tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63096916779937868612024-03-14T06:57:00.386-07:00Simply a Delicate BalanceNorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-53575848708042811942008-03-23T15:17:00.000-07:002008-12-13T05:09:54.040-08:00Pastelon de Platanos MadurosI made this last night and thought I'd share. :)<br /><br />I will first say that it took a long time to convice my husband this dish would be something he would like. See, he has this rule that "I don't mix fruit with my meat." You know, like pork with apples and raisins? (although I can't say I blame him there.)<br /><br />Pastelon is a Puerto Rican dish first recommended to me by one of my students, who is originally from Puerto Rico. Picture a lasanga, but instead of noodles for the separating layers, you use plantains. <br /><br />It's SO good! Even my husband, with his rule against fruit and meat, loved it. And so did my three year old...but I think she likes saying it more than anything, hehe.<br /><br />There are many variations, but this is how I prepare it. Plus, a lot of the common additions to Pastelon - like capers, olives or raisins - sweet husband would never touch. <br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />Lean Ground Beef - about two pounds<br />White Onion - half a large onion, diced<br />Sofrito - can make your own or use <a href="http://www.goya.com/english/products/product.html?prodSubCatID=11&prodCatID=4#44">Goya Sofrito</a><br />Plain Tomato Sauce- 1/4 c.<br />Goya <a href="http://www.goya.com/english/products/product.html?prodSubCatID=8&prodCatID=4">Sazon</a> - with cilantro and annato<br />Garlic - two cloves, minced<br />Olive or Veg. Oil<br />Eggs - two<br />Plantains - four-six ripe ones (you should see lots of black...black=sweet) <br />Cheese - optional (I've used cheddar and oaxaca)<br /><br />1. Heat dash of oil, sofrito, Sazon, onion and garlic on medium heat until well sauteed.<br /><br />2. Add ground beef and tomato sauce and stir until well cooked, but not dry. Drain any grease. Make sure ground beef is well ground, if that makes sense. No big pieces. I add the optional cheese to cooked beef (I use about 4-6 oz. cheddar or oaxaca.) We like the flavor, but it also helps to bind the meat together. <br /><br />3. Peel and slice plantains lengthwise. If the plantains are large, you'll probably get about three-four lengths per plantain. Saute plantain slices in medium-hot oil for a few mintues, flipping halfway through cooking. Set slices on metal rack to cool, and allow the oil to drip off. Pat dry.<br /><br />4. Layer plantains along bottom of greased 9x9 pan. Pour two eggs, beaten, over bottom layer. Top with ground beef layer. Repeat plantain and beef layers, making sure the plantain layer is the top.<br /><br />5. Optional cheese layer on top.<br /><br />6. Cook in 350 oven for about 35 minutes, making sure eggs are cooked and not watery.<br /><br />So normally I would have lots of pictures for you of the cooking, assembly, etc. But the batteries on my external flash died.<br /><br />You only get one picture...and I'm almost too ashamed to post it. But I can't blog about food and not post at least one picture, right?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsn45ZnAr2LwNXhSQQrGHD_WIJFHe3asgE8Hozomexrtuwwge5QO091_vncO3r1fhAzL3WQLMuHjCEC0waZLqk99Z5rTp3ibhknzGNsjFKCY9IiKxpcgR2UI6kQ2sabowj6qV8kIv-tmE/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsn45ZnAr2LwNXhSQQrGHD_WIJFHe3asgE8Hozomexrtuwwge5QO091_vncO3r1fhAzL3WQLMuHjCEC0waZLqk99Z5rTp3ibhknzGNsjFKCY9IiKxpcgR2UI6kQ2sabowj6qV8kIv-tmE/s400/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181369824091662050" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com108tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-24673954516513390352008-02-24T16:07:00.000-08:002008-12-13T05:09:54.212-08:00Ibarra!When I did my study abroad as an undergrad, I lived right next to the Ibarra plant in Guadalajra, Mexico. They are famous for their hot chocolate, but they also make a sweet chocolate bar that you melt into warmed milk for homemade hot chocolate. SOOO good!!<br /><br />If you walked out the door at just the right time, all you smelled in the air was yummy Ibarra chocolate! My roomate, a self-confessed chocoholic, always said she must have died and gone to heaven, haha.<br /><br />Today we went to our local international grocery store, and they had Ibarra chocolate! It doesn't get too cold her in our coastal Virginia town, I don't think we ever get nights that feel like a "hot chocolate night"....but tonight we'll be pretending. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwPSkvYRUvKXxkHsE8BbbsEowDmVAPxVPxeGMId1_uTzh7oFbxfQ3eL7h0tZ-3lyQdSjv7iMHrf6Ci9Sbk9VdulypyHLvggYGK4QA3drL4L2pq_K2UeRkqR0oSgDb9T7dbxENJ3zH6CU/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwPSkvYRUvKXxkHsE8BbbsEowDmVAPxVPxeGMId1_uTzh7oFbxfQ3eL7h0tZ-3lyQdSjv7iMHrf6Ci9Sbk9VdulypyHLvggYGK4QA3drL4L2pq_K2UeRkqR0oSgDb9T7dbxENJ3zH6CU/s400/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170705799692634498" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-40037559434362860902008-02-23T08:32:00.000-08:002008-12-13T05:09:55.576-08:00Photoshop Friday: Vintage Film Effect ActionOkay, so it's Saturday.....shhh.<br /><br />I typically don't use too many actions. To me, it takes away some of the fun of Photoshop....but I do love a good action. Especially when an artist is generous enough to share an action for free! ;)<br /><br />Is it cheating or just plain lazy to share an action for Photoshop Friday? No, you don't mind? Because it's free you say?<br /><br />There are so many different techniques to achieving that "vintage" look, depending on what "look" you are after. Some techniques simply use a sepia conversion and burn the edges or do a vingette. Others are more involved, with textures, etc.<br /><br />I found this vintage action on Flickr (LOVE flickr) so I thought I'd share the link you for my Photoshop Friday. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/technique/discuss/72157601062925085/">Vintage Film Effect Action</a><br /><br />Here are a couple of my examples. <br /><br />Original.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2D7UTd87aRHMupcgSY5ssixWd2IXo-Gs0DGSTDLaaTLgS5rRhEjHXXBKBiFk3UtkGF-Npql_HL0SRj0eFtemDH8PbUb7LczlbzSf0bVjCIsluc8KaVQuSx4Ur7eXq2oF4_vvR2AVzFM/s1600-h/11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2D7UTd87aRHMupcgSY5ssixWd2IXo-Gs0DGSTDLaaTLgS5rRhEjHXXBKBiFk3UtkGF-Npql_HL0SRj0eFtemDH8PbUb7LczlbzSf0bVjCIsluc8KaVQuSx4Ur7eXq2oF4_vvR2AVzFM/s400/11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170216529903175954" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdFhZsDsdYeFZZLIqoxXvFkxbOcpQHJyBqZcqBNUkqetlNRYHW_-UVyZ47TpR1nBBJzwdxQNGjx9RFofaI4dGe0Uq93Ws6M6ia3EQURKCUGmOho19i5o1kXlHogMkKwPCTFKPAg6743k/s1600-h/13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdFhZsDsdYeFZZLIqoxXvFkxbOcpQHJyBqZcqBNUkqetlNRYHW_-UVyZ47TpR1nBBJzwdxQNGjx9RFofaI4dGe0Uq93Ws6M6ia3EQURKCUGmOho19i5o1kXlHogMkKwPCTFKPAg6743k/s400/13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170216538493110562" /></a><br /><br />Original.