Channeling Martha

How can you say no to that face?

2012-01-03T21:32:00.002-05:00


Why do pugs always look so sad?

Answer: you can't!

This adorable card comes courtesy of me via Martha Stewart via children's book author Matthew Van Fleet. Van Fleet is the king of movable paper animals, and his books are adorable. I am already planning on buying Moo for my "future children."

Martha featured three dog breed options, but for me it was never a choice. Once you go pug you never go back.

After some careful instruction-following, and "liberating" three brads (is that how you spell it? Martha calls them "paper fasteners") from bottom of the supply closet at work, I was left with a quasi-movable pug head (note that if you pull that tab with the blue arrow on the right, the pug's head moves! It really does! I swear).

This almost inspires me to start sending more cards the old fashioned way. Now, to buy some stamps.

Brace yourself for a ton of instructions coming your way. I suggest you watch the video as I couldn't get anywhere without it. As always, huge props to my girl Martha as this is all her and Van Fleet's invention.

You can find everything, and more, here: http://www.marthastewart.com/264959/mechanical-dog-cards

Tools and MaterialsTemplates: Top of card ("Hap-pee Birthday," head shaking, or blank), middle (mechanical) pieces, bottom of card, Assembly guide, Printer, Cardstock, Photo of dog (optional), Scissors, Craft knife
Paste, Ruler, Bone folder, Screw punch, Double-sided tape, Paper fasteners, Regular (one-sided) tape

Instructions1. Print templates for each of the 3 layers of the card -- top of card, middle (mechanics), and bottom -- and assembly instructions on card stock. To make a card featuring your own dog, print out the blank template and cut out and paste a photo of your dog that's about the same size and pose.

2. Starting with the bottom of the card, use a ruler and a bone folder to score along the dotted lines. Cut out the full piece on the solid lines. Punch the hole marked by a black dot with a screw punch. Fold up along the dotted lines along both edges.

3. Cut out the middle (mechanical) pieces on solid black lines. Score on dotted lines where marked. Punch holes where marked with a screw punch.

4. Attach folded pink "stop" piece to bottom of card with double-sided tape, as shown in the template.

The pug factory. Or the answer to why pugs look silly.

5. Use paper fasteners to attach the moving pieces to each other. Insert paper fasteners from back to front so "wings" open onto front of tabs.

Attach the yellow tab arm to the pull tab at point "A."
Attach the green tab arm to the yellow tab arm at point "B."
Attach the green tab arm to the bottom card piece at point "C."

6. Fold up the pair of leg/head "flanges" along dotted lines.

7. Cut out the top piece for the card, and cut out circle as marked. Lay the assembled bottom piece flat, fold the two long flaps in over the pull tab, and put double-sided tape along the two long flaps.

8. Lay the top edge of the front of the card over the tape on the top flap of the bottom of the card; press in place. Pull the leg/head flanges through the hole in the front of the card.

9. Attach the bottom edge of the front of card to the bottom flap.

10. Place a piece of tape on the back of each of the leg/head flanges so that sticky side extends past the flanges, facing up. With the pull tab pushed in, position the leg/head over the flanges (leg should cover the word "peee"). Press down firmly so the tape holds leg/head in place. Cut off excess tape with a craft knife.

11. Attach stand to back of card with double-sided tape.

Oops...

2011-12-12T22:49:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I might have lied a bit. When I said I was "back", I meant I was kinda sorta back but really I am only going to post sporadically. But I am trying! In fact, I have done a ton of really cool arts and crafts since my not so short hiatus.

This first one may not truly be a Martha Stewart craft. As in, she wasn't the brains behind this operation. However, she was in the inspiration. I think that should count! Right?

Back in the day, Martha taught me how to craft with Fimo clay. After all, remember this?

This time, I opted to make another necklace. I was sick all weekend long and was itching for something new to craft. I scrounged around for things I had on hand and I found my stash of bakeable clay.

For ideas, I turned to the friend that has never let me down: google. I found an awesome site that had a bunch of great polymer clay ideas and settled on a necklace relegated to the beginners page.

