This weekend brought forth a lot of action. On Friday we had the inauguration, which I refused to watch—but don’t think I didn’t scope out the fashions—and that’ll be another post.
Friday’s inauguration crowd on the left. Obama’s inauguration crowd on the right! Guess who’s more popular?
Yesterday also brought us a great thing. The Women’s March. While I did not go—mostly because one of my sons works for the news and the last thing he, or anyone else would need to see would be footage of me being arrested and screaming obscenities. I’m not as composed as the women who marched!
However, many of many of my girlfriends did march—among them Jeanette, Lee, Debbie E., Tracy C., my favorite niece Beth! And a shout out to one of my besties Robin! I am indebted that you marched for me and all of our sisters! I am thankful and appreciative.
And while I wish I marched, I don’t feel guilty that I didn’t. I did my duty as an American and VOTED!! I voted for the woman who received the popular vote by a couple of million. ARE we REALLY a democracy?
And now, let’s get down to other business. Like the long a-weighted week.
I need to revisit my food plan. It isn’t that I’m getting sloppy or anything, but this plateau moves up and down in the ounces’ department. This week, I’m down four ounces. It’s fine but some strategies need to be taken.
And I am happy to say, I FINALLY got a pedicure! Don’t my toes look cute again?
I need to cut out bread. Again. It was bad enough that Friday was filled with anxiety and sadness for me as that man who is not MY president was inaugurated. And worse, when I arrived home from work I came home to a chewed up, gnawed, quarter of a loaf of home baked bread.
This is what I came home to on Friday. I do not think that Chippy was trying to offer me assistance in my diet by helping me cut carbs. He just enjoyed eating 3/4 of a loaf!
I shan’t repeat what I screamed, shouted, yelled said.
And do you think he cares? No. He disrespectfully ignores me!
Anyway, yesterday morning, Saturday, I woke up with plenty of ambition. The only way to jump-start the body to lose a bit of weight is to be active. No. I most certainly did NOT work out. I ran errands.
Our first errand had us running driving to a local frame shop. When we were in Paris in November, we picked up a painting that had been in Daniele’s apartment. We should have taken it home a couple of years ago, but were pretty lazy about it. And when we finally did pick it up, Bonaparte had to gingerly take the canvas off the backing. An operation he performed with the skill of a surgeon.
We must’ve looked at a good 50 frame tips. We agreed on a more distressed look. My eyes may be crossed, but when it comes to decor, those crossed eyes come through!
The painting is a portrait of Vincent’s (Oona suggested I start calling Bonaparte by his given name—so I’m experimenting) sister, Isabelle. The portrait was painted by their father, Dany, in 1956. Dany is a well-known artist along the Cote d’Azur and his work is wonderful! We picked out a frame that would work well with the beauty of the portrait. We bring Isabelle home from the framer’s in a couple of weeks!
Isabelle is wrapped for now. And she has been stretched upon a new wooden backing. I freaking LOVE this portrait so much. Everything about it is just so beautiful in a subdued way..
..and Vincent is thrilled that his sister will be with us!
Then we had to take a trip to the bank because I had some “issues” with the password on my debit card. Thankfully the issue took all of two minutes to correct.
Onward and upward to Errand Number Three: A trip to The Container Store! Felix Unger—aka, Bonaparte—aka, Vincent, is very much disturbed by my lack of organizational skills. He insisted that I start to organize in baby steps; starting with my shoes.
This was a good start. We also picked up a rack for my boots. I need a lot more of these!
We He decided on an over-the-door shoe thingy and a thingy for four pair of boots. Artillery in hand to help me become neater, less sloppy, organized, we went on to …
I was happy AF to find these suede heels by Marc Fisher. They were exactly what I was looking for! They match my Longchamp bag, they have the perfect pointy toe, and there’s a bit of toe cleavage! Perfect for jeans and skirts and dresses. I’m lusting…
…Errand Number Four. Shoes. One of my co-workers gifted me with a card from DSW (an astute young man, I must say). I’ve been on the prowl for a pair of brownish-tannish-nude-suede heels. I found them and found them on sale. Mission accomplished.
Errand Number Five: Stopping at Ethan Allen to see if the cushions on our overpriced sofa could be replaced.
I am so glad that I kept this photo on my phone. I was able to show the manager how sloppy the sofa looks. Sadly, this has been discontinued, but he is looking into how we can have the cushions replaced by the company. The customer service is excellent. I want a fat sofa!
