On occasion I check out http://www.adinnerparty.blogspot.com . Well, today I was not disappointed! She gave some fabulous recipes for a Vegetarian Indian Feast that I think sound divine. The funny thing is she starts out saying when she has guests over she usually cooks something with meat, I have recently realized that I tend to cook vegetarian when people come over; not purposefully vegetarian as if to portray that I am against meat, but rather I find the dishes to be a little more exotic and flavorful as vegetarian dishes tend to rely more on interesting spices, shapes and color than when you depend on meat to the be the main thing. Anyway, the Indian Feast menu included:
Mango with spicy salt and sugar
Chutney and goat cheese with aloo paratha
Yellow dal
Indian baked rice
Indian spiced cauliflower and potatoes
Raita
Chai tea
She has yummy looking photos too (not that you would eat the photos themselves, but rather the food in the photos). I plan to make these dishes very soon and will let you know how they turn out. Anyone have a good recipe for homemade Chai Tea?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
2 Years Ago Today
This is where I was two years ago today! Thanks Micah for loving me, even when you make me gain weight! (okay so maybe that is the baby's fault, but you still have a part in that too!) I love you babe and look forward to the rest of our lives together. ALL.
Valentine's Day Surprise Revealed
So, I mentioned I would tell you all later what my small surprise was for Micah on Valentine's Day and that long-awaited promise has finally come! It ended up being sadly anti-climactic, and we had a guest in town with us for Valentine's and Micah invited over my brother and his girlfriend. While I LOVE company, I was not necessarily expecting a small party on Valentine's Day, but I went ahead as planned. When I finally told Micah my plan shortly after he told me everyone was coming over, he said "oh, you don't need to do that," to which I replied in a more than slight deflated way, "I went to three grocery stores today for this; it is happening."
I surprised him with what was going to be wine for him (sparking juice for me and baby), cheese, fruit and cracker tray and chocolate fondue with an assortment of deserts and fruits, accompanied by a lovely fire and tea-light candles all over fireplace wall.
Well, I think only me and our out-of-town guest ate the fondue, so I can't entirely say it was well worth the effort as a Valentine's surprise for my valentine, but it is the thought that counts right? Let me tell you too- it was fancy! I had sheep cheese, a specially aged cheddar, and a fig and almond cake for the cheese platter, and then lemon and almond mini biscotis, angel food cake, strawberries, and bananas for the fondue platter. Hopefully my anniversary food will go over a little better.
I surprised him with what was going to be wine for him (sparking juice for me and baby), cheese, fruit and cracker tray and chocolate fondue with an assortment of deserts and fruits, accompanied by a lovely fire and tea-light candles all over fireplace wall.
Well, I think only me and our out-of-town guest ate the fondue, so I can't entirely say it was well worth the effort as a Valentine's surprise for my valentine, but it is the thought that counts right? Let me tell you too- it was fancy! I had sheep cheese, a specially aged cheddar, and a fig and almond cake for the cheese platter, and then lemon and almond mini biscotis, angel food cake, strawberries, and bananas for the fondue platter. Hopefully my anniversary food will go over a little better.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Homemade
I recently discovered this web-site that I thought I would share with you today. If you are a crafty person (like I dream of being but am not quite), you can list your items for sale on this web-site. The website is http://www.etsy.com/ and they have really creative, unique, beautiful, and often fancy items; everything from bath products, baby products, dresses, buttons...
Here is one I was particularly amazed at.
Please don't mistake my amazement as a willingness to purchase, as unfortunately the image of the Indian on the bust removes that possibility for me (along with the price-tag), but I think it is a brave creation.
Here is one I was particularly amazed at.
Please don't mistake my amazement as a willingness to purchase, as unfortunately the image of the Indian on the bust removes that possibility for me (along with the price-tag), but I think it is a brave creation.
Friday, February 13, 2009
My Latest Blog Inspirations
Micah is working all day tomorrow, so we won't be doing anything big for Valentine's Day, at least that he knows of (insert wink here)! In case he reads this, I can't spill the secret just yet. But, I did want to share some fancy ideas with you in the meantime from ideas I gathered and have since evolved in my own head from other fun blogs I like to frequent.
The above are meant to be gift tags, but I thought if they were made a bit larger you could make custom door tags as a gift to your sweetheart. They could contain secret codes which I won't try to make up here, or they could be rather straight to the point "yes, I am in the mood." (That kind of message serves almost as "coupon" too which could be seen as an extra valentine's bonus!)
I recently posted about my ruffled panties as a toddler, to which one of my friends just mailed me a pair of ruffly panties in homage. She is also the friend that knows that "panty" is one of my least favorite words, up there with "convergys". (don't ask me what that is, I just see it on a building and I don't like it). But, these panties are adorable. I don't actually know what they were intended to be, but I thought they would be a great drawer sache' if filled with potpouri for an intimates drawer and would be a perfect gift to girlfriends on Valentine's day.
