tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24989711209282028502024-03-13T22:01:24.258-04:00inspiration incarnatenikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-89370602839659014112011-04-26T11:31:00.001-04:002011-04-26T11:33:00.413-04:00In my imaginary closetI've always been a little weary of color. I'm more of a muted, earth tones kind of person. But this spring has been a colorblock smorgasbord and I can't help but pretend to be on board. <br />
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<div><div style="position:relative;width:400px;height:400px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/colorblock/set?.embedder=2100767&.mid=embed&id=30859353"><img width="400" alt="Colorblock" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlV0UVc5eGx3NEJHeTRraHpYOGJrYkEAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Colorblock" height="400" border="0" force="1" /></a></div><br />
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/colorblock/set?.embedder=2100767&.mid=embed&id=30859353">Colorblock</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=2100767&.mid=embed&id=2100767">nahollings</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/heart_necklace/shop?query=heart+necklace">heart necklace</a></small></div>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-36271337004315820862011-04-14T10:13:00.000-04:002011-04-14T10:13:45.533-04:00Sick dayI have a whole bunch of sick days that I should use up before I leave working life for graduate school. So I told my boss that come beautiful summer days and slow work days, I may come down with some unexpected illnesses.<br />
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Even though this week has been pretty gloomy weather-wise, I decided to come down sick tomorrow and take a trip to Provincetown with a friend. I've been to the Cape before, but never to Ptown so I'm pretty excited. It's not going to be warm and beach weather, so I thought I'd pull together a warm nautical look for the occasion<br />
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<div><div style="position:relative;width:500px;height:500px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/ptown_in_april/set?.embedder=2100767&.mid=embed&id=30396238"><img width="500" alt="Ptown in April" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlRKQ2cwS0JtNEJHQzVwWURzWXlWV3cAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Ptown in April" height="500" border="0" force="1" /></a></div><br/><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/ptown_in_april/set?.embedder=2100767&.mid=embed&id=30396238">Ptown in April</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=2100767&.mid=embed&id=2100767">nahollings</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/dolce_vita_shoes/shop?brand=Dolce+Vita&category_id=41">dolce vita shoes</a></small></div><br />
Let the day trips commence!nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-4480445706997735002011-04-12T11:03:00.001-04:002011-04-12T11:03:12.020-04:00Welcome Home Wilbur!<p>Finally, after <a href="http://inspirationincarnate.blogspot.com/2010/12/neat-shit-worth-sharing-hedgehog.html">blogging</a> and <a href="http://inspirationincarnate.blogspot.com/2011/03/neat-shit-worth-sharing-hedgehog.html">blogging</a> about it, I got my hedgie!</p> <p>Welcome Wilbur T-Rex Poop-monster, Senior.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TaRpqHTVPgI/AAAAAAAAAj8/z0JMn-LLZV8/s1600-h/Wilbur%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Wilbur (2)" border="0" alt="Wilbur (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TaRpqThItgI/AAAAAAAAAkA/xpTCY55YUB0/Wilbur%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="372" /></a></p> <p>When I first picked him up he was such a bundle of fun (and poop).  But before I could take him home we had to do some shopping first. </p> <p>He had temporary lodging in a cardboard box so obviously our first stop was the pet store. Everyone wanted to take a peak at him!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TaRpqt0Zu_I/AAAAAAAAAkE/QVmlpUDKwXE/s1600-h/Wilbur%20%281%29%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Wilbur (1)" border="0" alt="Wilbur (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TaRpq6UaXyI/AAAAAAAAAkI/P60wGpO1J4U/Wilbur%20%281%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="374" /></a> </p> <p>But he didn’t have to live in a cardboard box for very long, here he is surveying his new digs</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TaRprNLyCqI/AAAAAAAAAkM/5fZ9Uz782fI/s1600-h/Wilbur%20%283%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Wilbur (3)" border="0" alt="Wilbur (3)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TaRprTb73jI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/kcKx2rlz_m8/Wilbur%20%283%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="378" /></a> </p> <p>Actually, he didn’t like his igloo very much, so he’s been sleeping in an old tshirt of mine. Awww.</p> <p>I also introduced him to some of my hedgehog memorabilia and he didn’t really care.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TaRprvI0kwI/AAAAAAAAAkU/JBTtCA031pA/s1600-h/Wilbur%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Wilbur" border="0" alt="Wilbur" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TaRpr1xq4iI/AAAAAAAAAkY/z2M7g7bV73g/Wilbur_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="388" /></a> <em>uninterested</em></p> <p>For a seriously adorable video of him, I suggest you <a href="http://redheadextinction.tumblr.com/post/4479491790/oh-wilbur">check out my tumblr</a>,</p> <p>Also the teal color is from his breeder to mark him. It will probably dissolve after a while, but I do like that color so I’m not complaining.</p> <p>I love my hedgie. </p> nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-28769228438890543212011-04-04T14:59:00.004-04:002011-04-04T15:02:05.189-04:00Spring BreakI cleaned out my closet a little bit this past weekend. Mostly dresses that each year I say I’ll wear, then after I put them on, I take them off immediately. Hopefully they’ll go to a nice home to someone who appreciates them.<br />
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In the meantime, however, I wouldn’t mind having this ensemble with a weekend destination in mind. I do need to visit Provincetown before I leave New England…<br />
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<div><div style="position:relative;width:500px;height:500px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/spring_break/set?.embedder=2100767&.mid=embed&id=30052771"><img width="500" alt="Spring Break" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFmFKVUxGTzFlNEJHZTB5eThQR1VlM2cAAAACaWQKAXgAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Spring Break" height="500" border="0" force="1" /></a></div><br/><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/spring_break/set?.embedder=2100767&.mid=embed&id=30052771">Spring Break</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=2100767&.mid=embed&id=2100767">nahollings</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/vintage_tote_bags/shop?query=vintage+tote+bags">vintage tote bags</a></small></div>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-21197711410080948952011-04-04T13:33:00.001-04:002011-04-04T13:35:13.144-04:00Spring leads to sprung<p>The weather doesn’t seem to show it, but it is, indeed, springtime. </p> <p>Which means it’s time to plant herbs for summer consumption!</p> <p>I was going to follow <a href="http://ispy-diy.blogspot.com/2010/11/chalkboard-planter.html">THIS</a> fantastic tutorial by <a href="http://ispy-diy.blogspot.com/">I Spy DIY</a> but I couldn’t find any chalk board paint that wasn’t in quart size. Since I’ll be moving in August, I didn’t want to worry about transporting paint so that idea will have to wait until I’m a little more settled.</p> <p>Fortunately, I remembered <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30165805">THESE</a> planters that I purchased from ikea last fall. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZoAytvS4vI/AAAAAAAAAjU/_AfmXIrLRbc/s1600-h/mandel-plant-pot-brown__0108863_PE265479_S4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="mandel-plant-pot-brown__0108863_PE265479_S4" border="0" alt="mandel-plant-pot-brown__0108863_PE265479_S4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZoAy7j4sqI/AAAAAAAAAjY/JlnepjDd1-s/mandel-plant-pot-brown__0108863_PE265479_S4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="380" /></a> </p> <p>They were the perfect pots for my <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TLcHK-NnVvI/AAAAAAAAAQg/R7NBzEIjNpw/s1600-h/Dresser3%5B3%5D.jpg">succulent cacti</a>. And since I managed to kill them all (I blame it on sitting them on the radiator), I decided to re-touch the planters for my herbs.</p> <p>All this required was a white colored pencil and a little design work to get these:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZoAzGXcmVI/AAAAAAAAAjc/0BjLpsT2DSQ/s1600-h/herbs%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="herbs" border="0" alt="herbs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZoAzUt75tI/AAAAAAAAAjg/h_EuQKXpUaM/herbs_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="277" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZoAzmlIahI/AAAAAAAAAjk/dk67OrGYhr0/s1600-h/herbs%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="herbs (1)" border="0" alt="herbs (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZoAz0lJwsI/AAAAAAAAAjo/-A2-PfQm9go/herbs%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="385" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZoA0artZoI/AAAAAAAAAjs/gR8wGVdPi5I/s1600-h/herbs%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="herbs (2)" border="0" alt="herbs (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZoA0z00ymI/AAAAAAAAAjw/Ic00FyXjzUk/herbs%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="397" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>For the garland patterns, I looked to <a href="http://shannamurray.bigcartel.com/">Shanna Murray’s beautiful decals</a>.</p> <p>I think they turned out rather cute. Let’s just hope they grow nicely. </p> <p>I also need a nice planter for my lavendar seeds. When I was looking for my planter at ikea, they seemed to have some cute ones online. I think a trip to ikea needs to occur soon. </p> nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-81871658303575434582011-03-31T15:10:00.001-04:002011-03-31T15:10:02.513-04:00Recipe per week, Samosas<p> If you’re not familiar with Indian cuisine, samosas are these delicious deep fried pastries filled with veggies, lamb, pork or whathaveyou. I order Indian food a lot for work and try to snag one of these for myself before I feed the rest of the lot. What can I say, I’m a little a selfish.</p> <p>When I saw <a href="http://www.ivillage.com/vegetable-samosas/3-r-63729">THIS</a> recipe for homemade ones, I thought I would give it a try. Now I am not a “from scratch” kind of girl. My thinking is, if they already made pie crusts, pasta and bread so readily and cheaply available, why should I bother making it?</p> <p>But when the only substitute for the dough for this recipe would have been phyllo dough, I just knew it wouldn’t get the texture I wanted. Also this dough was easy, just flour and water, no yeast involved. So I thought I’d give it a go.