[JessFinds] Scenes of Halloween (2010)

Pixie, Kobold, elf and sprite
All are on their rounds to-night-
In the wan moon's sliver ray
Thrives their helter-skelter play.

Fond of cellar, barn,or stack, 

True unto the almanac, 

They present to credulous eyes 

Strange hobgoblin mysteries.

Cabbage-stomps-straws wet with dew- 

Apple-skins, and chestnuts too,

And a mirror for some lass, 

Show what wonders come to pass.

 Doors they move, and gates they hide, 

Mischiefs that on moon-beams ride 

Are their deeds, and, by their spells,

Love records its oracles.

Don't we all, of long ago, 

By the ruddy fireplace glow,

In the kitchen and the hall, 

Those queer, coofllke pranks recall?

Eery shadows were they then-
But to-night they come again;
Were we once more but sixteen,
Precious would be Halloween

-- Halloween by Joel Benton

[JessFinds] Fall / Winter Crave List - 2010

ANNUAL JESSFINDS FALL & WINTER CRAVE LIST

It is that time again! I only do this because (a) it is fun to have a curated list of things that make me swoony and (b) you, fair readers, keep asking me to (thanks!).

I hear that a job is the latest in luxury accessories, so I am thinking that I would like to get my name on a waiting list for one of these employmentish joby thingies.

I am really craving blazers - nice lined wool blazers. I think gray is my go-to but I like this in the Antique Rose and Mink colors as well. Via Eddie Bauer.

I think that the Dooney & Burke Allweather bags from the 80's are endlessly preppy-chic for fall - especially when done in cream and tan leather, like saddlebags. I scored a $20 bag from a vintage shop and I plan to use it for the rest of my life. But I still have a soft spot for Harris Tweed and Fall always makes me think of the tweeds! PeskyCatDesigns has nailed it on Etsy.

Pine Cone Chic! Last year I lusted after the infinity scarf (which I still adore) but this year, I want to snuggle with a pine cone: Etsy.com via Circular Accessories.

Last year, I got my Frye boots for Christmas. Unfortunately, they were too tight - apparently I wear an 11 in Frye styles. I am 5ft 10in so back off about the big feet. They did not have the boots I wanted in stock, and so everything was canceled out and returned. A little part of me died. This year, I have my eyes on you Frye Engineer in Burnt Red. Yeah, I am lookin' at you.

 It is hard not to love Oregon in all of it's soggy green goodness.  I tree Oregon. I really do. This little number and it's adorable friend (I Pine For Oregon) are both at CafePress.

 In an effort to dress up some of the things I already own, I am awfully fond of these ruffled flower fabric brooches that can go from t-shirt to button-down to belt loop. I want a pile of them in various colors. As usual, these are an Esty find.  I think I need to learn how to make them...

My hubby got an iPad. Me? I got JEALOUS. It is so fantastic. I don't need one, but I really, really (really) want one. I call it "precious" and steal his frequently.

(Marie Finds) Fall is in the air

Fal is my favorite season. I can begin planning Thanksgiving, which I will be hosting for the first time in about 10 years. I can switch back to red wine. Pull out the sweaters and realize I need new clothes. Squirrel has been boycotting pants in favor of dresses for the last year or so. I finally stopped buying them, and the other day realized she now only has two pair of pants that fit. Sigh.

Baby Boy has a bit of a wandering eye, so over his protestations, we are trying to get him to wear an eye patch for an hour a day. I'll get photos one day. In the mean time, here are some summer photos...

[JessFinds] Resolutions

 2010

I have been hesitating a bit - I wanted to make sure I had my resolutions down right before I posted them for the world.

• Live fearlessly. Each year, my #1 resolution.  

• Relish the now. My girls are growing so fast. Too fast.  

• Read more books. Watch less TV.  Spend less time online. 

• Take a class in an old trade (letterpress!) and get certified. Take a CPR class and get certified. Take a class on vegetarian cookery. Take a class on preparing fish. 

• Take care of myself & own my health. I spent the majority of the last decade carrying more weight than I should. I owe it to my girls to set a good example for how a healthy, happy woman should live.  No excuses. No programs or fad diets - just eat well, move frequently, be accountable and stand tall. 

• De-clutter, organize and prioritize what is important. I have a lot of stuff. I don't need a lot of stuff. I want to get rid of everything I would not want to take with me in a move. I will work on getting this house in shape for listing on the market by next Spring. My next home will have a smart bedroom layout, be smaller, have a working fireplace, a finished or semi-finished basement and be more energy efficient. I feel like I live in a huge colonial made of Swiss cheese!

[JessFinds] Black Eyed Peas - Good Luck for the New Year

SPICY EASY HOPPIN' JOHN (Vegetarian)

Ok, this is not "true" Hoppin' John as I am making some blasphemous additions and subtractions (namely minus the fatback). But I am a Vegetarian that eats fish (Pescetarian) and occasionally nibbles on pork products when they are presented to me, but that is another story. Worst. Vegetarian. Ever.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil+ 2 tablespoons of butter
  
• 1 cup chopped onions 
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 16-ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 tablespoon of favorite hot sauce (Tobasco, etc...)
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried hot pepper flakes
  
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 
• 3 cups (+/-) cooked rice. Basmati, Jasmine or Brown rice would all work very well.
  
• 16-ounce can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  

Heat the oils in a large skillet until butter melts
Sauté the onions over medium heat until translucent and soft.
Add the garlic and celery and continue to sauté until the onions are golden.
Stir in the tomatoes, basil, thyme, hot sauce, hot pepper (cook until melded, approx 5-8 min)
Add the rice and black-eyed peas, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Stir and simmer half covered, over low heat for 15-20 minutes.

Notes: You could serve the rice and beans separately, spooning the beans over the rice. Or omit the rice and serve the beans over polenta (yum).