OLIVE ROSEHIPS

CHAT

2011-10-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Lots of people are meeting members of the opposite sex online these days and having first dates and it is required that you chat with that someone you do not yet know. Even meeting people at a forth coming holiday party or other social setting requires talking to a perfect stranger. Business networking... ok, you get the idea: you need to know how to talk new people without looking like a jerk, idiot, bore, stalker, desperado, needy or creepy. Symptoms that you are blowing it:

When people back up as you are talking - stop inching forward. You are being creepy.
When people are reluctant to answer the question you have just asked, back off. You are being an obtrusive jerk. You also seem like a stalker if the questions going unanswered are of a personal nature.
If you find you are doing most of the talking, well, it’s time to share the mike. You are being a bore. Yes you are, I don’t care how interesting you feel in that moment.
If you are winning an argument and you are loud, animated and spraying your words; seriously, you’re probably being a jerk. It is probably not the first time either.
If you only want to talk about yourself or how something went terribly wrong and it’s not your fault, hello: You are being needy. Yes you are, and the person you are talking to knows it and will bolt the first chance they get.
If the person you want to talk to keeps getting away from you and you have had to look for them several times; they are ditching you and you need to know that you are being a bit of a stalker.
If you are staring at a person and they will not make eye contact with you, walk away. Otherwise, you seem a tad creepy for not taking the hint that the individual does not want to chat with you.
If you are calling someone a name for not answering your questions, or participating in your discussion, I am sorry to tell you: you are being an idiot. I know, you feel powerful and entitled but no, you’re just an idiot and others are too polite to tell you as much. Mostly, nobody smart wants to argue with an idiot.

“I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me.”
― Dave Barry

Comments? We'd love to hear examples of "winners" you've met at parties.

THE TROUBLE WITH FICTION

2011-10-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

Beautiful model Tara

I recently saw this photo of a beautiful, voluptuous woman on FaceBook along with an article rebutting an offensive question this photo posed in a gym: whether one wants to be a whale or mermaid. Many of my friends LIKED the article raising hell about the whale/mermaid ad.

To moi, the woman in this photo is outwardly beautiful: manicured eyebrows, lovely hair, sultry lips, moisturized skin and pedicured feet. To say one is beautiful because one is slender, well I beg to differ. Worldly beauty demands maintenance, this woman maintains herself. Her weight is but an ingredient in a recipe that would still be well received by many: what is not to like about a vibrant and passionate person; their embrace, their laughter?

I agreed that mermaids are lovely, fictional creatures and feel this media generated sensation was a successful ploy against very real, lemming like human beings unwilling to think for themselves and I enjoyed the light rebuttal from what was likely a plus sized woman, right up until this part:

“We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn’t enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies. We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.”

The person who wrote that was probably kidding and that made me think that it was a jolly and maybe nervous coverup for what is true: you consume more fat and calories than you are willing to burn. I can accept that and you should, too.

That ad was offensive and I bet it was more discouraging than it was encouraging. Please keep this in mind:

“Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.”
― Toni Morrison, Beloved

Did this article leave you with something to say? Sound off in the comment section. All comments welcome. Really

Designated Drinks

2011-09-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Mocktails

I remember the first time I saw a Tequila Sunrise, it looked enchanting to me. It proved most unkind to my innards and I remember that, too. I am still smitten with the color variation and the fruit inside. I really don’t like all the calories of imbibing but I must say, I am highly attracted the visual appeal of some cocktails. Join this with the light sparkle of a club soda and you will have made a friend in me.

The challenge with altering a cocktail into a mocktail is that liquor usually has to be offset with sweetness of some measure to make it bearable to mere mortals. Remove that turpentine, stomach fire ingredient and you need to bring new balance to your drinky-poo. Club soda’s and mineral waters offer something bitter as does a squeeze of lemon or lime. These are lighter than fruit juices and if you add your colored portion slowly, you can achieve a magical sunrise or dawn appearance in your glass. Impart dark ingredients, like a pomegranate or mottle a dark berry, and you have achieved something that won’t threaten maschismo. Real men won’t give a fig, however. Shown: Pomegranate Blueberry Mocktail recipe from Annie’s Eats.

Now keep in mind that some drinks will leave you wanting, like a Nojito because my taste buds invariable will go: Hey! Where’s the beef (-eater)! It may be best to try something unknown to your taste buds to avoid the indignant, disappointing backlash from your inner lush. How about a non-alcohol Cosmo like this one from allrecipes or a Designated Appletini from the Confessionsofthetruefoodski. Look man, I don’t know what you like, those are just my ideas but:

There is an app for that...

50+ Most Popular Mocktails, and it will cost you: $1.99. The mocktail’s featured here can be ordered at a bar or made at home and the point here is that you don’t have to feel the dullard when you choose not to imbibe. We know how scintillating you like to be.

You pre-packaged loving, short-cut taking, non-purists may enjoy Crystal light’s versions with cheerful little packets of mocktails toting only 5 calories. I am not really the biggest fan of the artificial sweeteners since I have learned that they actually make you crave sweets but I know there are those of you who just shrug at this. The good folks at Crystal Light treasure you silly darlings as you are good for business. Feel free to try their Mojito, Margarita and Appletini flavors which are available for a limited time. Mix them up in a pitcher, throw in some ice, and decorate your glasses just like you would with a high calorie drink and get your cheer on!

Do you have a great mocktail recipe or comment? I love it when you share =)

Comment below.

