Link-tastic Friday (Saturday)

Every so often when I'm at the grocery store, I buy myself a little bunch of flowers.  I love these uncomplicated boquets -- dressy and cheerful, yet unassuming, with none of the fuss of extra greenery or varied flowers (although I certainly appreciate that too for more formal occasions!)





Because there's nothing like a sweet, perfect little bunch of roses in a pickle jar.

Random coolness:

• As soon as my current cell phone contract is up, I am very much looking forward to getting an iPhone.  This post on A Beautiful Mess about iPhone Photo Apps makes it seriously hard to wait!

Crafty:

• Purchasing pre-printed embroidery kits is something that I usually consider an un-necessary luxury, but, well...happy Mother's Day to me!  Pre-order your Daisychain ABC's Crewelwork by Posie Gets Cosy/Alicia Paulson right here. (for release in mid-June).

Food (savory):

• I made this Marinated Flank Steak last night (using both flank and skirt steak), and then ran it under the broiler instead of grilling it.  It's hands down my favorite flank steak recipe to date.  SO delicious!  (I only marinated it for 6 hours, although overnight would have probably been even better.)
• In the past, I've mentioned this Quick Pickled Zucchini recipe before, but I need to repost the link, because it's become our go-to pickle in this house.  Even my children like it if I don't make it too spicy (or if I just sort out the hot peppers when I serve it to them).  Tip: slicing the zucchini in the food processor makes it even quicker.

Food (sweet):

• Some of these are more appetizing looking than others, but I love the concept!  What a fun birthday party idea!  Or just a sweet girl's night in...  Amazing Cake In A Jar, via Pistof.  (Thank you Shannon W. for the link!)  The one at the  top of my list is definitely the S'mores recipe (using some homemade marshmallows....oh yeah baby).
• Here's some more of the same from Babble.com: 15 Dessert Recipes In A Jar.
• I've been making Molly Wizenberg's Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Glaze for a few years now and I love it, but these Cinnamon Rolls with Dates and Walnuts look like a really interesting little change-up.  Must try it soon!
• Andrew's class had a unit study on some different countries around the world, and as the study came to an end, us parents were asked to bring things in for an "international food buffet".  I volunteered to bring baklava (supposedly the favorite of Egyptians -- Andrew's study subject).  This is the recipe I used, although I used this syrup recipe, modifying it slightly by simmering lemon peel and 3 cloves with the cinnamon stick and omitting the lemon juice.

Link-tastic Friday

Cute little toes:

 

Links:

Webwide coolness:

• We eat a lot of butter in this house.  A lot.  Here's an article on five fats that are important and healthy to keep in your kitchen. (Thanks to my friend Mimi for the link!)
• With four children and lots of friends, it can be terribly hard to keep our family schedule straight.  After wrestling with various written methods, wall calendars, etc., I have finally discovered Google Calendar.  I granted Greg's Google account access to the calendar as well, so now we can both edit it, no matter where we are, and can even access it from our phones.  It even gives pop-up reminders on my desktop for upcoming events.  Genius!

Crafty:

• Cute and simple cosmetic bags via Sew Mama Sew.

Food (savory):

• I am a big fan of Butter Chicken, so I was excited to find this on Saveur!
• This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad (via Food 52) sounds super delicious.
• Pioneer Woman put together a round-up of amazing looking sandwiches from around the web. 
  LOVE Crispy Tofu (via Food Blogga).
  I made this Orange Ginger Flank Steak for dinner tonight with some friends, and everyone loved it -- even the children!. 
  Penne with Roasted Asparagus via Mel's Kitchen Cafe.
   

Food (sweet):

• I don't usually go for low-fat anything, but this Low Fat Lemon Curd looks like it might be a little less heavy and a little more zippy than the traditional kind.
• I made savory Quinoa once, but Greg wasn't impressed with the grain, so I haven't made it again.  However, this Breakfast Quinoa with Toasted Coconut Almonds and Fresh Mango sounds like it might have to be my breakfast sometime very soon.
• I have a weakness for creamy fruit salads, and this one looks both simple and delicious (via Mel's Kitchen Cafe).