Okay, so I am now done talking about Valentine's day and am just completely on blog inspirations. A local artist in Tulsa handstitched stuffed felt in various shapes (birds and hearts mostly) onto small painted canvas'. The pic above is similar as is the pic below which comes from my dear friend and fellow-blogger- Kristena.
I have been struggling to come up with art for the hall-bathroom so I decided I would do something similar to these and the canvas idea. I first am going to re-paint the bathroom to a gray before I work on any of the art. So, pics will be forthcoming when I actually get around to this project. For my last blog inspiration (and I need your input on this one!)...
I am almost at the half-way pregnancy point! Or I will be in about 2 weeks. This was her half-way point photo. Any ideas for me? I have been taking pictures every month in the same place and in the same outfit to show the progression of growth, but I would also like to take some fun ones like this at different landmarks like the half-way point, when we find out boy or girl, some with Micah... So, any ideas?
The above are meant to be gift tags, but I thought if they were made a bit larger you could make custom door tags as a gift to your sweetheart. They could contain secret codes which I won't try to make up here, or they could be rather straight to the point "yes, I am in the mood." (That kind of message serves almost as "coupon" too which could be seen as an extra valentine's bonus!)
I recently posted about my ruffled panties as a toddler, to which one of my friends just mailed me a pair of ruffly panties in homage. She is also the friend that knows that "panty" is one of my least favorite words, up there with "convergys". (don't ask me what that is, I just see it on a building and I don't like it). But, these panties are adorable. I don't actually know what they were intended to be, but I thought they would be a great drawer sache' if filled with potpouri for an intimates drawer and would be a perfect gift to girlfriends on Valentine's day.
Okay, so I am now done talking about Valentine's day and am just completely on blog inspirations. A local artist in Tulsa handstitched stuffed felt in various shapes (birds and hearts mostly) onto small painted canvas'. The pic above is similar as is the pic below which comes from my dear friend and fellow-blogger- Kristena.
I have been struggling to come up with art for the hall-bathroom so I decided I would do something similar to these and the canvas idea. I first am going to re-paint the bathroom to a gray before I work on any of the art. So, pics will be forthcoming when I actually get around to this project. For my last blog inspiration (and I need your input on this one!)...
I am almost at the half-way pregnancy point! Or I will be in about 2 weeks. This was her half-way point photo. Any ideas for me? I have been taking pictures every month in the same place and in the same outfit to show the progression of growth, but I would also like to take some fun ones like this at different landmarks like the half-way point, when we find out boy or girl, some with Micah... So, any ideas?
Fancy that!
(thanks to Crista Bacca for the log-off line)
(thanks to Crista Bacca for the log-off line)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A New Look
I have to resist the temptation to use the word "fancy" in every title for my blog postings, but as you can see I did today! My brother also commented that I should work on some sign-off phrase, so stick around and after a while let me know your favorite.
I recently cut my hair and dyed it dark. To save money while we are trying to make major progress paying off our car and of course save up for baby furniture and items, as well as reduce the amount of chemicals I use on a daily/ monthly basis I am not bleach blonde anymore. In fact, that hair color only lasted for about 6 weeks total, and I loved most every minute of that blondness. Anyway, my hair is dark, with bangs, and well, pretty different than before. I like it for the most part, but I do think I will go back blonde post baby.
My hair inspiration was Jessica Alba. I am not really a fan of her as an actress, but her hair was cute.
Along with my new hair look, I have another recent change. Instead of looking just extra tubby from the holidays that just passed, I am finally starting to look a little more prego! I am not enough to where anyone that does not know my current state, asks me if I am pregnant or "how far along are you!?" or is randomly touching my belly, but I know I will be there before long. I will be trading in one discomfort for the other- looking chubby to stranger belly touches.
Make it a fancy day!
I recently cut my hair and dyed it dark. To save money while we are trying to make major progress paying off our car and of course save up for baby furniture and items, as well as reduce the amount of chemicals I use on a daily/ monthly basis I am not bleach blonde anymore. In fact, that hair color only lasted for about 6 weeks total, and I loved most every minute of that blondness. Anyway, my hair is dark, with bangs, and well, pretty different than before. I like it for the most part, but I do think I will go back blonde post baby.
My hair inspiration was Jessica Alba. I am not really a fan of her as an actress, but her hair was cute.
Along with my new hair look, I have another recent change. Instead of looking just extra tubby from the holidays that just passed, I am finally starting to look a little more prego! I am not enough to where anyone that does not know my current state, asks me if I am pregnant or "how far along are you!?" or is randomly touching my belly, but I know I will be there before long. I will be trading in one discomfort for the other- looking chubby to stranger belly touches.