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ep4c058TS_xbsFVETvnj5Gw0DrJLSwQv22OBHp_cAcWjG7v9dtchoZowVfxcH5QEGSD5oBxX5n-7MLh_PwquReEc_gfuI1Qi_HZcRJcSRTBD9hrHHKZ-cHXlkQNnndpokdB0BKstYBM/s1600-h/9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ep4c058TS_xbsFVETvnj5Gw0DrJLSwQv22OBHp_cAcWjG7v9dtchoZowVfxcH5QEGSD5oBxX5n-7MLh_PwquReEc_gfuI1Qi_HZcRJcSRTBD9hrHHKZ-cHXlkQNnndpokdB0BKstYBM/s400/9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170225983126194482" /></a><br /><br />Vintage Film Action. I reduced the action layer down to about 70% because I liked a more subtle look. But if you give the action a try, you'll see you can get much more drastic results.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XrQDU6hzqmnCxGdg7zQlBWhc5jE4CxQZXzMwtFNdYqlnYDoEhKR2lMEuK9KO_n7CaICk6h__GuxRh5tTR-87uLZtBfYloNOItB4Xrj3wwuam-BC1wjkLPluYWx-k1k9xopghz5YCUuM/s1600-h/9vintage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XrQDU6hzqmnCxGdg7zQlBWhc5jE4CxQZXzMwtFNdYqlnYDoEhKR2lMEuK9KO_n7CaICk6h__GuxRh5tTR-87uLZtBfYloNOItB4Xrj3wwuam-BC1wjkLPluYWx-k1k9xopghz5YCUuM/s400/9vintage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170225996011096386" /></a><br /><br />Original...here's my bro. ;) I wonder if I should tell him I used his picture, haha.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadhK5noEqQgl5qzXKPjVzsBOsVT5BnlOadkocssQpsWibk0SD4ABVPfu1K1qpAbxLr3RuNH2seEUNwnTM-LUjHvXnnUdedjvCxNb18708BYp6T7d1E2cBNcWcX61I6eY5WAd3mOfAiBI/s1600-h/60edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadhK5noEqQgl5qzXKPjVzsBOsVT5BnlOadkocssQpsWibk0SD4ABVPfu1K1qpAbxLr3RuNH2seEUNwnTM-LUjHvXnnUdedjvCxNb18708BYp6T7d1E2cBNcWcX61I6eY5WAd3mOfAiBI/s400/60edit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170226013190965586" /></a><br /><br />Vintage Film Action. I reduced the action layer down to about 70%.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFn82b9r9LqAKcJ_qd0XvsfVHrK-deV5gn7FVADUZcQTK39nRoQ_awcoqQhRcyGiqpDKCgEi-oaA72SdgOgC_tjFk08rJTcP1M9xbZGE2llVdkFSlpyKvYWFpuguWt4jPsDthk_QLqtYI/s1600-h/60vintage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFn82b9r9LqAKcJ_qd0XvsfVHrK-deV5gn7FVADUZcQTK39nRoQ_awcoqQhRcyGiqpDKCgEi-oaA72SdgOgC_tjFk08rJTcP1M9xbZGE2llVdkFSlpyKvYWFpuguWt4jPsDthk_QLqtYI/s400/60vintage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170226021780900194" /></a><br /><br />And a b&w conversion....just because I like it, hehe.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27yXhey6hqpXcNljnXizuks_aT7hjHt6TKauUb2aw6vtbZGqNzhh-O4svL4UHdAYaZrp_6bjrUMaBhOozHz6vdn5TZtTh8mPAc4CYxH9nyI1-YUK9FY0U585P8DBgJg-GO0mgnl1bFfU/s1600-h/Nick1sepia.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27yXhey6hqpXcNljnXizuks_aT7hjHt6TKauUb2aw6vtbZGqNzhh-O4svL4UHdAYaZrp_6bjrUMaBhOozHz6vdn5TZtTh8mPAc4CYxH9nyI1-YUK9FY0U585P8DBgJg-GO0mgnl1bFfU/s400/Nick1sepia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170226030370834802" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com107tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-2629875222474518672008-01-25T12:39:00.000-08:002008-01-26T12:39:05.293-08:00Photoshop Friday: Harsh Urban LightingI've been waiting all week to do this post! I'm definately having fun with <em>Photoshop Fridays</em>. I'll have to fight the urge not to start <em>Photoshop Everyday</em>. hehe...<br /><br />I have a cool effect that is VERY easy to achieve. I had decided I will get all high tech and start doing screen shots with my Photoshop Friday tutorials, but this one is so basic it doesn't even really need it.<br /><br />I don't really have a good name for the effect, but it gives sort of a desaturated, urban feel to photos. It definately looks better on some photos than others, but have fun playing!<br /><br />1. Open image you wish to apply effect.<br />2. Duplicate layer.<br />3. On duplicate layer go to Layer --> New Adjustment Layer --> Hue/Saturation<br />3. On the Hue/Saturation window, move the saturation slider all the way to the left to completely desaturate the image. Select OK.<br />4. In the Background Copy layer (they layer where you adjusted the saturation,) set blending mode to Overlay.<br />5. Adjust the opacity of the Background Copy layer to achieve desired results.<br />6. Flatten image.<br /><br />Some examples. And you can click on any of the images to see larger sizes. :)<br /><br />Before (are you sick of this picture yet? ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/2202672030_ba072323a1_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/2202672030_ba072323a1_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After<br /> <br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/2219497476_bf6288da9f_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/2219497476_bf6288da9f_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Before<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2100471473_98614b035b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2100471473_98614b035b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/2218704859_0bcce87bc0_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/2218704859_0bcce87bc0_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Before<br /><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1433/1063665777_996ccec0f4_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1433/1063665777_996ccec0f4_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/2218704283_8105f1c5e6_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/2218704283_8105f1c5e6_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-33211178551679605242008-01-21T14:06:00.001-08:002008-01-21T18:41:53.838-08:00Making GyozaI simply love Japanese food. Love it. The hardest thing to give up during my pregancy wasn't the alcohol, and it wasn't the caffeine. It was the freaking raw fish of all things! I think I could survive on tuna rolls alone. Except there's one problem. Dear sweet husband despises sushi. He hates every part of it from the cucumber to the nori. Why do they have to put vinegar in everything, he asks. So he doesn't like it translates into I don't get to eat it very often. <br /><br />I've known dear sweet husband for almost eight years now. And our entire time together I've been wearing him down...it's one of my missions in life to get him to enjoy Japanese food. It been a slow process, but I have a few victories under my belt. <br /><br /><strong>Victory Number One</strong>: Sashimi. Who would have guessed that he would enjoy plain raw fish? Huh. <br /><br /><strong>Victory Number Two</strong>: Gyoza. <br /><br />What is gyoza? These beautiful, dainty little japanese dumplings are now one of our family's favorite foods. Even our three year old absolutely loves them! We probably make them or order them a few times a month. Sometimes we buy the frozen potstickers at Costco made by <a href="http://www.ling-ling.com/linglings/index.html">Ling-Ling</a> Sometimes we order take-out. But if we're feeling up for some time-consuming, frustrating, make you want to throw food at your spouse in your too-small-for-two-and-a-half-cooks-kitchen, we make them from scratch. Really though, it is a lot of fun to make. Promise. <br /><br />Here are some instructions with some pictures in case you want to have some of the big fun describe above. *smile*<br /><br /><strong>Equipment you will need:</strong><br />large saucepan, with a lid (or bamboo steamer and wok)<br />Steamer basket thingie (kind that opens up and you place in the bottom of the pan)<br />Non-stick frying pan <br />Dumpling Press (optional)<br />Aluminum Foil (or greaseproof paper if you're using the bamboo steamer)<br />Bowl of water for sealing dumplings<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients</strong><br /><br /><strong>Filling Options:</strong><br />Ground Pork<br />Shrimp <br />Veggie - any combination of asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, cabbage, water chestnuts, etc. Be creative.