Sunshine Award

After a drought in which I'd truly forgotten that blog awards were handed out - which lets people walk the red carpet and wear their Harry Winston jewels in cyberspace - here I've been given a second award in a two-week span!  This is the Sunshine Award, and comes from my dear friend Judee of the Gluten Free A-Z Blog, who offers great recipes and fabulously creative ideas I would never think of.  Go say "hi!"

The way the award works is this:

Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.

Thanks so much, Judee!  I'm so flattered that you shared this with me ... :)

Answer questions about yourself.

1. Favorite color: Oh, I think everyone already knows the answer to this one - pink!

2. Favorite animal: I love anything cute and fluffy and funny-faced, so this is hard.  Jeremy is convinced that one day I will be a crazy cat lady (as opposed to my current status of simply crazy lady!), so maybe I'll go with that.

3. Favorite number: 3 - Three chances.  Three strikes.  Three ghosts offering redemption in the story of Scrooge.  Third time's the charm.

4. Favorite drink: Coffee. Milkshakes. Cocoa with lots of whipped cream and maybe a drizzle of caramel on top. Rum and Cherry Coke. Grasshoppers. Truth be told, I drink water almost exclusively - an occasional iced tea or soda or juice, but mostly water. It's boring, and it's not my favorite. The others would vie for the #1 spot, depending upon time of day and weather and whatnot.

5. Facebook or Twitter: Facebook.  Most of the time, I forget I even have a Twitter account. When I do think to check it, I find there's too much information, too abbreviated, too fast, too much.  Twitter has surged ahead, though, recently because  Pizzeria Biga retweeted my post about it: "A special THANK YOU to 'Yenta Mary' for a super cool Pizzeria Biga eview-review in her super cool blog."  And then I swooned when the head chef, creative force, and Beard Award-semifinalist himself -  Luciano Del Signore - sent this: "Thanks for the review.  Hope you enjoyed your Biga experience.  Grazie mille!"

6. Good book or a good movie: I don't have much time to read for pleasure any more, but I'd rather read than sit and stare at a screen.  (I do enough of that with my computer, though that's at least productive time!)  I used to love movies, but have somehow evolved away from them.  I see maybe two movies in a year, and often don't even bother with that.  It's got to be highly enticing to lure me.

7. My passion: Anything Italian - the food (of course!), the language, the art, the shoes (yeah, like I can afford 'em).  You thought I was going to say "cooking and eating," right???  Well, those are pretty far up the totem pole, I admit.  As is Jewish food.  But if I can only pick one, at this moment it would have to be my Italian fixation.

8. Giving or getting presents: I love finding the right gift for someone - something that's perfect for them, but clearly indicative of having come from me.  Like giving a native Detroiter a t-shirt with an outline of the skyline and pictures of cars, but with the word "Detroit" spelled out in Hebrew letters ... who else could that be for?  Who else would that have come from???

9. Favorite day of the year: Erev Rosh Hashanah [EH-rehv RAHSH hah-SHAH-nah], the first night of the Jewish new year.  (And remember, Jewish days begin at sunset; so this is the very beginning moment of the very beginning of the new year.)  I work in the Jewish community, so summer is our busiest, most hectic season as we prepare for the fall holidays (4 major ones within 3 weeks) and a new school year; longer hours, 6-day weeks, lots of stress.  I always take a few moments before leaving work that day to look at the sanctuary in its last seconds of peace before the crowds come, and contemplate the past year and my hopes for the new one.  Then I go home and put on a new dress (this past year, it was one made of beautiful royal blue lace), put on sparkly jewelry, and join with loved ones for a service welcoming another year, another chance.  And it's followed by a reception serving apples and honey, rum balls, cakes, and other goodies to help usher in a sweet year.  I always go home happy.

Select 10 of your favorite bloggers, link their blogs to your post and let them know they have been awarded the Sunshine Award!

1. Alisa at The Meat and Potatoes Foodie

2. Andrea at Andrea the Kitchen Witch

3. Candace at Mi Chiamo Candace

4. Carla at The River

5. Jean  at Delightful Repast

6. Karen at I Made It Through the Rain

7. Leanne at From Chaos Comes Happiness

8. Lisa at Sweet as Sugar Cookies

9. Mrs. B at Go Ahead ... Take a Bite!

10. Robin at Your Daily Dose

Fabulous Blog Ribbon

I was most surprised recently when my very dear friend Robin, of Your Daily Dose, shared an award with me.  Robin doesn't post as often as her faithful followers would like her to; but when she pops up to offer her thoughts, they are inevitably wise, witty, and wonderful.  If you haven't met her yet, you need to go visit.

Of course, being given this award then gives me actual work to do, rather than merely blathering about a batch of cookies or some pizza!  But it's also fun, because I get to divert onto different tangents, sorta - you'll see that I'm still a food obsessive, with the subject creeping in no matter what - and talk about topics beyond my cooking and eating passions.

So, here's the scoop:

1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Name 5 of your most fabulous moments, either in real life or in the blogosphere.
3. Name 5 things you love.
4. Name 5 things you hate.
5. Pass the ribbon on to 5 other bloggers.

Alrighty, here goes:

Rules:

Done (see above).

Fabulous Moments:

1. I was petrified, terrified, horrified, and every other kind of -fied before speaking at the Sisterhood's DAMES Dinner at Temple Beth Emeth this past December, as I love to write but I'm not a natural public speaker; this was my very first and, so far, only such gig.  But everyone was so wonderful and welcoming that I felt very comfortable giving my shpiel - I was clearly among friends.  (I joined the Sisterhood that night, becoming a member, because I had such a grand time with these amazing women!)  There was a fabulous meal, and they presented me with some lovely gifts - all in pink, no less.  And I was thrilled beyond my usually verbose abilities to express myself when I received a note card afterwards, saying "Thanks again for your wonderful program - people said it was the best DAMES we've had!"

2. When I went back to visit Jeremy after he'd had a medical procedure recently, the nurse offered me a seat and then asked with complete sincerity, "Are you the wife?"  Jeremy giggled, despite being groggy, so it was a good moment for both of us.  I told him "I hope you're conscious enough to remember this later on!"  Jeremy is 21; I'm pushin' 50, with dread of my birthday already looming although it's not 'til December.  Oh, yes, this was a fabulous moment!  (Jeremy was fine, by the way, and thankfully passed inspection.)

