Manhattan Time Lapse Video

Feeling in a New York State of Mind after my recent excursion to the Christmas Show at Radio City, I thought you might like this video. Nothing like the Big Apple.

Mindrelic - Manhattan in motion from Mindrelic on Vimeo.

Radio City Rockettes, Thom Filicia and Ted Gibson

Last week, I treated myself to my annual trip to see the Radio City Rockettes in their Christmas Spectacular. And, went to see Gina and Ronnie at Ted Gibson's Salon. More on that later.

I just love the Christmas Show at Radio City and was excited to see what Thom Filicia came up with for the lobby decorations. You can read about Martha Stewart's designs from last year in this post.

I heard about this crystal Christmas tree. Here it is and the next photo is looking up from under the tree.I preferred Martha's design from last year but then I watched the HGTV special and only then did I come to appreciate what Thom Filicia designed.

The Rockettes, as always, are amazing and oh-so beautiful. However, the show was "updated" for the first time in years and I have to say, I didn't like it. One of my favorite numbers was removed and the story line changed. My thing is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Nutcracker scene . . .Wooden Soldier number . . . My favorite number - Christmas in New York with new outfits for the Rockettes . . .Scene from the new number (ugh!) . . .Let Christmas Shine . . .I am curious as to what dedicated fans of the show think.

On to my haircut from earlier in the day.

I wrote here about cheating on my hairstylist of years and heading to Ted Gibson's Salon. I went back to Gina and Ronnie and again was delighted with the results. So many readers asked for a photo and I am very hesitant to post photos of myself on the web. It kinda creeps me out.

But, here it is. Enjoy as it may be up here for only a bit :)'Tis the season . . .

Happy Thanksgiving 2011 !

image

Ted Gibson and the Radio City Rockettes

Now, Ted Gibson and the Radio City Rockettes don't exactly relate to each other but that is where I will be this week.

Getting my hair cut and colored at his Salon in the Flat Iron District . . . and then over to Radio City to see The Christmas Spectacular!I hear Thom Filicia has decorated the lobby!

I can't wait!

Nothing Like a Little Vocal Jazz for the Weekend

I love me some jazz music.

You name it; the American Songbook, vocal jazz . . . and this weekend, I will be seeing Manhattan Transfer and New York Voices


They have each been around for over 35 and 20 years and I have not seen them perform in ages.

I am long overdue!

Looking forward to a fun weekend!

Enjoy!

Move by Rick Mereki

Ahh . . . to roam the world.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

So Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole from The Dinner Doctor

I've blogged here before about my love of the cookbook The Dinner Doctor.

Here is another one of my favorite recipes from the cookbook. Mind you, I have never had tuna noodle casserole before this cookbook.

Ingredients:Recipe:I do love this meal. It is so easy and tasty. A great comfy food.

Some adjustments I made to the recipe:
* I used two cans of tuna.
* I did not have potato chips so I crushed some Trader Joe's crackers that I had on hand.

What is your version of tuna noodle casserole like?

Weekend Thoughts

image

Mercury Glass Madness

I love mercury glass. Timeless and sexy.

While on a recent jaunt through Home Goods and Crate and Barrel, I was overcome with all of the bling.

Here are some photos.Do you decorate with mercury glass? How so?

Winter Squash Soup from Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa

I have a confession.

I have never eaten anything pumpkin.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love pumpkins. I pick pumpkins. I decorate pumpkins. But I have never cooked with pumpkin or eaten it.

That is, until now.

While watching a recent episode of Ina Garten on The Barefoot Contessa (love her!!), she made a soup with butternut squash and pumpkin.

Here is the recipe.

Winter Squash Soup
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon good olive oil
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
• 1 (15 - ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut in chunks
• 3 cups homemade chicken stock or canned broth
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup half - and - half

Directions
Heat the butter and oil in a heavy - bottomed stockpot, add the onions, and cook over medium - low heat for 10 minutes, or until translucent. Add the pumpkin puree, butternut squash, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer over medium - low heat for about 20 minutes, until the butternut squash is very tender. Process the mixture through the medium blade of a food mill. Return to the pot, add the half - and - half, and heat slowly. If the soup needs more flavor, add another teaspoon of salt. Serve hot with garnishes, if desired. Don't dad's butternut squash look lovely?!This soup was so delicious and easy to make.

Some adjustments I made to the recipe:
* I did not have half and half so I used a bit of warm milk at the end.
* I added some grated nutmeg.
* I did not cook this soup on medium low. I cooked the soup on medium for about 25 minutes.
* I used an immersion blender instead of a food mill and left half the soup a bit chunky.

Can't wait to make this soup again.

And, I am no longer a pumpkin virgin!

Weekend Thoughts

I've been in a bit of a mood this week; hence, the lack of posts.

I have been busy working on a few projects for my office. It is coming along nicely and will share all of the fun stuff with you soon.
image