• The F List Gets Me Every Time

    by  • April 1, 2013

    FaveLists_F

    Let’s start out the week, and the month, with the “F-list.” Not much to say today, so, let’s go…

    1. Food Blogs | I love to read food blogs and look at the gorgeous photos. Here’s a collection of my fave food blogs.
    2. Frank’s Red Hot | I put that ish on everything.
    3. Feedly | It’s no secret now that Google Reader is on its way out. So, I’ve jumped on the Feedly bandwagon.
    4. Flipboard | I’m all about the web this week. If you have an iPad, Flipboard is a must.
    5. Farmhouse Style | I keep pinning tables like this one. Someday, someday.
    6. Friends & Family | Hey, that’s you guys! And to celebrate you, and the month of April, I’m giving you, dear readers, 15% off anything in my Etsy shop all month long. Simply use code FF2013 at checkout!

    Focus Friday Gets Me Every Time

    by  • March 29, 2013

    FocusFridayAPRIL

    It’s not April quite yet, but it’s time to make some new “One Little Word” goals to start out the month fresh on Monday. Spring is finally here. I guess the geese, the robins and the crocuses read my post earlier this week.

    1 | Reading More, again | I had started to read on the train during my morning commute in the winter, but lately I’ve been zoning out. Here’s to more reading, again. Leave book suggestions in the comments, please!

    2 | Actionable Planning | Sometimes I plan to do something (i.e. finish a craft project) but I don’t plan how or when it’s going to happen. There needs to be more of that.

    3 | Dancing | My students have their performance in April and so do my mom’s students. I can’t wait to take in all the dancing this month holds. Note, I’m also open to more sporadic dancing anytime, just ask.

    4 | Embracing the Season | I’m ready to jump head first into spring. I just want to make sure I’m the best me I can be when it gets here.

    5 | Creating Balance | This comes in all things. Salad during the week, nachos on the weekend. Work & “play” and finding the difference between the two. Balance is forever shifting.


    DenisWaitley_FocusQuote

    And, let’s not forget about March:

    1 | Slowing Down | I did slow down a little bit, but not enough. I mean, can you ever slow down enough?

    2 | Thoroughness | Huge fail. I did not get to finish any of projects I have started.

    3 | Patience | I think I became a little more patient. It’s just a matter of counting to 10 when annoyances start to creep in. Still, it’s something to think about and work on always.

    4 | Me | This was my way of saying I was going to eat better and go to the gym more in March. Hmmm, not so much, but there’s always April.

    5 | Time Management | I’ve definitely gotten a better hold on this. I simply tell myself I have a certain amount of time to do something then switch off the TV, wash out my paintbrushes, stop hitting snooze when that time is up.

    Sloppy Joe Burgers Get Me Every Time

    by  • March 26, 2013

    Burger6_20_SloppyJoeBurgers1

    OK. In the interest of full disclosure and honesty and truth in blogging, etc. Right up front. I’m going to tell you that this was a burger fail. Excellent in concept, poor execution. The idea was, a sloppy joe, but way less sloppy, like a burger. Hence, Sloppy Joe Burger.

    Burger6_20_SloppyJoeBurgers5

    Things started out looking good. Don’t you think? I did. You’re probably wondering why there is ketchup on them, right? Well. I decided to make my own sloppy joe seasoning, instead of using a packet. (I think know this is where things started to go wrong.) The recipe I found called for adding a cup of ketchup as you browned the ground meat. So, I squirted some on before I flipped the little guys.

    Burger6_20_SloppyJoeBurgers2

    They looked delightful. I was so ready to have a delicious dinner. So, I placed a patty on my gluten-free bun, threw some chips on the plate and took a bite. It was… interesting. As were the next few bites.

    Burger6_20_SloppyJoeBurgers3

    I couldn’t figure out what was “wrong” while I was eating the bun too. I took a little bite of just the burger and discovered the problem. Too much garlic was it? (is there such a thing?) Or maybe too much smoked paprika? Or too much ketchup? Maybe I should have started with a packet of sloppy joe seasoning.

    Burger6_20_SloppyJoeBurgers4

    I even spared Mr. GMET from trying these bad boys out. The leftover burger snuck it’s way into another dish where I could balance the overuse of so many spices. And the recipe? You’re not getting it from me. Or anyone for that matter. Because it didn’t work.

    Better luck next time, I suppose.

     

    Waiting For Spring Gets Me Every Time

    by  • March 25, 2013

    Louise_Winter_GetsMeEveryTime

    You guys. I can’t even lie. I am over it. The snow. The puffer jacket. The boots. The everything. And it’s got me in a funk here, hence the sporadic posts. Don’t get me wrong—I love curling up under a blanket with a cup of hot tea on a cold winter’s night. But I’m ready for spring. I’m ready to get back out there and explore without starting to sweat while wearing 15 layers because you were cold but then you got warm from hopping on the T. You know the feeling? We’ve got places to go, people to see and new spring clothes to show off.

