tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84542659323921508632012-01-25T19:15:59.130-07:00Living on the Urban / Rural edge.S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.comBlogger2191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-14874458391070556142012-01-22T18:42:00.001-07:002012-01-25T19:15:59.144-07:00

It's all well and good to bake bread with your sourdough starter, but what about when your kitchen is so small that making bread is just a hassle?  These days I'm working with two feet of counter space, and a tiny apartment-sized electric oven.  If I can't mix something up in one bowl, I just don't have room to make it.  And just try to get your tiny apartment grade oven to reach 500 degrees,

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-91111508911918045282012-01-08T11:08:00.000-07:002012-01-08T11:08:40.847-07:00

Yum, soft boiled eggs, tangerines, toast with sweet lime jalapeno jelly and Tour de France tea (like Earl Grey but with jasmine added).  Plus a lovely interiors magazine.  The only thing that would have made it better would have been enjoying it on a sunny terrace on vacation in a foreign country.  Happy + relaxing Sunday to you!

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-29301550306287764362011-12-26T18:22:00.000-07:002011-12-26T18:22:26.702-07:00

It was a whirlwind trip home for Christmas, in Thursday night and out at the crack of dawn this morning.  Just enough time for a little shopping, a lot of cooking and the holiday celebration.  Then finally home for  a nap!  Pretty simple table this year with black, gold and amethyst.

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-49330098074281570512011-11-25T11:31:00.000-07:002011-11-25T11:31:20.377-07:00

The last thing I did before getting in the car to join friends for Thanksgiving yesterday was gather this holiday bouquet from the garden around my apartment.  A little flowering rosemary, New Zealand flax, maidenhair grass, bronzy-orange bougainvillea and that red berried shrub that I can't identify.   It was the perfect palette for Thanksgiving. 

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-89328854026962519592011-11-13T09:38:00.000-07:002011-11-13T09:38:52.567-07:00

Bought these lovely small plates yesterday during a day of otherwise unproductive thrifting in the rain.  My only hesitation before buying them?  Where will they fit in my tiny, cupboard challenged kitchen.  (Oh, that's my new staghorn fern!  So pretty). My new fern is leaning on the counter because he needs to be dampened quite frequently, and I haven't figured out where I can hang him and

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-91229078652828225242011-11-05T11:04:00.000-06:002011-11-05T11:04:28.691-06:00

New bentwood chair.  Serving as an extra bedside table for now, but eventually will be part of this set.

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-12473740799480538952011-10-29T10:30:00.000-06:002011-10-29T10:30:19.700-06:00

Steel boulders from wyattellison on Etsy.

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-68794368435635439012011-09-04T13:52:00.000-06:002011-09-04T13:52:15.416-06:00

It's been especially lovely here this morning.  Alternating sun and clouds with a fresh breeze blowing.  It makes it feel like the seasons are changing, even though this is southern California, where Fall doesn't exist in the traditional sense.  I spent the morning drinking coffee, eating huevos rancheros doused in molé, reading magazines and a novel, and finishing the week's laundry.  This

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-14565320896764599912011-08-29T21:03:00.000-06:002011-08-29T21:03:10.806-06:00

This was waiting for me when I got home. Yay!  Eames fiberglass shell chair with low rod base.   Inside the house it will reside across the living room from the couch, partially in front of the sliding glass door.  That way it can easily be picked up to serve as extra outdoor seating when I need it.  And this is the view through the window when seated. Can't wait for the weekend so I can have

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-39111619351754396492011-08-27T13:48:00.000-06:002011-08-27T13:48:16.646-06:00

Okay, this morning with my back feeling better and my house-sitting duties complete, I finally got around to laying down the new rug in the bedroom.   Wrestling that mattress on and off the frame was rough, but necessary.  I really like the large-scale ikat pattern.   I have some new bedding on the way, but for now I just added a piece of ikat fabric that I've been meaning to sew into pillow

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-47260526070766505032011-08-20T11:46:00.001-06:002011-08-20T11:48:24.838-06:00

My living room is starting to come together, but it's missing all of those little things like cord management, and a decent pot for my fig tree.  I also need to mount a picture ledge or something above the couch.  I kind of like the mirror leaning on the side table, but the ebay painting is lost back there in the corner. It definitely needs to hang above the couch, and needs a new frame.  The

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-22786624471072273062011-08-14T21:38:00.000-06:002011-08-14T21:38:31.529-06:00

There has been some progress on the apartment, but mostly my weekends have been taken up enjoying this: and this little cutie: This weekend my mom came out to visit, and we enjoyed the above as well as finally getting an outdoor table set up.  This is important since there isn't any room for such a thing in my tiny apartment.  Plus, it allows me to enjoy views like this while drinking a

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-37142829985699787662011-07-10T13:43:00.000-06:002011-07-10T13:43:00.225-06:00

I went on a little bit of an apartment buying binge last week.  I've budgeted out a set amount from each paycheck to decorate the apartment, and I was a few weeks behind on actually purchasing, so a lot got ordered at once.  This morning my living room looked like this... Some of the items purchased were furniture basics-- a new bed frame, so my mattress could get off the floor. Some of the

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-72955971046245217802011-07-02T10:22:00.000-06:002011-07-02T10:22:29.216-06:00