3. My less-than-15 minutes of fame presenting Special Mocha Cupcakes on The CBS Early Show after they won the grand prize in Taste of Home magazine's Cupcake Challenge. (You can watch the video here.)  Jeremy and I were dined - but not wined - in New York City, chauffeured around town, and treated like Cinderella at the ball with the Prince Consort.  (FYI: Taste of Home changed the name from Quadruple Chocolate Cupcakes ... kinda says it all, doesn't it???)

4. One of my "bubbes" ([BUH-beez] = Yiddish for "grandmother") - the older women at the synagogue who've adopted me, whom I adore - asked me a few years ago, "So, Mary, have you converted yet?"  "No, Sarah, I haven't.  I'm still thinking about it, though."  "That's okay," she responded with the sweetest, brightest smile.  "We love you anyway."

5. I received the most poignant email after my Valentine's Day post giving a recipe for "Brownie in a Mug," a one-person treat for those spending the day alone and - more importantly - for those who had suffered the loss of the one they'd have ordinarily celebrated that day with:  "Dear Mary, It's been a really hard week.  My boyfriend's mother died suddenly on Monday and the idea of Valentine's Day was repulsive.  She was her husband's whole world; they were sweethearts forever.  I started reading your article 'Brownie in a Mug' about flowers and candy ... I was really ticked off.  I hit the end of the second paragraph and took a sigh of relief.  No one ever thinks of the people that have lost the love of their life.  No one thinks about all those people that will be alone on Valentine's Day.  You thought of them!!!  Thank you so very much!"

Things I Love:

1. Jeremy (not a thing, obviously, but ...!)

2. Chocolate cake.  Carrot cake.  Oh, let's just say it - CAKE!  And cookies.  And brownies.  And pie.  And frosting.  And ice cream.  Sweets.  Let's just cut to the chase and say "sweets."

3. Learning languages.  I was once fluent in French - to the point of even thinking en français - though I'm now living proof of the adage "Use it or lose it."  I've studied Latin, Russian, and Italian.  I can also read Hebrew letters (with the vowels, anyway, which - like batteries - aren't always included), and I can sound out words even if I don't know what they mean.  I would like to learn Yiddish, which is such a colorful and expressive language!  But I really wish I could actually speak Italian rather than just pronouncing it fairly well and being an excellent menu translator.

4. Having a free Sunday to putter around, linger over my coffee, read The New York Times and do the crossword puzzle (though I don't subscribe anymore, since I don't have time to read it), cook, bake, catch up on household stuff, and still be in my jammies in the middle of the afternoon because I've had no obligations requiring more formal wear.

5. Random moments of bliss - sitting in the sunshine when it's not too hot and a slight breeze is blowing, an unexpected compliment, finding a lucky penny, when a favorite song is played (at the Ann Arbor Art Fair one time, local station 107one was broadcasting live and played Roxy Music's "More Than This" even though the band is never in any radio station's regular rotation), when a new recipe idea works out perfectly on the first try, meeting up with friends and losing track of time because you're having so much fun, eating fresh doughnuts at the cider mill, hearing babies laugh, going to a thrift shop and finding a $5 dress that was apparently tailored just for you ....

Things I Hate:

1. People who have no ability or willingness to see beyond their own narcissistic selves and acknowledge that others have needs of their own.

2. Picky eaters - people who can't just eat whatever's put in front of them (with exceptions for health and religion, of course).  I am especially irked by those who expect others to cater to their whims as though it's an entitlement, instead of being gracious and accommodating (see item #1 - people who have no ability or willingness ...).

3. Our entire nauseating political process that is deceitful, corrupt, wasteful, unproductive, spiteful, and generally miserable and intolerable.  (Gee, do I seem a bit wishy-washy about that???)  I wish I could just wait for the election to be over in November; but the very next day, the nonsense begins again for the next primary season two years later.  It is constant and interminable.  And every time I see a postcard tucked into my door, watch an ad on television, or see confetti and balloons dropping, I wonder how many hungry children could have been fed with that money, how many homeless people could have been housed, how many uninsured patients could have received necessary medical care ....

4. Listening to NPR, because I can't endure the droning monotones that seem to be a requirement for employment there, not to mention the morning weather reports that are given seemingly every 13 seconds.  I look up the website and read the stories instead.

5. Sushi and kimchi (the former only looking good if you compare it to the latter, but neither wins a crown at my pageant).  I don't like the taste or the papery texture of nori, I prefer not to eat refined carbs (i.e.: sticky rice) unless they're in the form of dessert, and I want my fish cooked; there is nothing redeeming in sushi, such that I could even pick it apart and nibble at it.  And the stench of kimchi is so horrific that I can't even be near someone who's eating it without wanting to flee; it is truly nauseating.  In college, a fellow dorm resident used to make kimchi in his room; there are no words to adequately describe the revolting fumes produced as the cabbage fermented!  To say that the odor resembled that of sewage would be an insult to rotting garbage.

Five Fabulous Bloggers:

Women whom I'd love to sit and chat with over a cup of coffee, who put up great recipes, who give lots of excellent information and/or instruction, who share their lives and their passions, and who tell great stories:

1. Bibi of Bibi's Culinary Journey

2. Debra of Housewife Eclectic

3. Jenn of Jenn's Food Journey

4. Judee of Gluten Free A-Z Blog

5. Judy of Cranberry Morning

Versatile Blogging

I was absolutely tickled to receive the Versatile Blogger Award from the self-monikered Volleysoft at I'm Sew Cheap!!! What a lovely surprise ... :)

The rules of the Versatile Blogger Award are as follows:

Leave a comment to thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.

Did that already, but once again MANY THANKS for the ego boost!

Tell us seven things about yourself.

Award fifteen recently discovered new bloggers.

Having just moved, I'm continuing to settle in and am a tad short of time. So I'm going to still bare my soul (if not other parts of me!) and I'll award some worthy candidates, but only 5 of each to make things a bit easier all around, okay?