</p> <p>And just a warning, this isn’t step-by-step as much of this process was too messy for me to juggle a camera at the same time. </p> <p>I started out by mixing up the dough and letting it sit wrapped up while the potatoes boiled and the peas defrosted.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZTRgZ3AGII/AAAAAAAAAis/PSmN8rkxj1M/s1600-h/samosas%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="samosas (2)" border="0" alt="samosas (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZTRgyWm7NI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Gj6Q3PcqqYY/samosas%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="382" /></a> </p> <p>Once the potatoes were nice and soft (about a half hour), I removed the potatoes and boiled the cauliflower for 4-5 minutes. Then I cut them both up into tiny cubes/florets and added them to my bowl.</p> <p>You want to cut everything up small because your going to have to stuff your samosas and the smaller, the better. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZTRhO9PHqI/AAAAAAAAAi0/oIEzP_og2eE/s1600-h/samosas%20%283%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="samosas (3)" border="0" alt="samosas (3)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZTRhPySFZI/AAAAAAAAAi4/YAxenKJ4Chw/samosas%20%283%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="394" /></a> </p> <p>I used my trusty wok to sauté the shallots, potatoes, cauliflower and peas. Then I added the cilantro and curry powder to get this tasty contraption.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZTRhUTuO9I/AAAAAAAAAi8/s4ANpD8gI-Q/s1600-h/samosas%20%284%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="samosas (4)" border="0" alt="samosas (4)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZTRhq_OFZI/AAAAAAAAAjA/4jNUDMquIXg/samosas%20%284%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="401" /></a> </p> <p>Then comes the part that I almost wanted to quit on. I separated the dough and rolled it out individually but I had a really difficult time stuffing the samosas without tearing the dough. And if you’re going to deep fry something, trust me, you do not want tears. </p> <p>The recipe tells you to hold it like a cone which DID NOT work. It was three times easier to just spoon the potato/cauliflower mixture on one-half of the half-circle dough and then wet the seams, encase the mixture, and close with a fork.</p> <p>Also I didn’t have any wax paper and my first solution of using aluminum foil did not work, the dough just stuck and ruined some of the samosas. The floured pan seemed to work better but the sticky dough situation was really, really frustrating me. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZTRh5n1QHI/AAAAAAAAAjE/CaDWsZsMAmE/s1600-h/samosas%20%285%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="samosas (5)" border="0" alt="samosas (5)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZTRiC05lWI/AAAAAAAAAjI/8V7jkwkU7eE/samosas%20%285%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="408" /></a> </p> <p>But I was able to salvage all but perhaps two and the deep frying was super easy. Once they are all fried up, you are ready to eat!</p> <p>I highly suggest serving with mango chutney! Though it sucked at times these were truly delicious!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZTRiX5w4LI/AAAAAAAAAjM/jx4xFP5_dc0/s1600-h/samosas%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="samosas" border="0" alt="samosas" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TZTRiWw_i0I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/BaGEp4eKdnA/samosas_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" height="403" /></a> </p> <p>I still stick to the fact that the phyllo dough would not have yield the results I wanted. But will I be making this recipe again soon…likely not. Nor any other dough for that matter. </p> <p>Also I was able to use the left over potato/cauliflower mixture for a tasty brinner – just add an egg and you have a tasty curry hashbrown with cauliflower and fried egg. I think that needs to be on a brunch menu somewhere. </p> nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-70326933865228480102011-03-23T14:34:00.001-04:002011-03-23T14:37:06.813-04:00Recipe per week, 3/20<p>As I said in <a href="http://inspirationincarnate.blogspot.com/2011/03/recipe-of-week-well-not-so-much.html">THIS POST</a>, I decided to make beer bread this weekend using a recipe from this great foodie blog, <a href="http://honestfare.com">Honest Fare.</a></p> <p>Not only did this blog provide a great recipe, but [he/she] also took it a step further by creating a <a href="http://honestfare.com/beer-and-cheese-sandwich/">Beer and Cheese Sandwich</a>. </p> <p>I followed the <a href="http://honestfare.com/beer-bread-2/">beer bread recipe</a> and ended up with this yummy treat below:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TYo9MD7askI/AAAAAAAAAiU/pdQQlCN2rxk/s1600-h/beerbread%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="beerbread (1)" border="0" alt="beerbread (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TYo9M-JJPXI/AAAAAAAAAiY/JCIBa9wnKL4/beerbread%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="335" /></a> </p> <p>In case your wondering I used Newcastle beer and found it to be a pretty dense textured bread. Not light and airy like a cheaper beer might provide.</p> <p>Since my bread was a little thinner then the original recipe called for, I thought attempting to actually grill it, <a href="http://inspirationincarnate.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipe-of-week-125.html">like I do a panini</a>, might come out as sloppy disaster. So I went with a broiling method which proved very successful.</p> <p>I caramelized the onions and loaded them onto my bread slices. Then I put sliced Irish cheddar and Fontana cheese on top</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TYo9NavJWBI/AAAAAAAAAic/uBih3bZ1q4c/s1600-h/beerbread%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="beerbread (2)" border="0" alt="beerbread (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TYo9OFyi1eI/AAAAAAAAAig/gd6ahFZ-mVI/beerbread%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="352" /></a> </p> <p>After a few minutes in the broiler, the cheese was gooey, warm and the meal was delicious</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TYo9O3gPXuI/AAAAAAAAAik/wo2kwoBcYL0/s1600-h/beerbread%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="beerbread" border="0" alt="beerbread" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TYo9PBMg37I/AAAAAAAAAio/3osSwWlroqk/beerbread_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="360" /></a> </p> <p>Oh the globs of cheese. </p> <p>I’ve been all about the comfort food lately. Perhaps when they’re not calling for three inches of snow (like they are tonight!!) I can get back into my fish and veggie summer phase.</p> <p>That will be nice. </p> nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-82352482441492947342011-03-22T11:14:00.004-04:002011-03-23T14:22:01.351-04:00New mediaI'm not one to join every social network there is - I never had a myspace and I don't twitter....Okay maybe those are the two main ones I didn't join.<br />
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HOWEVER, after looking around at my friend's tumblrs, I realized this might be a great way for me to share without having to be so wordy.<br />
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My tumblr site is <a href="http://redheadextinction.tumblr.com/">http://redheadextinction.tumblr.com/</a><br />
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Below is what I've posted in the (quite literally) hour that I've joined:<br />
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<b>content deleted because it kept updating. I suggest you visit <a href="http://redheadextinction.tumblr.com/">MY TUMBLR</a></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">small obsession. </span><br />
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So if your reading this blog, please feel free to follow, bookmark, hate on this new site as well.nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-86867790039776442462011-03-18T09:02:00.002-04:002011-03-23T14:30:31.598-04:00Recipe of the week – well, not so much…I’ve been a terrible blogger. And to be honest, I don’t actually see myself getting back into it anytime soon. I started blogging when I was at a pretty low point in my life; when I really, really needed to capture some inspiration. <br />
Now life has gotten 300x better, maybe 543x better, and blogging is just more of a bother than anything else.<br />
Recipes especially have been hard as this winter, I was completely uninspired to cook anything. I don’t even want to tell you how often I went with a frozen bag of pasta for dinner. Shameful.<br />
But as the season changes, so does my excitement over food. I realized with happiness that I need to start planting some herbs soon in my kitchen and that farmers markets will soon be popping up again!<br />
One thing that can certainly help with my cooking-inspiration is this fantastic site <a href="http://www.theydrawandcook.com/">They Draw and Cook</a>. They take the blandness of recipes and combine it with fun art. I was especially excited to see a recipe that I was already planning on baking this weekend, Beer Bread. Although I will be eliminating the cheese part. <br />
<a href="http://www.theydrawandcook.com/recipes/great-beer-bread-by-natalie-shenker"><img alt="beerbread" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TYNX3Z3vH7I/AAAAAAAAAiI/c9xOgQzF9aI/beerbread%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="beerbread" width="669" /></a> <br />
While I would probably never in a million years make this, I love the illusion.<br />
<a href="http://www.theydrawandcook.com/recipes/polpo-patate-by-laura-chiara-colombo"><img alt="polpoandpatate" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TYNX3hdpcpI/AAAAAAAAAiM/FWfAZeFCLhc/polpoandpatate%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="polpoandpatate" width="678" /></a> <br />
And in honor of the day after St. Patty’s, a recipe you may need<br />
<a href="http://www.theydrawandcook.com/recipes/veggie-juice-hangover-cure-by-diana-heom"><img alt="Print" border="0" height="275" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TYNX339YlFI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/FmEZA6B3Fac/hangovercure%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Print" width="683" /></a> <br />
I love a good feasting for the eyes and stomach. Happy weekend!nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-65101646099422306162011-03-02T14:59:00.003-05:002011-03-02T15:09:04.969-05:00Neat shit worth sharing – Hedgehog edition deuxYou may or may not remember NSWS – Hedgehog one, so here’s <a href="http://inspirationincarnate.blogspot.com/2010/12/neat-shit-worth-sharing-hedgehog.html">A LINK</a> to remind you of how popular they were and still are.<br />
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Instead of showing you all of the new great products out there, I thought I’d share what I’ve purchased of the hedgehog relation as of late.<br />
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<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=20111407&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS"><img alt="hedgiebottle" border="0" height="506" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TW6hlt4H8uI/AAAAAAAAAhs/NXXPCH_25FQ/hedgiebottle%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hedgiebottle" width="349" /></a> <br />
