Here's the Dish: Grilled Avocados

Since it feels like summer here in Michigan, (nearly 90 degrees today!), I am guessing that it feels that way in most places.   So, I thought you all would appreciate this recipe ~ it is fast, simple and very delicious.  Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine and you'll feel like you have escaped to an exotic island . . . well, maybe not quite that, but it might be the next best thing!

Grilled Avocados

Ingredients:

1 T. olive oil

1 T. Lime Juice

2 ripe avocados, halved, pit removed, and peeled

1/4 t. Kosher salt (or 1/8 t. regular salt)

1/4 c. picante sauce (Salsa works just as well!)

1 oz.  shredded Monterey Jack or farmer cheese

Optional:  Fresh cilantro, salad greens, Sour cream

Directions:

Stir together oil and lime juice; brush avocados all over with mixture.  Sprinkle cut sides of avocados with salt.

Grill* halves cut side down over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until browned.  Turn over, fill centers with the picante sauce and cheese.  Cover and grill about 5 minutes more or until cheese begins to melt. 

Remove avocados from grill.  Sprinkle tops of avocado halves with cilantro.  If desired, serve on a bed of salad greens with additional sauce and sour cream.  Or, serve with a side of fresh pico de gallo, as I did.  

Makes 4 servings.

*Grilling tip:  Cover grill rack with heavy duty foil, or grill avocados in a special rack made for veggies and small items to avoid any from slipping through the cracks ;)



Spring has Sprung!!

I'm happy to report that Spring is (finally) in full swing around these parts!  Although, I do believe we broke the record for the wettest on record.  I'm thinking I may need to build an ark soon . . . here is a pic I managed to take on one of the (rare) sunny days we had recently.  It is supposed to be in the high 80's by Memorial Day.  I'm thinking we are just going to fast forward into summer.  Crazy weather!!

Rain, rain . . . Go Away!

Yesterday we ventured to Eastern Market, where we bought all of the plants you see pictured above.  Today was designated as the day to put them all in the ground, but it seems that Mother Nature had other plans.  So, here I sit, looking out the window and patiently waiting for the rain to stop.  Tick tock, tick tock . . .

One of My Favorite Things

This favorite thing actually happens to be a place.  It is the colorful city of San Francisco, CA.  We visited there last Fall.  I've been meaning to share some of my photos since then, but this is the first chance I've had to do so.   SF is one of my favorite US cities that I've been to yet.  I hope to get back there soon.  After seeing these pictures, I'm sure you'll know why!

 Beautiful and enchanting Muir Woods

A foggy view of the Golden Gate bridge

 Scenic Chinatown

 Alcatraz ~ the Night tour is a must ~ spooky!!

 The wharf is a must-see, although not my favorite place, but still very cool.  I dislike tourists, even when I am one!  lol



The Ferry Building

 Famous "Painted Ladies" of Alamo Square

 Enjoyed many desserts at the Italian bakery :)

 The City by the Bay

 Coit Tower

 Everywhere we went, the food was incredible!

Amoeba Music ~ if you can't find it here, it doesn't exist!

20% Off Sale ~ No Joke!!

This is no joke, I promise . . .

For a limited time, take 20% off your order from my shop ~ just enter the code "NOFOOLIN" during checkout.   Please note that this offer is not applicable to previous or custom orders. 

What's Cool Where I Live

Frankly, I am getting pretty tired of the stories of doom and gloom when it comes to the topic of where I live.  Last week, one of the big news stories was about how the population of Detroit is dwindling fast.  Yeah, we know we suck . . . don't rub it in!

 For those of us who have no plans to leave, it is sometimes difficult to explain to outsiders our reasons for staying.  So, I have decided to show you what is cool about where I live.  Really, there are cool things here . . .

Welcome to Ann Arbor, MI.   It is less than an hour's drive from where I live.  It home to the University of Michigan, one of the nation's most prestigious institutions of higher learning.  Everytime I visit here, I feel like I gain a few extra IQ points, just for breathing the same air as the smart people.

