diva in training

Weekly Roundup

2013-10-12T11:01:00.002-04:00

Inspired by so much, and such little time to do it, I have compiled a quick list of projects that I want to do. Now the hard part is making time to start checking these things off.

First off:

Playing with Lighting:
There are so many cool lighting project that I want to do. I've actually been fascinated with customized lighting for awhile now, but can never make myself take the plunge to acquire parts. And I even have teacups that are perfect for this. [Sydney Morning Herald]

Natural Wood Projects:
There are a lot of projects that would fall under this category, including a ridiculously cute tree branch and slate table that I just saw on design sponge! And really, my parents have already mastered this with the tree branch candle holders that they made for Christmas last year. I just need a chainsaw . . .
Also, the guys at [Cantilever and Press] have some cool things working!

Yarn Projects:
Okay, it's about time that I learn how to knit, or crochet, or something. There is way too much couch downtime in my life for my hands not to be busy on something so cute as this. It's a mandrake from Harry Potter! Cuteness.
[Mr. Fox]

Air Plant Gardening:
Now to be fair, I am ready to do this project. I even went on an air plant gathering walk at the Riverwalk yesterday, but finding air plants in SC is much more difficult than finding them in your yard down in FL. Just saying. These mounted air plant plaques are so cute, and they help clean the air you breathe as well.
[Terrain]

Macaroons:
Why haven't I tried to make these yet? To be fair, they take a lot of work, patience, and preparation, which are basically the three things I hate about cooking. But I've make it through the Liukse waffles recipe several times by now, so how bad can this really be?
Image from [Macaroon Cafe]

That is well enough to keep me busy for some time. What projects are any of you working on?

P.S. I've written this whole post while Fosca sleeps away under my desk. The life of a cat . . .

Roasted Chicken Salad with Avocado and Blue Cheese

2013-10-11T15:52:00.001-04:00

Don't act like you aren't drooling over this salad.

It all started with a roasted whole chicken when I was totally owning the kitchen yesterday. I had been putting off making waffles again because I was out of yeast, but a quick trip to the store found yeast and more. A fresh young chicken came home with me, and, shamefully, a box of whole wheat croissants. I cannot help that they are so good.

The multitasking that came out of that kitchen yesterday was austounding! This whole staycation from work thing is really suiting me... I love waffles... this kitchen smells amazing.

So, as for the chicken, it was seasoned only with Herb d' Provence and black pepper. Then it was sauteed in the bottom of our 8qt Staub, which is literally the best tool we own in the kitchen. We do so much with it. This browned skin beauty then goes directly into the oven with the lid on. 325 and several hours later, a lusciously moist bird comes out of the oven.

But this wasn't even the star of my salad. The perfectly ripened avocado was drizzled with a lemon and olive oil vinigrette. The blue cheese chunks brought out the tangy of the cherry tomatoes. And red leaf lettuce supports a light drizzle of bleu cheese dressing, good good times.

Hello Fall!

2013-10-03T10:37:00.001-04:00

We had a short tease of Fall weather last week with dips into the 50s! Of course, being in South Carolina, it has already climbed back up into the 80s again, but that doesn't stop me from decorating the house in its Fall garb. Just recently, the Spring grapevine wreath transitioned into the Fall version. Seriously, one of the smartest things I have done was to purchase a bare grapevine wreath.

Next are plans for a Halloween masquerade party, filled with spooky cakes and cocktails!

Be jealous.

Life, Hijacked

2013-08-28T10:54:00.000-04:00

As you can tell from my lack of posts, work has taken over my life again. I lost almost the whole month of August working out of town. That's no bueno, I'll tell you. However, the approach of Fall has made me excited for the joys of a handmade Christmas!

I took the leap last year and decided to make as many of my gifts as possible. Most of this decision was based on the quaintness of my bank account, but it went over well with the family. I'm already gathering ideas, and focusing more on ideas I was too intimidated to tackle last year.

Here's a peak back at some of last year's projects.

Not too shabby, but I'm definitely ready to one up this year. Let the making begin.

To catch a sneak peak of some the ideas, follow me on pinterest! You won't regret it.

Cherry Raspberry Crisp

2013-07-11T11:09:00.001-04:00

Good things happen when cherries and raspberries go on sale at Publix!

Toasted marshmallow cookies

2013-06-23T16:16:00.001-04:00

Just add half of a jumbo marshmallow on top for the last five minutes of baking. So. Good.

Fresh roses

2013-06-19T15:35:00.001-04:00

Between my balcony rose and the rose bushes outside my building, I have access to fresh flowers for months. They make me smile everytime I pass by. :)

Painted wood office equipment

2013-06-08T10:51:00.001-04:00

I had fun with painters tape this week. Both wooden pieces were purchased at the craft store, and with just a little bit of paint, were transformed into geometric office accessories. These will be going in a certain graduates schwag bag soon!