Errand Number Six. Stopping at the grocery store for more flour. I needed to bake more bread!
Once back home it was just a matter of time management.
I prepared the dough for the bread. Here’s the recipe from the Chicago Tribune. I did a couple of things differently, but the recipe is fantastic. It’s easy and doesn’t take forever!
Pullman bread
Prep: 25 minutes; Rise: 1 hour, 30 minutes; Bake: 40 minutes
Makes: 1 loaf, about 20 slices depending on how thinly you are able to cut them
When baked in a Pullman pan, this recipe makes a loaf with a large, square slice. The recipe originally appeared in “Baker’s Bread” by Paul Richards (The Baker’s Helper Co., Chicago, 1906) and was adapted by PJ Hamel, baker/blogger and Web producer at King Arthur Flour. You will need a Pullman loaf pan with a sliding cover. Two sizes are available. This recipe is for a small pan, 9 inches long by 4 inches wide and 4 inches high.
1 3/4 teaspoons (5.5 grams) yeast
1 1/2 cups (362 grams) warm water
2 tablespoons (25 grams) sugar
4 cups (548 grams) bread flour (I used all-purpose flour instead and the recipe was fine)
2 1/2 tablespoons (33 grams) lard (I used softened butter and it was fine)
1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- Sprinkle the yeast in a medium bowl; pour 1/4 cup warm water over the yeast. Add 1 tablespoon sugar. Allow the yeast to bloom in the water until the water begins to foam, 5-7 minutes.
- Place the flour, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, remaining 1 1/4 cups water, lard and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook. Add the yeast mixture. Mix on low until a dough forms. Turn speed to medium; mix, 8-10 minutes. (My dough was a bit dry so I added a few drops of water)
Yeast blooming, dry ingredients at the ready. All very easy. REMEMBER! When you use yeast always check the date. Don’t use expired yeast–it’s too risky in the fact the yeast may not rise!
3. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
When well-kneaded (I used my Kitchen Aid) the dough should look like this. You want it more on the moist side than dry. I needed to add a few more drops of water than called for.
4. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Punch down the dough; knead on a lightly floured work surface, 30 seconds. Shape the dough into a log. Place dough in a lightly greased Pullman loaf pan; cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise until the dough has almost reached the top edge of the pan, about 30 minutes. (Watch closely so that the dough does not overproof.) Carefully remove the plastic; slide the metal cover closed.
The dough after the second short rise. My kitchen is cold so I turned the oven onto 200 before rising then shut it off so it would be nice and warm for the dough to rise. During the second rise, since the oven was preheating, I placed the dough on the stove. The heat from the oven flowed to the stove top!
5. Bake, about 40 minutes. Remove the lid in the last 5 minutes of baking. The bread is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 190 degrees. Turn the loaf out onto a rack to cool completely before slicing.
And while that bread was rising, I worked on organizing my shoes!
I could not stop thinking about that commercial “A Place For Mom” as I organized my shoes. “A Place For Mom’s Shoes” is more like it!
Due to the amount of boots that are in my possession, I need another boot rack…
…and I DO need more shoe organizers, but for now, this is great! I don’t think I’ve seen the floor of this closet in a while!
Bread done.
I love my Pullman Pan. The bread is perfect for toast or sandwiches–or toasted sandwiches.
I need a moment here. See my cutting board? It’s been with me non-stop for 15 years now. Oona made it in middle school in 2002. This is why our public education is so important. We need elective programs for our children. School needs to be a welcoming and fun place to learn. Please don’t allow our schools to regress–children are our future! My public service announcement is finished!
Chippy didn’t steal any bread and we were able to enjoy toasted slices with pate foie gras and a nice Sauternes!
For starters! And the bread was divine!
I was in a very plaid mood this week. Basically, I was mad for plaid!
I’m literally in love with this pair of Steward plaid pants that I ordered for a big-time sale price at J. Crew. I have a lot of love for these….
Look how great they are! I got into a LOT of trouble though. I purchased them after a “no buy” vow. And then the bill came. It’s a great thing that Bonaparte loves these pants!
An oversized plaid scarf warmed up and gave this black and tan outfit a bit of a punch! I took out my Nat et Nin bag to also give this outfit some personality!
More plaid in the form of a jacket. I love stretchy pants because they don’t bunch up when wearing boots. Boot bunch up drives me crazy!!
I’m missing a day here, but on Friday, it was jeans. I also decided to go with yellow and blue. Yellow is such a happy color and I needed some happiness. I DID manage to sneak some plaid in with a scarf!