<br /><br />Soy Sauce<br />Rice Vinegar<br />Sesame Oil<br />Fresh Ginger<br />Scallions<br />Dumpling Wrappers<br />Vegetable Oil<br /><br />*the key below is preparation and organization!*<br /><br /><strong>(1) Prepare the fillings. </strong><br />I used only one filling, but you could make a variety, some meatless, etc. I used ground pork, cabbage, mushrooms and scallions. I diced up the veggies and sauteed them. Then I let the mixture cool. Once cool I combined the mixture with a pound and a half of ground pork, soy sauce and rice vinegar (about 2 tbs each), a couple dashes of sesame oil, 1 tbs minced fresh ginger, and 1/4 cups finely diced water shestnuts.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/2209867077_2021f965dd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/2209867077_2021f965dd.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>(2) Prepare the dipping sauce(s).</strong><br />I use a combination of soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, dash of sesame oil or hot chili oil, and rice vinegar. Other asian dipping sauces are an option as well.<br /><br /><br /><strong>(3) Prepare wrappers. </strong><br />I buy the wrappers in the store (usually in the veggie/salad section with the tofu. Sometimes I can find dumpling wrappers (usually round) but often I have to buy wonton wrappers (square or slightly regtangular). Another option is to make from scratch, but that's too much work for me. The wrappers dry out very quickly, so only pull the wrappers out of their package as you go. I usually pull out about ten at a time.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2266/2209868211_9318cd13b1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2266/2209868211_9318cd13b1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>(4) Fill wrappers.</strong><br />Spoon out about a tbs. of filling and place in the center of the wrapper. Dip finger in water and wipe water around edges of wrapper to seal. Fold in half and pinch edges together. Now there is a fine art of gyoza presentation, with fancy pleated folds. I'm lazy so I skip that step. I use the handy dumpling press seen above. It's not as pretty as doing it by hand, but it works for me. If you're using the press, place folded dumpling in center of press, and well...press. See? Easy. As each dumpling is finished, dot a little vegetable oil on the bottom and lay on a non-stick surface. I use a sheet of aluminum foil. <br /><br /><strong>(5) Steam the dumplings. </strong><br />I don't have a <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/kitchen-tabletop/Bamboo/Up-to-15/Bamboo-Steamer-Sets/lev/4/productId/226/Ne/9/pCategoryId/1100220/sectionId/2866/Ns/TOP_SELLER_INDEX%7C1%7C%7CCATEGORY_SEQ_2866%7C0/N/1100131+4294966281+13/categoryId/1100131/gpCategoryId/1100220/index.pro">bamboo steamer</a>(on my fancy kitchen gadget want list) so I used a regular deep-sided pan and a steamer basket. I line the basket with lightly oiled aluminum foil poked with holes. Works fine.<br /><br />Place the dumplings in the steamer pan and cover with lid, being careful not to let them touch. They will stick together like glue, and you will get a mangled mess of meat and dough, resembling nothing close to a dumpling. Depending on the filling, steam for about 12 mintues. Pork takes the longest, and I usually steam them for about 15 minutes. Once they are done steaming I transfer them back to the foil to await their turn in the frying pan to crisp.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/2209868737_4371ec7416.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/2209868737_4371ec7416.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>(6) Pan-fry</strong><br />This step is optional. We don't mind steamed dumplings, but we much prefer the crispy goodness a hot frying pan and a little oil brings. Again, be careful not to let them touch. This step just takes a couple minutes on each side.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2075/2210661784_9447b35681.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2075/2210661784_9447b35681.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>(7) Combine dumplings with sake and chopsticks and enjoy!</strong><br /><br />*I won't even tell you how long it took to finish this post, so I hope I've at least inspired one of you to try making gyoza!!*Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-28450606111124594012008-01-18T14:43:00.000-08:002008-01-25T13:01:19.360-08:00Photoshop Friday: Lens BlurIn an effort to become more involved in my blog, I've decided to start something new: Photoshop Friday! What could be more fun that seeing some of my favorite Photoshop tricks? hehe.<br /><br />Today I will show you one of my new favorite techniques - the lens blur filter. Of course, one way to achieve that awesome depth of field is through the camera. But if you have no clue what aperture is, or don't have time to fool with those pesky manual settings while tearing around after your crazy three year old with your camera, Photoshop has just what you need: Lens Blur Filter!<br /><br /><strong>Lens Blur Filter Instructions:</strong><br /><br />1. Open the image you want to adjust.<br /><br />2. In the Channels Palette add an alpha layer.<br /><br />3. With the alpha channel selected, use the eraser with the foreground set to black to erase the areas of the picture you wish to blur. Hint: anything the same distance from the camera as your subject you may not wish to blur, if you want to achieve a more realistic effect.<br /><br />4. With the RBG channel selected, go to Filter--> Blur--> Lens Blur, select your alpha channel in the <em>Source </em> pop-up menu, and then adjust the blur focal distance slider until you see get the effect you want in the preview window. Apply.<br /><br />5. Delete alpha channel and viola!<br /><br />Here are some samples.<br /><br />Before:<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/2201955133_b03a37489e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/2201955133_b03a37489e.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After:<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2316/2202745492_e298253ed9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2316/2202745492_e298253ed9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Before: (this one is straight from the camera)<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/2202672030_ba072323a1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/2202672030_ba072323a1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After: (lens blur as well as some contrast and saturation adjustments)<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2143/2201954329_cd3d9497cc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 420px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2143/2201954329_cd3d9497cc.