Here's some tidbits about lil' ol' me:

1. I love doughnuts. And now that I have the freedom to eat what I want to when I want to, I've developed a rather bad habit of making a couple of cheap (I tell myself I can only buy them if they're on sale!) doughnuts a very satisfying -- albeit very bad for me -- midnight snack before going to bed. I need to simply stop buying them; it's easier to resist them at the store than it is to shut out their Siren song late at night, when my defenses are least able to ignore it.

2. I am so happy in the new apartment and love its location near some very cool, funky shops and cafes! I live very close to Depot Town, part of Ypsilanti's Historic District ([ip-sih-LAN-tee], just down the road from Ann Arbor), which has tremendous charm and character; it hasn't been yuppy-fied with hair salons and phone stores and chain restaurants as Ann Arbor sadly has.

3. I'm looking so forward to shopping at the Ypsi Farmers' Market ([IP-see] -- short for Ypsilanti) each Saturday this summer -- it's only a half-mile's walk away ... :)

4. I am sorely peeved at the New York Times' new policy of limiting non-subscribers (a.k.a.: cheap folks like me) to only 20 online articles per month; I think I used up my quota in the first week of April! (Yes, they have bills to pay ... so do I, which is why I don't subscribe anymore. Information should be free to all.) Anyway, it's a new month, so I've got a new start. I'm trying to save myself for the Wednesday food articles ... we'll see how long I last!

5. I finally -- finally! -- saw "The King's Speech" the other night, and adored it; I think I was the last person in the Western Hemisphere to see it. And to think, I'm a Royal Family addict!!! But I'm also too cheap to pay $10 for a movie, so I had to wait for Netflix; thank you Jeremy for ordering it for me.

And now for the bloggers you should go visit:

1. Go Ahead ... Take a Bite!

2. TexaGermaNadian: My Life in 3 Countries

3. Gluten Free A-Z Blog

4. La Fotografía Efectista Abstracta

5. Sweet As Sugar Cookies

Have a fabulous weekend!!! I'll have a new feature starting next week: Frugal Floozie Friday. Stay tuned ... :)

Life Is Good, Stylish and Irresistibly Sweet!

My very dear blogging friend (she's more than just a "buddy!") Candace, of Mi Chiamo Candace, very graciously shared three fabulous and festive awards with me, as seen above. I'm so touched and flattered and honored and giddy ... many, many thanks, Candace!!!

Fortunately, these didn't come with 83 different hoops to jump through, as some awards do. Candace chose to split the difference between two of the awards when they were bestowed upon her, and answered 10 questions; the other option had been to tell 7 things about herself.

Now, I'm not good at making decisions, as the faithful already know. And this is one of those dilemmas worthy of Solomon! Answer 10 really tough questions or try to drudge up 7 things I haven't already shared and/or that anyone might care about ... hmmmmm.

So I'm going to split the difference myself: I'll answer 5 of the questions, and find 3 things to share ... how's that???

If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing this? If you aren't anonymous, do you wish you'd started out anonymously so that you could be anonymous now?

I don't give my full name or where I work, but I don't particularly blog anonymously either. I have no reason to seek anonymity, and think I've struck a reasonable balance between letting my cyber-friends get to know me without any stalkers being able to find me!

When you take time for yourself, what do you do?

Ummmm ... what is this odd notion, "time for (my)self"??? I guess when I can grab a few moments in the midst of my frazzled and chaotic life, I'd have to say that I bake, I do my nails, I eat Milk Duds, I watch old movie musicals like "Gigi" ... and sometimes I just sit awhile and think. No spa trips or anything like that.

Is there something that you still want to accomplish in your life?

Oh, there are 863 things I want to accomplish!!! I want to go to Morocco and immerse myself in the colors and aromas and bustling of the souks. I want to eat my way through Italy, saving room for dessert in Vienna. I want to refresh my French and learn Italian and Yiddish. I'd like to try the violin again, having taken it in Kindergarten but giving it up because I didn't think I had any talent. I want to be a bubbe ([BUH-bee] = grandmother). I want to make money (dare I say, a living???) writing, particularly about food. And I want to have the surety of knowing that I've found my bashert ([bah-SHAYRT] = "destiny," but intended as the one who is chosen by God just for you).

When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the shy person or always ditching?

Class HYPER-achiever is more accurate. Let me illustrate: In 5th Grade, we read Jane Eyre and had an assortment of projects to choose from, relating to the book. We only had to do one ... I did two. My friend Christina said, "You always have to be better than everyone else, don't you???" Academically? Yup. It was definitely a competition, but one in which I wasn't the only one who expected too much of me. My Algebra teacher told me once that he was disappointed in my performance on one of our tests; I'd received an "A," but this was still less than 100%. An "A" was essentially a failing grade ....

Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog, or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people and events?

I'm pretty much "me" on the blog -- kinda flaky, very chatty. I tend to write as I speak, dropping Yiddishisms and whatnot into the mix. Since my shtick is food, rather than an analysis of my path through life, I don't delve into a lot of deeply personal things unless they are directly relevant to my culinary and eating adventures. So I'm "me," but not necessarily the full "me" in all its gory details.

Now for the 3 tidbits of intrigue!

I am inordinately proud of myself for having figured out how to program a morning alarm on my cell phone. Some of you -- those with iPods and Blackberrys and Droids and whatever new toy is out there now that I won't hear about for 4 years -- may think this is ridiculous. Anyone who genuinely knows me will applaud ... as soon as the smelling salts rouse them from their dead faint on the floor.

I only watch two award shows each year -- the Oscars and the Tonys. I admit I'll check out the fashion extravaganza at other events (and I personally think it's much more fun to see those with some character and individuality than those who are styled to boring perfection); but those are the only two ceremonies I bother with.

Opening Day of baseball season is a day of celebration; frankly, it should be a national holiday. And how great is this, for a native NYC girl who's lived in Michigan for 30+ years??? The Yankees are hosting the Tigers on March 31!!! Hot dogs and Cracker Jacks are mandatory; I may throw in some fabulous Detroit products, too, like Faygo soda or Vernor's ginger ale or Better Made potato chips ....