Not only is this an adorable trinket but it is (more importantly) a bottle opener!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TW6hl0wsz5I/AAAAAAAAAhw/aJHFt6ANesw/s1600-h/hedgiebottle2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="hedgiebottle2" border="0" height="459" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TW6hmD9CqBI/AAAAAAAAAh0/KIojEt_399Q/hedgiebottle2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hedgiebottle2" width="314" /></a><br />
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I purchased this from <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=20111407&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS">Anthropologie</a> back in December and finally, after multiple backorders, was sent it two weeks ago. Obviously, a hot commodity.<br />
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I also found this fantastic print on etsy and then was shocked to find it being sold in a store in Providence. Obviously I had to buy it<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/44121501"><img alt="hedgieprint" border="0" height="477" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TW6hmXnlFvI/AAAAAAAAAh4/T3GnHK72VuM/hedgieprint%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hedgieprint" width="390" /></a><br />
The card that came with it from the artist reads:<br />
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<div align="center"><em>Not only did this hedgehog win the "Most Popular" vote his senior year but he also won the "Most Artistic", "Cutest Smile", and four other categories! This is his portrait for the "Best Dressed" win.</em></div><div align="center"><em><br />
</em></div><div align="left">How cute is that! The shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/berkleyillustration?ref=pr_shop_more">BerkleyIllustrations</a>, is stocked full of these fantastic animal prints and stories. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">So are you saying to yourself, ‘I thought she said she was on a waitlinglistorsomething to get one. Was that all talk?’ </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">The answer: No way nay-sayer!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I just put one on reserve with the breeder yesterday! Here he is at 2-weeks old. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TW6hmjmHwgI/AAAAAAAAAh8/Y1l747dL4ug/s1600-h/hedgielive%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="hedgielive" border="0" height="394" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TW6hnOCE7ZI/AAAAAAAAAiA/NcxvrCwK2E4/hedgielive_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hedgielive" width="396" /></a> </div><div align="left"><br />
</div>Unfortunately, I don"t get to pick him up until he's at 7 weeks. I can’t believe I have to wait 5 more weeks before I get to meet him/take him home and love him forever!<br />
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Don’t worry, pictures of his homecoming will be coming! <br />
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<em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Also that blue spot isn’t a light trick, she marks them to tell them apart for reservation purposes. </span></em><br />
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I. Cannot. Wait.nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-68621373231539136782011-02-18T13:36:00.001-05:002011-02-18T13:36:16.050-05:00Neat shit worth sharing – school edition<p>Hi all, long time no write. </p> <p>As with all bloggers who experience a prolonged absence, life just got kicked into overdrive. Fortunately for me, overdrive meant very, verrry good things.</p> <p>I might have mentioned that I was applying to graduate school and right now we are in the midst of interview season. I went on one and I have two more next week.</p> <p>Well, I’m happy to say I got in! I’m going to enter a PhD program in the upcoming fall! </p> <p>Which means a couple of things: 1) I can finally not stress about my fate being determined by admissions committees any longer and these next two interviews are completely stress free since the school I got into was my top pick and 2) I get to do back to school shopping again! YAY!</p> <p>So while I wait for the <a href="http://www.lisafrank.com/default.cfm?page=Shop">Lisa Frank online store</a> to get back into working order so I can buy a new trapper keeper, I thought I’d focus on my favorite item, the back to school bag.</p> <p>I have been on a never ending search for the perfect tanish/brown, leather, messenger bag that I think may still be out of my reach for reasons like this:</p> <p><a href="http://www.my-wardrobe.com/mulberry/oak-oversized-alexa-421331"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="mulberry bag" border="0" alt="mulberry bag" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TV68G2NXWoI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/5HIgtvscga4/mulberry%20bag%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="628" height="348" /></a> </p> <p>$1,250.00! For that amount of money I want more than just free shipping – I want it shipped and delivered to me by a shirt-less, male model riding a horse. </p> <p>This almost makes this bag at $450 sound reasonable.</p> <p><a href="http://www.beklina.com/product_info.php?pName=ashley-watson-finch-bag&cName=accessories-bags"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="green bag" border="0" alt="green bag" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TV68HK2RY7I/AAAAAAAAAhU/K7aLNKDTGWA/green%20bag%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="271" height="418" /></a></p> <p>Such a cute style and color! But alas, no amount of saying “I’m worth it” is going to convince <a href="http://inspirationincarnate.blogspot.com/2011/01/weekend-projects.html">my credit dog</a>. </p> <p>So here are some more wallet friendly options – what do you think?</p> <p><a href="http://needsupply.com/womens/cream-backpack.html?a=50"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="backpack" border="0" alt="backpack" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TV68HcT3JvI/AAAAAAAAAhY/GyDh3u8gn7o/backpack%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="301" height="376" /></a> <a href="http://www.fossil.com/en_US/shop/women/handbags/tote_handbags/shelby_tote-zb4679p.html?departmentCategoryId=30000&N=0&Va=186&Ns=p_wsc2|0||p_weight|0&rec=1&pn=c&imagePath=ZB4679650"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fossil" border="0" alt="fossil" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TV68Hn3rtiI/AAAAAAAAAhc/vXyBpdWRVmM/fossil%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="362" height="359" /></a> <a href="http://needsupply.com/womens/accessories/side-zip-tote.html"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="toupe" border="0" alt="toupe" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TV68H7wVDNI/AAAAAAAAAhg/gOdEwZg7Cr8/toupe%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="294" height="361" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Happy weekend everyone!</p> nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-86196785541091021172011-01-28T15:52:00.003-05:002011-01-28T15:55:05.395-05:00TGIF for realziesThis has been the longest week I can remember. After being hit with numerous snow storms, a busted pipe in my office (causing a flood) and going stir crazy in my apartment – I’m very glad to see it’s over. <br />
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Since I wasn’t able to post around the chaos, I thought I’d leave you with a video that truly made me smile.<br />
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I may have found a new love in the artist, <a href="http://agataolek.com/home.html">Olek</a>. Who is responsible for this on Christmas day on Wallstreet<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TUMsd1cEkBI/AAAAAAAAAhA/6pRM1ZL8Pco/s1600-h/bull%20by%20olek%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="bull by olek" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TUMseFYpx_I/AAAAAAAAAhE/h4zJdPDKwZc/bull%20by%20olek_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bull by olek" width="477" /></a> <br />
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The video of how she accomplished such a feat is still making me smile. You can see it <a href="http://honestlywtf.com/video/olek-the-bull">HERE</a> (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">via Honestly...WTF)</span><br />
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</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Also if you need more of a street art fix, watch Banksy’s “Exit through the Gift Shop”</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.banksyfilm.com/"><img alt="banksy_museum_exit_through_the_gift_shop" border="0" height="346" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TUMseR-5tPI/AAAAAAAAAhI/-zv6iSVAIYw/banksy_museum_exit_through_the_gift_shop%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="banksy_museum_exit_through_the_gift_shop" width="425" /></a> <br />
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Seriously, it’s on Netflix instant, don’t miss it!<br />
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Let’s hope next week is a little less calmer. Especially you, snow storms!nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-52384775532024079032011-01-21T14:46:00.004-05:002011-01-21T14:51:21.300-05:00Neat shit worth sharing – resolution editionI didn’t make any official resolutions this year, but if I had to come up with it one, it would definitely be to read more. Its been pretty easy so far with all the snowfall to want nothing more to sit next to my window with a good book and a cup of coffee. <br />And these adorable bookmarks from the <a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?">Spoon Sisters</a> would be a fun way to mark my progress. <br /><a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=70202-3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bookmarks" border="0" alt="bookmarks" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTnie370a6I/AAAAAAAAAgg/j8-vu3-asHA/bookmarks%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="507" height="200" /></a> <br /> <div align="center">******* <br /> <br /></div> If you are the kind of person who makes resolutions, I can think of no better motivator then seeing a reminder when you reach for your phone. Artist Chris Streger felt the same way, so he had his artist friends create art work with their resolutions that can be used as a phone background. He called it <a href="http://motherlanddesign.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html">The Resolve Project.</a> <br />Like I said, I didn’t make resolutions, but if I did… <br /> <br /><a href="http://motherlanddesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/to-resolve-project-jennifer-wu.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="JenniferWu" alt="JenniferWu" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTniffc7KMI/AAAAAAAAAgI/XSjSmo4yGzM/JenniferWu%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="479" /></a> <br /> <br /><a href="http://motherlanddesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/to-resolve-project-cassie-stegman.