February 9, 2009

a good book and a hearty meal (and a prize, too!)

Recently, I’ve been trying to do a better job of balancing my work life and my home life — which is hard, since I work at home, and since the Internet never closes. I’ve been making new rules about my laptop (must stay in the office!) and my phone (no email on the weekends!). I’m also searching for ways to really throw myself into the home part of my life.

Our dining room is nearly finished; we’re just missing a few details and then we’re done. Every time I come down the stairs and turn the corner into the foyer, I’m struck by how much I love this room, and by how peaceful and welcoming it finally is. We’ve been looking for some way to fill up the table during the day, so that it’s not just a big empty space; I’ve been gathering things from around the house, to see what we have that might look right there.

This weekend, I started pulling out books. Remember books? From back before the Internet? Some of THESE books actually DO predate the internet. By quite a few years, in fact.

I love my books, but I feel like I read so little, because there’s never time. For the past few days, instead of watching television at night or surfing the internet, I’ve been climbing into bed with a book (right now, it’s Wuthering Heights and Coraline). I love the exercise of turning the pages and falling into the story, even if it’s a story I’ve read (and read and read and read) before.

I am also thinking about the whole idea of dinner — of that time when we all sit at the table and fall into conversation. Our life here is so busy, with work and school and basketball and all the other things that need to get done in a day. It’s so easy to give up on dinner, on that meal, on the food, and to opt for a pizza or take out. And I’m not a great cook — I don’t find cooking relaxing, especially after a long day.

I know I’m not the only one.

There’s real value in a proper meal, though — not just in terms of nutrition and conversation, but in the act of stepping away from work and making the effort to do something only for home.

Every day this week, I’m cooking something new from Kraft’s iFood Assistant — last night, it was the Beef Noodle Bowl, which simple and incredibly delicious (verdict: my husband and ONE of my children loved it — guess which child). Sirloin steak and vegetables cooked in a sesame sauce and tossed with linguini — it was the perfect Sunday night meal. We ate it sitting at the dining room table, which was lovely and special (although Charlie came to dinner in his Mr. Incredible costume, with a funky headband on, but at least he ate the noodles).

Since entertaining is about more than just cooking (thank goodness) and since I can’t invite you all to dinner (not enough chairs), I’ll be giving away iTunes and American Express gift cards every day this week, so that you can get your own iFood Assistant and some groceries and have a nice family dinner at your house.

You’re on your own for the dining room, though.

Today’s prize is a $25.00 iTunes gift card — tell me, in the comments section for this post, what three songs are on your Essential Dinner Party Playlist. You have until 6:00 am CST tomorrow to leave a comment.

Tomorrow: a $50 American Express gift card, thanks to the nice people at Kraft.

Thanks to the people at Kraft for providing the iTunes and AmEx gift cards for the winners, and for hooking me up with the Kraft iFood app.

Posted by Susan @ 10:05 am • pretty things

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73 Responses to “a good book and a hearty meal (and a prize, too!)”

February 9th, 2009 at 10:15 am, 3carnations Says:

Oh my gosh, clearly I have right to enter this contest. I have no essential dinner party playlist. Most of our dinner parties double as playdates, so you would be as likely to hear Alvin & The Chipmunks as anything else!
February 9th, 2009 at 10:23 am, MLB Says:

Hmmmm, three songs? “Graceland” by Paul Simon, “In my Life” by The Beatles, “Harder they come, the Harder they fall”. It would be an odd party. Please pick me!
February 9th, 2009 at 10:30 am, leatitia Says:

I usually just put the radio on, but uhmm.. let me think.

