Two friends reunited (via facebook) bridging the time gap of 30 years, the geographical gap - Australia and USA, and the generation gap; by blogging about food, fashion, fotography, fitness, family, and friends.
Renotta ........http://rrtdesigns.blogspot.com/ Web- www.shopatnextdoor.com/ http://projectknitway.blogspot.com/
Clara ........"Developing a fusion of contemporary food with health, fitness and creative ideas.
http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com - Web www.fitinyourjeanscuisine.com/
http://babyboomerconnections.blogspot.com/ Web www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/


Sunday, October 31, 2010

Wild weather for Autumn in Wisconsin


Hi there
The seasons are alive and well in Wisconsin - I'll let the video tell the story.

I love Roberto's statement at the end of this, "It's a challenge, you can get killed - it's fun, you take it in your stride cos it's going to happen anyway. It's invigorating - and snuggy inside the house - you against the elements. I love it!"



 Life is easier here without the severe 'weather' but...........
Clara
Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

Friday, October 29, 2010

Clara Takes Wisconsin by Storm



Whether standing by the river or shopping till she dropped, Clara added glamour and fun to our lives for two weeks. We all enjoyed the time together, getting caught up on the past and planning the future. Can't wait till next year. In the mean time, two grannies will continue to blog.





Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Sweet and sour pork gets a universal tick

Hi there from Milwaukee
My last dinner here, so what could be better than a Sweet and Sour pork with pineapple and basil, to satisfy Aussie and American taste buds; sweet and sour adored by Americans combined with Asian spices, embraced by Australian cuisine.  This all-in-one version of the dish gets the tick for Fit in your jeans cuisine, since it's not cooked in batter nor is it too sweet. 
Clara
ps -Today  I took my very own photo of 2 friendly deer in the back yard.  Lucky we hadn't chosen venison for our meal tonight!


Sweet and sour pork with basil
600g (1 1/2 lb lean pork fillets)
2 tbsp curry paste (In Australia we can readily buy this, but we made our own - recipe below)
2 tbsp oil
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1 red onion  (cut into wedges)
250g  (a good  1/2 lb) green beans - topped
250g cherry tomatoes
1 tbsp fish sauce
1tbsp brown sugar
lrg handful basil leaves


to serve
Steamed rice


Stir curry paste with pork.
Heat a wok or heavy pan over high heat.  Add half the oil and heat until hot.  Stir- fry pork in batches for 2-3 minutes until cooked through and golden. Remove from heat.  Caramalise pineapple by stir-frying for 1 min then remove.


Reheat wok to high and add remaining oil.  Add onion - stir-fry 2 mins until golden.  Add the beans and 2 tbsp water and stir-fry 1-2 mins.  Add tomatoes and stir-fry for 1 min.


Toss together pork and pineapple. add lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and basil leaves and stir.  Serve straight away with rice.

Thai curry paste was unavailable so we made our own then left out the fish sauce and sugar from the recipe above.

Thai curry paste
1-2 red chilies (or substitute 1/2 to 1 tsp dried chilli)
1/2 to 1 stalk lemongrass, minced (or substitute with 1 tsp lemon zest)
2 shallots, sliced (or 1/3 cup onion chopped)
1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, or ginger sliced
4 cloves garlic
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp fish sauce
Salt & pepper
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp tomato ketchup (or substitute tomato paste plus 1/2 tsp sugar)
Blend until smooth. Can be kept for 2 weeks in airtight bottle, or  can be frozen.


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Shop till you drop in Chicago

Hi there from Wisconsin
"I think therefore I choose" -

Today at the Stylemax Buyers Market, in Chicago, I  learnt that it is not all that easy being a buyer.  Believe it or not, it is hard work doing serious shopping at this level.  So many factors to consider for others, rather than just personal choice.  And there is so much choice!  My head was spinning as garment after garment was displayed then whipped away, making decision making tricky.


I am learning more and more about jeans - how they should fit, what shoes to wear with what etc and now feel more comfortable in making my choice - but when you have to decide what will suit others of varying shapes and sizes, ages and stages it becomes a different story.  Do you want SKINNY - BOOTCUT - FLARE - STRAIGHT - CROPS?  Which brand - Not Your Daughters, J Brand, Miss Me, Splendid, Bb Dakota etc etc


Then, if that wasn't enough,  there were the tops and accessories - bags and jewellry, to choose from the fabulous array of merchandise. 
'When the going gets tough - the tough go shopping' - and you have to have good shoes!.........Clara




http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/

 
Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Friday, October 22, 2010

Aussie Granny shops for skinny jeans

"I shop therefore I am" - a new twist on an old saying.  I have been doing my best to kick start the American economy given that our dollar is stacking up so well.  R's beautiful store 'Shop at Next Door', stocks an extensive range of jeans with fabulous tops and accessories. 


