Flour 'n Flowers

Black and White

2009-09-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

So my art style is strictly pen and ink.....black and white. I think pen and inks, or any black and white art for that matter, is strong and poetic. It brings a calming feeling to me when I see it. While searching thru etsy just to see what was out there I can across this guy John Clark and his shop. I must say I LOVE his work. I would like 3-4 of these so I can line them down or across a wall to make a statement. Great Work!

I promise to draw.....

2009-09-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

I promise to start drawing again. This is what I keep saying to myself. And I swear I am slowly but surely getting there. I just need a really nice craft/art space. So I am in the process, of trying to make it happen. If I can create a crafting space like the one above, I would be in pure heaven. I already have a large old antique sideboard that I refinished and then "shabby chiced" it.

I don't know why I don't put my pic's up of me doing these projects. I will try and be better. Maybe I can document the process of putting together my crafting space. Yeah!!!! Keep those good vibes coming my way. I have got to get my drawing back on track.

My Dream Yard

2009-08-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

My yard is a purrrr-T disaster! I am trying so so sooo hard. But wow, its a lot of work. My hubs works and is getting his masters, so really doesn't have time to help. Plus he is just not that into it. Not like I am. And thats cool. I love it enough for the both of us. He helps when he can and thats enough. But, I have no real training in landscaping. I am an artist, so I can visulize what I want( that doesn't mean it will work though). I quess what I am afriad of is I have bit off more than I can chew. Well see.....hahahaahahahaha.............
I will put up photos tomorrow of all the work I have done. And you will see that even though I have done allllll this work it doesn't look like I have done much. Having a yard is hard work. I want my Fairy Godmother to come down and poof my yard into shape so it looks like the picture above...my dream yard :)

Old Doors n More

2009-08-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

I love old doors and windows. They are the coolest! Check out how some really creative people have used old doors and windows to brighten up some places in their homes. I have several projects I am working on right now. And these pictures gave me inspiration. I will post my projects soon :)

Julie and Julia

2009-08-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

I have been so excited about this movie coming out. I know that it has gotten an overwhelming amount of coverage, good and bad. But I wanted to see it for the personal connection I felt toward the movie. We all have those feelings towards stories or events taking place in this world. And I know I am not the only person who feels this way about this particular story.

So with that said, I had to see it. I have been in love with Julia Child since I truly attempted to cook. I have a couple of her books such as kitchen wisdom, My life in France, and of course her cook books. And the one that is most treasured is the first edition version of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". I got this book years ago and have used it to teach myself the basics and simplicities of recipes such a quiche, pie crust, stocks and much more.

So when I heard this girl who felt trapped in her mundane existence carried out such a challenge I was all about seeing it. But there is an even deeper connection. Julie Powell has PCOS. So I don't know............. Its cool to see women with obstacle placed before them overcome them. And see how they did it. Life is a wild ride, and this girl challenged herself and has met that challenge. That in itself is something :)

FALL!!!!!

2009-08-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

I love the fall in NC. The season seems to last for months. Crisp air, bright blue skys, bright pink sunsets with splashes of bright yellow and fire reds from the outlines of the trees. I just can't get enough. I especially LOVE pumpkins. I love love love LOVE pumpkins :)
I love to carve them, paint them, eat them, whatever. We just built a new Patio and I can't wait to load it up with bright mums, hay bails and pumpkins of all types.
AHHHHHHHH Yes. I can see it now, me sitting on the patio, a hot cup of tea, the cold air running all over me, all the while surroounded by the colors and smells of sweet Fall.

WOW!

2009-08-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! Okay I am the worst at keeping this thing updated. I started this mostly for family across the states. I need to be better for sure. Opps...hahaahaha! oh well, we can only do the best we can. So things have been sooooooo busy.

My sis had a babe, and my mom was here for a month, then my dad came a bit later. Things have been insanely busy. I am trying to give my baking an honest shot. The PIT in downtown raleigh is selling some of my stuff, and they even took my ginger snaps to the James Beard Award dinner in NY. I was so excited. They have a secret ingredient. But I am keeping that one close to the heart for a bit. Those who are close to me know what it is. I have developed a logo, and am working on packaging, and all sorts of stuff. And we have a meeting next week to get a commercial kitchen.

Things are going well. Yeah!

Pros and Cons of working in the garden

2009-05-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

So I was working in the garden today. I planted a Purple Ash Tree, and 22 hostas. While I was digging a hole I brushed the leaves away, and to my horror I realized I had chopped the head off of a NC Earth Snake. I ran screaming and crying into my house. Not from fear of the snake but from fear of myself???of the shovel???? of the immediate knot in my stomach and throat that I had as soon as I saw what I did to this amazing creature. It took me awhile to muster up the courage to go back out there and face what I had done :( I was a mess! I picked it up and Tirra and I had a burial for it. I continued to garden very carefully and to my surprise I found 2 more very small earth snakes. I Picked them up and moved them far from any place we would garden again. That made me feel a little better.

And to top it all off. I took a bunch of pictures of the work I did, before and after, and of the lil snakes I found wrapped all around my hand...... when i came in to download the pictures I realized I forgot to put in my memory card....sigh! Oh well. Such is life.

BLUEBIRDS!

