGxRvI8r_fSPFOmxUMG1mWeKGL6uyhux5knZM8rnoN2AzCZLgm6ig6aJBI3P45i_UjOxmGTSQdc6jxS6B-w_j-g36PQs9B8kV9f9Wmv/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrK1aNh7y73jui_D0Hk6zNoyoQ1UkdkI55EYTJJGxRvI8r_fSPFOmxUMG1mWeKGL6uyhux5knZM8rnoN2AzCZLgm6ig6aJBI3P45i_UjOxmGTSQdc6jxS6B-w_j-g36PQs9B8kV9f9Wmv/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
So all that's left to procure from Ikea is a table top and couch.....and another 4 inches of snow on the way. <br />
<br />
See previous basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-furniture-procurement.html">here</a><br />
See first basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/01/basement-overhaul.html">here</a><br />
Next post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-great-progress.html">here</a><br />
<br />
Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-62491043101808863442011-02-24T08:35:00.000-05:002011-02-24T08:35:30.375-05:00Red's Java House<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9toFK4nPlxg5n3hh_kV5afOUGyt2WNilQNjqK1AP1ZMCd9Hvhl4N9HcXiVtaIrpxtl1m12J_C0VTEHPtTlyfR9FJUoSWLiOztc04s5R0aHqejhM_GdS6giibgHjxJGz2UHxpOigyEMAD/s1600/02-g1-006-006-sanfranciscoredsjavahouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9toFK4nPlxg5n3hh_kV5afOUGyt2WNilQNjqK1AP1ZMCd9Hvhl4N9HcXiVtaIrpxtl1m12J_C0VTEHPtTlyfR9FJUoSWLiOztc04s5R0aHqejhM_GdS6giibgHjxJGz2UHxpOigyEMAD/s400/02-g1-006-006-sanfranciscoredsjavahouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red's Java House, Pier 30, San Francisco, California</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As a foodie, I spend a fair amount of time every day dreaming of food, especially after reading reviews by others online. Once in a while, I see a review of a place that I've been to and read the review just to see if the review matches with my recollection. This morning with glee, I stumbled across a <a href="http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/02/reds-java-house-burger-review-san-francisco-ca.html">review</a> of Red's Java House on the San Francisco Bay by Serious Eats.<br />
<br />
A number of years ago, we lived across the street from this dive. Considering the name, we never bothered going in because who takes little kids to a shack called Java House? We were later informed that it's actually a burger dive....so we went. Talk about nasty! When we ate there in the 90's, I didn't remember there being french fries, the burgers were served with a choice of chips. Soda and beer could also be purchased in a can or bottle. It was a strictly - low rent sort of White Castle steamed burger with onions and mustard. <br />
<br />
What this place does have going for is LOCATION and cheap food! All you have to do to enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view is buy a sack of food and sitdown - the vista is amazing. Just don't breath (convenient that the view is breath "taking") as the benches are right at the edge of the pier, and it's very oderous - rotting seaweed, diesel fumes, floating detritus - ehww.....<br />
<br />
I enjoyed the review by Serious Eats and the regurgitation of Tony Bourdain's comments about the antidote to Alice Waters. I'm not sure when he said this because in his latest book, it seems that he's toned down his animosity towards Alice - although he does refer to her as "Pol Pot in a mumu".<br />
<br />
If I'm ever lucky enough to be in San Francisco again, I probably won't buy my food at Red's Java House, I'll bring something with and find a bench to eat and enjoy the view.<br />
<br />
Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-6673829936584899972011-02-23T17:41:00.001-05:002011-02-24T20:49:50.034-05:00Basement - Furniture Procurement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's where I'm at with basement furniture procurement. Kat and I managed to wrangle a dresser and chair home today in the subcompact rental car. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8av76Il30vQv9LBO8eJqkkG7LMAhdPSFrLPNHTcPR7JGI_Q7sVKfRjZM5oIBiS91MglJmeM69t_ktfGPi904CUWUE0UIPSswaNXjTZ-BHrTTdmgG06tammiwMdaIqAg7ZRRPy9_j6JQrl/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8av76Il30vQv9LBO8eJqkkG7LMAhdPSFrLPNHTcPR7JGI_Q7sVKfRjZM5oIBiS91MglJmeM69t_ktfGPi904CUWUE0UIPSswaNXjTZ-BHrTTdmgG06tammiwMdaIqAg7ZRRPy9_j6JQrl/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ikea's Hemnes 3-drawer dresser - unassembled and flat packed for shipping</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGI3qG5a1d88fbpVfjePfqdHahsvWaIyS2gX38heV_L0eolz8KKZLVzin7hUcGbP3J239WuG1y0iqtLb7NUIDO2uJb2VIVfLcyDxVQnHOTv7iYDy0PjtOkqQdg4KMF0clO4CnIK_qS_Tt/s1600/hemnes--drawer-chest-white__30431_PE118673_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGI3qG5a1d88fbpVfjePfqdHahsvWaIyS2gX38heV_L0eolz8KKZLVzin7hUcGbP3J239WuG1y0iqtLb7NUIDO2uJb2VIVfLcyDxVQnHOTv7iYDy0PjtOkqQdg4KMF0clO4CnIK_qS_Tt/s320/hemnes--drawer-chest-white__30431_PE118673_S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hemnes 