I didn't have the exact colors shown in the picture, so I marbled together a dark brownish color with butter yellow and a color called "ocre" and one that looked like my skin color circa mid-winter. While I wasn't quite sure what "marbling" meant, I quick trip to my best friend Mr. G showed me it could be accomplished by rolling together and almost-mixing two different colors of clay. I used my craft macaroni machine to flatten together the colors until they looked awesome.

I made one end bead that was oblong shaped to use as a closure (see picture). Then, I took the flattened clay and punched it into circles. For this, I used a cap from a travel bottle I had lying around. I cut a smaller circle into the middle of the larger ones with a pen cap. I poked holes on either side of each bead and then baked away (230 degrees for 30 minutes).

I used the jump rings I had lying around (slightly too small, I had two use two for each bead) to attach the beads together through the holes I made on either side.

Not bad, if I do say so myself.

Try it yourself with instructions here: http://www.sculpey.com/projects/mega-links-bib-necklace. Thanks, sculpey!

Hello again

2011-11-07T13:17:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone! As you might have noticed, I took a sudden hiatus from the blog (apparently) never to appear again.

Well... I'm back(ish).

Where was I, you ask? Getting into medical school became a full time job. Even when I'm not interviewing, applying, sending updates, taking biochem etc, I am day-dreaming of/thinking about/obsessing over these things. There have been definite ups and downs; the highs have been high (three acceptances at incredible institutions!), the low have been low (two wait lists at some of my top choices) and lowest (rejection, three in one day at one point).

After a frustrating week of interviews, wait lists and rejections, I realized something: this is completely and utterly unhealthy. For the last five months, I have been letting these applications really get to me. They have taken me away from my friends and the things that I used to do for fun, most notably this blog.

The oddest part of the whole thing is that if I had turned to my blog as an outlet, instead of abandoning it to pursue my applications, I would probably be less stressed than I am now.

Given this, I am back. I can't promise that this will again be a daily thing, but I can give it my best. I owe it to myself to take time to pursue something I have needed all along... a creative outlet to lend balance to my life.

Pearberry New Year

2011-09-28T21:56:00.000-04:00

Things have been going fantastically lately. With some INCREDIBLE interviews coming my way, I have a lot to be thankful for as this new Jewish year begins.

I found a wonderful way to say Shana Tova (aka Happy New Year, for the non-Jews out there) in the form of Martha's delicious Pear and Cranberry Bellini. Because who says bellinis are only acceptable before noon?

A very happy and healthful new year to you all! Wishing a family-filled, warm and delicious Rosh Hashana to all my fellow Jews out there (and the non-Jews too!). I feel very blessed to have you all in my life and can't wait to spend the next year and many more in your good company. May year 5772 be filled with joy and peace.

Love from the Beast Coast!

Recipe for Pear and Apple Bellinis: http://www.marthastewart.com/316147/pear-and-cranberry-bellini?backto=true

Ingredients

1 cup pear nectar
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1 bottle Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine

Directions

In a small pitcher or large liquid measuring cup, combine pear nectar and cranberry juice cocktail. Pour 1/4 cup juice mixture into each of eight champagne glasses. Dividing evenly, top with Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine.

Chain link ribbon

2011-09-26T22:13:00.005-04:00

Things are looking up! Last week was full of interview invites at med schools I never thought I could dream of attending. This means that it's even more important that I look fantastic for my moments in the spotlight. I have to rock their socks off! And look cute while I'm doing it, of course.

I have been thinking of getting together some tasteful, homemade accessories to complement my gorgeous suit (a splurge I acquired at Banana Republic - after all, you only apply to med school once, I hope!). Plus, what is a better talking point then my love of crafting and blogging? I figure some well-placed jewelry will pave the way for a fun conversation topic.

First stop: a cute, simple bracelet. I thought Martha's Chicest Link crafts were a great start. I acquired a roll of simple, chunky chain and paired this with two velvet ribbon scraps I had lying around from another project I have long forgotten.

Adorable, simple and classy! A perfect combination.

More ideas are here: http://www.marthastewart.com/266768/the-chicest-link?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/handmade-necklaces#slide_18

Pasketi

2011-09-19T22:42:00.001-04:00

When my baby sis was young, she used to have the adorable habit that many children have: pronouncing spaghetti like pasketi. This is in stark contrast to me who never took any adorable linguistic liberties; I spoke in boring adult language.

