Domestic Foolery

New Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:22:00 +0000

If you're still visiting here after all this time, thanks!

I have a new blog, so come on over and see what I've been up to: http://www.asmalllife.com/

Adios

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:13:00 +0000

It has been just about a year to the day that I published my last post here. I didn't think it was "the end" but I guess one thing let to another (or rather, didn't) and I disappeared!

Needless to say, I've closed shop for now. I've loved getting to know those of you who read and commented and linked back...and I still read many of your blogs, too. I might start a new blog one of these days (you'll be the first to know!) but until then, Domestic Foolery is closing its doors.

Until next time!

goop: mexican dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 20:53:00 +0000

I don't know how you guys feel, but I just love Gwyneth Paltrow. I read her GOOP newsletters as soon as I see them in my inbox, especially the ones related to food and cooking. I know the saying goes "never trust a skinny chef" but in her case, I'll let it slide.

In the latest newsletter, she makes "Baja Shrimp Tacos" with several homemade toppings. Looks wonderfully simple. (and super yummy)

new happenings

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:32:00 +0000

{image via PocoLocoCreativo}

I have been such a bad blogger these past few weeks. My apologies.You see, there have been a few changes happening. Just a minor thing really. What is it you ask? OH. Well, I got a new job!

I'm really excited for new challenges, a new skill set, meeting new people and all of the other "newness" that it will create. Of course I'm also terrified, anxious and nervous beyond belief! But, that will pass soon. (Right??)

Needless to say, I've been a bit preoccupied! I'll try to get back on track here soon enough.

In the meantime, don't you just want to dive into that photo and take a swim? I'll meet you there in ten.

etsy love: coasters

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 28 May 2010 18:42:00 +0000

I saw these in the Etsy.com newsletter today and HAD to share them with you. Aren't these "Hibiscus" coasters from Dimmalimm the coolest thing you've seen since you first saw sliced bread? (or something like that)

I haven't made an Etsy purchase in quite a while, but these are now firmly planted at the top of my list for whenever I feel the urge to drop some cash on new housewares. They would be perfect for a summer cocktail party, a picnic, a bridal shower...you name it.

There are a few options, but this style is my favorite.

I hope your weekend is filled with lots of lemonade, burgers, family and friends. I think we can all raise a glass to that, right? Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

{images via Dimmalimm}

back in action

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:08:00 +0000

Okay, so that title is fairly misleading. We got back from vacation yesterday and 'action' is the last word I want to hear. We got in yesterday around 1:30 p.m. and all I wanted to do was sleep!

Today is no different.

Just give me a glass of wine, a magazine and some jacuzzi jets and I'll be set. I'm trying to will a whirlpool tub into existence as we speak. Not working so far.

We just went to Williamsburg, VA for a few days which, on the surface, is not exactly the epitome of excitement. But, thankfully my parents let us use their sweet timeshare, and I'll never turn down a free weekend away. Plus, there's some awesome outlet shopping (hello, new shoes), a huge seafood buffet, and a Sonic drive-in. I don't think I need to tell you that we had a very nice time.

I want another milkshake.

(Sidenote: Williamsburg has got to have the highest concentration of pancake houses on the East Coast. There's the Colonial Pancake House, Old Mill House of Pancakes, IHOP, Gazebo Pancake and Waffle House, Astronomical Pancake House, Waffle House, National Pancake House, Capitol Pancake and Waffle House, and of course, Mama Steve's House of Pancakes.)

totally nailed it

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:11:00 +0000

This little beauty is what was pulled out of our right rear tire this morning, after discovering a slow leak last night. It's a 4 1/2 inch long, 1/3 inch wide piece of metal and somehow, I managed to run over it, shoving it straight up through my tire.

Thankfully, the guys down at Sears Auto are awesome and were able to pull this sucker out and patch the leak. It's a good thing too, because we're leaving tonight for a mini-vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia and that could have put quite a damper on our plans, had it not been such an easy fix!

And with that, we're off. I'll see you guys back here next week!

[Side story: While we were in the waiting room at Sears, we had to watch an entire news story on animal feces. Thanks, Holly Morris of Fox 5 News. The only thing missing from my morning was a good dose of lion poo.]

music for your mood

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:33:00 +0000

I stumbled upon this today and it is probably one of the most unique music sites I've seen lately. It lets you select a "mood" that you're in and based on that, creates a playlist for you to listen to. They have the basic moods, of course, like 'happy' and 'sad' and 'hopeful' and even 'sleepy.' But they also have playlists for when you want to do some 'spring cleaning' or are feeling like 'driving Route 66.'

