Thursday, February 24, 2011

Thoughts Please!

I know I still owe you the second part of the kitchen details, and I plan to respond to all comments and questions in a follow-up post (so keep them coming).....but I have an issue I need input on (and that I'm super pumped about).

Tonight I scored these two bad boys off Craig's List- it was 100 bucks for the set!

              image 2229213004-0  image 2229213004-1
seller's photos
The tall one will be fantastic storage in my craft room, and I'm saving the re-doing project for a later date.  I was actually only looking for a dresser because there is a funky little insert in our little hallway area between the kitchen and pantry.  The space needed something, and I could always use more storage space.  The thing is, the space is only 50 inches long and 14 deep, way too small for a traditional buffet or sideboard.  I considered built in base cabinets but a dresser just has more personality and is more versatile in the long run.
Before kitchen photo- see the edge of the fridge? It is in the nook.

That is the nook on the left- straight ahead is the pantry (kitchen is behind "us")

Here it is home and "tucked in".
bad photo I know- too excited to wait to take a daylight photo

So now....what color do I paint it?  At first I was thinking a brown-gray, like all the colors Kim was investigating, but now I'm thinking something brighter?  **did I mention I want to paint it this weekend?

The knobs and pulls I'm currently digging:
               
Anthro- of course                   Martha for HD                                 thoughts? too odd?

Little Touches:
The white Ribba shelves laying across the dresser, will be hanging above it (clearly to cover the water hook-ups which are against code to dry wall in).
On the shelves will be this artwork and photos- obviously need to grow the collection and include some objects (looking for a little round mirror).

The utensil art work is a special request from twigcreative on etsy.

And I'm thinking a fun, bright colored lamp will sit on top.

Let me hear all your ideas.....please!!

Monday, February 21, 2011

The 411

In December I reveled our kitchen re-do (thanks for all your positive comments!), and promised to share the details.....but I just recently remembered to take some day-light photos.
before
after

Details- sorry it is so long...in an effort to keep it shorter, I've just added simple captions...and split everything over two days- in no special or organized manner 


Backsplash- marble tiles from Home Depot, I bought twice as much as we needed and sorted through to find the "right" tiles- some were too yellow, too brown or too red, I only wanted white or gray with blue undertones.  In hindsight we should have used non-sanded grout, and we still need to clean up the caulk lines.

 Our morning fill-up station 

The new backdoor John installed all by himself. Chester likes the extra row of windows, so he can now see in easily, we like that he doesn't have to jump on the door.  And we all like the extra light it lets in.

The low hutches (which clear on not styled inside or out) are actually media hutches from C&B.  Originally there was a desk in that spot, but this extra storage is much more practical for us.  And as a double bonus- it was cheaper than recreating the desk and can move with us (when the time comes).  

                    
The hardware- both the pulls and knobs are satin nickel.   I ordered them from overstock.com, and we are really pleased with the quality- they are heavy weight, easy to clean and came at a great price $60 and $78 (respectively) for 25 of each.


The spice shelf- it is a Lack shelf from Ikea. The spices are in their Droppar jars.  I used my label-maker to personalize all the jars.  Yes, they are lined up alphabetically.  Oh, and the under cabinet lights- they rock my world! 

The large cutting board is one of my favorite wedding gifts it stays on the counter 24-7, mostly because it is too large to pull in and out of cabinet regularly. See the cake-stand behind it?  Another little helping hand in the kitchen, it keeps my oil, pepper mill, salt and toothpicks (for testing baked goods) close at hand.

What little kitchen helpers do you keep at hand?

Thursday, February 17, 2011

BYOB

Since New Year's I've been seeing a lot of people really getting into a BYOB trend- Baking Your Own Bread.  (like our bread bowls)  Well, my sweet friend Sohira has a tasty and simple recipe for everyone out there trying to "conquer yeast".  Sohira is one of my great friends from college.  We attended her wedding in Aruba in summer of 2009- I showed it to you here. Then last year I tried to throw her a baby shower...but Snowocalypse hit.  Sohira is fun, funny, always positive and encouraging; while I'm sad I don't get to see her often (I have yet to meet her daughter) I'm so glad she is my friend!