 Ann Arbor has the feel of charming small town with the cultural diversity of a big city.   The downtown is loaded with places to dine and shop.   The historical brick buildings have been maintained and restored beautifully.

There is always something going on in A2, whether it is a Football Game, an organized protest, a theatrical performance, an art fair, or a "different" kind of festival, such as the infamous Hash Bash that is held annually.

 Did I mention there is great shopping??

There's a great bead shop, too!!

Vintage Loveliness

Take a look at some of these decorating ideas featuring Vintage items ~ aren't they great?!   These pictures are from Better Homes and Gardens. 

It just goes to show that items that someone else thought to be old and outdated can be salvaged and given a new life.  The best part is, these trinkets are unique and have so much character!



I am hooked on hunting for vintage treasures!   If you like these ideas, but don't know where to start, just go to Etsy and search under "Vintage".   Shops like mine have many items to help you decorate on a budget!

Here's the Dish: Carrot Cake Muffins with a Cream Cheese Surprise

This is a recipe that I've been wanting to share for quite some time!   It is one of my go-to's because it never fails to make people happy.   Even those who aren't fans of carrot cake are always pleasantly surprised by how yummy these are.  Big up's to the Cake Mix Doctor for another effortless, but impressive recipe :)

Don't these look irresistable??



Unfortunately I'd probably be accused of copyright infringement if I posted the recipe here :(   So, you can either buy the book ~ it's worth it, trust me on that one!    Or contact me, and I just might share it with you ;)

You Say It's Your Birthday??

In honor of my birthday today, take 18% off your order in either one of my Etsy shops!!  That's half my age, by the way ;)

Use Coupon Code BDGRRL during checkout to receive the discount here or here. 

Camera Help!

I've been saving my pennies for over a year now, and I think I am finally ready to purchase the next thing on my never-ending Wish List.    I love my current camera, which is a Panasonic Lumix, but I would like to upgrade to a DSLR, or what I like to call a "big girl" camera.

My dilemma is, which one to get?   There are many popular models out there.  I've been happy with my Panasonic, so I was considering staying in that family.  Although, I am not one to be brand loyal.  I would like one that is not too complicated for a newbie to the SLR world, if that's possible.  Obviously, I want one that takes awesome pictures.  I also want to stay within a certain budget, or else I will have to keep saving.

I'm open to suggestions ~ what camera do you have, and what do you like about it?

One of My Favorite Things

I'm feeling especially festive, because my birthday is coming up!  So, I thought it the appropriate time to share one of my favorite cocktails :)   It is called Rum Chata, and you must try it.    What exactly is it(?), you may be wondering.  As the above picture states, it is "a delicious blend of sweet dairy cream, rum and cinnamon".   Truly, it is heaven!   It makes the most delicious cocktails, including a martini that tastes just like Tiramisu ~ YUM!    Still don't believe me?  Check out these other recipes, and I'm sure you'll find one you can't resist.   

As I like to say often ~  "It's Rum Chata time!!!"

Do You Love Buttons??

Who loves buttons??   I do, I do!  You can use them in so many ways, not just for sewing.  I love everything about them.

These are some new additions to my vintage shop on Etsy.  Go there and check them out, if you love buttons, too!

We Had Visitors!

Last week we were busy getting ready for a visit from my niece and nephew.  They don't live close, but we see them as much as possible.  This time was different, as they got to spend the weekend at our house, without their parents.  It's a pretty big deal, and we spoil them like crazy!

Here we are at the skating rink ~ it was a windy, but very sunny day, and a perfect one to spend outdoors.  Before this, the last time I went ice skating was in college.  We won't mention how long ago that was!  So, I was proud of myself for not falling or breaking any bones :)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Survivor Hand Stamped Awareness Necklace, $36

Take 10% off your purchase through 2/14/11 ~ use code "LUVYA" during checkout. 

One of My Favorite Things

These are mini cupcakes, from one of my favorite local bakeries.   I love them so much because they are small, which means I can eat one of each! 

from L-R:  Mexican Hot Chocolate, Maple Bacon, Samoa, Chocolate Malt