Holiday 2008
Dec. 10th, 2008 11:11 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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holidaywishesThis is the third year I've participated and it's fun. Unfortunately last year my roommates were trying to be evil and everytime I packed something up to send, it dissappeared. In fact, I didn't even FIND half my mail I had received till we moved out this past May. Crappy roommates suck. But that's over, yay! I've been granting a few wishes as I can, I need to get more stamps as I have two packs of holiday cards to send.
Anyways, a bit about us. I'm 22 and live with my amazingly wonderful partner, Jen. We have been together for a year and 7 months (on the 14th) and have already been through so much together including but not limited to: long distance, moving in, crappy roommates, her parents finding out from someone else, Lyme's disease, me having to stop school due to disease, joblessness, moving to another part of the state, her dad's stroke, etc. We now live in the DFW area of Texas, and moved here last May as she was fortunate enough to find a really great job with just a Bachelors in Psych. We are currently planning our commitment/wedding ceremony for May 2009 and will then honeymoon in Boston so we can get legally married there. It's exciting. Anyway, we have a dog who is adorable and we love very much. I'm also a part time student and I work part time for a non-profit agency that provides low cost before and after-school care. I love my job so much! I'm currently studying sign language and will be officially bilingual in May, yay! I am trying to get into a Radiology Tech program, as that's what I have finally decided to do with my life. And that's us in a nutshell. On to the wishes!!
1.) Friends. As I mentioned, we moved here last May. Internet friends are cool as well, but if any of you live in the DFW area and would like to become friends, let me know. As we both are so busy with work and for me, school, we haven't had a chance to meet many people.
2.) Share your Experience/Ideas, or just send Luck and Good Wishes. Are you a Rad Tech? Are you in school to be a Rad. Tech? Do you have any advice? Tips? Anything? These would be greatly appreciated as I hope to start a program in either the summer or next fall. This also applies for planning and paying for a wedding without help from family members, and dealing with in-laws that hate you. Oh, and sweet things to do for your significant other and such. Pretty much just life experiences. OR, have you ever worked with kids? Have kids? Do you know of some good/fun games or crafts? The kids I work with are from 5-12 years old. They like crafty things as well as games. We're always looking for new ideas! I'm at one of the smaller schools, and have about 25-30 in my program. Also, we have a lot going on in our lives right now. Any prayers, good thoughts or anything that I get into an RT program, do well on finals or that we just are happy and healthy are always appreciated. Oh, also, cleaning tips as I prepare for my Mother-in-Law from hades to come on the 19th would be AMAZINGLY appreciated. In fact, you would gain a special place in your afterlife or just amazing karma for that one.
3.) Recipes. We love to cook and are looking for things that are slightly healthy. I also absolutely adore baking, it's so much fun. Also, any recipes that would impress the in-laws would be great. Her parents are coming to visit on the 19th and I want to make them hate me a little less.
4.) Care for/Love an Animal and Show Love to Your Fellow Man. Our dog is a shelter dog with a sad background. She was abused, and bred way too early. She's only two years old and the vet estimated that she had probably had at least two litters. She's a Pomeranian mix and roughly 13 pounds, we can't even imagine her pregnant. She was also very malnourished when we adopted her, she is now very healthy and happy. But basically what I'm saying is care for your pets, make sure to spay and neuter them. Adopt an animal before going to a breeder. All those things you can do to give an animal a happy existence. As for humans, love someone, whether it be friendly love, mentor love, romantic love or familial love. Make someone feel love dand appreciated this season and all year round! Having Jen has opened my eyes to the fact that some people are not as lucky to have someone special for the holidays. Even if it's a friend, tell them you appreciate there friendship even.