Anyway, today I substituted pasketi in this delicious recipe compliments of the big boss. Highly recommend for a late night, quick dinner.

Recipe: from http://www.marthastewart.com/314711/penne-with-two-tomatoes-and-mozzarella

Ingredients
6 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Coarse salt and ground pepper
12 ounces penne rigate
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1/4 cup snipped chives

Directions

Place cheese in freezer. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta and set aside.

In pasta pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and pasta water. Cook until cherry tomatoes soften, 2 to 4 minutes.

Add pasta, chilled cheese, and chives to pot, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
Cook's Note

Chilling the mozzarella cubes in the freezer for 15 minutes helps them retain their shape when they're added to the hot pasta.

As prepared in Nice

2011-09-12T23:18:00.002-04:00

Apparently "nicoise" means "as prepared in Nice." Who knew? This Nice-style salad is fantastic; it consists of all things delicious: tuna in olive oil, grape tomatoes, russet potatoes and arugula.

I made just this tonight: a Salad Nicoise ala Martha. Delicioso!

Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/313979/tuna-salad-nicoise

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds small red new potatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
coarse salt and ground pepper
2 pints grape tomatoes
2 bunches arugula (4 to 6 ounces each), ends trimmed, washed and dried
1/4 cup Lemon Vinaigrette to Make 1 1/2 Cup
2 cans (6 ounces each) tuna in olive oil, drained
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place potatoes on sheet. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 15 minutes. Add tomatoes to potatoes on baking sheet; toss. Cook until potatoes are tender and tomatoes are lightly browned and soft, about 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, toss arugula with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette. Arrange roasted vegetables, arugula, tuna, and olives on platter; drizzle with remaining vinaigrette. Serve.

Detoxify

2011-09-08T21:40:00.003-04:00

Today SUCKED. Okay, I know I always say that, but today was something special. After getting yelled out for over five minutes by an irate family member in the ER, I was ready to call it quits. Thankfully, I was able to power through and make it home to my bed aka sanctuary.

Now that I'm home, I opted for a bit of a detox. Martha style, of course. Martha's One Whole Minute today was just what the doctor ordered: a stretch meant to detox.

The video can be found here. As Martha writes, exercise is great for toning muscles, but it's also great for detox. Seated spinal twist and breathing meditations are a great start.

Read more at Wholeliving.com: One Whole Minute

Sea season

2011-09-06T21:04:00.001-04:00

As summer draws to a close and the gloomy rain of fall sets in, I really wanted to take a little piece of summer along with me to remind me of warmer days. Over the years, I have amassed a large collection of shells and sea glass, mostly from vacations to Hawaii and other beautiful beaches with my family.

My mom graciously drilled holes in a select few sea glass and shells, making them perfect for pendant necklaces and earrings. Today, I opted to make a simple pendant necklace. Martha's sea glass necklace was perfect, simple and adorable.

I decided to do a shell-sea glass combo. I ordered a roll of gold chain and used gold wire to affix the combination to the chain in the form of a necklace. I think this works well! It'll be perfect for the minute the first hint of wintry mix sets in.

Further instructions: http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/sea-glass-crafts#slide_3

Pendant necklaces are simple to produce -- knot a silk cord around a single shard, and glue to secure -- and offer an easy way to show off unusual finds, such as amethyst, yellow, and cornflower-blue glass.

Summer fade out

2011-08-30T23:23:00.000-04:00

I had lab until 10 tonight so I really needed something to help me unwind today.

What could be more appropriate than the Sun Salutation? After all, summer is coming to a *gasp* close and I feel it's important to celebrate the sun while it's still around. Martha had all the proper instructions on her whole living site, located here: http://www.wholeliving.com/article/sunsalute0107wel.

The awkwardness and difficulty I had doing this is living and breathing proof that I am in horrible shape and it's about time for me to get my stretch on.

See the pictures below for all the instructions you should need. All of this is from Martha's whole living site.

Sun Salutation

Perform asanas each time with a fresh mind and with a fresh approach.

