3.30.2010

Flowers



One of my good friends spent the last 2(?) years living in Seattle with her husband. Although, they recently decided to move back to Michigan, I was inspired to post this picture when she mentioned she was soaking up her last bits of Seattle while sipping an americano while watching the pike's place flower vendors. So quintessentially Seattle. Also this picture makes me yearn for the warmth of spring, which has been sadly lacking around here. I just might have to head over to the local french market and fill my house with fresh flowers.

3.29.2010

Weekly Meal Plan


Cheese Pizza on Whole Wheat Crust

Homemade sushi


Salmon with Asparagus and Quinoa

Fettuccine Alfredo

Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce


3.26.2010

Crochet

Yay! I crossed something else off my list. One of my friends (patiently) taught me how to crochet. I've only learned how to do a chain and a single stitch, but I'm already excited for all the different things I can learn to make. So I perused etsy for ideas from all the wonderful handmade items.



I would like to make these crochet washcloth cupcakes as a gift (I especially like the yellow one with the bee)



and this slouchy hat (I'll also take her curled/tousled hair)



Definitely this cowl



and of course this collar sleeve (Olive would look lovely with this, don't you think?)

3.25.2010

Life List

I was looking through my posts and found this gem in drafts. I realized I hadn't posted it yet, probably because it's not finished, but I figured what the hell, why not post what I have so far. I'll try to update it next time I come up with something good.


Go to the top of the Eiffel Tour
Punch someone in the face
Save someone's life
Go on an African safari
Cook an entire Thanksgiving meal
Have babies
Have a custom kitchen
Become a midwife
Write a book
Grow my own vegetables
Run a 5K
Work from home
Go to Cinque Terra, Italy
Meet a celebrity
Renew my vows
Become fluent in Spanish
Ride in a hot air balloon
Drink tea in London, England
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Go white water rafting
Go backpacking through Europe
Own a vacation home
Have a psychic reading
Camp in the Appalachians
Get drunk in Ireland
Kiss the Blarney Stone
Learn to Salsa dance
Go to the Opera
See the Northern Lights
Swim in the Atlantic
Stay at a bed and breakfast
Volunteer at a soup kitchen/food pantry
Indoor rock climbing
Snow Ski/Snowboard

Feel free to leave a comment, tweet or email with some other ideas...

3.24.2010

Wordless Wednesday

Chloe doesn't get enough love. Mostly because she's kind of a bitch (don't be offended, if you knew her, you would agree - she bites), but also because Olive gets a lot of our attention. Either way, she's a part of the family, and enjoys the occasional snuggle with me. Not to mention she's fabulously photogenic...







3.22.2010

Quote Me Mondays

"I'm an early bird and a night owl. So I'm wise and I have worms"

- Michael Scott The Office

3.21.2010

Sushi at Home

Mike and I found this wonderful Sushi restaurant near our house that we frequent once or twice a month. Recently though, my cousin and his wife showed us how easy and amazing it is to make sushi at home. And since it was part of my things to do in 2010, I thought I'd give it a go.



a rolling mat, sushi rice, soy sauce, sushi vinegar, nori, wasabi and pickled ginger. Don't forget the sesame seeds and spicy mayonnaise (more on that later)



Using Jasmine rice, cook according to package directions, or use a rice steamer like I do (20 bucks at the grocery store)




Season the rice with sushi vinegar a.k.a. rice vinegar



It takes a couple of steps to get to this point.

  • First, lay out your sushi mat inside a large zip top bag (this prevents the rice from getting caught in the sushi mat), then lay out the nori.
  • Place a clump of seasoned rice onto the nori leaving the horizontal edges free.
  • Moisten the free edges with a little bit of water on your fingertips.
  • Place toppings in the center of the rice. Toppings include raw tuna, raw or smoked salmon, cucumber, avocado, green onion, cream cheese, spicy mayo, wasabi etc
Note: To make inside out rolls, with the rice on the outside, such as a California roll, flip over the nori and add the filling to the nori (don't worry the rice will stick to the paper, hence, sticky rice). Sesame seeds should be added to the rice before flipping over the nori.



Start rolling up the sushi tightly, grab the edge of the mat and roll the rest of the way




Move the roll from the mat to the cutting board and slice in half once, then slice the halves side by side into individual pieces.

Spicy Mayo: While there are a few different variations in making spicy mayo. The easiest was is to start with a cup of mayonnaise and add red chili paste to taste. I also recommended putting it in a little squeeze bottle for easy dispensing.

Don't forget your Sushi etiquette!

images via

3.17.2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day


I'm not planning on spending my St. Patty's day at a crowded bar (*sigh* I guess I'm just getting old) Instead I am doing homework, cleaning house, and scouring the internet in an attempt to find a vegetarian friendly traditional Irish feast for myself, Mike and a good friend who's joining us for dinner. Afterward, I think we'll enjoy a nice Irish coffee

P.S. Missed me? I've been crazy busy with school and work and life and what not. Be back soon.

3.10.2010

Nursery Design

Periodically, my biological clock ticks louder than usual. I tend to spend hours some time reading parenting blogs, perusing baby gear and watching birth videos. Anyway, sometimes I find some inspiration that I just have to document and share. Here are some color schemes and accessories that I would love to incorporate into my (future) baby's room.

via

via
I love the wallpaper on the ceiling






I also have a wonderful vintage handmade wooden rocking horse with zebra stripes on the seat (hand painted by my Grandma)

Hopscotch Rug from CB2

Firefly pendant from CB2

Number hooks from Pottery Barn

Number pillows from Pottery Barn

Fairest Set of Mirrors from Z Gallerie

Blackbird from CB2