The Art of a Chandelier

Need a room update? Instead of thinking Picasso, lets think- a Chandelier!  It's amazing how a chandelier can transform a room and change the look and feel.

Danielle's French Onion Soup

This really IS a soup that eats like a meal, and no it isnt made by Campbells!  You can easily make this out of the comfort of your own kitchen!  After careful experimentation, I have finally settled on my final version of this recipe - enjoy!

Danielle's French Onion Soup

10 onions, sliced

1/2c butter

few splashes of whiskey

thyme

2 tsp sugar

Beef stock

salt and pepper

1 tbsp of dijon mustard

Thickly sliced french bread

Gruyere or swiss cheese

In a large, heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add the onions, thyme, salt, pepper and sugar. Stire until onions are coated in butter. Cover and reduce heat to medium low and cook until onions are soft and golden (approx 15 minutes).  Pour in whiskey and stir.  Add the beef stock and turn heat up to high until soup begins to boil. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, turn your oven on broil and toast bread for a few minutes.  Get your oven proof soup bowls ready on a baking pan and pour soup.  Place toast on top and sprinkle with cheese.  Place the baking pan into the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is golden. 

Garnish with chives or parsley and serve!

French onion soup is not only delicious, especially in the winter months but also has great health benefits!  Onions have been known to provide relief from the common cold, asthma, bacterial infections, respiratory problems, help provide good oral health, boost sex drive, help the skin glow, relieve earaches and cough and help prevent cancer and arthesclerosis. They are also known to help repel mosquitos!

Bedroom Romantico

Bedroom Romantico by daniellej333 on Polyvore.com
New house. New bedroom. New ideas. Be Yourself.

Goodbye 2010...Hello 2011!

So, a new year is almost upon us so I thought I would take some time to reflect back on some meaningful things I have learned or rediscovered in 2010 and will absolutely carry them with me into 2011 (in no particular order):

1.   Take more time to indulge in the important things in life.  Live in the moment.
2.   Maintain a positive focus as it is amazing how a simple shift in perspective can change a situation.
3.   If you are feeling pressured into something, stop and get out and allow yourself time to think.
4.   Hold on to the friends you truly enjoy spending time with and help bring happiness into your life.  Dump the ones who don't.
5.   Discipline children with love.  It is far more effective and healthy.
6.   Always have a goal.  It keeps you striving further ahead in life.
7.   Be above those who try to bring you down due to their own jealousy or insecurities.  Choose to understand it is their problem, not yours.
8.   Try something new every day - or week.
9.   Take the time to keep an orderly, clean house.  It will make you feel good to be home.
10.  Don't be afraid to dress up once in a while. It will make you feel great about yourself and boost your confidence!

Tomato-Basil-Parmesan Soup

Simply delicious!  This is one of my favorite easy soup recipes that is great to warm up with over the holidays!

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

 Hot House Tomatoes, diced

1 can whole or diced tomatoes

Sprigs of fresh or dried basil

Dash of salt and pepper

Vegetable or chicken stock

Parmesan Cheese

Bay Leaf
Milk

(use your own proportions to taste)

Simply put all of the ingredients together in a large pot except half of the stock, milk and parmesan cheese.  Let it simmer on medium heat until the flavours infuse together (approx. 10-15 minutes).  Take the pot away from heat and blend with either a hand blender or food processor.  Put pot back on stove and add balance of stock, milk and parmesan cheese and bring to a boil. Take out the bay leaf and your soup is ready to serve!  As a garnish, you can add fresh basil and/or sour cream to the top!  To make this soup a main course, I also like to add pasta.  This is also a favorite with toddlers :)

Enjoy!

Holiday Fete

Holiday Fete by daniellej333 featuring strapless evening dresses
All the wonderful things to wear over the holidays...if I had them :)

Feel Empowered.

Instructions:

1. Listen to the music below.
2. Clear your mind.
3. Allow yourself to be Inspired.

Caution: Be prepared that this will immediately change your mood and energy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdTBml4oOZ8&feature=related