    Louise_Winter2_GetsMeEveryTime

    Spring. So close, yet so far. Almost, Louise. Almost.

     

    The E List Gets Me Every Time

    by  • March 18, 2013

    TheEListFavorites

     

    I’m not going to lie. I put off making “The E List” because I didn’t think it would be as Easy as it was to come up with a list of favorites that start with E. But once I thought about all my favorite things in the world—I have a lot, hence the name of this blog—it was simple to compile this short list!

    1. Epiphanie Camera Bags | You guys are probably sick of me talking about Epiphanie Bags. But I love the one I have and I love this cute chevron bag too.
    2. Etsy | I mean. It’s my go-to for all things cute.
    3. Easter Bunny Drink Stirrers | Speaking of Etsy, these drink stirrers, and all the other ones in this shop, are adorable.
    4. Even Numbers | I’ve just always had a thing for even numbers.
    5. Egg Holder | I love that this looks like it’s from Anthro, but you can find it at World Market.
    6. Emerald Green | It’s the color of the year. You’ve got to get behind it with a cute iPhone case.

    Tilapia Burgers Get Me Every Time

    by  • March 15, 2013

    TilapiaBurger1

    Today, because it’s Friday. Because it’s Lent. Because I left you hanging all week. Today, I thought I’d share this tasty non-traditional burger I whipped up last week. Burger number 5 of 20 is a Tilapia (Fish Cake) Burger with chipotle ranch dressing. And, it’s gluten-free!

    TilapiaBurger2

    I started off with this recipe from Martha Stewart, but quickly realized it would need some tweaking. For instance, saltine crackers aren’t gluten free. I’m not a fan of horseradish. And I didn’t need to make tons of small fish cakes, just two big ones.

    TilapiaBurger4

    The tweaking paid off. These were the perfect Friday night meal for us. And Mr. Gets Me Every Time said he would eat these again—even before the Chicken Parm Burgers. Coming from a man who loves Italian food and isn’t really into seafood, this came as a pleasant surprise to me. We had a salad with these tasty burgers and it was a great Friday night in.

    TilapiaBurger3

    Here’s my version of the recipe:

    BURGERS:
    3 tilapia filets
    olive oil
    5 tbsp (gluten-free) breadcrumbs
    1 tsp lemon juice
    1 heaping spoonful of mayonnaise
    A few shakes of parsley
    Pinches of: salt, pepper, crushed red pepper

    CHIPOTLE RANCH:
    Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
    Hidden Valley Ranch dressing

    

    Most of the directions are the same as Martha’s. 
    

    Pre-heat oven to 400. Coat filets with olive oil (I used my Misto) and sprinkle each side with salt and pepper. Bake fish for about 10 – 15 minutes, until roasted through.
    

    While your tilapia cools, cut up one of those peppers then mix with a few tablespoons of ranch dressing.
    

    Once the fish is cool, heat up about two tbsps of olive oil in a pan. Meanwhile, flake your fish with a fork into a bowl along with 4 tbsp breadcrumbs, the red pepper, parsley, lemon juice egg and mayo. Mix it all together carefully, then split into half and form two patties.
    

    Spread remaining breadcrumbs on flat surface and coat fish cakes with crumbs. Cook each patty over medium heat until the breadcrumbs are golden before serving on your favorite buns (ours our Udi’s Gluten Free Buns.)
    

     
    
           
     
	    
    
    
    
			
    
		
    
			
    Completing A Tall Order Gets Me Every Time
    
						
    
				by  • March 8, 2013			
    
					
    
	
    
	    
    
        
    Benefit_Final8b
    

    We made it! Rather, we made them! All 500 of these Toyidermy business card holders were completed, painted, touched up and shipped out. And I couldn’t have done it without the help of my “partners-in-craft” who I can’t thank enough. | If you’re just tuning in, catch up with part 1 and part 2 of this story. |
    

    Benefit_Final7
    

    It was a tedious job and I spent a lot of it kicking myself for accepting such a huge order with a tight timeline. But, once it was complete (and I caught up on some much-needed sleep) I felt so accomplished and happy I had taken on the challenge.
    

    Benefit_Final6
    

    Each animal was meticulously painted by hand, sometimes with two coats. Then came the eyebrows and the Benefit logo stamp.
    

    Benefit_Final5 Benefit_Final1
    

    I think they turned out pretty darn good, don’t you? And now for some “beauty shots.” (pun intended.)
    

    2012-12-17 12.07.55
    

    I foud these bad boys on the internet and can only think that after I sent the herd to Benefit, they added this cute chain and tag. The zebra says “Nice brows, wild thing.” If you’re unfamiliar with Benefit, they are known for their wonderful brow products and their “brow bars.”
    

    2012-12-17 12.08.03
    

    And here’s another “brow cow” stolen from the internet, with the hangtag “How cow… what beautiful brows!”
    