2009-05-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

So Did you know that the NC Blue Bird used to be the most common bird in NC? But due to humans clear cutting all the natural habitats these birds need and DDT being used, the population droped over 90%. Putting the NC Bluebird on the endagered species list. But with the help of people who are passionate about conservation the bluebird is making a comeback. When we bought this house one of the top five favorite things that sold me was that there was a bluebird house. For many reasons. One, the woman who lived here probally didn't use many chemicals, if any on her grass, because bluebirds are extremly sensitive to it and will die, or their eggs will be so thin they will break. So that was good, cause I am not a fan of chemicals. I am so passionate about wildlife, that the thought of having a bird nesting in my back yard, that is trying to make a comeback was so exciting. So the first year, I had no luck. Lil rhens nested there. But this year was the jack pot! We had Bluebirds!!!! I mad sure to keep my bird bath full so they would have plenty of water, and tried to keep my grass mowed so they could find there food easy. And I couldn't help myself, but every now and then I would pull a stool up and peak in :) Top photo is by virtualprojectpoint.wordpress.com/ The bottom Photo by dheiser.myncblogs.com/about-2/

Chickens and Tirra????

2009-05-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

So we are very seriously considering a chicken coop in our back yard. But we are not sure how Tirra will do with the chickens??? She is so great around cats. Not so much around puppy's, and she attacked and killed a possum once! I was so upset and cried for the posum for days. I felt Like I no longer knew my sweet tirra. But she is so chill. If only I could put a video up of her? Maybe I will do that. So I am not to worried about the chickens. We will see. Does anyone else have a dog and chickens? How do they do?

And she is Blooming!

2009-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of the many orchids I have brought back from near death. She is having a flower!!!! Yeah! It is a hobby of mine to buy the orchids that nurseries and greenhouses are about to throw in the trash. I nurse them back to health. Some are lost, I just can't save them. But sometimes I make them spring back to life. They just needed a little love and care. Orchids remind me of the sensitive and beautiful side of human nature. The side I like the most. Sensitive, Strong, Sexy, independent-but needs love and care. Unique, and flowers every now and then :)

Save This House!!!

2009-05-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

In the blog Elements of Style I came across the post that talked about this house La Ronda. It is under threat of being torn down because it does not have AC. Really????? Why in the world someone would want to do this is beyond me. We live in a time where these problems can be fixed. And they have the opportunity to even make this house shine. They could install more "green alternatives to cooling the home. Bringing old fave to face with the future. In my opinion the owners of this house do not need or deserve this house. Why would you buy an old home when there is plenty of land to build your over sized estate on? Just for location? Give me a break! Just Sick!

The one I missed

2009-05-14T05:49:00.001-07:00

Siiiiiiiiigh.....this is the chair I bid on. I stopped at $175.00 The next bid was $200.00. I should have done it. But oh well. It is hand crewel fabric. The fabric was made for this chair. It was slightly raised. And this picture does not give it justice. If I were a buyer for Anthropologie I would have snatched it up and had them make reproductions. Then they would have sold this chair across the US for $900.00 a chair. No joke! Oh well nothing I can do now.....Saaaaaaaaaaaaad FACE!

OMG!

2009-05-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

OMG! I have not posted since April 30th. I have had a very busy couple weeks. I have been working on the store and baking my butt off. Its been good! But tired of 18 hour days. Oh well....such as life. So far I have sold a lot. I have made my rent for next month and that was my number one goal. So yeah! The month is not over and I have made my rent...yeah! I will take some pictures of what I am baking and post them up here next time I bake. My mom is in town and we have been having a blast. We went to an auction the other day and I bid on mostly box lots of some neat stuff. I did bid on a chair and lost. I am soooooooo sad. It is one of those things I will remember for years to come and get kinda sad when I think about it. It was so beautiful. Kinda like when I think about about I left my blanki on the freaking greyhound bus in the 9th grade while going to see a friend. I had it since I was born., I still get a knot in my stomach over that on. Oh well.

Store is Opening This FRIDAY!!!!

2009-04-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

I am so excited...the store Affordable Chic is opening this Friday! I will have a booth there, but I am still waiting on my candles and aprons to come in. Oh well. Nervelessness, I am so pumped, it is looking really cute. There is old and new, smooth and rough, shabby and clean. Something for everyone. Plus delicious goodies in the bistro. Come check it out!

Tea Party!!!!!

2009-04-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

My sister in Law is getting married, and there will be a tea party in her honor this weekend :) I am so excited! I can't help but to see an image of Alice in Wonderland when I think of tea parties. I am going to get started on my hat! Stay tuned :)

You have got to be kidding me!

2009-04-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, so why is it that when it comes to a woman's health that ONE it is understudied, and TWO they use pictures like this.....It is misery. I mean even in herpes commercials they have people frolicking thru fields of flowers. I mean look at this blog post by Suburban Turmoil. She makes fun of these crazy ads. When it comes to womens health people just shun away. They don't want to talk about it. I laughed out loud when I saw this. Obviously there are women in the herpes adds smiling but this add is about sex, and thats my popint if the add involves sex, or men then its all smiles and everything will work out just fine if you take said pill. I mean it is just so terrible. I know one girl in this add is smiling, but I mean come on, they had to put one girl in there smiling. I mean the other 2 look so miserable, like someone just told them there va-j-j want ever work again. Ha!!!! And if you still don't believe that women with infertilty or who are sick or who have pcos or are overweight are regarded as depressed, misserable, people in the advertisment world then just look at this add of male inferlity, or the one where they need Viagra...... Beautiful men or fun and games. I mean...........

