Sunday, December 19, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
cabo wabo!
I am in Cabo with my maid of honor, Crystal, scooping out the sites and it is beautiful.
This is our first time here and the Zoetry del Mar is simply stunning. The resort is very cozy, the food is excellent and the beach is shared with the famous Las Ventas next store.
We were greeting in our room with welcome fruit, a bottle of tequila and our daily bottle of champagne. I love the natural/wellness approach the resort has and I am so excited to come back and celebrate with my friends and fam in March!
Here are a few pics from day one.
This is our first time here and the Zoetry del Mar is simply stunning. The resort is very cozy, the food is excellent and the beach is shared with the famous Las Ventas next store.
We were greeting in our room with welcome fruit, a bottle of tequila and our daily bottle of champagne. I love the natural/wellness approach the resort has and I am so excited to come back and celebrate with my friends and fam in March!
Here are a few pics from day one.
Monday, December 6, 2010
2010 Gift Guide
Things I am loving for gifts this holiday season. I've also written something featuring gifts under $20 on examiner, so check that out if you get a chance!
Hand juicer
Isn't this lovely? Its modern and vintage at the same time and only $11.
Furoshiki
This eco-friendly Japanese cloth can be used for wrapping gifts and then kept as part of the gift as a funky kitchen towel or to line future breadbaskets.
Planters
Love these vibrant planters from Vietnam, perfect for a few home grown herbs in your window at just $28! A plus because all of Ten Thousand's items are Fair Trade approved!
Cool handbags
Anyone who knows me, knows I have a crazy obsession etsy.com ... who could blame me, look at this beauty for $80!
Vintage mirrors
I love the idea of the life and history a vintage piece may have had before it made its way to hang on my wall.
Hand juicer
Isn't this lovely? Its modern and vintage at the same time and only $11.
Furoshiki
This eco-friendly Japanese cloth can be used for wrapping gifts and then kept as part of the gift as a funky kitchen towel or to line future breadbaskets.
Planters
Love these vibrant planters from Vietnam, perfect for a few home grown herbs in your window at just $28! A plus because all of Ten Thousand's items are Fair Trade approved!
Cool handbags
Anyone who knows me, knows I have a crazy obsession etsy.com ... who could blame me, look at this beauty for $80!
Vintage mirrors
I love the idea of the life and history a vintage piece may have had before it made its way to hang on my wall.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Fredrickburg wedding wknd
I can not believe it is almost December!
I've started writing under the "Budget Living in Dallas" title for the examiner... check it out (and spread the word, I get paid that way!)
We spent our weekend in Fredrickburg, celebrating the wedding of Monica and Chris. What an amazing town and simply stunning wedding. We took the scenic route to avoid ATX traffic and the drive felt every bit 4.5+ hrs. Friday evening we headed to Luckenbach Dance Hall for the reception/dancing and Saturday we visited a few wineries and then had lunch off Main Street at the Fredricksburg Brewery, took a nap at our cute cottage and then off to the del Rio wedding!
Here are a few pic's from our quick trip....
I would love to make another long weekend trip here, it's affordable and has unique shopping, some Texas country bars and nearby wineries.
And a reminder: Hairballs and Hairbands is coming up soon, so buy your tickets for Paws in the City's 80's Christmas party! It was a blast last year and this year we will have Live 80's cover band, free apps from local restaurants, best 80s costume and prizes to win.
Have a lovely week and enjoy a laugh with Harvey (this is apparently huge in the UK-- love it!)
I've started writing under the "Budget Living in Dallas" title for the examiner... check it out (and spread the word, I get paid that way!)
We spent our weekend in Fredrickburg, celebrating the wedding of Monica and Chris. What an amazing town and simply stunning wedding. We took the scenic route to avoid ATX traffic and the drive felt every bit 4.5+ hrs. Friday evening we headed to Luckenbach Dance Hall for the reception/dancing and Saturday we visited a few wineries and then had lunch off Main Street at the Fredricksburg Brewery, took a nap at our cute cottage and then off to the del Rio wedding!