3-drawer dresser after magical elves work overnight</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC6AnF2A_QeoRLtm3d06f3KzkvU-4e2Zei77NOSvf0J46E1R25BcUecTHV4WqfVS4zzcBRZQQpjgtLyVN3t28YoTU70dj6PIlKYpMudiP7eHwYSDK98KL4YVG6oqLYeWwTGeJd2KmpDee/s1600/skruvsta-swivel-chair-white__0130453_PE284821_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC6AnF2A_QeoRLtm3d06f3KzkvU-4e2Zei77NOSvf0J46E1R25BcUecTHV4WqfVS4zzcBRZQQpjgtLyVN3t28YoTU70dj6PIlKYpMudiP7eHwYSDK98KL4YVG6oqLYeWwTGeJd2KmpDee/s320/skruvsta-swivel-chair-white__0130453_PE284821_S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skruvsta chair from catalogue</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUxNkRE7islOUlePsE1WsQl1sHnMdXG0R5K_zVCTAQpuZ2cXjk88b4_sQlCcKsEUHgJ8fcGEPkOHvjfGt7foPmGXRAt8q9DHR0o4q6HmP6_YfuDNQhtryqgtxNdMk3MnCMcxmDLD8LzD3/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUxNkRE7islOUlePsE1WsQl1sHnMdXG0R5K_zVCTAQpuZ2cXjk88b4_sQlCcKsEUHgJ8fcGEPkOHvjfGt7foPmGXRAt8q9DHR0o4q6HmP6_YfuDNQhtryqgtxNdMk3MnCMcxmDLD8LzD3/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After modest assembly - only 3 more to bring home in a small rental!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But now I'm conflicted. The matching Hemnes TV stand is supposedly sold out in the larger size I want and the prognosis for new stock is uncertain at this time. Do I wait to see if it will ever come in stock again or do I buy the smaller stand, let the TV hang over a bit or buy a smaller TV? Decisions....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzs3amwO3ybzbtZmKw4UVIX_gOCenLlLw7V_LGP_ShU-KacnPfyxCNuvbPqc_UzOD8CshglIItBJRd1RYlTthHsl8wT6KVGCj7i4YnR8lz0Ge2l7PpOtcHwIEoM5zFGDH_OfNpbLTjWSze/s1600/hemnes-tv-unit-white__0104044_PE250694_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzs3amwO3ybzbtZmKw4UVIX_gOCenLlLw7V_LGP_ShU-KacnPfyxCNuvbPqc_UzOD8CshglIItBJRd1RYlTthHsl8wT6KVGCj7i4YnR8lz0Ge2l7PpOtcHwIEoM5zFGDH_OfNpbLTjWSze/s320/hemnes-tv-unit-white__0104044_PE250694_S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The larger Hemnes TV stand that is out of stock for an undetermined amount of time</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3hFoFJxKogLr1qpT-WU_S_c4sIwtKFAnMSsBGvb-bGvG6LPF6G3dwewX0JM3uVA7vZpVTV7esC-pTNFdUnA7Mhn5F7HiCFkZ1CXbMf5j6ydMzUIx7q_85BnyoiaAWeiu7muWyb-eGjHG/s1600/hemnes-tv-unit-white__0104050_PE250700_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3hFoFJxKogLr1qpT-WU_S_c4sIwtKFAnMSsBGvb-bGvG6LPF6G3dwewX0JM3uVA7vZpVTV7esC-pTNFdUnA7Mhn5F7HiCFkZ1CXbMf5j6ydMzUIx7q_85BnyoiaAWeiu7muWyb-eGjHG/s320/hemnes-tv-unit-white__0104050_PE250700_S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smaller Hemnes cabinet that will comfortably hold a TV smaller than 42 inches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tomorrow I go back and load the car up again - table legs, table frame, 3 more chairs and possibly the smaller TV cabinet. Friday is couch and table surface day!<br />
<br />
Onward and upward.<br />
<br />
Previous basement update <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-update-huge-disappointment.html">here</a><br />
First basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/01/basement-overhaul.html">here</a><br />
Next basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-matched-set.html">here</a><br />
<br />
Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-17016774782205538532011-02-23T10:07:00.000-05:002011-02-23T10:07:13.913-05:00Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1YP5XMm0K4o7IxMEJbbZAhqP1WWRvmUvNLwbHkBlgAEFPSwUjxEXlyUte_6ro5WMpsQStXB1PkzpL_ig1GbfQeV7gHmVoHkRyyjloM_JVGrQMFEJnfKODJCjIUteamQDJldrL0EZWB7a/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1YP5XMm0K4o7IxMEJbbZAhqP1WWRvmUvNLwbHkBlgAEFPSwUjxEXlyUte_6ro5WMpsQStXB1PkzpL_ig1GbfQeV7gHmVoHkRyyjloM_JVGrQMFEJnfKODJCjIUteamQDJldrL0EZWB7a/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula Deen's Krispy Kreme bread pudding</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
The Paula Deen recipe for outrageous Kripy Kreme bread pudding has been around for a few years - and I've wanted to try it every day since then but couldn't come up with a good enough excuse to not only eat Krispy Kreme's but add eggs and sweetened condensed milk and rum glaze! <br />
<br />
I finally decided that agonizing over this recipe for years is not healthy so I decided to make it this week. It's been a jinx ever since then. First I couldn't find Krispy Kreme donuts, let alone glazed donuts! After going to 2 stores, I found the donuts and get excited. I woke up this morning and knew today would be fabulous - bread pudding made out of donuts. Then I looked in the fridge - NO eggs! What kind of slacker runs out of eggs? A quick call to a neighbor and I was set. <br />
<br />
This recipe has lived up to the hype and expection - way over the top and super simple. I will make this again and again for special ocasisions.<br />
