tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19566574256884593452024-03-18T08:41:12.956-07:00sea blue, see greenAlicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.comBlogger494125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-86338589088978420392012-05-16T21:08:00.000-07:002012-05-16T21:08:13.874-07:00beautiful balletI am a sucker for beautiful ballet videos. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Ballet dancers in slow motion:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/e4X5z8AQc3s" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
A short documentary on the pointe shoe:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36031564?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ff9933" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/36031564">New York City Ballet "Pointe Shoes"</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user649551">Galen Summer</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Making a ballet costume:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/35776572?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ff9933" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/35776572">New York City Ballet "Recreating a Tutu"</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user649551">Galen Summer</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-33488727821896022702012-04-18T11:41:00.002-07:002012-04-18T11:41:00.102-07:00the first five months: breastfeeding<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">“If one but realizes it, with the onset of the first pangs of birth pains, one begins to say farewell to one’s baby. For no sooner has it entered the world, when others begin to demand their share. With the child at one’s breast, one keeps the warmth of possession a little longer”.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Princess <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Grace</span> of Monaco (1929-1982). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CpTSsEq9to/T40QzxddhBI/AAAAAAABHHY/RFhLx-gOaXw/s1600/photo+(39)+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CpTSsEq9to/T40QzxddhBI/AAAAAAABHHY/RFhLx-gOaXw/s320/photo+(39)+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you do what you gotta do...<br />
Nursing on the side of the Dish walking trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Breastfeeding to off to a bit of a slow start for me. Our little guy was born with pretty major tongue tie that had to be clipped on THREE separate occasions (in the hospital, by the ENT, and finally by the pediatrician) before breastfeeding was not incredibly painful. My advice? See a lactation consultant if you have any pain - I saw <a href="http://www.pamf.org/providersearch/?sitecfg=41&vs=detail&action=providerdetail&masterid=9580">Joanna Koch</a> at Palo Alto Medical Foundation three times over the course of a month and she was AMAZING. Worth the cost many many times over. It is so nice to have someone to talk who knows what they're doing and will help you problem solve. I liked seeing Joanna at PAMF better that someone at Day One because our pediatrician was also at PAMF - meaning that Joanna could refer me to other doctors (the ENT for example) and stuff just happened quickly.<br />
<br />
So what do I use? <br />
<div><ol><li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Balboa-Baby-Nursing-Cover-Lola/dp/B002VXT8D4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334722262&sr=8-1">Balboa Baby Nursing cover:</a> I use this everyday. I got mine as a hand-me-down from a friend and I love love love it. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Pump-Style-Advanced-Breast/dp/B004HWXCJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334721376&sr=8-1">Medela Pump in Style</a>: I pump every night to help me build my stockpile for when I return to work. I pump so much that when we moved to our new house, we got a separate deep freezer for our garage. It just has breast milk in it. No joke. It is great. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shields-Medium-23-29mm-accessory-Breast/dp/B004I6Q5TM/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1334721465&sr=1-4">Pumpin pals:</a> I got these shields for my breast pump. They are not noticably more comfortable than the ones that came with the pump. I bought an extra set of pump parts so that I didn't necessarily have to wash them everyday. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Pillow-Sunburst/dp/B000HZEQSU/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1334721558&sr=1-2">My breast friend:</a> I used it for about the first month. I haven't really ever used it since. Nice in the beginning when he was so small!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Polypropylene-Natural-Newborn/dp/B001IXYOD2/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1334721633&sr=1-2">Dr. Brown's Bottles</a>: We like these, but don't feel evangelical about them. I'm sure other brands are nice, these are what we happened to get from friends.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Breast pads: I liked the Johnson and Johnson ones early on (very absorbent), but have moved to the Lanisoh ones (thinner). I don't feel strongly about the brand I use. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Nipple cream: Medela tender care was my best friend for about the first 8 weeks. I didn't like the Mother Love (too thin) or Lanisoh (too thick) brands. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Nursing tank tops: A must. I really like the <a href="http://www.figure8maternity.com/viewItem.cfm?pid=1212600">Ripe Maternity brand</a>. They are pricey for sure, but I have worn one everyday for the last 5 months. In terms of cost per wear, the price is very reasonable!</li>
</ol></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzYEorAcizo/T44-TBX069I/AAAAAAABHR8/Bv0bkT89hS8/s1600/photo+(15)+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzYEorAcizo/T44-TBX069I/AAAAAAABHR8/Bv0bkT89hS8/s320/photo+(15)+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our little guy sleeping on the breast friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-12481813889193763972012-04-17T11:17:00.012-07:002012-04-17T11:17:00.315-07:00The first five months: SleepI hesitate to tell you this, but our baby started to sleep through the night around 6 weeks of age. It was actually the night of my 30th birthday and it was the best gift ever. Seriously. He had done it once before, around 4 weeks old on 12/23/11 - it was like an early Christmas gift. I remember waking up in a panic wondering if he was still alive! My husband and I were so refreshed from sleep that night we took an early morning walk and I got my toenails painted for the first time since having the baby. It was heaven. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz_EHc6lYh4/T40OiqtPbDI/AAAAAAABHGw/R9VdK-0pXxQ/s1600/IMG_20111128_134541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz_EHc6lYh4/T40OiqtPbDI/AAAAAAABHGw/R9VdK-0pXxQ/s320/IMG_20111128_134541.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a baby burrito</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div>So what has helped us along the way with sleep? </div><div><ol><li><b>Swaddle blanket:</b> The premade swaddle blankets have been key to our sleep. We have liked using the fleece (it was winter) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-SwaddleMe-Microfleece-Green/dp/B0038JDLVU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334643726&sr=8-3">Summer Infant Swaddle Me</a>. We used these premade swaddle blankets until around 4 months of age when we switched to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SleepSack-Cotton-Wearable-Blanket-Turquoise/dp/B004G8QN12/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1334643753&sr=1-3">Halo SleepSack</a>. My pediatrician recommended making the move away from the swaddle as our little guy got closer to rolling over. We were able to make the switch without too much of a problem. We had been worried since he would wake up from time to time in the middle of the night when his arms had come un-swaddled. Turns out that maybe fighting the swaddle woke him up! The first night we un-swaddled him he slept just fine. </li>