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When Leigh asked me to guest post onto her blog I almost jumped out of my skin! Blogging?! ME!? YESSSS!!! I read her blog faithfully and have always loved the easy way she whips crafts up.  We have known each other since our freshman year of college – Leigh had to teach me how to make Ramen Noodles (no kidding!!). I have learned a bit since then, though, hence my post today on her fabulous blog!
This past summer I received The Bread Baker’s Apprentice by Peter Reinhart bread recipe book as a gift and I honestly thought it would be one of my favorite “picture books” – i.e. I would love browsing through it and letting my senses run amok. After a few such sessions I decided to actually try a recipe, the Ciabatta recipe, and I fell in love!!!!

 The recipes or “formulas” as Mr. Reinhart calls them are very detailed and, if followed correctly, are fairly easy! I made the Ciabatta with the one-day pre-ferment called a Poolish (basically consisting of flour, yeast, water) and it is my favorite one to make because it takes you just one day. Some formulas in here call for 2 or 3 days for certain types of bread.
  Josh and Anaïs (my husband and my daughter) always love helping out with the stirring J



 The final product is SOO delicious…technically it must rest for 45 minutes but we make it to 5 minutes before cutting into it (can you blame us, really!?).




So, Leigh, after years of watching you bake, decoupage, decorate, scrapbook, and being your fabulous self, I joined the club and have loved every second of it. I’m actually thinking about getting a sewing machine soon, too!  Aren’t you proud!?!
Yes, Sohira I'm super proud of you!!  Thanks for sharing your recipe, I can't wait to try it!
Poolish (the pre-ferment for the Ciabatta)
2 1/2 cups of unbleached bread flour (I use King Arthur)
1 1/2 cups water, room temp
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast (I use Red Star)

Stir ingredients together...dough should be soft and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and ferment at room temp. for 3 to 4 hours.

Ciabatta, Poolish version
3 1/4 cups poolish (the entire recipe above)
3 cups unbleached bread flour
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
6 tablespoons to 3/4 cup water, lukewarm (I usually use the maximum amount, 3/4 cup)

1. Stir together ingredients. With a large metal spoon (or on low speed with the paddle attachment), mix until form sticky ball. Mix for 5 to 7 minutes (medium speed)
2. Sprinkle enough flour on the counter and stretch and fold dough (hold both ends and stretch, let it rest for 2 minutes, then fold over itself like an envelope).
3. Let rest of 30 minutes. Stretch and fold again, mist with spray oil (I use Pam for baking), dust with flour, and cover. Ferment on the counter for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4. Set up a couche (I take out a sheet pan, line with parchment paper, and sprinkle corn meal/flour mixture on there, with a crease in the middle to hold 2 loaves). Shape bread (cut in two with a pastry scraper, gently roll both sides of dough in a bit of flour.) and mist with spray oil, dust with flour.
5. Proof for 45 to 60 minutes at room temp
6. Prepare the oven for hearth baking (preheat to 500 degrees)
7. (there are some more directions but it's literally 1/2 a page) After 5 minutes turn temp down to 450 and bake loaf for 15-20 minutes, rotating 180 degrees halfway through. 
Cool for 45 before slicing (I TOTALLY ignore this one) 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Little Things

Do you ever find that the little, random events are the things that make you happiest?  Or that they are the part of your day you remember best?  I love that!

I experienced one of those little things tonight.  My LOVE of RENT  is no secret.  And in the fall I confessed my enjoyment of Glee.

Well....tonight my two loves became one.  Rachel and Mercedes had a "diva-off" and as soon as I heard the first notes I was giddy.
 
I can't find a photo online of the scene 

They were singing Take Me or Leave Me from Rent!


John might have some bruises from my consent "can you believe this? are you seeing this?" swats.  And yes, I totally sang along.  

What little thing has made your day?

Monday, February 14, 2011

Pizzabration

Today is Valentine's Day, while we don't avoid or ban the holiday it certainly isn't a big deal in this house.   

The cookies I brought to school, ala Emily's simple-to-do-but-impressive-looking trick.


Our dinner- homemade pizza with fresh made pesto, a mix of goat and mozzarella cheeses and little pepperoni. Tasty!

How we're spending our evening- toasty fire, Monday night TV.