Here are a few pic's from our quick trip....
I would love to make another long weekend trip here, it's affordable and has unique shopping, some Texas country bars and nearby wineries.
And a reminder: Hairballs and Hairbands is coming up soon, so buy your tickets for Paws in the City's 80's Christmas party! It was a blast last year and this year we will have Live 80's cover band, free apps from local restaurants, best 80s costume and prizes to win.
Have a lovely week and enjoy a laugh with Harvey (this is apparently huge in the UK-- love it!)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Puerto Rico trip recap
So we traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico last week and had a delicious time.
Overview:
We arrived late on Friday into the sweltering heat of America's island. I for one, was eager to embrace the heat. One last time to wear last year's sandals! Our stay lasted just 4 nights and comprised mostly of food finds from yelp/chowhound, duty-free booze, beach sun bathing and some gambling.
Hotel:
We stayed at La Concha, a 50's style chic hotel that was mentioned in 2009 in Architectural Digest’s top ten Caribbean resorts. The on site amenities had a fashionista packed lobby bar, overpriced beach-side drinks and La Perla* (restaurant in the famous shell) which was as expected- very good, while $$$.
Food:
Yerba Buena- Food was good, outdoor seating and live jazz music.
La Casita Blanca- very authentic Puerto Rican food and neighborhood. Menu is in Spanish on a chalkboard and your meal comes with free, tasty app's!
Pikayo- Small and expensive plates, very much like any high-end restaurant in a big city. We sampled several apps and enjoyed the chef's creativity.... a highlight in our trip. $$$
Pamela's- Overpriced, but best atmosphere. Tables are literally on the beach.
La Bombera- Old San Juan. Best, authentic mallorcas breakfast. Over a 100 years old and one of the highlights of our trip.
Cafe Bebo- Average food and good prices, good cubano.
Raices- Old San Juan. Very touristy, but amazing monfongo (with skirt steak) and big beers in giant aluminum cups!
*La Perla- Good fish options here as well as Mon/Tues half off wine. In the shell of La Concha and had the most delicate, delicious sea bass with lobster risotto here.
Stuff:
Not a lot to do but relax and enjoy the beach. We did spend a half day walking Old San Juan which was nice to take in the history but a few hours max. Snorkeling for a few hours with Scuba Dogs was the biggest waste of time/money and we wished we would have taken the much talked about rain forest tour.
Tips:
- Ask cab drivers cost ahead of time, no meters equate to always changing rates.
- Book at the end of the rainy season, putting up with a few brief showers was well worth the hotel specials (one night free).
- Ask to be upgraded, we did and scored a suite with a view since it was still available at no extra cost.
- Buy duty-free booze at the airport and save some pennies.
- Bring something nice. SJ reminds me of Miami, people do love to dress up at night.
- Fly direct! One of the reasons we picked SJ was for the AA direct flight and the lack of customs/money exchange.
Overview:
We arrived late on Friday into the sweltering heat of America's island. I for one, was eager to embrace the heat. One last time to wear last year's sandals! Our stay lasted just 4 nights and comprised mostly of food finds from yelp/chowhound, duty-free booze, beach sun bathing and some gambling.
Hotel:
We stayed at La Concha, a 50's style chic hotel that was mentioned in 2009 in Architectural Digest’s top ten Caribbean resorts. The on site amenities had a fashionista packed lobby bar, overpriced beach-side drinks and La Perla* (restaurant in the famous shell) which was as expected- very good, while $$$.
Food:
Yerba Buena- Food was good, outdoor seating and live jazz music.
La Casita Blanca- very authentic Puerto Rican food and neighborhood. Menu is in Spanish on a chalkboard and your meal comes with free, tasty app's!
Pikayo- Small and expensive plates, very much like any high-end restaurant in a big city. We sampled several apps and enjoyed the chef's creativity.... a highlight in our trip. $$$
Pamela's- Overpriced, but best atmosphere. Tables are literally on the beach.