I saw these side tables/cubes on the Andrianna Shamaris Tastemaker Tag Sale on One Kings Lane this morning, and I had to re-post them.  So cool!  And so expensive!  ($6899 each on sale).  For anyone who loves agates and geodes these are dream pieces.  They are teak and cracked resin and measure 28 inch square and 16.5 inches high. They would look so good grouped as a  coffee table.   Here and

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-69209526341791859822011-06-10T16:39:00.001-06:002011-06-11T10:51:51.766-06:00

I think fresh flowers are one of the easiest things you can do to make your house look a little better and elevate your mood.  These days you can buy pretty nice bouquets at the grocery store, but more often than not, I just pick a little of some landscape plant-- wild or domestic-- that's blooming outside in profusion.  A little careful pruning gets you enough to fill a vase, while hardly making

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-92136130959166798052011-06-05T17:09:00.000-06:002011-06-05T17:09:49.661-06:00

This weekend I bought new side tables.  I was unsure of the purchase at the store because the borrowed end tables that I have been using each have a small drawer, which is very useful for hiding those necessary, but ugly, things like matches, scissors, masking tape, and all that standard junk drawer type of stuff.  These tables are leggy, with a shelf, but no drawer.   Since they were a good

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-79841625098456266662011-05-28T10:22:00.000-06:002011-05-28T10:22:52.058-06:00

Apartment decorating continues fairly slowly.  I feel like I've spent a lot of money with nothing major to show for it, but my cupboards are full, my frig is stocked,  I've got a mattress and somewhere comfortable to sit in the living room.  Its not minor.   I bought this sofa off Craigslist for $150.  It's Mitchell Gold, so it should be well made enough to handle reupholstery, if I ever decide

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-20421774686087410362011-05-22T09:40:00.000-06:002011-05-22T09:40:11.619-06:00

There have been a lot of ceremonial activities on and around base as we approach Memorial Day.  Yesterday we went to the beach and happened upon the departure of a Navy hovercraft.  It was really amazingly cool in real life.  This video was shot from almost exactly where we were standing, but it's from last year and by no means does the experience justice.  The most amazing thing about the

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-44593438550287287762011-05-21T11:54:00.001-06:002011-05-21T11:55:49.526-06:00

In a perfect world I'd be able to buy anything I wanted for my house.  (And I'd be living in the awesome 60s era house at the top of the hill with the exposed beam ceilings and fireplace, not the tiny guesthouse at the bottom).  But alas, not my lot in life.  Setting up a house essentially from scratch has caused me to spend a fair amount of money lately, and for the next two weeks I need to

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-6860143667983213322011-05-07T09:56:00.000-06:002011-05-07T09:56:51.063-06:00

Okay blog friends, thanks for sticking it out with me.  I know I've been the worst blogger ever for the last two months.  Well, not even true, since essentially I haven't been a blogger.  Picking up and moving with a week's notice was basically crazy.  Staying with friends for six weeks was crazy too.  Well, actually it was really easy since those friends are super generous and chill.  Starting a

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-8775233591737830742011-04-17T21:40:00.001-06:002011-04-17T21:41:53.025-06:00

I'm trying to get back into the swing of things even though I'm not in my own home with my own kitchen.    This weekend I hit up the farmer's market  and bought lots of delicious things. Including beautiful flowers. And way more strawberries than I needed.  I planned to make jam, but I didn't know how many strawberries I'd really need.  I would have been fine with half as much.  For dinner I ate

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-62491950652701745732011-03-27T22:31:00.000-06:002011-03-27T22:31:31.686-06:00

Yes, I brought my sourdough starter with me to California.  That's extremely nerdy in a culinary way, I know, but once you get used to a certain quality for your daily bread its difficult to go back to store-bought bread.   Ironically last weekend my never-fail sourdough pancakes kind of failed.  This weekend my first loaf of bread in the new climate looks to be a success.  It rose well and has

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-49009621764687423162011-03-24T21:04:00.000-06:002011-03-24T21:04:31.761-06:00

I'm still in California.  Still don't know how long I'll be here.  At least half the people in the office are working on the same contract that I am, and we've been hearing that it will be extended, but the date to which it will extend has varied based on who is telling the news.  Supposedly we'll know more on Monday.  Until then my life is seriously up in the air.  Which is weird, but also

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-50610261539946030262011-03-14T17:14:00.000-06:002011-03-14T17:14:04.497-06:00

On Saturday afternoon I picked up my friend Elise and we drove to Winslow, AZ to stay at the Mary Colter designed La Posada Hotel.  I'd wanted to visit the La Posada since I listened to an NPR story about its near demolition and subsequent restoration back in 2000 (no longer available for online listening, which is too bad).  I loved it, the beds were comfortable, the restaurant is renown, and

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-52252738794363534772011-03-11T11:09:00.000-07:002011-03-11T11:09:03.043-07:00

Since I've been back at work, I've been trying to gift myself some of the little things that I haven't allowed myself to indulge in over the last couple of years. First up, 18" Trove wallpaper samples.  I'm really intrigued by this wallpaper, which I've posted about before, and I finally ordered a couple samples.  My walls aren't really paper friendly, being adobe plaster that resembles stucco

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-23140494484779296062011-03-04T08:00:00.000-07:002011-03-04T08:00:23.891-07:00

A Jinny Blom garden at Corrours Estate in Scotland.  Seriously, I want to be there right now.  That grey sky reflected in the glass wall?  The Wegner loveseat and Eames spool table?  Tuck up your feet, lean back and stare out the window at those grasses undulating in the wind.  You can just imagine it perfectly can't you? This image is in the current Garden Design Magazine. March/April edition?  

