A New List for Me

On this Thanksgiving, I am striving to have "an attitude of gratitude". My daughter wrote about this in her blog a few days ago, and her comments struck home with me, and the term has remained in my mind.

Imagine how our lives would improve if we're just grateful for what we have - even the tiny things we take for granted all of the time. If we concentrate on what we have, maybe we won't be so envious of other people or what they have, and stemming from there maybe there would be less family discord, crime and hatred in the world. I know this is a simplistic and Pollyanna attitude, but I'm going to have "an attitude of gratitude" as my goal. My attitude is going to start with me. Instead of wishing I had more money, more time, more sunshine, etc., etc., I'm going to list three things every single day that I'm grateful for.

I talked with two people this week who have an attitude of gratitude. One of them is a new consignor who moved to Utah from England. Rather than whining about missing her family or her country, as I'm sure I would be, she and her husband are so grateful to be in Utah, with the greatest snow on earth. I'm afraid snow won't ever be on my list of things to be grateful for, but this conversation was a reminder to me to be grateful for the beautiful place in this world that I call home, rather than always wishing my toes were in the sand.

The other person who amazes me with her attitude of gratitude is a friend who lost her husband this past summer. For years, he has served Thanksgiving dinner to anyone he could find who had nowhere else to go. Last year he fed 100 people. My friend is continuing that tradition in his honor. She told me she has much to be grateful for, and where else would these people go for Thanksgiving? She's thinking of all that she has, rather than all that she lost.

So when you hear me complaining about all the work I have to do, and the stacks of incoming consignments waiting for me in the back room, remind me to be grateful that I am able to work, and that I have work to do. And when I'm making my "grateful lists", the names of my pretty daughters will always appear. How did I get so lucky?

Brownie Trifle

This blog isn't a recipe blog. I don't even cook, as a rule. Kenny cooks, and I eat. I do have two or three recipes that people really like, and I've pretty much shared them already.

I received two offers of marriage last year after I took my brownie trifle to a Christmas party. This holiday season, I've received no less than 14 separate emails and phone calls, asking for my "secret" brownie trifle recipe. It's a keeper, and I'm going to share it here.

You'll be really popular and will be invited to countless parties when you bring it.

Brownie Trifle:

1 brownie mix, prepared as directed.
2 boxes of chocolate mousse, prepared as directed.
1 pt. whipping cream, whipped (DON'T use cool whip, use the real stuff)
2 heath or score bars, crushed (you can use peppermint too, for more color)

Prepare brownies and mousse. Crumble brownies in the bottom of a really pretty trifle dish. Cover with a layer of chocolate mousse and crumbled score bars. Add a layer of whipping cream, and repeat layers. End with the whipping cream. On top, decorate with raspberries, strawberries, mint leaves, peppermint chips, or chocolate swirls, whatever you think is pretty.

Wait for the phone calls, emails, and marriage proposals.

Game Day

We are just hours away from the biggest game in Utah state history: the Brigham Young University v. University of Utah football game takes place at 4:00 p.m. mountain time. With a combined record of 21-1, Utah is ranked number 7 and BYU is ranked 14. This in-state rivalry has never been hotter. Game previews are even titled "Red [Utah] Edition" and "Blue [BYU] Edition".

Utah's quarterback, Brian Johnson sums it up:

"They don't like us very much and we don't like them very much and we'll just try to settle it on the field".

I read recently that the BYU-Utah game has ruined more Thanksgivings than any other football rivalry. Since the schools are only 45 minutes from each other, many families include both U of U fans and BYU fans, mine included. One side of the table is bound to be more vocal after this game.

I'll be serving "Chicken Tortilla Soup" today:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 jalapenos, finely diced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 limes, juiced, plus wedges for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 (8-inch) flour tortilla, grilled, cut into thin strips
1 avocado, pitted, sliced
1 cup shredded Monterrey cheese

In a large saucepan heat the vegetable oil. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Once the onions have softened add the garlic and jalepenos and cook for another minute. Pour the chicken broth, tomatoes and beans into the pot and bring to a boil. Once at a boil lower heat to simmer and add your chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. Once chicken is cooked remove from pot. When cool enough to handle shred it and set it aside. Add lime juice and fresh cilantro to the pot. In a serving bowl add a mound of shredded chicken. Ladle soup over chicken and top with a lime wedge, grilled tortilla strips, avocado slices and cheese.