La Bombera- Old San Juan. Best, authentic mallorcas breakfast. Over a 100 years old and one of the highlights of our trip.
Cafe Bebo- Average food and good prices, good cubano.
Raices- Old San Juan. Very touristy, but amazing monfongo (with skirt steak) and big beers in giant aluminum cups!
*La Perla- Good fish options here as well as Mon/Tues half off wine. In the shell of La Concha and had the most delicate, delicious sea bass with lobster risotto here.
Stuff:
Not a lot to do but relax and enjoy the beach. We did spend a half day walking Old San Juan which was nice to take in the history but a few hours max. Snorkeling for a few hours with Scuba Dogs was the biggest waste of time/money and we wished we would have taken the much talked about rain forest tour.
Tips:
- Ask cab drivers cost ahead of time, no meters equate to always changing rates.
- Book at the end of the rainy season, putting up with a few brief showers was well worth the hotel specials (one night free).
- Ask to be upgraded, we did and scored a suite with a view since it was still available at no extra cost.
- Buy duty-free booze at the airport and save some pennies.
- Bring something nice. SJ reminds me of Miami, people do love to dress up at night.
- Fly direct! One of the reasons we picked SJ was for the AA direct flight and the lack of customs/money exchange.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Happy Halloweeeeen!
Love this easy, funny film from Daily Candy on costume ideas!
I could just eat this baby outfit up!
Best Geekery for Halloween
Boooo-tiful pumpkins!
A cute and easy idea (and one of my fav foods!), a mushroom!
Scary Servings: Recipes for your Halloween party
What to do with your seeds from pumpkin carving.... make a spicy snack!
Ingredients:
2 cups pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoon chilli infused olive oil or olive oil
1 teaspoon of butter
3 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
1 teaspoon of cayenne
1 teaspoon of cumin
3 teaspoon chilli powder
1 hearty pinch, sea salt
Directions:
1. Rinse off the pumpkin seeds trying to remove as much of the pulp as possible. Pat dry.
2. Put the pumpkin seeds in a bowl and toss with the oil.
3. Heat a skillet until very hot and then turn down to medium.
4. Add the oil-tossed pumpkin seeds and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. They are ready when they have started to go golden brown but they can quickly burn so be careful to watch.
5. Remove from heat and carefully transfer the pumpkin seeds to a bowl.
6. Add the spices.
7. Let the toasted pumpkin seeds sit for a couple minutes just to allow them to crisp up and then serve.
Love Halloween, its my most favorite holiday... enjoy and be safe!
I could just eat this baby outfit up!
Best Geekery for Halloween
Boooo-tiful pumpkins!
A cute and easy idea (and one of my fav foods!), a mushroom!
Scary Servings: Recipes for your Halloween party
What to do with your seeds from pumpkin carving.... make a spicy snack!
Ingredients:
2 cups pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoon chilli infused olive oil or olive oil
1 teaspoon of butter
3 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
1 teaspoon of cayenne
1 teaspoon of cumin
3 teaspoon chilli powder
1 hearty pinch, sea salt
Directions:
1. Rinse off the pumpkin seeds trying to remove as much of the pulp as possible. Pat dry.
2. Put the pumpkin seeds in a bowl and toss with the oil.
3. Heat a skillet until very hot and then turn down to medium.
4. Add the oil-tossed pumpkin seeds and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. They are ready when they have started to go golden brown but they can quickly burn so be careful to watch.
5. Remove from heat and carefully transfer the pumpkin seeds to a bowl.
6. Add the spices.
7. Let the toasted pumpkin seeds sit for a couple minutes just to allow them to crisp up and then serve.
Love Halloween, its my most favorite holiday... enjoy and be safe!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Budget decor
In the never ending decorating-on-a-budget, you can exhaust all your resources rather quickly.
Here are some fantastic, wallet friendly shops off Riverside:
Cityview Antiques: expansive offerings and fairly organized/clean space.
Lots of Furniture: run by brothers, these guys are usually willing to make a deal... keeping their inventory turning quickly. Not to mention, they have a beautiful pooch that ignores you on the way in/out (a big Diego dog!)