I have been learning all the ins and outs of how to wear skinny jeans - with boots of course but because we are coming into summer, also with killer heels, flats and flip flops.  R says that the worst mistake you can make when taking ups jeans is to make them too short - flared jeans need to be almost to the ground  but skinny jeans are a little tricky to get right.  Have them as long as you can make them without cupping the bottoms too much; a certain amount of cupping however is necessary for the look and with summer jeans you can fold up the bottoms for a casual look.


This is what she says on her site http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/  - click on Jean Scene at bottom of Home Page.


'No, you do not have to be skinny to wear skinny jeans. It's all about how you wear them that makes the difference. Going into a Wisconsin winter, we all know how great it is to throw on your favorite skinny jeans with a pair of boots and a big oversized sweater. It's the one time that living in the frozen tundra makes fashion fun as well as practical. But thankfully that is all behind us for another seven months or so. So now what? Well a picture is worth a thousand words. Wear skinny jeans with killer heels, your favorite flats, barefoot if the moment is right and of course your favorite flip flops. You can wear a skinny jean scrunched around your ankle or cuffed for a casual look. That solves some of the length issues, which is nice for us as well as you. Of course we'll always shorten them for you if need be.'


Off now to help take up some jeans - I am learning how to do a professional job but am under threat of dire conscequence if I devulge the secret.  Sorry!
Clara
ps - watch out for me G, at the airport - I'm the one in the skinny jeans.
Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Winter Preparations protect against frigid elements


From my window - early morning frost
  
Hi there from Wisconsin
At this time of the year, serious preparations need to take place here on the farm, to prepare for the challenge of the frigid season to follow.


While the other 3 seasons are spent modifying nature's vigorous growth, winter's challenge is to prepare and protect against the  elements of snow and freezing rain.




Snowbirds move to warmer climes but those who stay make a hardy commitment to face the rigorous conditions.

Equipment needs to be kept fueled and well serviced
 Here they experience 50 inches of snow at times, but further north in Wisconsin where he grew up, Roberto tells me of temperatures 53 to 63 degrees below zero with 250 - 300 inches of snow.   He came from a family tradition where planning is vital  along with good equipment, kept fueled and well serviced.  In those earlier days, it was necessary to be self sufficient re fuel, food, heat, light.
 


6-8 cords of wood needed for fireplace - as well as four furnaces
to keep snuggy
  


"It's a challenge, you can get killed - it's fun, you take it in your stride cos it's going to happen anyway.  It's invigorating  - and snuggy inside the house - you against the elements.  I love it!"








Brrrr!  Clara




American style ribs tickle Aussie taste buds

Hi there
I adore American Style Ribs - whether cooked on the BBQ or slow cooked in the oven, they have to be 'finger lickin goood'!  I didn't have them at the delightful steak house where Roberto took us, as he recommended the fillet steak (which was meltinthemouth).  R had a Manhattan so I followed suit, with Roberto choosing a Martini with extra stuffed olives, and promises of future ribs were made.  So here they are. Mmmmmm!

AMERICAN STYLE RIBS

1 ½ kg /about 3lb American-style pork spare ribs
MARINADE
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
½ cup honey
½ teaspoon five spice powder
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 small fresh red chilli, chopped
¼ cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon sweet sherry
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1-2 cloves garlic, crushed


METHOD
Cut rib racks into individual ribs or leave whole. Combine with marinade in bowl, refrigerate overnight if possible.


Preheat barbecue on medium. Drain pork ribs, reserving marinade. Cook pork ribs, turning and brushing occasionally with marinade, for 30 minutes, until cooked through. Serve with green salad.
Serves 8.
Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Pumpkin and Lentil Soup heralds Halloween.

Hi there
Autumn in Wisconsin, is definitely about pumpkins - they are everywhere - all shapes and sizes, some too pretty to cut into.  And of course it is nearly Halloween.  America does Halloween better than Australia, perhaps because it originated there - but what I liked about it was that there was a high level of supervision of the trickers and the treaters, a definite time set for this dental disaster, and the high degree of participation. 

Of course we have to have a pumpkin dish - this hearty soup from Bill Granger's latest book, "Bill's Basics" which is wonderfully textured, and spice laden.  And of course,  nutritious, and low in fat and sugar to help you to 'Fit in your Jeans

Clara
ps I think I'll wear the batlady outfit for Halloween.

