Oxfords

I'm in love...

These are from J.Crew, you must check them out!

“Conundrum”

Rarely, but sometimes, I like to use big words.  At these times my husband likes to give me a surprised look as if saying he is amused and a little impressed by the use of my big word.  Lately I’ve been enjoying the word ‘conundrum.’ 

co·nun·drum  [kuh-nuhn-druhm]

noun (pl. -drums)

A confusing and difficult problem or question: one of the most difficult conundrums for the experts.

• A question asked for amusement, typically one with a pun in its answer; a riddle.

ORGIN late 16^th century of unknown origin, but first recorded in work by Thomas Nashe, as a term of abuse for a crank or pedant, later coming to denote a whim or fancy, also a pun.  Current senses date from the late 17^th century.

Savethewords.org is an amusing website dedicated to saving words that are dropped from the English language each year because they are no longer in use.  Check it out and try using some of those big words in a conversation, I am positive it will get a response.

Kimono Rose

I love taking long relaxing baths; these baths must include candles, pleasant aromas and bubbles.  In my opinion, there is nothing better than unwinding in a calming place after a long day at work, a cold winter day, when you’re not feeling well or just because you want to.  This is your place and time where you are alone with your thoughts and feelings.  We always need to take a little time for ourselves – who’s with me?

I have tried many different bath salts, bubbles and powders and by far my favorite is Thymes.  Everything they make is so luxurious.  They smell amazing and the packaging is beautiful (and make great gifts I might add).  Time to start indulging in bath time!

Rainy Day

In movies you always see people walking in the rain like they’re in no hurry to get out of the cold.  Have you ever tried that?  It seems very cathartic.  Well it’s rainy and overcast today; the house is quiet and dark.  On these kind of days all I want to do is curl up in my comfys and watch a movie.  This is my recipe for the perfect rainy day.

Rainy Day Movie – We definitely have to go with a trilogy here.  Think Back to the Future, The Bourne Trilogy, Star Wars or Pirates of the Caribbean.

Rainy Day Snacks – Grapes, pretzels, jellybeans and hot chocolate

Rainy Day Comfys – Okay, we’ve got to look somewhat presentable just in case someone comes to the door (this isn’t sick day) and I love cute Pjs.

Song Of The Day

Edward Sharp & 

the Magnetic Zeros – Home  

This is seriously the happiest song I have ever heard and I love it!  Enjoy...

Fulfilled Craving

Well finally I made some cupcakes to fill my craving.  I love the site allrecipes.com, they have thousands of recipes and people give reviews, offer suggestions and also submit pictures of the finished product.  This really helps a cook like me that needs all the advice in the kitchen she can get.  I found this coconut orange cupcake recipe and was excited when I noticed that I had almost all the ingredients in my cupboards.  I like recipes that don't require you to go buy the whole world to make them.  Anyway, they turned out so yummy.  They are light and fluffy, really easy to make and are pretty when finished.  I highly recommend them to everyone with a cupcake craving.

Coconut Orange Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS:

1 c. sugar                                             3/4 tsp. salt

2/3 c. vegetable oil                            1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges

2 eggs                                                  1 c. vanilla or white chips

1 c. orange juice                               TOPPING:

3 c. flour                                              1 c. flaked coconut

1 Tbs. baking powder                        1/3 c. sugar

1 tsp. baking soda                             2 Tbs. butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs and orange juice; mix well.  Combine dry ingredients; stir into orange juice mixture just until moistened.  Fold in drained oranges (I cut in half) and chips.  Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.  Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over cupcakes.  Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Yields 2 dozen

Source: allrecipes.com

Wax On, Wax Off

A couple months ago my husband and I were watching TV and the new Karate Kid preview came on.  I didn’t think twice about it but when the preview ended my husband said “we are definitely going to see that.”  I laughed thinking he was joking but then I realized he was completely serious.  He told me how The Karate Kid was his childhood and how he did all the moves and wore the outfits.  A couple days ago we went and saw the new Karate Kid with Jaden Smith and I actually really liked it.  I am just waiting for a remake of “Punky Brewster” so I can relive my childhood too.

I Love The 90's

In my work I am constantly going down memory lane, albeit someone else’s lane, nonetheless I guess you could say I'm living in the past.  While sorting through many old photos I can’t help but laugh at things we used to wear, listen to and do.  Take a ride with me and lets remember some of the best the 90’s had to offer (they are all links so you can delve deeper into memory lane if needed).

Scrunchies – Why?!  My friend wears a scrunchie at night; she says it doesn’t rip her hair out like an elastic does – come on. 

Kris Kross – “daddy mac’ll make you, Jump Jump”

Saved by the Bell – Taught me all my teen lessons like don’t take pills to help you study.  “I’m so excited, I’m so excited, I’m so…scared,” deep stuff.

Doc Martins – they were so heavy, I’d drag my feet for a month until I got used to them.

Biker shorts – no one looked good in these but we sure did love them.

Titanic – I don’t even want to admit how many times I saw this movie.  It’s embarrassing.

Bob Ross – I used to watch him paint “happy trees” every Saturday morning

Ace of Base – I remember making up dances to “I Saw the Sign”

Cool Runnings – “Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up it’s bobsled time” (said in a Jamaican accent)

John Stockton’s short shorts – I think basketball should go back to short shorts, doesn’t everyone?

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – “In west Philadelphia born and raised…”

Scrapbooking Class: Date Changed

The date of my next scrapbooking class has been changed to:

Thursday, September 16^th   2-4 pm

Click here for all the details.

White

I pulled these pictures from my design file (I keep a file full of styles, mood, color and just anything that inspires me).  I find that many of the designs I’ve torn out of magazines have a lot of white in them.  I am drawn to the airy, open, refreshing feel of white and think that the absence of color is a really bold statement when done right.  I’m a little sad because I don’t know how realistic this design aesthetic is when you have kids…I’m guessing not so good.  But don’t you just want to be in these rooms, sipping ginger ale and feeling the afternoon breeze on your face?  Oh – is that just me, figures?!

Glorious Craving

Do you ever watch a movie or TV show and someone’s eating popcorn and then for reasons you can’t control you just have to have some.  Even if a few days go by and I haven’t filled my craving I still want popcorn.  I mention popcorn because it seems to happen a lot with this salty snack but I have also craved chips and salsa, ice cream, pizza and cupcakes.  Recently I have been watching those cake making shows on TLC and because I rarely have cake unless it’s someone’s birthday I started to crave it.  More specifically orange cupcakes with an orange frosting/glaze.  I know this is a really specific craving (and don’t act like you haven’t had specific cravings before) but I just can’t seem to move past it.  I think cupcakes are such a fun treat and its not easy finding excellent cupcakes in bakeries and we all know it’s not worth the calories unless it’s excellent.  Although there is one bakery that gets my stamp of approval, and yes, I am an expert on anything sweet.  Twenty Five Main in St. George, Utah makes the best cupcakes I’ve had – their coconut cupcakes are to die for!  You have to check it out if you’re ever in the area.  Well it’s been two days since my craving and I’m on the hunt for the perfect cupcake recipe.  Wish me luck!

Lonny

There are so many websites out there that it is impossible to know them all.  I am constantly looking for websites that offer great food, design, fashion, makeup etc.  So when I hear of a website that people are talking about I like to check it out and then pass it on.  Lonnymag.com is one of these great design websites.  They offer an online magazine that doesn’t have the limits a paper magazine does.  I love their decorating center.  If you are redoing a bedroom or a bathroom you can see lots of specific designs to help you get inspired.  So you must go and check it out and if you feel the need – pass it on.