<li><b>Infant swing</b>: A friend lent us the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Cradle-Swing-Little/dp/B0018Z6910/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1334643780&sr=1-1">Fisher Price Lamb Swing</a>. It was the best way to get him to sleep in the early days. We would sleep on the couch next to it. </li>
<li><b>Go the F to Sleep:</b> We got this funny <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Go-F-Sleep-Adam-Mansbach/dp/1617750255/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1334643854&sr=1-1-catcorr">book</a> from our friends. You can SO relate in the early days. This provides a good laugh.</li>
<li><b>Pacifiers:</b> We didn't introduce the pacifier until around 6 weeks. We tried earlier, but we thought he wouldn't take one. We had to try several brands, but it turns out he liked the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/NUK-Classic-Silicone-Fashion-Pacifier/dp/B000ROKDC4/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1334643983&sr=1-1">NUK</a> brand. It has been really key in helping him soothe himself before bed. </li>
<li><b>Big aerobics ball:</b> We would sit on this thing in the middle of the night in the early days and bounce him to sleep.</li>
<li><b>Bassinet:</b> Our stroller (the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/UPPAbaby-Vista-Stroller-Cole-Slate/dp/B004IYNIQC/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1334644021&sr=1-4">Uppababy Vista</a>) came with a bassinet. We got the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/UPPAbaby-Vista-Bassinet-Stand-Walnut/dp/B0030GUMNQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1334644021&sr=1-5">bassinet stand</a> (which we now use as a laundry hamper) and used this bassinet in our bedroom for the first several months. Made middle of the night feedings much easier. </li>
<li><b>Carters fleece zip-up footed pajamas:</b> The fleece keeps him warm and the zip makes for easy access. We still use these! After Christmas Carters had a big sale on these and I bought a few in every size. The sales lady asked how many children I had... </li>
<li><b>A routine</b>: Early on we decided to put together a bedtime routine, even if he was waking up every couple of hours. It helped mark the start of the night. We would bathe him, put him in his jammies, give him his vitamin D drops, turn on the sound machine, read books, and then nurse him to sleep. We still do the same routine today at 5 months (although I try to put him down awake now rather than asleep). </li>
</ol><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VEYX1_vqdVc/T40OjcOi8YI/AAAAAAABHG4/xzCR-AR9VsQ/s1600/IMG_20111203_135951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VEYX1_vqdVc/T40OjcOi8YI/AAAAAAABHG4/xzCR-AR9VsQ/s320/IMG_20111203_135951.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">quality sleep in the lamb swing</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13wMqXXbVnw/T40Ojhy18II/AAAAAAABHHA/-QjIXx1JjSs/s1600/IMG_20111212_142803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13wMqXXbVnw/T40Ojhy18II/AAAAAAABHHA/-QjIXx1JjSs/s320/IMG_20111212_142803.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the bassinet </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rt0mkDQ3evo/T40QKeorpyI/AAAAAAABHHQ/Tebmgn7NIr4/s1600/IMG_20120227_094517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rt0mkDQ3evo/T40QKeorpyI/AAAAAAABHHQ/Tebmgn7NIr4/s320/IMG_20120227_094517.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zip up pjs are the best!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div></div></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-38381529093875633042012-04-16T23:15:00.000-07:002012-04-16T23:15:49.526-07:00The hospital packing listThe time in the hospital is already starting to be a bit of a blur. I remember being so excited to finally have my little baby boy in my arms. We had a shared room at Lucile Packard, but were lucky enough to have the entire thing to ourselves. It was hard to be interrupted constantly day and night for various checks, I now get why people check out early if they can. It was so nice to get home with our sweet baby boy. <br />
<br />
When I was preparing my hospital bag, I got a list of what to bring from my doctor (see below). Another friend (and photographer) sent me <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/maternity-bag-essential-list-things-pack-223700632.html">a link</a> to her list of what to bring. However, it turned out that I used very little of what I brought (aside from toiletries, car seat, and a going home outfit for me and the baby). I think if I am so lucky as to do this a second time around, I would do things a little differently.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXCoqKxXABg/T40GoWKo5PI/AAAAAAABHGc/lRPGLo25X2E/s1600/IMG_20111116_152852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXCoqKxXABg/T40GoWKo5PI/AAAAAAABHGc/lRPGLo25X2E/s320/IMG_20111116_152852.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hospital prep list from my doctor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here is my hospital packing list for next time:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><ol><li><b>A towel for the car: </b>My water broke when I got out of the car in the hospital parking lot. I knew my water was starting to break when I left home, so I sat on a towel on the way to the hospital. </li>
<li><b>Nipple cream</b>: I am nursing and in the beginning it was a lot to figure out. I was very sore and tender. The hospital offered me olive oil, but that just wasn't protective enough. I brought my own Lanisoh brand lanolin (a fat derived from sheep's wool that is safe for babies). However, after trial and error with several brands since - my favorite brand is Medela Tender Care. Lanisoh is very thick and could be painful to smear on. The other popular brand (Mother Love) was too thin (too much like the olive oil at the hospital). Medela was just right. </li>
<li><b>Swaddle blanket</b>: While we were in the hospital we just used the cotton flannel receiving blankets that they had. However, we have since learned that it is MUCH easier to swaddle our baby in one of those premade swaddle blankets with the velcro. It took us a few days (and some desperation in the middle of the night) to realize that swaddling with regular blankets was just not as effective. I honestly didn't really realize that I could bring my own swaddle blankets... </li>
<li><b>A bed jacket</b>: Helpful because of all the people coming to visit. My mom got me mine and it snapped up the front. Hospital gown was not that comfortable as it was hard to keep over my shoulders. I was also cold a lot in the hospital.</li>
<li><b>A sleep bra</b>: My breasts were so tender and the rough hospital gown rubbing on them was not helpful. Next time I'm going to wear a sleep bra with either gel Soothies or regular nursing pads with lanolin to protect them from the friction. </li>