1. Tadasana

2. Urdhva hastasanaTranslation
Upward Hand Pose

3. UttanasanaTranslation
Standing Forward Bend

4. Lunge Pose
How to Do It

5. Plank Pose

6. Chaturanga DandasanaTranslation
Four-Limbed Staff Pose

7. Urdhva mukha svanasanaTranslation
Upward-Facing Dog

8. Aadho mukha svanasanaTranslation
Downward-Facing Dog

9. Lunge Pose

10. Uttanasana

11. Urdhva hastasana

12. Tadasana

Read more at Wholeliving.com: Yoga: Sun Salutation

Stormy

2011-08-29T00:18:00.001-04:00

Isn't this adorable?

So it's been awhile since I've posted. I'm going to blame good ole' Irene for this one. Yes, I know, I was technically on my computer in my house all weekend, but I was too excited about the big cane to do anything too productive. Of course, it ended up being an anticlimactic event. The most exciting thing that happened was a bit of howling wind at around 5pm this evening, but that was short lived as well.

Another reason it's been awhile is that I have been hard at work on Martha's Knitted Neck Scarf, which takes a lot longer to do when you have to restart it multiple times because you keep losing stitches and getting sloppy.

After a few attempts, and a few sore fingers, I finally prevailed! I think the scarf collar looks great: I am not sure how I will wear it exactly, but I am excited to have something new for the approaching fall. After this hurricane, I am in a winter weather state of mind... as sad as I am to say good bye to my favorite season of all.

Instructions: from Martha Stewart http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/knitted-neck-scarf#slide_0

Introduction
When instructed to rib in the pattern below, knit 1, purl 1 alternately across the row. To wear the scarf, slip one end through either of the loops at front.

Step 1 Cast on 3 stitches.

Step 2 Row 1: Knit 2, slip last stitch purlwise.

Step 3 Row 2: With yarn in back, knit 1, increase 1 (see how to increase), knit 1, and slip last stitch purlwise.

Step 4 Row 3: With yarn in back, knit 1, increase 1, knit to last stitch, slip last stitch purlwise.

Step 5 Repeat row 3 until you have 24 stitches. (Piece should now measure about 4 1/2 inches wide.)

Step 6 Continue to knit across every row, still slipping last stitch of each row purlwise, until piece measures 4 inches long.

Step 7 Divide (see how to divide). When you're finished, half the stitches will be on double-pointed needle and the other half will be on your working needle.

Step 8 Rib across the stitches on your working needle (leave the stitches on double-pointed needle as is), still slipping the last stitch purlwise. Continue for 1 1/2 inches. Transfer these ribbed stitches onto stitch holder. Break yarn, leaving a tail long enough to weave in later.

Step 9 Rejoin yarn, and rib across the stitches on double-pointed needle for 1 1/2 inches.

Step 10 Transfer all stitches onto 1 needle as follows: Slip 1 stitch purlwise from double-pointed needle, then slip 1 purlwise from working needle. Repeat across row until all stitches are on 1 needle.

One day, I'll be able to knit like this. Or not.

Step 11 Knit every row, slipping last stitch purlwise, for 15 1/2 inches. (To adjust the size of the scarf, knit fewer inches for a child or more for a large adult.)

Step 12 Using same method as in step 7, divide the stitches between the 2 needles.

Step 13 Repeat steps 8, 9, and 10.

Step 14 Knit every row, slipping last stitch purlwise, for 2 1/2 inches.

Step 15 To finish: Knit 1, decrease (see how to decrease), and knit to end of row, slipping last stitch purlwise. Repeat this sequence every row until only 3 stitches remain. Bind off. Using tapestry needle, weave in ends.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Knitted Neck Scarf - Martha Stewart Crafts

Remember

2011-08-25T10:31:00.000-04:00

Let's just take a brief moment to remember how HOT Martha was (and still is, for 70!!! On that note, happy belated, Martha! I somehow missed your August 3 birthday....) in her prime.

Check out these pictures, courtesy of this article: http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/when-celebrities-were-young.

Can you say, jealous?

For bonus points, take a gander at number 31 in the article. It's SHOCKING.

Stuffy

2011-08-22T23:33:00.000-04:00

The pseudo allergies are back, yet again! I know, I know, as the allergist said, I'm not allergic to anything. Then why does my nose start running randomly and why do I suddenly start to sneeze all the time? A conundrum.