A cute way to remember a special time, easy to make silhouettes
A lovely framed wall
Secret stash for cheap wall art
Next week I'll write about our adventures in San Juan! Ole!
Here are some fantastic, wallet friendly shops off Riverside:
Cityview Antiques: expansive offerings and fairly organized/clean space.
Lots of Furniture: run by brothers, these guys are usually willing to make a deal... keeping their inventory turning quickly. Not to mention, they have a beautiful pooch that ignores you on the way in/out (a big Diego dog!)
A cute way to remember a special time, easy to make silhouettes
A lovely framed wall
Secret stash for cheap wall art
Next week I'll write about our adventures in San Juan! Ole!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Hot dawg
This adorable pup says grace....
Don't glasses make everyone look smarter?
Paws in the City Christmas cards are ready for ordering, do some good and spread your holiday cheer while making some cash for rescue pups! (Note: You can pick and personalize your own!)
Enjoy your furry friend at these dog friendly spots, where is your fav spot to take your pooches?
Hope you all have a happy/yappy weekend!
Don't glasses make everyone look smarter?
Paws in the City Christmas cards are ready for ordering, do some good and spread your holiday cheer while making some cash for rescue pups! (Note: You can pick and personalize your own!)
Enjoy your furry friend at these dog friendly spots, where is your fav spot to take your pooches?
Hope you all have a happy/yappy weekend!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sweet and Spicy Soba Chicken
In attempt to be somewhat healthy, we're aiming to cook more. What is "more" you ask? Simply one time a week. Yep. I said one. There are so many wonderful things Jeff and I share in our relationship; however, cooking is def not one of them.
So I'm going to share this recipe and hope you might try it... if so let me know what you thought about it and if you modified it.
Ingredients
12 ounces soba noodles
5 jalapenos
1/3 cup honey
3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded or sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
A few stalks of green onion
Directions
Cook soba noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a food processor, combine jalapenos, honey, cilantro, salt and black pepper and puree until smooth. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to the mixture until desired consistency is achieved. Pour the 2 teaspoons of olive oil into a preheated skillet. Add the shredded chicken and the blended sauce and cook until heated through.
In a medium bowl, combine cooked soba noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil and onion. Toss and then transfer to serving bowl. Pour heated chicken and sauce over noodles.
Things I'd mix in if I were doing it again
I think this would be great with a little more heat first of all. I also think some mushrooms and/or spinach would be delicious and a nice way to get some extra nutrition.
So I'm going to share this recipe and hope you might try it... if so let me know what you thought about it and if you modified it.
Ingredients
12 ounces soba noodles
5 jalapenos
1/3 cup honey
3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded or sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
A few stalks of green onion
Directions
Cook soba noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a food processor, combine jalapenos, honey, cilantro, salt and black pepper and puree until smooth. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to the mixture until desired consistency is achieved. Pour the 2 teaspoons of olive oil into a preheated skillet. Add the shredded chicken and the blended sauce and cook until heated through.
In a medium bowl, combine cooked soba noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil and onion. Toss and then transfer to serving bowl. Pour heated chicken and sauce over noodles.
Things I'd mix in if I were doing it again
I think this would be great with a little more heat first of all. I also think some mushrooms and/or spinach would be delicious and a nice way to get some extra nutrition.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Fair well to summer!
This cooler weather is getting me in the mood for Fall. I've always been a summer-time girl, but the two weeks Texas indulges in Fall are pretty great. Let me just tell you why:
Fall Fashion.
My boots and long coats have been dying to emerge from the boxes they've been suffocating in during this long hot summer. I'm also stoked to have a reason to shop again, I love how romantic fall feels with fun textures, silk and lace.
Outdoor Fireplaces and Pits.
Finally, I can return to Lee Harvey's and enjoy the outdoor pits and live music. Not to mention, our new casa has a great outdoor space that we just purchased a copper fire pit (close out @ Target) and that sucker wants to crank out some s'mores!
The Festivities.