Celebs With PCOS

2009-04-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article I found about celebrities with PCOS.

Flourless Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-04-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah! So I am not really supposed to eat flour. Okay and sugar, but gah...come-on! A girl has to have PB and chocolate sometimes. So anyway, when I need a fix I make these, so good. You should try them out:

Ingredients:

1 cup super chunky peanut butter
1 cup (packed) brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (about 6 ounces), miniature works best

Prep:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Mix in chocolate chips. Using moistened hands, form 1 tablespoon dough for each cookie into ball. Arrange on 2 ungreased baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Bake cookies until puffed, golden on bottom and still soft to touch in center, about 12 minutes. Cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer to racks; cool completely.

Best Chicken Ever!

2009-04-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

So we love chicken, especially if its done right. This is soooo easy. But remember to try and get FREE FORAGING chickens. Ones that are out scratching in the dirt and eating bugs :) They are happy and healthy. I try and buy from small local farms. Here in Raleigh I buy them from one lady only and she is at the State Farmers Market. We try to not eat meat to much, but when we do we make sure it is yummy and healthy. Unfortunately I don't have my camera fixed yet...sad face! This picture came with the recipe on epecurious. Check out the recipe and pictures here.....so good!

Boys and Fashion

2009-04-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

OMG! Okay first off, I am not a real fashion kinda girl. But not because I don't like it, I love looking at fasion ideas and seeing other people wear daring outfits and a brights colors, feathers on their heads and what not. Its funny cause with everything else in life I push the envelope and live outside the box/line/rules. But clothes I am so boring. Ha!!! But not as boring as a mans suit. I have been complaing about mens suits to my hubs for years. They suck. So plain. Gah! But then I saw these suits on the blog Elements of Style by Erin Gates (who by the way is an AMAZING designer, i love to just get lost in dreams of "I want" while looking at her site) These are so great! The hubs will be so excited. Very nice, very very nice.

For Sarah

2009-04-22T14:10:00.001-07:00

Though I am so new to all this, and still learning to do blogging the right way, I have always liked to read blogs. One of my favorite blogs to read in by Sarah Ahearn. First off, I loooooove her art. It is so creative, and unique. It has a raw/rough energy to it, and yet a smooth and peaceful feel as well. Her etsy store is fun to look at too. Once we get our patio and garden shed built I am going to spend what money is left and buy a set of 3 and put them along one of the walls to keep all my plants company. I am so excited :)
So I am writing this because her grandmother just died and she wrote a blurp about what she was doing today( really tuesday) and then asked what her readers are doing today.....so this is what my day was like:

I woke up, made my coffee and walked outside to look at my yard and felt overwhelmed by all the work that needs to be done, but so excited to start the dreaming process of whats to come :)

I took my Tirra to the vet ( she is a screamer at the vet just pure-TEE embarrassing) and it cost me $375.00.....that is a sad point. Ha!

I moved into my booth and I am working on all my tags for Natural Selection (my shop) . yeah!

I talked to my husband about 10 times (the usual), because we can not seem to live if we don't hear eachother at least once an hour.....too funny!

I learned about Sarahs grandmother which lead me to think of my 96 year old Mama (grandmother) and how I fear missing her.

Life is a short ride, and I am always so thankful that I keep meeting and reading and learning about amazing people and artist like Sarah. Thank you!

La Vita Lola

2009-04-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

So like I was saying before, this weekend was my sister in laws bachelorette party. We also had a bridesmaids lunch, where she gave all of us the most amazing gifts. These clutches made by an artist on Etsy. Her company is called La Vita Lola. All of her clutches are sooo cute. My sis in law had all of ours made by picking out fabrics that reminded her of us as individulas. Mine was a butterfly because I am in love with butterflies. They are so magical :)

bachelorette party

2009-04-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my Sister In Laws bachelorette party. It was a BLAST. The maid of Honor did a great job planning all the events, and this is a picture of all us girls at our spa party. Good times!

Uh-Oh!

2009-04-19T19:02:00.001-07:00

Oh NOOOO....... I have found a new something I am in love with. Just one more thing to add to my "want list". These amazing Decoupage's by John Derian. I love love love these. So pretty and vintage.

We passed!

2009-04-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

So I passed the inspection! Yeah! I have been busy baking stuff for a couple local women who order things from me at least once a week, and this past weekend I made a HUGE birthday cake for them . Sweet. I don't have pictures cause I need a new card :( But I will start posting pictures soon. Also a woman who does huge fundraisers for wake med, had a piece of pie I made for a local restaurant and loved it so much she asked for my number. She contacted me, and I am going to be making a ton of stuff for her and the fundraiser. Very exciting!!! Chick Here to see who the fundraiser is for this time.

Inspector!!!

2009-04-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

So I am siting at my cousins house, and we are waiting for the health inspector to get here to certify her kitchen. We clean and scrubed all night last night. Moved things around and what not. It looks really good. So keep your fingers crossed that it will pass so I can start baking in mass amounts for various resturaunts. Yeah! If all fails, at least she has a sparkling kitchen :)

Affordable Chic

2009-04-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

So I am going to be managing a store called Affordable Chic here in Raleigh. We are in the process of moving in. I will have a store there. The name of my store is Natural Selection. I am sooooo excited. I will have all sorts of neat stuff. I will be selling Capri Blue Candles, Jessie Steele Aprons, and all sorts of cool vintage and antique finds. As well as my own art work and things I am revamping. Here is the Blog for Affordable Chic, and the address is at the bottom. I will also be baking for Affordable Chic. That's right, they will have a very small, but very cute bakery. So Come see us!!!

