My waistline is growing and the root of the problem is my resolution to eat healthier. After being influenced by movies and books revealing the truth about where our food is really coming from, my bf and I found ourselves wanting to learn more about the food we were choosing to eat, in addition to actually changing how and what we eat.
Since we used to eat out or order in, it was a quite a change of pace to begin cooking daily from scratch. Our shopping experience at the grocery store completely changed... I can't even remember what we used to buy before our food reform. Was it food? Now we only buy fresh produce and grass fed meats from the right sources. We stick to the outer aisles of the grocery store - what do they keep in the middle anyway?
With our new found passion for eating healthier and cooking from home we've become quite the pair of chefs! We love to explore and treat ourselves to wonderfully rich flavors from all around the world - and boy do we ever treat ourselves. Why shouldn't we - we are cooking from scratch at home. That's supposed to be healthier, right? Right, but what we overlooked while eating healthier with out expanding tummies, is that we like the food we prepare better than what we used to eat when we ate out or ordered in. And to top it off we always make more than enough, so seconds became part of the routine.
We were baffled at our growing waistlines. We never considered that while we were making healthier choices with what we were eating, it was possible for us to be eating more and harming ourselves. Luckily we've seen the error in our ways - finally read the fine print! We have made a point to make less food, serve smaller portions, not go back for seconds ... most of the time, and run every other day. Yes, we started the Couch to 5K training! We set out to change the way we are living our lives and we did!
Many of you probably figured all of this out ages ago, but if you haven't already acquainted or reacquainted yourself with your kitchen, here are some of the sources that inspired us to change the way we eat and more importantly the way we live.
Spring is here and with it comes the insane urge to tidy and organize. I've noticed many of my fellow Etsians are re-doing their studios and trying to get their space organized. I, of course, am doing this as well, however, I'll save that update for another time. Today I want to share with you some of the treasures I unearthed while sifting through the thousands of listings on Etsy looking specifically for items perfect for a home office & studio. Ready, set, go:
(From left to right)
A vinyl wall calendar sticker by SimpleShapes: You can write on this vinyl wall sticker with a dry erase marker. I think this is a unique item because it cuts down on the bulk of the typical dry erase board and you don't have to punch holes in your wall. Any they can make it any size that your heart desires.
A white metal vintage numbered drawer from Hindsvik: This drawer is perfect for organizing/indexing receipts, recipes, or tools. It would also add more character to your space than your average plain plastic bin.
A set of 4 vintage coffee/tea mugs from TastyVintage: Everybody needs a special work mug! These unique cups could double as a votive since the brass handle is removable. I thought these mugs had a lot of style and they may be especially attractive to painters because they are clear. I thought if you could see that there is coffee in your cup then you wouldn't mistake it for your dirty painting water, as I all too often do! They are monogrammed with the letter "B," but that could easily stand for Boss, Busy, Bojambo?
A vintage Russian mechanical alarm clock from ClockworkUniverse: How could you miss a deadline with this handsome clock keeping track of time for you. I love the aqua/seafoam green color. This clock will serve you both functionally and decoratively - it's a win, win.
A vintage map pencil cup holder by CarolinaCottage: This quart paint can has been decoupaged in a vintage map of New York City. If a pencil cup isn't your shtick, this fine container could also serve as a supply holder or vase, the lid has even been decked out and could be a coaster for your drink of choice!
A vintage American Family Scale from vintageavacado: In this day and age, I think it's fair to say that nearly everyone has done a bit of mailing. That said, why wait in the possible long lines at the post office. With your own scale at home, not only are you enhancing your home environment with the added character of your vintage scale, but you can prepare your mail at home ensuring that your trip to the post office will be super quick!
A giant succulent terrarium kit by monkeysalwayslook: If you can't be outside while your working, why not bring a touch of the great outdoors inside. A terrarium is an easy way to add color and freshness to your space. You don't need a green thumb to take care of these plants because terrariums are pretty low maintenance, but just in case you are worried detailed instructions are included.
A vintage book bundle from lostandfawnedhome: The topics of these books may not pertain to your line of work, but I think people overlook the simple pleasure of enjoying a beautiful book cover. It's nice to mix books with attractive covers with the other books on your shelves to enhance the visual appeal. This vintage set is great example of the style and personality you could add to your collection of books.
A vintage Mirro Lux timer from blackscottietreasure: This little 60 minute will look excellent on your desk or on a shelf because of its minimal design. It will also ensure that you don't spend too much on one any one project with it's loud "ding!"