<br />
I didn't actually use the original recipe from Paula. Instead, I used this simplefied recipe on the blog <a href="http://frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/2009/04/krispy-kreme-bread-pudding.html">From My Tiny Kitchen</a> , who generally followed Paula Deens ingenious idea. I agree with From My Tiny Kitchen that fruit cocktail is undesirable and has no place in this recipe.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQghvMvcDe22EotgBisd8PUJbijUVPgzGlQG7-bPv5DC2A5wMN9q1lvOfBKV5UvqrYQuROUvuKCsFgC988FtlfHaHpPBGQlmvSvauZ6If2yS9ijQIJohxxrNDLrk0SsujlaN1-aMqCTzeD/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQghvMvcDe22EotgBisd8PUJbijUVPgzGlQG7-bPv5DC2A5wMN9q1lvOfBKV5UvqrYQuROUvuKCsFgC988FtlfHaHpPBGQlmvSvauZ6If2yS9ijQIJohxxrNDLrk0SsujlaN1-aMqCTzeD/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding</strong></span><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 130%;">1 dozen Krispy Kreme Doughnuts </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">1 can sweetened condensed milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">1 tsp cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">1/2 tsp salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">2 eggs</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;">Butter Rum Icing</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: 130%;">Rum or rum</span> <span style="font-size: 130%;">flavoring, to taste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">1/4 butter </span></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><li><span style="font-size: 130%;">2 cups powdered sugar</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem6Uny1pc2HjwYvWK2zY0Jft-PxdMBQU-dtePRI084fIPqSbkHartCNnyLRK5VCjLVg471SWw1O9KAsBlPPeopWdCWXug-k6NZ9mXTSgUMaQAwpOLucycEOnXUv4qB7J5Bjbec47TtIMi/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem6Uny1pc2HjwYvWK2zY0Jft-PxdMBQU-dtePRI084fIPqSbkHartCNnyLRK5VCjLVg471SWw1O9KAsBlPPeopWdCWXug-k6NZ9mXTSgUMaQAwpOLucycEOnXUv4qB7J5Bjbec47TtIMi/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ol><li>Preheat oven to 350F</li>
<li>Cube doughnuts and place in large bowl</li>
<li>In a smaller bowl, combine condensed milk and eggs</li>
<li>Pour milk and egg mixture over doughnut pieces, stir and let sit for 15 minutes to absorb the liquid</li>
<li>Plce the mixture in a shallow pan, squish down a bit and bake for 30-40 minutes. I used a 7X11 pan but a large pie plate or 8X8 or 9X9 or even a 9X13 would work.</li>
<li>While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the sauce by melting the butter. Stir in powdered sugar and rum. I didn't have any rum and the mixture looked a bit curdled so I smoothed out the sauce with a bit of milk.</li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><li>When bread pudding is cooked through and a bit crispy on top, remove from oven and pour sauce on top.</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZe0wroaVFij4_SzIZvPM5FPwjqmI8z8APZN1Wlj4s2oOp05vUNAARvia9xJwRynn3qz4BtwGAiwyKPmqoEY39QaEbdKae7mJcKMtxzCP8XNfoAhno_5LoFzImSBeq3HnjsLTL03w4gom/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZe0wroaVFij4_SzIZvPM5FPwjqmI8z8APZN1Wlj4s2oOp05vUNAARvia9xJwRynn3qz4BtwGAiwyKPmqoEY39QaEbdKae7mJcKMtxzCP8XNfoAhno_5LoFzImSBeq3HnjsLTL03w4gom/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just out of the oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<ol></ol><ol></ol><ol></ol><ol></ol><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbcilyx1LVqkGvixn8f_BguMxR1L7r6wjvSXAucOz-BRry7_2X5tVsnIjgoAByZ2sa01VEiF6GpdQE-cq-AjjF3A0CRjko-bKK9cQtIy56jWXZ2lfXvu1MygE3JP-6sU_mz3YkUhS-Vkb/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbcilyx1LVqkGvixn8f_BguMxR1L7r6wjvSXAucOz-BRry7_2X5tVsnIjgoAByZ2sa01VEiF6GpdQE-cq-AjjF3A0CRjko-bKK9cQtIy56jWXZ2lfXvu1MygE3JP-6sU_mz3YkUhS-Vkb/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With frosting - waiting for a few minutes to set before serving</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fiTC-bRbQoQfE754Ebk2V8xqaRmqtbxx8ZUjExmOSlPkYbBzUnTRFDnJMFp0f8NWYkGh9qsZuC8Jz9DTeSMf2V1T4QXWthpgXXDc6YaMMjAfs_ft8IEHTtnXlU8Dn7pN1Om43e2Vny0V/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fiTC-bRbQoQfE754Ebk2V8xqaRmqtbxx8ZUjExmOSlPkYbBzUnTRFDnJMFp0f8NWYkGh9qsZuC8Jz9DTeSMf2V1T4QXWthpgXXDc6YaMMjAfs_ft8IEHTtnXlU8Dn7pN1Om43e2Vny0V/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><ol>I can't believe how good this was. I won't be going anywhere near the proximity of the pan until it's all gone - I have no will power! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Astrid</ol><br />