You gotta pop over to this site and check them out.

I think today I'm feeling 'mellow' and maybe a bit 'nostalgic'...let's see what they come up with :)

five senses friday

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:04:00 +0000

{image via malias}

{tasting} a crispy chicken sandwich at our routine Chick-fil-A stop, on the way to PA (yum!)

{hearing} the "She & Him" station I created on Pandora, via my new iPhone

{smelling} the damp, wet smell that comes with a Spring rain

{seeing} my wonderful in-laws during a weekend visit

{feeling} hopeful for new things to come...I have a good feeling about this summer

I first saw a "Five Senses Friday" post on Pink of Perfection, who saw it on Abby Try Again -- both lovely, lovely blogs that I am blatantly copying the idea from :) You should play along, too!

wanna go home

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:43:00 +0000

We're heading back to Pennsylvania this weekend to visit Seth's parents and help them with a few household items. We'll be staying here if you care to drop by; it's lovely this time of year.

(Ha, just kidding. I think I'd have to sell a kidney to afford a weekend there. Well, maybe not a kidney. Maybe just some blood and a platelet or two.)

Going back to our parents' neck of the woods always makes me so grateful for some of the simple pleasures in life that I don't always get to experience in our little apartment outside of the city.

For instance, having a back porch on which to sit and drink coffee in the morning while watching birds play in the yard. No sounds of traffic, no horns or sirens (or if there are, you're more concerned than annoyed).

I can't think of anything finer, can you? Maybe if you add in a lemon scone and some fuzzy slippers :)

{Images via Etsy, clockwise from left: bike, phone, boats}

awkwardness and gas

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:09:00 +0000

Before I start this story, I'm talking about a gas station, people. Get your minds out of that smelly gutter.

Where were we? Oh, the beginning.

Seth and I are creatures of habit when it comes to certain things. We have Monday night pizza (that's tonight! yay!) and we return our Netflix movies on a steady rotation and, generally speaking, we always get our gas from the BP down the road from our house.

Well, today on my way to work I noticed that the gas gauge was veering on empty (this story is enthralling so far, isn't it?) and before long the orange gas light was on, telling me that I only had X gallons of gas left (how many gallons are still in there when the light comes on? does anyone really know??) before I'd be stranded on the side of the road crying for my mommy.

So. I decided to fill up at a (dirt cheap) gas station close to my office. You know those places, the ones you avoid at night, with no convenience store or coverings over the pumps and just the little box for the attendant to sit? Anyway.

My plan was to get in, fill up the tank with just a few gallons, and get to work.

First, I pull in and there is a huge truck blocking half of the parking lot/driveway and cars blocking three out of four pumps, so I have to whip around three times, backing up and pulling forward, to get to the only row of pumps that are free. I get ready to pump the gas and the station attendant comes over and asks if I want him to look under the hood to check my fluid levels, but I tell him no thanks (I'm a lady, after all.). Meanwhile, he proceeds to wash my windows, without any prompting from me, and I'm getting all flustered trying to remember how a gas pump works because in the back of my head I'm thinking, "Should I tip this guy? I have no cash. Is is customary to tip when they do it without asking? Is he watching me? What's a gas pump?"

I snap out of it when I realize that nothing is coming out of the pump and the guy yells over to me, "Just press the yellow 'Start' button, Miss."

Oh, that thing. I press it. Nothing happens. I press again, nothing happens. The guy is still washing my windows. I'm sweating.

"You gotta put a little muscle into it," he says as I press it one last time (once more, with gusto!).

I only wanted to fill up with maybe $8 worth of gas. We went way over budget this pay period and I was just trying to keep costs down a bit (if you're wondering why anyone would only put $8 in their car).

As I was pumping, the costs went up rapidly to $5, then $6, $7 and before I knew it I had skyrocketed past $8 because I was hoping the guy would be done with my windows by the time I finished so I wouldn't have to have that awkward, "Oh, umm, thanks, kaybye!" conversation without leaving a tip, all the time thinking, "Should I leave a tip? What is he expecting? I wanna go home."

I was done pumping the gas. The guy was still washing.

"Oh, umm, thanks, kaybye!"

...and with that I got in my car and sat there in silence until he finished, and then drove off as fast as I could.

gronk: a monster's story

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:42:00 +0000

I know that some (most...all?) of you out there aren't regular comic book readers. Well, that's okay, because even if you aren't, this new web comic from Katie Cook will still charm your everlovin' socks off.