With Mother's Day around the corner, it's about time to start brainstorming new and special ways to say, "I love you" and "Thank you for being awesome, Mom."
Lucky for you, I've already been brainstorming and boy do I have something special for you! I am offering one of a kind, custom pendants that are a wonderful way to express yourself as the pendant lends itself as a host to your creativity. With both gold and silver frames to choose from, your mama will be stylishly wearing wonderful photographic memories for years to come! This truly is a custom pendant.
Photos, as well as photography featured in the pendants by Christina McNeill
For more information about having a custom pendant made please contact me or visit me on Etsy!
Golden Gate Bridge - Photo taken from our moving vehicle
This Saturday, the BF and I vacated the fine city of San Francisco to drive up North and taste some wine with his parents in wine country- just for an afternoon. We specifically wanted to taste whites because we've been conducting our own tastings as of late with ... you guessed it - white wines!
We went to two different wineries: Ferrari-Carano Vineyard and Winery and Dry Creek Vineyard, both of which had beautiful gardens and yummy wines. While at Dry Creek Vineyard, the BF and I were split in our taste preference between two Sauvignon Blancs, a 2008 Fumé Blanc and whatever it was that he liked, neither of us can remember! In any case, we ended up leaving with a deliciously rich 2006 Chardonnay that we both liked. That said, my Sauvignon Blanc recommendation is the $12.00 2008 Fumé Blanc from Dry Creek Vineyard. It was delicious - give it a try!
We had a lovely time tasting wines, enjoying the beautiful vistas, and gardens. I was very impressed by how well manicured the gardens were and feel inspired to shape up my own little slice of earth. Oh, and I loved seeing the allium and wisteria in the garden at the Ferrari-Carano Vineyard and Winery. I would like to incorporate these into my garden somehow. On that note, I will leave you with wishes for a wonderful week and a few lovely little floral photos taken during my adventure.
Allium Purple Sensation at the Ferrari-Carano Vineyard & Winery
Allium Purple Sensation at the Ferrari-Carano Vineyard & Winery
Wisteria at the Ferrari-Carano Vineyard and Winery
I have been finding so much inspiration from light, airy, and feminine things as of late. The most recent pair of earrings that I created were inspired by the Sandro Botticelli painting The Birth of Venus.
Venus From the Sea - Fringe Earrings
As stated in my Etsy listing, The gemstone is representative of the ocean and the gold chain is meant to symbolize the long golden locks of hair on the ever beautiful woman, Venus. It is my hope that these earrings empower the wearer to feel pride in her own natural beauty as a woman.
Happy Valentine's Day, my friends. On this fine day, I wanted to share with you a few lovely floral arrangements, however, I temporarily do not have access to the photo's. But what I do have to share are a few snaps I've captured while in Italy, this past fall. All Valentine's Day approved!
Though this wasn't the romantic gondola ride that I shared with my shweetheart, I captured this gondolier and his boat while in Venice on the Grand Canal. The city of Venice is like a museum and is definitely worth seeing at least once! Make sure you have a friend or special someone to share a gondola ride with!
While in the quaint town of Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast, In Southern Italy, My Bf and I walked through though the vender filled streets and happened across this stand of hot peppers. Hot red peppers to spice up your life!
Lastly, I will leave you with the lovely photo taken in the romantic gardens in Ravello; A sleepy town atop the rolling hills of the Amalfi Coast. DH Lawrence, Truman Capote, and Virginia Woolf have all spent time in Ravello; finding inspirations from its beauty no doubt. Italy is such a wonder. Enjoy your Valentine's Day, my friends!
The weather in San Francisco, as of late, has been very chilly and I'm loving it! Case and point. Today, after bundling up, I met a girlfriend for a late morning bite at a local cafe. We enjoyed our warm pastries outside, while our cheeks turned rosey pink and steam danced above our espresso. As soon as we polished off our warm treats we were off to partake in a knitting store adventure!
There is something so satisfying about being chilled to the bone and then walking into a warm, cosy space. And I think a store covered from floor to ceiling in a variety of yarns is the perfect place to escape from the cold.
While at the kitting store, I came across a beautiful blanket that a staff member had made. The construction was very interesting as there was a wave pattern throughout the blanket and a wealth of different colors, yarns, and textures. I have been wanting to knit either a cream, rich purple, or moody grey wool throw for a few months and this blanket inspired me to better define this throw I am fantasizing about making. I am envisioning a monochromatic throw made with as many different yarns as I can find. I'm sold on the texture that is sure to manifest with all of the different yarns.