Weight Watchers: it's almost ludicris to even bother caculating the Points Plus for this recipe. Each Krispy Kreme donut is 5 points. The entire dish is 140 Points Plus. You could probably get 10 servings out of this pan. I cut out a square to photograph, wrapped it up for the neighbor, took 3 little bites from the pan for me to sample, and left the rest to the teenagers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2XuLz6V0aCr0UKHnvU7GZYFX6vN3Z0_8ihTZuA0RUYv_VDApo8LV2euCpVYJIKLXvo8zjX7jmPXygimHmQlFLTkpVWHd1UBbW0lMN9WYH_oveEoqkW2pjnLD6LWMpjnJTOJYw1msAXg_/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2XuLz6V0aCr0UKHnvU7GZYFX6vN3Z0_8ihTZuA0RUYv_VDApo8LV2euCpVYJIKLXvo8zjX7jmPXygimHmQlFLTkpVWHd1UBbW0lMN9WYH_oveEoqkW2pjnLD6LWMpjnJTOJYw1msAXg_/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my serving</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-32160020969298443812011-02-22T16:29:00.000-05:002011-02-22T16:29:44.012-05:00California Pizza Kitchen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ1zdT3752aYK5oK9u8fi0nL5fRgpj1d2cj7zZYKAqkaRTF32R5FeO6duijprLezNeFHo0wpGHLiVOJW1s5o8pMm8AQlKHY171h7kTW0GfD86KrTEIwyOe4RehUAPJ-KDYxqO-DU2rEDJ/s1600/california-pizza-kitchen-300x235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ1zdT3752aYK5oK9u8fi0nL5fRgpj1d2cj7zZYKAqkaRTF32R5FeO6duijprLezNeFHo0wpGHLiVOJW1s5o8pMm8AQlKHY171h7kTW0GfD86KrTEIwyOe4RehUAPJ-KDYxqO-DU2rEDJ/s1600/california-pizza-kitchen-300x235.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It's with great nostalgia that I take my daughter back to California Pizza Kitchen (<a href="http://cpk.com/">CPK</a>) for her upcoming birthday. When we celebrated Kathrin's 5th birthday, we lived in Walnut Creek, California. I took her and her friend Sydney to CPK for lunch. We sat at the kitchen bar and watched the action in the kitchen. I'm pretty sure I enjoyed it more then the girls - kitchens are fascinating, especially a pizza oven (or maybe that's just me!). Since moving from Walnut Creek, we haven't visited a CPK together but we are changing that this year as part of the week long Birthday Palooza. Once more, I'm taking Kathrin and her friends to CPK for a special celebration.<br />
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I'm still minding my Weight Watcher Points and have blogged about my appreciation for online and readily available nutrition information for chain restaurants. I was thrilled to find an extensive online nutrition chart on the CPK home page- and then I got angry, along with many online bloggers! CPK only lists the amount of saturated fat, not total fat - Hello! What is up with that! I used my Points Calculator, estimating for total fat, for a bowl of soup, figuring that's probably going to be the only reasonable point value meal. I then checked on line and found a complete listing of CPK food with the old Points and <strong>estimation</strong> of the new PointsPlus values. <br />
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And it confirms what I suspected....a bowl of Tuscan White Bean Minestrone for 7 points, is about as good as it gets for something that will look like a meal at the table. <a href="http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/weight-watchers-points-capizza.html#Soups">CPK Weight Watcher Points Plus</a> Most of us are under no illusion that eating out is anything close to healthy, but OMG! There are salads and pasta dishes that are well into the 40's PointsPlus. These are probably very generous portions but still, 22 points for half a salad is a bit over the top. With these sorts of shenanigans, it's no wonder it's so hard to loose weight. My rant is over now...back to the birthday party!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyeiw6U_S6370LDwaKc0taGR0xnwzOBMrVCwBdU69ye-kDCmWlaYYQUIP9R-Y9U69gjzG0-GNECTheoFlk11IqdVs3XvvbGlTz_WlMVgC0MovqIlE8pBiGMwhilDumDr8JA5qcTfYJ-0J/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyeiw6U_S6370LDwaKc0taGR0xnwzOBMrVCwBdU69ye-kDCmWlaYYQUIP9R-Y9U69gjzG0-GNECTheoFlk11IqdVs3XvvbGlTz_WlMVgC0MovqIlE8pBiGMwhilDumDr8JA5qcTfYJ-0J/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
When we arrived at the Mall, we agreed to meet back at CPK in an hour. Of course the girls were late, but no matter. I ordered a glass of wine and hummus with pita AND made arrangements for a brownie sundae to be served (along with 3 spoons) to the birthday girl when we were done with lunch. The waitress suggested a candle, which I thought was a really nice touch!. I was so excited during the whole meal in anticipation of the birthday dessert surprise.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jZLF3a-iA9ax-do3IKDkj4hT5pbpUqUJaPQuZ4JE4kb3yrvD1RFc8aezQ1SVJX-ln08m4P1IrgiR_P19sBMT2yIM7GZQpBEAc6ztFQyein1LAd9rUlWolc6CQDsnfITyoZSuOQUhyphenhyphen3N0/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jZLF3a-iA9ax-do3IKDkj4hT5pbpUqUJaPQuZ4JE4kb3yrvD1RFc8aezQ1SVJX-ln08m4P1IrgiR_P19sBMT2yIM7GZQpBEAc6ztFQyein1LAd9rUlWolc6CQDsnfITyoZSuOQUhyphenhyphen3N0/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional hummus with whole wheat pita</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The pita bread couldn't be too healthy since it tasted really fresh, warm, and tender and was a nice accompaniment to the hummus. I prefer my hummus a bit thicker but this was still a nice combination of traditional flavors. The girls inhaled it in seconds after sitting down to study the menu.<br />
