Simply Saturday

I have something utterly delicious *and* nutritious to share with you this morning. It's a dreary, drizzly day here in Rochester, N.Y. But, no matter where you are, this Fall feast will warm you up and feed your soul, I promise! Channel your inner Rachel Ray, chop the chockfull of sweet and savory ingredients, throw them together and let your slow cooker do the rest. 


                                     Autumn Turkey Chili


* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 carrot, chopped
* 1 stalk celery, chopped
* 2 cups apples, chopped
* 2 cups butternut squash, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, chopped
* 1 lb. ground turkey
* 2 tbs. chili powder
* 2 tsp. cumin
* 1 tsp. oregano
* salt/pepper to taste
* 1 can chicken broth (14. oz.)
* 1 can black beans, drained

Put all ingredients together in a slower cooker on high for 4-6 hours, or low for 8-10 hours.
Easy. Simple. Delish.

Friday, Facebook Style...

Chandelierious is loving the social network thing. If you're on facebook and like what you see, please become a fan...and vice versa. If you're a fan on facebook but haven't become a Chandelierious follower yet, I would love to have you! If you're visiting for the first time, please take a few moments to look through the blog and see what it's all about. It's all in good, clean, just plain trying to make life more beautiful, fun. Hope you like it and come back for more!

Thirsty Thursday

Today's little bevy is a warm cup of yum, with a little kick to it. No official name for it. Let's call it...Warm Cup of Yum.

Ingredients:
*2 sprinkles cinnamon
*1.5 oz rum
*1 tbsp maple syrup
*fill mug with boiling water and add ingredients stir cinnamon stick


Sweet and delicious. Truly. Mmmm.....

A Big Chandelierious Thank You

Chandelierious began for a variety of reasons...one in particular was simply being inspired by another friend's fantastically fabulous blog, Chic & Green. I have mentioned this blog before and I will mention it again. It's wonderful, fun, inspiring, beautiful to look at and always helpful and informative. And Karley, the lovely blogger, is just as wonderful, fun, inspiring, beautiful to look at, helpful and informative! She's been giving me shout outs all along and I am truly thankful.
If you like this little blog of mine, you will adore hers. Thanks, again and again Karley!

A little holiday service Chandelierious style? Perhaps!

Halloween has come and gone...the stores have been stocked with holiday merchandise for weeks and weeks. Already Thanksgiving is fast approaching with only 3 weeks to go! Time is flying. Are you having fun? Feeling the pressure of the impending gatherings, shopping, decorating etc.? Please don't. I might be able to assist you. Happily, joyously so.
 My friend Mary just put together a little holiday helper business for herself in the Atlanta area, called Merry Mary Holidays. She offers services that include holiday shopping, decorating, gift wrapping, card sending, etc. I am excited for her new adventure...and...I thought, wow. I can do that. I *should* do that. Let me do that! So, here I am to throw it out there. I can do that.
Chandelierious loves, like, uber loves holiday time. Holidays should be a time to relax and enjoy friends and family and the spirit of the season. Sometimes the reality of our busy lifestyles causes more pressure than pleasure during the holidays. If the thought of your "to do" list puts you into a panic, I would love to help. I have the time, the inclination and the passion to do it. It's literally a joy for me. Consider it.
It could be a Chandelierious season ahead for you...
Pass it on. ;)

Tips-y Tuesday

Tip time: wax on, wax off.
 I learned the hard way that if you have hard water, you really should consider what speciality finish you choose for your plumbing hardware. Ugg. We took on a bathroom renovation about two years ago and went from the usual chrome finish faucets and whatnot, to a gorgeous, rich, oil rubbed bronze. Yummy, right?

Completely beautiful. But, within a month or so I noticed hard water calcium and lime deposits on the faucet spout and base. Word to the wise, do not attempt to scrub it off, as you'll likely end up rubbing some of the finish right off along with the hard water deposits. So not awesome. Here's what you do instead: preemptive strike. When you get a new fixture, also purchase some furniture or plumbing fixture wax. I got a large container of Johnson's Paste Wax at Home Depot for less than $6.00. Follow the simple directions: rub onto fixture until an opaque film appears, then buff till it's shiny and new. This cheap and easy step act will save your beautiful pieces and prevent more costly repairs. Believe me. Been there, done that. Now, I re-wax mine every three months or so. What a difference. 

Granny Chic

"Granny Chic" is a term floating around the decorating universe right now,  describing a style that incorporates things you might have found in your Grandmother's home, once upon a time. Flowery wallpaper, old metal beds, maybe an heirloom Grandfather Clock.... Of course, I have my own version of it. Mine includes anything that reminds me of one of my grandmothers, the fabulous Winifred West. (and when I say fabulous you should absolutely envision a woman in fur, hat, heels, gloves and oodles of rhinestone studded costume jewelry. THAT'S her.)
Wee little me sat at her vanity table trying on jewels, wigs and an endless array of lipstick. We are so blessed to have her still with us, but over the years I've inherited many of her treasures. Our guest room, mentioned in "Got The Time", is sort of an homage to all my grandparents. But, with Grandma Winnie, whom I take after in so many ways, I've always been attracted to things that remind me of her.
Years ago, I went thru a phase collecting each and every pink poodle I could get my hands on. I no longer search them out, but still have these glamourous kitschy things in the house.  As a little girl, I spent hours playing with Grandma Winnie's poodle collection...like Eloise has done in recent years with mine.

Last year, I painted our kitchen turquoise, the same color as my grandparents retro-cool oven and refrigerator. It makes me think of them and therefore, my kitchen is a happier place to be. 

I also keep a sparkly assortment of rhinestone pins, earrings and bracelets out on my dresser. Much too beautiful for storage.

So...Voila! A taste of Chandelierious's version of "Granny Chic." What's yours? (There's no wrong answer!)