Make it a fancy day!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
New Blog Inspiration
I read other people's blogs (which is why I started one) and a recent one I was directed to by a Ms. Heather, gave me two inspirations that I am turning into my own:
1. My first inspiration is from this blog posting- the author writes a letter to her daughter every month, and this was her 60th "newsletter" (or her daughter's fifth birthday). I was inspired by this because I thought it was such a neat way to say all the things you internalize about your children that they probably never realize until they are parents themselves. In the past few days I have been thinking that I really need some sort of book right now that tells the stories of how I told our coming child's grandparents that he/she was on the way, and how me and "Daddy" (in quotes because we aren't quite used to it yet) felt when we found out we were pregnant which was hyperventilating for me - on second thought, maybe I will leave that part out. So, I think I am going to start this and write a little note or letter to my soon-to-be child. And, not to be neglected- possibly my husband as well. It is only fair that after a lifetime together, he should have books telling of my constant adoration, admiration and love for him too- although he doesn't read books so that might be a waste of time. I will have to think on that one.
2. Micah and I don't take enough pictures together. In fact we have been really bad about it lately in spite of the fact that we bought a new fancy camera. So, since this is our anniversary month,
I am going to make a point of taking a new photo of him or us together every day at least through the end of February. Since this site is dedicated to the everyday things I find fancy, I think I will take this month to fancy my husband, who is with me everyday. (please don't get mad at me for not taking photos from this Friday to Monday though as I am on a business trip and will be separated from him). Of course, I will share these pictures with you too - you may also see a huge belly in some of them.
1. My first inspiration is from this blog posting- the author writes a letter to her daughter every month, and this was her 60th "newsletter" (or her daughter's fifth birthday). I was inspired by this because I thought it was such a neat way to say all the things you internalize about your children that they probably never realize until they are parents themselves. In the past few days I have been thinking that I really need some sort of book right now that tells the stories of how I told our coming child's grandparents that he/she was on the way, and how me and "Daddy" (in quotes because we aren't quite used to it yet) felt when we found out we were pregnant which was hyperventilating for me - on second thought, maybe I will leave that part out. So, I think I am going to start this and write a little note or letter to my soon-to-be child. And, not to be neglected- possibly my husband as well. It is only fair that after a lifetime together, he should have books telling of my constant adoration, admiration and love for him too- although he doesn't read books so that might be a waste of time. I will have to think on that one.
2. Micah and I don't take enough pictures together. In fact we have been really bad about it lately in spite of the fact that we bought a new fancy camera. So, since this is our anniversary month,
I am going to make a point of taking a new photo of him or us together every day at least through the end of February. Since this site is dedicated to the everyday things I find fancy, I think I will take this month to fancy my husband, who is with me everyday. (please don't get mad at me for not taking photos from this Friday to Monday though as I am on a business trip and will be separated from him). Of course, I will share these pictures with you too - you may also see a huge belly in some of them.
A "new to me" TV stand
Micah smartly purchased a HD television and stand before ever meeting me knowing that one day when he got married, purchasing that impractical of an item may just not be possible. (fortunately, it is paid off now). The television was sitting on a black and metal three tier stand, which was fine but it also showed all the cables and chords and dust. But then I was inspired by a piece of furniture I saw at Forever 21 that was a bright blue lacquer painted table with ornate details and so began the hunt. I found this 1920's buffet on Craig's List for $50. It was missing some handles and trim work and was also not completely even anymore.
It used to be three long drawers extending the length of the piece until I passed it off to my grandfather. He replaced and repaired some of the original wood, and he also made the middle cupboards, and the sides 3 skinny drawers on each. I then had a really hard time finding the right paint color (of which it still isn't perfect in my opinion), and replaced the handles with some glass ones from Lowe's. And, now I have a statement piece for our living room! It really is one of the first things people comment on whenever they come over, and if we weren't so lazy, the drawers would be a great place to hide the clutter of multiple remotes.
Since this project, I have decided I really like the look of painted wood and now that I am going to be planning a nursery soon, I may start looking on Craig's list again for some paintable items!
It used to be three long drawers extending the length of the piece until I passed it off to my grandfather. He replaced and repaired some of the original wood, and he also made the middle cupboards, and the sides 3 skinny drawers on each. I then had a really hard time finding the right paint color (of which it still isn't perfect in my opinion), and replaced the handles with some glass ones from Lowe's. And, now I have a statement piece for our living room! It really is one of the first things people comment on whenever they come over, and if we weren't so lazy, the drawers would be a great place to hide the clutter of multiple remotes.
Since this project, I have decided I really like the look of painted wood and now that I am going to be planning a nursery soon, I may start looking on Craig's list again for some paintable items!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Purse Hangers
So, I was looking for some fancy inspiration and Bridget came to the rescue. She recently picked up a purse hanger! You keep this item in your purse and when you go to restaurants, cafes, bars, public restrooms, etc. you set the decorative part on the top of the table, and hang your purse on the bottom hook. This marvelous invention keeps your items from resting on the dirty floors and also keeps it close to you. I was really mad last time I picked my purse up and the bottom was soaking wet- apparently the inventor must have had a similar experience.
They come in a variety of colors and styles, but here was one picture I found online. You can find them in a variety of stores too. So, enjoy clean purses everyone! I wouldn't really recommend this for any males, so sorry if you are a male reader.
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