Link-tastic Friday (Saturday)

A few days ago, the boys came home from school, and after completing their homework, took turns at playing games on the computer.  Or at least I thought they were taking turns.  When I checked in on them, I found them sharing the keyboard (Andrew is right handed, Elijah is left handed).  Apparently, it's easier to race a car with two people.  Sometimes it seems like they're sharing the same brain.

 

 

Link time!

Looking Fabulous: 

• My Aunt Terry gave me this lipstick once, and I've been buying it ever since: Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey.  It looks super dark, but goes on sheer and moist -- somewhere between a lipstick and a gloss, with no stickiness at all.  My only complaint is that it has to be re-applied fairly often, but the color looks incredible on everyone I've tried it on.  I just wish it came in more colors than one!

Crafty:

• Part crafty, part food -- I can't really decide: Jenny Price Illustration Pancake Art.  (Thanks Heather for the link!)  I don't actually feel drawn to making pancake art myself, but these creations are amazing and super fun to look at!
  
• I love kitchy brooches, but somehow don't have any.  I think that should probably change.  Very soon.  Novelty Brooch at Tuppence Ha'penny Vintage.

Food (savory):

• Molly Wizenburg is talking about braised radishes, and suddenly that's all I want: Butter Glazed Radishes.
• The weather here has been in the 80's and 90's this week, but I just can't get away from my love of soup.  This one is definitely going to be on our dinner table this week: French Onion Soup via Smitten Kitchen.
• My favorite thing about going to an Indian restaurant is the amazing flatbreads that are often on the menu.  I've always been frustrated that I can't replicate it very well at home, but maybe that's all about to change: Naan Indian Flatbread via Mel's Kitchen Cafe.
• Yes, I just posted about Ramen last week, but I'm talking about it again: Kicked Up Ramen via Mel's Kitchen Cafe.
• When it starts to get hot outside, I turn into even more of a Mostly-Vegetarian than I already am, so this Brown Rice Veggie Burger is looking pretty delicious right about now.  Also, if there's any chance that I can get my family to eat brown rice, this would be the way.
• Cabbage is inexpensive, versatile, and delicious in so many ways, but this is my new favorite: Braised Cabbage with Apples and Caraway Seeds via Spilled Milk Podcast.  (Also, my current favorite podcast!!)
• This Crock Pot Baked Beans recipe is simple and delicious, but make sure you cook your beans first until they are just soft enough before adding them to the crock.  (.....this public service announcement after 14 hours in my crock-pot....and they still weren't quite soft).  (Via Weelicious)
• Just made these two days ago, and they're so delicious and addicting (and healthy!): Sweet and Spicy Zucchini Pickles via 101Cookbooks.
• I love having a bowl of this Healthy Bread In Five Minutes A Day dough in my refrigerator, all ready to go.  The longer it sours the better.  After 24 hours it's wonderful, but after 1 week, it's truly special.  And it's made with mostly whole wheat flour!

Food (sweet):

• I'm not in much of a "sweets" mood this week, but as soon as my sweet tooth finds me again, I will definitely be baking this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake for my next gathering of friends.
• For my brother Jonathan's birthday, these Honey Vanilla Bean Marshmallows were his only gift request from me, so I mailed him a batch of them yesterday.  But then I made a second batch for a party that I was going to this afternoon, and started thinking, how much better would these be if they were dipped in dark chocolate....?  (VERY, my friends.  VERY.)  Sadly, Jonathan is deployed with the Army to a super hot desert location, so the chocolate would not have made the shipment.  I'll have to make it for him next time he's here in person.

 


 

Link-tastic Friday

Two things that have nothing to do with each other (man, I LOVE it when my own blog post has nothing to do with itself.)