And now it's time to share some love with:

Carol: the Gardener

Jenn: Jenn's Food Journey

Leanne: From Chaos Comes Happiness

Lindsey: TexaGermaNadian

Michele: Fake It Til You Make It

Mazal Tov to all of you -- enjoy!!!

Blogging with Style

Well, it's been awhile since I've won any prizes -- culinary, blogging or otherwise. So it was quite the thrill the other day to get a message from the ever-amazing baking whiz Kristin, of Kuppy Kakes by Kristin, telling me that she'd given me the Stylish Blogger Award!!!

Of course, we all know these come with "fine print," so to speak. And here 'tis:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.

Happy to shower MUCH gratitude upon Kristin for her tireless encouragement!

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

Oy ... I'm not that interesting! But rules are rules, I suppose. Hey -- here's a novel concept: I'll even mix it up and specifically not mention anything food-related today!

- I love old pop songs from the 70s, like Grand Funk Railroad's "The Loco-Motion," the Bee Gees' "Nights on Broadway," and Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual." And Rick Dees' "Disco Duck" is just so bizarre that it has its own special category in the world of cheesiness!!!



- I've taken to wearing red lipstick in recent weeks. As much as I adore pink in virtually every facet of my life, I'm thinking that red -- the color of joy in Asia -- is a good one to wear for the new year.

- I was once told that I'm a "gregarious introvert." That would be very astutely true. I can schmooze with anyone and usually will! I'm the chatty one at work, the one people come down the hall to visit and kibitz with. And while I love interacting with people and give lots of hugs and affection, I'm really at my most comfortable in private with my own thoughts.

- I love to window shop. I can meander past windows, ooh and ahh over what's in them, and even stroll through a store picking things up and petting them and admiring them, and not spend one penny. I just like to see what's out there, but I don't necessarily need to acquire any of it.

- I need a new profile picture for the blog and for Facebook. I love the one with the pink heart-shaped sunglasses -- Jeremy took a great shot! But it's from summer ... time to update for winter.

- At Christmas, Jeremy gave me a great big fluffy throw pillow that I love! It's like a stuffed animal -- warm, cuddly. And it's pink!!!

- One of my friends from work gave me a sticker sheet today with numbers and their Hebrew names, for me to practice, 'cause I was a good girl ... :)

3. Pass this award on to 15 other bloggers.

Decisions are my downfall -- any regular readers know this to be true! Therefore, I am going to be extra generous and award this to everyone who reads today's post -- yay!!! (Rules apparently aren't really rules, 'cause I'm not capable of picking and choosing "winners" and thus following this one.) Anyone who meanders here and spends some time with me as I blather deserves a prize ... :)

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award.

Consider yourselves notified and applauded and celebrated!!!

"Be Nice to Mary" Week

Well, for some reason, this seems to be "Be Nice to Mary Week" to make up for the previous week in which both my laptop AND my glasses broke. Anyone who knows me is aware that I wear tri-focal progressive lenses; thank God for Tom, tape and Krazy Glue!!! If I thought being incommunicado was bad, finding my glasses in two pieces on Thanksgiving morning -- split at the bridge -- was far, far worse. My vision is bad enough that I could not even have patched my own glasses, if it weren't for my hero having saved the damsel in distress.

So, in the universe's greatly appreciated effort to make the inconveniences and expenses up to me, my friends (both in the real world and in cyberspace) seem to have just inundated me with lovely compliments and invitations and gifts ... I am humbled. Even my ex-husband -- whom I hadn't seen in 4 years until this past weekend, now that he's back in Michigan -- apparently told Jeremy after I'd left that "Your mom's a babe!"

And then, because my ego apparently hadn't been stroked enough, along comes the fabulous Robin of Your Daily Dose to dedicate a highly entertaining tidbit from "Friends" to me, in honor of my having moved in with Tom. (And, as always, she has a psychic gift, knowing full well without ever having met me that I would be in a tizzy about having my stuff moved!)


Robin has strength I cannot even conceive of, being able to write and envision BIG IDEAS and maintain a sense of humor despite suffering debilitating migraines. And she has love and generosity of spirit in abundance, despite her chronic pain. She is priceless!

But, as though all of this weren't sufficient, Robin also gave me an award:

And here is the lovely compliment she paid me while doing so:

Yenta Mary ~ Whose blog is the least like mine? Well, that would be Mary's blog. It is a cooking blog and I don't hardly cook anymore. However, she does manage to throw some living in there and she is the best commenter. She is an amazing person. I might be a magnet for horrible boyfriends, but I am a magnet for the best blogging buddies. And Mary is TOPS!

Well ... wow. I, the verbose one, am rendered speechless.

Except that I'm not permitted to be speechless for very long. I have to find 7 folks -- only 7, which is always hard; not finding that many, but narrowing it down to so few -- and then share 7 fascinating blurbs about lil ol' moi ... hmmmm.

So, let's get started 'cause this is hard work and I'll need to reward myself with a treat afterwards!

1. Amy's Dinner: Amy puts bbq pork into macaroni and cheese ... 'nough said!

2. The Culinary Cellar: Debbie generously shares her love by giving away cookbooks, those most prized possessions that are so dear to me.

3. Eat Drink Wash Up: Karen loves Roxy Music as much as I do, and is most witty and entertaining ... :)

4. Foodie Road Show: Angela is a fabulous cook, and a fellow bleeding heart and peanut butter addict.

5. From Chaos Comes Happiness: Leanne has an exceptional sense of humor and perspective of what's important in life, and warmth and wisdom to match.

6. Mini Eats: Allie makes the cutest jewelry and luscious-looking tidbits from clay, and I get lots of compliments on my dangly earrings that look like miniature pieces of yellow cake with dark chocolate frosting.

7. Positive Kismet: Elizabeth shares positive thinking and inspiration, which are much needed in the clutter of noise and stress we all endure.

And now, for the soul baring (or inanity, whichever you prefer):

1. I have a bit of an OCD; I like things in their proper place (as Robin already guessed!). I will walk around the house straightening, tidying, putting items back where they belong. Not so much a "neat freak" as a control freak, I think.

