Around the house: spice cabinet

Loving BK because this weekend he bought some spice rack steps and organized our spice/cooking cabinet!  Now we do not have to fear random jars of spices pelting us in the head whenever we open the cabinet or try to get something out from the back.  Looking at this, I am amazed at how many items we have (please tell me we're not the only ones!) and also how you can tell what is BK's (Lawry's seasoned salt, Weber grill spray) and mine (Bragg liquid aminos, 3 kinds of soy sauce)

Vintage Mondays: Los Angeles city map

Check out this cool vintage LA city map! 

Puppy throw pillow

Here's an adorable present we got for Christmas--a puppy pillow!!  Thanks J!

Check it out here: the quality is wonderful--I highly recommend it for the pet lover in your life

Wishlist Wednesday: Feather prints

Feeling a little more crazy bird lady than usual and made a collage of my favorite feather prints!

Clockwise: One Feather Print by satchelandsage; Dalmeny dress by Rag and Bone; Feather key hook by NewDuds; Gold feather bracelet by gazellejewelry

Vintage Mondays: Jack Frost pedestal fan

I've got to give BK credit for this great find.   We were at the antique mall and amidst all the rabble, he pointed at the fan, tucked up high on a shelf among little porcelain cat figurines and old chess pieces and said "Don't you want one of those?"  He belatedly realized his mistake when I clapped my hands and jumped for joy and said, "Yes please!  Can you climb up there and get it for me?"

Since the fan almost gave us both lockjaw (him from getting it down and me from carrying it to the cash register), I'm debating spray painting it something shiny and orange.  But then I also think it looks great in its original state.  What do you think?

2012 Year of the Dragon

image from mrdefinite

Favorite Friday Recipe: Nutella Challah Bread

Bread is usually a very tricky thing for me to make but using the Pioneer Woman's recipes, I've had great success with pizza crust and cinnamon rolls.  Most recently, I've discovered Jade at Steamy Kitchen and decided to try her No Knead Nutella and Hazelnut Challah.   She had me at "no knead"...and "nutella".

The most life changing thing I've learned about bread making is yeast and the temperature of your water.  Most recipes say "lukewarm" or "warm" and my fingers are apparently not that intuitive.  Well now I know that yeast activates best in 90-110F water so I frequently poach B's grilling thermometer to make sure my water temp is just right.

This bread was fun to make and I've got some leftover dough in the fridge waiting to be used.  Maybe Caramel Sticky Buns next?

Wishlist Wednesday: Jenna Rose Handmade

I am completely in love with the textiles from Jenna Rose Handmade--it's so wonderful that she's a featured seller on etsy today!  Here are a few of my favorites from her shop:

Vintage Monday: Antique math books

Here are BK's picks from that same estate sale where I got those old National Geographic magazines posted last week.  He loves old math and science books and these in particular are actually antique since they were published more than 100 years ago.  This one by Milne was published in 1892.

Funny to think that 100 years ago they thought they were revolutionizing methods of teaching math to be more accessible and practical. Curriculum has come a long way since then!

Favorite Friday Recipe Wishlist: Flour

The next time I visit Boston, I am heading straight to Flour Bakery!  Until then, I plan on getting my hands on a copy of this cookbook and bake to my heart's delight!  Something about cold weather and a 3-day weekend has got me itching to bake--hopefully I'll have some successes to share soon!

Wishlist Wednesday: Vintage enamel bowls

I've already nabbed the clover print and this cheery sunflower print and now I'm officially addicted to enamel bowls!  The Finel heart bowl above is so fun and from Adalou's amazing collection!

Here are some of my favorites right now:

Finel Vegetable print

VEFA Epicure

Finel Mushroom print

 Dansk bowls

And of course the ultimate enamel bowl: Catherineholm

Vintage Monday: 1930s National Geographic

BK and I recently went to an estate sale at an old merchant store in Elroy, TX.  The store had been closed up many years ago and was just acquired and opened up to clear out the remaining stock.  There were a lot of neat items like old medicine bottles, greeting cards, a GE refrigerator, old soda crates and lots and lots of catalogs. A pile of National Geographic magazines from the 1930s caught my attention and at one point, I had about 10 of them in my hot hands before BK found me and just shook his head.  Finally I narrowed it down to three and even though they seem really old coming from the 1930s, the first National Geographic was published in 1888! 

Favorite Friday Food: Vadeboncoeur nougat

I have a particular weakness for nougats and these pistachio ones by Vadeboncoeur were a favorite Christmas gift on my wishlist

Made from 99% organic ingredients, the nougat is soft, chewy and has a delicious taste of honey.  And check out all the almonds and pistachios!

These are addictive and it's difficult to keep myself from consuming my entire stash.  Good thing you can order them online!

Wishlist Wednesday: 2012 Calendar

I love starting out the new year with a fresh calendar and this one from MilesofLight is perfect.  

Where to find a puppy...

Basking in the sun

Or curled up on somewhere soft

Vintage Monday: Pyrex Design Deco

These casserole bowls were a birthday present from my lovely sister in law.  You can never go wrong with Pyrex as a gift! :)  According to Pyrex Love, these are the orange and gold mixer set casseroles.  Common names for this pattern include Design Deco, Arches, Fishscale, and Art Deco.  I've already used them twice--they are the perfect print--thanks L!!

2012

I love to make lists, but I don't usually like to make resolutions.  Unless they're vague or the kind  I know I'll keep, like "moisturize daily" (checked off the list consistently for the last 10 years).  It completely makes sense to use the new year as a starting point to something new.  However I am reminded by my wise friend J who said that winter is a time to hold steady and to instead make your changes when spring comes--as aligning yourself with the energy of spring will bring you greater success.  I love this article and the idea that personal renewal can come at any time of the year.  

Nonetheless, I do like to begin the new year dreaming.  About possibilities, travels, and new adventures... 

So for now, I'd like to put these intentions out into the universe and endeavor to:

1. Visit a new country
2. Create more with my hands
3. Consume less, reuse more
4. Moisturize/use sunscreen daily

How about you?

image above from frogprincepaperie