So I decided to read up on some fun nose facts from Martha's Whole Living website. My favorite are below and the rest are at the link:

- When our noses are congested and we're forced to breathe through our mouths, the air we take in is not fully warmed, filtered, and humidified, as it should be.
- Mice, for example, have about 1,000 smell receptors in their noses, while we have only a few hundred. Some 40 million years ago, around the same time that apes and Old World monkeys developed their acute, full-color vision, their sense of smell diminished, says Emily Liman, an associate professor of neurobiology at the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles. But those 300 receptors operate in countless combinations to give humans and other primates a respectable, and useful, sense of smell.
- The flow of air through our noses is not a simple stream, but rather a course of whirls and eddies moving past curved, spongy bones known as turbinates.
- Although we remain blessedly unaware of it much of the time, the nose also produces a steady stream of mucus that cilia propel from front to back, where it is swallowed. "We swallow about a quart of mucus a day from our nose," Bothwell says. "It's tiny amounts, and it's constant, and it's cleaning your nose."

Ok, so I am probably the only one that finds this interesting! Me, and maybe my favorite person: Martha Stewart.

Read more at Wholeliving.com: Know Your Nose: Common Nasal Problems and Solutions

Carmelized

2011-08-21T23:37:00.001-04:00

I have found that Sunday night usually calls for the easiest possible dinner recipe. Today, the easiest possible dinner recipe meant some carmelized onions (no less than 3 months old), thyme, vegetable margarine, whole wheat pasta and parmesan cheese.

The Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/336532/pappardelle-with-caramelized-onions-and?czone=food/vegetarian-cnt/vegetarian-favorite-recipes&backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/vegetarian-lasagna-pasta-recipes#slide_34

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 package (8.8 ounces) pappardelle pasta or 8 ounces fettuccine
2 tablespoons butter
2 ounces Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler

Directions

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add onions and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cover, and cook, without stirring, until onions have released their liquid, about 5 minutes. Uncover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes more. When bottom of skillet darkens, add a few tablespoons water, and scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon (you may need to do this 2 or 3 times).
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When onions have about 10 minutes left to cook, add pasta to water in pot, and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta, and return to pot.
Add onions and butter to pasta in pot; season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Gradually add enough pasta water to create a thin sauce that coats pasta. Serve pasta topped with Parmesan.

Cook's Note

The secret to this pasta is cooking the onions until they're a deep golden brown; to keep them intact, stir only occasionally. Pappardelle, like other egg-based noodles, cook very quickly (even when sold dried). We like this pasta with butter-and-cheese sauces, such as this one.

Hospital humor

2011-08-17T22:56:00.000-04:00

My bff slash current roommate is getting his appendix out as we speak. Naturally, my other bff slash other roommate decided to make an awesome get well soon card that represents our love and concern. See the photo for more information. I used the embossing technique Martha describes here: http://www.marthastewart.com/270578/heat-embossed-personalized-stationery?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/all-occasion-cards#slide_22

So I got a med school interview today

2011-08-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

A DO a school, no MD invites yet, but I am still excited.

In honor of this achievement I have decided not to wash my hair. I showered, but I just couldn't bring myself to deal with the tangled mass on such a celebratory day. Good thing I have Martha to provide me with a viable excuse...

On her website, I found:

Wash When You Need To -- No More

On those days when your tresses are just a little too tousled, it's easy to pull them into a pony tail and blame the hair gods. But next time you start to curse your crazy locks remember this: You have more control over your hair than you think!
If you shampoo your hair more than two or three times a week, you might be stripping out frizz-taming, shine-producing moisture. The result? Styles that fall flat fast.
How often should you shampoo? There's no magic number, says John Masters, owner of the New York City salon John Masters Organics. For curly or frizzy hair or a dry scalp, he recommends shampooing once every few weeks (yes, really), as long as you wet it and use conditioner to lift grime when it starts looking messy. Oily hair requires more washings, from three times a week up to daily.

Read more at Wholeliving.com: Spring, Fall, and Year-Round Natural Beauty

Stretching for a better immune system!

2011-08-15T23:02:00.000-04:00

Seeing as I'm always sick, I should probably do anything I can to stay healthy.

Today, I dabbled with stretching. Inversions in particular are supposed to be particularly immune-boosting. By inversion, I mean anything where your legs are over your head and you are virtually upside-down.