2. Although I am normally someone who makes about 20 different kinds of cookies for the holidays to give to loved ones, I have yet to make even one batch yet. Being behind -- let alone this far behind -- is very disconcerting. I don't like it.

3. I am currently wearing gold nail polish, which is as "neutral" -- to go with everything -- as I get.

4. Now that I live near downtown, I have started taking the bus to work. I love it!!! I grew up in NYC taking the bus and walking, and it's wonderful to return to my "city girl" roots instead of feeling like a Suburbanite just for having lived in an area of town not as accessible to the bus routes.

5. I am not quite done with my Christmas shopping, but I am very, very close to it ... yay!!! Still have a ways to go on Jeremy's birthday presents -- he'll be 20 on January 10 (and with any luck we won't have a blizzard, as we did when he turned 2 and again when he turned 18) -- but I'm making progress.

6. I love peppermint -- candy canes, peppermint patties, ice cream, tea, you name it. I was shocked -- shocked! -- last night to find out that Tom doesn't like candy canes but will eat peppermint if baked into something (presumably like brownies). Good thing he has other amazing qualities, or this might be a deal breaker!!!

7. When I had t.v. (no cable at Tom's, 'cause we're not t.v. watchers though he likes to watch movies), my guilty pleasure was watching "Hoarders." It made me feel infinitely better about my own housekeeping abilities (I find people either cook or clean, but rarely are inspired by both)! And it served as a warning to Jeremy, who has distinct hoarding tendencies because his father and maternal grandmother are hoarders, and his maternal grandfather is a Martha Stewart-like hoarder who at least has everything packed and labelled properly.

So, there you have it -- have a fabulous weekend!!!

Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, and ....

I am enormously flattered to have been given 3 awards by Stacie of Staying Me ... Just Creating a Better Version. She enthuses, she effuses, she encourages ... and she cooks! What's not to love??? Many, many thanks, Stacie, for so much support ... :)

Now, on to to my instructions:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.

Done, happily!

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

- I want to go to Morocco, and am insanely jealous of an acquaintance who is traveling there next week.

- I am in the process of sorting out stuff and more stuff from my house, where I've lived for 15 years, so that I can purge things I don't need and donate them to charity. Part of it is exhilarating! Part of it -- like the prospect of sorting through all my kitchen stuff -- is overwhelming and panic-inducing.

- I miss my New York Times crossword puzzle, since I cancelled the Sunday paper due to an astounding lack of time to read it. The paper used to be my entire day's entertainment, and I'd still be in my jammies at 3 p.m. with my puzzle and my pencil, happy as could be. I'm someone (if I may pat my own back for a moment) who could do the puzzle in one afternoon.

- I don't need any new cookbooks, and yet I've bought 2 recently to benefit a thrift shop that supports charity work. They see me coming, I think, and put out the best stuff to lure me into temptation!

- Tom and I ate brown rice spaghetti for dinner tonight, and made a sauce of oil, garlic, onion, lemon juice and zest, sardines in mustard sauce, and spinach to pour over it. If my camera battery hadn't been charging, I'd have taken its photo to write it up ... it was exceptionally good!

- I just want a phone that makes calls, not one that will drive me around on the Autobahn and knit me a sweater at the same time ... sheesh!

- I like to get up early and have time to putter around, rather than sleeping in and rushing in the morning.

3. Pass this on to 5 other great bloggers you recently discovered.

- Bouffe e Bambini

- Fresh Local and Best

- The Haggis and the Herring

- Pumpkin Tart

- Meatless Meals for Meat Eaters

4. Contact the selected bloggers and tell them about their awards.

Will do!

One Versatile Blogger's Lovely Blog ... Awwww, Shucks!

Kristin, the tremendously talented force behind Kuppy Kakes by Kristin, gave me an award -- I'm so excited!!! She is passing along the "One Lovely Blog Award," and I am honored to accept it. It's always good to have an occasion for buying a new dress, after all.

The rules are simple; here's how Kristin put it --

"To the winners: Thank, Link, 7 things about you, then 9 lucky winners ...
It's that easy!"

I think that was succinct enough that it goes beyond being the Cliff's Notes version and veers right into being Twitter-worthy! Ah, youth ... :)

Then yesterday, I also received a lovely comment from the fabulous cook who makes my favorite -- Indian food! -- at Simply.Food. She referred me to her site telling me that there was an award waiting for me; and, lo and behold, there was "The Versatile Blogger" award, given "to any blogger that visits" the site, which I love to do. The rules are very similar to those of the previous award:

"... as they say nothing comes free and the deal is that I have to reveal 7 things about myself and pass the award to some other unsuspecting blogger friends."

So, let's get started!

Thank.

Kristin, I love reading about your adventures with sugar cookies, with cupcakes and with your children. So I am giddy at having received this award from you -- many, many thanks!!! And Indian food -- parathas, potato curry, sweets ... oh, my! Simply.Food just makes me drool and inspires me to cook, so I am immensely grateful for the recognition from someone whose site I so enjoy!!!

Link.

Did it above, but I will happily do it again: Kuppy Kakes by Kristin.


And Simply.Food.


7 Things About Me.

Is there anything I haven't disclosed yet??? Hmmmm .... We're gettin' to either the frivolous and irrelevant, or into the realm of "A lady doesn't kiss and tell." Let's see if there's anything left in between these extremes ... and tidbits that are food-related, too, in keeping with the title-induced obvious theme of this here blog ....

1. Work is very stressful right now -- it's our busy season, and I'm mired in many projects (many of which can't be completed because others have taken vacation at this most inopportune time ... grumble, grouse, groan). Most people would rely upon take-out at that point; not moi. Cooking and baking are a stress release for me, and I commented the other day that I need to start my annual Therapy Cooking Sessions soon. My co-worker Beth replied, "Yes, you do!" I made apricot jam on Sunday night while Jeremy's pre-camping trip dinner request of fish sticks and tater tots baked in the oven; it might find its way into thumbprint cookies.

