Kudos of the Day...

Goes to Tulpen at Bad Words, for being totally honest in calling three-year-olds assholes.

Because, hello? They totally are.

You can read that excellence here.

South Beach Diet and Me

After losing 20 pounds by just watching what I eat, I am ready to start a more concentrated dieting approach. I am currently following the South Beach Diet way of eating, which I love. The SBD, as my friend and I call it, is a healthful way of eating, both because of the food, and on an emotional level. This diet does not require counting calories or points, so personally, I think about food less when I am following this way of eating.

The problem is, my recipe ideas run pretty dry after I have exhausted my SBD stand-bys: lean meatloaf, grilled meat with veggies, broth-y soups, and salads. There are numerous blogs out there that have wonderful recipe ideas for SBD, with the most helpful probably being Kalyn's Kitchen. Her website is very well-organized. My one complaint? (Which really isn't much of a complaint at all, just a difference in taste.) I tend to like more homey, comfort foods.

Kalyn's recipes are delicious, and I have used many of them. But I'm a coward, and like to stick to what I know... like casseroles, creamy soups, thick stews, and braised meats. Kalyn tends to enjoy cooking in more of what I would call a Mediterranean style. I prefer things more French. (Give me sauces, or give me death!)

Which brings me to my point... I am going to post recipes that I have tried, and how I liked them. I am going to attempt to bring a more French or American-comfort food bent to the South Beach Diet. I am going to be completely honest about how the recipes turn out, too. I will also do my utmost to make sure that the recipes I use comply with SBD, but if they don't, please feel free to comment! I would like to be corrected if I get it wrong.

Knock That Shit Off

There is a blog that I read on a daily basis. I used to love it, but lately...not so much. This person's blog has become nothing but a bunch of whining. And the thing is... the stuff the author is whining about isn't that big of a deal.

She has beautiful children. From her admission, she has a loving husband who works hard so she can stay home with said beautiful children, in a large, lovely home with a beautiful yard. She has wonderful friends who bring soup when her or her children are sick.

There is no cancer here. No lost job with a looming foreclosure. No infertility or loss of limb or earthquake or flooding. What there is on that blog is a lot of this:
-"It's so freaking hot! I cannot stand it. We have to stay inside in the air-conditioning all day." (Well, it is summer right now. Thank the Lord you have air-conditioning.)
-"I am nauseous ALL day! And I hate my husband. Him trying to be nice to me makes me hate him more." (You are pregnant, presumably with another gorgeous child. Pregnancy makes people irritable. Deal.)
- "My son is being so naughty lately. He has taken to throwing his toys at the flat screen." (Take his toys away, maybe? Or how about some good old-fashioned discipline?)

These are made-up quotes, of course. I know the blog world is a small one, and this woman has one of the most-read "mommy" blogs on the internet. She seems to have everything going for her, by her own admission. And I know life isn't perfect, and all of us need to vent sometimes. But if she doesn't knock off the whining spree, she is going to lose a big chunk of her readers.

Starting with me.

Tomato Tart

I made this tomato tart last night. (Recipe from Williams-Sonoma.) I used a store-bought pie crust, and did it in a circular tart pan. Also, I thought I had basil at home, but I didn't, so I substituted with dried greek herbs. It was very good last night, but I think I am enjoying it better cold today. It is very rich, so I would serve it with a light green salad. Delicious!

Ergo Carriers on Sale

Ergo carriers for about 50% off. Here, but only today. Snag one, cause I'm not allowed to.

Have You Seen It?

I know I might be a little late jumping on this fan-wagon, but internets, I have to say it: Wicked is incredible. Talented Sister and I hit NYC a few weeks back, and we had to see it. The costumes were amazing; the story was compelling; the music was enthralling! I cannot wait to see it again. It leaves San Francisco soon, but you can still catch it if you hurry. And then, Wicked goes on tour! I think I will take my niece when it gets to Fresno.

Stuff That Works...

When it comes to skin and makeup and body products, I own too many. Way more than you would think, from the looks of me. My problem is that I am picky. If a product isn't fabulous, I'm disappointed... and quickly on the hunt for something to replace it. Here are a few that I love:
Philosophy's Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash: This face wash is truly gentle enough to use every day. Just follow it up with a good moisturizer, right away. My sister and my best friend say I have nice skin. I think this really helps.

Korres Wild Rose Face Powder: This makeup is natural, and contains nothing on the "bad" list. It contains Vitamin C, feels amazing, lasts all day, and I swear my face looks better naked after I wear it.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey: I hate wearing lipstick. I hate how gunky it feels, how it settles into fine lines in my lips, how it rubs off, how it tastes... This lip"stick" has none of those problems. I wear it over Chap stick, and it lasts all day. It goes on in a smooth, build-able color that looks different on everyone. On me, it looks like a really natural, berry stain. I love it.

Blinc Kiss Me Mascara: I have tried SO. MANY. MASCARAS. in my life. Oy. Not everyone will love this mascara. It doesn't volumize, but it does lengthen. I am paranoid about clumps, so once in awhile, I have to comb my eyelashes out right after application. But not often. The best thing about this mascara is that once it dries, it will not come off without warm water and gentle rubbing. I used to get dark smudges under my eyes from my mascara sweating off during the day. So, I switched to waterproof. But that crap wouldn't come all the way off, so I would scrub half my eyelashes off, and still have dark circles in the morning. But this stuff comes all the way off with warm water, so no smudges, ever! It is also kind of neat to see the tubes in the sink after you are done.