I thought a good shoulder stand would do just the trick (see the picture for a much sexier version of what I just did). I feel better already! Maybe.

More information from Martha:

Help your body ward off infections this winter by practicing the following routine. Its twists, backbends, and inversions stimulate your main immunity components -- the adrenal glands and lymphatic system -- helping them perform better.

Read more at Wholeliving.com: Stretching Solutions

Rosemary for baking

2011-08-12T01:14:00.000-04:00


Note the September issue of Lucky. Nothing beats cookies and fashion.

I know that sounds weird. A spice + cookies = ? But in this case, rosemary was a perfect compliment to the almost too-sweet taste of Martha's Rosemary Walnut Shortbread Cookies. My versions didn't look too great because they fell apart due to the combination of substituted whole wheat flour (dries it out) and vegetable margarine (makes the dough flatter). But, I think they worked out just fine.

Not going to lie, this afternoon I laid in bed and ate almost an entire baggie of these as a cathartic reaction to the current tumult of application stress. Though it didn't really help, they were delicious!

Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/338288/rosemary-walnut-shortbread-cookies

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (I used half whole wheat, half white)
1/2 cup finely ground walnuts
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (As always, I used vegetable margarine)
1/4 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Raw sugar, for decorating

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Whisk flour, nuts, rosemary, and salt in a large bowl.
Put butter and sugars into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until lightened, about 3 minutes. Mix in vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until dough comes together and is smooth, about 3 minutes.
Turn out dough onto parchment paper, and pat into a round. Place parchment paper on top; roll into a 12-inch round, 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet; refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
Cut out cookies using various sizes of heart-shape cutters (1/2 inch to 3 inches); transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. (Keep same-size cookies on same sheet.) Roll scraps; cut out. Gently press raw sugar onto edges of cookies.
Bake until just golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.

Eggplant YUM

2011-08-10T12:10:00.000-04:00

This is a day late, but I am just going to leave this picture and recipe here. This was absolutely DELICIOUS. I love eggplant. Especially when breaded.

I used whole wheat breadcrumbs instead and it was still absolutely delectable.

Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/340875/eggplant-and-mozzarella-melt?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/summer-eggplant-recipes#slide_29

Ingredients

2 large eggs
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3/4 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
Olive oil, for baking sheet
1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1 loaf (8 ounces) soft Italian bread
2 cups store-bought tomato sauce
8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

Directions

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat eggs with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread breadcrumbs in a pie plate or shallow bowl.
Oil a rimmed baking sheet. Dip eggplant rounds in egg, then dredge in breadcrumbs, turning to coat completely; transfer to prepared baking sheet. Bake (without turning) until golden and tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, split bread lengthwise, and place cut side up on another baking sheet; press gently in centers to create a well. Layer both halves with tomato sauce, eggplant, and cheese. Bake until cheese is browned in spots, 6 to 8 minutes.

Awww

2011-08-08T23:20:00.000-04:00

I really needed a pick-me-up this night. I don't want to go into details but today was long..... and especially hard both on my feet and mind.

So, I leave you with this moment of awww: Francesca and Sharkey out for a stroll on Martha's grounds.

More images here: http://dailywag.marthastewart.com/page/2

BFF

2011-08-07T23:46:00.001-04:00

Today's post will be short and sweet as I'm more than ready for some shut eye after a wonderful weekend with friends.

I found an adorable friendship bracelet craft on Martha's Blog: http://thecraftsdept.marthastewart.com/page/7. I thought this was adorable because the poster got a group of her bffls together to craft in honor of her moving to the city. If/when I end up moving somewhere in the middle of nowhere for medical school (read: Roanoke, VA or Toledo, OH), I will have to invite all my classmates over to do something like this. I'm sure that wouldn't be weird at all.

I had some great yarn around: a birthday present from someone who knows me really well. I love the gold - it's so fabulous!

I think it turned out great. Now I just need to make one for a friend so we can be twinsies!

Full of surprises

2011-08-05T21:10:00.000-04:00

Martha is, I mean. In pursuit of my desire to know everything there is to know about Martha and/or maybe be a little bit more like her, I came across a jackpot on her website: 10 Things You Might Not Know About Martha Stewart. This, of course, reminded me about 10 Things I Hate About You, which made me sad because then I thought about Heath Ledger. But, that's another story.

