Just some mod planters...

Mod/mid century modern/60s/70s/retro whatever you want to call it...
these planters are what I want.

Bring them to meeeeee!

Fence street art (and other street art)

 

Inspiration: Needlepoint clutches

I just adore these Bargello clutches by Cresus Artisanat.

Such a fresh approach to needlepoint. I'm in love.

Stuck in the beginning with you...

 I was looking for a new needlepoint project and happen to find this embroidery pillow kit at the local thrift store for $8 (it was half off day, so really $4!) "What a deal" I thought. But then I opened it up, and the directions were in Greek! Well, not exactly. What I discovered is that I have no clue as how to make all these different stitches, as I've only been doing one type of stitch. In this kit there's the 'French knot', the 'straight stitch', you got your 'chain stitch', then the 'long & short stitch.' Ugh. I could go on. The black and white directions are of no help (drawings, I should say.) Anything on-line is waaaaay confusing to me and most of the books out there are not in color, which might as well be in braille, in my opinion.

Does anyone have a great book IN COLOR that they can recommend? Or a website?

I am stuck.

         

Strawberry, mango, banana smoothie with black chia seeds

 Black chia seeds. Probably the newest foodie trend. Yep, I fell for it. But how could I not. They are really high in fiber, omega-3s, help boost metabolism and are good for your heart. Sold. Put them in smoothies, salads, salad dressings, eat them by the spoonful, make crackers with them, thicken soups with them...

 The possibilities are endless. 

Now go get some.

Bargello needlepoint love: a work in progress

here

Needlepoint is my newest hobby/obsession. Bargello needlepoint in particular (also called Florentine.) I know, confusing. There are a million and one different types of stitches and styles. This one is easy. It's all about counting, really. If you can count, than you can do this, no problem. Now, finding a book IN COLOR with bargello patterns is a challenge. Maybe this is my calling... hmmmmm. Here and here are some ideas and patterns.

Are you a needlepointer? What are you making?

Soba noodle salad

No story with this recipe. Doesn't need it. So here goes...

Cold Soba Noodle Salad

about 12oz soba noodle

broccoli

bell peppers

scallions

(baby corn, carrots, edamame, cabbage etc any veg will work)

1/3c rice wine vinegar

1/3c soy sauce

2T sesame oil

juice of 1 lime

2T brown sugar

1t honey

1garlic clove

sesame seeds

red pepper flakes

Mix all the ingredients together. Refrigerate over night for best results. 

 This is the kind of noodle I used because it's what I had in my pantry. Any old noodle will do.

Hey dummy!

I am the new proud owner of this thing. And it was only $3.99! What a steal. Oh HOBO, you would have something this suiting for my needs. You may have a lot of junk, but this saves the day.

Seafood boil with King crab and shrimp

This is so much fun to eat with a group of people. So invite some friends! This serves about 6 people.

I based my recipe off this recipe

but switched some things around to make it my own style.

Seafood boil with King crab legs & shrimp

2lbs King crab legs

2lbs raw shrimp with shell on (I used 26/30 size)

3 artichokes

1 onion, sliced

6 garlic cloves

2 lemons, sliced

15 small red potatoes

4 ears of corn, each cut into 4 pieces

4 bay leaves

1c white (dry) wine

4 oz Old Bay seasoning 

10 peppercorns

 salt/ pepper

1. Boil artichokes ahead of time, they take about 40 minutes. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the artichokes. Add 3T kosher salt, 3 lemon wedges, 3 cloves of garlic and all the bay leaves. Cook until you can peel a leaf off or test by sticking the stalk with a knife.

2. Take out artichokes. In the same water add the Old Bay, peppercorns, onions and potatoes. Cook 10-15 minutes (or until the potatoes are done.)

3. Add corn. Cook about 5 minutes.

4. Add shrimp, the rest of the garlic and lemons. Cook 5-7 minutes.

5. Add crab legs and wine. Cook 7-10 minutes. Make sure not to overcook these!

6. Serve with sides of drawn butter and lemon wedges, bibs if you have them (lol) and a roll of paper towels for the table.

 And wine. Lots and lots of wine!