It's updated every Friday and she just put up the second installment (Click here to see the first one). You should take a moment and check it out! I think you'll fall in love with her cute-as-a-button characters and storyline.

Have a wonderful weekend! See you Monday.

five senses friday

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:25:00 +0000

{image via shane gorski}

{tasting} A nice dinner with friends, Tex-Mex style, tomorrow night.

{hearing} Robinella, thanks to Emily's recommendation.

{smelling} My Burberry perfume; it's definitely a classic.

{seeing} A Saturday morning matinée. Can't wait for this one.

{feeling} Excited for the weekend!

I first saw a "Five Senses Friday" post on Pink of Perfection, who saw it on Abby Try Again -- both lovely, lovely blogs that I am blatantly copying the idea from :) You should play along, too!

poem: this is just to say

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:40:00 +0000

{image via ms cupcake}

This Is Just To Say

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

by William Carlos Williams

I saw this poem recently on Sara's blog and was reminded of how much I love it. I can still distinctly remember my English professor, Freshman year of college, reading this aloud to the class (Oh, what a crush I had on that professor! I was an English major at the time and I think professorial crushes were a requirement.).

Can't you almost taste the ice cold plums? He writes, "Forgive me," but what is the author really saying? It's such a simple poem on the surface, but the perfect example (and one I think of quite often) of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's definition of poetry: "the best words in their best order."

What are your favorite poems? I'd love for you to share!

etsy love: summertime prints

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 05 May 2010 18:39:00 +0000

Been one of those days where I just feel like running home and taking a long nap...preferably on a comfy hammock in the shade. Oh, that would be the life.

Just popping in quickly to share a few fun Summertime prints. Don't they make you want to run out and buy an ice cream cone?

All images via RetrospectPhoto on Etsy. And, now through Friday she's having a Buy One-Get One Free sale in her shop!

free shipping on wine

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:44:00 +0000

Since we all love a good deal on booze (oh, and since it's Mother's Day), the Clever Girls Collective has arranged for a special shipping deal on some tasty white wine -- and if you know me at all (you do, don't you?), you know that I'm a sucker for free shipping, so this one caught my eye. Here's the skinny:

From now through the end of May, order 3 or more bottles of Tough Day Chardonnay and receive free shipping!

The wine is a 2009 Mira Luna "Tough Day Chardonnay" from Sonoma Carneros, California. It scored 91 Points and got the Silver spot at the World Wine Championship. Oh, and it's only $17.99 per bottle, making it totally affordable.

If you order by tomorrow, Wednesday, May 5, your wine will arrive in time for Mother's Day! And we all want our moms to get drunk on Mother's Day. Click here to order!

And while you're clicking on things, click over to Kristy's blog post about the same deal. If you're a little iffy about buying a wine before you've tried it, or if you're skeptical of liking a chardonnay (umm, hi, that would be me) she'll put your fears to rest.

walmart time-lapse

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:41:00 +0000

Watch this, and tell me if you had the same reaction as I did. I felt a little nauseated, dizzy, and ready to never step foot inside another Walmart ever again.

Something about seeing the mountains of stuff and white plastic bags going through the line, one right after another...after another.

Then again, any major discount store would probably look at least similar...or would it? Walmart tends to get a bad rap, and I'm sure places like Target are exactly the same in many ways but somehow get a pass. (And yet, I'd rather shop at Target any day of the week than go to Walmart...ever.)

At any rate, interesting video!

blog love: orangette

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:47:00 +0000

{image via orangette}

There are just some blogs out there, no matter how long you've been reading them, that still make your heart do a pitter-patter with each new post.

I know you all read Orangette -- you do don't you? She doesn't update quite as frequently anymore what with restaurant happenings and book signings and all (can you blame her? girl is busy.), but I have to say, when she does drop in to post something, it's like hearing from an old friend. And it makes me want to sit down and read her book all over again, bookmarking even more recipes to try.

You should pop over to Orangette and see her most recent post, where she shares a bit about her grandmother and a terrific homespun recipe that I'm definitely going to try this week.

And, if you've never read her blog, I think you're in for a treat.

a perfect saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:16:00 +0000

Saturday was just the kind of day I needed to recharge and set things right in my mind. I love those kind of days.

We got up early, but not too early, and headed out to a few yard sales in the area. A mere $5 later, we had an electric griddle, a wooden serving tray, 2 cds, a pastry blender, and a pink depression ware candy dish. Not a bad haul for five bucks!