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="spendlessmoney" alt="spendlessmoney" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTnifs906BI/AAAAAAAAAgM/Z5bBZ6ZbEsU/spendlessmoney%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" height="485" /></a> <br /> <br /><a href="http://motherlanddesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/to-resolve-project-katie-werges.html"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="KatieWergesWingItSometimes" alt="KatieWergesWingItSometimes" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTnif6BPHfI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/jkskeqoqT7Y/KatieWergesWingItSometimes%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="489" /></a> <br /> <div align="center"> <br /></div> <div align="center">******* <br /> <br /></div> <div align="left">Last summer I bought a bike and found that I didn’t take it out on any of the great bike paths near me. That needs to change this summer <em><span style="font-size: xx-small">(ahhh, summer)</span> </em>and definitely would if I had a sweet ride accessory from Eungi Kim <br /> <br /></div> <div align="left"><a href="http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/11472/horsey-by-eungi-kim-seoul-cycle-design-competition-shortlist-revealed.html"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="horsey01" border="0" alt="horsey01" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTnigYI5mfI/AAAAAAAAAgk/X1ceKyu9tB0/horsey01%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="421" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTnighAuKJI/AAAAAAAAAgs/UxI1yTj_0-c/s1600-h/horsey03%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="horsey03" border="0" alt="horsey03" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTnihMzX3iI/AAAAAAAAAgw/pnd6SnOVoMU/horsey03_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="284" /></a> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center">*******</div> <div style="text-align: center"> <br /></div> I hope if you made any resolutions that you’ve been successful! nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-32279284990932389792011-01-19T12:52:00.003-05:002011-01-19T12:54:07.396-05:00Recipe of the week, 1/17/11The topic of conversation that comes up every time I hang out with my friends is our incessant wanting of Summer. <br />
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Sun, warmth, the beach, outside activities. Sounds so much better than the slip-and-slide sidewalks I encountered endlessly during my walk to work this morning.<br />
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To help with this wanting, I decided to go tropical with my meal this week with a copycat of Red Lobster’s <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/parrot-bay-coconut-shrimp-red-lobster-copycat-109488">Coconut Shrimp and Pina Colada dipping sauce</a>. <br />
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Believe it or not, there are no Red Lobster’s in New England. Or Bob Evans. It’s not a tragedy but it was a funny thing to realize. <br />
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Back to the topic at hand, here’s my cast of characters for the sauce:<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckMgB8-1I/AAAAAAAAAfI/i6hrQZtKzG8/s1600-h/coconut%20shrimp%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="coconut shrimp (2)" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckNHURMGI/AAAAAAAAAfM/eXVUoi-1kWM/coconut%20shrimp%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="coconut shrimp (2)" width="446" /></a> <br />
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Just mix and refrigerate so it’s nice and chilled while you prepare the shrimp. <br />
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Then onto the main course:<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckNSr5yLI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/-14N7VQLFFI/s1600-h/coconut%20shrimp%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="coconut shrimp (1)" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckNm3KvZI/AAAAAAAAAfU/Mw1PP_j2Gt4/coconut%20shrimp%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="coconut shrimp (1)" width="452" /></a> <br />
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I accidentally cut off my flour in the picture. I also forgot that all I have is wheat flour in my apartment, I didn’t notice a difference though.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckOEOEtcI/AAAAAAAAAfY/mYOS-qkmTGo/s1600-h/coconut%20shrimp%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="coconut shrimp" border="0" height="352" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckOur2kxI/AAAAAAAAAfc/by4M8h6eRn4/coconut%20shrimp_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="coconut shrimp" width="466" /></a> <br />
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I butterfly-cut my shrimp by cutting them from end to tail. This let the whole area of the shrimp be coated. Leaving the tails on. It also gave me a good excuse to use the awesome new knife set I just purchased from Gilt.<br />
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Then I prepared my batter stations:<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckPNxjo0I/AAAAAAAAAfg/fx7wI7nWEhg/s1600-h/coconut%20shrimp%20%284%29%20notes%5B7%5D.png"><img alt="coconut shrimp (4) notes" border="0" height="347" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckSA-GxeI/AAAAAAAAAfo/d42jVRwwH04/coconut%20shrimp%20%284%29%20notes_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="coconut shrimp (4) notes" width="459" /></a> <br />
<br />
Dip your shrimp (starting left to right) and I would recommend coating all of your shrimp before deep frying.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckST4qX7I/AAAAAAAAAfs/88y1frMC6sk/s1600-h/coconut%20shrimp%20%288%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="coconut shrimp (8)" border="0" height="312" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckwo5tM4I/AAAAAAAAAfw/KQVECskquB8/coconut%20shrimp%20%288%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="coconut shrimp (8)" width="413" /></a> <br />
<br />
I had a lot of left over mixture after I dipped all of the shrimp, as you can see<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckw94cMRI/AAAAAAAAAf0/l14Pa_1TW00/s1600-h/coconut%20shrimp%20%287%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="coconut shrimp (7)" border="0" height="334" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckxSI5-SI/AAAAAAAAAf4/atQQkhLAZ7E/coconut%20shrimp%20%287%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="coconut shrimp (7)" width="442" /></a> <br />
<br />
I would recommend cutting the recipe by at least a 1/3rd. I would especially decrease the amount of breadcrumbs, but that’s just because I like more coconut and found that it seemed to have a hard time clinging onto the shrimp. <br />
<br />
Once fried, plate with the pina colada dipping sauce<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckxl_xVpI/AAAAAAAAAf8/4ya3ubCqjMQ/s1600-h/coconut%20shrimp%20%286%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="coconut shrimp (6)" border="0" height="365" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TTckyD1wlUI/AAAAAAAAAgA/3IqdNX2nQps/coconut%20shrimp%20%286%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="coconut shrimp (6)" width="480" /></a> <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Nothing like a taste of summer while it’s snowing outside.</div>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-601011006314838722011-01-11T10:59:00.004-05:002011-01-11T11:00:47.619-05:00Recipe of the Week, 1/11/11<p> When I was home for the holidays, I kept seeing these cookies everywhere. I know I had tasted them before, probably at some long ago school christmas-party function, and they just looked to good to pass up!</p> <p> After I got back to Providence, I was checking one of my new fav blogs, <a href="http://sweetpaul.typepad.com/">Sweet Paul</a>, and he had <a href="http://sweetpaul.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/12/holiday-countdown-2010dec-20th.html">THIS</a> recipe in which he donned these delicious cookies the name, <a href="http://sweetpaul.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/12/holiday-countdown-2010dec-20th.html">Snowcaps</a>. I knew then that fate wanted me to eat these cookies. </p> <p>This was my cast of characters:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-Q8c8VGI/AAAAAAAAAeI/TUtHzzXTdiw/s1600-h/snowball%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="snowball (1)" border="0" alt="snowball (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-RDRuZJI/AAAAAAAAAeM/tz2wZlMCbtA/snowball%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="334" /></a> </p> <p>I hadn’t baked in a really long time and realized that I didn’t have any cocoa powder. I looked up whether you could substitute hot cocoa mix and the results where, “Better not.” Just an fyi.</p> <p>I always get a little bit apprehensive about melting chocolate in the microwave (I’ve had too many disastrous run-ins) so I did the double boil technique and this really did work out perfectly</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-RXsTTkI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/9ZGKeWOSHGM/s1600-h/snowball%20%287%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="snowball (7)" border="0" alt="snowball (7)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-RoOXdkI/AAAAAAAAAeU/_WQC4i9n5hg/snowball%20%287%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="325" /></a> </p> <p>While the chocolate melted, I mixed up all of the other ingredients except the powder sugar. Then mix in the melted chocolate</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-R3wxJdI/AAAAAAAAAeY/7p9dErekFQA/s1600-h/snowball%20%286%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="snowball (6)" border="0" alt="snowball (6)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-R97IGhI/AAAAAAAAAec/-2eynh-TLLE/snowball%20%286%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="297" /></a> <em><span class="Apple-style-span">blurry gooeyness</span></em></p> <p>I followed his suggestion in the comments section of letting the batter refrigerate for a 1/2 hour, then form your cookie balls, then refrigerate for another 1/2 hour.</p> <p>I can’t speak to whether this is actually easier or not, but it certainly still was a mess. Chocolate dough was all over my hands and the smell really let me know what I was dealing with – these were going to be good.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-SepB33I/AAAAAAAAAeg/JwMCVJyKh8g/s1600-h/snowball%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="snowball (2)" border="0" alt="snowball (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-SXL4GRI/AAAAAAAAAek/iftfcatoShs/snowball%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="318" /></a> </p> <p>After your <strike>poop</strike> chocolate cookie balls are refrigerated, coat them in powder sugar.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-ShnU1tI/AAAAAAAAAeo/mA_HNLlH7y4/s1600-h/snowball%20%284%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="snowball (4)" border="0" alt="snowball (4)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-S4gspbI/AAAAAAAAAes/_lhReuEJJk4/snowball%20%284%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="312" /></a> <em><span class="Apple-style-span">snowballs!