Jan 25, 2007

Pumpkin quiche with blue cheese & thyme



(serves 4 to 6)
375 g shortcrust pastry (ready-rolled)
500 g meat of pumpkin or butternut squash
200 ml milk
4 eggs
200 g single cream
1 tbsp fresh thyme leavesnutmeg,
salt,
pepper
100 g blue cheese
Pre-heat oven to 200 C.
Cut the pumpkin/squash meat into bite-size chunks and spread on a baking tray lined with non-stick paper. Sprinkle with salt, then transfer to the oven and roast for about 30 minutes, until tender.Meanwhile, line a quiche dish or spring-form mould with the shortcrust pastry (if using store-bought, like me, it is not necessary to grease the dish beforehand, as the pastry contains enough fat for it to release easily once baked), then pierce pastry with a fork all over.Blind bake the pastry: line the pastry with grease-proof paper, fill with baking beans (or any pulses you have to hand - alternatively you can use a similar, smaller mould which will fit snugly into your dish).Once the pumpkin/squash is ready, remove from the oven, keep door open for 5 minutes to release the steam that has formed from the vegetables, then put in the quiche dish and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the lining and pulses/baking beans, then bake for another 5 minutes.Meanwhile, mix the pumpkin/squash meat with the milk in a blender, then beat the eggs and cream and fold in the vegetable purée. Stir in the thyme leaves, then season generously with salt, pepper and nutmeg to your liking.Pour into the pastry case, spread with the diced blue cheese (pushing the cheese in if you wish, as some will float depending on their density), then bake the quiche in the oven for about 45 minutes until set. When the pumpkin mix is starting to brown, cover with some alu-foil or grease-proof paper to prevent it from burning.Remove from the oven and leave to stand for 5-10 minutes.
Serve with a crisp salad on the side.

Luiza Formiga!


Need I say more...

Family

David, Mom and Rob at our family Christmas Party. Dec/2006
Temperance, MI.

Wedding Day!


Dad and I on my wedding day!
November 19th 2005.

The boys! X-mas 2006


Rob, Dave, David and Micky!

Lamp Shade made by Jo!


I'm so crafty!

Gifts and More...


The bride and groom carved out of wood we got from Aunt Laura and Uncle Rob as a wedding gift.
The pink turtle was hidden away in David's room so Olga said I could have it, now it's in our livingroom. I love the pink light at night!

Family Silver


I got this silver at my mom's and polished it up. It's beautiful! I think it was Aunt Ruby's but I'm not sure. Mom, Dave, Aunt Laura - do you know?

Moto Girl - Jo!


On our way to Cunha! Dec/2006

Festa de 1 ano do Felipe

Felipe e Duda na festa de 1 ano do Felipe - Sao Paulo Dez/2006.

Jan 21, 2007

Elle Decor - Fake Fur - Trend Alert!


Fur Silver fox, ranch mink, or chinchilla, the latest fake furs are as soft and luxurious as the real thing.
Found on elledecor.com

Housel's Nursery Tour Dec2006


Dave took us on a "Housel's Nursery Tour" on Christmas day 2006.
Aunt Laura and I, and Dave is in the background.

Jan 16, 2007

Amore Pacific

Amore Pacific, sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, and in their flagship store in NYC. This line imparts some kind of dewy glow of health that has people asking you why your skin looks so good.
Must have is the Moisture Bound Vitalizing Mask . You slather this clear sweet gel over your face and go to bed, the next morning is honestly a new world.
$60 a bottle.

Crest Vivid White


Crest Vivid White is amazing. Just one brushing saw stains that wouldn't budget with the dentist approved bleaching trays for the first time. And they recommend 14 days of use for results. 14 days? I already saw it. A must have.

AveenoPositively Radiant Daily Moisturizer in SPF 30


skin feels silky soft, easier to apply foundation.

Estee Lauder's Perfectionist Peel


Product Shopping List...
Product Details:
Peel away the years and reveal refined, radiant skin.With just one treatment, this intensive, 2-step thermal facial peel delivers the instant skin-rejuvenating benefits of a professional 30% Glycolic Acid peel. No appointments. No recovery time required.Skin looks luminous, less lined, smooth and remarkably ageless.Step 1: Instantly removes dead surface cells to smooth rough, dry patches while helping skin continuously renew itself. Over time, fine lines are softened and the look of age spots fades. (1.7 oz. tube)Step 2: Soothes and refreshes skin while restoring its optimal pH balance. Skin radiates with a healthier, more vibrant look. Feels baby soft and smooth. (30 pads).
text from esteelauder.com
price $85.00

Jan 13, 2007

SKIN Brightner


Lumedia is a new combination of three powerful skin lighteners that dramatically reduce melanin concentrations (melanin causes dark spots) and inhibit tyrosinase activity (an enzyme that ultimately controls melanin production). Lumedia helps to quickly fade dark hyperpigmented problem areas and prevent new spots from forming... making it the ultimate solution for problem age spots and visible imperfections.

Cottage Furniture Collection Swedish Bed



Made from Alder wood. Satin luster finishes are created using a unique multi-layered hand lacquering and antiquing process. Distress markings artistically mimic everyday wear, closely representing the original antique pieces.

Hand Painted Sign



This fun French sign has a red base with cream fleur de lis pattern and black lettering. 14"x36"

Tea Towels by Sally Russell




Whimsical tea towels. Consider adding a coordinating apron.
Made from 100% cotton and are machine washable.

Italian Pintucked Sateen Bedding

Woven using tightly twisted yarns of long-staple Egyptian cotton300-thread-count cotton sateen frames a field of crisp white 210-thread-count cotton percale
RH Exclusive
http://www.restorationhardware.com