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-50829700009610228342008-01-07T15:21:00.000-08:002008-01-07T16:06:02.326-08:00Bluegrass, a Date and a SupremeWe went out on a REAL date last weekend and had a blast! We took a three hour drive up to Alexandria, VA to see a show at the <a href="http://www.birchmere.com/">Birchmere</a>.<br /><br />First, what an truly awesome place to see a show. I'm usually partial to outdoor venues - we have some particularly great ones around our Tidewater area of Virginia - but the Birchmere is now one of my favorites. It only seats five hundred, giving it a very intimate atmosphere. Plus, everyone is seated at restaurant style tables, and they have a full dinner and bar menu. We ordered a pitcher of Amber Ale from our hometown brewery, <a href="http://www.starrhill.com/">Starr Hill</a>. I can't remember the last time I ordered a pitcher of beer.<br /><br />So who did we see? <a href="http://skaggs.musiccitynetworks.com/index.htm?id=12253">Ricky Skaggs</a> and his band Kentucky Thunder. Awesome. Just Awesome. You know when you see live music that's so good it brings tears to your eyes? Well this was it. <br /><br />I saw Ricky Skaggs perform about five years ago, but my better half was deployed at the time and was insanely jealous he missed it. So this past weekend's show was particularly special.<br /><br />It was the first time I'd seen Skaggs' fiddle player, <a href="http://skaggs.musiccitynetworks.com/index.htm?id=13000">Andy Leftwich</a>, and WOW was he incredible. They played a version of "Minor Swing" from Leftwich's album...awesome! I added it to my iPod as soon as we got home from the show, hehe. You can hear a clip <a href="http://skaggs.musiccitynetworks.com/audio/84-10.mp3">here.</a><br /><br />So I've talked about our date and I've talked about the bluegrass...so that leaves "The Supreme." Curious? Any guesses? Well about halfway through the show, Ricky Skaggs announced that there was a special guest there that night....Justice Scalia and his wife! Sitting only twenty feet from us enjoying the show. Now Justice Scalia and I have little in common when it comes to Constitutional interpretation, but apparently we do have similar taste in great music. Ha, who knew?Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-65229085454487541222007-12-27T19:31:00.000-08:002007-12-31T18:51:04.350-08:00Happy Birthday Sweet GirlI can't believe my girl is three. *sigh*<br /><br />We made her a cake that my mother-in-law used to make my husband for his birthdays. But I get the impression that our version didn't live up to expectations. <br /><br />Patiently waiting.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/2142238175_a0b321582b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/2142238175_a0b321582b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The "House Cake."<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/2142984008_c536d397c3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/2142984008_c536d397c3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2142984354_7dca55d48f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2142984354_7dca55d48f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The loot.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/2142986924_e585559eac.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/2142986924_e585559eac.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I got a guitar for Christmas because my dear sweet husband knew I'd been wanting to learn a new instrument. And he plays the banjo, so it just seemed logical that A get a mandolin for her birthday!<br /><br />She is in love! At first she called it her "baby guitar" then it was her "baby banjo" ....but now she proudly calls it MY mandolin.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/2142983542_0d9532f4e3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/2142983542_0d9532f4e3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2028/2142987482_337d624b50.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2028/2142987482_337d624b50.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Watching Daddy. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2142985144_c2742c6ac0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2142985144_c2742c6ac0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-18826406006411951272007-12-09T13:13:00.000-08:002007-12-09T14:23:54.424-08:00FirstsLast year about this time we closed on our first home. We moved in a week before Christmas, and spent the holidays stepping over boxes and power tools. We ate Christmas dinner on the floor because we hadn't unpacked enough boxes to give us the floor space we needed just to set up our table and chairs. Our house had the aroma of fresh paint, not pine trees and peppermint. But, we didn't really care. We we're eating Christmas dinner on OUR floor.<br /><br />Two days after Christmas my little girl turned two, and we were back on the floor eating A's birthday cake. Still sourrounded by boxes and power tools. I didn't even get to make her cake...there was no baking going on in that kitchen. The oven was barricaded by more boxes. I had to buy her cake from the grocery store. *sigh*<br /><br />(note all the junk and unpacked boxes in the background?) Although it doesn't really look like A cared, hehe.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2098314743_9eb72bb919_b.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2098314743_9eb72bb919_b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is what our living room looked like over the holidays last year.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/2098311859_881ae86129.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 462px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/2098311859_881ae86129.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This past year has been a year of many firsts, including our first real Christmas in our first home of our own. Last weekend we went out and got a tree, and I am loving how warm and cozy it makes our house feel. I never want to take it down. Like those crazies that leave their Christmas lights up year round. Maybe I will turn into one of them.<br /><br />I took this picture a year ago today during our walk-through.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2098312491_0e467e7a51_b.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 462px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2098312491_0e467e7a51_b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />....and today.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2098964870_2e8b784a8e_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 462px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2098964870_2e8b784a8e_o.jpg" border="0" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-74630386084393358952007-12-07T18:31:00.000-08:002007-12-07T19:13:01.002-08:00What's Wrong With This Picture?I noticed this the other night. Hmmm, I wonder what happened here.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2094677818_b5af23d962.