October brings so many reason's to get together, football watching, Halloween parties, the Texas State Fair (at least the long coats will cover up post Fair indulgence) AND this year's vacation to San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Happy Fall!
Fall Fashion.
My boots and long coats have been dying to emerge from the boxes they've been suffocating in during this long hot summer. I'm also stoked to have a reason to shop again, I love how romantic fall feels with fun textures, silk and lace.
Outdoor Fireplaces and Pits.
Finally, I can return to Lee Harvey's and enjoy the outdoor pits and live music. Not to mention, our new casa has a great outdoor space that we just purchased a copper fire pit (close out @ Target) and that sucker wants to crank out some s'mores!
The Festivities.
October brings so many reason's to get together, football watching, Halloween parties, the Texas State Fair (at least the long coats will cover up post Fair indulgence) AND this year's vacation to San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Happy Fall!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wine not?
So I've been taking my time planning our low key beach wedding this upcoming March. I finally asked my high school best friend, college roomie and general life adviser** to be my one and only... bridesmaid that is.
Since I was only going to "pop the question" once, I wanted to make it special. I put together a personalized beach tote filled with some goodies.
Here's what was included, these were all pretty easy to make or order:
1. Customized tote in one of our colors with her initials.
Where: LL Bean
2. Martha Stewart photo book featuring our shared trips, outings and friendship.
Where: Kodak online
3. A cute cup, also in our colors, saying "eat, drink and be married"... just to get her in the mood!
Where: Swoozies
4. Free bath swag courtesy of the Mister.
5. A bridesmaid handbook, since both of us are pretty new to this
Where: amazon
6. DIY wine label. This was my favorite part, I customized a "Maid of Honor" label with a personal note about how much our friendship has meant to me, as well as some of our destination wedding deets. This was actual super easy.
- First, I measured the wine space.
- Found some vector art (vector allows your to edit and size the image)
- Wrote out a short label-speak letter
- Applied our colors to the label and printed on 8.5x11 label paper (easier to run through our home printer) from Office Depot
- Simply soak your favorite grape over night, peel old label and apply new and improved label!
Finished bundle below:
This summer I've really enjoyed some refreshing, light white wines, but I'm looking forward to breaking into the reds with this cooler weather. Here are a few of my fall wine picks (all very affordable):
1. Domaine Clavel Coteaux du Languedoc 'Le Mas' ($8)
2. Argyle Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($15)
3. Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc ($9)
4. Camelot Merlot ($6)
5. Francis Coppola Rosso Classic ($8)
In case you take me up on the above rec's, here are some sleek and stylish wine racks for storing your wine finds.
** Cheers to Crystal, my BFF, who said yes!
Since I was only going to "pop the question" once, I wanted to make it special. I put together a personalized beach tote filled with some goodies.
Here's what was included, these were all pretty easy to make or order:
1. Customized tote in one of our colors with her initials.
Where: LL Bean
2. Martha Stewart photo book featuring our shared trips, outings and friendship.
Where: Kodak online
3. A cute cup, also in our colors, saying "eat, drink and be married"... just to get her in the mood!
Where: Swoozies
4. Free bath swag courtesy of the Mister.
5. A bridesmaid handbook, since both of us are pretty new to this
Where: amazon
6. DIY wine label. This was my favorite part, I customized a "Maid of Honor" label with a personal note about how much our friendship has meant to me, as well as some of our destination wedding deets. This was actual super easy.
- First, I measured the wine space.
- Found some vector art (vector allows your to edit and size the image)
- Wrote out a short label-speak letter
- Applied our colors to the label and printed on 8.5x11 label paper (easier to run through our home printer) from Office Depot
- Simply soak your favorite grape over night, peel old label and apply new and improved label!
Finished bundle below:
This summer I've really enjoyed some refreshing, light white wines, but I'm looking forward to breaking into the reds with this cooler weather. Here are a few of my fall wine picks (all very affordable):
1. Domaine Clavel Coteaux du Languedoc 'Le Mas' ($8)
2. Argyle Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($15)
3. Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc ($9)
4. Camelot Merlot ($6)
5. Francis Coppola Rosso Classic ($8)
In case you take me up on the above rec's, here are some sleek and stylish wine racks for storing your wine finds.
