Me on Monday

Well, it was an unusual Thanksgiving for us. It was only Steph and Nicky (and his mom, Jenni) with us this year. We decided to just go to the club--which was definitely the right call. The food was so delicious---and no clean up! Gotta' love that. But, Butch and I agreed that it seemed kind of weird--not bad, just weird. Coming home alone made it more like a regular day than a holiday.

It was about 1 p.m. I started decorating while Butch watched football. It turned out to be a very productive weekend for me. I got all the decorating done and wrapped dozens of gifts while watching several movies. "Spirited" has become my favorite version of "A Christmas Carol"--replacing my 30+ year favorite--"A Muppet Christmas Carol." I love Ryan Reynold's, so there's that. I'm not particularly fond of Will Farrell, but I loved him in this. "Spirited" is on Apple+--so if you get a chance, add it to your list of holiday "must-see" movies. Steph and Nicky recommended it to me--they know I love musical productions. Oh, and if "Love Actually" is one of your favs, there's going to be a Diane Sawyer special on Tuesday night about it. 

I managed to work in a little scrapbooking--that's always fun. But, I feel guilty if there's work to be done. And at this time of year, there's so much work to do!! 

On Friday, we went to the movies and saw "Devotion"---so good. True story--we love those. Afterwards, we went to Wild Ginger for dinner. The lobster bisque is so thick and good that we use the bread bowl and just dip it. We shared the dynamite shrimp and a sushi roll. 

On Saturday morning, we went to the flea market. We hadn't done that in years! We are always amazed at what people sell and how we are confounded that all the hauling and work is really worthwhile. Years ago, it was hot tubs. I'd say, "How many hot tubs do they sell at the flea market?" Well, now it's shower inserts. There were two guys sitting there with no customers. Really, do people buy their showers at the flea market?

There was quite a bit of vintage Tupperware.

I found this disturbing. That's just wrong.

There was a booth with all kinds of "granny" type crocheted items--you know--those toilet paper holders. The yarn choices were gaudy. Seriously, do people really buy this stuff? I didn't want to insult the "seller," so didn't snap any pictures. I know how much time it takes to make all this stuff. Don't get me wrong. I've seen some beautiful crochet work. This just wasn't. 

And pork rinds. I didn't realize there was such a big demand for fried pork rinds. 

Then I saw these:

I don't know, there's just something about them. We're getting ready to get new bedroom furniture. I considered these quirky lamps for about a half second. Wouldn't they be cute on the nightstands on either side of the bed? But, I already had a red bedroom and moved on from that 15 years ago. They were $150 for the pair. Not a bad price, but I'll be keeping the lamps I have. Especially since I still love them. 

Butch did find his "secret Santa" gift. Stephanie sets the theme every year. This year, it's some holiday-related item--20 bucks--any holiday. He's happy to have it out of the way. I've got a good idea for my person. 

I found an UGG, very soft hat. I'll be needing it next week! We're going to a German Christmas market in Quebec, Canada. I'm hoping to find a few fun things. They will have to be pretty special to get me to buy since I don't need a thing. In fact, each year, I am paring down our Christmas decorations more and more.

Saturday night, I went--along with Nicky, Stephanie, Morgan and Olly (Butch opted out)--to the "House of Cards"--a 1930's style speak-easy looking place downtown. It's a fine dining restaurant and magic show. You eat--very delicious food--and then see the magic shows. We were all blown away. We just can't figure out the stuff they can do--right in front of our eyes!! We had such a good time. Considering it was raining, downtown was still hopping with tourists. 

So, remember this a week or so ago?

Well, I'm here to tell you that I actually DO use them! We eat a lot of bananas around here. We often have some that become overripe. I just put them in the freezer until I'm ready to bake. I finished off the weekend by making banana nut muffins. 

I didn't realize I had so many. So, I made a triple batch.

You can tell which were on the top rack! Now I have a nice supply (36) for the holidays to use as hostess gifts or to share around. They won't go to waste--that's for sure.

I have a busy week ahead, starting with my book club tonight. I'm cooking Italian--or I should say, I'm serving Italian, St. Louis-style fare! I'm making a Rich & Charlie's salad, toasted ravioli, and cheesy garlic bread. 

I was telling my high school friend who lives here that I wish I had some provel cheese. She said she had a 4 lb. block and was happy to give me some!! Now that's what I call a good friend. When you do not have easy access to St. Louis-style Italian, you hoard what you have! You can bet I'll be taking her some muffins when we meet for lunch on Wednesday! Kind of nice to have those in the back pocket.

I hope your holidays are off to a good start. Mine are!

*Update--Mindy sent me this via email:

Just saw your blog post and can happily report that we also use our frozen brown bananas! Justin puts them in protein smoothies/shakes. And I’ve recently found a weight-watchers-friendly recipe for them:

(For one serving):

One medium brown banana mashed

2 Tbsp self-rising flour

1 egg

Mix all, form 4 small “pancakes” (batter will be runny— more like the texture/density of crepes). Cook about 2-3 minutes on each side. Then BOOM! You have banana pancakes! I like them so much I’ve had them 3 times this past week (that’s 3 un-wasted brown bananas)!

Thanks Mindy!!