I need a Trim

2009-04-16T12:49:00.001-07:00

I need to get my hair cut by a pro in the worst way. But every time I go, they get sooooo excited about my hair they can not stop themselves from continuing to cut and cut. See my hair comes to the middle/small of my back. It is really thick and curly. And at present I cut it myself. I have been to have my hair cut only a few times in a salon. They kinda freak me out. The first time was in a mid twenties crisis, and was in Italy. All the girls there have straight silky hair and are way more into fashion and looks than us americans, therefore have their hair tended to more often. Needless to say, they were shocked by my hair. Second time was right before I got married, again I was in an extreme emotional overload, and the third was after my PCOS issues had been discovered and I had a melt down about the weight gain, so I went to california to see my parents and had it cut....i left crying. Poor lady, poor mom, and poor husband. I was not consolable. I think I have a fear of Salons, and this picture, I found on Shorpy, helps solidify that fear. What is a curly headed girl to do?

I love to Revamp!

2009-04-16T12:39:00.001-07:00

Check out this lamp by the Junk Brothers. They took an old toaster, and turned it into an awesome lamp! This would be perfect for a patio. I would go with an even older one, and pain it white or something, so cool!

Favorite Snack for this Week.......YUMMMM

2009-04-15T18:58:00.001-07:00

So this week Me and the hubs are loving brie and artisan breads, with oils and vinegars infused with various herbs.

I Dream of A Bike

2009-04-15T18:49:00.001-07:00

OMG.OMG.OMG! These are the coolest helmets I have ever seen. And when I find my dream bike I will have one of these helmets from yakkay to go with it :)

I Dream of A Bike

2009-04-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

I Dream of a bike. One that I can spend hours with, forgetting my worries. I dream of a bike that has 2 baskets so I can carry all my lil thrift store and flea market finds in. I dream of a bike that my blankets, bags, books, and magazines will fit in for the ride to the nearest park to lay down and relax in. I dream of a bike with a bell to ring for fun. I dream of a bike.

Laundry BLUES!!!!!

2009-04-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

So I have a serious objection towards laundry. It makes me mad and sad, and is by far my least favorite of all household chores. I avoid it at all cost, which is just silly because it always catches up to you, and then you are screwed, and are doing laundry for hours.....which is where I am at now. ahhhhhh.......So, while sitting here in my chair dreading the next load of laundry to be done I thought I would look up things that could help me enjoy looking at my laundry....And I found these purdy bags. Surly if I had these ruffled or bright bags, I would have a great time doing all my clothes. Or at least It would look like it fun. Ha!

Spring in France

2009-04-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Japan in Spring

2009-04-15T17:46:00.001-07:00

New York In Spring

2009-04-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Namibia In Spring

2009-04-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

Spring in Netherlands

2009-04-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Tulip fields!!!!! OMG......I just want to run and skip thru these fields for days :)

Spring is here

2009-04-15T17:24:00.001-07:00

I love the color white for flowers and blooms in the spring. Such a fresh and clean color, for a fresh and clean season. I love spring in North Carolina.

PCOS

2009-04-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

So I have PCOS. PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrom. And I want to use my blog as a way to communicate with other women who have it. I am new to the blog world, but I am not new to PCOS. I am 30 years old, and I found out I had PCOS in 2003.

What is PCOS: It is an endocrine disorder that affects approximately 5% of all women. It occurs amongst all races and nationalities, it is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and is a leading cause of infertility. Other names for this syndrome include polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), functional ovarian hyperandrogenism, Stein-Leventhal syndrome , ovarian hyperthecosis and sclerocystic ovary syndrome.

What are the common symptoms (most common, not all):

irregular, few, or absent mentral cycles
infertility
hair loss in places you want it
hair growth in places you don't want it
Acne
Weigh gain
Insulin Resitance
Depression

What are the associated Risk:

Endometrial Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Diabetes
Insulin Resistance
High Blood Presure
Cardiovascular Disease
Stroke
Weight Gain
Miscariage
Inferitlity

