Quote of the Day.....

Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. 

It isn't more complicated that that. 

It is opening to or recieving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, 

without either clinging to it or rejecting it. 

Sylvia Boorstein

Thrifty Thursdays - Black Bean Burgers

Trying to save a few pennies? Here is a great recipe for Black Bean Burgers from this months Gourmet Magazine. I tried the recipe and they were great. One tip, I think I made mine a bit big, so maybe slider size would be better. I served mine on salad with tomatoes, avocado, salsa, and a touch of sour cream. Here it is:

Serves 4

2 (14-oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained, divided

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 soft hamburger buns

Accompaniments: 
sour cream; salsa; lettuce

Pulse 1 can beans in a food processor with mayonnaise, bread crumbs, cumin, oregano, and cayenne until a coarse purée forms. Transfer to a bowl and stir in cilantro and remaining can beans. Form mixture into 4 patties.

Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Cook burgers until outsides are crisp and lightly browned, turning once, about 5 minutes total. Serve on buns.

The Blue Jars

At a recent visit to the Hawk & Ivy Bed and Breakfast in North Carolina I discovered the "blue jars". These antique mason jars lined the open shelving in the kitchen of the inn. Fully functional with nuts, seeds, coffee, and grains they were the highlight of the kitchen. While staying in the Asheville area I peaked around a few antique markets and scored, a slew of "blue jars". While they were not cheap they were definitely worth it. I use them daily for oats, tea, & coffee. Although I have not researched the value of the my jars it is my understanding that they vary in worth. According to a commenter on the Martha Stewart Wedding site, “Antique mason jars are eagerly sought after by collectors, and are bought and sold not only through antique stores, but also on auction sites such as eBay. While most jars sell for only a few dollars, some have sold for as high as $30,000. The value of a jar is related to its age, rarity, and condition.” 

Here are some pictures of the jars in my kitchen....

 And this is the inn where I first discovered these beautiful, yet functional antiques...

ALPHABET STAMPS

Along with my addiction to my label maker I have also developed an obsession with alphabet stamps. I found them at the local Michael's Arts and Crafts Store. Here are some of the labels I have made with the stamps. 

Do you think I should stop now?

Quote of the Day.....

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. 

-Confucius

Teaism at Dupont Circle

Now that I have defrosted from my trip to D.C I thought I would share one of my favorite discoveries. A friend recommended this great little tea shop in Dupont Circle called, Teaism. While walking around in the bitter cold I stumbled upon it and stopped in for a chai latte. The restaurant/shop smelled of basmati rice and spices. My brother and I sat out front amongst the birds, drank tea, and talked. I stayed in D.C for a few more days and each day made the mile walk across the bridge to have a chai. The last day after spending about an hour at Kramerbooks I stopped by to purchase some loose tea for the road. If you happen to be in the D.C area it is definitely worth a visit.