2. I love languages (and not just because they help me to read menus at ethnic restaurants!). I was once fluent in French, but haven't used it in 20 years so it's seeping out of the sieve that is my brain. I studied Latin for 2 years in high school, took a year each of Russian and Italian, and can read Biblical Hebrew though I have virtually no idea what I'm reading. I'd like to study the grammar, vocabulary, etc., but that aforementioned sieve-like brain makes it difficult to retain such things anymore ... sigh.

3. Tom and I found Masala Naan at Trader Joe's on Sunday. Curry-scented bread -- OMG!!! I adore Indian food, as regular readers already know. (Didn't I just say that above???) To have this bread as an accompaniment, or to make a sandwich with it??? OMG!!!

4. I was in good form on Friday morning, after baking Blueberry Streusel Muffins and making Mushroom, Onion and Tomato Quesadillas before work -- the former for breakfast, the latter for lunch. Any day that involves cooking and baking is a good one for me!

5. I can take almost any kind of leftover and turn it into something new. I found some cannoli shell crumbs that I'd saved in the freezer for repurposing, and mixed them with brown sugar and cinnamon for the streusel topping on my aforementioned blueberry muffins. I once took some bits of cucumber, red onion and an insufficient quantity of leftover salmon to serve even one person, cooked up some barley, and made a salad; I used the last spoonful of some yogurt, mixed it with a bit of curry powder, and made a dressing. That was actually a memorable lunch ....

6. I am terrified, petrified and horrified by the thought of flying. However, I dream of traveling to Morocco and drinking gallons of mint tea as I eat couscous, varieties of tagines, fresh vegetables, an abundance of spices, and finish off meals with lots of dates and sweets and pastries. I also need to get lost in the marketplaces surrounded by colors and fragrances. I hope there's a ship that will take me there some day ....

7. I have no favorite flavor of ice cream -- how can anyone settle on only one??? Sometimes I want purity and simplicity; other times I want lots of crunchy, crumbly stuff mixed in. Sometimes -- okay, many times -- I want chocolate; other times, a perfect vanilla or coffee can satisfy. There is no way to have only one flavor at the top of the list!

And now, without further ado, here are ... 9 Lucky Winners.

All Home Cooking. All Year Long.

Beth: A Work in Progress

Ethnically Ambiguous

I Made It Through the Rain

It's Just Me ... Heidi-D

Jenn's Food Journey

Reforming U

The Thoughts and Travels of Rachel Cotterill

Your Daily Dose

Here's a hearty Mazal Tov to all of you!!! Have a fabulous week!

Where Is My Joan Rivers Jewelry???

I am very, very, very far behind in publicly acknowledging thanks for many lovely kudos and compliments during a bountiful Awards Season of late. Trying to finish the NaBloPoMo (and where's my "I Did It" button, or some such equivalent?!?!?), getting back together with Tom, our busy season having started at work (while other people get summer vacation, things get more hectic and hours get longer for me), the same anonymous hospital patient from posts in May having found a bed on the other side of 5C last week and finding more God-awful chop suey for a lunch ... time has been at a premium. Of course, none of that is an adequate excuse for poor manners, but it's gonna have to do.

So, I've tried to figure out a system for maximizing the impact of bestowing these awards upon my fellow bloggers while minimizing the amount of space I take up on my page. (Those of you who've been around awhile know that I excel at long, convoluted, tangential posts.) It may not be a perfect system, but my solution is this: I will show you the awards I have very humbly accepted, state the various things I'm supposed to in return for the honors, and then make a list of blogs which I feel deserve recognition of their own. S'awright??? S'awright.

Now, drum roll while I show off my Joan Rivers jewelry on the red carpet (since I would be terrified to wear any of that Harry Winston stuff and be responsible for it!). Of course I don't actually own anything by either of 'em, but I'm creating a mood here ....

First up, I must thank Kristin of ::Kuppy Kakes by Kristin::, Elizabeth of The Foodie Mommie, and Jenn of Jenn's Food Journey for giving me the "A Blog With Substance" award. I am deeply grateful, as I try to provide a little oomph in what I write even if sometimes I meander into drivel or frivolity. These three blogs are on my "Never Miss an Entry" list (and they talk about my favorite topic, too -- food!), so I hope you click on the links and make them your own friends, as well.

Thank the blogger who awarded it to you.

See above, offered with much gratitude ... :)

Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using five (5) words.

Philosophy: Amuse, Educate and Feed.
Motivation: Ego.
Experience: Verbosity.

Pass it on to 10 other blogs which you feel have real substance.

See the list at the end of this post.

Next, I will thank Carol at one of the most perfectly named sites ever: The Answer is Chocolate. Now, this is a woman who knows what life is all about! Things going well? Celebrate with chocolate. Life getting to you? Seek solace from chocolate. It works no matter what! So, of course, it is obvious that I share a certain worldview with Carol, so I'm very flattered to have received "The Versatile Blogger" award from her!

Thank the person who gave you this award.

Again, I offer my thanks with gratitude ... :)

Share 7 things about yourself.

1. I'm an insomniac who tends to fall asleep on the sofa (often with the computer on my lap), then wake up and be conscious during the so-called wee hours of the morning ... many of those hours, rather than just a short stint during them.

2. Following up from item #1, I watched "Gigi" -- one of my very favorite movies -- on Turner Classics at 3:30 the other morning.

3. I always run 10 minutes late. I try, and I fail, to be punctual. Those who love me know that I fall heavily on the "-ish" when I tell them I'll be somewhere at, say, "9-ish." And they love me anyway ... :)

4. I won't leave the house without nail polish. It may be scruffy lookin' if I haven't had time to do my nails, but it is always there.

5. Don't take me to a toy store unless you're willing to stand around as I hold and hug and pet and play with all the stuffed animals.

6. I want a box of Milk Duds right now, but I'm trying to be good since I'm going to Tom's niece's wedding on Saturday and I want to fit into my dress and not have my face break out.

7. I'd rather eat a large lunch and a small supper, but that's not very conducive to bonding with my son and my boyfriend if the only meal we manage to get together for during the week is dinner.

Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic!

Once again, please see the list at the end of this post.

Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Oh, man, I'm so far behind on this task, too, from previous Award Seasons! Y'all just need to check in every day and look for your names, at this point. Sorry, but I'd rather be truthful than offer a promise I already know I can't keep ....

Now, we need to start worrying that ol' Yenta Mary is going to get a big head, 'cause I'm not done yet ... wow. I've also received the Sunshine Award from Katina at Peaceful Divas -- a fabulous site devoted to self-improvement and empowerment, yeah! Another, like the ones mentioned above, that I never miss. You shouldn't be missing any of these either!

Put the award on your blog and/or within your post.

Put it up on my site already ... while I was at work (shhhhh!).

Pass the award on to 5 other bloggers.

Sing with me now: "See the list at the end of this post."

Link to the nominees within your post.

Absolutely will do that. It's the least I can manage, making it easier for everyone to find the worthy sites!!!

Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.

I'll try ... but as I've already said, I'm not making any promises.

Share the love and the link to the person from whom you received this award.

Yup!

And now, for the oddest and most eccentric award I've yet seen as I've trolled around in cyberspace! Robin, who offers Your Daily Dose, bestowed the "Plastic Joy" award upon me because I think she knew I needed either a laugh or male companionship -- and possibly both at once! -- at the time. Robin's wisdom and intriguing take on things make her blog one that I cannot miss ... go find her, see for yourself.

Now, the terms for accepting this one are different. As Robin phrased it: "Keep in mind that the proper way to do this award is to list five fictional crushes and be done with it .... And you don't have to hand out any prizes or anything like that. You do have to pass it along to five other people."

We all know that the list of awardees is coming at the end of the post ... yeah, you're tired of hearing me repeat myself. So let me get on with the difficult and likely embarrassing prospect of the crushes ... and don't ask me to 'splain myself, 'cause I won't.

1. Ray Kinsella from "Field of Dreams"

2. Jerry Mulligan from "An American in Paris"

3. Joel Fleischman from "Northern Exposure"

4. Wladyslaw Szpilman from "The Pianist"

5. Alan Swann from "My Favorite Year"

Oy!!!

So, who are the winners upon whom I am bestowing awards? And which awards will they be receiving, should they choose to accept them? Well, after this meandering and wordy post, I'm going to make it easy: the following bloggers may choose for themselves which of the above awards they would like, and then must meet the terms contained therein. How's that??? And we will learn a great deal about each of them depending upon which choice they make ....

Adventures in all things food

Amy's Dinner

Between the Lines

Destination Unknown

Eat From Your Pantry

Foodie Road Show

Half-Past Kissin' Time

Holy Cannoli Recipes

Ma, What's for Dinner?

mangiabella

Mi Chiamo Candace

Mini Eats

The Cereal Bowl

The Foodie Mommie

Turning the Clock Back

Mazal tov to everyone!!! And again -- many, many thanks to those who've bestowed awards upon me and feel that my little pink platform for babbling is worth paying attention to ... :)

>

What a Coincidence!

I am so very humbled and honored to announce that another one of my very dear blogging friends has bestowed an award upon me -- "The Versatile Blogger." What's funny is that just as Beth was posting that on her own site, Beth: A Work in Progress, I was in the process of writing up my Sunday post awarding her the "Hard-Working Mommy Blogger" Award!

Beth is a prolific writer, adding posts throughout each day; but the amazing thing is that she always has something relevant, interesting, humorous, wise, and otherwise important to say. I have yet to read one of her contributions that hasn't offered something I found intriguing or entertaining, or simply a message I needed to hear that was delivered in just the manner I needed it to be presented in to really receive it. Thank you for that, Beth, and thank you for your friendship ... :)

So now, I've been asked to share 7 random facts about myself as part of the requirement for accepting the award. I'm going to stick to food-related tidbits -- I know I've veered a bit from the Food Floozie mission statement of late, and I don't want anyone stumbling upon my blog only to say "Well, where are the recipes? Where are the restaurant reviews?? Where's the food?!?!?!!!"

1. I don't like green peppers. I like red, yellow, and orange peppers; the green ones are overpowering and bitter, and just don't serve a purpose in my life.

2. I buy whole wheat pasta and brown rice almost exclusively, rather than the refined carb versions with no nutrients.

3. I always add salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg to turkey burgers. And I serve 'em on whole grain buns with mayonnaise.

4. My ideal breakfast is good cheese with fresh fruit. I will eat fried eggs, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, yogurt with granola, leftover Chinese food, guacamole and chips, and all sorts of other things depending upon availability and cravings. But cheese 'n' fruit is perfection.

5. As much as I love homemade macaroni and cheese -- and I make a mean one with 4 types of cheese! -- there is just something about those little blue boxes from Kraft, isn't there ...?

6. I love afternoon tea, with dainty finger sandwiches and pretty little pastries. It's been a long time since I've treated myself to that ... I need to remedy this!

7. I will pay extra for pre-packaged winter squash that has already been diced, rather than risking my fingers by trying to cut those rock-hard things myself. I cook and bake from scratch, I shell peas, I pit cherries ... I'm not someone who thrives upon convenience items. But this is a matter of avoiding an amputation!

I am also supposed to pass this award on to 5 other bloggers -- always, always, always the hardest part because there are too many worthy potential recipients! So, here goes:

1. The Twinners Reviews & Giveaways

2. Fab Find Foodie

3. Lemons to Lemonade

4. The Answer Is Chocolate

5. 504 Main

Now, because the synchronicity between Beth and me wasn't sufficient, as I was writing up the previous award I received the "Honest Scrap" Award from Angela at Fab Find Foodie! Her site is so much fun -- you'll find exceptional humor, great recipes, updates on all the latest and greatest kitchen gear, and a warm heart behind it all.

My mission, should I choose to accept it -- which, of course, I do! -- is to:

- List 10 things you don't know about me.
- Award this prize to 8 other bloggers.

Well, I've modified Task #1 a bit -- since I've already listed 7 tantalizing(???) tidbits about myself above, I will simply add 3 more here to complete my 10:

8. I know a pretty fair amount about food, but I know almost nothing about wine. I drink maybe 1 or 2 glasses of wine per year, at most, so it's not within the realm of stuff I need to cram into the sieve that is my brain.