Office space

2013-06-06T16:17:00.001-04:00

New cork tiles are up! Rainy day not gone to waste.

Summer smoothie

2013-06-06T12:40:00.001-04:00

Beating the heat and drinking nutrients all at the same time. This one is composed of fresh cut honey mango, orange juice, low fat plain yogurt, and strawberries. Yeah, I could lose some weight doing this. Easy.

Carnitas Mexi-Casserole

2013-06-03T21:00:00.001-04:00

A fantastic finish for 5 lbs. of deliciously slow-cooked and marinated pork!

Liukse wafles

2013-06-03T13:40:00.001-04:00

The first attempt to recreate those fabulous waffles I had in Brugge.

Pink and Teal

2013-05-30T12:21:00.001-04:00

Loving this pink polish on my toes this season!

Beach things

2013-05-29T09:21:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't enjoy all things beachy?

Stuff found in the sand 2013

2013-05-18T21:34:00.001-04:00

Get ready for a ton of beach pics over the course of this week.

New in the garden

2013-05-14T20:14:00.001-04:00

I have really enjoyed the new plants thusfar. $100 later from Lowes, and who knew what joy it could bring.

The white roses are exceptionally fragrant!

Fresh blooms

2013-05-14T20:13:00.001-04:00

Pancakes

2013-05-12T12:49:00.001-04:00

My love for breakfast shows itself again.
This time in the form of heart smart pancakes... laced with Reeses Pieces! So, so good.

A drizzly morning...

2013-04-27T10:34:00.001-04:00

...glory

Wild Wisteria

2013-04-13T14:45:00.001-04:00

Warm bowls of winter

2013-04-11T15:03:00.001-04:00

With the prolongation of this past winter John and I felt the need to make more "feel good" meals than usual. Something about the simplicity of a one pot meal when it's cold outside does the body and soul good.

Thankfully, it has finally warmed up and we are seeing temperatures in the 80s this week. Lord knows I could use a tan!

Featured: Seasoned Sausage and Cabbage and a Tomato Bisque with grated White Cheddar

Spring, in-depth

2013-03-30T13:14:00.004-04:00

I was delighted when my hyacinths came up in early January, but I looked forward to my tulips.

I was dismayed when they arrived DOA a couple weeks ago, victims of the hard frosts we received for the last three months.

But now, finally, even the weeds are beautiful. I romped around in a roadside patch with my camera this week, disregarding all of the passing cars, who probably regarded me as a crazy lady. I'm ok with that.

And now today it is a beautifully sunny 72 degrees outside. What a great excuse to shave my legs! (Winter has been rough and discouraging, don't judge.)

And just in time for Easter tomorrow!

Happy Easter to All!

Spring, Finally

2013-03-27T13:44:00.005-04:00

Even my days off have to-do lists now. And on the bottom of the list is:
-blog.

Creative Periods

2013-01-28T14:52:00.001-05:00

I've got several projects in the works currently, including a beautiful apron and some dinner napkins. There are other finished projects around the house: pairs of pajama pants, coasters, drawstring pouches, and smaller trinketry. Finally all of these supplies that I have compiled can come into use.

I've literally had a month and a half to craft until my heart's content. It was motivated by inexpensive Christmas gift giving and spurred on by excessive free time. It has been perfect. Now, as I finally start working again next week, I'm afraid I will miss the time I've had to do this. I've really discovered a joy in sewing lately. I enjoy the combining of fabrics, the series of patterns, and thinking methodically about procedure. I can pass the time, or just set it down and do something else for a bit.

Perhaps it is a good thing that I haven't started making clothes yet. I feel that will make the addiction complete. I've been eyeing patterns and re-makes meticulously. I have a feeling there will be a Pinterest board to come of it (see button up top). But for now, I will think of a way to get rid of some coasters . . .

Nicole Tackles Sewing

2013-01-18T16:09:00.000-05:00

Look at that beautiful seam! I've never had as much self-satisfaction as when I finished this pair of floral pajama pants.

Let's back up. I have had a vintage Singer on loaner to me from John's sister since September. I was too busy to open it, and then I went to Germany for two months, and then it was the Holidays, and then I had to recover . . . so I pushed it off. Quite recently I got the gumption to open it up and try it out.

Early experiments included sewing on brown paper bags to teach myself. I also made some (very) cute drawstring pouches with some fabrics I had left over. I was getting some basics down pretty quickly, not to mention, a good list of what not to do. Armed with Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing Crafts from the library, I started on a much more ambitious project: Pajama bottoms.

I learned many new skills and even made my own bias tape from material scraps. Check out that cool drawstring. That's right, I made that. Though their fit it not quite Anthropologie inspired, I can't help but look at these pants and feel such a feeling of accomplishment. Expect many more.