We'll enjoy the soup. I don't know about the game, since Kenny has invited avid BYU fans to watch the game and eat soup. Since I'm a proud member of the 1973 U of U graduating class, I'll be wearing my red sweatshirt. (And maybe red duct tape across my mouth, according to Kenny).

Don't Tell Anyone

I'm one of the three people in America who hasn't read the Twilight series. (gasp) I know, hard to believe. I read everything that isn't nailed down, including cereal boxes.

I think we even own all three books. Or is it four?

Not having read any of the books, I'm guessing I won't be going to the opening night of the movie. Almost everyone I know is going. Aimee, who cuts my hair, even bought 'Twilight' t shirts for those in her group to wear.

Though I won't be at the opening, you probably will, and if you don't have the perfect thing to wear in your closet, I can help you. I'll have nothing else to do.

Wanda, pictured here wearing 'Seven for All Mankind' jeans and an 'Abercrombie' tank, both available at the ww, is ready to go if asked. All she needs is a 'Twilight' hoody to complete her opening night outfit.

I guess I'm going to have to add "read 'Twilight' books" to my "to do" list. That way, when everyone around me discusses which vampire they prefer, I'll know what they're talking about.

I promised to tell you about new arrivals

• Today was a great day at the Wandering Wardrobe. It was one of those days when the energy flowed, and everyone had a great time - especially me.

• Seems like everyone's very favorite consignors came in today. We have a wish list a mile long for their pretty clothes. Claudia will be busy calling tomorrow, but I'll sneak in this message, so if you come in early, you'll SCORE: Chico's, Ann Taylor, and Banana Republic blouses, tops and jackets.
  

• Kenny finished two pieces of furniture, which are in the store now, but won't last long. I always wish I would have taken before and after pics. It's just amazing how he turns in a lumpy old piece into the table or cupboard you've dreamed of. His latest creations:

• a 35 inch square coffee table, painted barn red. This piece would add SO much personality to your presently monochromatic room. Include a red star, a red and mustard quilt, and maybe a touch of black. Your friends will think you hired a decorator.

• A 2 drawer, 2 door cupboard. This cupboard is 30 inches tall, 16 inches deep, and 40 inches wide, painted cream with TURQUOISE inside, and pink glass knobs, and just chock full of personality!

• You could use this piece in your dining room - store your silver in the drawers and your pretty china behind the doors. You could use it in your master bath - pretty soap and bath fizzies in the drawers and your towels rolled in the bottom. You could even use it as a baby changer. The height is perfect. I could also imagine it in your kitchen - your collection of colored scrapers in the drawers, and cookbooks below.

• I'm not posting pictures of these items because I want you to come see them. But hurry - Kenny's pieces are never in the store long.

Ever Wonder Where Your Wardrobe Wandered?

I like to think about the people who used to own the possessions I love, and I wonder sometimes about the things I used to own. I know that one of my very favorite customers owns part of my old rooster collection. I know who owns two or three of the really amazing pieces of old furniture that Kenny refurbished and painted.

Mostly, though, I don’t know who is wearing the clothes I sold, or enjoying the home décor I once owned. Is that a strange thing to wonder, or do you wonder too?

One of our customers called recently and said that she had recently purchased a beautiful dress at the Wandering Wardrobe, and wore it to a wedding in California. When she told the other guests where she purchased her dress, several of them told her that they had ties to Utah, and had shopped at our store!

I began to wonder how far purchases made at our store have wandered, and Claudia came up with this idea: Email us a picture of you, either wearing, holding, or standing near, something you bought at the Wandering Wardrobe.

We’ll have fun seeing how far everyone’s wardrobes have wandered, and you’ll receive an email containing a gift certificate from the Wandering Wardrobe.