First: I made this ridiculously decadent Peanut Butter Torte for a night in with a few friends the other night (a recipe from Baking: From My Home To Yours by Dorie Greenspan).



(Sorry, cell phone pic, and it was still in the spring-form pan -- I didn't want to unmold it till I served it, which was after dark, so this was my only shot)


It would have been a better idea if I'd let the whole thing set up for more than 4 hours, because we sort of had to cut really big slices. And we sort of got a little peanut-buttered out. However, the next day I woke refreshed, and in my recovered state, ate a slim piece and was in peanut butter heaven. So beware, this is a recipe to be approached with great care. (Note: I omitted the cinnamon and nutmeg in the peanut crunch part, because I'm not a fan of that combo with peanut butter and chocolate. Other than that, I made the torte as written.)

Second: today is National Texas Day! Um, I mean -- our school is celebrating Texas! (Wow, sometimes I get that mixed up. My kids keep telling me "Now that we live in a different land called Texas..." Cracks me up every time.) Anyway, our elementary school has Texas Day once a year, in which they learn about Texas history and do Texas related crafts and activities.

Here is Elijah (on the left) and his best friend E., posing as bandits in the handkerchiefs they made this morning:



(Photo credit goes to my friend Jen)

The badder they try to look, the more I want to squeeze them and kiss their fuzzy heads.


Link time!!

Looking Fabulous:

• Burt's Bees has just released a Tinted Lip Balm.  It is free of shimmer and gloss -- it is very simply a lightly flavored berry chapstick with a gentle tint to it.  Kind of like a "naturally-you-but-better" sort of a look.  I bought the very darkest shade (Red Dahlia), and it gives the most natural whisper of color, so I wouldn't buy any of the lighter ones, but if you're looking for a truly kissable lip tint that's as good for you as it looks, this might be your new favorite!  (Not to mention the slick packaging is pretty tempting all on it's own.)
  

Crafty:

• I would probably still add a bib to this Flattering and Flirty Apron, because I am forever splattering my shirts with the cooking, but it's such a pretty (and customizable) pattern! (Via Whip-up)
• Simple half-square tutorial for whenever I decide to start quilting... (Via Whip-up)
• Sweet, simple creative gift ideas for small children (via Lovely Design).
• Boy project round-up (via Made). Thanks Dana for another great month of Celebrate The Boy!
• Fabric flower round-up\ (via Skip To My Lou).
• This link is sort of food/kind of crafty-ish: New Momma Take-In Tray. A very handy checklist of fun and thoughtful things to include when bringing dinner to a new momma.

Food (savory):

• Baked Curry Sweet Potato Fries I love sweet potatoes no matter how they're made, but I've always struggled to get a perfectly crispy oven-fry. But if Joy The Baker says I can, it must be possible.

Food (sweet):

• Oh my goodness gracious -- Meyer Lemon Clouds via Steamy Kitchen. I actually have some Meyer Lemon juice in my freezer, waiting for their destiny!
• This Sally Lunn Bread with honeyed brown butter spread looks 100% fabulous. I plan to bring it along to the next brunch gathering with friends.
• Butterscotch pudding with caramelized bananas and cream. Send help! (Via Joy The Baker)
• A delightful variation on breakfast --Chocolate Crunch Granola, via Delicious Days.

Link-tastic Friday

Do you ever start packing to go somewhere, and realize that you're just piling clothing on the bed, with no real idea what you will actually wear when you get there?  Yes?  Me too.  


 
No one should need this many clothes for only 6 days

By the time you are reading this, we will be well on our way to our Spring Break Destination... for the next week, there will be some mobile blogging (maybe even a silly little video clip or two) interspersed with a few pre-scheduled posts.  If you have comments that really need an answer during this next week, be sure to check back in the comment section -- I'll be answering all questions there, unless you ask me directly via email (faithad{AT}gmail{DOT}com), because my only internet connection will be my phone, which is a little limiting.