There are so many things that are more fun to do in this chilly weather, like drinking spicy teas, wearing socks and scarfs, knitting anything, sending and receiving packages with friends (actually, that's always in style!) and making, baking, and eating yummy treats! I'm going to go out on a limb here and declare this weather a treat!
Today, the BF and I drove from San Francisco to Monterey, California, which is home to the wonderful Monterey Aquarium.Our two-hour drive was well worth it, as we were able to experience a special exhibit entitled The Secret Lives of Seahorses. From the largest whale to the smallest seahorse, the creatures of the ocean are simply mysterious and fascinating.
During our visit to the Monterey Aquarium we saw many creatures, such as sharks, octopuses, fish, anemones, penguins, and many more. We even saw an otter swimming in the ocean just outside of the aquarium – very cool.
Of course, my favorite part of the entire experience was the star attraction, The Secret Lives of Seahorses. I was in awe while walking through the entire section of aquariums dedicated to showcasing one of the ocean's shyest little species.
There were so many seahorses of different sizes, shapes, and colors.I had never seen anything like some of the seahorses that were shown.
The entire seahorse experience was magical. I felt like I finally saw a unicorn or something noble and majestic similar to that.The experience created a desire within me to develop a few underwater characters for a future children’s book. Stay tuned. My eyes really can’t believe some of the creatures they saw today! Oh, how I am inspired by these wild and mysterious animals. If you have a chance to see The Secret Lives of Seahorses, I recommend it, and if not, why not try any aquarium near you – get out and check it out, my friends.
It has become a tradition, on Sunday, for my bf to prepare his recipe for a ragüHe leaves the sauce to simmer on the stove, temping both of us throughout the entire afternoon. In the evening, when we both can’t wait any longer, we prepare pasta and enjoy his deliciously rich ragu. Mmm. I love that we are molding our Sunday traditions. On Sunday, there are currently three things that I can always count on:
1.) The New York Times will be waiting at the front door
2.) Espresso will be had
3.) Dinner will be the ragu I dreamt about all week long
As we are molding traditions, I find myself all over the place on Sunday. If it's not studio time, it's thrifting, or a movie day, or anything, which is just fine, but I would really like to discover a special way to fill my Sunday afternoons because I so look forward to our current rituals. This Sunday I tried on Pastry Chef - I decided to bake glazed mocha cookies (mmm) and minty chocolate kisses (failed.) After returning home empty handed from Whole Foods (who knew they don't stock essence of mint) I pillaged the fresh mint from my garden of herbs, but I should have taken the hint from Whole Foods. Long story short, the little minty airplanes didn't turn out because my frosting never set properly, but they still look cute. I kept catching myself making silly plane noises haha. There was no funny business to be had over the glazed mocha cookies. They turned out beautifully - I am already excited to make them all over again. Chocolate and espresso - clearly a winning combination.
Overall, I think the lesson learned is that baking two types of cookies in one day should be reserved for the holidays. Whew. However, since the glazed mocha cookies were such a success, I am going to try baking one dreamy dessert each Sunday as part of my effort to enrich my Sunday experience… Oh, and don’t worry, this isn’t going to turn into a baking diary, like Julie & Julia, although I did see that movie and have to say it was pretty cute J
GLAZED MOCHA COOKIES
Mmm!
Ingredients List:
Cookies 3 oz semisweet (dark) chocolate, coarsely chopped 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tbsp espresso coffee powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 2/3 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze 1 1/3 cups confectioners sugar 1 tsp espresso coffee powder 2 tbsps hot water
Cookies:Melt the chocolate in a double boiler over barely simmering water. Mix the flour, cocoa, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Beat the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat for 1 minute. With the mixer on low speed, beat in the mixed dry ingredients and chocolate. Divide the dough in two. Form into two 9 x 2-inch logs,, wrap in plastic wrap (cling film), and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter two baking sheet. Slice the dough 2/3 incn think and place 1 inch apart on the prepared backing sheets. Bake until the edges are firm and the bottoms lightly browned, 12-15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet until the cookies slightly firm, about 5 min. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Glaze:Mix the confectioners' sugar and coffee in a small bowl. Stir in enough hot water to obtain a drizzle consistency. Drizzle over the cookies and let set.
Makes about 22, prep time 45 min + 2 hours to chill, cooking 12-15 min.
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