** Cheers to Crystal, my BFF, who said yes!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Cyber Health
This might just be my most random post.
Awhile back someone shared this site that monitors/gathers data from social sites like facebook and compiles all of this data into a fact sheet ranging from phone number to age to income.... scary. Just think of all the things you've foolish posted online? And someone* is keeping tabs on that? (Nervously bites lip)
So as a friendly reminder, for professional reasons now and in the future.... watch what you put out there.
Keep your privacy tips!
1. Make sure you understand your privacy settings (fb: account->privacy settings)
2. Remember that once its out there (work history, pics) it can be archived or stored by sites such as spokeo.com*
3. Delete old accounts, like an non functional myspace or friendster, if its still out there
4. And semi-related to keeping tabs on your cyber-self, get your annual check up! Check your credit score to make sure it is factual and nothing is tarnishing your good honest name! :)
Wishing everyone good cyber health!
More info: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110663/6-things-you-should-never-reveal-on-facebook
Awhile back someone shared this site that monitors/gathers data from social sites like facebook and compiles all of this data into a fact sheet ranging from phone number to age to income.... scary. Just think of all the things you've foolish posted online? And someone* is keeping tabs on that? (Nervously bites lip)
So as a friendly reminder, for professional reasons now and in the future.... watch what you put out there.
Keep your privacy tips!
1. Make sure you understand your privacy settings (fb: account->privacy settings)
2. Remember that once its out there (work history, pics) it can be archived or stored by sites such as spokeo.com*
3. Delete old accounts, like an non functional myspace or friendster, if its still out there
4. And semi-related to keeping tabs on your cyber-self, get your annual check up! Check your credit score to make sure it is factual and nothing is tarnishing your good honest name! :)
Wishing everyone good cyber health!
More info: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110663/6-things-you-should-never-reveal-on-facebook
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Food, photos and prints.. oh my!
Prints that will make you smile
How to make: kitchen cabinets from wine crates
NYC photos from 1920
Cheap eats in Dallas, a checklist I can get on board with!
All inclusive doesn't have to mean bad buffets*
I had Ocean Prime($$$) and Tillman's($$) for Restaurant Week, I'll def be back to explore Tillman's other menu offerings. Ocean Prime- good, but the "Berries and Bubbles" cocktail was the best part. Make your RW reservations here.
*(thx for the link steph!)
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Internet is funny!
Just discovered this chic on youtube... I know, I know... "Lindsay, this is old news, everyone knew about this in 2009..." (ie MC) but I wanted to share:
http://www.youtube.com/user/communitychannel?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/0/-8ZdiI2zLGM
Natalie is hilarious. I've wasted WAY to much time at work, but I did enjoy her dry and direct humor. Two thumbs up!
Also, interestingly, she is apparently banking because you can make some serious cash money if you are a "youtube star".
Read how to really "make money from home"!
Happy Friday friends! Looking forward to my restaurant week plans at Ocean Prime and Tillmans... anyone else trying out some foodie hot spots this week?
http://www.youtube.com/user/communitychannel?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/0/-8ZdiI2zLGM
Natalie is hilarious. I've wasted WAY to much time at work, but I did enjoy her dry and direct humor. Two thumbs up!
Also, interestingly, she is apparently banking because you can make some serious cash money if you are a "youtube star".
Read how to really "make money from home"!
Happy Friday friends! Looking forward to my restaurant week plans at Ocean Prime and Tillmans... anyone else trying out some foodie hot spots this week?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Is it Friday yet?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
This little house of mine....
As most of you know, Jeff and I just purchased our first casa and let's just say the money draining has begun! Albeit, most of this is self-inflicted due to my new obsession with etsy.com, HGTV and apartment therapy. I wanted to share some of our latest conquests from antiquing off Irving Blvd, Target and the inner webs.