Ray Lamontage “Wild Horses”, Damien Rice “Cannonball”, Gavin DeGraw “We belong together”
February 9th, 2009 at 10:31 am, Lisa Says:

My three songs would be “Better Together” by Jack Johnson, the entire James Taylor’s greatest hits album and my husband would probalby put on something by Crosby, Stills and Nash.
February 9th, 2009 at 10:38 am, ali Says:

Tiger Mountain Peasant Song by Fleet Foxes

Oh what a world by Rufus Wainwright

The Shining by BAdly Drawn Boy

really tough question! these are the last three songs i listened to…and all three would totally work at a dinner party!
February 9th, 2009 at 10:42 am, Sue @ My Party of 6 Says:

I love, love, love old books. The more beat up the better.

There was an interesting article in the Atlantic Monthly about whether the internet has changed the way we read print… Is Google Making Us Stoopid? http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/google

And for my dinner party playlist:
Girl from Ipanema, Joao Giberto
Serenade in Blue, Stan Getz
Mack the Knife, Louis Armstrong
February 9th, 2009 at 10:46 am, Keri Says:

Dinner parties always last longer than three songs, am I right? Our dining room/living room/kitchen is one big open space (Can you imagine the nightmare?) and so we entertain in a cooking and eating and relaxing as all a part of the dinner party package.

I love to play the soundtrack from Big Night during the food prep portion of the party. Inspired (and inspiring!) music in that show!

During dinner I love The Weepies. Low key but great background. You can still hold a discussion but it brings a light and upbeat sound to the evening.

Afterwards when the dishes have been set in the dishwasher and we’re settled in front of the fire? Something old school is always fun as it gives friends topics for reminiscing and much laughter! So maybe a mix of CSNY, Bowie, Petty, Clapton, Cat Stevens, and some kTel Sounds of the 70’s to really mix in some groaners.

Yeah. Total cheat. But who can pick just three?
February 9th, 2009 at 10:47 am, Kathleen Says:

I’m in a folk/country/bluegrass kind of mood, so right now on my dinner party playlist would be Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show, Chicken Fried by the Zac Brown Band, and Let me Be Your Friend by The Stanley Brothers
February 9th, 2009 at 11:06 am, laura Says:

Let’s see … I love Pink Martini, and their music is lovely, varied and ambient. A random song from them? In the Garden of Sampson and Beesley.

I’ve lived in Appalachia almost my whole adult life, thus I’ll have to pick a little bluegrass. So, Allison Krauss and Union Station with I’ll Fly Away.

I’ve always loved They Might Be Giants, so I’d probably find a way to squeeze in one of their songs that is a bit more mellow. My last pick, then is TMBG’s Another First Kiss.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:09 am, amy Says:

ok. Brilliant Mind by Furniture, Niave Melody by Talking Heads, and Foundations by Kate Nash.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:10 am, Janssen Says:

Your Man by Michael Buble - kind of sexy, but soft, The Way She Loves Me by Richard Marx, and probably Josh Groban’s “Remember when it rained.”
February 9th, 2009 at 11:10 am, exile on mom street Says:

I always seem to play the entire “Kind of Blue” album by Miles Davis, Michael Buble “It’s Time” and Norah Jones “I don’t know Why”.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:13 am, EG Says:

Oh man, that’s a tough one because I have pregnesia (in which my pregant brain forgets and loses things) and am not allowed to take the iPod out of the house, so I don’t have it with me. Oh, and even when I’m not pregnant I can’t remember names of songs.

And dinner parties? Pul-leez. But I’ll come up with something.

So, I’d go with something mellow by Bob Dylan (Lay Lady Lay, maybe), some Norah Jones, and maybe some Dan Zanes ’cause lets just be honest: all my “dinner parties” include toddlers.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:17 am, Liz Says:

Three songs - hmmmm.

