Spiral Style

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Coping with Cold

Just how cold is it? These colorful enamel outdoor thermometers will let you know.

Enamel Thermometers. $26

Solar Sipper for birds $19.95

Ice Dozer Mini Ice Scraper $11.95 for your car

Heated Car Seat Cushion $19.95

Heated Stair Mats $139.99

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Probably one of the top New Year resolutions made each year is to become more organized. I decided that the beginning of 2011 would be a good time to re-evaluate my record keeping. I purchased some colorful office supplies to make the task more pleasurable. Office Depot markets a line of otherwise mundane office products in vibrant hues and patterns. Fuchsia rubber bands, teal paper clips, orange binder clips, and animal print magnets are just a few of the tempting options.

What are your tricks for being organized?

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Beef Barley Soup

What's better on a cold day than a hearty soup?

beef-barley soup

This soup couldn't be more simple to make. Prep time is quick and then you just let it simmer for 2 hours. You'll need to plan ahead to start preparation so it is ready when you want to eat it. The whole grain goodness of barley is a plus in this soup. It adds protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Make a pot soon.

Recipe 8 servings 274 cal/serving

2 lbs lean boneless beef chuck, cut into 3/4 inch peices

6 cups water

1 28oz can tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved

2 ribs celery, sliced

4 medium carrots, medium dice

1 large onion, medium dice

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon dried thyme, or to taste

2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup medium-grain barley

2 cups frozen cut green beans (9oz) or mixed vegetables

Place beef, water and tomato liquid in Dutch oven or large pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Skim foam from top. Add celery, onion, carrots, salt, thyme, pepper and barley; return to boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 2 hours or until meat is tender. Add green bean (mixed vegetables) and tomatoes; simmer uncovered 30 minutes longer. Serve.

Feel free to use vegetable that you like, perhaps some mushrooms. Add some fresh herbs of your choice.

Monday, January 3, 2011

A New Year and a New Begining

Holiday decorations are tucked away in boxes, the kitchen is purged of rich indulgences and memories are alive with photos of family and friends. Time to carry through on those resolutions.

I had to share this fun gift I received. It's a revolving fountain and "light show" for our Bahamas pool. I dropped lots of not-so-subtle hints that I really wanted it. It doesn't look like much during the daylight but is lots of fun at night.

So now instead of this...

...I'm seeing this.

Actually the photo is deceiving because it is quite gray here. Well, no worries, fewer distractions so that I'll get busy in the jewelry studio and come up with some new designs for Valentine's Day. I'll have more time for the gym too. Look for some new recipes in the next few days and the return of Flavor of the Week.

Thanks for following Spiral Style. I'm looking forward to 2011. I love to read any and all comments. It really helps me know what is working. Have you made any resolutions? What are you looking forward to in 2011?

Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year: 2011

I'm back from the Bahamas.

Our family had a wonderful Christmas Holiday together. Hope you did too.

Wishes from the beach crafted from driftwood, sea sponges and other flotsam

I wish all my readers a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.

Spiral Style will return to normal on Monday.

Best Wishes and be safe.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Joyeux Noel, Felice Navidad

For all Spiral Style readers who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very meaningful holiday filled with love and family. I'll be celebrating in the Bahamas with my family and I'm looking forward to the Christmas Eve service on the island. I'll take some time off from Spiral Style but I'll post again before New Year's Eve. Happy Holidays to all.