A is for ...

Alphabet. I'm sure you know that, but soon you'll know why I bring this up.

I have been in a bit of a funk lately, 2009 did not start with the all the promise and joy I need to get out of the rut that I have also been in. Actually, I think that I'm in something like a runk, part rut, part funk. I have been cooking, but not thinking about it (except when I had 8 people over for dinner, 3 of whom I had never met before, and then I was thinking, gee I hope I have enough food!) I have not made anything brilliant in the pottery studio lately, but I will be posting pictures of some of the presents soon. With all this runk going on, I just couldn't come up with anything to post. If I'm bored, why should I bore you?

As we know, once you stop posting, it is hard to get back into the habit, so I have decided to get back into the habit by doing some alphabet based posts. I will still mix in other random posts throughout, but, like a cheap writers ploy, I will try to have some fun with the alphabet.

A is for Alphabet, Alessi, Art and Abacus

Alphabet, you get the picture.

Alessi!
All through Italy, I would come across their wonderful kitchen products and smile. They have great designs that are functional, beautiful, fun everything you could want. They have all sorts of products and designers in their stable.

If I ate soft boiled eggs on a regular basis, you know I would have to get these:

If I was big on tea, I would definitely get this:

I do drink wine, but I haven't found this corkscrew yet. But at $54, maybe I'll skip it.

Moving on to Art. I can't say enough. I love Art and Artists in all their forms. I love fine art, folk art, 2-dimensional, 3 dimensional, visual, performing... You get the picture. I don't have a favorite, though I do have a weakness for the bold, iconic images of Keith Haring and Henri Matisse was probably my first "love". I loved seeing all types of art in our travels. I love that is universal and provincial at the same time. Aside from seeing the amazing pieces through out Rome, I had great fun crashing an opening in Dubrovnik.
I saw this and had to go in.


The exhibit was an environmental/installation piece. It was cool to be in the middle of, but I have no idea what the artist was saying when she discussed her piece.

And finally an Abacus. This one was on the island of Murano.


Yes it's glass. Each bead was about the size of a pumpkin.

So, what do you think of with the letter A?

Read more...

Dreaming of Spring

I am cold.
I am pretty much done with cold, it is officially on my nerves.
I would much rather be sitting here with my laptop than the cold, very messy office where I am now.
I find my self looking through the Sundance Catalog longingly at clothes like this








or this












I also like this one & it's on sale





--as is this one

Somehow I found myself on Ebay, bidding on this scarf. It looks springy and bright, but I don't think I want to increase my bid any higher, so I'll probably end up with out it.
I blame the blogs.
Today it started with a trip to Apartment Therapy to look at "the amazing bookshelf staircase" so I started looking around and there was a picture of these Ranunculus. Flowers along with the seed catalogs--especially this one have got me ready for longer, warmer days. (Holly, if you are out there, definitely check out that catalog, yum!)
I am also ready to spend time on the grill. That started last night when dinner was cooked on the grill, because I'm slightly sadistic and like to shove a beer can up the chick's posterior and let it steam from the inside out. With my special blend of herbs and spices (so secret, I don't even know what is in there) it was the tasty main course along with some Fettucine More-Kiki-Than-Alfred-o (more secret ingredients :) ).

Alas, spring is not close enough, but will be here when she is good & ready, so I will continue to wait.
At least I can play in the mud all year round!

Read more...

I want one

After all, I am a Pirate Wench so I need some toast with attitude! ARRRR, pass the Marrrrrrrrrrrmalade! For other pirate needs, check out their site, but bring a translator

My Decks need swabbing, so a pair of these from Marie-Louise in Stockholm would be nice!
Check out her site, a lot of cool things to be found!
I also like the bench, but think I can create something
similar at home... (OK, get hubby-poo to create if I can get him off his...)


And when I skin my knee or get a boo-boo, only the finest band-aids will do for me. I think I need a little bling with my owie.
Sadly, they are sold-out.

So I'll have to go with these From Archie McPhee. Also home to Sushi Bandages, Bacon Bandages (with or with out the eggs) & (naturally) Pirate Bandages. Check out the whole line here.



Since I'm creating a wish(?) list of things that I will never buy, (some I'm not sure I really want, but hey it's fun to cyber-want)
I figure I can add something I do want, but probably won't be able to afford in this lifetime. I did dream that I had one of these in the back of my laundry room that I just hadn't noticed before. Ahh if only!

Thanks to Chef's Corner for letting me dream!

So back to my dinky electric stove for tonight's dinner. Hmmm do I want Thai Shrimp (similar to this) or do I want Tandoori Shrimp (similar to this)?? I wonder how the Tandoori spices would work on salmon? Since I use the mass quantity frozen shrimp & salmon (to make it affordable--besides, I can't get truly fresh of either in central PA) I like to give it enough flavor to transcend the mediocre quality.

Read more...

I want one

I'm not sure why, but I think I need this for my phone. Would I want it as much if I hadn't heard this song? I'm not sure.

I just lost other pictures of things I want, and now I want a small glass of this:
It hasn't been in the budget lately, and I miss it. Not like an addiction, or a drunk. I just want a glass now & again.

I want to make an apron. I'm not sure why. I want to get a cool fabric, maybe a vintage print, and make something along these lines:

I'll use it to make my dinners seem like Donna Reed.

Food, Oh yeah, I was going to try to keep track of some of the things I cook. Sunday night we had had my yummy winter stew. I make it w/ Turkey Thigh & tomatoes and a secret blend of herbs and spices. I served it over noodles. It is rather new recipe, I'm still developing it. I think I liked it better the first time--a little more zip & less sweet. It is still on the yummy side of life. Last night was leftovers of the Pasta in Vodka sauce. It was quite tasty as well. Tonight I think I'm doing a chicken breast with some mushroom sauce & a carrot puree. At least that is the plan.

I'll probably do an occasional "I want one" thing, feel free to share what you want.

Read more...