The previous owner did some stellar structural work, revamping the kitchen and bathrooms, but he celebrated these remodels with random, neon paint! Vibrant orange to lime green and everything in between!
Our first "upgrades" will be to repaint with some muted tones, so the living room is going GRAY! I think the dark shade will look nice with the light, birch hardwoods and white woodworking.
Sample color for the walls, but with a lighter ceiling:
I've purchased a deep green rug from Target and some handmade pillow covers from Etsy that will (hopefully) tie the room together.
Some serious scouting for a large vintage mirror turned up empty, but I'm hoping for something like this, do you like it? Or better yet, do you know where I can buy it!
Since I know my honey bear is busy (read: doesn't bother to read my rants), I'm also including this cool retro clock I'm gifting him as a housewarming.
Anyone have any other inspirational sites they'd recommend?
The previous owner did some stellar structural work, revamping the kitchen and bathrooms, but he celebrated these remodels with random, neon paint! Vibrant orange to lime green and everything in between!
Our first "upgrades" will be to repaint with some muted tones, so the living room is going GRAY! I think the dark shade will look nice with the light, birch hardwoods and white woodworking.
Sample color for the walls, but with a lighter ceiling:
I've purchased a deep green rug from Target and some handmade pillow covers from Etsy that will (hopefully) tie the room together.
Some serious scouting for a large vintage mirror turned up empty, but I'm hoping for something like this, do you like it? Or better yet, do you know where I can buy it!
Since I know my honey bear is busy (read: doesn't bother to read my rants), I'm also including this cool retro clock I'm gifting him as a housewarming.
Anyone have any other inspirational sites they'd recommend?
Appy hump day!
I've been dabbling in photography for a few years, no fancy camera (yet, hint hint!) but I like to try to take natural shots of vacation scenery like the way a sun shines only in Maui or candid shots of my girls mid-laugh. I've downloaded a new app that I just love. It is Hipstamtic Camera and cost a few bucks but allows you to apply filters to your iPhone camera that give it more of an artistic edge.
The cost of a cup of coffee investment in this app sure seems easier to swallow than the few hundo for a basic Nikon camera.
Here are a few shots of my most favorite model, Diego.
More info on this app: http://kathryncorrick.co.uk/2010/06/06/testing-the-iphone-hipstamtic-application/
The cost of a cup of coffee investment in this app sure seems easier to swallow than the few hundo for a basic Nikon camera.
Here are a few shots of my most favorite model, Diego.
More info on this app: http://kathryncorrick.co.uk/2010/06/06/testing-the-iphone-hipstamtic-application/
Friday, July 23, 2010
A case of the Muuuundays.
anyone have a cool 3.6M to buy Marilyn Monroe’s home?
cute, green and personalized favors!
we saw inception last week and I really liked it, at times a bit “matrixy” but quite possibly the best film during this summer movie drought.
now, this is my kind of hunting trophy!
love these awesome custom portraits
donate your tent/tarp to haiti.
cute, green and personalized favors!
we saw inception last week and I really liked it, at times a bit “matrixy” but quite possibly the best film during this summer movie drought.
now, this is my kind of hunting trophy!
love these awesome custom portraits
donate your tent/tarp to haiti.
Happy Friday!
Wouldn't it be fun if we made lyrics out of everything? I think that would make the world happier...
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Random thoughts
Friday, July 9, 2010
Best of Dallas: egg roll
Months ago, we hosted the second food challenge. Egg rolls. Who has a crispy fried shell and the spiciest dipping sauce? Will old favorites be overthrown by local Vietnamese hole-in-the-walls?
Competitors included:
Green Papaya
Tam's Egg rolls
Vietnam
I love egg rolls
Yumi (to go)
It was a tough competition.
Green Papaya's spicy dipping sauce nearly put them over the edge, Yumi's were baked and veggie, a nice strategic play angling for best of health, but falling short when placed against a golden fried exterior... (my mouth is watering just typing this!). Tam's and I love Egg Rolls didn't stand a chance, they reminded me of the frozen's from Albertson. Soft, thin and not nearly fried enough... which left VIETNAM (off Bryan St.) victorious! We held onto our trophy (barely) until the next food-off.