So, here they are! Prepared to be shocked... and a little weirded out.

1. Martha is an insomniac and watches lots of late-night and cable-access television. In fact, that's how she discovered our pet expert, Marc Morrone. Me too, Martha, me too. As for this Morrone fellow, I'd like to learn more.
2. Martha has a special language she uses only with animals. That's normal.

3. Her favorite scent? Unscented! She only says that because she constantly smells like baking.

4. Martha's favorite pen is the felt-tipped "le pen" -- in black, brown, or blue, depending on what she's signing. For the holidays, she even breaks out red. Wonder if I can convince the office to buy this under the guise of being productive.

5. Martha loves Post-Its, and leaves notes for herself -- and others -- all over the house and office. She's even been known to color coordinate them with the decor. There is nothing shocking in number 5.

6. She's been known to stand in front of an open refrigerator and drink buttermilk straight from the carton and eat pickles right out of the jar. If she spots some liverwurst, forget about it -- she's in heaven. Pickles, yes. Buttermilk, weird. Liverwurst... I mean I don't think that's kosher.

7. If you are lucky enough to be invited to Skylands, her home in Maine, the 5 a.m. hikes are mandatory. TAKE ME WITH YOU MARTHA.

8. She once sent an email banning black rubber-soled shoes from the office because of the streaks they left on the floors -- only she left out the R, so it read "black steaks." Lulz at her unintentional office humor. Sad face at what seems like a stressful work environment.

9. She's a big fan of rapper Eminem. Dirrrrtttyyy. Love the way you lie (to the SEC).

10. She's never really liked bananas, but she absolutely loves hot dogs. How are these two statements related?

http://www.marthastewart.com/272092/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-marth

Rewarding

2011-08-04T23:10:00.000-04:00

Today, I want to leave you all with a short, but sweet message from Martha Stewart's Whole Living section:

On Rewards, she writes: "With each challenge comes new growth. Engage in rewarding efforts."

Today, I rewarded myself with a long talk with one of the medical students, drinks and dinner with an old friend and a nice long shower.

Not bad for a long, tiring day.

Girls weekend

2011-08-02T23:20:00.001-04:00

My sister was in town this weekend! Hence my lack of posting since Thursday.... and my short post tonight. I'm exhausted, but it was so great to have family around.

The one Martha-related thing we did get around to was, of course a fabulous drink. And it was especially fabulous! While most watermelon drinks are sickeningly sweet, this one is DELISH.

http://www.marthastewart.com/319462/watermelon-mojito

Watermelon + mojito = YUM.

Ingredients

4 large mint leaves
1/2 lime
1 tablespoon superfine sugar
4 ounces seedless watermelon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3/4 cup), plus a small wedge for garnish
2 ounces white rum
1/2 cup ice cubes

Directions
In a heavy large glass, combine mint, lime, and sugar. Using a muddler, mash together mint and lime until sugar is dissolved. Add watermelon, and muddle until broken down. Stir in rum and ice cubes. Pour into an 8-ounce serving glass and garnish with a watermelon wedge. Serve immediately.

Gaga for Martha

2011-07-28T23:56:00.000-04:00

There's something a little fishy when Martha quotes Lady Gaga on her site. I guess the "you were born this way" message is truly a universal one if even the domestic goddess herself is catching the bug.

Martha's contributor, Robin Roffer, relates this message to the one espoused in her book, "The Fearless Fish Out of Water." In this, she interviewed successful professionals who, at times, felt like they were totally in the wrong proverbial pond.

I think there are some good messages in this article (which can be found at http://wholelivingdaily.wholeliving.com/2011/06/life-and-work-inspiration-from-lady-gaga.html). They are actually poignant for me as I struggle to finish up my med school secondaries (40 down!) Most importantly:

1. Use your differences as a way to attract people - well, this is a given. Half the essays I am writing are about diversity, which is hard when you're a white Jewish girl.

2. Find people that are different... just like you.

3. Cast a wide net (ackkk so many fishing puns!)

4. Practice the manta of "action, belief, courage"

I guess this all seems pretty obvious, but it's nice to have an affirmation to use now and again.