Spiced Pumpkin and Lentil  Soup
1.5 kg/3lbs butternut pumpkin, peeled, cut into 3cm cubes
750 g / 1.5 lb tomatoes, quartered
6 garlic cloves, peeled
1 small carrot, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil (or less)
1/2 to 1 tsp dried chilli flakes
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander (or fresh coriander chopped
2 tsp paprika
5 cups vegetable or chicken stock
3/4 cup red lentils


to serve
yoghurt
crusty bread
sumac - (optional)


Preheat oven to 180 C.  put the pumpkin, tomatoes, garlic and carrot in a large flameproof casserole dish, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with spices and season with sea salt and ground black pepper.  Cover the dish and bake for 1 1/2 hours or until the vegetables are soft.


Roughly mash the vegetables with a fork or potato masher and stir in the stock.  Put the casserole dish on the the stovetop over medium heat and bring to the boil.


Add the lentils, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 mins until lentils are tender. Add a little extra stock or water if the soup becomes too thick.  Season and ladel into bowls.  Top with a dollop of yoghurt and a sprinkle of sumac and serve with crusty bread.
Serves 4-6

Pumpkin Nutrition
A dead giveaway is the bright orange colour that it is loaded with an important anti- oxidant, beta carotene.   Current research indicates that a diet rich in beta carotene offers protection from degenerative diseases and aspects of ageing.
Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Creative scarves bring cosy warmth to Wisconsin


Getting ready for the photoshoot
 Hi there
An amazing creative day in Wisconsin which took me back 30 years, as R and I worked side by side in her studio.  Well, she did amazing things whilst I absorbed the ambiance of a wonderfully creative environment. 

We have kept tabs on each other's work via email and blogging, so it was great to connect the dots and actually be there at the creative coal front.

As you know, Renotta has pledged to photograph something she creates every day for a year so here I am witnessing this actually happening.



What I have learnt is that there are not more hours in the Northern Hemisphere but that I could get up earlier. Damn!

Creatively
 Clara
Visit Blog - http://shopatnextdoor.blogspot.com/ for Renotta's One a day blog.






Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Monday, October 18, 2010

Green Bay Packers revisited - Well done Vernon!


Coach Lombardi, Commissioner of NFL,
Pete Rosell,  presents trophy for first
Superbowl win.
 Extract from Milwaukee Journal Oct 17 2010, photos from recently deceased photographer, Vernon Biever, who prowled the sidelines of Packer's games documenting that history since 1941.

He focused his camera on the Packer sweep, Vince Lombardi, Brett Favre, being one of the first team photographers in the NFL and was recognised around the league for his artistry.



 Paul Horning scoring a touchdown


Hi there
Blogging from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, therefore need to include some local excitement even if it is via a footy novice.  Whilst Australia winds down from football fever, Green Bay Packers rise to the season.

Roberto filled me in with some important details re the history of what has to be one of the world's most famous teams.  Many a boy in other lands, my son included, flies the Green Bay Packers Pennant on their wall,  so  some background could be of interest.

The original teams were the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears - recognised as the oldest rivalry in professional football.  Green Bay was sponsored by Meat Packers / NFL National Football League, owned by the people and reliant upon public shares, therefore the "Team of the People."

Historically, in the 1920's they played at Lambeau Stadium, with the team composed of weekend college players, whose hope was to be discovered.  Currently it is the beginning of the season  - 6th game - won 3, lost 3 with Roberto's final comment - Black & Blues Central Division - tough hard noses -  ???

Meanwhile on the same page the Marching Band Championships are announced  ie High School Bands.  One of the most enjoyable memories I have of football in USA, is a college game at Madison, when the High School bands' triumphant blast stirred the game forward.  My best moments - when the crowd joined crossed hands, swayed as one and sang "America the Beautiful" and everyone knew the words - followed by the bawdy songs at the bar. Well done Vernon.
Clara

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

Autumn leaves crunch in Wisconsin

Hi there
Have you ever heard the crunch of autumn leaves beneath your feet?  It's a wonderful sound which takes me back to my childhood but you need to tread carefully  as you plough unsuspectingly through unchartered topography since an even carpet of autumn leaves disguises the mounds and holes beneath.

Not easy to do so since one is surrounded by a  tranquil autumn landscape just waiting to be photographed, with cool fresh currents of air carrying the fragrance of damp earthiness.  Hope you enjoy the photos.

