* Peppertowne *

Erin go Braugh!

2011-03-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight I cooked Irish dinner and had a few friends over. Everything turned out great, the corned beef was moist, tender, and falling apart...just the way I like it. I made colcannon which is mashed potatoes, cooked cabbage, leeks and onion baked in the oven. I was nervous about this dish, I thought the cabbage might give it too strong of flavor, but it turned out very mild and yummy. The corned beef I cooked in the crock pot on low for 11 hours, and it was perfect. Hope your St. Paddy's day was great!

Etsy Finds:

2011-03-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Pretty Bunting: part II

2011-03-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my little girls play room, it used to be the hide out under the stairs for all of our miscellaneous junk, but now it has been transformed into an adorable miniature kitchen. While I'm not ready to fully reveal the room, I still have some finishing touches to do, here is a peak at the ceiling. I made this amazing bunting using a tutorial from The Purl Bee.

New Camera & Muffin Update

2011-03-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted my very yummy muffin recipe without pictures because my camera broke. Partly due to the fact that I allowed my toddler to use it to photograph her toys and other interesting items that you can see here on her blog Rock Steady, but mostly because it was old, had been dropped on the road...several times, and filled with sand. This accumulation of abuses has resulted in the button being stuck in video mode. Last night I went to my local evil Walmart and bought this nifty little thing, it's a little larger than my last one a canon elf but worth it. It comes with high def video, fish eye, and miniaturize that makes everything look like small little toys. I'm supper excited about trying out all my new settings.

Anyways, back to my original point about the muffins, here are the muffins with banana instead of pumpkin because we already ate all the pumpkin ones. Don't they look yummy, go bake a batch!

Recipe:

2011-03-09T11:20:00.005-07:00

download recipe card here

I was going to take a picture of my perfect, moist, yummy muffins but my camera broke...so no picture, but trust me these are beautiful! Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com

Upcycled: plastic bag edition

2011-03-08T11:08:00.001-07:00

You've probably heard the saying "Diamonds are forever, but so are plastic bags" I've searched the internets for stylish re-purposing of the evil plastic grocery bag. My personal favorite is the Utility Quilt (bottom left) that Ruby Sprengle started making for her local homeless shelters. I also really love that chair (top right) wow, it doesn't even resemble a plastic bag.

Food Finds: el número dos

2011-03-04T10:57:00.005-07:00

In food finds número uno I admitted spending way too much money dining out and cooking the same 5 meals repeatedly. On the hunt for new menu sources and money saving tips I have reverted to an old favorite allrecipes.com. They have recently added a menu section, you can find planned out menus as well as search by type: low budget, gluten free, Italian, Mexican and Vegetarian just to name a few. There are some free menu features but for the full access you will need to become a member and subscribe, right now you can sign up for 2 years for just $22.95. I usually don't subscribe to things that I can otherwise get for free but so far I think it's worth it. $22.95 is what we typically pay when we go out to eat just once, definitely worth it considering that having this resource will most likely save me money many times over.

I'm no expert when it comes to saving money, by far the last person you should look to for advice. Although I am trying to lower my food expenses the largest expendable portion of my budget (next to my Comcast bill that is....I can't live without my internet or my TV for that matter, I love me some HBO!)

What I have done so far that seems to be working is first coupon clip. I am not an expert at this either but I am trying to learn and last week saved $40 on my grocery bill, if you need help check out Coupon Mom. Second, plan out your menu! Seriously this helps. The main reason we were going out to eat was because I couldn't think of anything to make and everything that I could make I either didn't have the ingredients or it would take too long and we were hungry "now". Planning ahead, writing down your menu and pinning it to the fridge is half the battle. Next when you get home from the grocery store prep all your veggies and perishable foods immediately. I divvy up the chopped veggies into plastic bags and write what meal they go with on the bag with permanent marker. Also try cooking some things the day or 2 days before, such as rice, so that when Tuesday rolls around and stir fry is on the menu the veggies are already chopped and ready to saute all you need to do is throw in the pre-cooked rice and viola..dinner!

Now for some pictures to complete this very wordy post, here are a few items on my menu this week.

Etsy Finds

2011-03-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

Color Me Katie

2011-03-02T16:47:00.001-07:00

I don't read blogs. I love them. But I don't read them.

Aren't we too busy? Life takes up A LOT of time. Even personal hygiene has taken a back burner for me. It's no secret that I haven't showered since Sunday. Those of you who know me are laughing cause this is a joke that has turned into a pretty regular bad habit. Ha ha, cause the jokes on me, as I do a quick pit sniff...I'm still good for another day.

So, that's why I don't read blogs. I'm a skimmer. I'll skim the words but what addicts me are all the fabulous pictures! ALL the glorious pictures!! With a few stolen moments, I can zip through a handful of inspiring blogs. And this blog is no exception. For a good laugh visit the talented photographer and street artist Katie. Today she shares a most hilarious and uplifting post entitled Things I Learned on the Street. enjoy

And these pics are for you Amy. A little turquoise, navy and yellow inspiration for your living room/kitchen.