<li><b>Baby clothes: </b> The hospital put our baby in this little kimono shirt with a billion strings to tie. It was inconvenient. I didn't really realize that we could have changed him into his own clothes at any time! I will bring my own little SNAP kimono shirts next time. Easy to unsnap for skin on skin time - but not impossible to put on when he is crying or squirming. </li>
</ol><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zjTPTmYfq0/T40I1NXItXI/AAAAAAABHGo/FpIfS8-i_ZA/s1600/photo+(3)+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zjTPTmYfq0/T40I1NXItXI/AAAAAAABHGo/FpIfS8-i_ZA/s1600/photo+(3)+(1).JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our little guy just after he was born</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><ol></ol></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-82709057181800267932012-03-05T18:40:00.000-08:002012-03-05T18:40:24.196-08:00Where have I been?A lot has happened since I last wrote - I had a sweet baby boy and bought a house (in that order). I have wanted to start writing again for a while (new years resolution) - but didn't really know how to jump back in. Well, I figure I'll just start writing again and fill in as I go along. I want to write so I can remember things. My blog was a good diary of my life and helped me to remember the things I had done, liked, thought about, etc.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dUI0ArwGHbs/T1V4KsfZFTI/AAAAAAABCbg/yVofrco2s4c/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dUI0ArwGHbs/T1V4KsfZFTI/AAAAAAABCbg/yVofrco2s4c/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our baby - 1 week old</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So what happened?<br />
Writing everyday in my blog used to be one of my favorite things - something that got a lot more erratic when I changed jobs at work after I got married in 2010. My job got more chaotic - I was working longer hours and didn't want to be on the computer when I got home from work. Then I got pregnant in March of last year. Things felt touch and go for a few weeks (the entire first trimester really) and the last thing I wanted to do was talk about my pregnancy in a public way. But not talking about it also felt strange since it was pretty much all I thought about. So my erratic posting went to no posting.<br />
<br />
So now I'm back. I'm not sure I have any readers left, but at the end of the day I write mostly for myself (and my parents so they can see what I'm up to across the country). I'm excited to get back to it, to see if I find writing as fun as I used to. There will undoubtably be more baby related stuff than before - but that is where I am right now. I'm excited for this next phase of my life (and my blog).Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-3443959809678176332011-05-22T13:43:00.000-07:002011-05-22T13:43:16.735-07:00chrome + gagaIt is no secret that I am obsessed with Lady Gaga - but I have a whole new reason to be obsessed. Love her new Chrome commercial.<br />
<br />
<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sDPJ-o1leAw?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sDPJ-o1leAw?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-71798776095287698372011-05-15T22:44:00.000-07:002011-05-15T22:44:33.186-07:00Bravo Benji!Benji was one of my very best friends in college - where would I be today without our friendship? Anyway, he's back at Maryland getting at PhD and sent me <a href="http://www.agrc.umd.edu/gamera/">this story</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q70tM5sDQhc&feature=player_embedded">SWEET video</a>. He is part of a team that built a human powered helicopter - the first in history! Amazing work! Congrats to Benji and the rest of the UMD team.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/q70tM5sDQhc" width="560"></iframe>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-20852265970513268262011-04-22T05:47:00.001-07:002011-04-22T05:47:34.086-07:00Good Friday<div><p>In honor of Good Friday I made hot cross buns this week! I used a combination of a few recipes so I'll share those soon - the bun recipe is from epicurious.com and the frosting recipe came from my mom (tangerine)!</p>
<p>Have a great weekend!</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lOudN79Il3Y/TbF45CcCQHI/AAAAAAAA4UU/Tc7f8k-P3zc/IMG_20110421_070710.png' /></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-11784906020056425102011-04-18T09:48:00.001-07:002011-04-18T09:48:24.484-07:00Breakfast of champions<div><p>Some oatmeal, flaxseed, granola, and almonds. Not exactly cheese grits with cream and bacon, but it will do. :)</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lOudN79Il3Y/TaxrVuds5ZI/AAAAAAAA4O0/My6z1EjlXSc/IMG_20110329_090349.png' /></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-3282580553144343582011-04-17T23:13:00.001-07:002011-04-17T23:13:41.484-07:00Sauerkraut Sunday<div><p>Today the hubby and I went to the California Ave farmers market after a long absence. How could I have gone so long without a chicken naan wrap? Anyway, we discovered many new booths since we'd last been there - including gourmet sauerkraut. Sauerkraut is among my least favorite foods, but my hubby loves anything vinegary - ick! I insisted that he try the krautwich (even if he wasn't hungry) because it looked so interesting. The guy gave us two for the price of one. The krautwich was like sauerkraut in a giant pretzel. Interesting! I observed while eating butter chicken in a naan wrap. :)</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lOudN79Il3Y/TavWlBuo0YI/AAAAAAAA4Og/OQekDRrQpBo/IMG_20110417_130608.png' /></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-82899830194539725302011-04-17T22:33:00.000-07:002011-04-17T22:33:36.044-07:00I heart wafflesWhen we were in Norway, we discovered <a href="http://www.seablueseegreen.com/2011/02/norway-day-2.html">heart-shaped Norwegian waffles</a>. We ordered the waffle iron on amazon right after we got back, but somehow the weeks slipped away from us before we finally got our act together to make some waffles. Last Sunday, in honor of our wedding anniversary, we finally were organized and motivated enough to veer from our normal Sunday routine of oatmeal and coffee. Using a recipe from the Joy of Cooking, we made heart-shaped waffles!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irlBH1QYQWs/TaHz5J_YBNI/AAAAAAAA4E4/bc79eabjtW0/s1600/IMG_20110410_111551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irlBH1QYQWs/TaHz5J_YBNI/AAAAAAAA4E4/bc79eabjtW0/s320/IMG_20110410_111551.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting the iron hot</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The waffles were delicious - crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Paired with coffee and the Sunday New York Times, it was the perfect Sunday morning. What is not pictured is that I also spent the morning cuddled in my LSU Tigers snuggie... but that is for a different post. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BpeCvDLAmg/TaH4vfcRhdI/AAAAAAAA4Fc/lxUiyalpJ8M/s1600/IMG_20110410_113623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BpeCvDLAmg/TaH4vfcRhdI/AAAAAAAA4Fc/lxUiyalpJ8M/s320/IMG_20110410_113623.