Keeping it Cozy

Today’s forecast…frigid!  And, spring seems a million years from now.  But don’t lose heart.  Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your home has to be on the inside.  Here are some tricks to cozy up your abode and bridge that gap between holiday and spring decorating.

 

 

 

 

Add some green.  A few new houseplants, moss-covered wreaths, and boxwood topiaries - preserved or faux - will fill the void left after the Christmas tree and garlands have been packed away. 

 

A twiggy moss wreath livens up a hallway mirror.


 

Light some candles.  The soft glow of candlelight warms up any room. 

 

If you’re leery about using real candles, the flameless, battery-operated versions work wonderfully.  They’re widely available, and many even come with timers and remotes.

 

Candles and fresh flowers perk up a coffee table.

 

 

Change your accent pillows, or just buy covers to freshen your current pillows. Try a vibrant new color or pattern.    

 

Fill a large basket with throw blankets, and keep it near your couch.  They’ll be handy for movie nights or just relaxing by the fire.

 

 

Boxwood topiaries in galvanized buckets rest on a burlap runner.


 

Treat yourself - and your home - to fresh flowers.  Fill a vase (or two) and watch your space bloom.    

 

Clean up the clutter.  Recycle magazines and junk mail.  Donate any clothes you haven’t worn in a while, Tidy up junk drawers, and pitch any expired foods.

 

 

 

It may still be frozen out there, but a few simple tweaks in your home will lift your spirits and send old man winter packing.

 

Have a great week!

The Cosmopolitan

Its name alone denotes worldliness, sophistication and knowledge.  With all of those attributes going for it, there’s no wonder why it was Carrie Bradshaw’s libation of choice. 

 

 

The allure of the drink's rosy shade makes the Cosmopolitan the perfect cocktail to serve on Valentine’s Day while toasting your sweetheart.  

Here is how I make them.

1 ½ ounces citrus flavored vodka
½ ounce Cointreau
½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
3 ounces cranberry juice

In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients and a few ice cubes.  Shake well and pour into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with a slice of lime.  Sip and enjoy.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Leave Your Old Salad Behind

You did it - you made that resolution to be healthier in 2015, and now it’s time to get down to business.  One way to jumpstart your healthier you is by including salad in your diet every day.  What could be healthier than a big, fresh salad loaded with vitamins and nutrients to get you through the winter blahs?

 

 

 

Getting creative with ingredients and trying new combinations will help fight the boredom of a standard restaurant dinner salads.  Start with a bed of lettuces, skipping the iceberg which is lower in nutrients – try romaine, mixed baby greens and spinach which are rich in vitamins A, C, K and fiber. 

Toss in some super foods like berries, walnuts, tomatoes and broccoli - all provide multiple nutrients as well as promote wellness and weight control. 

 

 

 

 

Add in some protein - beans, turkey or hard-boiled eggs to keep you satisfied and full longer.   

Sprinkle on some cheese for flavor, calcium and more protein – just be careful not to overdo it.  A smaller amount of a strong-flavored cheese such as Brie, feta, gorgonzola or bleu will go a long way. 

Stay away from croutons, crunchy noodles, high-fat cheeses and creamy dressings – these just add extra calories, fat and salt and can quickly derail your good intentions.  Try a low-calorie fruity vinaigrette, or simply drizzle a little olive oil and red wine or balsamic vinegar.

Whatever you decide to toss into your salad, choose wisely and you’ll have a side dish or meal that won’t leave you feeling hungry.  

Here are a couple of my favorite combinations.
 

 

 

Inspired by a salad I had while visiting Paris - brush thin slices of a baguette with olive oil, spread with goat cheese and toast in a 400° oven for 10 minutes. Place over spring mix, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

 

Packed with super foods, combine spring mix, Bibb or butter lettuce, sliced yellow bell peppers, Bosc pears, blueberries, chopped walnuts and bleu cheese crumbles. Dress with a pomegranate or strawberry vinaigrette.

 

 

Have a great week!  

 

A Girl Can Dream, Can't She?

You may have gathered from the title of this blog that I have these big dreams about someday becoming a Cowgirl.  While it may not be entirely possible in the literal sense (not at my age anyway - lol!), I do have a deep love for the American West.     

 

 

 

The sweet scent of the Piñon tree, the calmness of Turquoise, and the gentle bite of the green chile are just a few qualities of the West that keep my spirit connected to the land and its offerings. 

 

2014 was an exceptional year for Cowgirl moments.  Here are my favorites. 

 

 

1. Being at El Santuario de Chimayó

  

 

2. Hiking at Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, New Mexico

 

 

 

3. Meeting Jim Arndt, author of How to Be a Cowboy (Jim left and my cowboy husband, right)

 

4. Sipping at local watering hole, The Cowgirl, in Santa Fe

 

 

 

5. Sampling the regional fare at the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market

 

6. Discovering New Mexico Green Chile in Ohio

 

7. Experiencing my first Rodeo in the heart of the country

 

8. Sharing the best Margarita recipe

 

9. Dining at Rancho de Chimayó

 

10. Shopping for jewelry at the Santa Fe Indian Market

 Perhaps I’m not that far away from my dream after all.  It’s time to saddle up for 2015!

Cowgirl Cuisine - French Toast Breakfast Casserole

Happy New Year!  Here’s to the start of a joyous, healthy and very prosperous 2015.  We had a great holiday season and have many memories of fun with our families.  One very delicious memory is this warm, cinnamon-y, breakfast casserole that I made for Christmas morning. 

 

 

It was wonderful for the holiday, but should be enjoyed any time of year… trust me. 

 

It’s the perfect breakfast to cozy up a snowy winter weekend.

 

 

 

 

French Toast Breakfast Casserole
   
1 16 oz. loaf cinnamon swirl bread, cubed
6 eggs
1 ¾ cup milk (skim milk worked very well)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
¼ tsp. ground cloves
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. salt
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup chopped pecans

 

Coat a 9” x 13” baking dish with cooking spray, and add the bread cubes.  Set aside.

 

 

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg and salt.  Pour the mixture over the cubed bread, pressing the bread down gently so it absorbs the egg mixture.

In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in brown sugar until melted.  Pour over bread.  Sprinkle with pecans.

  Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.  Bake in a 350° oven for 25 minutes with foil on.  Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes.  

 

Let stand 15 minutes.  Serve with or without maple syrup.  9 servings

 

 

Have a wonderful week!