</span></em></p> <p>Cook, transfer to a cooling rack and enjoy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-THTbWhI/AAAAAAAAAew/nUOWyncAlh4/s1600-h/snowball%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="snowball" border="0" alt="snowball" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSx-TUwVn0I/AAAAAAAAAe0/XMBbIstjg_o/snowball_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="347" /></a> </p> <p>They’re so so tasty and so so rich. The perfect way to start off ruining of any “eat better” resolutions. </p>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-85608335140874163062011-01-10T09:45:00.002-05:002011-01-10T09:47:37.697-05:00Weekend projects<p>It’s my belief that the first weekend back from a long stay away should be productive. For practical reasons, you have to put away your Christmas decorations, do some laundry and a bit of cleaning – but I also found myself doing small projects and a lot of cooking (recipes to be shared!). </p> <p> One post holiday project that I wanted to do is sort of silly, but necessary! I remember seeing or reading about making a holder for your credit card that you sewed up, so that if you wanted to use it, you had to literally cut it out of its holder to use it. Which will ensure, of course, that you actually need to use it instead of just <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=18673640">splurging on yourself at anthropologie</a>….or, you know, wherever. </p> <p> I had some left over fabric from <a href="http://inspirationincarnate.blogspot.com/2010/05/beauty-lies-in-details.html">my card catalog project</a> and thought that this specific fabric would be great to use:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSsbdQwRBeI/AAAAAAAAAdg/0119BBGxUeU/s1600-h/Picture%20192%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Picture 192" border="0" alt="Picture 192" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSsbduT6PbI/AAAAAAAAAdk/kgdh3JnlOb0/Picture%20192_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="291" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>My original plan was to cut out “EMERGENCY USE ONLY” and sew or glue it to the other side, but after cutting out 3 letters, I decided to not bother.</p> <p>However, I think the next time I reach for my credit card and I see this face staring back at me, I’ll think again.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSsbd2QwjNI/AAAAAAAAAdo/dJmzA9QSPdg/s1600-h/weekend%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="weekend (2)" border="0" alt="weekend (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSsbd-LVNnI/AAAAAAAAAds/P0_gK2TktmU/weekend%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="340" /></a> </p> <p>Not the best craftsmanship I’ve ever done, but for a 10 minute project and hopefully a bit of debt relief, I think it’ll do. </p> <p>I also got around to finishing an embroidery that I started over three months ago! I found myself getting frustrated with it almost immediately when I started, then I picked it up last night and finished it within an hour</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSsbeC0Vn_I/AAAAAAAAAdw/_YaqYlnickU/s1600-h/weekend%20%283%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="weekend (3)" border="0" alt="weekend (3)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSsbeoreVaI/AAAAAAAAAd0/UCJDwnlTMvo/weekend%20%283%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="330" /></a> </p> <p>It’s a companion piece to <a href="http://inspirationincarnate.blogspot.com/2010/07/bad-ass-embroidery.html">my other embroidery</a>. I’m creating a small collage on my wall along with a print that my BFF gave me for Christmas (the peacock) and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55684820/keys-8x10-print?ref=pr_shop">a print</a> from a RISD craft show (artist: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/allicoate?ref=ls_profile">Alli Coate</a>).</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSsbe0WLqjI/AAAAAAAAAd4/S5uFTMO4j4E/s1600-h/weekend%20%284%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="weekend (4)" border="0" alt="weekend (4)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSsbfKgQmeI/AAAAAAAAAd8/khtTIDQMenE/weekend%20%284%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="328" /></a> </p> <p>I think it needs just one more small item. I’ve been eyeing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62319096/mason-jar-flowers-letterpress-card">this print</a> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/OldSchoolStationers?ref=ls_profile">OldSchoolStationers</a> that I may purchase. I also need a frame for the peacock print, but the clip works for now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSsbfHD6YeI/AAAAAAAAAeA/zszBjHxaB2c/s1600-h/weekend%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="weekend" border="0" alt="weekend" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSsbfeM3jJI/AAAAAAAAAeE/i0fAbjrjybo/weekend_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="313" /></a> </p> <p>Hope you all had equally enjoyable weekends!</p>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-622921700677973282011-01-06T09:33:00.003-05:002011-01-15T08:51:27.053-05:00Neat shit worth sharing<p>I’m hesitant to even post this because I really, really want to send one of these to someone and surprise them. I’ll have to keep this gem in my back pocket when my mom turns fifty this year! </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/26150543/cake-mail-a-nice-slice-of-fake-postcard?ref=pr_faveitems"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cake" border="0" alt="cake" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSXSuCkOLTI/AAAAAAAAAdU/pwezd_6-HWA/cake%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="234" /></a> </p> <p>A <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/26150543/cake-mail-a-nice-slice-of-fake-postcard?ref=pr_faveitems">slice of cake postcard</a>! How excited would you be to see a slice of cake in your mailbox wishing you a happy birthday!?! I can see how it might be a let down for some people (it does look delicious), but not being a big cake fan myself, I’d be overjoyed with a card like this. </p> <p align="center">*******</p> <p align="left">I’m a pretty <strike>cheap</strike> frugal person. I continue to be shocked how much some items sell for – I’m looking at you $5 for a box of cereal! Pillows are another item on that list – I mean, you take some fabric, stuffing and some time and you got yourself a pillow. I don’t need to pay $50…until now.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53090382/makeyour-own-log-kit"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="logs" border="0" alt="logs" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSXSuITW_lI/AAAAAAAAAdY/T-B1gPW2Fig/logs%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="293" /></a> </p> <p align="left">I can’t put into one word how great, fun, unique, versatile, uber-awesome these pillows are! And you can order them in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63285875/brown-screen-printed-wool-log-pillow">brown log</a> or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58140720/birch-screen-printed-wool-log-pillow">birch tree</a>. I’m seriously considering devoting each paycheck to buying one of these until I’ve amassed a collection that can one day sit next to my (hopefully to be had one day) fireplace. </p> <p align="left">I just want to throw these in a log holder next to my fireplace and say to my guests, “Do you need a pillow? Just grab one of the logs.” Blowing everyone’s mind. I’ll calm down now.</p> <p align="left">And the seller graciously offers you the opportunity to buy a kit to make a pillow yourself at half the cost, but I just love the look of these as she makes them. </p> <p align="center"> *******</p> <p> I don’t know what the <a href="http://curiositygroup.com/">Curiosity Group</a> is all about, but I’m willing to learn. They are offering a DIY (<i>!</i>) pop-up (<i>!!</i>) calendar (<i>!!!</i>) every month (<i>omgwtfbbq!!1!</i>). </p> <p>Just look at how darling January’s calendar is:</p> <p><a href="http://curiositygroup.com/calendarofthemonth"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="calendar" border="0" alt="calendar" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSXSufv9TXI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Uwvh-DVy9Q4/calendar%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="387" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Bookmark <a href="http://curiositygroup.com/calendarofthemonth">this site</a> and plan on having 10 minutes of fun putting it together on the first of every new month. I can’t wait for February! </p>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-84646443539396332372011-01-04T11:57:00.002-05:002011-01-15T08:52:01.388-05:00DIY HOLIDAY GIFTS<p>Back from holiday hiatus! I had such a blast with all of my family and friends! But I’m definitely feeling the effects of having to get up at 6am again. Back to the ole routine!</p> <p align="center">**********</p> <p>This year I decided to make some DIY gifts. And I’ll admit, they didn’t turn out exactly to my standards of perfection, but I liked them anyway.</p> <p>I had to post this after the holidays because the two friends I made these for are readers, so I didn’t want to ruin any surprises!But if you’re inspired to follow the same gift idea, these are simple and would work for any gift idea. </p> <p>All you need is a tote bag, iron transfer paper, an iron and a unique design:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSNRZiSoXII/AAAAAAAAAcg/TpGuVool9-4/s1600-h/xmasgifts33.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="xmas gifts (3)" border="0" alt="xmas gifts (3)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSNRZ0zp-LI/AAAAAAAAAck/fB_p5H68q6o/xmasgifts3_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="430" /></a></p> <p>I purchased the canvas bags and transfer paper from <a href="http://www.cheaptotes.com/">cheaptotes</a>. And as the name implies, the items are really affordable and decent quality. The items also shipped really fast which was great.</p> <p>I made three of these bags (one for myself, of course!), but I’ll show you the process for my ingenious Lady Gaga lyric design.</p> <p>Start by printing your design (on regular paper, don’t waste the transfer paper) and making sure that it fits and is arranged the way you want it. It’s also important that you flip your design so that it transfers correctly.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSNRaInNzMI/AAAAAAAAAco/aLbhVJodbAs/s1600-h/xmasgifts23.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="xmas gifts (2)" border="0" alt="xmas gifts (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSNRaGdSwAI/AAAAAAAAAcs/Zdqbe99N-_0/xmasgifts2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="431" /></a> </p> <p>Then heat up your iron to it’s highest setting but DO NOT use steam. Iron your tote bag so it’s nice and wrinkle-free.