Autumn Times

Thankfully, it has been a busy autumn for me. Got a few things going on that I will make a post about, but just wanted to make a short post with a few pictures.

I had a quiet Halloween. It was my first time at home on Halloween and I so much wanted some trick or treaters to stop by. But alas, after sitting outside my house adorned in a renaissance festival cloak and witch hat, I only had one kid from the neighborhood come to trick or treat. A girl dressed as Hermione Granger came up to my porch, only after I called out to her like a creep. At least I got a Harry Potter character. I don't mean to complain though, I had a nice night sitting on the porch for an hour and a half watching the sun go down. My cat Koji kept me company by sitting in the window.

I lurve cats!

Cross-stiching a sampler for some friends who are having a baby soon. I really like sitting on the couch with Koji and doing a little crafting. Cats are great little friends!

Autumn is coming soon and I am getting excited.

Hurricane Irene: Power's out!

Hello!

This past weekend Baltimore was hit by Hurricane Irene. It was quite a windy rain storm but all in all I (and many others) didn't feel like it was that big of a storm. But in the morning, many trees were down, live wires were freaking out all over town and we were without power. I thought "No big deal...".

We pulled out our cooler, got some ice and unloaded the fridge. I had plenty of candles and one old timey oil lap I bought because it makes me think of "Frontier House" (a show that documents modern people trying to live the homesteader life of the 1880's) my favorite show.

My only worry was keeping my phone charged as it was my only way of communication and telling time. ( I lost my wrist watch) Luckily I was freelancing on a job and could charge myphone there during the day.

Anyway! The power outage lasted for 3 whole days, much longer then I would of thought. I still was not bothered too much. A good time away from the TV, got to read books by candle light and just chat with my husband.

Power is back now so I wanted to share some photos from the outage I took in myneighborhood.

Then neighborhood is usually bathed it yellow neon light from the street laps, but after the power went out everything was pitch black. Looking outside at dusk I found the houses to look quiet beautiful in the darkness.

Neighbors house

Side of house candles burn inside

It's Summer Time!

So I have been out of the loop for a little while, I guess I figure not too many "Martha Like" things have been going on lately. I have been a little uninspired, the cause I believe comes from being unemployed and trying to find a "grown up" job. It's hard going. But life is still going ok.

I have been doing some cool stuff, trying to bulk up my demo reel, spending time with family, volunteering at the SPCA, doing odd jobs and trying to get some confidence while dealing with this whole job search thing. I know I am not the only one, but this is the first time I have ever been without a job and it is quite lame! It can also be confusing looking for a job because I find myself questioning what I want to do for work. What can I do well? What kind of schedule is good for me? What am I willing to sacrifice so I can just start making money again? Go for what I want, or go for what I can get like another restaurant job. Only time and effort will tell.

Not to be a total downer, but just thought I would update. Thanks for reading.

It's still summertime, so i'll have a little fun.

Just made the BEST dessert that I have ever made! Biscuit Shortcakes with Blueberry Compote and Chevre!

This evening I was reading through the Martha July 2011 magazine. I was admiring the lovely summer desserts that are featured, especially the " Corn Ice Cream Shortcakes with Blueberry Compote". I started thinking that I could make some corn bread and berry compote, which would be similar and easier. When went to the kitchen and looked in the cupboard I saw a box of Bisquick. I took it out and turned it over. On the back of the box was an EASY recipe for shortcakes! I was real excited. I had all the ingredients in the house and some goat cheese. I made the shortcakes and compote ( which really was very simple to do and I had never made either before) and sprinkled some of the chevre on top. I nearly died!

You all must try this!

The Martha/ Bisquick/ Katie Biscuit Shortcakes with Blueberry Compote and Chevre!

BLUEBERRY COMPOTE

1 1/2 cups of Blueberries (I used frozen)

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons of water

2 tablespoons of lemon juice ( I used lemon juice from the plastic lemon)

Make the compote:

Heat 1 cup of blueberries, lemon juice, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat until berries begin to burst, 4 to 5 minutes. Simmer, stirring often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in remaining blueberries and let cool.