I wore a bright yellow necklace from J. Crew that I hadn’t worn in years. I like the way it looks with the yellow sweater and navy blazer.
Yesterday’s “Errand Day” ensemble. A bright orangey red blazer, stripped turtle, skinny jeans, old beat up Weejuns and a toasty scarf!
Backtracking with another very casual look from last Sunday. Cuffed jeans (AG jeans, my new favorite jean brand), newer Weejuns, an old gray sweater, trench from J. Crew Factory (note the hair clip hanging off the coat) and a red and white checked scarf from J. Crew!
And now I am going to go downstairs and make chicken salad! Hope your weekend was productive and fun!
And so, on this Saturday, I kept busy from day into night. It was, A Hard Day’s Night!
Hey Catherine–
Yes, I too refused to watch the Inaug, but I couldn’t tear myself away from the images/info about the MARCH! Many of my friends and relatives marched in various cities and I’m proud to say that several former students (I teach high school), now productive young men/women, marched as well–female AND male! Very proud of all of the participants in all of the cities.
Today on Meet the Press there was a huge melee with Chuck Todd and HWSNBN’s “adviser”/head prevaricator Kellyann. It was a bad scene revolving around the “alternative truths” that the press secretary gave yesterday. Alas. I wish the Press Secretary would stand up to the boss. My only other political comment today is that I hope to heck that the Sec of Ed nominee returns to the swamp from which she emerged. She has had no experience in public education at all and as a 40+ public school teacher, I cannot imagine her steering today’s schools where they need to go. So I hope the Senate blocks her confirmation. Forever.
Loved your shoe organizer. I need to do that too. You have inspired me to get after it. And love the trench.
Have a great week! ( I think the only way I’ll get through it is to keep the tv off so I don’t hear anymore “alternative truths.” )
Hi Nancy! OMG. I saw something in passing from Kelleyann Hagway stating “alternative truths”. This is taking political correctness too far–besides, I thought her man TrumpHitler was not PC. There is NO SUCH THING as “alternatiave truths” They are called LIES. And they are made by LIARS! I rest my case. Oh, I’m with you.
And public school education–I’m, as well as my children, are products of both Catholic AND public schools. Our public school system is incredibly important. The high school my kids went to (Hopewell Valley Regional High, aka Central High, in Pennington NJ) was stellar. The teachers were AMAZING. I cannot say enough. It is so important that our children receive a great education. Not a “good” one nor a “decent” one but a “great” one. Our leaders of tomorrow deserve that! The moron that the orange idiot picked is a dope. Plain and simple–a dope. She believes that guns should be allowed in public schools. Oh god, there goes my blood pressure!!!
I’m so glad we are on the same page. I GET what you are saying!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Wow you have 2 talented families there, that painting is adorable – so now you have paintings of the 2 sisters they can keep each other company (yes I do think pictures of people can talk behind our backs – at least I LIKE to think so), they are both so cute, and your Oona is very talented – I hope she still gives vent to her creative side. I didn’t watch the inauguration – over here a lot of mileage has been given to the women marching and by golly they were marching EVERYWHERE. I think tomorrow the first full day that man is in office is the day I start really praying and lighting candles, all very sad – so much hatred already, so many untruths – already. Sheesh, You can’t help but think of the words of Bonhoeffer “First they came for the communists, but I was not a communist…” I so hope I am proven wrong. Anyway tomorrow despite a day of work for me, it will be a day of prayer and reflection and sadness.
On the more positive side because I naturally dwell in the shallow and sunnyshiney side of life I have to say I love picture framers, art galleries and all things related and I love the clothing choices and all the organisation you are showing – our bedroom is just about to get some really vile blue carpet ripped up and replaced by floorboards (can’t wait!!!) as that means new bed and drawers and wardrobes – yeussssss!!!! 20 years of living with a really ugly room may turn into a slightly less ugly room with furniture that I can shut doors and drawers (partly as finally I will HAVE doors to shut!) the man is very resisitant to spending money. Have a good week hon
actually now I think the statement was by Niemoller rather than Bonhoeffer – I’ll have to check but you get what I am saying?
Hi Juliet, You have a great weekend too! I definitely get what you are saying with that quote by either Niemoller or Bonhoeffer. And it rings true. A crazy end to a crazy weekend. And the beginning of the worst for years in politics. We will all need our senses of humor now more than ever. XOXOXOXO!!!