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Since I had already eaten a piece of pita with hummus (whole platter 22 Points Plus), I decided to order the cup of Tuscan soup for 4 Points Plus instead of the bowl for 7 points. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ymE7zRUvsUxAeEg14ljvuRUnogMUbQ6HWUlt3-3njYyW8NLcMcuwd8U3wYT7M1FJGr1SDPEmFBxhiwqJfrSG1dm1-H6BjvoRN5MnvQVy_RNwMvJ3xGXP7jlH3TUGYxsQh_i9RYVVAeMa/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ymE7zRUvsUxAeEg14ljvuRUnogMUbQ6HWUlt3-3njYyW8NLcMcuwd8U3wYT7M1FJGr1SDPEmFBxhiwqJfrSG1dm1-H6BjvoRN5MnvQVy_RNwMvJ3xGXP7jlH3TUGYxsQh_i9RYVVAeMa/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuscan Minestrone Soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I really like this soup. It was thick and spicy and flavorful. The toasted bread cubes were a nice touch. If I hadn't been on Weight Watchers', I probably would have ordered a half salad, mistakenly thinking I was ordering something "light", but now I know better and I wasn't disappointed with the better choice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq48XRKpy2GR1o4x5a2VwlXn3mSECM2i5CpEhDAiLOTjo15_t29isXIFPECggM1c2hBAzUZ2lYO1_yu-yhukSLv_Ep11Soih9kE1RkgmBxoZUihkEGci6yHETIYh5heVCGhEDIbtblPeyb/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq48XRKpy2GR1o4x5a2VwlXn3mSECM2i5CpEhDAiLOTjo15_t29isXIFPECggM1c2hBAzUZ2lYO1_yu-yhukSLv_Ep11Soih9kE1RkgmBxoZUihkEGci6yHETIYh5heVCGhEDIbtblPeyb/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Kat, aka the Carb Queen, ordered her usual pasta with cheese dish. This time it was she ordered the Garlic Cream Fettuccine (36 points). She's not watching her weight so she just orders whatever makes her happy. And it shows - she's a happy child! I had a bite - it was surprisingly served al dente, which was nice. A bit too much garlic for me but still yummy and creamy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xQGA9CDWxMfFei1Xp97Ldtt8Qirit0hAG_y8gl8iO9nW-ohyphenhypheneoBH8EUGhMdHzpid26CSpWfms30jbVnsxpzCVdY5_XUyBTh8yOXD7c8kjgpKf-l-C-2UZJ_lS37dlk_bAh7IdNVIt5cx/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xQGA9CDWxMfFei1Xp97Ldtt8Qirit0hAG_y8gl8iO9nW-ohyphenhypheneoBH8EUGhMdHzpid26CSpWfms30jbVnsxpzCVdY5_XUyBTh8yOXD7c8kjgpKf-l-C-2UZJ_lS37dlk_bAh7IdNVIt5cx/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Her friends ordered child sized pizzas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAEkyVosMMN9Da2_IMgSdPtu143dRupU-sePPxe06_wOooo3V-ugvNyi8gTRY1r8f64iG6SGl1xq20KMqmAsOO_yctGyRdLk4JXSwksTtWVtWEeYxj2JV2xV7YCg0TW8FltfAmVA9_UKS/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAEkyVosMMN9Da2_IMgSdPtu143dRupU-sePPxe06_wOooo3V-ugvNyi8gTRY1r8f64iG6SGl1xq20KMqmAsOO_yctGyRdLk4JXSwksTtWVtWEeYxj2JV2xV7YCg0TW8FltfAmVA9_UKS/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And finally as we were all finishing up, the waitress brought the brownie sundae - sans candle. CPK was out!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8gIDmrG0GCG3-gkA_VfGLBoYWAzaDrFdYLBFZCl9lRO0q8JJBJ3W30H7jovuHj-Za1aZFPlO-TIdVQxZQ4P0s-e7-h4wSLTwBuVkIBd8nDYIi4rfAXdHC3i4aaIYFFVd6SMuAT-0d_ME/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8gIDmrG0GCG3-gkA_VfGLBoYWAzaDrFdYLBFZCl9lRO0q8JJBJ3W30H7jovuHj-Za1aZFPlO-TIdVQxZQ4P0s-e7-h4wSLTwBuVkIBd8nDYIi4rfAXdHC3i4aaIYFFVd6SMuAT-0d_ME/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brownie Ice Cream Sundae</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDz5i59lJphXB-JEfAmnHOlDgW-yXOKdsk8EoQDCDsXJ-aumUlEmw-WYFr5KNpWXywxc6hPuMfhyue9WUMqLw8zhKpvbwCF2Ppl-vfdLikXOakNVW9bQZZfesBaaN0BbkNgcr79k9L3ni/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDz5i59lJphXB-JEfAmnHOlDgW-yXOKdsk8EoQDCDsXJ-aumUlEmw-WYFr5KNpWXywxc6hPuMfhyue9WUMqLw8zhKpvbwCF2Ppl-vfdLikXOakNVW9bQZZfesBaaN0BbkNgcr79k9L3ni/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathrin was surprised - we of course sang the birthday song and embarrassed her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When the bill arrived, CPK comped the dessert, which I thought was very nice of them. They also allowed the friends to order child-sized pizzas even though they were older than 10 - which I thought was very cool too.<br />
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It was a great meal - great service, comfortable seating (big table for 4), delicious soup. A birthday lunch for 4 - 2 child pizzas, hummus appetizer, glass of red, soda, bowl of pasta, cup of soup and comped dessert plus tip was just under $50.<br />