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSNRaa0UNDI/AAAAAAAAAcw/L6n9bIVp0zs/s1600-h/xmasgifts7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="xmas gifts" border="0" alt="xmas gifts" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSNRam6McXI/AAAAAAAAAc0/_hf-RcvYBek/xmasgifts_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="350" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>You have to love old apartments, I have a built-in ironing board in my kitchen. I suppose it’s so I’m able to cook a full meal for my family and get the ironing done at the same time. </p> <p>Anyway, then you’re ready to iron on your pieces. For a full sheet, you can just arrange it and iron across the entire length of the paper for 3-4 minutes. Although in hindsight, I wish I would have cut around the design more because you 1) have more paper to use later and 2) you won’t get that transfer excess on the tote bag which is sort of noticeable. </p> <p>Since these pieces are cut up, I decided to iron them one piece at a time keeping the previous pieces down until I was ready to remove them all at once.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSNRa2QJXAI/AAAAAAAAAc4/ZmUMR9wc3pU/s1600-h/xmasgifts13.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="xmas gifts (1)" border="0" alt="xmas gifts (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSNRbFXtvYI/AAAAAAAAAc8/QbTom9xGoq8/xmasgifts1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="451" /></a> </p> <p>After you’ve ironed over each piece and applied a small amount of pressure with the iron, you should be ready to take the paper by one corner and removing it slowly. I was worried I would have a lot of trouble with this part, but it was relatively easy. If it started to tear, just move to another corner. If you find that you left some paper that’s not ironed down, take the tip of your iron and smooth it down. Very simple!</p> <p>Then, you have your finished products! The Farmer’s Market tote is for my (I blurred out my last name in the picture for at least some internet anonymity). </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSNRbaIZ_BI/AAAAAAAAAdA/IFd3lxp8UTs/s1600-h/xmasgift44.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="xmas gift 4" border="0" alt="xmas gift 4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TSNRbhfLoRI/AAAAAAAAAdE/ZJ-tqNCPagA/xmasgift4_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="420" /></a> </p> <p>I think my girls liked them! I meant to take pictures of the awesome gifts they got me, I’ll have to post those later!</p>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-42991556545261569122010-12-20T08:33:00.001-05:002010-12-20T08:33:19.818-05:00Holiday Hiatus<p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQ9bHiDJx_I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/DVXd9Ijt6mc/s1600-h/christmashedgehogcopy8.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="christmashedgehog copy" border="0" alt="christmashedgehog copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQ9bH7g-3iI/AAAAAAAAAcU/N_p93Rsn12M/christmashedgehogcopy_thumb6.png?imgmax=800" width="520" height="343" /></a></p> <h4 align="center"> Please excuse me whilst I go into holiday hiding.</h4> <p align="left">I fly home tomorrow for the holidays to enjoy family, friends and lots of food! Hope everyone gets a lot of relaxation and is looking forward to a brand new year! I know I am!</p> <h4 align="center"><strong>See you 2011</strong>!</h4> nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-31251484667007850472010-12-16T10:02:00.002-05:002011-01-15T08:52:21.818-05:00Recipe of the week, 12/12 duce<p>rTwo new recipes in one week! This will hopefully make up for the fact that in an attempt to eat the food that will spoil before I head home for the holidays, last night I ate bread and goat cheese for dinner with a side of cereal. Classy. </p> <p>With that mentioned, I will be going on holiday hiatus. I’m leaving Rhode Island (where it’s just cold) to this:</p> <p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/from-lighthouse-to-ice-house-23525590"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="icehouse" border="0" alt="icehouse" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop7jTB24I/AAAAAAAAAbY/tPU4FwC6jWw/icehouse%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="478" height="403" /></a> </p> <p>Technically I live two hours south of Cleveland, but my area has had a lot of snow. I will be excited to have snow for the first time this winter, but I hope the weather doesn’t ruin my plans!</p> <p>Anyway, onto food. I decided to make a very comforting meal for winter nights, Beef Stroganoff. I pretty much followed <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/ingredients-meat/recipe-recommendation-beef-stroganoff-090276">THIS</a> recipe from <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/">the kitchn</a>. My cast of characters:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop7_jdRVI/AAAAAAAAAbc/Y6TJXoioh6w/s1600-h/beef%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beef (1)" border="0" alt="beef (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop8F_bJwI/AAAAAAAAAbg/DitHNFX309U/beef%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="361" /></a></p> <p> I don’t buy meat very often and when I do its normally chicken breast. So instead of looking around the meat case for beef tenderloin, I pretty much grabbed the first beef package I saw that was already handily cut up into chunks. </p> <p>I’ll admit, I think meat is kind of gross. Especially cooking with it, which is why I stick to a lot of vegetarian meals. I’ve contemplated going vegetarian a couple of times, but I, personally, don’t have any ethical or health objections to meat, so why deny myself?</p> <p>I am getting all sorts of off-track. My brain is already on holiday hiatis, sorry about that. So anyway, start by boiling water for the egg noodles and by sautéing all of the mushrooms and onion in butter. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop8VJXWoI/AAAAAAAAAbk/64o02gFexGA/s1600-h/beef%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beef" border="0" alt="beef" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop8r0EgSI/AAAAAAAAAbo/DcXuZgeLw6Q/beef_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="330" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>What a delicious combination – onion and mushroom! I need to do this a lot more often.</p> <p>Once those have cooked for 5-6 minutes, put them in a bowl to cool and brown the beef.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop88kFkMI/AAAAAAAAAbs/YwzwpvJ5PGQ/s1600-h/beef%20%285%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beef (5)" border="0" alt="beef (5)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop9IRkY-I/AAAAAAAAAbw/w45yi-g4lj0/beef%20%285%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="352" /></a> </p> <p>Some recipes have you do this first, but I like the idea of the juices from the veggies infusing into the meat. Plus the meat put out a lot of grease that you will have to throw out, so better the veggies first then the meat. </p> <p>Once the meat is cooked through, remove the meat from the pan and dispose of the grease. Then add a cup of sour cream to the pan over low heat. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop9K1XHbI/AAAAAAAAAb0/GiXNrA07D-Y/s1600-h/beef%20%284%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beef (4)" border="0" alt="beef (4)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop9eb74rI/AAAAAAAAAb4/VuBp7jGBizs/beef%20%284%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="358" /></a> </p> <p>Season as you see fit; I just added a good amount of salt and pepper. Then add the veggies and meat to the sour cream, coating everything in the sauce. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop97TKMMI/AAAAAAAAAb8/dwQHa6jvCVg/s1600-h/beef%20%283%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beef (3)" border="0" alt="beef (3)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop-CC0tDI/AAAAAAAAAcE/-xYcK5tIh_M/beef%20%283%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="344" /></a> </p> <p>Then once your egg noodles are done, drain and you’re done!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop-bksOTI/AAAAAAAAAcI/RnFrjXxjvQ0/s1600-h/beef%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beef (2)" border="0" alt="beef (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQop-jfzg8I/AAAAAAAAAcM/gj49KcvCo0g/beef%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="352" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Hearty meal. Hearty winter ale. Completely stuffed person. </p>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-38584009766973173402010-12-14T10:36:00.003-05:002010-12-14T11:11:39.744-05:00Neat shit worth sharing<div style="text-align: left;">I have eclectic tastes in music with a leaning towards indie music. When I discovered the npr <a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/all-songs-considered/">All Songs Considered</a> podcasts last year, it seemed to fit perfectly with my preferred music. Each week they release a new podcast featuring a variety of new music.</div><div><br /></div><div> Recently, the All Songs Considered group celebrated their 10 year anniversary and their gift to all of us was their <a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/all-songs-considered/">24/7 stream</a> featuring all of the music from the past 10 years.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQaEZ32W5SI/AAAAAAAAAag/-xHQGXMH1IY/s320/allsongs.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550269170804253986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 70px; " /></span></div><div>I'm in love with this stream! I've been listening to it for almost the entire weekend - with such an eclectic variety of music, including their selection of Holiday music (but not overloaded, they understand the necessity of moderation). And in the spirit of their great podcasts, they tell you the artist, album and song of each song they play on the player so you can find new artists to love while you listen.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, if anyone's interested, here's a sampling of some of my favorite artists and albums of 2010:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Treats/dp/B003P72KGC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292272935&sr=8-1"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQaFWqQWRRI/AAAAAAAAAao/ELyXN_evg8Q/s320/sleigh%2Bbells.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550270215127188754" style="cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px; " /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lungs/dp/B002F6FQGK/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273022&sr=301-1"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQaFnUPdpcI/AAAAAAAAAaw/juVGPRamcOU/s320/florence%2Band%2Bthe%2Bmachines.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550270501275674050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px; " /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Songs-For-A-Sinking-Ship/dp/B0034PYYVY/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273075&sr=301-1"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQaFzVP8cxI/AAAAAAAAAa4/gh5eA-9fu50/s320/April%2BSmith.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550270707704558354" style="cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px; " /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sigh-No-More/dp/B0038BBA4I/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273179&sr=301-1"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQaGNScpnCI/AAAAAAAAAbA/-jh7RhXDANw/s320/mumford%2Band%2Bsongs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550271153629142050" style="cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Bells/dp/B003E88OY4/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273336&sr=301-1"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQaG1POM5gI/AAAAAAAAAbI/nKN608Zo4gM/s320/Broken%2Bbells.