So with all that said, here is the CRAZY thing.....sometimes only one of those "symptoms is present, and sometimes none. bahahahaha. It is enough to just really piss you off. PCOS can present in any age during the reproductive years, and due to its often vague presentation it can take years to reach a diagnosis. For example, I wasa very active child and teen. I played sports, was always in the woods. Never realy watched much TV. I started my mentral cycle pretty early. I started in the sixth grade....what agae is that? 11/12? I never really had a regular cycle, but doctors said it was because I was so "active". Now I know that is a load of crap. I mean I was active, but I still always had a lil fat on my tummy. I was never so low in body fat that I should have not had a mentral cycle. Basically what it boils down to is women and medicine have never really been studied properly.
When I was in college and thru the age of about 25 I ran almost everyday, 3-5 miles. While I lived in Africa, I even trained for a marathon. There I was running 5 -10 miles 4-5 times a week. And before I came home I ran a 16 mile race with a 9 min mile. However, with all that running, I came home and I could not get into the pants I wore 5 months before. I knew something was wrong. I thought for sure I had an underactive thyroid. I went to a doctor in Raleigh, NC. She was so great. She ran all the test for my thyroid, and concluded nothing was wrong with it, but did suggest that I may have PCOS. And wanted me to go to a gyno and have a ulrasound of my ovaries. So I went to a gyno I found here in Raleigh. A woman. And when i told her what the doctor had sugested and wanted me to do, she all but laughed in my face. She told me that PCOS was a basically a myth. And that my weight gain was due to poor excersise and bad eating habits and my mentral cycles would come back if I went on the pill. She didn't believe that I was a runner. She even told me that women with "muscular builds do not run long distances". ( I have always had a more muscular build). I was completly slack Jawed. In awe! She refused to do the ultra sound. After I came out of the fog of Shock, I became irate. I was very clear and firm with her about my disgust in her and the fact that she runs a practice at all. Long story short, left and with in a 3 days I had a personal letter mailed to me from her apologizing for her behavior. That was only the begining of the dark abyss I have come in contact with concerning knowledge on this disease. Most doctors since say the same thing, except the very few here and there that are experts on the disease. But thats another story. Most gyno know about the disease now, but still think it is fixable with the pill and excersise. Which is just strange to me, considering that I ALWAYS excersised and ate well, but still got the disease anyway. Plus I would have never known if I didn't start gaining weight. Many women with the disease don't gain weight. I believe that there is something about hormones in food, chemicals in our environment, and many other factors that aply. Certainly the excersise and eating well will help as it does everyone. Does anyone agree with this, or have any input? I have sooo much more to say and will write more later. But this is a start.

Ocean Adventures

2009-04-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

Ocean Adventures Started this month. It is such an amazing show, and it makes me want to get back into wildlife in the worst way!

Yes Please

2009-04-07T16:13:00.000-07:00

These Carrot Cake Pancakes will be on the menu for brunch this weekend......Yummmmm.

Can't Wait

2009-04-07T16:06:00.001-07:00

Orangette is one of my favorite blogs to read, and now she has a book :) I can not wait to get my hands on this book. I am going to get it this weekend, and then I am gonna cuddle up in my bed with a hot cup of tea and read away :)

Sunday Sunday Sunday

2009-04-07T14:01:00.001-07:00

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. Not only is it a day that me and the hubs lay blankets in the back yard and cuddle in the sun, but it is also the day we make a big breakfast and chat over tea. This is my all time favorite Breakfast to make.

Recipe for 2:

1 Bundle Asparagus
2 slices Prosciutto
4 Eggs (preferably free foraging and organic)
Parmigiano-Reggiano (shaved)
Hollandaise (recipe is here)

Directions:
Lightly cover Asparagus with olive oil. Sprinkle Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper on them. You can grill them on the grill or broil them in the over. In the over, turn it to 400 degrees. And bake for about 10 min. On grill, toss over med heat for about 5-6 min.
In the mean time do your eggs. I do mine over easy. But you can poach them too. Put the asparagus on the plate, then lay the Prosciutto over it. Top it off with the egg, then the hollandaise. And lastly shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Can't Get Enough

2009-04-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Ataulfo Mangoes are my all time favorite fruit in the world HANDS DOWN! I was first introduced to these amazing fruits about 3 years ago, while managing a restaurant. We bought a lot of produce from local ethnic markets. This happened to me a Mexican market. The chef insited I try one. And when I did I found my self in a euphoric state of mind. I have always tried to shop at mostly the farmers market, but now I try and shop at local ethnic stores too. It is soooo much fun, and there are amazing foods that I learn about. Trying new things is my new state of mind.

2009-04-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

I found these awesome green windows at the thrift store, and then I put in the design paper to Block out the light. I wanted Plantation shutters and just could not afford them. So I put on my creative cap and I am going to use these instead. These are really neat. They came out of a home from the early 1900's. I wonder how many people in love came and went from the house they lived in. Its amazing to think of all those people and all the dreams and thoughts that they had as they peered thru these amazing treasures. I will post the picture when I get them hung. You can find some really cool blackout paper for all kinds of projects here or at Lowes. I got mine at Lowes.

Stars Deserve Their Cake and Should Eat It Too!

2009-04-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the picture is not so good. I was in a hurry at the time. But the cake was pretty. I promise! I made it for my dentist....bahahaha. Kinda ironic. I went thru a traumatic dental, hellish experience, and I swear he saved my life. He was a shining Star!!! So I thanked him the way I thank people, either brunch or baking. So I baked him a star and moon cake. I am such a dork, I know, but It was fun :) The recipe, found here, was originally for a whole cake, but me being a complete clumsy mess, I messed it up so cut it into the moon shape, cause stars and moons go together.......anyway, they liked it. And it was fun :)

2009-04-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

I saw this and thought of my lil sis and all my friends who are or have had babies. Women are so amazing! We can make a person....very cool. I can't wait for my lil niece to get here, we are gonna have so much fun!