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">elements of a perfect Sunday morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-10903427496057748712011-04-10T23:12:00.000-07:002011-04-10T23:12:42.005-07:00First Anniversary! Time to eat cake!Today was our first wedding anniversary! Since our wedding cake topper is still in New Orleans in my parent's freezer, I decided to make almond white cake cupcakes so that we could eat a slice of our wedding cake (in spirit) today. It turns out to be hard to find a recipe for white almond wedding cake, but I found a well reviewed version on <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/white-almond-wedding-cake/Detail.aspx">allrecipes.com</a> (and I had all of the ingredients)! Anything with 4.5 stars after 9,200 reviews is worth a try! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ9SVRA2ego/TaJLDBEm_KI/AAAAAAAA4Gg/WJSm0qQQj9Q/s1600/IMG_20110410_172740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ9SVRA2ego/TaJLDBEm_KI/AAAAAAAA4Gg/WJSm0qQQj9Q/s320/IMG_20110410_172740.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A special thanks to John for supplying us with farm fresh eggs. Look at those yolks! To keep the cake white - I set aside the yolks to use for something else as the recipe only called for the whites.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6a0pArLd9Dw/TaJPcExHIYI/AAAAAAAA4HA/ArFMElK3bvM/s1600/IMG_20110410_174629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6a0pArLd9Dw/TaJPcExHIYI/AAAAAAAA4HA/ArFMElK3bvM/s320/IMG_20110410_174629.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yolks from my co-worker's chickens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Snowy white almond cake batter.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hcKJg8mVqM/TaJQLWdFemI/AAAAAAAA4HI/oQuXQ4q4UN8/s1600/IMG_20110410_174942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hcKJg8mVqM/TaJQLWdFemI/AAAAAAAA4HI/oQuXQ4q4UN8/s320/IMG_20110410_174942.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">batter was SO hard not to just eat raw... </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Little white cupcakes - the recipe yield was 30 cupcakes. They weren't as almond tasting as I expected. Next time I would double the amount of almond extract to get them to taste more like our actual wedding cake.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXg5reEu264/TaJYg8i2pDI/AAAAAAAA4HY/xoMn-59xXKc/s1600/IMG_20110410_182505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXg5reEu264/TaJYg8i2pDI/AAAAAAAA4HY/xoMn-59xXKc/s320/IMG_20110410_182505.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cupcakes hot from the oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The cakes were topped with a little almond vanilla frosting and a sprinkle of white pearls for decoration and crunch (my favorite texture).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noaXoDjNakI/TaKMyo5XTZI/AAAAAAAA4IU/YALC39bLeUc/s1600/IMG_20110410_220818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noaXoDjNakI/TaKMyo5XTZI/AAAAAAAA4IU/YALC39bLeUc/s320/IMG_20110410_220818.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wedding cupcakes to eat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also put 15 cupcakes in a to go tray to take to work tomorrow and share with my co-workers. I'm always brining sweet treats to work since I like baking more than I like eatings desserts (I'm more of a cheese kind of a person). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drMYnyqzZHo/TaKM6hBsxcI/AAAAAAAA4Ik/-Za0SDUQVDo/s1600/IMG_20110410_220846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drMYnyqzZHo/TaKM6hBsxcI/AAAAAAAA4Ik/-Za0SDUQVDo/s320/IMG_20110410_220846.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wedding cupcakes to share!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We shared our wedding cake cupcakes with Alison and Eli, who are getting married later this year. It was fun to share the tradition of eating wedding cake (a realistic recreation in our case) a year later with our best friends.Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-74513837931770412902011-04-04T23:33:00.001-07:002011-04-04T23:33:37.958-07:00girl crushIsn't Gwyneth the cutest in this video? I think I need to start watching Glee...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/e1_B9FCZJMA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-6496409812911611692011-04-03T19:38:00.000-07:002011-04-03T19:38:00.850-07:00Tom Hanks and TiarasSince <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094737/">Big</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091541/">Money Pit</a>, I've always had a weakness for Tom Hanks... <div><br />
</div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dPLWKBWkn3s" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-1134127083717726242011-03-25T17:16:00.000-07:002011-03-25T17:16:00.310-07:00Baby Shower: The FavorsRecently I hosted <a href="http://www.seablueseegreen.com/2011/03/baby-boy-shower.html">a baby shower</a> for my friend Suchi. Since I enjoy planning parties, I had fun thinking through the menu, the crafts, and the games. The group of 12 attendees were mostly women that I didn't know, so it was fun to also meet new people. I figured I post the various elements over a few different posts.<br />
<br />
As I mentioned a while back, I recently took <a href="http://www.seablueseegreen.com/2011/02/february-obsessions.html">an invitation making class</a> with Alison where I learned about embossing paper. Since that class, I have bought a lot of various supplies which I wanted to put to use for this shower. I ended up embossing the gift bags and a photo matting (which I'll cover in the games post).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--jYTA-QH_Q8/TXW70p8yoiI/AAAAAAAA2sE/EHO3TC_Xhsk/s1600/IMG_20110307_211641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--jYTA-QH_Q8/TXW70p8yoiI/AAAAAAAA2sE/EHO3TC_Xhsk/s320/IMG_20110307_211641.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">embossing zebras on bags</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since her baby shower was animal themed - I got a zebra stamp on ebay that I thought looked very tribal and not cheesy. I then embossed black zebras onto the food grade kraft paper coffee bags that I got to use as favors for our wedding and never used. They are the perfect size for a little gift.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jEbYiQJq8Mc/TXW8Xob0YdI/AAAAAAAA2sY/8fmwPm0nIQ8/s1600/IMG_20110307_211900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jEbYiQJq8Mc/TXW8Xob0YdI/AAAAAAAA2sY/8fmwPm0nIQ8/s320/IMG_20110307_211900.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the zebras</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I then filled red and white checked paper sandwich bags (super super cheap at Sur La Table) with homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. My hubby made them the night before while I was doing something else. These cookies have become his specialty (we got the recipe from Philip) and we always have pre-made dough rolled into little balls in our freezer. He made 6 dozen of these bite size cookies.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cYGEwLQOr4A/TYbjpYi0cQI/AAAAAAAA3ak/0wFKqEQSvhc/s1600/IMG_3289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cYGEwLQOr4A/TYbjpYi0cQI/AAAAAAAA3ak/0wFKqEQSvhc/s320/IMG_3289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cookie time</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Next I tucked the red and white paper into the bag. I like edible favors the best.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2aoYyfJc5NM/TYbjvi9Wd5I/AAAAAAAA3a4/Wk4YEUqbPoU/s1600/IMG_3290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2aoYyfJc5NM/TYbjvi9Wd5I/AAAAAAAA3a4/Wk4YEUqbPoU/s320/IMG_3290.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">filling up the bags...