A Jonathan Adler Design

In the madness, I lost my links and credits to these photos. I should have showered instead of writing this post. Am I losing my mind.....?

Bike in Syle

2011-02-28T21:04:00.001-07:00

How perfect is this moment? via Rides a Bike Tumblr

Treasury Love:

2011-02-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

Things to check out

2011-02-25T15:52:00.001-07:00

Tomboy Patti McGee. Don't you love this!?

This family photo by Max Wagner. Rad, right?

And, a story about a girl trying her hand a lumberjacking, from Hennessey House. She always makes me laugh.

It's a short list. Have a relaxing weekend.

Bike in Style

2011-02-23T20:05:00.003-07:00

We love bikes. Vintage bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, stretch bikes, commuter bikes, banana seats, tandems...anything. Presidents Day turned out to be beautiful weather after 2 straight days of rain (Thank you Roger, Wendy and Holly). And it was perfect for gearing up our bikes and taking a short bike ride downtown with friends to our favorite pizza joint. If you're a local and you haven't been to Queen's Pizza...GO! We recommend the Meatball Gorgonzola. yum

Happy Birthday Amy

2011-02-23T10:14:00.001-07:00

To celebrate, let's go for a ride in this old speed racer # 30!

Food Finds: número uno

2011-02-21T01:00:00.002-07:00

I'm in a food rut. We go out to eat way to much at our house. I have lost all inspiration when it comes to cooking. I have been repeating the same 5 meals for months now. How much more soup can we eat, potato cheese soup, taco soup, Italian sausage soup, chili...which is a step away from soup aaaahhh! I can't take it anymore, I'm at a complete loss. "Nothing sounds good, everything takes too much time, lets just go to Cafe Rio." Don't get me wrong I could eat at Cafe Rio everyday and not be sick of it, but it's killing my budget at 21 bucks a pop three times a week, not to mention my waist line.

I've been scouring the web looking for the best food blogs and new menu ideas. I will try to bring you at least one great new site or recipe a week until I run out of ideas or steam. So here is this weeks first food find.

Cook to Bang: recipes to get you laid
I absolutely love this blog, It's funny, full of great recipes and a little raunchy. He brings humor into cooking and turns it from a chore into something rewarding, just what I need.

Bang Yo Chicken Mango Sinwich

Dank Organic Veggie Burritos

Break You Off Something Burritos

This one is for you Jen. O faced Oatmeal

Upcycled: door edition

2011-02-20T01:00:00.002-07:00

Another great upcycle using old doors for the headboard and foot board. This one is from Cheri over at I Am Momma, Hear me Roar.

Kim from Kim Werker turns this old panel door into a really cool side table. Dad, now I know what you can do with all those rescued cabinet doors.

From old door to office desk...a great idea from Fig+Sage

Have a great weekend!

2011-02-19T13:17:00.001-07:00

Things to check out

2011-02-17T22:51:00.002-07:00

This reclaimed headboard and sliding barn door. Thank you House Tweaking! And yes, Roger...now I'm eyeing your barn wood pile.

This feline teepee? get it here

This industrial pendant light by Rejuvenation. My kitchen would like a pair, pretty please.

Bike Style thanks to The Satorialist

And see what this creative mind can make from this beside a bonfire.

Enjoy your weekend!

Treasury Love:

2011-02-17T15:26:00.014-07:00

Isn't this treasury gorgeous, perfect for a spring wedding. Thanks to jessamae22 for including my wedding invitations!

Etsy Finds

2011-02-16T21:18:00.005-07:00

I wish I could hop on a plane and fly away to somewhere warm, sunny and green. We just went from nice sunnyish weather to a blizzard...oh how I'm longing for spring.

2011-02-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

A Love Letter For You

2011-02-14T01:00:00.032-07:00

Steve Powers and The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, A Love Letter for you. Are you in love yet? I am.

Last minute Valentine downloads and DIY's

2011-02-13T16:58:00.001-07:00

Oh no,
Did you forget?

In a few short hours, lovers, sweeties, family and friends will be celebrating a day of love. Poppytalk has gathered the most lovely 'best on the web' free Valentine downloads and DIY's.

Just in case you forgot.
*Smooch*

Things to check out

2011-02-11T13:47:00.001-07:00

A sneak peek of this home

Vintage wedding photos

This song by Toro Y Moi

Toro Y Moi - "New Beat" (Official Video) from Urban Outfitters on Vimeo.

These bugs and butterflies

Bike in Style, photo by Bill Eppridge for Life mag

And this Pink quote by Audrey Hepburn

Have a relaxing weekend!

Glamping! Part 2

2011-02-10T00:01:00.007-07:00

Now that's glamping! It's gorgeous, romantic and just what I need, if only it wasn't snowing outside...