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Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-81190727700416718402011-02-21T19:27:00.000-05:002011-02-21T19:27:54.345-05:00Heath Bar Fudge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkje1x2Mg_8UO6JDPBP-cR7DZOyIlaMo2JfPo7cGD12k6T2-FZ06Arp096ioo7TnkogIHOrxDhqteNC2wSZ9ZOy0K6AGES33v0QNfzStJDHccKT7nmAa2YnTK-Bc8Hzb0LWWl4ksy88s3e/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkje1x2Mg_8UO6JDPBP-cR7DZOyIlaMo2JfPo7cGD12k6T2-FZ06Arp096ioo7TnkogIHOrxDhqteNC2wSZ9ZOy0K6AGES33v0QNfzStJDHccKT7nmAa2YnTK-Bc8Hzb0LWWl4ksy88s3e/s400/027.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heath Bar fudge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The festivities are gearing up for Kathrin's 17th birthday party. Today we made fudge and wow is it over the top. Heath Bar, sort of like bacon, makes everything special, just like Kat.<br />
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This is another oldie but goodie sort of recipe that I've posted before but this time with the Heath Bar addition.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFpUj3LjpagBVvP7gEZZijBjbvk3mIV7fiBmgbim4e66sBMT-wD8-mz9EbLabxKCWqR_o046q1igmqv2ma0xQy2WI3LGNwQNXvus2TZzVwkIJRiYBaNZsC4K5bGCVA095MTEru_FUQujJ/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFpUj3LjpagBVvP7gEZZijBjbvk3mIV7fiBmgbim4e66sBMT-wD8-mz9EbLabxKCWqR_o046q1igmqv2ma0xQy2WI3LGNwQNXvus2TZzVwkIJRiYBaNZsC4K5bGCVA095MTEru_FUQujJ/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">three little ingredients - chocolate chips, heath bars, and condensed milk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk<br />
18 ounces dark chocolate<br />
5 1.4 ounce Heath candy bars, crushed or about 2 cups of butter brickle chips<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWIH1N8jSteuUoiDBhvssLkOw6E_sFPq0P3vGin-4adzZmNNWLNA4m18RHxL2o4o672ksGeJSXpLPO3FZ-BKQ8C9L1flOhQ0YZNBIbmj_CUioF8olkcLvx-dPdFEVgJgAzxqlDkB6VLvS/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWIH1N8jSteuUoiDBhvssLkOw6E_sFPq0P3vGin-4adzZmNNWLNA4m18RHxL2o4o672ksGeJSXpLPO3FZ-BKQ8C9L1flOhQ0YZNBIbmj_CUioF8olkcLvx-dPdFEVgJgAzxqlDkB6VLvS/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Line an 8X8 pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This helps to pull the slab out when chilled.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviHvqrLjDFFwgV2ATMy9F4k9wU8BGBNnQlH74UStxRNWfvg9Pq11vvdUmtJmJxxXo8YCd1mwjINBlMuANJUS1SVu3vHdrdmm7uhHqDabRV09IkgGyA8o6obrjjes0C7qAEuKbn8zI8LgM/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviHvqrLjDFFwgV2ATMy9F4k9wU8BGBNnQlH74UStxRNWfvg9Pq11vvdUmtJmJxxXo8YCd1mwjINBlMuANJUS1SVu3vHdrdmm7uhHqDabRV09IkgGyA8o6obrjjes0C7qAEuKbn8zI8LgM/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 chocolate bars, crushed in a plastic bag using a rolling pin</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9PPPEtiJj1cTf7n4Au17X2LR-CEOCDO37f0nOwxhHhOujWtQKWqshWfMhRfjJXtA77uotnDKGjz7R22e4jHnpO3UbvNFmjucqWkU-F8pYe7f08AsSAyr7ThuB57PtKGodUc7wudnGLp8/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9PPPEtiJj1cTf7n4Au17X2LR-CEOCDO37f0nOwxhHhOujWtQKWqshWfMhRfjJXtA77uotnDKGjz7R22e4jHnpO3UbvNFmjucqWkU-F8pYe7f08AsSAyr7ThuB57PtKGodUc7wudnGLp8/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Combine chocolate chips and condensed milk in a microwave safe bowl. <br />
Heat on high for 1 minute, stir, and nuke for another minute. <br />
Quickly stir until smooth, add half the Heath Bar chips. <br />
Pour into aluminum lined pan. <br />
Spread a bit smooth.<br />
Pour the remaining crushed Heath Bar on top, gently pressing so that they will stick. <br />
Refrigerate until chilled. <br />
Remove from pan, cut into square.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo1pym1JxxpF75hS4qIlDY9Y76UGdZfWHDoqt109JMts6LLsrHDHLs1jH2C-6bS9Q-5o8FJh_ycws8htSRs7bp_eC6RWxt3ZCdaAgwwNf47I4YWQgYwNyfRFMcahgt2VOj7XzZgN98IeZ/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo1pym1JxxpF75hS4qIlDY9Y76UGdZfWHDoqt109JMts6LLsrHDHLs1jH2C-6bS9Q-5o8FJh_ycws8htSRs7bp_eC6RWxt3ZCdaAgwwNf47I4YWQgYwNyfRFMcahgt2VOj7XzZgN98IeZ/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpYwAlxEAJRnsTHwnJcmh8nrp6n6IQGFDbb2V4to-Gz5ODfz-eM2NzNtNvxhwX2a6QyenXOU3kH9M4-F4OviLn8BJyBMusERcduoEMva4Bovfl6zWw2NkTQGMbKys-Ygw33s8CY-SFLjg/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpYwAlxEAJRnsTHwnJcmh8nrp6n6IQGFDbb2V4to-Gz5ODfz-eM2NzNtNvxhwX2a6QyenXOU3kH9M4-F4OviLn8BJyBMusERcduoEMva4Bovfl6zWw2NkTQGMbKys-Ygw33s8CY-SFLjg/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
On to the next project!<br />
<br />
Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-63113759126517402752011-02-21T06:49:00.003-05:002011-02-23T17:42:48.541-05:00Basement Update - Huge Disappointment!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcc2drxmWiZ7SkUX2y9gsqqBuh9e24I3jRvI-3M2ddNtI0ws4-O1kNy-5nKO9J7p1IRJ62JHLMiz41fTxNdw_dhldFz-BPaezHR8KI1RhIK0cd3BhJT49SOT26kprt4zoLJZDOHyWCIAh/s1600/manstad-corner-sofa-bed-w-storage-right-gray__75630_PE194096_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcc2drxmWiZ7SkUX2y9gsqqBuh9e24I3jRvI-3M2ddNtI0ws4-O1kNy-5nKO9J7p1IRJ62JHLMiz41fTxNdw_dhldFz-BPaezHR8KI1RhIK0cd3BhJT49SOT26kprt4zoLJZDOHyWCIAh/s400/manstad-corner-sofa-bed-w-storage-right-gray__75630_PE194096_S4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ikea's Manstad couch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My friend Rose and I have been plotting and giggling, waiting for today, the Presidential Birthday, to shop at Ikea. We sounded worse then teenage girls as we made our plans. We even had a coupon for a free meal that expires today, we measured the cargo area of her SUV to make sure the boxes would fit, and coordinated a time.<br />
<br />
But now, my heart is crushed - Mother Nature dropped 6-8 inches of snow on us starting yesterday afternoon, with alternating layers of freezing rain, with more snow predicted. We've called off our expedition for a sofa for the basement.....sniff sniff. Postponing the trip is the "right" thing to do, the adult decision, but I feel grumpy. I have been looking forward to this trip for a few weeks. Not only was I picking up a couch for the basement, I was also going to show Rose the delights of Ikea shopping. In the grand scheme of things, another day is no big deal but I can't help feeling disappointed.<br />
<br />
This is the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80126091#">couch</a> I would have picked up today.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9O9YTTQ8D6lO2DBg9Z3ob1Gg1oZyEYry8OvEtQN_J1ULIvFKoGGxiLS_YcIy9PURBDBi-csjndk6KEovU-WhTmz5ISfzMlO8trd-eoSrogLdMXcTh0kICm_TKlORh53JTJJsRXMe7d1b/s1600/manstad-corner-sofa-bed-w-storage-right-gray__75656_PE194142_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9O9YTTQ8D6lO2DBg9Z3ob1Gg1oZyEYry8OvEtQN_J1ULIvFKoGGxiLS_YcIy9PURBDBi-csjndk6KEovU-WhTmz5ISfzMlO8trd-eoSrogLdMXcTh0kICm_TKlORh53JTJJsRXMe7d1b/s320/manstad-corner-sofa-bed-w-storage-right-gray__75656_PE194142_S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manstad couch unfolded to sleeping position.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So instead today of shopping, and after I shovel a mountain of snow out of the driveway, I will tromp down to the basement and cover old crayon marks with primer. I won't bother with a picture of this next task as it doesn't have much visual interest. As we were scrubbing and spackling the wall, it was hard to imagine what went on the basement when this house was lived in by other families- were there no parents supervising their kids - marks and gouges everywhere. <br />
<br />
It's 6:30 in the morning and the street is alive with snow-throwers. I'll wait until the fumes die down before starting my turn.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb1EzHo1SeHw4IgDhxyFfIKkLn_d17A1r49oODs2q8nVbzh2UKWjLIfQ1Esu2wJ84O7lBTbGxCGbboi84L1ut09XHepDJPgZtQMU2QxiCVGUOu5fRVy-scTzTTXuiUUgk3xbFY8yVX9bl/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb1EzHo1SeHw4IgDhxyFfIKkLn_d17A1r49oODs2q8nVbzh2UKWjLIfQ1Esu2wJ84O7lBTbGxCGbboi84L1ut09XHepDJPgZtQMU2QxiCVGUOu5fRVy-scTzTTXuiUUgk3xbFY8yVX9bl/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big shout out to Kat who got out first thing this morning - even before me and starting working it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next post is <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-furniture-procurement.html">here</a><br />
Previous Basement Update <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/02/basement-incremental-changes.html">here</a><br />
First Basement post <a href="http://carfreeinannarbor.blogspot.com/2011/01/basement-overhaul.html">here </a><br />
<br />
Astrid<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-42759619548030193522011-02-20T18:15:00.000-05:002011-02-20T18:15:39.323-05:00Peanut Butter Dip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FGE8InLxXvX8GycPBaYpRoEhoDh3vrhebuc7vGCflpmu4tIajzgYbQb4BjvSqmHAYOwrYa0pl6ieXs4PRuIPnOS_lJYzuIFUH71yFKgYIK0kMJPM9TGYLWlEGfzJxHDPnrv2RiZmGQIM/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FGE8InLxXvX8GycPBaYpRoEhoDh3vrhebuc7vGCflpmu4tIajzgYbQb4BjvSqmHAYOwrYa0pl6ieXs4PRuIPnOS_lJYzuIFUH71yFKgYIK0kMJPM9TGYLWlEGfzJxHDPnrv2RiZmGQIM/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick and easy peanut butter dip</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We're in the middle of a nasty snow-storm in Michigan - time to break out the peanut butter. I want something warm and comforting. While this dish is not overly photogenic - it's a deliciously smooth and sweet dip for cookies and pretzels. And whips up in minutes - great for when the local high school film club comes over. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6zE4yZqtEhgFlQyEtH97GUZAF0EYORv3Smhjc_VztWRqMliYi_FNaTwU2rKI6ERxreHkpj7CQkTJPv0irNkd68CjJOj-HkVcVtLkT3uUjC0RwlmmVJroO3tS8gU9Nn7cz3huTk_vlaSw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6zE4yZqtEhgFlQyEtH97GUZAF0EYORv3Smhjc_VztWRqMliYi_FNaTwU2rKI6ERxreHkpj7CQkTJPv0irNkd68CjJOj-HkVcVtLkT3uUjC0RwlmmVJroO3tS8gU9Nn7cz3huTk_vlaSw/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookies, cream cheese, peanut butter, and sweetened condensed milk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>8 ounces cream cheese<br />