Real Food

2009-04-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

This book is one of my favorites. It is an eye opener. Although in my heart I new all of these things were true, now they are reinforced, and this food has become my bible. I am reading it for the 3rd time now. I encourage others to check it out :). The author talks about how much of what we have learned about nutrition in the past generation or so is just dead wrong, and that eating in a natural, old-fashioned way is the way to go. And she should know, being that she was raised on a self sustainable farm, and now is the manager of urban green markets. She talks about how we should be eating hogs, cattle, chickens (and esp milk and eggs) that are free forging, scratching around in the dirt and eating bugs and grass like they are intended to be. The thing I like the most about this book is that it is an easy read, and she is very gentle in her approach to this, instead of taking the extremist attitude that most people take in the slow food movement. (Not that there is anything wrong with that) It is just easier for people to make a transition to this lifestyle with a clear and gentle message that they can understand.

Happy Pigs

2009-04-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

Mae Farms is one of my all time favorite farms in NC. I buy all my Pork from them. They have the best bacon you can imagine. And it renders the most amazing fat that I use for all sorts of yummy surprises. The Hogs are free foraging hogs, free of any antibiotics, pesticides, and they eat, nuts, roots, acorns, whatever is out there. The bacon is more than that nasty crap at the store, but I know where it came from, who the farmer is, and that the pigs are healthy. Therefore I am putting something healthy into my body, and there is no price I can put on that. Check out this article on them. The sell there products at the Raleigh Farmers Market.

Fairy Party!!!

2009-04-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

Pictures and stories like these make me smile and want to get on some fairy wings and run thru the woods like a wild child. It is so nice to see that parents still encourage children to use their imagination and encourage the outdoors, especially in a world full of technology and tv shows. Let the outdoors be your tv is what I say! DREAM.

Low Glycemic Flourless ChocolateTorte

2009-02-19T06:39:00.000-08:00

Discovering I have PCOS, means I have to eat more low glycemic foods. And I try to stay away from sweets all together. But I love to bake. So this has lead me to trying out other alternatives. I tried making my Flourless Torte with Agave Nectar instead of sugar. And it turned out wonderful. So moist and rich. There is no difference in the two. Infact I think this way was much smoother. Try it out on any recipe by substituting the sugar with the nectar.

And The Winner Is.............

2009-02-18T14:14:00.001-08:00

So okay, at the Krispy Kreme Challenge this year more people dressed up than last time. It was pretty awesome. They were all great but this guy takes the cake. Jason did great! He ran in just over an hour, and put down all 12 krispy kremes..ahhhhhhhhh. It was the sixth year and the challenge brought in over 5,000 runners, and raised over $35,000 for the Childrens hospital. Very cool!

2009-02-07T05:11:00.000-08:00

Today my sweet Jason is running in the Krispy Kreme Challenge, in honor of his best friend Derek Proctor. I will be there with coffee and high spirits cheering him on.

Grouchy Pot

2009-02-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Grouchy Pot,

I would love to have 3 of you placed among lil paths in my woods. I will plant you with big fluffy ferns and place moss beneath your feet. I love you Grouchy Pot!

Love,
M

Viamin D Is Good!

2009-02-06T08:48:00.001-08:00

Tirra and I laid in the sun to get our Vitamin D fix....it was a great morning

Spring Is Coming!

2009-02-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

Nothing is better than an outdoor breakfast on a Spring Sunday Morning. I love anything Vintage. And this tablecloth makes me smile. It reminds me spring is near!!!
www.thevintagetable.net

2009-02-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

OMG! I love love love these plates by Nathalie Lete. I can't imagine a better dish to enjoy a nice meal on. Why shouldn't it be an artful experience all around? After all food is art, so why not eat on art? Yeah!

2009-02-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

We need a shed in the worst way. And I really want one that we can build a roof top garden on just like this one. This company, Living Roofs Inc, is local too :) Maybe one day my dreams will be a reality.

Braised Short Ribs

2009-02-05T10:26:00.001-08:00

3 bottles dry red wine (I used 1.5 bottles and water)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 short ribs, trimmed of excess fat
Salt and crushed black peppercorns
Flour, for dredging
8 large shallots, peeled, trimmed, split, rinsed and dried
2 medium-sized carrots, peeled, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths
2 ribs of celery, peeled, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths
1 medium-sized leek (white and light-green parts), coarsely chopped, washed and dried
10 cloves of garlic, peeled
6 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
2 bay leaves and 2 thyme sprigs
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 quarts unsalted beef broth
Freshly ground white pepper

1. Pour the wine into a large saucepan set over medium heat. When the wine is hot, carefully set it aflame. Let the flames die out, then increase the heat so that the wine boils; allow it to boil until it cooks down by half. Remove from the heat.

2. Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 350°F.

3. Warm the oil in a large, heavy, ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Season the ribs all over with salt and the crushed pepper. Dust half of the ribs with about 1 tablespoon flour. Then, when the oil is hot, slip the ribs into the pot and sear 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until well-browned. Transfer the ribs to a plate. Repeat with remaining ribs. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pot, lower the heat under the pot to medium and toss in the vegetables and herbs. Brown the vegetables lightly, 5 to 7 minutes, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add the wine, ribs and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover tightly and place in the oven to braise for 2 1/2 hours or until the ribs are very tender. Every 30 minutes, skim and discard fat from the surface. (It's best to make the recipe to this point, cool and chill the ribs and broth in the pan overnight; scrape off the fat the next day. Rewarm before continuing.)

5. Carefully transfer the meat to a platter; keep warm. Boil the pan liquid until it has reduced to 1 quart. Season with salt and white pepper and pass through a fine strainer; discard the solids. (The ribs and sauce can be combined and kept covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently, basting frequently, on top of the stove or in a 350°F oven.)

