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