Your Thanksgiving Table

Its not too early to start thinking about your Thanksgiving table. Whether you're entertaining, or just staying at home with your family, an important part of any Thanksgiving tradition is a pretty table.

First, decide on the "feel" of your holiday table - will it be formal and stately, or more cozy, or even a little quirky?

One year, one of our daughters wasn't able to come home for Thanksgiving. I was afraid that using our traditional china and eating in the dining room would be too hard on all of us. I decided that our Thanksgiving table should be different, so that empty chair at the table wouldn't be staring back at us, and reminding us that things weren't the same. Besides, the daughter who has always demanded tradition - the very same menu eaten at the very same table, using the very same dishes - wasn't coming. We could go hog wild! We could roast hot dogs if we wanted!

Common sense prevailed, and we made minor changes. We moved our kitchen table (really an old army desk, given new life by Kenny) in front of the fire - so much friendlier than the dining room. Then, I went shopping - but not to the mall. The tablecloth, napkins, china, goblets and candlesticks all came from the Wandering Wardrobe. They cost a fraction of new, and the next year, when there were six of us for Thanksgiving dinner, I sold them - at the Wandering Wardrobe.

So if you're wanting a change this year, drop in. Our "inventory" changes hourly, and you just might find that perfect something to make your holiday table a little different. But unfortunately, we have no hotdog sticks.

I promised to post some recipes on my blog. The recipe below is perfect for these cold windy November days when you're busy running errands, or get home from work late. You can make this casserole hours ahead and just stick it in the oven 35-45 minutes before you're ready to eat.

I have to tell you that my family hates casseroles, and they REALLY hate leftovers. But they actually ask for this casserole, and will eat it every night until it's gone.

So here's the recipe. It's called "Mama's Black Eyed Peas Casserole". It's not my mama's recipe, nor is it Kenny's mama's recipe. I think it could be Emeril LaGasses' mother's recipe, and I hope you like it.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas
• 1 medium jalapeno, diced
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes (recommended: Ro-tel)
• 1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10-ounce) can mild enchilada sauce
• A few dashes of Louisiana hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons Essence, recipe follows
• 1 package corn tortillas
• Butter
• 2 cups grated cheddar
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Directions

Brown the ground beef in large skillet. Drain the excess grease and the add onion, garlic, jalapeno and Essence. Cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onion has softened. Add the peas, tomatoes, mushroom soup, chicken soup and enchilada sauce. Add a few dashes of hot sauce. Simmer until warm, about 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Tear the tortillas into large pieces. Grease the bottom of a large casserole dish with butter and then line the bottom with the torn tortilla pieces. Spoon on the ground beef mixture into a thin layer and then add a layer of cheese. Add another layer of tortillas and repeat with the beef mixture, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. Cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning and place in the oven. Cook for 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, cut slices approximately 2 by 2 inches and serve. Garnish with chopped green onion.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking," by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch

Let me know what you think.

November

I was thinking these Vance Kitira candles, available right now at the store, would make a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece, which reminded me that November is the time to reflect on those things for which we are thankful. For me,

* A husband who always makes me laugh;

* Healthy, happy children;

* My terrier "kids";

* Friends near and far;

* An unread book;

* A house that feels like a home;

* Work that I love;

* Freedom to vote.

For what are you giving thanks this year?

My First Blog!

"Create Blog" has been on my 'to do' list for months. I've crossed off everything else on the list, over and over. I've hidden the list, thrown it away, re-created it, and hoped my dog would eat it. If someone mentioned the word "blog", I'd stick my fingers in my ears. But today I did it!

My blog isn't perfect. Anyone who knows me knows how technologically challenged I am. If the remote isn't programmed to the tv station I want to watch, and no one else is home, I don't get to watch my program.

The purpose of this blog is to share a little about the Wandering Wardrobe. I plan to post pictures of new arrivals I think you'll want to see. I'll keep you posted about what's going on at the store. If I can figure it out, I'll link to articles I think might interest you. I might even share recipes. Of course, they'll be Kenny's recipes, but I can share them.

And I hope you'll make comments.

See you next time. I have something to cross off my 'to do' list.