Bennington Potters

So, every week, I'm going to try and feature something interesting/ fascinating /cute / incredible I've found concerning New England. I know, I'm obsessed. At least I'm admitting it, right?

This week's feature: Bennington Potters (http://www.benningtonpotters.com/)

They're stoneware pottery makers that have been practicing their craft since 1948. If you browse around their items for sale, you either love it or hate it. I love their style, and I think it's amazing that people from all over the U.S. and elsewhere have been supporting them for close to 60 years. Their Web site is so put together - almost like a big retailer's site. Anyway, I have this piece on the way to my apartment in Texas:

Aren't they amazing? This community in Vermont busts all of these pottery masterpieces out daily. I love their green and blue patterns - they'd go perfect in my kitchen. Thoughts?

P.S. - Change is definitely tardy.

Anyone Remember This Song?

I got myself a notion
And one I know that you’ll understand
To set the world in motion
By reaching out for each other’s hand
And maybe we’ll discover
What we should have known all along
One way or another
Together’s where we both belong

If we listen to each other’s heart
We'll find were never too far apart
And maybe love is the reason why
For the first time ever we're seeing it eye to eye

If a wall should come between us
Too high to climb
Too hard to break through
I know that love will lead us
And find a way to bring me to you
So don’t be in a hurry
Think before you count us out
You don’t have to worry
I will never let you down

If you’re ever lonely, stop
You don’t have to be
After all, it’s only a beat away from you to me

If we listen to each other’s heart
We'll find were never too far apart
And maybe love is the reason why
For the first time ever we're seeing it eye to eye


Why do I STILL really like this song? I'm such a kid!
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sjAb-qYflE_)

In other news - it's the weekend! I'm making quesadillas tonight, and taking it easy. I hope everyone has a good one!

New Blog Layout

I've changed my blog layout, mainly because this layout reminds me of the things I love.

First, New England. The photo above is one I took at Salisbury Beach in northern Massachusetts. We (Husband and I) were on our way to Maine, and stopped here to view the beach. What a lucky detour! We walked in the soft sand near the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, collected stones and lost fishing weights, said hello to the seagulls, and breathed the fresh sea air. Everything was so beautiful and memory-making. I have more photos of this one beach than of any other area in New England. I can honestly say it's my favorite place to be at this point in my life.

Thus, the new photo. Secondly, I love simple lines in design. I reverted back to this simple layout to showcase the posts and photos. I'm going to try to post a photo with every entry - mark that as a goal! Besides, who wants to read a post without a picture?

Diamond-Shaped Shortbread!

The dinner party was a success! I'll have photos soon.

Michael and I made diamond-shaped shortbread half-and-halfs this afternoon. They're a super-yummy Ina recipe. (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/shortbread-cookies-recipe/index.html) They were messy, but really delicious! We have some left, if anyone wants one. :)

Dessert Sneak Peek!

Take a look at these fabulous dessert bars from Two Sisters:

It'll be a fabulous end to the Dinner Party on Saturday!

Results

Two Part Post - Again!

Part One:

Garlic Roast Chicken results!

We used Ina Garten's recipe I posted yesterday, and it turned out better than great! The chicken was cooked perfectly, the vegetables the same, but with a yummy caramelized, concentrated coating. We ate the meal with a red from south Texas. That, however, was not impressive, and we won't be buying it again. Tonight, we will be having sandwiches. :) I need a break before this weekend!

Part Two:

Keep me in your thoughts! I will be most likely traveling this weekend, and I'd love to have everyone thinking good thoughts about me for good luck! Results soon, I hope!

Cinnamon Rolls & Other Excitement

Yesterday morning I made cinnamon rolls for Michael and me - it was raining, and it seemed like a good day to make them. It took ALL morning (from 9:00am until noon), but they were excellent. I even made the cream cheese icing!



Tonight we're making a Garlic Roast Chicken (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/garlic-roast-chicken-recipe/index.html), an Ina recipe of course. We saw it on a DVRed show we missed a few days ago. (We just got a DVR...I know, we're behind with the times, but it's so neat!) We have carrots, onions, potatoes and parsnips to roast with it. It's going to be so beautiful.

This week is prep week here at the Oates apartment. It's finally here - the Family Dinner is set for this Saturday evening. I've finalized the menu - it's pretty much the same as the one I've already posted. Everyone but Jamie and Qas are coming, so it will be a full house! (10 total, I believe.) My mom told me that Qas will be in Albany visiting his father - I'm so jealous! I bet NY is so gorgeous right now! Anyway, it will still be a ton of people! I'm excited to have my family see the re-covered antique chairs and to see our apartment. Some of my family members haven't seen the apartment, and we've been living here for some time. I'll be sure to take pictures of the festivities.

Life - A Flurry of Feelings

I am so happy it's Friday.

I am going to finish the laundry, make black tea, and vacuum.

I need a haircut.

My printer is out of both color and black ink.

Catering is hard.

Next weekend is the Family Dinner - yikes!

I'm thirsty.

Today was SUCH nice weather in Dallas. It's shocking.

I need to check my voicemail.

I love my cattie-poos.

I have an empanada.

I'm so excited I get to RELAX! Yay for the weekend!

TNFNS: Final Two

Jeffrey & Melissa. I couldn't be happier.

Next week, it better be THIS person standing:

I will watch every show! FN is BACK!

The Next Food Network Star Thoughts

I've been following the Next Food Network Star since it came on this season, and I have to say, I am thoroughly disappointed. First of all, I don't feel like it's a legitimate compeition because it seems like the producers are editing the show in a way to show certain contestants in a certain light, and others in another. Also, the judges hone in on certain faults, and glaze over others. If you watch the series, you'll know what I'm talking about. It makes me think it was all pre-determined, and they are already filming the "winning" contestant's new show. Anyway, I hope Melissa or Jeffrey win, but I'm not sure I'll be watching TNFNS after this season. Food Network has been disappointing me lately, and I think I'll explore other food-oriented or culinary programming.

KERA, here I come.