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?