5.) Texas and Alabama Things. I mean the University of Texas and University of Alabama. Jen's an Alabama fan and I'm the Texas fan. Icons, Graphics, ornaments, etc. All are appreciated. What would be perfect, but I'm sure is pushing it would be something along the lines of a house divided thing. Whether it be an ornament, plague, or even a sweater for Penelope. Also, as we live in Texas, there's an abundance of Texas stuff, it's Alabama stuff I can't find much of, so anything Alabama would be amazing!
6.) Giftcards. Any would do, but Wal-Mart, Bed Bath & Beyond (it's where we're registered) and a bookstore would probably be the most awesome. We're currently trying to get out of debt like the rest of the world so giftcards let us use more of our paychecks for paying off credit cards and student loans instead of spending that money on groceries and such..
7.) Media or Recommendations of the Media Persuassion. For books (Thriller, Mystery, Sci-fi, Religious fiction, heck, we'll read anything). I'm also looking for some good lesbian fiction. I love the Ann Bannon books but have only been able to read/find two of them (Beebo Brinker and Odd Girl Out). Music (we listen to pretty much anything between the two of us). MP3's, mixed cd's are also appreciated. Movies, we're always looking for new movies to watch and recs for some. I'm also looking for some great GLBT movies.
8.) Snail Mail. Who doesn't love getting something that's not a bill? Holiday Cards, letters, postcards, a picture your kid colored, secrets you can't tell anyone, a letter ranting about the world, all are appreciated and bring smiles to our faces. Now, if I could just remember to go buy stamps to reply. I'm horrible at remembering things.
9.) Milka Bars. Jen studied abroad in Europe fall of 2006, and fell in love with Milka bars. Sadly, they are hard to find in the U.S, especially down here in Texas. Even if it's just a place to find Milka bars, that would be great. I want to be able to put a few in her stocking.
10.) Surprise Us! We're pretty easy going, check out my info for ideas. Socks, Precious Moments, stuff for Penelope, all things are accepted really, we're not all that picky.
Thanks for reading and we hope everyone has a Happy Holiday of your choice!
My E-mail is ltillery@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Anyways, a bit about us. I'm 22 and live with my amazingly wonderful partner, Jen. We have been together for a year and 7 months (on the 14th) and have already been through so much together including but not limited to: long distance, moving in, crappy roommates, her parents finding out from someone else, Lyme's disease, me having to stop school due to disease, joblessness, moving to another part of the state, her dad's stroke, etc. We now live in the DFW area of Texas, and moved here last May as she was fortunate enough to find a really great job with just a Bachelors in Psych. We are currently planning our commitment/wedding ceremony for May 2009 and will then honeymoon in Boston so we can get legally married there. It's exciting. Anyway, we have a dog who is adorable and we love very much. I'm also a part time student and I work part time for a non-profit agency that provides low cost before and after-school care. I love my job so much! I'm currently studying sign language and will be officially bilingual in May, yay! I am trying to get into a Radiology Tech program, as that's what I have finally decided to do with my life. And that's us in a nutshell. On to the wishes!!
1.) Friends. As I mentioned, we moved here last May. Internet friends are cool as well, but if any of you live in the DFW area and would like to become friends, let me know. As we both are so busy with work and for me, school, we haven't had a chance to meet many people.
2.) Share your Experience/Ideas, or just send Luck and Good Wishes. Are you a Rad Tech? Are you in school to be a Rad. Tech? Do you have any advice? Tips? Anything? These would be greatly appreciated as I hope to start a program in either the summer or next fall. This also applies for planning and paying for a wedding without help from family members, and dealing with in-laws that hate you. Oh, and sweet things to do for your significant other and such. Pretty much just life experiences. OR, have you ever worked with kids? Have kids? Do you know of some good/fun games or crafts? The kids I work with are from 5-12 years old. They like crafty things as well as games. We're always looking for new ideas! I'm at one of the smaller schools, and have about 25-30 in my program. Also, we have a lot going on in our lives right now. Any prayers, good thoughts or anything that I get into an RT program, do well on finals or that we just are happy and healthy are always appreciated. Oh, also, cleaning tips as I prepare for my Mother-in-Law from hades to come on the 19th would be AMAZINGLY appreciated. In fact, you would gain a special place in your afterlife or just amazing karma for that one.