SHORTCAKES

2 1/3 cup bisquick

3 tbs sugar
3 tbs margarine or butter -- melted
2/3 cup milk

Preheat oven to 425 f.

Mix bisquick,sugar,butter and milk until
soft dough forms. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls into
6 mounds on ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with
sugar. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Another Year, Another Fairie Festival!

The Spoutwood Farm Fairie Festival has come and gone once again.

This year I went by myself. I love to go and people watch and just hang out and listen to the live music that they have going on. Spoutwood farm is a beautiful place. I always feel very peaceful when I am there.

Here are a few photos I took with my iPhone, mostly landscape, not many fairies.

Some quotes I wanted to share

"Martha Stewart Living magazine......showed multiple generations of women (and men) that when they're armed with a little insperation- and prehaps a pair od pinking shears-their everyday lives and gatherings could be more beautiful, more practical, and more meaningful."

"I still marvel at the creativity and care that go into every story and into striking that balance between inspiration and action."

"...we have a feeling that these small changes will make your world just a little brighter"

Quotes from Martha Stewart Living, My Life with Living by Pilar Guzman

I wanted to share these quotes because when I read them in the June 2011 issue, I felt they correctly communicate my thoughts on why I think the Martha magazine is inspirational. It teaches me to take the time and think about how I live and how to thoughtfully make my house a home. It's not all about perfection, its about being inspired to create the life you have dreamed of, and to live in a place that everything you see has thought put into it. Living thoughtfully, and seeing the beauty in everyday life. Thats what I like about Martha!

Royal Wedding Viewing Party!

(paper crown made for me by my friend Kathy)


Hello folks!

So I was getting excited for the royal wedding, but then got kinda sad when I thought of watching the wedding all alone in my living room. So at the last minute I put out a Facebook invite for people to come over. It went something like this.

Hey! Do you like british stuff? Are you excited about the Royal Wedding? Are you unemployed and looking for something to do at 5am this Friday?? Are you crazy and want to come over at 5am for mooch off scones, tea and mimosas? Come to Katie and Jason's house to watch the Royal Wedding! Folks, this only happens a few times in a life time, whether you care or not is another story. But anyway!!!!!

To my delight six people were cool enough to get out of bed at 5am and hang out.

I had prepared tomato cumber and cream cheese tea sandwiches, a spinach and gruyere quiche, and went to whole foods and purchased some scones and clotted cream. I also had a pot of english breakfast and earl grey tea along with mimosas.

It was a lovely party, and the wedding was beautiful.

Here are some photos!

Koji hangs on the table, waiting to knock over my tiny commemorative plate.

Tea cups and pots.

Party table with food and drink.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

Happy Spring time!

Lovely weather here today in Baltimore.

Birds are chirping, flowers blooming, candied sweet potatoes are baking.

Have a lovely day!

The Neighborhood Trees are Blooming

Here are a few pictures I took around my neighborhood the other day.

A sea of pink flowers

Martha Easter Flower Arrangements

Had to share this photo from MarthaStewart.com.

I love the look of small flowers arranged together in interesting and magical ways.

"Unless they're down on hands and knees for an outdoor egg hunt, people tend to overlook the exquisite shapes and tones of minuscule spring flowers. Give these plants the close-up they deserve by using eggcups as vases, which can hold pink lilies of the valley, species tulips, grape hyacinths, narcissus, violets, pansies, bleeding-heart leaves, and other small wonders. Try several cups on a tray for an Easter centerpiece or a single one to cheer up a desk or a bureau." - www.MarthaStewart.com

Kate's Bridal Shower

I have wanted to post about this for a while.

One of my dearest friends Kate got married in October of 2010 and I got to be Co-Maid of Honor with another lovely lady Val. Val and I were in charge of throwing the bridal shower, which is something I have not done before but was excited for the challenge in putting my Martha knowledge to the test.