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I then put the favors in a big woven basket we got a few years ago as a Christmas gift and put it by the front door so people wouldn't forget them on their way out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VtZq0mCEZiU/TYbj0yzbNdI/AAAAAAAA3bE/UOT1oDuXwYA/s1600/IMG_3291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VtZq0mCEZiU/TYbj0yzbNdI/AAAAAAAA3bE/UOT1oDuXwYA/s320/IMG_3291.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had also ordered stickers to match her invitations (with wild animals) that had her name and date of the shower. I put them on the back of the bag. </div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U0XfztVg7Sg/TYbj5tjAsuI/AAAAAAAA3bY/ea77Q3N-qmU/s1600/IMG_3292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U0XfztVg7Sg/TYbj5tjAsuI/AAAAAAAA3bY/ea77Q3N-qmU/s320/IMG_3292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was really happy with how the favors turned out. I thought that they were simple and playful, without being too cheesy.Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-35117283930498943862011-03-24T19:33:00.000-07:002011-03-24T19:33:21.133-07:00flower arranging classA few weeks ago, my friend Amy emailed a bunch of us and asked if we would join her for a<a href="http://studiochoo.bigcartel.com/product/flower-arranging-class-spring-is-the-best-part-2"> flower arranging class</a>. Since I love taking classes, I jumped at the chance when I confirmed I wasn't going to be out of town. The class was hosting by a flower shop called <a href="http://smallstump.blogspot.com/">Studio Choo</a> - I just so happened to be obsessed with their blog while planning our wedding. They have GORGEOUS arrangements, many of which I sent to my own wedding florist for inspiration and insight into my taste.<br />
<br />
Anyway, last Sunday four friends met up to learn how to make a beautiful arrangement. During class they taught us their philosophy of flower arranging: a sturdy base layer, topped with colorful focal flowers, sprinkled with tiny bits at the end.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wjgvnRJPUpU/TYbqx-iYR9I/AAAAAAAA3yU/btHOly1Bv6M/s1600/IMG_0598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wjgvnRJPUpU/TYbqx-iYR9I/AAAAAAAA3yU/btHOly1Bv6M/s320/IMG_0598.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sturdy elements</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OWOhappeCGw/TYbq2MAhkAI/AAAAAAAA3yo/8ui_YhYR8pU/s1600/IMG_0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OWOhappeCGw/TYbq2MAhkAI/AAAAAAAA3yo/8ui_YhYR8pU/s320/IMG_0600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the focal flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P1aHbXB7wsA/TYbq4nmTubI/AAAAAAAA3y0/QZ9grbcWyyA/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P1aHbXB7wsA/TYbq4nmTubI/AAAAAAAA3y0/QZ9grbcWyyA/s320/IMG_0601.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the bits!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Although the six of us taking the class all used the same flowers, our arrangements came out very differently! It was a lot of fun to see. I've posted photos of mine below. You can also check out <a href="http://dazedbydesign.blogspot.com/2011/03/flower-class-at-studio-choo.html">Amy's flowers on her blog</a>! So many beautiful combinations of these flowers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2U8Vu76wf1M/TYbq7AkPuNI/AAAAAAAA3zE/82TCrgsMeT4/s1600/IMG_0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2U8Vu76wf1M/TYbq7AkPuNI/AAAAAAAA3zE/82TCrgsMeT4/s320/IMG_0602.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the beginning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was hard not to get discouraged in the beginning. I had to start over a few times. I think the problem was lack of vision.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ImmGTlq9lgE/TYbrEf3LFHI/AAAAAAAA3z0/hAMyUsB7Jn8/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ImmGTlq9lgE/TYbrEf3LFHI/AAAAAAAA3z0/hAMyUsB7Jn8/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it's starting to take shape!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">The finished product. Not too bad! Loved the combination of the bright orange ranunculus and the dark plum leaves. I also loved the green and pink ranunculus. So much fun to be surrounded by beautiful flowers and lovely friends on a Sunday morning in San Francisco. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8amy88rqM8s/TYbrJQ2MW4I/AAAAAAAA30M/i-OKFnTByG0/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8amy88rqM8s/TYbrJQ2MW4I/AAAAAAAA30M/i-OKFnTByG0/s320/IMG_0608.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now if only I had been around during the week to enjoy them instead of in Atlanta... :)</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-3484728255134564382011-03-23T19:58:00.000-07:002011-03-23T19:58:07.401-07:00My March Obsessions1. Lady Gaga<br />
I have recently morphed into a teenager as I find myself watching countless lady gaga videos on youtube.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wV1FrqwZyKw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Check out this awesome video of her recent visit to Google.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hNa_-1d_0tA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
2. Mugler campaign featuring Rick Genest (those are real tattoos!) <br />
You can check out more images from the campaign <a href="http://stylepantry.com/2011/03/16/mugler-fall-11-campaign-with-zombie-boy/">here</a>. I didn't realize it until later, but he is also in Gaga's born this way video above.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6o2JFvU9lBc/TYqxWhzzKWI/AAAAAAAA32M/00WZ79HKzOg/s1600/mugler_zombie_campaign5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6o2JFvU9lBc/TYqxWhzzKWI/AAAAAAAA32M/00WZ79HKzOg/s320/mugler_zombie_campaign5.png" width="246" /></a></div><br />
<br />
3. My birthday shirt from Lizard<br />
For my birthday this year, Lizard gave me <a href="http://www.dirtycoast.com/store/detail/878/Its-Your-Birthday-Shirt">a shirt the the print of money pinned on</a> from Dirty Coast. They used to do this in high school on your birthday - people gave you dollar bills to pin on your clothes. Now I have a shirt that makes any day look like my birthday! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7kVCvLAGxfI/TYqx7hF_jFI/AAAAAAAA32Q/inKM9AbZrCU/s1600/bday-1294957308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7kVCvLAGxfI/TYqx7hF_jFI/AAAAAAAA32Q/inKM9AbZrCU/s320/bday-1294957308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. <a href="http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Tablets/ci.MOTOROLA-XOOM-US-EN.overview">My Xoom Tablet</a>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The ultimate in cool gadgets! My husband still wants an iPad 2, but I love my Xoom tablet. A lot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-26476242945145564372011-03-16T06:43:00.000-07:002011-03-16T06:43:00.355-07:00melt me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My adorable niece Keira. Melting my heart in her rabbit outfit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQDkmdyLnq0/TX8DsXzaoEI/AAAAAAAA3NY/NQS05bxwrYM/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQDkmdyLnq0/TX8DsXzaoEI/AAAAAAAA3NY/NQS05bxwrYM/s320/Picture+5.png" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hippity hoppity keira!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-39218477397049790172011-03-14T21:42:00.000-07:002011-03-14T21:42:56.636-07:00Happy (Whoopie) Pie Day!At work I am lucky enough to get free meals. I don't think this practice is that common outside of silicon valley, but out here it seems pretty standard at tech companies. The way to my heart is definitely through my stomach, and the food at work has been consistently amazing. I've tried new grains (spelt, teff, etc), meats (or meat substitutes) prepared in unusual ways, and new kinds of vegetables. However it was a dessert that caught my attention the other day - a banana whoopie pie. I emailed the chef team and got the recipe. The next weekend I made them on a sunny Sunday afternoon.<br />