After stopping at a yummy Italian buffet for lunch, we spent the rest of the afternoon shopping for Mother's Day gifts, scoring some freebies at the comic shop, and gathering some refreshments at Trader Joe's for our dinner. What was dinner, you ask? (You did ask, right?) To the wine and bread above, we added a few cheeses and smoked meats and called it done. Oh, how I love a dinner like that. So simple and yet totally extravagant.

Great deals, good conversation, tasty foods and delicious wine. Can't ask for much better than that.

How was your weekend?

P.S. -- I realize you're dying to know which two CDs we bought. Wish by The Cure and the Sleepless in Seattle Soundtrack. We're so awesome, I can't even stand it.

five senses friday

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:32:00 +0000

{image via bob cadloff}

{tasting} Chicken Parmigiano from Now Eat This! (best yet from the book)

{hearing} (500) Days of Summer soundtrack, on repeat in my car

{smelling} Fresh, clean clothes after finishing the mountains of laundry piled up

{seeing} The third disc (already!) of our new favorite television show

{feeling} Happy that the weather is finally turning around (82 here today!)

I first saw a "Five Senses Friday" post on Pink of Perfection, who saw it on Abby Try Again -- both lovely, lovely blogs that I am blatantly copying the idea from :) You should play along, too!

poem: mad girl's love song

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:04:00 +0000

{image via ricor}

Mad Girl's Love Song
by Sylvia Plath

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead;
I lift my lids and all is born again.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

The stars go waltzing out in blue and red,
And arbitrary blackness gallops in:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

I dreamed that you bewitched me into bed
And sung me moon-struck, kissed me quite insane.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

God topples from the sky, hell's fires fade:
Exit seraphim and Satan's men:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

I fancied you'd return the way you said,
But I grow old and I forget your name.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

I should have loved a thunderbird instead;
At least when spring comes they roar back again.
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

I am the harshest of critics on poetry -- it has to move me in a profound and deep way (or at least give me a certain 'feeling') before I'll admit to liking it. I think as the reader (and writer) of many a bad poem in my time, I've honed a skill for dismissing them after a few lines if they don't catch my fancy. But, I've always loved this poem. I once heard someone describe it as "deliciously disturbing" -- oh, how true.

comes of a wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:07:00 +0000

{image via shadedmemories}

I have felt a little loopy all week. Is it something in the air? Are any of you feeling the same way? ...No? Just me?

I think it might be the massive changes in weather recently. First it's hot then cold then warm then windy. Though, I love how you can blame pretty much anything on the weather. Headache? Change in pressure systems. Joints hurts? Must be getting ready to rain. Gastrointestinal disorder? It's windy.

Okay, maybe not so much on that last one. But for the most part, weather does really effect us, don't you think?

Anyway. (Did I really just write 'gastrointestinal' on my blog? Oy. Google will love that.)

See what I mean about 'loopy'?

In other news, I finished the first story arc in a comic book series called Fables, from DC Comics/Vertigo. [Nerd alert] It's about characters from fables and fairytales who have had to abandon their homelands and seek refuge in New York City. It sounds a bit fluffy, I know, but it's actually done in more of a gritty noir style. Pretty fun. Next on the list is the first in a new series of Fraggle Rock comics! I know you guys loved Fraggle Rock, right? One of my favorite comic artists, Katie Cook, has written/illustrated one of the stories, so I'm all over that. [Pushes up glasses]

I have a strong feeling that I'll only get loopier and more incoherent as this post goes on, so, imma go now. Have a great day, everyone!

etsy love: geekery

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:51:00 +0000

After becoming fans mid-season (how had we not seen this until now?), Seth and I have been marathoning old episodes of The Big Bang Theory to catch up. Do you guys watch this show? Oh my goodness, it is beyond funny; I crack up during every single episode. (It's on CBS tonight! You should tune in.)

I've combined the above finds as a little geek-tribute. (I think it's awesome that Etsy has an entire category called "Geekery"...gotta love that.)

Happy Monday, folks.

1. Footnotes button by Beanforest
2. Periodic Table shirt from dark cycle clothing
3. Bender decal from LapTatt
4. Robot tie by Cyberoptix

P.S. -- This clip had me crying by the end. Hilarious.

friday ramblings

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:06:00 +0000

{image via mbgrigby}

We're heading back to Maryland this weekend to visit family and see my nephew play basketball against a few players from the Pittsburgh Steelers (how cool is that?) for a fundraising event. Should be a nice, relaxing weekend in my small hometown -- something about that place (or any small town, really) always helps to restore a bit of my soul when the "big city" has done its worst.