We came up with a traditional British tea Theme for the party, which I found out later is a popular theme for bridal showers. I thought this theme was fitting since Kate and I had gone on a Harry Potter tour in England together back in 2002 and very much enjoy remising about out time here. So it would be tying great memories in with a causal classy look for the party.

When I first thought of this theme I visualized the table looking thick with flowers, food, drink and treats. I wanted to bring out that old time english style that blends patterned china and linen without going overboard or getting the look too mashed up.

Let me just say that Val was a great person to have as a partner for this event.

I was in charge of making tea sandwiches, tea bulb party favors, and arranging flowers. Val made scones, truffles, and rice crispy treat Snitch cake! Val is amazing at baking and candy making! The scones where flaky and delicious and her Snitch cake looked amazing!

Other responsibilities where gathering plates, vases, and pitchers that fit the theme. We also made red and white sangria and assorted ice teas.

We worked hard on this party and I think that we achieved the look and taste of a traditional British tea!

I think Martha would approve.

Party Favors

Val's delicious scones with clotted cream and berry compote.

Chicken Salad on bread crackers topped with watercress.

Table set up and Val's Snitch cake atop a pedestal of every flavor jelly beans!

Assorted flowers in tea pots.

Val and I

Koji and Coffee

A little picture of my cat Koji sniffing coffee out of a teacup I recovered from my parents attic.

Making hand drawn cards

Trying my hand at drawing some cards for people.

.

What do you think?

Do you like to make cards?

Hello All!

I have been bad with blogging! Martha would not approve!

Anyway, even though I have not written in a long while I still have been up to "Martha like" projects!

First thing would be that I have been spending time helping my parents de-clutter their house. I have wanted to do this for a long time. For many years the clutter has gotten worse and has become a weight that is hard for my parents to cope with. My mother has back problems and so does my dad (the keeper of most of the clutter) so it is hard for them to take on any big cleaning projects. The house isn't too bad, but there are about 4 rooms and the basement that need major attention.

Without getting too personal, my dad has a hoarding mentality. He buys multiples of one thing, holds on to items for the memories (even though the item has been in a box for over a decade), and thinks that many items would be useful if the apocalypse comes. Basically all this stuff its just making life harder to live, and it frustrates my mom to no end.

I have a few photos of the clutter, but I neglected to take a before photo of the room we are working on at the moment.

SO first some clutter photos!

Dad's Office

Part of the basement

The Laundry room

My mom and I have been working on my old bedroom. We de-cluttered it, cleared it out, and painted the walls and wood work. It is almost done. I will be her sewing and crafting room

Mom, painting her future crafting room

So all of this clearing out has been helping lift spirits around the house. Some days are harder to get going then others, but I think we will get a lot done.

I will keep updating as we go on.

Cheers!

Milk and Honey Market

So the other, day after a session of hot yoga with some girlfriends, we went to Milk and Honey Market (located in Mt. Vernon) to get a cup of coffee and some lunch. I felt that I should write a post about this place becuase I think that Martha would approve.

(Photos via the Urbanite)

Milk and Honey Market is a food market, deli and cafe. The decor is a nice mix of modern and vintage. The way they have the market section set up makes it feel like an old corner store market, while the cafe section has a more modern Ikea look to it. Looking around the market is like eye candy overload. I really could buy one of everything they have in stock.

For lunch I ordered a delicious vegan panini, cup of coffee and two pieces of caramel they had in a jar at the counter. Everything was so good! I wish it was closer to where I lived, I would go there all the time. My only complant is that the the cafe section is small so seating is limited. Other then that I think Milk and Honey is a great additon to Baltimore and I can't wait to go back.

To find out more about Milk and Honey Market check out their website and the Urbanite artical.

http://milkandhoneybaltimore.com/

The Land of Milk and Honey | General Food & Drink | Urbanite Baltimore Magazine

http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/baltimo...