Wishlist! Some pretty for this gray thursday.

*sigh*

so ready for spring and summer dresses. all dresses under $50 at Modcloth!

Bellpepper extravaganza!!

First attempt @ stuffed bell peppers was a success! Pretty easy, a smidge time consuming (brown the meat, cook the rice, saute the onions, blanch the peppers...3 pots/ pans going @ once!) but worth it. So basically here's how it went if you'd like to try:

need:
4 big peppers (cut off tops and dig out the guts, rinse, boil for 4 minutes in a big pot of water)
1/2 lb of lean ground turkey meat, browned
1 cup of cooked brown rice
1/4 cup of sauteed onions, cut up into teeny tiny pieces.

~

and then the options, whatever quantity you desire:
garlic salt
pepper
crushed red pepper

I mixed all of the above in a large bowl

optional- cheese (I used crumbled goat cheese, I could have used more than I did, I just sprinkled a little bit on each pepper. def will use more next time, maybe even blend into mixture?

and last is the bread crumbs- I crushed up 3 pieces of Melba toast and sprinkled on top.

After the peppers were cooled, spoon the mixture into each pepper. Top with the cheese crumbles and bread crumbs.

Bake @ 350 for 35 minutes.

*when eating, I felt like i wanted it to stick together a little more, the rice sort of just... spilled out. Maybe throw a little bit, maybe 1/2 cup, of condensed mushroom soup in the mix next time? Sort of like how it holds green bean casserole together...

pre-oven:
post-oven, pre-belly:

They were good, and what I like is how you can basically do whatever you want to them, after you have the basic ingredients. Add Worcestershire sauce, diced chilies, other veggies, any spices, any cheeses... you have a room for a little creativity.

for guidance go here!

Finds: Collections

Completely forgot to post a photo of my ridiculously good finds this past weekend! I've got so many collections started (and some juuuust being born), it's always so much fun to add to! The owls have been going for a pretty long time, there's the small collection of foreign religious icons (one Russian, one Greek, one Czech e.g.). The mermaid collection is pretty tiny- it's so hard to find mermaid things that aren't completely gaudy, childish/ cheese- vintage is difficult to locate.

And now the camera collection: I have Dad's Pentax from the 70s, my Polaroid Mom and Dad gave me when I was about 20/21, the great Holga I got for Christmas from Ryan, and now two very cool additions I found @ Salvation army for the combined price of 6$. RIDICULOUS. Will definately be hitting that place up more in the future.

Nothing says Spring like cold, hard enamel!

I think will treat myself to a new pin this weekend, Replay on 19th in the Heights has a wonderful selection and I can't get enough of these brightly colored enamel pins, necklaces, earrings, etc. They're so bright, shiny and durable, a really good juxtaposition to a soft, comfy cardigan.

I'm completely enamored, lately, with this rich marigold color. I bought some yarn yesterday (oddly enough from the Vanna White collection... who knew she was into anything other than touching squares that light up?) and crocheted an extremely long two-rows-thick string to wrap around a little wreath (which will be embellished with these flowers in a red a white polka-dot pattern!) I think it will be nice and springy/summery looking.

Maybe it's because I couldn't really wear much orange/marigold when i had red hair (too much of a clash) so now I'm just going nuts with it. I have two pairs of heels in this color.

In the words of Miranda Priestly "Floral? For Spring?... Groundbreaking..."

Homemade Tuesday! < 3

{image above found here}

Found this fantastic, so simple and very cute DIY accessory tutorial today over at A Beautiful Mess, via Smile and Wave (two of my favorite blogs!).

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I think I love the versatility most...the possibilities are endless! Hair clip, embellishment for handbags and clothing, (sweaters, coats!), a headband, home decor (would be so cute to bunch a few of varying sizes together on a wreath)... you can just keep going! And the second best thing I love: You may not even have to buy anything. You can use strips of patterned, old sheets, a shirt or even just fabric scraps. It can be 100% green... but of course if you don't have these things handy, you can buy a cool patterned fabric quarter (Joanne's/ Hobby Lobby), which would yield 2 accessories, for under 2 bucks.

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Being the eager person I am, I went to Joanne's on my lunch and picked out a cute, sort of retro-ish red/pink/orange floral pattern that looked a little valentinesy. I made this hair clip in about 5 minutes (I am at work, so I had to hurry...) but I think I'll take a little more time on the next one... it was fun!

{above photos by me}

Happy Tuesday!

History made! Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?

So it's probably no surprise to you who are reading, to learn this: I'm not the biggest sports fan on earth. I cheered in high school, but I had to be told when to cheer for "offense" and "defense".. "Ginny why are you jumping up and down, the opponent just scored a field goal... where do your allegiances lie?" Sometimes, I put ESPN on when I'm having trouble falling asleep, much like how some pick up old economics textbooks. It's not that I dislike the sports, it's more just a lack of interest/ I don't feel involved/ am not educated/ would rather watch Law and Order SVU/ make a snack.

So I was surprised when I found myself so completely and utterly enthralled and involved in this football game yesterday. With a family from New Orleans, the Saints have been a part of life ever since I could remember, it just wasn't ever something I was personally interested in. I remember Mom in the living room, stifling the yells/possible profanity, stuffing her face into a pillow on Monday nights because the kids we're sleeping.

I don't think I had ever watched an entire football game on TV in my life. I went over to Mom and Dads with a few very apropos po' boys from BB's around 2. The game started at 5 and right from the get go, it was a ping pong match; back and forth, neck and neck. I left Cypress at half time, got in the car to head back downtown...when I did something astounding (well, to me..). I put the radio on.... 790AM. I KNOW. (I KNOW!)