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-51657939645236283862011-03-02T23:37:00.000-07:002011-03-02T23:37:09.209-07:00

Well okay, its not that late, only 11:15.  But I should be sleeping since I have to get up early and go to work tomorrow.  I just found these photos from Vogue Living Australia Nov/Dec 2010 issue online, and wanted to repost them.  I stopped at Barnes & Noble this afternoon when I was in the neighborhood running errands, and this issue was still on the shelves.  I LOVED this house, but didn't

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-23172163368881776712011-03-02T07:30:00.002-07:002011-03-02T07:30:02.897-07:00

At least half the blogs in my blog reader are fashion and style related.  Some are normal small-town-dwelling people who document what they wear each day, most found via browsing the Wardrobe_remix pool on Flickr.  Others are the big-time high fashion bloggers like Garance Doré, The Sartorialist, All The Pretty Birds, etc.  Sometimes the two types of blogs don't seem to have that much to do with

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-77109352811415351382011-02-28T12:24:00.000-07:002011-02-28T12:24:29.093-07:00

Spring is in the air here, but that translates to a lot of very strong wind.  It can be the most unpleasant time of the year, which is of course frustrating since all you want to do is go outside and enjoy the sunshine. Sunday's breakfast: Home-made black bean with Oaxacan pasilla chile in banana leaf and chorizo, potato and wild mustard in corn husk tamales, eaten with Vanilla atolé. Can

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-81238494638716887992011-02-28T11:03:00.001-07:002011-02-28T11:05:09.266-07:00

Did you watch the Oscars last night?  I've got to admit, I do watch them each year, but they seem to get more and more uninteresting.  I'm not really sure why I still sit through it.  Force of habit?  I don't know.  At this point the thing that interests me the most are the red carpet fashions, though I'd like to see more of the interesting dresses regardless of who was wearing them instead of

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-54079211413908075982011-02-21T17:02:00.000-07:002011-02-21T17:02:33.930-07:00

So my current work schedule involves Mondays off, which is great because it allows me to catch up on the little things that I'm too busy to get done over the weekend.  Today I got a couple of un-photogenic things done, like finally installing the pull-out trash can under the kitchen sink and prepping one of the raised beds so that peas can go in soon.  Then I did some slightly more photogenic

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-69443117037376467012011-02-14T11:47:00.000-07:002011-02-14T11:47:09.554-07:00

This morning Katy Elliott posted about the marmalade she made for her Valentines breakfast, and it reminded me of my own.  I know, I just posted about it last week, but its that tasty.   My current favorite (and I think classic) way to eat it is on toast (from this week's sourdough) alongside a cup of plain black tea and a soft boiled egg.

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-26149998892220173042011-02-14T11:40:00.000-07:002011-02-14T11:40:40.047-07:00

Last year I had the time and inclination to hand make Valentines, this year not so much.  Instead I give you this photo of a heart shaped geranium petal that I took last summer.  Happy Valentines Day.

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-10849219098952566942011-02-13T18:53:00.000-07:002011-02-13T18:53:50.462-07:00

A glass of wine, and a shallow book while this week's sourdough loaf bakes in the oven.  Pretty nice. Also, I bought this wooden wine crate at a Salvation Army on Friday, in order to use as a holder for the wood stove logs.  I like it, but I don't know if it'll be a permanent solution.

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-53667234155322221402011-02-04T16:19:00.000-07:002011-02-04T16:19:58.518-07:00

After a dramatic week due to the weather, it was really nice to have a sunny afternoon at home to bake this mini pie, and to enjoy it a la mode. And while I waited for it to bake,  I was seduced by the marmalade that Tawny and I made.  When I looked down at my plate I realized that I'd made everything from scratch, the bread, the cheese and the marmalade.  The marmalade is going to have to become

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-69373650795106963422011-01-31T21:11:00.000-07:002011-01-31T21:11:53.015-07:00

We had a lovely sunny weekend with predictions of falling temperatures and a winter storm today.  In  between taking advantage of the weather to do yard work and laundry (hung outside), I did a lot of cooking this weekend.  A little too much cooking, as by Sunday night I was completely exhausted.  Each week after making bread, there is a bit of sourdough sponge left over.  Sometimes I just

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-86270776084833635902011-01-24T09:00:00.000-07:002011-01-24T09:00:10.796-07:00

These are very thin crunchy oatmeal cookies, sometimes called Oatmeal Lace cookies.  I far prefer them to the thick chewy raisin laden type of oatmeal cookies.   I'm pretty sure that I first copied this recipe down out of my Grandma Jan's recipe box when I was about 9 or 10.  At this point the recipe consists of no more than the list of ingredients below, and I just rely on memory to get the rest

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-27398089807684535112011-01-22T17:33:00.000-07:002011-01-22T17:33:06.316-07:00

Emma over at The Marion House blog has a new feature where she's highlighting some of her treasured possessions.  This week she talked about her penchant for picking up rocks and shells and the like when she takes walks.  Since I've been short on time for posting the last few weeks, I thought that I'd show a couple of my own natural collections that are currently adorning my house. Moss picked

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-29557405102308769202011-01-17T20:20:00.000-07:002011-01-17T20:20:15.751-07:00