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width:380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2094677818_b5af23d962.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Maybe this little <strike>thief</strike> girl saw something...you think?<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2184/2094678208_7caa860cc3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2184/2094678208_7caa860cc3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-25184231943951438952007-11-26T12:52:00.000-08:002007-11-26T13:24:33.720-08:00Bank ShotBank Shot<br />Ball-in-hand<br />Nice break <br />Rack 'em<br /><br />...These are not expressions I ever thought I'd hear my two year old say. But over the Thanksgiving holiday I did. We spent the holiday at my father-in-law's house, and she learned how to play pool down in the basement with Papa. Well as well as any two year old could play, hehe...<br /><br />She had a great time and it was fun watching her learn.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/2066096029_7a01c6de93.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 390px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/2066096029_7a01c6de93.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2405/2066206715_d0b15e133b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 390px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2405/2066206715_d0b15e133b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And isn't this an essential part of the game of pool? But hopefully my sweet girl won't learn that part of the game until she's 30. Well maybe 45.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2245/2066207071_94a9f596df.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 390px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2245/2066207071_94a9f596df.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-44378186778671031672007-11-19T14:34:00.000-08:002007-11-19T17:22:08.355-08:00One Potato, Two Potato, Sweet PotatoOnly three more days. Three more days until <strong>OPERATION: DON'T BREAK THE SCALE DURING THE HOLIDAYS.</strong> I concluded that duct taping my mouth shut for the next six weeks won't work. But one of the things I will try is to come up with healthier alternatives to some of my holiday favorites.<br /><br />One of the things I look forward to eating most around the holidays are mashed potatoes. Red potatoes, white potatoes, garlic smashed, potatoes with gravy....it really doesn't matter. I love them all.<br /><br />I saw a big display of sweet potatoes at the store this week, and I thought "hey, maybe sweet potatoes really are healthier?" I've always heard this was true, but I decided I needed to do some research of my own.<br /><br />Invigorated with the thought of finding a holiday food that wouldn't bring the enormous amount of guilt that mashed potatoes brings, I hit google.<br /><br />So what did I learn? Yes, sweet potatoes are indeed healthier.<br /><br />Here is a brief nutritional breakdown of sweet potatoes vs. white potatoes. Now you might notice that the grams are different between the sweet and white potato, but this is due to the fact that the density per serving size isn't quite the same between the two.<br /><br />Sweet Potato (baked, skin on)<br /><br /><p><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/2047865019_eb9985b5d6.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/2047865019_eb9985b5d6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />White Potato (baked, skin on)<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2048655076_42ba54afdb.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2048655076_42ba54afdb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sweet Potato (vitamins and minerals in 200 grams)<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2218/2047865151_44f1f056ec_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2218/2047865151_44f1f056ec_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />White Potato (vitamins and minerals in 299 grams)<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/2047865103_8dea7fd04b_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/2047865103_8dea7fd04b_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />*source: www.nutritiondata.com<br /><br />Now the basic nutritional differences (calories, fat, carbs, etc.) are comaparable. Although the sweet potato is considerably higher in fiber. But as far as the vitamin and mineral differences, there are some major differences.<br /><br />So while not a completely guilt-free, traditional mashed potoato and gravy substitute....move over mashed potatoes. This year you've been replaced by something sweeter.</p>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-64469443236676607762007-11-18T08:57:00.000-08:002007-11-18T13:49:49.836-08:00Pass the Banana PuddingIn my opinion, there is only one legitimate use for Vanilla Wafers: Banana Pudding.<br /><br />If I'm going to eat a cookie, I'm certainly not going to waste my calories on a boring and stale-from-the-minute-you-open-the-box wafer. Even the name implies gross. Wafer sounds like a way to add fiber to a geriatric diet. Not dessert.<br /><br />Growing up in Virginia, I believe every summer cookout I've ever attended had at least one dish of banana pudding. But I don't think I've ever made banana pudding in November when it was 40 degrees outside. But bananas were on sale for 19 cents a pound this week, and I bought enough bananas to feed a large family of monkeys. So I've made banana bread, banana muffins, banana buckwheat cakes (all of which freeze well by the way)...and today I made banana pudding.<br /><br />I'm not a cookbook-using kind of person. I have tons of them but they never get used. If I made something and followed a recipe at all, it was likely from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com">Food Network</a> But on the rare occasion I do use a cookbook, it is most likely this:<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/2043358339_2ada5e7bb7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/2043358339_2ada5e7bb7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Banana Pudding Recipe, p. 1020.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/2043358977_df03da3574.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 380px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/2043358977_df03da3574.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Modified the recipe a bit. Had to try to make it at least a little healthier, right?<br /><br />3 c. 2% Milk<br />4 Egg Yolks<br />3 tbs. Cornstarch<br />1/2 c. Splenda<br />1/2 c. Sugar<br />1/4 tsp. Salt<br />1-1/2 tsp. Vanilla<br />Vanilla Wafers<br />4 Bananas<br /><br />Combine Splenda, Sugar, , Cornstarch, Salt and milk in saucepan. Heat on medium low until sugar is dissolved. Add egg yolks and stir. Turn heat up to medium, keep stirring until thickened. Turn heat down to low and cook another mintute or two. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent pudding from getting a skin as it cools. Line bottom of pan (I use 9x13) with single layer of Vanilla wafers. Add a layer of sliced bananas. Pour pudding mixture on top. Top with layer of wafers. Cover surface again with plastic wrap and chill for at least four hours.