3.) Recipes. We love to cook and are looking for things that are slightly healthy. I also absolutely adore baking, it's so much fun. Also, any recipes that would impress the in-laws would be great. Her parents are coming to visit on the 19th and I want to make them hate me a little less.
4.) Care for/Love an Animal and Show Love to Your Fellow Man. Our dog is a shelter dog with a sad background. She was abused, and bred way too early. She's only two years old and the vet estimated that she had probably had at least two litters. She's a Pomeranian mix and roughly 13 pounds, we can't even imagine her pregnant. She was also very malnourished when we adopted her, she is now very healthy and happy. But basically what I'm saying is care for your pets, make sure to spay and neuter them. Adopt an animal before going to a breeder. All those things you can do to give an animal a happy existence. As for humans, love someone, whether it be friendly love, mentor love, romantic love or familial love. Make someone feel love dand appreciated this season and all year round! Having Jen has opened my eyes to the fact that some people are not as lucky to have someone special for the holidays. Even if it's a friend, tell them you appreciate there friendship even.
5.) Texas and Alabama Things. I mean the University of Texas and University of Alabama. Jen's an Alabama fan and I'm the Texas fan. Icons, Graphics, ornaments, etc. All are appreciated. What would be perfect, but I'm sure is pushing it would be something along the lines of a house divided thing. Whether it be an ornament, plague, or even a sweater for Penelope. Also, as we live in Texas, there's an abundance of Texas stuff, it's Alabama stuff I can't find much of, so anything Alabama would be amazing!
6.) Giftcards. Any would do, but Wal-Mart, Bed Bath & Beyond (it's where we're registered) and a bookstore would probably be the most awesome. We're currently trying to get out of debt like the rest of the world so giftcards let us use more of our paychecks for paying off credit cards and student loans instead of spending that money on groceries and such..
7.) Media or Recommendations of the Media Persuassion. For books (Thriller, Mystery, Sci-fi, Religious fiction, heck, we'll read anything). I'm also looking for some good lesbian fiction. I love the Ann Bannon books but have only been able to read/find two of them (Beebo Brinker and Odd Girl Out). Music (we listen to pretty much anything between the two of us). MP3's, mixed cd's are also appreciated. Movies, we're always looking for new movies to watch and recs for some. I'm also looking for some great GLBT movies.
8.) Snail Mail. Who doesn't love getting something that's not a bill? Holiday Cards, letters, postcards, a picture your kid colored, secrets you can't tell anyone, a letter ranting about the world, all are appreciated and bring smiles to our faces. Now, if I could just remember to go buy stamps to reply. I'm horrible at remembering things.
9.) Milka Bars. Jen studied abroad in Europe fall of 2006, and fell in love with Milka bars. Sadly, they are hard to find in the U.S, especially down here in Texas. Even if it's just a place to find Milka bars, that would be great. I want to be able to put a few in her stocking.
10.) Surprise Us! We're pretty easy going, check out my info for ideas. Socks, Precious Moments, stuff for Penelope, all things are accepted really, we're not all that picky.
Thanks for reading and we hope everyone has a Happy Holiday of your choice!
My E-mail is ltillery@yahoo.com. Thanks!
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no subject
Date: 2008-12-11 08:12 am (UTC)http://kosherquick.blogspot.com/
no subject
Date: 2008-12-11 06:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-11 11:11 am (UTC)GermanDeli
5100 Highway 121 South
Colleyville, TX 76034
817-354-8101
CENTRAL MARKET ♥ you'll love this store it's a godsend. it has all kinds of things from a ton of places, only thing is they're a bit marked up. Here's the site! (http://www.centralmarket.com/Stores.aspx) Not sure where exactly in DFW you're located but they have them scattered here and a few outside of Dallas (SA, Austin, Houston).