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550271839958001154" style="cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px; " /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Contra/dp/B002YP45EQ/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273561&sr=301-1"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQaHukmVA-I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/n1uEDPy2qDk/s320/vampire%2Bweekend.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550272824948884450" style="cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Treats/dp/B003P72KGC/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273636&sr=301-1">Sleigh Bells, "Treats"</a> 2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Treats/dp/B003P72KGC/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273636&sr=301-1">Florence and the Machines, "Between Two Lungs"</a> 3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Songs-For-A-Sinking-Ship/dp/B0034PYYVY/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273686&sr=301-1">April Smith and the Great Pictures Show, "Songs for a Sinking Ship"</a> 4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Bells/dp/B003E88OY4/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273715&sr=301-1">Broken Bells, self-titled</a> 5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Contra/dp/B002YP45EQ/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292273742&sr=301-1">Vampire Weekend, "Contra"</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The majority of these artists I found by listening to these podcasts. It's definitely worth a listen!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">*******</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp">Anthropologie</a> facebook page recently launched a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150108379596416&set=a.160451286415.154658.107418161415">contest</a> to create a story/fashion board using <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore</a>. I had never used the site before and normally don't care to sign up for yet another website that I won't use, but when the prize is a $500 gift card to Anthropologie I thought, "eh, worth a try". </div><div><br /></div><div>And actually Polyvore is a pretty cool blogger tool. It lets you find clothes, home furnishings, backgrounds from online shops and create collages. Then you can click on the image below and see what items I tagged. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;position: relative; width: 400px; height: 400px; "><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=25910286"><img width="400" alt="Green & Gold" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFjJteVYwZlVHNEJHcDFGUlJUMVpNX0EAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Green & Gold" height="400" border="0" force="1" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; font-size: small; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span">These are items from <a href="http://www.wishpot.com/list.aspx?uid=201531&list=350535">my wishpot list</a> in case anyone has an extra $200 lying around and feels like buying me something. No? Well it was worth a shot. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;padding-top: 16px; font-size: 0.75em; "><p></p></div></div>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-66489548508950172302010-12-13T11:14:00.001-05:002010-12-13T11:14:07.646-05:00Recipe of the week, 12/12<p>Depending on how tonight’s dinner pans out, I may have two recipes this week! This first one though is really simple, incorporates chocolate into breakfast, and finally gave me a reason to try nutella. </p> <p> I found the recipe  <a href="http://www.clovesandcream.com/2009/10/cinnamon-nutella-croissants.html">HERE</a> for Cinnamon-Nutella Croissants and I instantly added the easy ingredients to my grocery shopping list. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGPzhli9I/AAAAAAAAAZo/Z6fn8EyWmOQ/s1600-h/nutella%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="nutella (1)" border="0" alt="nutella (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGQFQaXaI/AAAAAAAAAZs/6ilOVdVGRA8/nutella%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="317" /></a></p> <p>Easy right?! Sugar, cinnamon, croissant rolls, one egg and my new favorite, nutella. </p> <p>I have always heard mixed reviews of nutella and frankly, never really had a reason to buy it. I love chocolate but a chocolate hazelnut spread was never really anything I thought I needed before. But how wrong I was! Now I’m searching for other recipes that I can use it in as I can’t bring myself to total shame by eating it by the spoonful (although as delicious as it is, I could!). So if you have any recipes incorporating this new love of mine, please share!</p> <p> You simply roll out the croissant pieces on a baking pan. Mix together some cinnamon and sugar and beat the egg. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGQY97PUI/AAAAAAAAAZw/wZhejHrfDIs/s1600-h/nutella%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="nutella" border="0" alt="nutella" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGQrx3lZI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/SpKhdkb61JQ/nutella_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="339" /></a> </p> <p>Put a spoonful of nutella in the wide-end of the croissant piece and roll up like you would normally.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGQ4jta5I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/H8prytE-_OI/s1600-h/nutella%20%288%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="nutella (8)" border="0" alt="nutella (8)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGRa3LKvI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/_V2Yk-BzvMI/nutella%20%288%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="356" /></a> </p> <p>Add just a bit of water to your beaten egg and brush it onto the rolled up croissant.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGRm-pqZI/AAAAAAAAAaA/ZiRQRI7uPik/s1600-h/nutella%20%286%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="nutella (6)" border="0" alt="nutella (6)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGRyraVFI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Ktrq7ATKPXM/nutella%20%286%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="338" /></a> </p> <p>Then sprinkle each piece with the cinnamon-sugar. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGSG3f-EI/AAAAAAAAAaI/4XhxDJ6uHUU/s1600-h/nutella%20%284%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="nutella (4)" border="0" alt="nutella (4)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGSikgS0I/AAAAAAAAAaM/RGtiyH9drp0/nutella%20%284%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="349" /></a> </p> <p>And in less than 15 minutes of baking time, you have a delicious warm, slightly gooey breakfast treat. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGS2UxBpI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/4QJfhgJeqws/s1600-h/nutella%20%282%29%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="nutella (2)" border="0" alt="nutella (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGTKZrswI/AAAAAAAAAaU/MdS8EgDNuLo/nutella%20%282%29_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="330" /></a> </p> <p>I plan on making these again while my 15 year old cousin is visiting me in Providence. They just seem so perfect for the holidays!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGTfLQ21I/AAAAAAAAAaY/5ukSzYG5RGs/s1600-h/nutella%20%285%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="nutella (5)" border="0" alt="nutella (5)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQZGT90OtNI/AAAAAAAAAac/Vg0gKz5NKvc/nutella%20%285%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="278" /></a></p> nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-60497241843711784032010-12-09T11:08:00.003-05:002010-12-09T12:08:22.955-05:00Recipe of the week 12/5<p> I know I refer to this blog a lot, but I couldn’t resist <a href="http://www.fresh365online.com/">fresh365</a>’s <a href="http://www.fresh365online.com/recipes/2010/11/9/pear-gruyere-panini.html">Pear and Gruyere Panini</a> recipe. </p> <p>Here was my cast of characters:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQD-7n-LAII/AAAAAAAAAZA/kOy2N2BsugQ/s1600-h/panini%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="panini" border="0" alt="panini" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQD-7yTjqKI/AAAAAAAAAZE/ImPkK4wvP9M/panini_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="343" /></a> </p> <p>I used the cheap, sugary honey in my cupboard, but I recently tried fresh, straight from the comb honey and I died and went to foodie heaven. There’s a local honey(…maker? cultivator? monger?) in RI who sells fresh honey comb and I’m keeping that gem in mind next time I have a <a href="http://inspirationincarnate.blogspot.com/2010/10/recipe-of-week-1010.html">fancy cheese smorgasbord</a>. </p> <p>Anyway, start with generously applying honey and thyme to eat side of your bread.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQD-8Lp0eUI/AAAAAAAAAZI/bSOg-b6tVO8/s1600-h/panini%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="panini (1)" border="0" alt="panini (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQD-8SyrjCI/AAAAAAAAAZM/TOTAdth1BjI/panini%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="327" /></a> </p> <p>Thyme is also muy deliciousio by the way. It has such a great punch of flavor.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="panini (2)" border="0" alt="panini (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQD-8jy-QcI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/SJj2ihgtuyQ/panini%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="348" /> </p> <p>Add your sliced pears and top with slices of gruyere to each side of your panini. Combine and use your fancy panini press or whatever method works for you:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQD-8-s6rjI/AAAAAAAAAZU/kuP8DfWY4DQ/s1600-h/panini%20%283%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="panini (3)" border="0" alt="panini (3)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQD-9MGg4aI/AAAAAAAAAZY/MXM_RIVj4H8/panini%20%283%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="455" /></a> <em><span>fancy!</span></em></p> <p>Add a side salad and top with lettuce (if desired) and you’ve quickly got a delicious pear and gruyere panini!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQD-9EzqaUI/AAAAAAAAAZc/ewNbnXmX83k/s1600-h/panini%20%284%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="panini (4)" border="0" alt="panini (4)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TQD-9jAuPeI/AAAAAAAAAZg/GI0rb2aCYXk/panini%20%284%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="443" /></a> </p> <p align="center">***************</p> <p>On an editing note, my recipe of the week is going to be much more scattered because of the holidays. I also keep finding that now when I come home at 5pm and it’s dark, I’m uninspired to cook a unique, fun meal. I’m thinking about petitioning my work to allow me to exchange maternity leave with a Hibernation leave. Six-weeks of lounging in my warm apartment cooking, reading, crafting and watching <em>30 Rock</em>. </p> <p>Yes, the winter slump is starting. I need to stay motivated and keep on putting inspiration into action! If you have any hearty winter meals, I would love to hear them! Beef stroganoff is on my list, but I need more to get me through this winter. </p> <p><em>Carpe the winter blues!