Last night I proved my ability to multi-task in the kitchen by simultaneously making this Pad Thai for dinner, this Andalusian Cabbage Stew and this Sweet Potato & Sausage Soup to eat throughout the work week, and my weekly loaf of sourdough bread.  The combo of it being dark when I finished and the aforementioned simultaneous dishes means that I don't have a photo of soup for my soup post. Oh

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-71400211623396140902011-01-16T11:15:00.001-07:002011-01-16T11:15:00.807-07:00

Just some little things from around the house on a Sunday morning.  I've had these brown bear salt and pepper shakers for years, but this christmas I actually wanted to use them for the first time.  I bought them at an estate sale, I guess back when I lived in St. Paul since they are souvenirs from the Gunflint Trail, which runs from the shore of Lake Superior up into the Boundary Waters

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-44669308362727956052011-01-15T15:38:00.000-07:002011-01-15T15:38:50.774-07:00

We made more tamales this morning.  This time they are filled with black beans flavored with Oaxacan pasilla chiles, garlic and hoja santa.  They were wrapped in banana leaves, but I'd already discarded them before bringing the plate to the table.  The filling was based on this recipe for tamales Miahuatecos from Zarela Martinez's cookbook The Food and Life of Oaxaca: Traditional Recipes from

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-65040887742864762172011-01-10T15:05:00.000-07:002011-01-10T15:05:07.433-07:00

My trip to California in early December was a bit of an adventure thanks to the fact that I decided to take the train.  The trip from Albuquerque to Los Angeles mostly takes place overnight, and in the winter was primarily dark, so the potentially beautiful scenery was non-existent.   On the trip back I was also sick, which influenced the experience negatively.  Nonetheless, there was one really

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-33518228590105991572011-01-10T13:37:00.000-07:002011-01-10T13:37:13.790-07:00

With the new year have come some changes for me already, going back to work (part-time) in an office.  This is a good thing for my pocketbook but I've had mixed feelings about my chosen profession over the past couple years, so its not without some trepidation that I'm doing it.  In order to get myself a little more excited about the prospect I've been thinking about workplace fashion.   Since I

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-61520407764264540102011-01-10T13:16:00.000-07:002011-01-10T13:16:31.003-07:00

We actually made these tamales on New Year's Day, a little late by New Mexico standards, where many families make and eat tamales on Christmas Eve.  We like to make them over the holidays and freeze them so that we can eat them on Sundays along with atole, remembering our favorite tradition from one of our joint trips to Mexico City.  In the neighborhood we were staying in there was this stand

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-11342413508275035602011-01-10T13:00:00.000-07:002011-01-10T13:00:04.504-07:00

This week's sourdough.  I usually like to make it half white and half whole wheat because I think it improves the flavor, but I was out of whole wheat flour.  I also got distracted yesterday by hosting a brunch for friends and then rescuing a very scared puppy from the street outside our fence, and I totally forgot about my bread dough.  It rose for a long time as a result, and I had to

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-74241808223971654772011-01-10T10:45:00.000-07:002011-01-10T10:45:52.824-07:00

Wow, this story inspired me.  A young Chicago realtor buys a box of old negatives from an abandoned storage locker auction and discovers the work of a Chicago nanny, Vivian Maier,  who took street photos for decades on her Sundays off.  Discovered via landscape designer Deborah Silver's blog, Dirt Simple.  John Maloof, who discovered the negatives, has a blog dedicated to Vivian Maier here, where

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-53076911105999401192011-01-05T12:49:00.000-07:002011-01-05T12:49:15.603-07:00

Last year's Valentine's cards. 1. Utilize my hands more.  Doodle more, write by hand, craft things, play frisbee with my dog*.  Part of what I do professionally is to illustrate things digitally, and I like doing it, but it's not all I want to do.  I heard this interview with Linda Barry on NPR back in November, talking about how writing by hand and doodling can calm you, keep writers block at

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-5178366342336522112010-12-24T16:32:00.001-07:002010-12-24T16:34:56.427-07:00

I've been busy preparing for Christmas among other things and haven't had much inspiration for the blog, but this afternoon as I prepared the table for tomorrow's dinner and finally got the wreath up on the front gate I snapped a few photos.  Hope everyone has a joyous holiday!  This year's temporary chandelier, Rimfrost pendants that I bought at IKEA a few years ago and had in storage.  More

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-46930867189884020682010-12-13T16:20:00.000-07:002010-12-13T16:20:26.002-07:00

I got back from California on Thursday, and I was as sick as a dog!  I was feverish, achy, and coughing like I had the croup.  I spent Thursday afternoon, and most of Friday asleep on my couch with my dog looking worriedly after me.  By Saturday I felt well enough to accompany my mom out to finish our Christmas shopping, in part because I was buoyed by the Chicken Curry Stew at this restaurant.