<br /><br />Something an almost three year old just doesn't get: "We can't eat this now; we have to put it in the fridge and let it cool for a few hours."<br /><br />Something tells me freezing this won't be an option. I give it two days in the fridge.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2037/2043359643_793ce5e0a4.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 380px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2037/2043359643_793ce5e0a4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2261/2043360545_f9f6ac44df.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 380px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2261/2043360545_f9f6ac44df.jpg" border="0" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-10470503389133513642007-11-17T12:48:00.000-08:002007-11-18T08:37:08.039-08:00Halloween. A bit late.I've slacked a bit with the blogging. I guess I haven't figured out how to make it a habitual part of my schedule. I will try to do better. My work schedule has changed to where I have four day weekends. (really, could it get any better?) So that will give me more time for this.<br /><br />So I meant to post these pictures of my sweetie's Halloween Kimono. I'm only two weeks late...<br /><br />The fabric.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2116/1712534733_d1047fac75.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2116/1712534733_d1047fac75.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After a crazy number of hours, and the last minute enlistment of my mom's help for alterations (because I don't do the sewing thing well) it was all done!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2114/1805268528_1ef386a00c.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2114/1805268528_1ef386a00c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2205/1800229551_981b9abcfa.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2205/1800229551_981b9abcfa.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2096/1865387324_b4b09298a1.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2096/1865387324_b4b09298a1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2204/1865381456_475d944a82.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2204/1865381456_475d944a82.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-7321861291653489552007-09-15T15:22:00.000-07:002007-09-15T15:24:57.371-07:00It Has Arrived<a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1376/1388810674_508b9f6a3a_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1376/1388810674_508b9f6a3a_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Too busy drooling over the pages to write more than this.....Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-10609812493820799332007-09-12T17:22:00.000-07:002007-11-17T13:11:18.681-08:00Oh Bento!Let's see, I've introduced my thrift store addiction so I guess it's time to introduce another, recent addiction of mine: Bento.<br /><br />After seeing all her fun, beautiful creations, I have my friend <a href="http://www.papayamom.com/">Papaya Mom</a> to blame for this addiction. I soon made my first Bento. It was ugly. But I was hooked. It's fun, creative, healthy, and makes lunch something my husband actually looks forward too. Not to mention, I can put about anything in Ainsley's cute bento boxes and she'll eat it.<br /><br />My bento collection is getting out of control. I now have two entire kitchen cabinet shelves now devoted to bento boxes and accessories. But of course I need more.... So today I ventured out to check out more of the local asian markets and stores for Bento stuff.<br /><br />I'm going to guess that there are at least fifty asian markets within a thirty minute drive from my house. And it's been my mission to check them all for bento. My first stop today was <em>Pika Pika</em>, only about three miles from my house. It's not a market, but a store specializing in only Japanese goods. I walked in and the man working there looked at me in that, "are you in the right place?" kind of way. I said "bento" and he nodded towards the wall. I walked around the aisle and just about passed out on the floor. An entire WALL of Bento. GASP. And with prices so low I really almost hit the floor. My last bento purchase came all the way from Japan and I'm not even going to tell you what I spent on that stuff, not to mention the shipping....<br /><br />Just some of what I picked up today. *big smile*<br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1344/1368576864_6eb048ddb9.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1344/1368576864_6eb048ddb9.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here are some of my bentos.<br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/1261200020_49e73dcb3c.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/1261200020_49e73dcb3c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1207/1127324329_b58b231523.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1207/1127324329_b58b231523.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1415/1141284363_248821c43f.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1415/1141284363_248821c43f.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ainsley's "fishy lunchbox"<br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1372/1225751178_fbb191b14e.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1372/1225751178_fbb191b14e.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mommy's bento<br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1435/1225491106_882e13533a.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1435/1225491106_882e13533a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />So if you're interested, there are tons of great resources out there, like <a href="http://lunchinabox.net/">Lunch in a Box</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/">Flickr Groups.</a> Just search the Flickr groups for "bento."</div>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-64324583514410747602007-09-06T11:53:00.000-07:002007-09-07T06:29:02.211-07:00Curious Parenting ObservationSo I can't be the parent of a potty training two year old, and <em>not </em>have just <em>one </em>post about the potty, can I?<br /><br />Now I don't want ignore everything my husband does with raising our child. He really is the perfect dad, and I couldn't have asked for a better parenting partner. We really work like a team, and really look at parenting the same way. <br /><br />And he dove right into his dad duties when Ainsley was born. I had a c-section and couldn't get out of bed the first day. I really don't think I'll ever forget the image of him changing that first icky newborn diaper. You know, the <em>really </em>icky one? Nor will I ever forget his exclaimation, "Oh my GOD, it's like tar. I can't get it off her....it's ON ME now....it's everywhere....how am I supposed to do this and hold her legs at the same time...oh now she's squirming!"<br /><br />He'd never changed a diaper in his life. He'd never practiced in those nice parenting classes the hospital offers. We skipped that stuff. <br /><br />But one thing that I have noticed during the potty training, is that I think that men, my husband included, think that potty training is just mom's job. Now how's that?