I hurried home and continued to watch this stressful, intense, nail biting football game with my roommate, Nora, and we were both surprised at ourselves to be jumping up and down, yelling and (honestly...) highfiving each other when that 23 yr old kid kicked that winning field goal in OT. "I bet our neighbors are freaked out right now.. like.. who knew those chicks were such football fans?"

But honestly, it was just fun... I genuinely enjoyed myself, backing the home team and rooting for the good guys. New Orleans has never been to the Superbowl, just like I've never watched a Superbowl, but this year will be different. It won't just be a Sunday where you can get 50 chicken nuggets for 20 dollars, but it will mean a little more. Last night the coach, Sean Payton said "Four years ago, there were holes in this roof. The fans in this city and this region deserve it...I’m just proud to be a part of it, to be part of something that is so special for this city and well deserved.” and... maybe I got a little choked up.. maybe I didn't...but the city does need and deserve it.

So maybe I didn't watch any other Saints games this season. Maybe I don't know the names of the players, and I don't know the rules or positions, but I got into the spirit, am maybe a little hoarse today, I got excited and enjoyed myself... that's what matters, right?

So, Geaux, Saints. Take two excedrin this morning, probably some alka seltzer, sleep in a bit, and go to Florida.

The Saints were admitted into the NFL at a league meeting held on November 1, 1966. That day also happened to be the Roman Catholic Holiday All Saints Day, New Orleans ownership felt it was only natural to call them the Saints for the day they were born. { source }

If ants are such busy workers, how come they find time to go to all the picnics? - Marie Dressler

With the beautiful weather here now, and more on the way, it just puts me in a picnicy mood. Everything just tastes better outside! (or al fresco, if I were fancy...) I just want to go to Leibmans deli, get one of everything, a good bottle of wine, and relax in the sun after filling my belly. Maybe read, maybe nap... maybe do absolutely nothing... and enjoy every second. I'd really like to get a set of these bad boys: wine glass stakes! You have a place to keep your wine glass without spilling.. it just sticks in the ground! Genius! Perfection! Certain to look like a professional picnicer when you roll up with these. (must... have..)
I went to goodwill yesterday on my lunch- so many baskets! pic-a-nic baskets! May have to go back and snag one (non-buyers remorse). Here are a few photos of beautiful picnics for inspiration! Have a beautiful weekend and may all the ants stay far, far away from your snacks.

[ all photos ]

Are you weak?

no, like really weak? with valentine's day 3 weeks away... you see what's spilling out of the grocery store aisles... pink, white and red, glittery, plush, crinkly, shiny, heart shaped awesomeness. boxes of chocolates, boxes of necco conversation hearts, candies in romantic packaging.. its so hard to avoid these aisles. everything looks so attractive, the packaging whispers (screams) sweet nothings, "I LOVE YOU!" "BE MINE" "YOU ARE SWEET" (why, thank you, candies, i love you, too!) but i can't make you mine, because we both know how it would end. messy.. with my frowning face covered in chocolate, my belly stuffed, and the guilt (possibly nausea) settling in. it would only end badly, this relationship. instead of making myself sick this valentine's "season", i'm choosing to express my affections in more productive (healthy?) ways, so why not head to hobby lobby instead of HEB? there is so much to be inspired by. pretty printed fabrics for buntings, stamps ( can even make your own stamp!), felt and glitter for homemade envelopes & sweet notes... it's so nice to give something you made yourself so try a homemade valentines this year! bake, cut, paste, sew, take some photos and put them in cute hand decorated frames... whatever, really. just as long as you put a little time into it, the recipient is sure to love it. (and then maybe, on feb 15th, if you find that you've neglected to give yourself something for v-day, you may peruse the candy aisle...chocolate tastes way better if it's 50% off anyway..)

this is an easy fantastic idea! mini heart shaped pies on a stick! directions found here.

all photos via google images and weheartit.

Blau und Weiß = very nice!

Honestly can't stop with the blue and white business. I have this blue and white striped top I bought at blackbird trading on montrose and it was cheap... oh so cheap, but it has this fantastic peter pan collar (see in red below.. also kind of have a thing for those right now...)

so this shirt (that's falling apart) is two loves in one- the collar and blue and white stripes. I hope they have more....it's too cute with a cardigan.

So yes! I think I like it so much right now because it straddles winter and spring. The blue winter sky and white clouds (or snow, depending on where you are..) and pale blue is such a springy/ pastel-ish color it just works. I painted my nails sky blue and then painted thin white stripes over it. It reminds me of a beach towel, umbrella, or maybe the decor of a beach/ lake house. Just fresh.

she's fancy!

Pretty sure that's the chick from Wierd Science...

Love this!

love her!

~ So this one wasn't deep, but sometimes you just need to go with it.

..and a quick love note!

Peacocks and Princes

The weekend was sprinkled with some surprises, some sleepless nights, and lots of SE Asian food. Friday after work I met with Mom and Dad for a rainy lunch. There's nothing like enjoying your chicken salad, looking out the window, and seeing one of these guys looking at you. Pretty much the best surprise ever.

I'd also like to thank hot and sour soup for making stuffy sinuses just a little better. Sunday was sleepless. I had been feeling like getting a little sick was imminent, as I haven't been eating or sleeping very well, so I guess it finally just hit me. Monday didn't really exist, except when I crawled out of my cave at 4:30 PM to finally get some soup in my belly.

While looking for a new book this weekend and half price, I perused their record section and purchased 2 new/old records- one old Artie Shaw and a "book on record"- Antoine de Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince. Although it's in French and I do not speak one word ( maybe I'll give it to Michelle and Dylan.. if they ever get a record player..?) it was fun to attempt to read along with my book.

...and I sort of forgot how much I loved that book.