<br />
First I had to make the dough - banana and sour cream meant a light, moist, banana cake.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UTnBjFWjeEA/TXZq07PnbCI/AAAAAAAA21U/yEoasOGN7l0/s1600/IMG_3243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UTnBjFWjeEA/TXZq07PnbCI/AAAAAAAA21U/yEoasOGN7l0/s320/IMG_3243.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kitchen aid at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Next the dough was placed into a piping bag. I accidentally overfilled mine and had to use a tall drinking glass to hold it when not in use.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-doIUOxdj664/TXZrA3JqL8I/AAAAAAAA24U/xeb2XD-zlrE/s1600/IMG_3253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-doIUOxdj664/TXZrA3JqL8I/AAAAAAAA24U/xeb2XD-zlrE/s320/IMG_3253.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">piping bag at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next they were piped onto a silpat - 1.5 inches in diameter.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ne6yu-6Zz-w/TXZq55aXkII/AAAAAAAA22o/G0qRBkxvFaM/s1600/IMG_3247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ne6yu-6Zz-w/TXZq55aXkII/AAAAAAAA22o/G0qRBkxvFaM/s320/IMG_3247.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vE3SImJKRCY/TXZq6wXdeOI/AAAAAAAA224/3cwvYYYjGhI/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vE3SImJKRCY/TXZq6wXdeOI/AAAAAAAA224/3cwvYYYjGhI/s320/IMG_3248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>After they were cool, I prepared a cake plate with powered sugar (so they wouldn't stick) and started to fill them with a cream cheese and sugar frosting. I should say that I very strongly dislike cream cheese, but I made an exception here. They were too good!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XD6VzYq9A7Q/TXZrSaJ0AvI/AAAAAAAA280/ijAu0ED4FOA/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XD6VzYq9A7Q/TXZrSaJ0AvI/AAAAAAAA280/ijAu0ED4FOA/s320/IMG_3268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">laying the scene</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After they were filled, I started to pile them up on the cake plate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L2tHgEGvt58/TXZrWL8soTI/AAAAAAAA294/CGfu51cIk68/s1600/IMG_3271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L2tHgEGvt58/TXZrWL8soTI/AAAAAAAA294/CGfu51cIk68/s320/IMG_3271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the base of a yummy pyramid </td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>The finished product! Ross and Abby were coming over for dinner, and it was the perfect dessert to share with foodie friends over hot chocolate at the end of the meal.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ztrOSEv8atQ/TXZrY7NkPPI/AAAAAAAA2-c/UAeePKXSfQM/s1600/IMG_3273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ztrOSEv8atQ/TXZrY7NkPPI/AAAAAAAA2-c/UAeePKXSfQM/s320/IMG_3273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the perfect end to a good day</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>In honor of pie day (3.14), I thought I'd share the recipe with you. So for those of you looking for a great new recipe for banana whoopie pies, here it is! Thanks to Chef Pauline for sharing it with me! </div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ingredients</span></h2>Makes about 3 dozen.<br />
<ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1/2 cup mashed<span class="il">banana</span> (from 1 large ripe<span class="il">banana</span>)</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1/2 cup sour cream</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1/2 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1 large egg</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">16 ounces cream cheese, softened</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting</li>
</ul></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Directions</span></h2><ol><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Combine <span class="il">banana</span> and sour cream in another bowl.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beat butter and granulated and brown sugars with a mixer on medium-high speed, until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, beating until incorporated. Add <span class="il">banana</span> mixture in 2 additions, alternating with flour mixture.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch plain tip. Pipe batter into 1 1/4-inch rounds on baking sheets, spacing rounds 1 1/2 inches apart.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bake until edges are golden, about 12 minutes. Slide parchment, with cookies, onto wire racks. Let cool. (Unfilled cookies can be stored for up to 1 day.)</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beat cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla with a mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pipe or spoon 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture onto the flat sides of half the cookies. Sandwich with remaining cookies. Dust with confectioners' sugar, and serve immediately.</span></li>
</ol></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-1350495480761150842011-03-12T10:00:00.000-08:002011-03-12T10:00:01.222-08:00a baby boy shower!Today I'm hosting a baby shower for Suchi! She's having her first baby - a boy! Lots to celebrate.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iHBswwdoNbI/TXZrZ9Rhs4I/AAAAAAAA2-s/h1yee_JYq4M/s1600/IMG_3274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iHBswwdoNbI/TXZrZ9Rhs4I/AAAAAAAA2-s/h1yee_JYq4M/s320/IMG_3274.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">whooopie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'll share the menu and more details later, so I'll leave you with a teaser for now - homemade banana whoopie pies!Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-6702175480607977042011-03-11T10:58:00.000-08:002011-03-11T10:58:00.156-08:00a great book<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;">When you reread a classic, you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in you than there was before.<br />
- Clifton Fadiman</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L7xPg9FJz6g/TXnJVSULf6I/AAAAAAAA3EE/kW0BTHKOZpI/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L7xPg9FJz6g/TXnJVSULf6I/AAAAAAAA3EE/kW0BTHKOZpI/s320/Picture+5.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pride and Prejudice<br />