<br /><br />About 2% of Ainsley's potty training success can be attributed to Daddy. <br /><br />But about 98% of her accidents are Daddy's fault too. This is how:<br /><br />A: Daddy, I hafta pee. <br />Daddy (holding the playstation controller): Hang on just a mintue ....<br />A: I gotta pee Daddy. <br />Daddy: Just one more second... <br />A: (looking down at the floor) I toldya I had to pee, I toldya....<br /><br />But, regardless of my lack of help, Ainsley has graduated to big girl panties! Of course, her favorites are the Dora undies.Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-28991001470586541842007-09-03T15:34:00.000-07:002007-11-17T13:09:22.660-08:00Labor Day Project: Roman Shades<div>I've been planning these for a long time. It took me months to decide on a fabric. Decisiveness isn't always one of my strengths. It turned into more of a project than I thought. But, they are done and I am really pleased!<br /><br />It's never a good sign when a project starts like this....<br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1120/1315911922_1dd340317a.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1120/1315911922_1dd340317a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When I sat down to sew the shades today, the feed dogs wouldn't come up. Feed dogs....never given the oddly named things much thought, but now I hate them. Hate them.<br /><br />As long as I've waited to make these shades, I wasn't giving up without a fight. Of course I didn't want to wait to take the thing in to the sewing machine repair shop. So I got out a screwdriver and tried to take the thing apart. My husband laughed while he was watching tv from his spot on the sofa. He wanted no part of taking this thing apart. He told me if something went wrong I would just blame him. He was probably right.<br /><br />I think the mean folks at Singer must make taking these things apart hard on pupose. Maybe to prevent people, like me, who are clueless about the inner workings of a sewing machine from making matters worse. Well I didn't heed their warning. It took me over 40 minutes just to take it apart. But once I did, I found one of the springs had come loose, fixed it and was back in business. I put this machine back together, but discovered an extra, unknown piece. Never good. So back apart it came. Found the home for the mystery piece, but it back together...and....when I plugged it back it, the thing even worked!!<br /><br />Ha, my dad would be so proud. I don't think there was a weekend of my childhood that he didn't have some appliance in pieces on the kitchen floor.<br /><br />So after a long day of sewing (not my best skill) they are done!<br /><br />Of course I couldn't wait until there was better lighting in my kitchen...so the pictures suck, but I couldn't wait until tomorrow morning for better light.<br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/1315404551_a53ef45bbf.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/1315404551_a53ef45bbf.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />*Edited to add a picture - this is this morning with the morning light coming through the windows.<br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/1320438617_e9a8136124.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/1320438617_e9a8136124.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-5284808552210858022007-09-01T17:19:00.000-07:002007-09-15T15:27:15.944-07:00Craft Saturday: SuncatchersPlaydoh gets old real fast. Ainsley and I love doing crafts and projects, but we've been in need of some inspiration. So after getting an idea from a friend, today we tried making suncatchers for the first time. Very easy and lots of fun!<br /><br />All you need is wax paper, crayons, scissors, nylon string/fishing line, an iron and paper/newspaper/cardboard/etc.<br /><br />1. Shave the crayons on one a sheet of wax paper. I use about a 12 inch wide piece.<br />2. Place another sheet of wax paper over top -the same size as bottom piece.<br />3. Place it between two pieces of newspaper/cardboard/paper/etc, making sure that the shavings don't leak out the sides.<br />5. Iron on lowest setting for 30 seconds or so, just until the shavings have just begun to melt.<br />6. Once the crayon melts, let cool and then you can cut it into different shapes.<br />7. Punch a hole on the top, and string it with nylon line and hang it in a window.<br /><br />Here are our first attempts. Ignore my dirty windows.<br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/1298745114_f3931b0709.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/1298745114_f3931b0709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1096/1297876619_1df436f794.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1096/1297876619_1df436f794.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And my <em>very </em>uncrafty husband came up with this idea, and even sat down and made this tree himself. He shot me a mean look when I suggested I take his picture while crafting.<br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1275/1297875587_9a9be9b3e3.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1275/1297875587_9a9be9b3e3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-90694408024464219892007-08-31T13:34:00.000-07:002007-09-15T15:27:41.405-07:00A Perfect Friday Morning.Ainsley and I spent the morning at one of my favorite shopping spots. The Virginia Beach DAV (<a href="http://www.dav.org/">Disabled American Veterans</a>) Thrift Store. I've been shopping there for years, and when we lived in WV I would even have my mom go for me to scour the store for great finds. When I was pregnant she would send boxes and boxes of little newborn clothes from the thrift store. Aren't moms the best?<br /><br />I can count on <strike>one</strike> two hands the number of brand new pieces of clothing I've bought for Ainsley. Everything else has come from the DAV. It's a bit of an addiction really. But I'm saving $$ and helping out a great organization, so it's okay, right? *wink*<br /><br />So here's my stash from our trip this morning.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1008/1288436314_821a9b35e8.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1008/1288436314_821a9b35e8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />For $43 I got:<br /><br />27 Yards of Fabric<br />Fisher Price School House<br />Pink Tractor<br />2 Books<br />3 Pairs of Pants<br />6 shirts<br />2 skirts<br />2 dresses<br />An undisclosed number of surprises for a friend who just gave birth to her first baby girl<br /><br />Here's some of the fabric I found. I thought it was really cute. It's a 100% cotton king duvet, so I think that's about 16 yards. Right? I have no idea what I will do with it. Open for suggestions. </p><p></p><p><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1387/1287578567_601180bef7.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1387/1287578567_601180bef7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And here's the best part. 16 yards for...<br /></p><p><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1336/1287577021_9c59f5dc26.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1336/1287577021_9c59f5dc26.