</em></p><p><i><br /></i></p>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-50436617090408751082010-12-06T13:03:00.005-05:002010-12-06T14:20:20.621-05:00Neat shit worth sharing – Hedgehog edition<p>You know when you're excited about something that is beyond your control, so you don’t want to tell a lot of people because you really, <em>REALLY</em> want it to happen but you’re worried it may not. </p> <p><span>(Did you follow that?)</span></p> <p>Well, currently I’m on a waiting list to get a hedgehog! And I’m really, <em>REALLY</em> excited about the possibility of getting one!</p> <p>Which isn’t aided by the fact that I’ve been seeing them everywhere.</p> <p>In jewelry:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TP0lfISTQxI/AAAAAAAAAYk/Fxc1W_NpJE4/s1600-h/hedgehog.jewelry%5B11%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="hedgehog.jewelry" border="0" alt="hedgehog.jewelry" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TP0lfnU3FQI/AAAAAAAAAYs/_SiWBybSf8E/hedgehog.jewelry_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="491" height="619" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54204181/hedgehog-on-pink-stud-earrings-sf19?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=hedgehog+earrings&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title"><span>1</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59033819/hedgehog-pendant?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_query=hedgehog&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade&filter[1]=jewelry"><span>2</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62569650/hedgehog-pin"><span>3</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62667649/adorable-teeny-tiny-forest-hedgehog?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=hedgehog&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade&filter[1]=jewelry"><span>4</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.pandorasaintlouis.com/product.php?pid=357&name=Hedgehog-Charm&source=googleps"><span>5</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61483600/mr-hedgehog-ring?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=hedgehog&ga_search_type=&ga_page=5&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade&filter[1]=jewelry"><span>6</span></a></p> <p>In Christmas ornaments:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TP0lf66JlJI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Bvztjf5Dazg/s1600-h/hedgehog.ornaments%5B12%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="hedgehog.ornaments" border="0" alt="hedgehog.ornaments" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TP0lg47pa1I/AAAAAAAAAY0/8Jdyh2rw7iQ/hedgehog.ornaments_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="405" height="696" /></a><span> </span><a href="http://shopterrain.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ST&Product_Code=SEAS-TREE-41-001001&Category_Code=SEAS-TREE"><span>1</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62520791/5-woodland-ornaments-your-choice-of-five?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=hedgehog+ornament&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade"><span>2</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62793890/handmade-felt-christmas-ornaments?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=hedgehog+ornament&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade"><span>3</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.ecrater.com/p/2965090/hedgehog-christmas-ornament-merck-family"><span>4</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Hedgehog-Glittered-Holiday-Ornament/300_353/441410.html"><span>5</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.plowhearth.com/product.asp?pcode=10289&cm_mmc=Tagged-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&cm_lm=&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=NA"><span>6</span></a></p> <p>And in household goodies:</p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TP0lhFIg9eI/AAAAAAAAAY4/EIjXwllDxOM/s1600-h/hedgehog.household%5B23%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="hedgehog.household" border="0" alt="hedgehog.household" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TP0lhr2ynFI/AAAAAAAAAY8/uX6oaSskiDI/hedgehog.household_thumb%5B19%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="427" height="653" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58961390/sale-rare-double-set-vintage-modernist?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_search_query=hedgehog&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=vintage"><span>1</span></a><span> </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58961390/sale-rare-double-set-vintage-modernist?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_search_query=hedgehog&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=vintage"><span>(ash tray)</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=20111407"><span>2</span></a><span> </span><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=20111407"><span>(bottle opener)</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58575677/stocking-stuffers-vintage-swarovski?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=hedgehog&ga_search_type=&ga_page=2&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=vintage"><span>3 (vintage crystal figurine)</span></a><span> , </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63343500/hedgehog-iphone-cozy-plum"><span>4 (iPhone case)</span></a><span>, </span><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120634956553&rvr_id=180142868282&crlp=1_263602_304642&UA=WXS%3F&GUID=bc6bb5f312c0a0aa11d326a3ffc2c529&itemid=120634956553&ff4=263602_304642#ht_1572wt_1053"><span>5 (brush)</span></a><span> , </span><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/critter-candles/?pkey=e|hedgehog|0|best|0|1|24||1&sku=2296663&cm_src=NLASEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-"><span>6 (candle)</span></a></p> <p>By now you should be equally convinced of their awesomeness, and if not, you can't deny the allure of the one-and-only hedgehog badboy:</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:biN3vSd_g2u8iM:http://ocremix.org/files/images/games/gen/2/sonic-the-hedgehog-gen-cover-front-30691.jpg&t=1" width="290" height="418" /></p> <p>Recognize. </p>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498971120928202850.post-87453567130418438032010-12-01T09:30:00.002-05:002010-12-01T09:39:11.288-05:00Holiday Spirit<p>Today is December 1st which means it’s finally appropriate to be excited for Christmas! </p> <p>Moving away from home has made getting together with my family during the holidays that much better. But even though most of family and kickass best friends are 12 hours away, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t enjoy some holiday fun in Providence. </p> <p>To be honest I decorated my apartment before I left for Thanksgiving break, but since none of my friends have seen it yet, it’s almost like it didn’t count.</p> <p>I decided I wanted to cut out paper snowflakes because what’s cuter than this darling window curtain:</p> <p> <br /><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/uimages/ohdeedoh/120409-snowflake-curtain-1.jpg" /></p> <p align="center"><span >via </span><a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/how-to-snowflake-curtain-100687"><span >ohdeedoh</span></a></p> <p align="left">I mean, I used to make these things as a kid in elementary school all the time. Easiest decor ever. This is what I got:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZb6nvUSFI/AAAAAAAAAXk/4Jtna0zzzEM/s1600-h/photo3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZb7Hw5O1I/AAAAAAAAAXo/bKJ94zHynUk/photo_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="320" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>They’re all square! I don’t know how I got square snowflakes, even after I followed <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/decorating-with-paper-snowflakes">Martha Stewart’s instructions</a>. Ugh. </p> <p>Not to be downtrodden, I decided to just go with what I bought and leave the DIY to others.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZb7gOo24I/AAAAAAAAAXs/We65bqbjW8E/s1600-h/photo%20%283%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="photo (3)" border="0" alt="photo (3)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZb8I126BI/AAAAAAAAAXw/2YtTN08cEvE/photo%20%283%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="343" /></a> </p> <p>The ornaments are wall decals that I bought after Christmas last year for really cheap.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZb8XUnxKI/AAAAAAAAAX0/JN73VQAfNkA/s1600-h/photo%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="photo (1)" border="0" alt="photo (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZb8izDB4I/AAAAAAAAAX4/geqfBjlEG60/photo%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="337" /></a> </p> <p>The deer are also an end-of-season wall decal. It came in a pack of three, so the other two are hiding in my hallway.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZb9HRPtWI/AAAAAAAAAX8/8wXFpWFPQvs/s1600-h/photo%20%282%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="photo (2)" border="0" alt="photo (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZb9ZA_TmI/AAAAAAAAAYA/a3P3YP9JxjU/photo%20%282%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="357" /></a></p> <p>Even my moose got in the holiday spirit.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZb94X2lLI/AAAAAAAAAYE/heVXOoiDqNY/s1600-h/photo%20%287%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="photo (7)" border="0" alt="photo (7)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZcAjHACVI/AAAAAAAAAYI/qKvUmo-NE5w/photo%20%287%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="420" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>And of course, my Christmas tree. My first real Christmas tree ever.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZcAwRI3oI/AAAAAAAAAYM/sDsDfvittQo/s1600-h/photo%20%284%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="photo (4)" border="0" alt="photo (4)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZcBXtarqI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/NXYq2w9GXH4/photo%20%284%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="460" /></a> </p> <p>Thanks Whole Foods! I’ll have to plant it in the woods nearby so that it can live on. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZcCMZXJ4I/AAAAAAAAAYU/Rz8L2ZAkN7U/s1600-h/photo%20%286%29%20holiday%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="photo (6) holiday" border="0" alt="photo (6) holiday" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aQV_gmF_lwc/TPZcCQibP4I/AAAAAAAAAYY/S6HpfADkYZ8/photo%20%286%29%20holiday_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="473" /></a><span >photos using CrossProcess and ShakeItPhoto apps </span></p>nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228149134762163083noreply@blogger.com1