makes my heart go pitter patter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">I love these clothbound classics designed by Penguin book cover designer <a href="http://www.cb-smith.com/index.php?/clothbound/clothbound-series-1/">Coralie Bickford-Smith</a>. I want to buy them all, read them (they are the classics after all), and then line them up in a neat row on a bookcase. Using fabulous natural rough stone bookends on either side of the pretty perfect row. Beautiful! Browse <a href="http://www.cb-smith.com/">her website</a> to see them all. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sjpjiZaVfXI/TXnJVBPKCvI/AAAAAAAA3EA/R13ZMxHKD9g/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sjpjiZaVfXI/TXnJVBPKCvI/AAAAAAAA3EA/R13ZMxHKD9g/s320/Picture+4.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photos from http://www.cb-smith.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">While we are on the subject of Ms. Austen - check out the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/Brookish">Etsy shop of Brookish</a> which is devoted to her. I have ordered a dishtowel or two in my time and have loved reading Darcy's proposal while cooking. My feelings will not be repressed!</span>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-74013075345135432372011-03-10T21:50:00.000-08:002011-03-10T21:50:23.755-08:00Johnny!Today is my brother Johnny's birthday! Whoo hooo! Last year I did a <a href="http://www.seablueseegreen.com/2010/03/happy-birthday-johnny.html">photo montage</a> of his adorable baby photos to mark the occasion, but I thought this year I'd focus on food. Johnny recently graduated from nursing school in San Francisco. To celebrate the occasion, my hubby and I thought that the best gift would be to throw a big party <a href="http://www.seablueseegreen.com/2010/12/grocery-shopping-southern-style.html">with southern treats</a> for his friends last December.<br />
<br />
We made <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grits_and_grillades">grits and grillades</a> from the Plantation Cookbook. The grillades were made at our house and gingerly transported to SF with the help of some painters tape.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yrqaVozyqtA/TQz7NVrS9VI/AAAAAAAAxaE/X57dzyJJ1BY/s1600/IMG_20101218_101844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yrqaVozyqtA/TQz7NVrS9VI/AAAAAAAAxaE/X57dzyJJ1BY/s320/IMG_20101218_101844.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grillades on the go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We loaded up the car with lots of goodies (including our punch bowl for some egg nog) - and headed up to SF.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZJRqiy_ARmU/TQz7HqDRJkI/AAAAAAAAxaA/suZGmiFK3So/s1600/IMG_20101218_101836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZJRqiy_ARmU/TQz7HqDRJkI/AAAAAAAAxaA/suZGmiFK3So/s320/IMG_20101218_101836.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">party in a bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>The grits were made in huge batches - enough to feed the 20 or so guests at my brothers small (but efficient) apartment.</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ETs_I9cxwuA/TQ3Nck-mpzI/AAAAAAAAxbg/AfAqrLzTUaY/s1600/IMG_20101218_174542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ETs_I9cxwuA/TQ3Nck-mpzI/AAAAAAAAxbg/AfAqrLzTUaY/s320/IMG_20101218_174542.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The unexpected star of the show was the egg nog. We had gotten the recipe from a priest a few years back, and it has never failed to disappoint. We get requests each year for the recipe. It is so rich (and so alcoholic) that you really only can have it once or twice a season. There is nothing better than homemade eggnog at the holidays.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G829wK6O6mk/TQ3N0wLT1vI/AAAAAAAAxcE/8T9xDwT0wT0/s1600/IMG_20101218_190008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G829wK6O6mk/TQ3N0wLT1vI/AAAAAAAAxcE/8T9xDwT0wT0/s320/IMG_20101218_190008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that's a lot of eggs...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-evvjM3C03XI/TQ3NBHp_64I/AAAAAAAAxbA/nQVQjzOBeh8/s1600/IMG_20101218_191405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-evvjM3C03XI/TQ3NBHp_64I/AAAAAAAAxbA/nQVQjzOBeh8/s320/IMG_20101218_191405.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nog!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everyone always thinks that the topping is whipped cream. Well my friends, that is whipped egg white, not whipped cream. Sorry to burst your bubble! That light, glossy confection is not what you think!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MRe94M5mOwU/TQ8Lm2H6X0I/AAAAAAAAx2s/srvHjb_U0c0/s1600/IMG_20101218_194216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MRe94M5mOwU/TQ8Lm2H6X0I/AAAAAAAAx2s/srvHjb_U0c0/s320/IMG_20101218_194216.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">topped with whipped egg whites!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Uqia-T4wpw4/TQ8LwPIqUrI/AAAAAAAAx24/fHTO99nW8VU/s1600/IMG_20101218_194407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Uqia-T4wpw4/TQ8LwPIqUrI/AAAAAAAAx24/fHTO99nW8VU/s320/IMG_20101218_194407.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product</td></tr>
</tbody></table>By the end of the night, the eggnog was completely gone. Below is a picture of the table at the beginning of the night - before the grits, grillades, and salad are put out. I didn't take another photo of the table, but it looked really pretty when it was all laid out. </div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-khAIqKmLhd8/TQ8IdtesQDI/AAAAAAAAxs0/xYk02HxESzM/s1600/IMG_9996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-khAIqKmLhd8/TQ8IdtesQDI/AAAAAAAAxs0/xYk02HxESzM/s320/IMG_9996.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the table<br />
yes - that is my dad's sazerac bottle in the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>Dessert was a giant gingerbread man - topped with powdered sugar frosting and peppermint pieces. </div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ez-2UWYO6FE/TQ3NTd7KQtI/AAAAAAAAxbU/lySwHH_qVCk/s1600/IMG_20101218_184803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ez-2UWYO6FE/TQ3NTd7KQtI/AAAAAAAAxbU/lySwHH_qVCk/s320/IMG_20101218_184803.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gingerbread man!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Johnny and his friends seemed to have a great time! It was really fun to meet his classmates, friends, and extended SF family. This summer we plan to recreate it with a southern style crawfish boil. Now the only obstacle is finding live crawfish in the Bay Area... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H1W9u4YtHRM/TQ8IeyZIYSI/AAAAAAAAxtM/LaTSUE5A8O0/s1600/IMG_9999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H1W9u4YtHRM/TQ8IeyZIYSI/AAAAAAAAxtM/LaTSUE5A8O0/s320/IMG_9999.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a happy birthday boy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Congrats to the birthday boy and recent graduate! Love you!</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-64244052494542761082011-03-09T23:47:00.000-08:002011-03-09T23:47:59.846-08:00Oscar styleRecently I was in an airport and picked up the latest People magazine to check out this year's Oscar fashion. I missed the actual ceremony because I forgot it was so early in the day! Anyway, I finally got a good look at the dresses from this year and there were some stunners! However, my favorite was Mila Kunis in an amazing dusky lavender Elie Saab confection. The color of the dress was perfect for her skin color.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wby7xZxpinM/TXiAE1HnhlI/AAAAAAAA3Bc/301g7twtvW8/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wby7xZxpinM/TXiAE1HnhlI/AAAAAAAA3Bc/301g7twtvW8/s320/Picture+3.png" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/oscars-academy-awards/photos/red-carpet">moviefone.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SV48uPQSOj8/TXiAGnc27qI/AAAAAAAA3Bg/DGN5_-Dh3ZA/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SV48uPQSOj8/TXiAGnc27qI/AAAAAAAA3Bg/DGN5_-Dh3ZA/s320/Picture+1.png" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Elie Saab dress on the runway<br />