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />If you can't decipher thrift store scribble, that's marked down to $3.98. *proud smile*<br /><br />And here is a pink tractor I picked up for Ainsley. What two year old little girl doesn't need a pink tractor?<br /><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1390/1288434728_d21c52d819.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1390/1288434728_d21c52d819.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-79064780089119693002007-08-30T11:48:00.000-07:002007-09-15T15:27:55.398-07:00Oh Sweet Summer.<strong>Will I miss summer?</strong><br /><br />1. I will not miss the heat or the overwhelming, take-your-breath-away humidity.<br /><br />2. I will not miss sweat. Whoever said it cools you off was lying.<br /><br />3. I will not miss my husband working longer hours just because there is more daylight.<br /><br />4. I will not miss the mosquitos that take over our coastal town.<br /><br />5. I will not miss the tourists and the crowded beaches.<br /><br />6. I will not miss my two year old thinking she can stay up until 9:00 because "it's not dark yet mommy." (although, really.... deep down I like to stay up late with her)<br /><br />But now that summer is almost over, I know I will definately miss one of the sweetest parts of summer....<br /><br />Tomatoes from our garden.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1381/1278778328_2e692ac171.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 380px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: left" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1381/1278778328_2e692ac171.jpg" border="0" /></a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-69548572587103234342007-08-29T12:23:00.001-07:002007-08-30T12:30:06.283-07:00The Picture Below The TitleWhere is it? WBGV. Anyone know what that means? *wink*<br /><br /><br />West By God Virginia. Fairmont, West Virginia precisely.<br /><br />It's the end of August and I've already got fall fever. Spring and fall battle it out for my most favorite time of year. But when we were living in WV, it was definately fall. It's just such a beautiful place. We only spent three years there, but I really miss it, especially this time of year.<br /><br />What you see in the picture is downtown Fairmont. And I use the term <em>downtown </em>very loosely. We were living in <em>downtown </em>Fairmont when our daughter was born. She spent the first year and a half in that house, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.<br /><br />So if you're ever in the area, check it out. Especially around October. Oh, and if you're there you must get a hot dog from Yann's. A Fairmont institution. His hot dog shop sits right on the other side of the bridge seen in the picture. The bridge was originally built in 1921, and was nicknamed the <a href="http://www.shotcrete.org/pdf_files/Sum03.fortuna.pdf" target="_blank">Million Dollar Bridge</a> because that's what is cost to build in 1921. But the bridge was restored in 2000 and got the new nickname, the Billion Dollar Bridge. The local joke is that the bridge was built to let Fairmont residents on the other side of the river eat at Yann's. Great hot dogs. But I think part of the greatness comes from the <em>experience </em>more than anything. Oh and the crazy spicy <strike>chili</strike> hot dog sauce. But don't dare order ketchup. There are even signs forbidding customers from ordering anything but mustard, onions and "hot dog sauce." Seriously.Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309691677993786861.post-36004870222299598022007-08-29T11:30:00.000-07:002007-08-30T12:28:51.482-07:00I'm finally here. My first post.I made it. Finally. I set up this blog ages ago, but there it sat. Out in cyberspace. Probably because I didn't want to deal with this first post. But also because the first title I came up with was Latin that I translated myself. So I was always afraid I had it terribly wrong. Spanish? Yes. Latin? Not my thing.<br /><br />I've wanted to blog for a long time, and it seems like almost every day I think "ya know, if I had started blogging I would post about this." Or "I would take a picture of <em>that</em> and put it on my blog." And I have so many blogs that I love to read and so many friends that are loving the world of blog.<br /><br />But, I've put it off. When I set up this blog I got totally excited, sat down to write my first post and said "humph." So that was the end of that. Put off until tomorrow....isn't that how it goes?<br /><br />So what do you put in a first post? Should it be simple and to the point? Grand in nature? Written more for <em>me</em> or for a reader? I guess to get started I'll strike a balance. Haha, see my blog title? How appropriate.<br /><br />A brief explanation of the title - Almost ten years ago I was an undergrad on I think my third major and found myself enrolled in an intro to political science course because it qualified as an elective in my major at the time. But only about two weeks into the course my life took a pretty big turn. Up until that point I was pretty indifferent about the whole college experience. It was okay. Going to class was more of a chore, and I struggled to get my work done on time. But I fell in love with this poli sci course. I declared a second major, and from then on I had a new attitude towards higher education. It was pretty damn fun. So I spent almost the next ten years of my life as a full time college student. And I'm still completely distraught that it all had to come to an end.<br /><br />Oh yes, the title of my blog? Well the title of the book for that course was called "A Delicate Balance." I really don't think there is a more appropriate title for an American Politics textbook. So I love the phrase, but not just to describe politics. So much in life I think is a delicate balance. We all try to balance work, family, school, friends, community, etc. We try to balance growing older while trying to <em>feel </em>younger. We make sacrifices in some parts of our life so we can more fully enjoy other parts. It all really is <em>simply a delicate balance</em>.<br /><br />Well this first post is already longer than I would have liked.....<br /><br />So what you'll find in my blog. I'm a wife, a mother, a college instructor, a photographer, a fairly new homeowner....so you'll see a lot of pictures. Mostly of our fabulously cute two year little girl, but also of our never ending home improvement projects, our coastal virginia community, did I mention my two year old? And I'll throw in posts about life, current events, cooking, gardening, and all the other projects I never seem to have enough time for. Oh yeah, we just got a new German Shepherd puppy, Eliza, and she is an adorable handful. So you will no doubt get to read about our adventures in puppyhood.<br /><br />So I'm going to fight the urge to read over this a thousand times and just post it. Then I will go off and figure out how to add pictures, links and other really cool stuff. Maybe someday my blog will actually be pretty.<br /><br />Okay, now that this is out of the way I am <em>really</em> excited!Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01823675321421079737noreply@blogger.com4