 

Was this another Monday for you or a BIG day?!
   

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Joining the Crowd

When the Silhouette machine rocked the crafting blog world about a year ago, I was impressed. I wanted one, but it was pricier than my crafts budget allows.  And then it seemed like all the cool kids had one.  The more and more cool projects I saw, and possibilities I learned about, the more I wanted my own.

I held off until their Black Friday deal.  As excited as I was to get my own machine, I didn't open the box until mid-January.  I guess holiday stuff got in the way.

I have yet to buy any of their art work, vinyl or other products.  Right now I'm just playing with the free vinyl and art work or creating my own.

What I've made so far
Above our bed- even with rulers I can't equal space things or make them straight...so I've stopped trying  

Highlighting my cute new Mac

A birdie in the kitchen- he has a bit of a flat top because I'm not great at lining up the vinyl with the cutter yet

 Chester's Treat Jar- the negative and positive of the same image/cut 

Fridge-thinking I might do all different languages to cover the fridge doors but maybe frosted or silver vinyl   

 Pantry Jars- I wasn't planning for the confectionary sugar (jar on the left) to look like hole reinforcements  

Bathroom Window- this is my most sophisticated design so far as I had to resize, rotate and attach the three shape

Thoughts so far: the vinyl is far more matte than I expected -not sure how I feel about that, I wish there was more detailed and extensive directions - I have a lot of questions, there are many things I'm not sure how to do, letters are difficult to work with or maybe I'm not making them large enough, installing the program was very easy

Up next:  get different color vinyl to use on the kitchen aid, front door, and who knowns where else, use some heat transfer products, cut fabric

Do you have a silhouette?  Show/tell me what you've made!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Lobstah Love

I am a Lobstah Loven' girl! 

I don't know when I fist ate lobster, pretty young I'm sure.  All I know is that I love it!  And I like it classic- please don't F with my lobster!  No fancy sauces, don't put in on pizza, no grilling required.  All I need is some drawn butter, the crackers and a pick.   I take pride in being able to remove the tail and claw whole.  And yes, I do suck out the meat leg- just like my dad taught me!

This fall the Red Hook Lobster food truck opened in DC.  It quickly became (wait for it...) legendary.  The truck's location was announced daily via Twitter. In fact people waited for an hour in the weekday lunch line.  I was dying to go, but I don't work downtown (never mind the fact that my lunch is 35 minutes) and the truck was only open on weekdays.

Finally, they started dishin' up the deliciousness on Saturdays.  Last weekend Chester, John and I went on a Lobster hunt (in 6 inches of icy snow).   Warning: I was drooling too much to worry about great photos.
John's Maine Style Roll (with mayo) 

My Connecticut Style Roll (with drawn butter)
See that roll- I didn't bother with, just used my fingers to taste each yummy bit

The creamy, awesome clam chowda we shared I let John have bite of- love that they gave me oyster crackers

I also enjoyed a hot apple cider! And we split a whoopie pie.

How do you enjoy your lobster? 

Monday, February 7, 2011

Super Bowl

I have little more than a passing intrest in the Super Bowl game.  For me the best parts are the commercials and half-time show.  Super Bowl food is good stuff too.

Most of this year's commercials were nothing special, in my opinion.  My favorite was the Faith Hill spot for Telaflora.
A supposed colleague (the guy in the above shot) asked for her help composing the note attached to flowers he was sending his girlfriend.  She advised him to write what was in his heart.  His note ended up reading "nice rack".

I thought the half time show was terrific.  The best in recent memory.  I really like the Black Eyed Peas, and I'm glad they did a nice mix of their older stuff.  But for the love of God, what where they wearing?
Not their exact Super Bowl outfits, but close enough.  While their lite-brite costumes were distracting, it didn't ruin the show for me.  Usher and Slash were nice surprises and the dancing was cool.

I find the Puppy Bowl much more enjoyable than the actual football game.  I mean aren't these guys much cuter and more entertaining to watch than some sweaty 300lb dude with too many tats?  

 

And these players aren't looking for a big payday but rather a good home is all they want.

Also more exciting than football (to me)-  the return of Glee and the end of football season.

What part of the Big Game do you like best?