photo from <a href="http://style.comhttp//www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2011CTR-ESAAB">style.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am officially in love with this dress - and actually <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2011CTR-ESAAB">the entire 2011 spring/summer collection</a>. I love the defined waists with grosgrain ribbon. I love the use of lace and transparent tulle panels around the neck and shoulders of many of the dresses. I love the delicate femininity of the pieces. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Er6s3xEHDo/TXiAG12o3rI/AAAAAAAA3Bk/evs6P19413w/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Er6s3xEHDo/TXiAG12o3rI/AAAAAAAA3Bk/evs6P19413w/s320/Picture+2.png" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Elie Saab stunner<br />
Photo from <a href="http://style.comhttp//www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2011CTR-ESAAB">style.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also fell in love with the above dress from Elie Saab spring/summer 2011. I would love to wear it somewhere special, although perhaps in the lavender color (if I'm going to dream, may as well go big).Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-88955167970311155712011-03-08T23:24:00.000-08:002011-03-08T23:24:34.130-08:00Happy Mardi Gras!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5P7hZUBar6Y/TXZqY6YTETI/AAAAAAAA2uY/Cfo-lyyXO-g/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5P7hZUBar6Y/TXZqY6YTETI/AAAAAAAA2uY/Cfo-lyyXO-g/s320/IMG_3217.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">king cake heaven!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div>My parents came to town last weekend and we celebrated Mardi Gras in style! They sent three king cakes to Cali for the occasion - heaven!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MdeWfEgKIao/TXZqfP3vytI/AAAAAAAA2vg/K0U1yKDLxd8/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MdeWfEgKIao/TXZqfP3vytI/AAAAAAAA2vg/K0U1yKDLxd8/s320/IMG_3223.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mardi Gras Madness - in Cali!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks to the in-laws (and their friends) for hosting a wonderful party and supplying LOTS of good food. Also, thanks to <a href="http://www.mardigrasspot.com/">Plush Appeal</a> (and Uncle Daryl) for supplying the decorations!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MOIwlRfb71A/TXZqhnMIvPI/AAAAAAAA2wQ/oiamv_9LFLg/s1600/IMG_3225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MOIwlRfb71A/TXZqhnMIvPI/AAAAAAAA2wQ/oiamv_9LFLg/s320/IMG_3225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mardi Gras time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956657425688459345.post-21033678977033252342011-03-05T06:50:00.000-08:002011-03-05T06:50:01.068-08:00Caribbean Red Bean StewNow that we get a meat CSA (which I love), it also means we have to get creative with cuts of meat we don't usually buy. Last month we got pork stew meat in our CSA box. I immediately started looking for interesting recipes. I checked all my cookbooks (Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, John Besh, the list goes on), but I finally found the kind of thing I was looking for in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Joy_of_Cooking">Joy of Cooking</a> - that faithful standby. I am almost annoyed with the Joy of Cooking because it always has what I am looking for. Why do I have all these other cookbooks? :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0DG3v9IYNd0/TWr7HBuldhI/AAAAAAAA2kc/w3SAW9oduL8/s1600/IMG_20110227_173157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0DG3v9IYNd0/TWr7HBuldhI/AAAAAAAA2kc/w3SAW9oduL8/s320/IMG_20110227_173157.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you start by boiling the beans for 1.5 hours with seasoning</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div>I found a recipe for a Caribbean red bean stew that called for one pound of pork stew meat - exactly what I had on hand. Because I love New Orleans style red beans and rice, I'd though I'd try a new spin on an old favorite. I searched online and found some pictures of the recipe in action on a blog called<a href="http://thejoyofthejoyofcooking.blogspot.com/2009/05/caribbean-red-beans-with-pork-p-255.html"> The Joy of the Joy of Cooking</a> - a woman who is cooking her way through the Joy of Cooking. It is a fun blog, definitely check it out. She is adventurous (made <a href="http://thejoyofthejoyofcooking.blogspot.com/2011/01/breaded-smelts-p-408seasoned-flour-or.html">smelt</a> two different ways recently).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You start the recipe by boiling red beans for 1.5 hours with an onion, bay left, celery top, and cinnamon stick. You then reserve the cooking water for the stew. The cinnamon stick made a huge impact! It was very aromatic. As someone who likes cinnamon in savory dishes, I was quite pleased. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FEKn3u-2GkA/TWsMxlL8lnI/AAAAAAAA2lI/k5lAQs0SlY0/s1600/IMG_20110227_184718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FEKn3u-2GkA/TWsMxlL8lnI/AAAAAAAA2lI/k5lAQs0SlY0/s320/IMG_20110227_184718.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">browning the pork stew meat</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The recipe called for hot paprika. My mother-in-law went to Hungary last year and brought us back paprika - including spicy paprika - which I used in this recipe. Thanks for the gift! It has now been transferred to reusable spice jars and become part of our permanent spice collection.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VTSXMxGeNrg/TWsF6OI9rcI/AAAAAAAA2k8/KGEP2mYtxYs/s1600/IMG_20110227_181753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VTSXMxGeNrg/TWsF6OI9rcI/AAAAAAAA2k8/KGEP2mYtxYs/s320/IMG_20110227_181753.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">paprika trio</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BUlDZRTZ4aI/TWsRSsqug5I/AAAAAAAA2lU/HjUdMfkKxUU/s1600/IMG_20110227_190640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BUlDZRTZ4aI/TWsRSsqug5I/AAAAAAAA2lU/HjUdMfkKxUU/s320/IMG_20110227_190640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meat, seasoning, and veggies </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Once you add the cooking liquid back, you let it stew for another hour until thick. The finished product was very fragrant from the cinnamon and paprika and creamy from the beans (I like to use a potato masher and mash some of the beans). The pork was a little tough, so I think next time I'll find a way to make it in the slow cooker. I was hoping that the pork would shred, but it definitely stayed in stew meat chunks. I would also serve it over rice in the future. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2WpvnD0kqQM/TW0Vxla300I/AAAAAAAA2mc/XsDshhQDTFA/s1600/IMG_20110227_195536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2WpvnD0kqQM/TW0Vxla300I/AAAAAAAA2mc/XsDshhQDTFA/s320/IMG_20110227_195536.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
While there were differences between this dish and New Orleans red beans (the biggest was the seasoning choices and the inclusion of sweet potato), the fundamentals were the same. Aside from red beans, they shared the the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_trinity_(cuisine)">southern holy trinity</a> - celery, onion, green pepperAlicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661927294713188646noreply@blogger.com1