Any James Taylor is good. I have an awesome guitar quartet CD(LAGQ) that is great. I also love some Billy Joel. Wow. I’m a geek even here. Oh well.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:22 am, St Says:

Dinner party…the closest I’ve come is Chuck E Cheese.
So if I had an actual dining room I would have a party with old college friends. I would have to play The Jayhawks including “Bad Time”. Then some Wilco including “Misunderstood”. And just for fun some Violent Femmes, especially “American Music”.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:26 am, Laurie Says:

I love jazz/soft music at dinner so I would have have to play -

Let’s Face the Music and Dance - Diana Krall
Night and Day or Come Rain or Come Shine - Robin McKelle
The Way You Look Tonight - Sinatra (our song and I love to remind the hubby of that)
February 9th, 2009 at 11:28 am, Sharon Marks Says:

LOL…My playlist is a bit eclectic…but my dinner parties consist of my husband, my 7 year old son and myself and our songs consist of anything from MiniPop Kids 5…our favourites are Pocket Full of Sunshine, No Air and Never Too Late…I think I need iTunes…don’t you?
February 9th, 2009 at 11:35 am, Jamie AZ Says:

I leave the dinner party music up to my husband, generally, as he is the “man of 600+ CDs in his collection” but if in doubt the soundtrack to the movie The Big Chill is always a winner.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:38 am, Johna Says:

Three songs: Theme from a Summer Place, Les Miserables soundtrack, and Nora Jones’ Don’t know why.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:41 am, SassyPants Says:

This is actually the place I need a lot of help with. Guests come over and I never know what music to play. I usually resort to the one cool album I have, which is a compilation that I won from Amee at Greeblemonkey.

So, if I win, will you give me some suggestions on what to spend my money on? I need a music make-over.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:42 am, mamalang Says:

I’m the music person in our family, so our dinner music changes nightly. I use that time to expose the kids to some things they might not hear otherwise. SOmetimes it’s old school rock, sometimes jazz. The Jazz CD, or one of the adult pop music choice channels on cable are usually a winner, too.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:55 am, Kristin Says:

At Last - The Beyonce version (loved watching the Obamas dance to it)

Into The Mystic - Van Morrison

Wanted - Alan Jackson
February 9th, 2009 at 11:58 am, Mrs. Kennedy Says:

Stan Getz: One Note Samba
Arto LIndsay: No Meu Soutague
Astrud Gilberto: Agua de Beber

I’m sorry, I like to samba at dinnertime.
February 9th, 2009 at 12:13 pm, ML Says:

“Mama, He’s Crazy” by the Judds
“Closer to Fine” by the Indigo Girls
then, we digress into some piece of %^$# by the Cure - which my husband thinks everyone loves.

I’ll do better once I buy some new stuff. Thanks!!!
February 9th, 2009 at 12:18 pm, STL Mom Says:

Don’t give me the Itunes card, because I don’t have an Ipod or an Iphone, but I love to play Tito Puente at dinnertime.

Now I’ll log on to Rhapsody and listen to some of the other ideas left in the comments.
February 9th, 2009 at 12:20 pm, Betsy Says:

Obviously I need the gift card, because I have no idea what would be a good dinner party playlist. Of course I find music distracting when I’m trying to talk to people (the introvert in me) and also have 3 little boys, so the less distractions the better. Still…I love itunes.
February 9th, 2009 at 12:22 pm, Lottifish Says:

Hmmm…let’s see…essential dinner party songs, huh? Well, probably Crash by Dave Matthews, something by Delerium and something by Enya.
February 9th, 2009 at 12:25 pm, Jill Says:

first, love what you’ve done w/ the dining room table- ours is a dumping ground right now- ugh.

Top 3 songs for dinner:

Here Comes the Sun, The Beatles- upbeat but not too much, everyone knows it and come on, you cannot help but feel happy when you hear it

Sara, Fleetwood Mac. Just a hypnotic song

Everyday, Dave Matthews. A cool song about love. Leaves you happy and hopeful
February 9th, 2009 at 12:26 pm, Nicol Says:

Dinner is very important to me and I have been lacky since we moved into our new house. It doesn’t help that I have been busy painting the dining room and installing a new chandelier. I like you do not find cooking relaxing, but I am trying to get over that.

Dinner playlist lately has been a lot of classical music. It calms me and after a crazy day, I need dinner to be calm. some of my favorites are Rachmaninoff: Vocalise Op 34 No 14, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Love the entire thing!) especially “Summer”, and a new old cd by George Winston “Plains” which is all piano with an American flair.