Now lets get on with those links!

Crafty:

• I want to make both the kerchief and the hat for myself.  Adorable! (Tutorial via WhipUp) 
• I realized that I linked to cuffs for boys last week, but these are even cooler, because it's actually a zippered pouch that fastens around the arm.  My boys are forever bringing home treasures from the playground, and this will give them a better option to pebbles/"jewels"/airsoft pellets tumbling out of pockets whenever I do the laundry.  (Via Made)
• For a while now I've been meaning to make freezer-paper-stenciled shirts.  It would make such a perfect, personalized birthday gift, or just to celebrate the everyday with my children. (Via Skip To My Lou) 

Food (savory):

• Finding new ways to make dark leafy greens is always high on my priority list.  And if Smitten Kitchen says that this is The Best Baked Spinach, then I'm making it! 
• A good curry is a beautiful thing.  I will definitely be making this Red Thai Duck Curry sometime soon (via Pioneer Woman Cooks).

Food (sweet):

• These layered Fudge Mint Brownies look absolutely delicious (via Glorious Treats) 
• An elegant take on monkey bread: Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread via Joy The Baker. 
• I love chocolate malt milkshakes, and these Malted Blondies look like a totally crave-worthy treat (via Baking Junkie) 
• These Granola Bars With Chunky Jam sound like they'd be a special take-along breakfast treat.

Link-tastic Friday

Last night, as is becoming our tradition, I sewed pajama pants for the boys so that they could each have a brand new pair for their school's Pajama Day.


 
As everyone knows, waking up to new pajama pants is Very Exciting!  (Green bugs for Andrew, red monkeys for Elijah.)



On to the links!


Looking fabulous:
 My eyeshadow used to fade within hours of putting it on, or (even worse) end up all in the crease of my eyelid.  Now, before I put on eyeshadow, I always use an eye primer first.  I like L'Oreal DeCrease.
My favorite new eyeshadow line is Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush.  I have Sapphire Siren and Green With Envy.  They're smooth, sparkly and intense.  So fun to use!
I've recently discovered the wide world of make-up tutorials on YouTube.  Check out this one (and the links to the left of the video) for tips on applying the Color Plush line.

Crafty and gifty:
Beautiful, quirky, and affordable watercolor work by Slovly.
Next year I will definitely visit Etsy shop HeyYoYo early in the season to trick out my holiday baking with a great big dose of SUPERCUTE.
Delish Magazine -- a rather delightful new crafty/gifty free online zine.
If you read Soule Mama, you will have seen her recently posted Granola and Lip Gloss recipes.  Must try!  (Also check out her other beautiful and nourishing gift ideas in this Week Of Elving.)
I won't have time this year, but I'd really love to make buntings for Christmas...New Year...birthdays...
I bought baker's twine from The Twinery in Maraschino to tie up my holiday baking this year.  (Pssst --use code "PA25OFF" for a 25% discount at checkout!)


 
Candy boxes tied up with Maraschino twine from The Twinery

Food (savory):
Tamale Pie.  I made this earlier in the week, and we all loved it.  I used a mixture of ground beef and pork, so it didn't have to cook as long, and used less of the chiles so the children wouldn't shy away from the heat of the spices.  Delicious!
These Asparagus Sticks from Weelicious look so tempting that even Daisy might like them!
I am making this Hominy Casserole for our church's Christmas potluck tonight.  It's Pioneer Woman, so I trust it will be tasty and a crowd pleaser.