Clara














Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Wild from Wisconsin

Hi there
Have you been wondering why the blogs haven't happened in the last week?   
Well, it's because I am visiting R in Wisconsin and as we speak I am looking out over a very different landscape than usual.  The harbour views of Sydney have been replaced by  glorious Autumn Wisconsin, complete with red barn.  As you know, R & I reconnected via Facebook after 3 decades, and now thanks to Roberto's generosity and loyal following of our fantastic communication via grannycircle blog,  here I am. 

Today we explored the countryside, part of Wetlands - huge prairie combined with ridges, ravines, creeks, rivers and lakes.  R tells me that historically this area was carved out by glaciers and so is called the Ice Age Trail. Fantastic to roam this aspect of USA which is often not explored and it is very special to have the opportunity

Stay in touch
Clara

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Saturday, October 9, 2010

We Won - Tribute to Renotta

Hi GrannyCircle followers

One of the great attributes of women, is that they celebrate and support the success and achievements of other women so this is a   'Tribute to Renotta' who wrote:-
We won! We are thrilled to be named the #1 Best Women's Boutique in Milwaukee. Thanks to all who voted for us!



Background -
Out of 29 nominees.


BEST Women's Boutique 2010 A-List on WISN.com
The A-List on WISN.com,  features more than 2,700 of Milwaukee's best local businesses. Eligible businesses are nominated by our readers and Winners are determined by popular vote meaning that YOU choose the Best of 2010. For more information, visit our Contest FAQs.

I know that I have  drip fed  you with the creations of Renotta's One a Day Blog, so thought it was time to look at the whole picture ie 'Follow my blog as I create a piece everyday for a year. My projects combine all my favorite textile, jewelry and photo techniques.'


She is over the half way hump, so give yourself a treat and scroll back at what she has produced day by day to achieve her goal, when most of us struggle to find the time to sew on a button. 
 Go to http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/
then to fun blogs at the bottom of page  - to Renotto's One a Day Blog
Enjoy the journey
Love Clara
And I am lucky enough to be visiting, as of 11th Oct.  So keep in touch!

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Finger food fine for baby shower - melon wrapped in proscuitto

Hi R
I'm working on a fingerfood menu for the Baby Shower.

A hugely popular antipasto in Italy, this melon and prosciutto recipe is simple, sophisticated (and healthy). Any type of melon can be used, but the most popular is by far cantaloupe or rock melon. Here is Australia, as an endearment, we shorten everything we like, so they are named 'rockies'.  
Makes a great first course as well as antipasto or finger food.  (Don't forget the toothpicks).



Serves 8-12


Ingredients
•1 whole (ripe) melon such as cantaloupe
• 125 g / 1/4 lb very thinly sliced prosciutto crudo (cured ham)


Prepare the melon by slicing it in half and scooping out the seeds.
For an appetiser slice each half into approximately six slices and remove the peel from each slice.
Next, gently wrap a single slice of prosciutto around each piece of melon and arrange on your serving dish.
Can be sprinkled with basil leaves and served with crusty bread.


For a party appetiser, cube the melon and wrap each piece completely with prosciutto, then stab with a toothpick to keep the meat neatly wrapped.

This versatile dish can be served without seasoning which is my preference / sprinkled with a fine balsamic vinegar and/or served with a thin slice of parmesan.
For other fun finger food ideas for the baby shower - go to http://fitinyourjeans.blogspot.com/


Appetito grande!   Clara



The last Baby Shower  I attended  - 8 pregnant women!!!!!
 
Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Shop at Next Door - winner for the community

Hi R
So happy with the result of your community vote - of course I believe you had to win - so much creativity plus effort and getting it out there in the community.
xxx


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Monday, October 4, 2010

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood


It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and I wanted to share with you the color lest it is all gone by the time you arrive. The camera is unable to capture the true moment...the wind was blowing and the frost glistened everywhere. It sounded as though it was raining, but in fact it was the leaves falling from the trees after the frost.

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Hats off to fall fashion

Hi R
My hat's off to you.  I am inhatuated with them.  You will have to be wearing one of your wonderful creations when we meet after 30 years in Chicago next week. 
Thanks Roberto!!!!!
ps - love your photography - vibrant vibrant vibrant. 
An Apple a Day...October 2nd





















Inhatuation...October 1st





















I'm Making Great Headway...September 30th










My Hat's Off to You...September 29th














Knit Hat with Embellishments












Hat a Girl...September 28th

Hat with Tapestry Leaves


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au