I’ve been promised a 60% chance of snow today.
But I have a feeling my own personal Fort Awesome is not in the near future.
I guess I’ll settle for whatever I can get.
:: photo via ffffound
Posted In just a note
This Pomegranate Turkey Salad has had me salivating since coming across the recipe a week ago. I can’t even say anything else because I’m just staring at the picture!
:: recipe and photo via bucky’s barbeque and bread; photo copyright of Curt McAdams
Posted In recipes
It’s fair to say that my Tropical Howie laptop sleeve is the best I’ve ever owned – I’ve grown attached pretty quickly. It fits my MacBook Pro super snugly in between it’s neoprene layers and has the best opening – an L-shaped zip that’s great for easy access (ahem).
Limited availability always helps make things better, too, right? Well, Tropical Howie’s sleeves are limited to 750 per design (I have the Terry Toweling one).
The idea behind the brand is interesting, too – that your laptop houses your ideas and your inspiration and that those things should be expressed through something other than a boring black cover. Point taken.
Posted In technology
1. well-portioned dish towel
Can’t find that measuring cup you were looking for? No worries, this helpful dishtowel is printed with its very own off-beat measuring tape.
2. pasta bowl and server
This pasta serving dish is a classical Italian plate styled in bone china with a wide plateau ideal for pasta dishes prepared in the oven. The spoon itself is an amazing object of multi-functional design. Use one way and the three leaves will grab the spaghetti or other long-hair noodles. Unfold the leaves and it becomes a spoon for smaller pasta or sauce.
3. bamboo box knife holders
Hundreds of slender bamboo skewers fill the interior of these stable bamboo rectangles, providing a safe, secure cushion for knives without dulling their blades.
4. pick-up big wood serving tongs
These chopsticks, designed by Stig Ahlstrom, can be used anywhere in the kitchen; for cooking, eating and serving salads and noodle dishes.
5. spin cake plate
You can’t go wrong. It expresses functionality, quality and wit all in one nice presentation.
7. the no-cookbook recipe stand
This handy page-flip recipe stand means you can easily keep all your loose recipe pages protected and organized and super easy to read. When not in use this stand folds down like a binder, and can slip into a shelf.
8. napkin catch placemats
With this clever placemat designed by Josh Jakus, you will never lose those napkin rings again because each mat features a built-in holder. Pop the attached ring out of the mat and interlock around the napkin, then tuck safely back in for easy storage.
9. pasta and parmesan tool
irst, the handle end of the tool can be used for measuring out portions pasts, secondly the “fork” end of the tool is used to pick up your pasta and sauce, and finally you can grate your parmesan using the built-in grater.
As I’m about to post this I just realized that I have yet to show you my home. Any of it. Not the exterior, or the interior or even anything. I promise to get on the ball at the start of 2009 and reveal too much information, more than you’d like most likely. But for now, these teeny, tiny tidbits of my holiday decor will have to satisfy you. I didn’t go all out this year since I’m leaving town so early (December 19 – eek!), but what I did put up are my favorites. Thanks for stopping by my home!
The Tree. I’ve been collecting glass ornaments – mainly pink and clear – for the past few years and this is the first year my tree has been able to sustain itself on glass alone. I’m thrilled with it. And at night, when the lights are on it’s so sparkly and lovely!
The Mantel. I didn’t change everything out just to decorate – the candlesticks on the left, the vase on the right and my For Like Ever print are constants. And that guy in the middle? That’s Herme. I bought him two years ago from artist Brenda Little here in OKC. He stands about 20 inches tall and is entirely handmade. He’s also my favorite decoration – I love the slight grimace on his face (that’s what attracted me to him in the first place!) that most of us feel during the holiday season.
Elsewhere.I love the “ice” covered grapevine wreath that’s hanging over the door to my hall closet. When I first bought it a few years ago I left it out year-round. The Merry star that adorns the door to my garage was a super great deal last year at Target the 26th! This little rolly-poly Santa that sits on my end table is my most fun piece! As you should be able to tell by now, I love vintage Christmas pieces and he fits the bill nicely.
I love how ‘Back Alley French Boutique’ the packaging to Melissa Flagg Perfumes feels. Like I made a quick red-eye trip to Paris because I only had a few drops left. It doesn’t hurt that it smells as good as it looks either.
Pomegranates are the quintessential holiday fruit, so there’s no way I could neglect these tasty wonder fruits this month! Enjoy Pomegranate Week!
First up are Pomegranate Lemon Bars. Sweet and tart and all around delectable!
:: recipe and photo via No Fear Entertaining
Posted In recipes
1. yellow owl to do list
This sunny, useful owl is perched atop a pencil, ready to help you do (or neglect doing) your most important tasks.
2. craft scissors
A great all-purpose scissor to have around the house for precision cutting of paper, fabric and other materials, these Craft Scissors are forged from high-grade carbon steel with tungsten. Called a “grip scissor,” the centuries-old design has been discovered in several ancient cultures, including Greece, Egypt and China.
4. x-shaped rubber bands
These X-shaped rubber bands are great for organizing papers and cards or sealing small boxes.
6. monogrammed sticky notes
Let there be no doubt as to who left the notes, “Pick up milk,” and “Dinner at 7:30.” With your initial emblazoned on ruled pages, page markers and unlined squares, there is a perfectly sized note for every reminder.
7. daily color planner
Open the serene covers to reveal colours for daily planning!
8. notepaper roll dispenser
This sleek stainless-steel notepad uses standard calculator paper and can be wall-mounted or used on a desk top. Includes a built-in pencil rest and comes with one roll of paper.
9. monthly journal box set
Journal writing is a pleasure with this set of 12 beautifully crafted volumes, designed to preserve a full year’s worth of memories and reflections. Bound with embossed faux leather in two exotic textures and six vibrant colors, the books have silver-embossed spines, lined pages, and come in a red snake-embossed case.
We I love having you here.
I really do.
Just thought you should know.
:: image via ffffound
Posted In monday goodness
Hopefully you all had a great post-Thanksgiving week, full of holiday shopping and decorating! Keep up the good work.
This Weekend:
• cookie bake my face off
• copy a few recipes for a friend
• start packing boxes of gifts to ship
• finish wrapping gifts
• take photos of my handy decorating
• buy cards for December birthdays
Happy Weekend!
:: photo via ffffound
Posted In happy weekend