I would love the itune card. I would like to expand my library into something a little more than just classical.
February 9th, 2009 at 12:26 pm, Laura Says:

How about 3 albums instead?

Etta James: The Essential Etta James
Astrud Gilberto: The Silver Collection
Neko Case: Fox Confessor Brings The Flood

Yes, I love the lady singers.
February 9th, 2009 at 12:35 pm, Kelli Says:

I’ve been following your blog for a while and love it! I love how real you are and how everything you say is relatable (is that a word?)!

My suggestions…anything by:

Colbie Caillat
Norah Jones
The Fray

You can play a CD by any of these artists it’s entirety!

Thanks!
February 9th, 2009 at 12:49 pm, Elizabeth Says:

Oh Dear! So many songs, so little time…Two Lists!! Double the Fun!!

List #1: For times of Love
1. Girl I Wannt Lay You Down- Animal Liberation Orchestra
2. Kathleen-Josh Ritter
3. Paranoia in B Flat Major- The Avett Brothers (really no list is complete without the Avetts)

List #2: For times of Chillin
1. Fake Empire-The National
2. You Are The Best Thing- Ray LaMontagne
3. If It’s The Beaches-The Avett Brothers (again, to complete the list!!)
February 9th, 2009 at 12:54 pm, Jamie Says:

- Oye como Va (Tito Puente/Carlos Santana)

- anything by Nina Simone

- Late in the Evening (Simon & Garfunkel - preferably the live recording from their 1984 Concert in Central Park)
February 9th, 2009 at 1:21 pm, Miguelina Says:

I love your posts about your dining room transformation. And I LOVE dinner parties, so I have to share my list:

1. Sympathique by Pink Martini (The entire album, also Hey Eugene and Hang on Little Tomato. I’m probably disqualified by now.)

2. Cabaret by Louis Armstrong

3. Dos Gardenias by Buena Vista Social Club

I’ll bring a Waldorf salad and some gin. See you at 8!
February 9th, 2009 at 1:25 pm, hollygee Says:

I am as prepared to think about music as you are about food.
Johnny Hartman/John Coltrane
Ellington’s Indigos
Erik Satie: Piano Works
February 9th, 2009 at 1:30 pm, kvv Says:

I like to have mellow stuff for dinner parties. We usually put on Norah Jones, Coldplay, and maybe the Last of the Mohicans soundtrack.
February 9th, 2009 at 1:37 pm, Laura Says:

-Israel Kamakawiwo Ole - Somewhere Over The Rainbow
-anything by Barenaked Ladies
-anything Billy Joel
February 9th, 2009 at 1:45 pm, Susan Says:

What a lovely post - I completely agree on the ideas you have for dinner as a way to celebrate your family and take the time to be together.

My husband and I love putting on records during dinner (real records!) and it would be nice to purchase the itunes so I can always have these great tunes…

How about three artists, instead of songs?

Frank Sinatra
Oscar Peterson (jazz)
Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass (awesome stuff)
February 9th, 2009 at 1:59 pm, Gina Says:

There are some great ideas here! Neat idea
I’d start with:
Norah Jones - Don’t know Why
Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
Beatles - In my Life
February 9th, 2009 at 2:02 pm, payal Says:

So many songs to choose from! Here’s my go-to list:
1. Vivaldi - The Four Seasons
2. rodrigo y gabriela
3. John Coltrane
February 9th, 2009 at 2:10 pm, Dorsey Says:

Hmmm…well, my essential dinner playlist is easier than I would have thought to come up with.