9. I love orange marmalade. And a pb&j made with marmalade is a pretty fabulous thing ... :)

10. I own a blender and a toaster; other than that, I don't own any kitchen gizmos -- no KitchenAid mixer, no bread machine, no food processor, no rice cooker, nothin'.

And now, Task #2 -- to share the wealth with 8 truly deserving bloggers:

1. Life Happens When You're Making Other Plans ....

2. More Than a Mount Full - A Culinary Journey

3. The Caffeinated Globe

4. Mi Chiamo Candace

5. Diary of a Chic Mommy

6. Andrea the Kitchen Witch

7. Bags, Books & Bon Jovi

8. Adventures ... in all things food

Again, Beth and Angela -- my most sincere thanks for these awards!!! I am humbled by this plethora of praise, and tickled that it enabled me to use the Word Up, Yo! "Word of the Week" ... :)

Two More Awards ... I'm Blushing!!!

I am enormously flattered to have been the recipient -- and on the same day, too! -- of two new awards ... wow. And they're from people whom I really like and respect, too, which makes it that much more wonderful!

Without further ado, as there is a lot to cover here in my acceptance speech ....

Elana at The Twinners has given me the "Hard-Working Mommy Blogger" Award. I do work hard, whether at my job or at home or at trying to keep all of my friends here entertained! And just 'cause your kid gets taller (6'3") and older (19) and more independent (wants a tattoo!), that doesn't mean you still aren't "Mom." So I am grateful for the pat on my back ... thank you so much, Elana! You clearly invest a tremendous amount of yourself in your blog and in your family; I do so enjoy all the infanticipation, too ... :)

Here are the terms that have been set for accepting this award:

1. Accept the award (by leaving a comment on the original award post).

I did that, giddily and excitedly -- it was such a surprise!

2. Post about the award on your blog (include the image of the award) together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and her blog link.

Done!

3. List 7 other Mommy Bloggers that you want to pass the award along to (no backsies). Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

As always, this is THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE PROCESS!!! There are too many blogs out there that I read, benefit from, enjoy, learn from ... decisions, decisions! But here is the list I have agonizingly arrived at, with hopes that you will check them out and follow them and welcome them into your life as I have done in mine:

1. All Home Cooking. All Year Long.

2. A Cuppy Cake Life

3. Take It From Me

4. Beth: A Work in Progress

5. Cranberry Morning

6. Mommy of a Monster (I mean Toddler) & Infant Twins

7. Simply Scratch

I must also thank Rachel at Diary of a Chocoholic for giving me the "Beautiful Blogger" Award. She gave me such a lovely compliment in bestowing this upon me:

"This is a wonderful blog. She writes beautifully about food and life in general. I love the recipes she posts. She also has a gorgeous layout and a very creative title."

I could say all the very same things about her, my fellow chocoholic! I do so enjoy following along on her adventures in South Korea while she plans her wedding. And I was thrilled to learn that her wedding date is on the 18th of the chosen month, which invests it with an abundance of life and all good things according to Jewish tradition. Mazal Tov!!! May you be blessed with all happiness ... :)

Recieving this award comes with two stipulations:

1. Pass the award on to 7 people.

2. Give 7 facts about myself.

So, first things first after yet another round of decision-making and hopes that you find wonderful new friends among the exceptionally worthy candidates on this list:

1. Fake It Til You Make It

2. Beat Until Fluffy

3. Bringing Pretty Back

4. Jenn's Food Journey

5. Recipes from 4EveryKitchen

6. Songberries

7. Mini Eats

And now, for the tattling on myself:

1. I wear odd colors of nail polish -- purple, gold, green, alternating colors on successive finger- and toenails. Yeah, I'm too old for this! But why should getting old preclude one from having a sense of whimsy ...?

2. I love the Disney princesses! "Beauty and the Beast" is my all-time favorite movie; I know every word to every song, and many of the spoken lines as well. This movie got me through when I found out that my ex-husband was having an affair -- no one wanted those blonde twits whose unnatural breasts were falling out of their dresses, remember? They fought over the dark-haired girl, the one who loves to read, the one who wants much more than this provincial life .... I also love "Mulan" and "The Little Mermaid" and the others. These are not just froofy cartoons; these women find themselves in difficult circumstances, but through force of will and strength of character they come out better on the other end ... "Bright young women, sick of swimmin', ready to stand." I can only hope that this holds true for me, as well. And how can you not love a movie with a happy ending complete with a Prince Charming???

3. I love to shell peas and to pit cherries. Sure, you can buy them in jars or in bags or in cans at the grocery store. But why not have fresh ones, bought at a farmers' market and harvested that morning? It's very meditative, very relaxing. I look forward to it every summer.

4. I have a huge sweet tooth -- frankly, I've got 28 sweet teeth (lost my 4 wisdom teeth nearly 30 years ago) -- so I hate to play favorites. But lately I've developed a thing for Milk Duds, since our local grocery store has been selling boxes of them for $1. I shouldn't, and yet I hear them call to me ....

5. I used to be the "professional volunteer" mom at school -- lunch duty, chaperoning field trips, running school auctions, etc. Now I have to work in order to eat. Even though Jeremy has grown up and is done with school, I still miss that old life of service as well as the freedom to control my days even if they were busy. I may never be able to afford to retire; but if I do, I will go back to giving my time to causes and projects that I love.

6. My cat, Bummie (short for Boomerang), loves canned dog food. And my dog, Fuzzybutt, loves anything but dog food. Spam and hot dogs are a couple of particular favorites, but the #1 choice is probably peanut butter!

7. Although Jeremy has enormous musical talent -- plays guitar, bass guitar, drums, sings, picks out tunes by ear, everything! -- I cannot sing, I cannot carry a tune, I cannot play any instruments, I cannot read music, nothin'. My paternal grandmother performed with a musical theatre group in Dublin before coming to the United States. Her talent skipped 2 generations and landed entirely in Jeremy's lap.

Again -- MANY, MANY thanks to both Elana and Rachel for their generosity and for thinking that my little pink platform for pontificating warrants the attention! Truly, I'm blushing ....