I know this is centered around one wish, sorry! D: I hope you guys have an AWESOME Christmas and I really hope your in-laws warm up to you. Take care!
no subject
Date: 2008-12-11 06:22 pm (UTC)Thank you very much!
no subject
Date: 2008-12-11 03:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-11 06:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-11 05:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-11 06:23 pm (UTC)Thankies!
no subject
Date: 2008-12-11 08:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-13 04:41 pm (UTC)Found some there last night. Granted, they only carry two types, but it's better than nothing!
no subject
Date: 2008-12-11 11:27 pm (UTC)Serves 4
4 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
6 oz/175 g/generous 3/4 cup brown rice
20 fl oz/625 ml/2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
salt and pepper
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 celery stalks, sliced
8 oz/225 g cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
15 oz/425 g canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus extra to garnish
2 oz/55g/ scant 3/8 cup cashews
1. Heat half the oil in a large, heavy-bottom pan. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add half the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes, then add the rice and stir for 1 minute, or until the grains are thoroughly coated with the oil.
2. Add the stock and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a heavy-bottom skillet. Add the bell pepper and celery and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and the remaining garlic and cook, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir the rice into the skillet. Add the beans , parsley, and cashews. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until hot. Transfer to a warmed serving dish, sprinkle with extra parsley, and serve at once.
no subject
Date: 2008-12-12 12:08 am (UTC)http://fooddownunder.com/
no subject
Date: 2008-12-13 04:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-12 05:28 am (UTC)http://www.geocities.com/valarltd/cook.html
Some fancy stuff, a lot of plain good food, mostly from my grandmothers.
no subject
Date: 2008-12-13 04:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-12 11:28 pm (UTC)The first time I served it my guests sort of slipped downwards into some sort of chocolatey decadence. They all ended up on the floor, still talking, but they had abandoned their individual plates in favor of eating directly from the whole cake. As a hostess I took it as a compliment. XD
Hmmm... about books; I think I'll have to recommend Anais Nin. She writes the most wonderful erotica, and some of the short stories are lesbian erotica. Good, imho. Her best collection of short stories are Delta of Venus. Lol, perhaps you've read her stuff already! XD
But Merry Christmas! I hope you both have a lovely holiday! :)
no subject
Date: 2008-12-13 04:36 pm (UTC)As for the saffron, I'll definitely try that out as well. I wonder if the in-laws would like that. Hmm.
my partner's gonna kill me
Date: 2008-12-13 05:17 am (UTC)Email your info to elfinala at yahoo dot com and I'll gift ya!
Re: my partner's gonna kill me
Date: 2008-12-13 04:33 pm (UTC)Thank you!
Pumpkin Flan
Date: 2008-12-14 01:58 am (UTC)Cooking spray
2/3 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup evaporated milk
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup solid-pack pumpkin
Directions
Arrange 8 (4-ounce) ramekins inside a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. Spray ramekins lightly with cooking spray.
In a small saucepan, heat 1/3 cup sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar melts and forms a medium-brown caramel, about 7 minutes. Working quickly, transfer 2 teaspoons of the caramel to each of the ramekins, swirling as soon as you spoon in the caramel (it will harden quickly). Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine milk and evaporated milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm. Reduce heat to a low simmer and keep milk warm. Meanwhile, bring about 4 cups water to a boil and keep hot. Whisk together eggs, egg yolks, remaining 1/3 cup of sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Fold pumpkin into egg mixture. Then fold into evaporated milk. Divide filling among ramekins, then place baking sheet in oven. Pour hot water into baking pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until flan is just set. Let cool. Place a dessert plate on top of each ramekin and invert; flan should slide out, and syrup should flow onto sides of the dish.