Food (sweet, from our list of holiday baking in the past week):
Buckeyes from Smitten Kitchen (half the sugar of the usual recipes, so you can actually taste the peanut butter.  I used Green & Blacks organic dark chocolate for dipping, and they were OUTSTANDING.)
Lia's Butter Toffee with dark chocolate and fleur de sel from Pioneer Woman.
Honey Vanilla Bean Marshmallows from Joy the Baker -- hands down, BEST MARSHMALLOWS EVER.
Caramel Corn with salted peanuts from Orangette.  I actually only sent this one to my brother this year.  He's deployed to a Very Far Away Place, and popcorn travels well.  I sent enough to share with friends, because...well maybe not everyone has such a nice sister.  :-)
Whole Wheat Sables from Orangette.  I'm on the fence about these.  I definitely liked her Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies better (those were insane!!)...but I still included them in the holiday food gifts anyway.  Because I'd already baked them.  A double batch.
Sugar Topped Molasses Spice Cookies and World Peace Cookies by Dorie Greenspan.
Chai Spice Sugar Cookies from Cook's Illustrated.  Of all the things we made, this was my children's absolute favorite.  They have a lot of cardamom, and an unexpected little kick from black pepper.


 
The Christmas baking assembled, waiting to be packed up.  WOW that's a lot of sugar for one table.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Link-tastic Friday (Saturday)

This weekend we're decorating our house for Christmas.  I can hear Greg's footsteps on the roof overhead as he's setting up the lights, and tomorrow we'll go to cut a tree.  At some point I hope to grab a few moments to make a burlap wreath inspired by this tutorial.

At the moment, however, we're preparing to head out to a Christmas open house party with friends; I've got a big pot of Tuscan White Bean Soup (with rosemary and dry cured ham) simmering on the stove, and a bundt pan of brown-sugar cinnamon Monkey Bread in the oven.  So since I can't get to crafting immediately, how about a little link round-up?  (I intend to make this a regular weekly feature here every Friday -- there's so much cool stuff out there, and I want to have one place to share all of the great ideas!)

Lets get to those links!

Looking Fabulous:

Lip products reviewed by style blogger Keira at A Pretty Penny

Crafty and gifty:

Cute and quick monogramed ornaments.

Simple handmade gift roundup (the quilted notecards will find their way into teacher's gifts this year).

Real cookie ornaments never appealed to me (hello pest attraction!!), but I love these Felt Gingerbread Ornaments.

I intend to make some of these Chocolate Marshmallow Pops for teacher gifts.

I want one of these Ruffle Headbands for each of mine and Lavella's outfits.

If you're into felt, or want to be into felt, check out Felt-o-rama.  It'll rock your (felty) world. (Thank you Heather!!)

Are you still searching for the perfect Christmas Stocking pattern?  Check out this cute and quirky one by Denyse Schmidt.

These "Santa's Orchard" produce stickers almost make me wish that my children believed in Santa Clause.  Almost.

I love these gift wrapping ideas at Giver's Log.

Are you doing a Secret Santa gift-around with family or friends?  Check out this automated organizer.

On the possible menu for this week (savory):

For these chilly December days, a nourishing Spinach Soup with Gruyere

Filling but simple Green Olive Gnocchi

I love beer bread -- this Cheddar Apple Beer Bread is a delicious looking variation.

I've been in a curry mood lately; I made Beef Braised in Coconut Milk in my crock pot last week (subbed in venison -- delicious!), and I intend to make it again soon.

If I thought that Greg and the children would actually enjoy this, I'd love to make Joy The Baker's Kale and Sweet Potato Soup.

On the possible menu for this week (sweet):

I've had this recipe for Baked Jelly Donuts printed out for about a week now, and it makes me hungry just looking at it.

In case you're getting Same Old Gingerbread fatigue, check out this chipotle spiked version over at Vanilla Garlic.

Perhaps if I made my own Oreos, they wouldn't give me a tummy ache.

Even if you don't have an open fire, you can still enjoy Roasted Chestnut Cookies

If you're as crazy about hot chocolate as I am, be sure to scroll all the way down to the end of this Hungarian Heat Hot Chocolate recipe for a bunch of innovative and delicious variations on this traditional winter drink.