We also included a best DIY contest for drinks... which were so good it has left the details hazy, but Blackberry Smash (knocked off from The Porch) and a random entry of Duck Soup came in for first and second. A kudos to the Leonard's for their creative Duck Soup entry.
I wish I knew the secret for a delicious egg roll recipe, but alas I will leave you with the winning cocktail recipe....
Duck Soup
2 oz bourbon whiskey
1/2 oz apricot brandy
3/4 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz pineapple juice
1/2 tsp caster sugar
Our next competition is Best Of Dallas: Salsa edition.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
NOLA
A belated posting from our trip to New Orleans, it was full of creative cocktails, unique Cajun dishes and late night losses.
We stayed at the W: pro- we used Jeff's brothers Starwood points for our room. con- it was across the street from Harrah's (see prior mention of late night losses).
I love New Orleans because it is such an easy town. You can walk, cab or trolley around the city easily. It has that wonderful laid back, come as you are, you can't change me attitude that only comes from a city with such rich tradition and history as this one. It's also pretty inexpensive, you can get some good eats at dive bars and four-star restaurants don't have the price tags you'd normally see in other big tourist cities like Chicago or NYC.
Things I loved:
Tujague for drinks. Old fashioned cocktails that you can't believe you've lived without trying. The Ramos Gin Fizz was complex, sweet and strong... (its like this drink was named after me!)
Jackson Square for random art. Scattered with fortune-reading gypsy's, handmade paintings of the Mississippi laced on the iron fence this glorified alley way is nestled between historic buildings like St. Louis Cathedral. Pick up Cafe du Monde and then have your palm read.
Cochon's for pig, pork and swine. This restaurant slices and dices up pork (and other things) in ways you'd never think of. fried boudin, rabbit liver and wood-fired steamed oysters were table favorites.
Laffitte's Blacksmith Shop for drinks by candle light. A roaring fireplace and candles provide the only light at this cozy tavern, which is rumored to be the oldest building in NO. Pull up a seat at the piano bar or enjoy the outdoor tables and keep an eye out for ghost. This spot is on the ghost tour and locals told us you can see a woman haunting the halls!
(photo:john myers)The great thing about this town is you can continue to go and never run out of new places with old history to try. Where should we go on our next trip to NOLA?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Prescreened for creativity
This weekend, in between packing up my 700 sq. ft apartment, I picked up one of the coolest hobbies→screen printing.
I know it is trendy but I just love screen printed everything. Shirts with funky branches, owls on wallets or pretty much anything painted onto anything. It can be a fun way to make travel photos forever keepsakes, personalize bags or even hand make stationary.
So when Becca and I decided to expand our skills and start routinely actively looking into classes, screen printing was an easy first win. Why? Maybe I can save some of the cash I spend on etsy.com, it was one of the few classes that’s contained into one day and you get to leave with your first screened tee! Plus the Make shop is in Bishop Arts and sells things from various local artist. Love.
I’ve looked into kits online, but they seemed costly and complicated. The class was $70 and gave me an in-person tutorial (which is good because I have an allergic reaction to instructions). I share with you my new found screen knowledge:
Step one: get supplies. This means acrylic paint, cheap ink pen that will not bleed, polyester fabric, scissors, mod mat glue, a design and an embroidery hoop.
Step two: Put polyester fabric into hoop and tighten like a drum.
Step three: Trace image through polyester with pen or pencil .
Step four: “Paint” the negative space (non paint) with mod glue.
Step five: Place bag/shirt/fabric you want screened under the drum, and heavily apply acrylic paint to polyester covered hoop. You might consider using a squeegee to give the added pressure to push the paint through the polyester onto the desired fabric.
Step six: dry shirt, clean up and wear your new product*!
Guess you all know what you're getting for Christmas!
*My and Becca's first screens! Mine=branch Becca=(cooler) owl. :)
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