I served over grits. Can do over polenta, or mashed potatoes.

2009-02-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

Can I have one please! This is so amazing. Read the article that talks about the amazing people behind this.

Pretties!!!

2009-02-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

This is the most amazing idea!!! So beautiful :) Made by Your Slip is Showing. This slip would make any girl feel like a fairy princess!

Snow Day

2009-02-05T09:33:00.001-08:00

Snow flakes.

I counted till they danced so
Their slippers leaped the town,
And then I took a pencil
To note the rebels down.
And then they grew so jolly
I did resign the prig,
And ten of my once stately toes
Are marshalled for a jig!

-Emily Dickinson

Agave Nectar

2009-02-05T09:27:00.001-08:00

I just learned about Agave Nectar. Very cool stuff. Especially because I have PCOS....meaning sugar is the enemy. Sad I know. But this stuff is natural, chemical free, organic, and low on the Glycemic Index. It is soooo tasty. Plus is comes from the same plant tequila is made from, so you know its yummy.

Butter Beans

2008-09-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

Butter Beans are a southern must have. Over the last week I have had 3 different people say to me that they didn't understand the difference between "butter beans" and "Lima Beans" . So I thought I would put this up here for those who may not know the difference but would like to. Okay, so In both cases you use the "Lima Bean". The Butter bean...is really a way you cook the Lima bean. And it does taste completely different. Most times you will see that someone has just boiled the Lima beans and serves them. There you have your basic Lima bean. Butter beans however are different. You not only cook your Lima bean but you add butter (unsalted) and salt (sea or kosher) to the mix. Make sure the water is covering the bean. Then you cook down the beans until there is just a small amount of water covering the bottom of the pan. (So the beans don't burn). You do not and Can not add the butter after the beans are cooked people. It doesn't work that way. While the water is boiling and the beans are cooking down they absorb the salt and the butter. Hence the phrase "butter bean". The bean taste very smooth and creamy. You should not have to add anything to it. They are very flavorful. Where as the basic Lima bean taste like cardboard in my opinion. Ha!

I go to the Farmers market every year and buy fresh bags of shelled butter beans. You can buy them un-shelled and do it yourself, it is cheaper, but it takes forever. It would be fun to do with kids, but that's the only reason I would do it.

Buying from the farmers market is cheaper, better for you, and taste better overall. I just buy fresh and then blanch the beans.

What is Blanching?

Blanching (scalding vegetables in boiling water for a short time) is a must for almost all vegetables to be frozen. It stops enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture.

Blanching cleanses the surface of dirt and organisms, brightens the color and helps stop the loss of vitamins. It also wilts or softens vegetables and makes them easier to pack.

How to blanch :

1. Get large pot of water and add salt. (rule is 1 gallon per pound of veggies, you will get to a point you can eye it. Until then measure)
2. Bring to boil
3. Add beans To water. Should come back to boil in 1 min.
4. Time the vegetable you are blanching. Keep on HIGH heat.
5. Now start the cooling process:

As soon as blanching is complete, vegetables should be cooled quickly and thoroughly to stop the cooking process. To cool, plunge the vegetables immediately into a large quantity of cold water, 60ºF or below. Change water frequently or use cold running water or ice water. If ice is used, about one pound of ice for each pound of vegetable is needed. Cooling vegetables should take the same amount of time as blanching.

Drain vegetables thoroughly after cooling. Extra moisture can cause a loss of quality when vegetables are frozen.

Then put in a container and freeze.

* Power of a Flower*

2008-08-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

There is so much Power in a simple lil flower.

2008-08-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

I Love love love fried green tomatoes! I make the with Watermelon Salsa or regular Pico De gallo.
Be sure you get GREEN TOMATOES. Not unripe tomatoes. They taste completely different. Green Tomatoes are next to impossible to find at the grocery Store. You will most always need to go to the farmers market.

What you will need:
2 -3 green tomatoes
2-3 eggs
1/2 cup floour
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
Kosher Salt
Pepper
Veg. Oil
Cast Iron Skillet

Prep:
Add oil to skillet, heat on med heat.
Add Salt and Pepper to eggs and beat.
Add 1 cup flour and cornmeal together

The Tomatoes:
Slice in Beef Steak Slices
Take 1/2 cup flour and put on plate
Roll each Tom slice in Flour, set aside
Roll each slice in Egg Mixture, and then in cornmeal mixture
Set in hot oil. Cook till golden brown on both sides. Once removed add a pinch of kosher salt to the hot tomato.

Companion Planting

2008-08-25T18:46:00.001-07:00

Our Veggie/Herb Garden

2008-08-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

So we started with a blank yard and decided to make a list of the things we knew we wanted. A veggie/herb garden was number one. Patio is number 2. The rest of the work we are doing is just moving existing plants to new places.

So to start we dug up the ground/tilled and then leveled the ground. We measured out four 6x4 beds, and two round beds with 2ft wide paths between all of the beds and down the center of the garden. We decided to try and learn about companion planting. Which proved to be a real headache. And I still don't have a full grasp on it. Slowly but surely. ( I will post a guide on here for companion planting).

In bed One: Heirloom tomatoes, Roma Tomatoes, Italian Parsley, Bell Peppers, Basil, red onions, and Marigolds.