    Benefit_Final2
    

    So there you have it guys. That is the whole story of why I was missing in action for a little while at the end of the year. Thanks for bearing with me during those crazy times and this crazy story!
    

    | If you are now so inspired to get your own animal business card holder, there are plenty in the shop right now. |
    
           
     
	    
    
    
    
			
    
		
    
			
    Painting A Tall Order Gets Me Every Time
    
						
    
				by  • March 7, 2013			
    
					
    
	
    
	    
    
        
    Benefit_During7
    

    So, what does 500 toy animals look like? A mess, quite honestly. And painting those 500 animals. Well, it’s an even bigger mess. Have a look.Benefit_During9
    

    All 500 business card holders for this order were painted a shiny metallic pink. Then, they all got eyebrows, and the benefit seal on their “backs,” where the cards sit.
    

    Benefit_During8
    

    I couldn’t have done all this painting without the help of my dear husband, my good friend, Jill and my blogging friend, Emily. All three were a tremendous help as I pushed through to get these guys on their way to sunny California.
    

    Benefit_During6
    

    There was lots of paint. Lots of touch-ups. Lots of eyebrows. All in the name of beauty.
    

    Benefit_During2One of my personal favorites was the “brow cow.” I first painted the eyebrows on the cow and thought they looked great, don’t you? Here’s a closer look at some of the other guys.
    

    Benefit_During3 Benefit_During1 Benefit_During5 Benefit_During4Tomorrow, come back to see the full line up including rhinos, zebras, cows, giraffes and more. Plus, I’ll be throwing in a few “final presentation” photos I found on the web.
    
           
     
	    
    
    
    
			
    
		
    
			
    Blue Cheese Burgers Get Me Every Time
    
						
    
				by  • March 6, 2013			
    
					
    
	
    
	    
    
        
    Burger4_BlueCheese1b
    

    We’ve got a burger. We’ve got fries. We’ve got blue cheese and caramelized onions. We’ve got really bad pictures! So, please excuse me as I quickly hurry us through this delicious burger, number 4 of 20.
    

    Burger4_BlueCheese4
    

     
    

    This is my first attempt at a “stuffed” burger and it went pretty well. The Mr. and I both love blue cheese, so this was bound to happen. If you’re not a blue cheese fan, you could always sub something like a sharp cheddar. The trick in stuffing the burger was making sure all the cheese was sealed up in the ground meat so it didn’t come oozing out. Overall, this was successful and a trick we’ll definitely be using again.
    

    Burger4_BlueCheese6
    

    RECIPE:
    
    No recipe from me on this one, I scoured the internet, read a few and then riffed on it to make my own. Check out these recipes from Cookstr, Relish and Fine Cooking. We added a bit of low-sodium Dale’s to the ground meat to give the beef a little more flavor. Totally optional, of course.
    

    RESULTS
    
    All the recipes say the same thing, the caramelized onions take a while, but are worth it—I couldn’t agree more. We passed the time by watching a rerun of The Big Bang Theory and smelling the french fries cook up in the oven (they’re the Alexia brand, very tasty.) Go make yourself a batch, squeeze some ketchup on the plate and enjoy.
    
           
     
	    
    
    
    
			
    
		
    
			
    A Tall Order Gets Me Every Time
    
						
    
				by  • March 5, 2013			
    
					
    
	
    
	    
    
        
    Benefit_Before2
    

    Remember a few months ago when things went radio silent with no warning or mention? And then this site went down altogether and I didn’t even know it until my mom told me (thanks, Mom)? Well, this is part one of the story of the reason why.
    

    Benefit_Before5
    

    In early October I was contacted by a PR rep from Benefit Cosmetics about making some custom business card holders. Initially, it was 250-300 in quantity. Then that number jumped to 500… Of the same animal.
    

    Benefit_Before1
    

    Let’s be honest, all I was thinking was, “where am I going to find 500 pigs?!” But, eventually, after a few samples sent and lots of emails exchanged, we settled on a mix of 7 animals and I got to work scouring my usual sources for the supplies.
    

    Benefit_Before8
    

    I got my order in the same night we finalized the deal. Fast forward seven days later… No shipping notice. No tracking number. No delivery. Uh-oh… Order could not be fulfilled. What?! Commence freak out. I had just lost seven days of production time.
    

    Benefit_Before7
    

    I could go into more horror stories of how the next order came in and the animals were too small. The next one the animals were too big. And the next was also cancelled by the company. Panic mode overload.
    

    Benefit_Before3
    

    About 8 days before my shipping deadline, I finally got all my supplies (animals) in. And it was time to start some serious production. Production everywhere. There wasn’t a flat surface in our apartment that wasn’t covered with animals.
    

    Benefit_Before6
    

    OK, who am I kidding? I really just split this into three posts so I could show you tons of gratuitous toy photos. Come back later this week to see these guys get a nice coat of paint.