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-48102213712746482052010-12-08T15:45:00.007-07:002010-12-08T15:45:00.234-07:00

I originally wrote this post as a guest post and never posted it here as a result.  Since I'm just getting home from a trip to California, visiting the happy couple and helping them work on their nursery, I thought it was appropriate to share it here now. My friends are about to have their first baby!  She and her husband (above from their wedding announcement/painting) are really excited about

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-27806002495212046482010-12-06T09:15:00.001-07:002010-12-06T09:15:00.540-07:00

I read a lot, and a lot of it is very insignificant fiction.  You know mystery novels, chick lit, historical fiction, basically anything that looks like a fast entertaining read as I quickly skim the shelves of my local library.  By no means is quick fiction all that I read, but it is part of my weekly routine.  So what does this have to do with cake? Recently I picked up two books off the shelf

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-56620939498762239002010-12-03T09:23:00.005-07:002010-12-03T09:23:00.760-07:00

Emma over at The Marion House blog has been examining her house room by room to identify whether or not she's staying on message with her personal style.  Since I'd been thinking about this idea myself, today's post is about clarifying my vision for my house in general, and my living room in particular. To begin with, nothing in my living room reflects my current tastes.  I kind of hate it.  It

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-21222835899267869072010-12-01T12:12:00.000-07:002010-12-01T12:12:46.289-07:00

I admit, neither of these remotely references Christmas, but I like both wrappings nonetheless.  I used poster sized photographs printed on matte bond paper that were tests from back when I had access to a large scale plotter-- one was they sky at dawn and the other just after dusk.  The sunrise wrapping, with its pastel colors, probably should have adorned a baby shower gift... but I wrapped

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-51363013284542036282010-11-29T11:55:00.000-07:002010-11-29T11:55:41.834-07:00

We had a lovely Thanksgiving despite the cold.  It should be cold on Thanksgiving, right?  It's late November after all!  We celebrate Thanksgiving most years with a large group of family friends, all of whom are excellent cooks.  The day is spent in an idyllic New Mexico location, and always includes a hike before dinner.  Can't get any better than that!  No photos because sometimes its nice to

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-31282598584798339312010-11-25T08:50:00.000-07:002010-11-25T08:50:07.517-07:00

Brr, woke up to a dusting of snow this morning and completely grey skies.  It's making for a stay inside in front of the fire type of Thanksgiving.  Good and cozy!  Happy Thanksgiving!

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-65856495126440774712010-11-22T15:16:00.000-07:002010-11-22T15:16:06.028-07:00

The weekend had non-bread related moments, of course, like battling the pre-holiday crowds at TJ Maxx.  That was hellish, but resulted in the purchase of a really great gift for a friend, as well as a bag of Lindt White Chocolate Lindor truffles for me.  So good.  The older I get the lighter I seem to like my chocolate. First bread related item: Afghani Bread, $3.00 from Ariana Halal Market.

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-75914460184427303622010-11-19T16:44:00.000-07:002010-11-19T16:44:56.091-07:00

My first attempt at virtual decorating was to get my friend Kelly excited about her new condo.  It was so fun that I mocked up a couple of room options for my mom and myself.  I've made a few more since then, but never gotten around to blogging them. The boards below were made to help an old family friend redecorate the living room in her new(ish) house.  She rented for decades in and around

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-58497909160136826732010-11-16T08:00:00.008-07:002010-11-16T08:54:14.726-07:00

I introduced my mom to the concept of blogs by the countless links I send her of things that I think are cool.  She has since introduced me to a couple of blogs in return.  One of them is Lesley Téllez's The Mija Chronicles, where she blogs about learning to cook Mexican food as a young Mexican American expat currently living in Mexico City.  Back in September Lesley bought some huauzontle at

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-15528929404031846362010-11-15T11:57:00.001-07:002010-11-15T21:55:07.540-07:00

Why do I keep posting so many recipes for tomatillos?  Its because they grow like weeds and produce hundreds of fruits per plant, yet most of the recipes that I see on a regular basis are either for tomatillo salsa, or a green sauce for enchiladas.  I've been trying to broaden their range in my cooking repertoire and incorporate them into non-Mexican food dishes. A couple of weeks ago my mom

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-13461177987303594792010-11-15T08:00:00.000-07:002010-11-15T08:00:05.924-07:00

I showed you my sourdough starter on Thursday, and this weekend I made my first loaf of bread from it. I read a lot of recipes, and had planned to use one from Chocolate & Zucchini, but since most of her measurements are in grams, and I don't have a kitchen scale, I had to look elsewhere.  I ended up going with this recipe from S. John Ross.  It turned out pretty well, but there are definitely

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-67508815781421047952010-11-12T22:10:00.000-07:002010-11-12T22:10:10.614-07:00

The exhibit of Antonio Pineda jewelry at the Folk Art was fantastic.  If you like jewelry in particular, and design in general, and can get there before January 2, I urge you to go.  For more images and history you can buy the exhibition catalog on Amazon.  I'm tempted.  I didn't take my camera, because I kind of hate taking photos in museums, and it's often prohibited, but I did dig up a couple

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-693101644229792902010-11-12T12:00:00.001-07:002010-11-12T12:00:01.427-07:00

I guess in the 1950s you wanted your jewelry designer to have that bad boy charm.   Pic from here. Unless the weather takes a turn for the worse, I'm currently up in Santa Fe where the Museum of International Folk Art has an exhibit of the work of Mexican modernist jewelry designer Antonio Pineda.  I've seen crystal and bullet necklaces all over the web lately, but I'll bet this was the

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-99565912135791952010-11-11T22:43:00.000-07:002010-11-11T22:43:50.780-07:00

I'm out of sorts with the internet.  I'm finding it hard to keep up with all of the blog posts that I have planned.  I have several started, but not finished.  I also just finished reading the newest issue of Lonny magazine, haven't even looked at Covet Garden yet, and have shows stacking up in my Hulu queue.  I'm just lacking energy when it comes to the web.  Is it Fall?  Maybe it's Season Four