Bed Two: Heirloom Tomatoes, Roma Tomatoes, Banana Peppers, Jalapeño, Bell Pepper, Chives, Italian Parsley, Basil, Oregano, and Marigolds

Bed Three: Eggplants, Strawberries, Peas, and Bush Beans

Bed Four: Lima Beans and Cucumbers

Round Bed One: Blackberry

Round Bed Two: Raspberry

In Planters at the ends of the walk ways we have Thyme, Sage, Lemon Verbena, Spearmint, and Lavender

Old South Chocolate Cake

2008-08-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

This cake seems to be a a favorite of everyones when i make it. It is perfect for Birthdays. I just made it for my Husband on His Birthday and thought it should go up here. For the chocolate you can use just about anything as long as it is semi sweet....60% cocoa. I use 70%. It is up to your taste. Ones such as Callebaut are great. If you are trying to watch your wallet, try Trader Joes. ( what I use). You can also do any flavored chocolate, such as Vanilla. I make various flavored simple syrups to put on the cake. This makes it much more moist and flavorful. World Market has tons of flavors., but you can make your own its really easy. I also put fun toppings or decor on the cake. This picture has nuts around the bottom. You can put fruit on the top. White chocolate Stars or much more. Have fun with it and it will be beautiful. Happy Baking!

For cake layers
3 ounces fine-quality semisweet chocolate

1 1/2 cups hot brewed coffee
3 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups well-shaken buttermilk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla

For ganache frosting

1.5 pound fine-quality semisweet chocolate
2 cup heavy cream
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c light corn syrup
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter

Special equipment
two 10- by 2-inch round cake pans or three 9 inch pans

Make cake layers:
Preheat oven to 300°F. and grease pans. Line bottoms with rounds of wax paper and grease paper.

Finely chop chocolate and in a bowl combine with hot coffee. Let mixture stand, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.

Into a large bowl sift (three times) together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl with an electric mixer beat eggs until thickened slightly and lemon colored (about 3 minutes with a standing mixer or 5 minutes with a hand-held mixer). Slowly add oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and melted chocolate mixture to eggs, beating until combined well. Add sugar mixture and beat on medium speed until just combined well. Divide batter between pans and bake in middle of oven until a tester inserted in center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Cool layers completely in pans on racks. Run a thin knife around edges of pans and invert layers onto racks. Carefully remove wax paper and cool layers completely. I make the Cake layers 1 day ahead and keep them wrapped well in plastic wrap, at room temperature.

Make frosting:
Finely chop chocolate. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart saucepan bring cream, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over moderately low heat, whisking until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat and add chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted. Cut butter into pieces and add to frosting, whisking until smooth.

Transfer frosting to a bowl and cool, stirring occasionally, until spreadable (depending on chocolate used, it may be necessary to chill frosting to spreadable consistency).

Spread frosting between cake layers and over top and sides. Cake keeps, covered and chilled, 3 days. Bring cake to room temperature before serving.

2008-08-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

We had close to 30 Orange Iris's Bloom this Spring in the garden. Iris are pretty easy to grow, here is some information to help.

Genus: Iris (EYE-ris) (Info)
Class:
Tall Bearded (TB)
Height:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
Bloom Time : Late spring and again in fall
Sun/Shade : Full sun to partial shade

Soil Preferences : Iris will grow in most soil types as long as they are well drained.

Advantages : Deer resistant. Easy to grow.

Zones : 3-9

How To Grow It : Iris should be planted so the tops of the rhizomes are exposed and the roots are spread out facing downward in the soil. Make sure not to plant the rhizomes to deep.

And it begins.....

2008-08-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here are the pretty plants that are in our new yard. Yeah!!! We have so much work to do. Everything is so overgrown, but this is going to be fun.

Flour 'n Flowers

Black and White

I promise to draw.....

My Dream Yard

Old Doors n More

Julie and Julia

FALL!!!!!

WOW!

Pros and Cons of working in the garden

BLUEBIRDS!

Chickens and Tirra????

And she is Blooming!

Save This House!!!

The one I missed

OMG!

Store is Opening This FRIDAY!!!!

Tea Party!!!!!

You have got to be kidding me!

Celebs With PCOS

Flourless Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Best Chicken Ever!

Boys and Fashion

For Sarah

La Vita Lola

bachelorette party

Uh-Oh!

We passed!

Inspector!!!

Affordable Chic

I need a Trim

I love to Revamp!

Favorite Snack for this Week.......YUMMMM

I Dream of A Bike

I Dream of A Bike

Laundry BLUES!!!!!

Spring in France

Japan in Spring

New York In Spring

Namibia In Spring

Spring in Netherlands

Spring is here

PCOS

Ocean Adventures

Yes Please

Can't Wait

Sunday Sunday Sunday

Can't Get Enough

Stars Deserve Their Cake and Should Eat It Too!

Real Food

Happy Pigs

Fairy Party!!!

Low Glycemic Flourless ChocolateTorte

And The Winner Is.............

Grouchy Pot

Viamin D Is Good!

Spring Is Coming!

Braised Short Ribs

Pretties!!!

Snow Day

Agave Nectar

Butter Beans

*** Power of a Flower***

Companion Planting

Our Veggie/Herb Garden

Old South Chocolate Cake

And it begins.....

* Power of a Flower*