Cool New Sneaks and a Very Special Salad

Hi all and happy Sunday.  First I wanted to say, thanks for all the heartwarming comments and stories you shared after reading my post about Jiggs.  We keep finding out more endearing qualities he has and he has definitely become a member of our family. 


I don't know if you know this, but I live in the Northeast and we got pummeled with snow Tuesday and Wednesday of last week.  Yeah for two snow days from school but it was a scary time for people who got stranded as the roads were impossible to navigate with zero visibility.    My husband put in extra hours at work and was anxious to get away yesterday.  It was raining(go figure) and the temperature was in the 40's so, we lost a lot of our snow.  I took advantage of this so I could wear these beauties:

I started out with $5 Walmart white sneakers and followed the instructions on yesterdayontuesday blog .  She did an extra step by painting the stripe along the rubber bottom.  Also, she painted hers pink like the Kate Spade sneakers that were her inspiration.  These were easy, just a little time consuming with the drying time and all.  I got compliments on these sneakers from complete strangers where we went yesterday!  Malia also has some cute polka dot sneakers on her blog and I am definitely making those!

I don't know if you do this, but when I go to a restaurant and have something unique and delicious, I am compelled to recreate it at home.  I went to a local privately-owned Italian restaurant and had a pear salad that was to die for.  It seemed fairly simple so I made it at home.

It was just as good!  I toasted some chopped walnuts in a small dry frying pan.  Your nose will know when they are done-be careful not to walk away-they will burn.  Transfer them to a small bowl and put some butter in the pan.  Over medium high heat, cook some pear slices(I used well-drained canned pears) until they are caramelized.  I bought a bag of baby Spring greens and put some in a bowl.  I sprinkled Gorgonzola crumbles and the walnuts on the greens.  I tossed these lightly in the bowl and put the warm pears on top.  I dressed the salad with a balsamic vinaigrette I had purchased.  It was wonderful.  My husband opted for a garden salad so I made one just for me!

I hope everyone has a great week ahead.  I feel like I am coming down with a cold so I am hoping if I baby myself, it won't go full-blown on me!  I used the two snow days to straighten up my craft room.  To reward myself, I bought the cutest dress form lamp at Cracker Barrel.  I am trying to decide where to put it.  I will include a picture next post when it finds its perfect spot.  Take care.  Nancy