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-78395212992987528232010-11-11T21:43:00.000-07:002010-11-11T21:43:22.612-07:00

It's not much to look at is it?  I'm really excited about it nonetheless because it's my very first sourdough starter and it sort of came about by accident.  My mom makes her own yogurt, which is super simple.  When you do so, you always keep about a half cup of yogurt to add into the mix for the new batch.   The live cultures are what ferment the new batch into yogurt.  A couple weeks ago, a

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-26353358381080332702010-11-10T13:00:00.002-07:002010-11-10T21:16:58.914-07:00

I'm not a frappaccino drinker, I prefer a plain latte when I go to a coffee shop, and at home I make strong coffee and lighten it with half & half.  In other words, no sweet coffee for me.  Except every once in a while, when an affogato really hits the spot.  I don't think I'd ever had an affogato until I went to Italy, and I don't often see it on menus here in the southwest, but its the perfect

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-83836997473420356312010-11-06T14:29:00.000-06:002010-11-06T14:29:53.798-06:00

When I was saying that our fall color is primarily yellow, I wasn't kidding.  These are the elms that run along the irrigation ditch at the back of the property at dusk yesterday.

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-76172554153979299462010-11-05T13:58:00.001-06:002010-11-05T14:04:02.702-06:00

When I say that I live on the urban/rural edge, I really mean it.  Our house is in a neighborhood, we have city water, sewer, etc., and it only takes ten minutes on city streets to reach downtown.  However, due to the large lots, acequia systems, county distinction that allows for lot of farm animals per acre, we have a lot of nature at hand too.  I've found and collected all kinds of interesting

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-56607494497141089642010-11-05T10:44:00.000-06:002010-11-05T10:44:27.119-06:00

Yep, I spent all day yesterday in leisure pursuits, and today will be mostly chores to make up for it.  I was gone most of the day yesterday looking for Fall color in the form of bigtooth maples in the 4th of July Canyon.  New Mexico is primarily yellow when it comes to Fall leaves-- our aspens turn yellow, our cottonwoods too.  Beautiful, especially against our insanely blue skies, but

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-84069562154672710932010-11-04T18:48:00.000-06:002010-11-04T18:48:28.748-06:00

This weather is making it impossible to stay inside.  This is one of my favorite parts of the property.

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-21196979464570627282010-11-02T17:14:00.000-06:002010-11-02T17:14:17.795-06:00

Wow, I feel like I was a posting machine for a couple of weeks and then wham-- radio silence.  I didn't burn out or anything, just got involved in finishing up a couple of projects that have kept me away from the computer.  One of them is making bunting flags for my friend's baby shower.  I wanted to contribute something to the decor that wasn't disposable and could be used to decorate her

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-26382524906145928462010-10-28T10:27:00.000-06:002010-10-28T10:27:49.507-06:00

West Elm, Geo side table, $199 but no longer available! Ugh, stupid chain stores and your philosophies.  I'm really mad at West Elm right now.  I've mentioned before that I'm on the hunt for an affordable, attractive, round coffee table, and I thought I may have found it at West Elm.  It was still too expensive for me at $199, and I was hoping it would go on sale at a time that I might be able

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-64081197304922245052010-10-27T13:48:00.000-06:002010-10-27T13:48:42.682-06:00

I've been craving gingerbread now that Fall has arrived and I knew it was the perfect recipe to find in a vintage cookbook.  Looking through the stack of old cookbooks I hit the jackpot in terms of gingerbread, this 1948 Brer Rabbit's Molasses Company cookbook.  A lot of the old cookbooks that I've bought at estate sales are of this variety-- an extended advertisement for a product.  Many others

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-79825375755668088402010-10-26T15:43:00.002-06:002010-10-26T15:44:41.914-06:00

This is the second to last book that I'm going to feature for October's National Book Month.  I ordered this book online, sight unseen and was very happy when it arrived.  It was written as part of the Penn Studies in Landscape Architecture, from the University of Pennsylvania Press.  Penn has one of the best known departments of Landscape Architecture in the country, with faculty who are well

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-3403753464763258432010-10-26T10:32:00.000-06:002010-10-26T10:32:58.297-06:00

We had our first hard freeze last night, so all of the tender veggies are no more.  I'm okay with that, it's kind of nice to be done with the watering season.  This is a photo of what I've been harvesting over the last couple of weeks.  Last night my mom and gathered a big basket of green tomatoes, tomatillos, the last zucchinis and basil.  It was dark when we finished, so no picture. Now just

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-62210699350386977972010-10-25T15:56:00.000-06:002010-10-25T15:56:32.947-06:00

I think I'm on to something here.  I made a pizza last week that used prepared molé sauce instead of a tomato sauce or pesto.  I'm sure someone else has thought of this, but I'd never heard of it.  (Google tells me I'm right, of course others have tried it, but most seem to have kept it Mexican in theme, and I took it in a totally different direction).  It was good!  As I've talked about before

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-62745518690440129672010-10-25T13:38:00.000-06:002010-10-25T13:38:35.353-06:00

View from the top of La Bajada hill. This weekend was a combination of staying home to get chores done, and going up to Santa Fe to have a little fun and help a friend with some design related work.  Saturday was a mix of very cloudy and partly cloudy, making for some pretty dramatic scenery on the drive to and from Santa Fe.   The main purpose of the trip was to help our friend Linda with