OOOoooh! can you share your chicken salad recipe? And question about the salmon rillettes recipe, you use a chunk of smoked salmon, not smoked as in lox right? Thank you! Love following you!
Yes. Julie–here’s the recipe. It’s a Barefoot Contessa (my fave) one: Curried Chicken Salad I”m hoping this went through correctly. Oh..for the salmon rilettes–you use one large slice of the regular salmon–that’ll be poached and smoked salmon as in lox. Yes. The lox salmon!!! You’re welcome. I’m glad you are following!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I have used that barefoot contessa chicken salad recipe several times! Its sooo good! When her first cookbook came out the oven temperature was not listed on one of her recipes (rory’s potato chips), She must have included her email in the back of the book because I emailed her asking for the temp and she (could have been her assistant but didn’t seem like it) emailed me back!! This was way way before she was a huge star!
Good to know about the lox, I have eyeballed Dorie Greenspan’s salmon rillette recipe too but remember having the same question in the back of my mind about which smoked salmon.
Thanks again! I am always excited when you post!
Friday felt like an all day funeral, Saturday a beautiful expression of togetherness. Today was rest, and tomorrow, a fresh start. That’s the plan anyway! Love the painting of Isabelle! And Vincent is a wonderful name…the first name of my favorite artist and a favorite song by Don McLean!
Lori. Friday DID feel like a funeral! I’m still feeling the aftereffects. I can’t even…He is repealing everything. Let’s hope the orange is imPEACHED! And Soon. I’m still amazed that people fed into his bull shit.
Vincent told me that he likes the Bonaparte moniker better. Inasmuch as you and Oona are fans of Vincent (she also likes Van Gogh), Napolean Bonaparte wins this war–LOL!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Ce nouveau president est un vrai con ou connard ou gros con. Il as pris le pouvoir avec un sondage de 30% de popularité. Un premier pour un President mais quelle con ca tête c’est un plumeau de poussière au moins la maison blanche sera Nickel. LOL. I give him 2 years top before he gets impeached as you American say. Bonne chance avec le Connard / gros con. On c’est très bien qu’il as une petite bite et cerveau c’est la vie. J’aime bien le pain. ca doit être très bon. Je fait mon pas quand je suis a la campagne. Il fait très froid en ce moment et j’adore. Au revoir.
Hey Dude! Merci! 2 years! I think there are others who give him less time before he is impeached. I can’t believe he wasn’t stopped before he was sworn in. It is a sad state of affairs that America is in now. And even worse is the fact that his lies are now called “Alternative Truths” Can you believe that merde? XOXOXOXO!!!
I’ll admit that I was curious about Bonaparte’s actual name. My dad’s middle name was Vincent, so it’s a name I love. But I have to say that I am amused when you call him Bonaparte.
Since my ankle is broken, I had to skip the march. But my sister and her husband, all of her daughters, their husbands, and their children all went to the march, so I feel that my viewpoint was well-represented.
Friday was a funereal day to me. Even though I skipped watching anything (first time in my life), it was just a sad day. I’m glad Saturday followed it, as I had some hope.
Hi Bridget! LOL. Vincent wants me to keep using the “Bonaparte” moniker because he thinks its fun! So Bonaparte it is. Don’t even mention Friday. It was a depressing day for us all. I lost any shred of hope after that pig, Kellyann Conway referred to her president’s lies as “Alternative Truths”. Can you believe it? They are LIES!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Catherine I love you! As for the photos you posted of Trumps inauguration,I heard that the media chose these at a time when a lot of the people were not there yet or after the event. Trust but verify.I don’t think dressing in funny and cute hats makes women look very intelligent. I do think writing to their local government officials would do a heck of a lot more. Let them know how they may not get your vote next time may shake them up! This hatred toward the president is not something to be proud of. A quote from Eric Clapton’s song “Take a look at yourself before you accuse me”. Sorry for the rant.
Hi Pam. My son had to work the inauguration for the press. I’ll ask him. However, I can assure you that the crowds were not as great as in the past. I’ve written to my local government so many times that I swear as soon as they see my handwriting they run away from the mail! I’m not done. I will keep fighting. And next on my list is going to make sure people vote in the mid-terms. Onward and Upward!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Just to say that your blog entries and photos are so unfailingly cheerful, even when you are distressed, that reading and seeing them never fails to make me smile and feel better – merci!
Marsha! WOW! Thank you!!! That is such a nice compliment–and I do try to look on the bright side!!! XOXOXOXO!!!