Did I tell you I'm growing basil? A friend at work brought in a few new sprouts for a few of us to take home. After spilling soil all over my kitchen floor, they are now resting happily in a little pot by the window. Say a few healthy plant prayers for me.

I'm kind of bummed that I don't have an iPhone yet. I thought we were getting one for me a few weekends ago, but with apartment-related drama going on, we never got around to it. Maybe next weekend?

What are you getting your moms for Mother's Day this year? I always run out of ideas. I'm thinking of replacing a pair of earrings I got her a few years back -- she used to wear them all of the time but just lost one of them not long ago. Sounds like a viable option.

Have you guys seen (500) Days of Summer? It surprised me. I wasn't sure I would like Joseph Gordon-Levitt (why? no idea.) but he was charming. And don't even get me started on Zooey Deschanel. I've already contemplated how I would change my entire wardrobe to look like hers. Give the movie a go sometime; I think you'll like it.

And on that last random note, have a wonderful weekend! What are your plans?

i'd like to thank...

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 03:44:00 +0000

The lovely Emily from Sassy Smolak just bestowed upon me the Fabulous Sugar Doll Blogger Award -- doesn't that just sound like a wonderful award to get? Yay, awards!

This isn't just some "get it and forget it" kind of award...there are rules, people!

Thank the person who nominated me and link to their blog (see above)
Copy the award and paste it to my blog (I'm copycatting Emily's idea of creating a new page)
Tell 7 interesting facts about myself (I'll get to that in a minute, hold on)
Pass this award on to 7 fantastic bloggers I have discovered (wait for it; see below)
Contact my nominations and let them know they’ve won (on it!)

So, onto that whole "7 interesting facts" thing. Oy. I have 100 of them in my "about me" page...can that count? No? Oh, alright then:

I have a very strange and unnatural fear of butterflies. A friend recently told me about a "butterfly pavilion" at the Museum of Natural History -- you know, a place where you walk around and hundreds of butterflies flutter around you? A magical experience for some, but I get heart palpitations just thinking about it. To everyone else in the world, butterflies are beautiful little darlings, fluttering here and there. Fa la la la la. To me, they're just freaky insects in unusually pretty outfits.
I never completely learned my multiplication tables in elementary school. I had a really rough time of it; by the time we got to 6's I was starting to get really lost. And then before you knew it, the class had moved on and I never did get the hang of things. Quick, what's 7x9?? Wait just a minute while I grab my calculator.
I have really long toes. Like, freakishly long. Like, can't wear a ton of shoes because of it, long. Like, can't wear Birkenstocks because my toes hang over the little lip at the end, long. Like, can pick things up with them like it's no big deal, long. Did I mention they are long?
I have a bag full of bags in my closet. I can't help myself, but when I go to a nice, upscale store I have to keep the bag, like it's a memento of a little splurge or extravagance. Even if it's only a mediocre store, if my purchases come in a pretty bag, it's a keeper. What do I do with these bags? Fold them neatly and store them in a larger bag behind my closet door. Seth says I'm on my way to becoming a level 3 hoarder, but I know some of you get where I'm coming from. I think it's the same principle behind keeping your purchases in their wrapper or bag, with the tags on for a few days, so that "thrill of the buy" lasts a bit longer.
I love penguins. If I could adopt a little African Black-footed penguin, I'd do it in a heart beat. SO cute. Of course, this random interest of mine can sometimes backfire on me. Last Christmas, I got a total of eleven penguin-themed gifts. Eleven. That's a lot of penguins.
I have my dad's fingernails. No, not in a creepy way, like in a jar or something (Wait, that's not what you were thinking? Oh...) but I have the same shaped nails and nail beds as he has. It's an odd thing to even notice, I suppose, but I have especially squatty fingernails, with really short and wide pink parts. My dad and I were taking a walk around my parents house on the morning of my wedding when I noticed that mine looked exactly like his. I love that I have such a quirky and endearing memory on my wedding day.
I celebrated my 7 month wedding anniversary on April 19th. Seth and I have been newlyweds for over half a year! Not much in the grand scheme of things, but I'm pretty darn pleased about it. Looking forward to many more anniversaries and special dates ahead.

Now for the fun part! I hereby pass this award on to these lovely and talented bloggers:

Aimee @ Aimee Bumgarner
Ally @ Ally Writes
Amy @ Purple Pink and Orange
Julia @ Red Otter
Krissy @ Paper Schmaper
Natasha @ Samster Mommy
Shannan @ Flower Patch Farmgirl

What a great way to share a bit about ourselves and learn about a few new, awesome bloggers! Thanks again, Emily, for the sweet award. This was fun!