To-do Tuesdays

I had this post all written and it disappeared.  That's annoying.  Now, I don't feel like doing it again.  But I will because my two adoring readers will be sad if it's not here.
So I forgot to update you on my foot situation.  I am officially out of the boot and walking on my own two feet.  The fracture has healed enough that I can get around without extra aid...however, it still hurts.  Anyone have any experience with this?  Is it normal for it to be sore in the evenings?  I hope that it will feel 100% soon.  I have places to go and people to see!
Last week, I accomplished all of my goals.  My baby gift is done with plenty of time to spare.  No pictures yet because the person on the receiving end might peek at my blog from time to time.  I'll post pictures after the shower; you're gonna love this stuff!  I got the quote on the blinds.  Yeah.  Not gonna happen.  I would have thought that blinds made out of the same stuff as dryer sheets would be less expensive than curtains but they are PRICEY!  So, back to the drawing board!  Charlotte's dress for Robert's wedding is cut out but I got side-tracked because I want to make her a little sundress out of this cute fabric that I purchased at Textile Fabric's sale (it's going on now...50% off!).  So, my goals for this week are:

Straighten up the house and purge some baby toys that need to go.  

Finish the sundress for Charlotte

Begin construction of the silk dress for Charlotte to wear during the wedding

Decide what Alexander will wear and get it ordered/purchased (any ideas? It's hot in Italy!)

What in the world is that??

That is the question that many people ask when this vegetable arrives with the latest bunch of CSA goodies.  So, in case you're wondering what it is or what you can do with it, I have some ideas!  First, it's called kohlrabi.  Kohlrabi means cabbage turnip in German. It tastes like turnip or the stems of broccoli.  The greens of the plant can be eaten; cut them off right away and store no longer than a few days.  If they're not crisp, they're probably not as good any more.  Store the bulbs in the fridge, unwashed and in a plastic bag.  Tender, young kohlrabi is delicious eaten raw. Peel the outer skin with a paring knife (the skin is really fibrous and tastes yucky, in my opinion). Slice, dice, or grate, and add to salads. Use on raw vegetable platters or serve with a creamy dip. Substitute in recipes calling for radishes. Grated kohlrabi can be added to slaw, but lightly salt it first and let stand for several minutes. Squeeze to remove any excess water before adding dressing. Kohlrabi can also be steamed or boiled. For this preparation don’t peel until after they are cooked. Steam or boil until bulbs are tender, peel skin, and season with butter, salt, and pepper, a cheese sauce, or just enjoy plain.

Ok, so that's the boring info.  Now for the good recipes.  Here's an easy slaw-type recipe for you to test out. This one incorporates beets, carrots, and kohlrabi so you can use up lots of your CSA veggies in one go!  It's incredibly easy and quick to throw together!

 http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/2008/06/raw-beet-carrot-kohlrabi-salad.html

I have not yet tried this recipe but I am so excited about it!  I know that Peter will love it because of the ginger that the recipe calls for.  Here's the link to the recipe:  http://straightfromthefarm.net/2007/06/17/something-original/  How could you resist any sort of empanada??

To-do Tuesdays (er...On Wednesday)

Summer has really taken off with a bang and I'm enjoying spending time with the kids!  This week, both kids are in swimming lessons and they're doing a great job.  I'm especially proud of Alexander who, at the beginning of the week wasn't confident enough to swim and after three days of lessons swam across the pool on his own using pizza arms, kicking legs, and face in the water!  Charlotte is catching on to the whole face in the water thing and is not a huge fan but she does like to play in the pool.  She'll be a fish in no time!

Alexander can float on his back for at least 20 seconds!

That's Alexander's head; he's swimming!  I sounded like such a dork when he was swimming across the pool!

Glad she looks happy here!

Things to do this week:

Cut out Charlotte's dress for Robert and Irene's wedding

Work on baby gift

Get quotes on honeycomb blinds for the office (has anyone used these before?)