1 cup smooth peanut butter<br />
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk<br />
<br />
In a small mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Gradually bean in sweetened condensed milk then the peanut butter until smooth. <br />
<br />
This dip can also be used to frost one two-layer cake, one sheet cake or 48 cupcakes. Refrigerate leftovers. I like to serve this as a dip with sweet and salty dipper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DUOdfJD2Vkdk8gfhY4Ro5VO-8DshL7-V6kBmt48XNRfjCPnhANjWtdcFb45S8nZFC7eaZFOEVvV6Ss6LaESTL9soEt7xG87hy_Lj-Vn2roEcT5x1dPDS8NrYm5J7JyciN081SCZbCYXS/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DUOdfJD2Vkdk8gfhY4Ro5VO-8DshL7-V6kBmt48XNRfjCPnhANjWtdcFb45S8nZFC7eaZFOEVvV6Ss6LaESTL9soEt7xG87hy_Lj-Vn2roEcT5x1dPDS8NrYm5J7JyciN081SCZbCYXS/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kIxXLuO4XnSemnkr3G-tpIJkJXQjKCgksw5PRqHPDMesAmQGMCu96y9Us14ja3F74vYnUONeqAL1HOMyvlirhQJ6S9rdMwuo2txjlQtCGOkWkUmmYrG-HzhjUC4rJBkyi_dX3sts0b0l/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kIxXLuO4XnSemnkr3G-tpIJkJXQjKCgksw5PRqHPDMesAmQGMCu96y9Us14ja3F74vYnUONeqAL1HOMyvlirhQJ6S9rdMwuo2txjlQtCGOkWkUmmYrG-HzhjUC4rJBkyi_dX3sts0b0l/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSO_9tRu4P6G4SztPI728BCGZ2kYRWRtGCLUY31OApm9smh6gBIM_vYcbqN7gKlZB17yUEUHoG5IC-AFeASQflRw4qjggPvGPtwxlOKhTYJxjmLF7dGAb9IFIer-teZaHdTtkztA4sv9m7/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSO_9tRu4P6G4SztPI728BCGZ2kYRWRtGCLUY31OApm9smh6gBIM_vYcbqN7gKlZB17yUEUHoG5IC-AFeASQflRw4qjggPvGPtwxlOKhTYJxjmLF7dGAb9IFIer-teZaHdTtkztA4sv9m7/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXkFpy-Tis9_b4OwuIm1TWcoVjoaQ9Xm1GpPsfodVJLbBldRacPXSCzzs0Dc9zakOgVTGeYtbRnoI8cNXXRPmQL_thmI9mRxfwhVOcsO1GQe9oyKkrBKUp6IzAT6AODJGjyttF-zT6MOU/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXkFpy-Tis9_b4OwuIm1TWcoVjoaQ9Xm1GpPsfodVJLbBldRacPXSCzzs0Dc9zakOgVTGeYtbRnoI8cNXXRPmQL_thmI9mRxfwhVOcsO1GQe9oyKkrBKUp6IzAT6AODJGjyttF-zT6MOU/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amaryllis and Christmas cactus happy to be inside while the storm rages outside</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111772443171320625.post-18777445980120574592011-02-19T09:51:00.000-05:002011-02-19T09:51:52.171-05:00Nissan LEAF - one step closer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53_kep2pp3O65B_nFr9kz_mIL52IzJoT8X7_fLGxui9fya9JR-zczhI9W60NZpONJIUA3Gu8v9xTNrXjWomE-L0-xR8_4uHiQw-WgnCi4gqfhRBcLIXNjsfLRU9iAKpZpRzu65eCELqI7/s1600/nissan-leaf-electric-vehicle-2010-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53_kep2pp3O65B_nFr9kz_mIL52IzJoT8X7_fLGxui9fya9JR-zczhI9W60NZpONJIUA3Gu8v9xTNrXjWomE-L0-xR8_4uHiQw-WgnCi4gqfhRBcLIXNjsfLRU9iAKpZpRzu65eCELqI7/s400/nissan-leaf-electric-vehicle-2010-15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior looks really cool! hope the steering wheel is on the left for America...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I received an email from Nissan LEAF the other day letting me know that it's time to have my electricity checked...and of course I'm paraphrasing. Unless I change my Nissan LEAF Reservation Profile by March 1, 2011, Nissan LEAF will forward my house address to my local utility for verification procedures. <br />
<br />
<div><blockquote><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Astrid, to ensure safe and uninterrupted electric service, Nissan plans to share your LEAF™ purchase decision and your street address with your local utility beginning next month. The utility will use this information strictly for service planning. Your information will not be shared, sold or used for any other purposes. If you are unwilling to share your address, simply </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1298126936_0">edit your profile</span> to decline this option before <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1298126936_1" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: #366388 2px dotted; cursor: hand;">March 1, 2011</span>. <br />
</span></span></blockquote>I'm not sure what this means exactly? Does Nissan think that I might have misinformed them that I live in a house without electricity? Does Nissan think that my utility provider DTE (Detroit Edison) is not capable of providing appropriate services once I get an electric car? </div><br />
I didn't change my Reservation Profile so my address will be forwarded to DTE on March 1, 2011. I'm curious to see where this goes!<br />
<br />
Astrid</div>Astridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297317451450840417noreply@blogger.com0