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-51294597279685873792010-10-22T13:22:00.000-06:002010-10-22T13:22:55.580-06:00

I'm still feeling under the weather and it's overcast and cool here today, which means that I'm planning not to leave the property all day.  In order to bring a little fun into my day, I cut some fall flowers to adorn my kitchen.  The zinnias are in their prime right now, but we're bound to get a frost soon, so I figured I'd better cut some before it's too late.  The red spikes are from the

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-16111250207956796102010-10-21T13:30:00.000-06:002010-10-21T13:30:12.696-06:00

In honor of October being National Book Month, I'm sharing my favorite books and have moved into the realm of books for adults.  Or very precocious children. It rained here last night, which was lovely, but seems to have triggered some cold/allergy symptoms that have left me feeling a bit beaten up this morning.  I'm going to forego my usual wordiness and leave you with the following pictures of

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-88129737278757933852010-10-20T10:46:00.001-06:002010-10-20T10:47:03.153-06:00

  Yeah, a cookbook from the 70s isn't quite what I had in mind when I decided to start the Vintage Kitchen series, but those older books just haven't been catching my eye lately.  And since I was born prior to 1977, I'm not so thrilled to be calling this cookbook vintage, believe me.  However, if I were selling a blouse from the 70s on eBay I'd call it vintage, so the same applies here, right?  

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-67859091915003122222010-10-19T09:14:00.000-06:002010-10-19T09:14:17.985-06:00

I'm guest posting at one of my favorite blogs today, The Marion House Book!  Emma is a designer in Toronto with one of the best real-life houses on the web.  Its a Victorian that's filled with modern furnishings and cool art.  She's got spot-on good taste, takes her own photos, and styles them perfectly.  Her blog is almost exclusively original content, which I love, and her comments section is

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-90802564380990900352010-10-18T18:05:00.000-06:002010-10-18T18:05:51.974-06:00

More favorite books in honor of National Book Month. Today I'm going to wrap up the children's book posts, because I know I'm getting a little bored with them, so no doubt you are too! When my mom and I moved to San Francisco I was four and couldn't yet read.  We were staying with friends while looking for an apartment, and in that time most of our belongings were in storage.  That meant that

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-80711869978657031852010-10-18T17:01:00.000-06:002010-10-18T17:01:23.633-06:00

Remember this dress I purchased back in July as part of a big vintage haul?  Vintage 80's drop waist that needed a complete overhaul to work for my body type in 2010.  It's silk, and I really liked the intense red and fuschia floral pattern.  Obviously I thought I could make something wearable out of it.  I cut off the skirt, removed the sash, turned it front to back and deepened the yoke,

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-87860390292545351742010-10-16T15:47:00.001-06:002010-10-16T15:47:50.190-06:00

Continuing my October posts in honor of National Book Month, I'm showing two of the kids books that may have made me want to become a Landscape Architect.   I don't actually know if I believe that books you love as a child influence your later life, but if they do, then this top book by Peter Spier could explain my love of garden design and Italy.  To this day its one of my absolute favorites. 

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-44910050551900962172010-10-16T12:50:00.001-06:002010-10-16T15:48:19.509-06:00

I picked up this Danish enameled cast iron pot at an estate sale yesterday.  Well, actually my mom bought it for me.  Thanks Mom!  Its small, and much more of a peacock blue than it looks in these photos.  Its a gorgeous little pot, although the small size leaves me wondering what to make in it.  Maybe something ultra rich that you only want to eat a little of, like a chocolate souffle?  I've

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-58854581855102892852010-10-15T21:49:00.000-06:002010-10-15T21:49:16.525-06:00

When I was a kid my mom and I lived in San Francisco for a year while she attended art school.  At some point during that year I acquired this book in Chinatown, which I loved for it's beautiful illustrations.  It wasn't until I was in college and a friend's Chinese fiancé freaked out when I lent him this book, that I realized that it had a communist message.  (He freaked out with excitement and

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-56963420002414891032010-10-15T18:52:00.000-06:002010-10-15T18:52:33.053-06:00

This morning I logged onto the J.Crew site to check out sweater options.  My favorite cardigan is worn so thin that its become see through.  Not so good.  The image above came up on the screen and I swear, I thought that someone had hacked the J.Crew site and photoshopped hairy legs onto this poor model.  Really hairy legs.  I laughed out loud.  Its funny isn't it?  Then I figured out that its

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-59054086941305890772010-10-14T15:00:00.000-06:002010-10-14T15:00:51.421-06:00

Remember last month when I made and froze a bunch of pies?  No?  Well, maybe I forgot to tell you about making extras and freezing them, but I did it.  Today I was very happy with myself.  I'm feeling a little under the weather, probably just allergies or something.  I needed a little treat, and this mini-pie is going to do just the trick.  Yum, I'm going to go eat it right now! Just out of

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-42218583484076403702010-10-14T14:12:00.002-06:002010-10-14T14:16:46.421-06:00

I've had children's books on my mind lately because I'm trying to put together a selection of some of the my old favorites to give to my best friend for her new baby.  I'm a book lover, for certain, and I've kept quite a few of my old books.  In honor of October being National Book Month, I thought I'd post about some of them throughout the rest of the month.  I'm going to start with children's

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-78687154587372955862010-10-11T17:44:00.002-06:002010-10-11T17:56:11.691-06:00