1. Life is a Highway - because no matter how busy our lives get we (me, hubby, and BOTH kids) always TRY to have dinner together to reconnect
2. Home (by Michael Buble) - hubby travels often these days and I know he wishes he could be there with us
3. Everybody Wants to Rule the World (by Tears for Fears) - mostly because more times than not they kids each have their own ideas for what we should have for supper, while hubby and I have something much healthier in mind..hehehe
February 9th, 2009 at 2:17 pm, Crisanne Says:

Hmmm, three songs is tough. But here’s some random favorites:
Falling Slowly-Once Soundtrack
Angeles-Elliott Smith
I Walk the Link-Walk the Line Soundtrack
February 9th, 2009 at 2:21 pm, Tami Says:

At least I am not alone! My music collection consists of Lauri Berkner, Portside Pirates, an old Bryan Adams cassette and some Christmas music. I do have an Ipod but am not sure how to use it. HELP!!!!
I do remember enjoying concerts and relaxing to music at one time.
February 9th, 2009 at 2:24 pm, Megan Says:

My three songs are “Sunlight in a Jar” by The Lucksmiths, “Everything’s Just Wonderful” by Lily Allen, and “Too Famous to Get Fully Dressed” by Butch Walker! Okay, these are actually just my favorite songs on my workout playlist, but close enough!
February 9th, 2009 at 2:44 pm, mamajama Says:

Hmm… Three songs. Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World by IZ to get the feel good mood going. Taxi by Harry Chapin to get people reminiscing. AND The Seeker by The Who to rock out after dinner. Cool contest!
February 9th, 2009 at 3:11 pm, Tina Says:

I never play music for dinner parties. Sometimes (usually christmas) my husband will put on the Oldie Christmas songs on tivo. But that’s it.
February 9th, 2009 at 3:12 pm, Brittany Says:

I’d probably just put Coldplay’s newest album on with the volume low. Great music, non-obtrusive lyrics.
February 9th, 2009 at 3:18 pm, The Coffee Lady Says:

Bobby Daryn - Mack the Knife

Lloyd Cole - Woman in a Bar

And High School Musical - Humuhumunukuapua’a - because the kids would insist on it
February 9th, 2009 at 3:51 pm, kat Says:

well gosh. that’s a toughie! depends on who you’re having for dinner. if it’s just the bf - i love norah jones or jack johnson. mellow - kind of romantic.

for non-romantic but good background, i love james taylor, pink martini.

sorry. those weren’t songs but picking only *three* songs is tough!
February 9th, 2009 at 4:07 pm, Cherylp Says:

well, I think of fun, casual dinner parties with good friends, so

Im going to go with

Big Yellow Taxi by Counting Crows
Glory days by bruce Springsteen
and Obla Dee Obla Da by the Beatles.

Fun!
February 9th, 2009 at 4:13 pm, Chris Says:

Anything but smooth jazz (which is banned in this house and would makes me nauseous even without food involved)

Shine over Babylon, Sheryl Crow
With or Without You, U2
Fire and Ice, James Taylor
February 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pm, Brian Says:

This should be fun…

The Scientist … Coldplay
Lay Down Sally … Eric Clapton
The Remedy … Jason Mraz
February 9th, 2009 at 4:20 pm, Corey Says:

I don’t like to play music while having dinner. I like to visit with my friends. That’s probably why it takes me forever to eat my dinner. I talk too much.

I would so love to win your gift card giveaway. I just got my iPhone, and if something ever happens to my husband, I just might marry my iPhone.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:22 pm, Kelly W. Says:

I see I am not the first who would listen to Pink Martini. I would listen to “Hey Eugene.” Next I would have some David Gray. One song? Okay. It’d be “The One I Love.” Just one more? Nanci Griffith’s “Trouble in the Fields.”
February 9th, 2009 at 4:40 pm, bgirl Says:

I usually go with something like,

“Trouble” by Ray LaMontagne
“Loves Me Like a Rock” by Paul Simon
“Tell Mama” by Janice Joplin
February 9th, 2009 at 4:43 pm, Jules Says:

Anything by Ella Fitzgerald, Aaron Copeland, and Dire Straits.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:47 pm, MamaChristy Says:

Oooh! I’d play “A Dark Congregation” by The Hush Sound, “Adore” by Prince, and “In the Kitchen” by Dan Zanes. I, too, am catering to an all-ages crowd…
February 9th, 2009 at 5:07 pm, Dan Says:

I like big band and swing for dinner parties, so

Take the A Train - Ellington
Satin Doll - Ellington
In the Mood - Miller
Moonlight Serenade - Miller
February 9th, 2009 at 5:49 pm, Natalie Says:

Eeek, I don’t think I have a dinner party playlist! We just put the CD player on shuffle and take what comes, which might be anything from Glen Miller to Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (I guess I could program it to leave out the Christmas CDs, but that sounds too hard). These days our “dinner parties” are usually pizza and beer with the neighbors, who are our age, and their kids, and you might hear: Love Song (Sara Bareilles), Freshies (Keller Williams), Let’s Party (you guessed it, the Jonas Brothers).
February 9th, 2009 at 6:25 pm, Lauren Says:

It’s an all-eighties party over here! Heal the Pain by George Michael, Everlasting Love by Howard Jones, and Don’t Dream it’s Over by Crowded House.
February 9th, 2009 at 6:38 pm, Amy Says:

Hm…this is tough! Like a few others, I am choosing artists/bands, I can’t do just three songs. I would have to say anything by Ben Folds, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and either Wilco or Paul Simon. Great contest, thanks Susan!
February 9th, 2009 at 7:01 pm, Wendy in Winder, GA Says:

I don’t host too often, but if we do we usually just put on the Sirius radio on TV cable. Thanks for the contest though!
February 9th, 2009 at 7:44 pm, JP Says:

my husband is writing a book about Trova, so lots of regional trova.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:05 pm, Leigh Says:

That beef noodle bowl is on my meal plan for this week! Glad to hear it’s good.

ok top 3 songs:

1. “Supply and Demand” Amos Lee
2. “Put Your Records On” Corinne Bailey Ray
3. Right Now” Emmy Lou Harris & Mark Knopfler
February 9th, 2009 at 8:36 pm, Sara Says:

Hmmm, that’s a tough one since I usually put on a whole CD and let it play through, but I guess if push came to shove:

1. “Julia” Beatles
2. “Blackbird” Sarah McLaughlin
3. “I don’t know Why” Norah Jones
February 9th, 2009 at 8:40 pm, bekah Says:

Coldplay and Over the Rhine
February 9th, 2009 at 9:46 pm, Blythe Says:

I go with a whole album too. My three latest faves:
Coldplay X&Y
Feist: The Reminder
David Gray: White Ladder
February 9th, 2009 at 10:27 pm, Mark Says:

Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
Dave Brubeck: Take Five
Chet Baker: My Funny valentine (gotta have an Okie!)
February 9th, 2009 at 10:42 pm, Rhi Says:

I love Pink Martini and Pepe and the Bottle Blondes (both Portland bands)- so I’d be sure to include both of those bands.

Probably, Sympathique and I’ll Never Stop Falling in Love by Pink Martini and Quezas, Quezas, Quezas.

Of course, I know the words to all 3 songs by heart, so I’d probably just forgo the iPod and sing the songs myself.
February 9th, 2009 at 10:56 pm, Michelle Says:

James Taylor - You’ve got a Friend
Ray LaMontagne - Trouble
Damien Rice - Blower’s Daughter
February 9th, 2009 at 11:00 pm, Annika Says:

“So Dance Samba” by Wanda de Sah

I’ll be honest, I would most likely just let the rest of the Ultra Lounge “Bossa Novaville” album play. But other good dinner music includes:

“Charlotte Mittnacht (The Fabulous Destiny Of…)” by DeVotchKa

and

“Sovay” by Andrew Bird
February 10th, 2009 at 12:16 am, Courtney Says:

I’d probably just put on Feist or Coldplay on low and see how it goes
February 10th, 2009 at 6:16 am, Friday Playdate » I always call him Michael Bubbly Says:

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