Green Tea Layer Cake W/Green Tea Frosting (http://www.recipezaar.com/214111)
Green Tea Smoothie (http://www.recipezaar.com/38155)
Green Tea Sorbet (http://www.recipezaar.com/57717)
Green Tea Mousse (http://www.recipezaar.com/103075)
Green Tea Mochi (http://www.recipezaar.com/129134)
Audio books I have all the Harry Potter books read by Stephen Fry and the Dresden Files. If you want the links? Do you have an ipod because I have all the books ready to download. If you want the mp3's I will have the load the Dresden files.
Re: Pumpkin Flan
Date: 2008-12-14 02:00 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-17 01:44 am (UTC)Welcome to the Metroplex!
no subject
Date: 2008-12-17 02:07 am (UTC)And it sounds like we would get along rather well, which is great! I will try to shoot you an e-mail probably tomorrow, and we can talk more!
Yay friends!!
no subject
Date: 2008-12-25 03:23 am (UTC)3. Recipes:
Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients
* 1 tsp. cinnamon
* 1 cup sugar
* 2/3 cup butter (suggestion: melted)
* 1 egg
* 1 tsp. vanilla
* 1 cup pumpkin (solid packed in can)
* 2 cups flour
* 1/2 tsp. baking soda
* 1/2 tsp. baking powder
* 1/2 tsp. salt
I also added dashes of ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. I would suggest mixing in everything but the egg, then
flavoring the eggless batter with the ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to taste (doesn't take too much and no egg means no worry tasting), then
adding the egg.
You can add goodies to the batter if you like. M&Ms work!
Preheat the oven to 350F, then spoon on cookie sheet, and bake 8-12 minutes.
Cream Cheese Frosting
* 1/4 cup butter
* 4oz cream cheese
* 1 cup confectioner's sugar (suggested 4x, but 10x works fine)
* 1 tsp. vanilla
The originally recipe called for 1 1/2 cups of conf. sugar, but I found that too sweet. I'd start with 1/2 cup and add more as desired.
The icing goes a long way, so you may want to halve this recipe.
I dyed the frosting according to instructions on the food dye box.
Note: You can easily double the recipe for the cookies. I made a double batch and spooned out large cookies; the double batch yielded 40 large (at least 5cm/2" in diam.) cookies.
Also:
Biscotti (http://www.cookingforengineers.com/recipe/154/Biscotti)
Lemon Bars (http://www.cookingforengineers.com/recipe/33/Lemon-Bars)
Peanut Butter Cookies (http://www.cookingforengineers.com/recipe/58/Peanut-Butter-Cookies)
Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies (http://recipetin.blogspot.com/2008/10/flourless-healthy-goodies.html)
Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken (I usually get a regular package of breasts or thighs)
- 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (this can be swapped with cream of chicken if you like)
1. Put chicken in baking dish and pour on cream of mushroom soup.
2. Bake at 400F (about 200C). Approx 30 minutes for breasts, 45 minutes for thighs.
This makes good leftovers and is easy to freeze. Also, you can stir in canned green beans (drain the liquid first!) and/or uncooked Stove Top stuffing before baking.
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Portabello Mushroom Pizza
Ingredients:
Portabello mushroom caps
Pizza or spaghetti sauce
Little bit of olive oil
Your choice of pizza toppings (including cheese)
1. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350F (about 175C).
2. Drizzle the mushroom caps, gill-side up, with a bit of olive oil and bake for 12 minutes at 350F (175C).
3. Add sauce and toppings, bake for another 4-5 minutes.
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If you like curry, you can often find Golden Curry boxes at the grocery store. There are instructions on the box, but I just usually get a potato, some carrots, maybe an onion, and some form of protein (usually chicken or tofu) and cook a smaller version. Use less water and only one or two blocks of curry, but otherwise follow the cooking instructions.
Also, RealSimple.com has some great recipes. You can even search for what you have in your fridge or pantry.
I've sent you a PM as well. Happy Holidays!