Albuquerque has some distinctly Fall traditions.  The smell of roasting green chile in the air, and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta amongst the best.  Despite having grown up in Albuquerque, I've never actually been to the Balloon Fiesta for an ascension.  I tried to go once, but after waking up at 4:30 in the morning to pouring rain, after which it was cancelled, it never seemed

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-86690002891874800672010-10-08T14:43:00.000-06:002010-10-08T14:43:21.826-06:00

Original grey steel shelves. Painted!  White to blend with the walls. I'm slowly loading them with books, magazines and other things. Whew, I finally finished painting the shelves for my mom's living room.  I never want to paint metal furniture again if I can help it, although I did learn some important lessons.  One, buy a good spray primer.  Then buy at least twice as much spray paint

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-80521517281119537662010-10-08T08:33:00.001-06:002010-10-08T11:15:13.994-06:00

We had a brief sun shower this morning.  Just little harmless looking clouds like this made it rain for about three minutes.  Luckily I didn't miss it!  I made a little video which will be available via vimeo once it processes.  Could take up to two hours this morning. (Sigh).  I'll just edit the post to add it in once it finishes, and I'll be back later with an update on one of those pesky

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-54174173221531722862010-10-04T14:40:00.001-06:002010-10-14T15:03:22.788-06:00

I made this dish a few weeks ago after my friend Deirdre brought me a mixed bunch of chard and kale.  I looked around the kitchen and saw a lot of tomatillos sitting on the counter, and the idea of a gratin popped into my head.  As I've said before, I've been trying to use tomatillos in as many non-Mexican dishes as possible, just to extend their range.  This gratin turned out so well that I'll

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-81141889907626519182010-10-02T23:09:00.000-06:002010-10-02T23:09:23.048-06:00

Part two of Friday Fun is house related. Remember the site plan I shared a couple of months ago? This is the floor plan of my house. It's about a 1000 square feet in size. Based on stories from the neighbors, I think it was built in the mid-to late 1940s. That makes sense when thinking of greater Albuquerque, because it had a huge boom post-WWII. My Mom's house probably dates to the 1920s

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-18366736996935203662010-10-01T17:20:00.000-06:002010-10-01T17:20:06.779-06:00

This is starting to look formulaic with me posting another thrifting expedition on Friday Fun. Except I'm cheating a little because my planned post isn't finished. So I'm posting images from my thrifting trip on Tuesday, which I didn't post on Wednesday due to Blogger not wanting to upload any photos for me. That hasn't changed, I'm still having to cheat that too.  Anyway, on Tuesday I had lunch

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-70567068773818738452010-09-29T18:42:00.000-06:002010-09-29T18:42:34.620-06:00

I'm feeling sleepy today and no amount of caffeine seems to be helping. So far I've had a huge mug of chai, a huge mug of coffee, and a huge mug of strong black tea. I have reached the point where I'm not wanting to go back to bed and nap, but I'm certainly not feeling 100%.  In an attempt to get myself going I've tried both indoor and outdoor tasks on my to-do list. You know how sometimes you

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-15752556692983786382010-09-26T18:29:00.000-06:002010-09-26T18:29:37.583-06:00

My very best friend is having a baby!  Holy mackerel will it be a cute baby.  (It's a boy).  I can already see that I'm going to be one of those fake-aunt crazy ladies who buys/makes tons of things for her kid.  Luckily she's an only child, so there are no real aunts whose toes I'll be stepping on.  I spent the morning brainstorming an imaginary nursery for her.  She and her husband are about to

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-71209363006947830022010-09-20T14:45:00.000-06:002010-09-20T14:45:17.467-06:00

Spirit of the Earth: Native Cooking from Latin America by Beverly Cox & Martin Jacobs. Last week my friend Maggie mentioned that she's been making variations of quinoa everyday.  It reminded me of all of the ways I like to eat quinoa, particularly this recipe for a hot breakfast drink.  It comes from one of my mom's cookbooks, full of recipes from South America, and is really more a part of her

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-21045289034412201602010-09-20T14:38:00.000-06:002010-09-20T14:38:05.088-06:00

Nothing very exciting happened this weekend.  It was mostly putting up food for the winter-- more refrigerator dills, more green chile roasting, making and freezing pesto, and making an freezing tomatillo salsa.  There was also brunch with friends at Café Green downtown.  I had veggie crepes and my friends both had the Dutch baby pancake.  Delicious. What I failed to do was actually pick

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-7997142989170241952010-09-17T16:42:00.000-06:002010-09-17T16:42:05.328-06:00

This is my first grade school picture.  I was wearing a brown and blue liberty print dress, which was pretty awesome in retrospect, but a year or so after it was taken I thought this was the most boring outfit ever, and felt the need to embellish each remaining copy with glitter.  It makes me laugh, because I think it pretty much sums up my personality to this day.  A fairly boring dresser most

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8454265932392150863.post-25184275861130077162010-09-13T19:23:00.000-06:002010-09-13T19:23:09.834-06:00

It's still hot here despite feeling like the beginning of Fall.  What does that mean from a culinary perspective?  It means that we still eat a lot of meals outside like it's summer, but its not too hot to use the oven, and those more wintery means of preparation start to sound appealing.  You know, like braising or roasting. Last week I wanted something hardier than a green salad for dinner,

S@shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329629158498598528noreply@blogger.com3