Lazy, -er Slow Cooking

2011-08-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

I love to cook! Sometimes. I love to eat all of the time. Good stuff I mean; flavorful, thought out, healthy food. Things that make you close your eyes to savor the taste, texture, aroma. It's really hard for me to settle on Mc Fries and Burger Thing. And I said I was not going to buy another cookbook but gosh, they are some of my favorite things to read. I found this one and absolutely must tell you about it.

real slow cooking by kathryn hawkins

Now don't let the chopped, shucked, diced and sprigged cover fool you, there are some taste bud fabulous things going on between the covers. Things that never occurred to me are going in the pot and returning taste and smell rewards extraordinaire. Like what? Ok, I will tell you like what... Have you ever thought to put stuffed bell peppers (with lean sausage) in a crock pot? Or make a dessert like a fruit cobbler in the crock pot? Or roll fish fillets around salmon, atop diced fresh vegetables in a crock pot? Or make an ethnic dish, a Thai one... in the crock pot! Ok smart-arse, I haven't and I humbly bow to Ms. Hawkins for composing such wizardry. I found it at Barnes and Noble but of course Amazon.com has it. Oh, and it is on sale =) because I am lazy AND cheap. Just like you.

Update...

2011-07-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Recently I showed some dazzling pebble mosaics on my blog like this where designer/artisans arranged flat pebbles on there sides in enchanting visual patterns. While the pebble mosaic is an incredible treat to the eyes, those round pebbles are slippery to walk on en masse, and don't even think about doing so if you are wearing high heeled shoes. Can you say "Birkenstock friendly only"? Nonetheless, pebble mosaics are unforgettable and so here is what I'm doing with the inspiration:

Years ago I had my patio made by my design with the top composed of flagstone pavers with the delightful name of Purple Mountains Majesty. I liked the pavers well enough but the cement grout really left something to be desired. For me the cement was not organic enough and lacked a visual quality. I was stuck with it's monotony for a while and then low and behold the grout began to crack. This could be a maintenance cringe for some but I was singing hallelujah's because I saw it as a chance at plan B: do a pebble mosaic the grout lines!

Yes, this is a time consuming project but I am enjoying the transformation. It's coming out exactly as I imagined with the Mexican Beach Pebbles doing their job magnificently. I hand picked the flat stones (along with my family) at the rock quarry for their flatness.

When the pebble mosaic grout is finished, I will add a glossy sealer to the flagstone paver and pebble surface which will reveal the hue variations of the natural materials. Keep watching and if you have any questions please feel free to leave them in the comment section.

The original pebble mosaic post is here: Off the Beaten Path with photos and instructional link.

Thought for the day is:

To Lose Patience is To Lose The Battle by Olive_Rosehips

Thanks for visiting.

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ROSE PETALS ...

2011-06-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

You ever see that sarcastic bunny? Well, his androgynous tail isn't the only one who knows how to have fun. Here's (magnetic) proof:

Lovely You by Olive_Rosehips

Grass Hole by Olive_Rosehips

Fabulous Called by Olive_Rosehips

I'm here until Tuesday! Ok, I'm always here and these are for sale. Always.

Off the Beaten Path...

2011-06-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

Cobblestone or pebble mosaic path by MaggyHowarth. This design is created by imbedding individual stones in cement according to a predesigned pattern. This one is very colorful and intricate but simpler ones are quite the eye candy, also.

Having long been a fan of cobblestone mosaics, I have patiently waited for a chance to do something with this art form that doesn't take a lifetime, after all, I do have a day job.

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Well, darn it, the grout between my flagstone has cracked in various places and needs tending to. Hmm, cobblestones!

Get some of these from your local rock yard after looking at inspiration like this and see what you can make.

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Feedback is AWESOME !!
Would you mind leaving a check mark in one of the response boxes or even leave a comment.

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This vining pebble mosaic here in the grout line gave me the inspiration go do a cobblestone grout project. While this flat stone vein is attractive, I craved something stunning. Placing the stones on their side will do the trick. I believe this will take me the better part of the summer to complete, so you can expect a progress check blog later.

Fine Gardening was kind enough to instruct us on how to create a pebble mosaic. Photo by Virginia Small.

I want to share with you a much smaller project because I suspect your grout is fine and some of you wouldn't mind creating a stunning pebble mosaic in this lifetime. Check out these outdoor mosaic projects:

The contrived tree rends a healthy workload.

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WATERMELON..... with style

2011-06-21T04:35:00.000-07:00

image kiwi, feta, melon salad
Watermelon is a refreshing part of summer for many and when we become adults; sticking our faces into a cold, refreshing watermelon, dripping it down the front of our shirts and spittin out the seeds really isn't as cute as it was back in the good ol' days. I still want some, though, so let us refine our sensibilities and see if we can enjoy watermelon with dignity, shall we?

follow this blog...

Would you, could you
with a fork?

A sure sign that you are an adult is that you eat your watermelon with a fork. Isn't that lovely... (yawn)? Let's perk that baby up (the watermelon, silly) and throw it in a salad to mingle with interesting things like feta cheese and red onion! That's worth sticking a fork into! Martha Stewart, well, her staff likely came up with this fantastic Watermelon and Feta Salad. Who cares who created it, I want some! Recipe found here.

Or, hey! How about a straw?
Would you, could you
with a straw?

I could... and not just because this delightful Watermelon and Cucumber Tonic is imbibed with gin. I think a citrine rum might be a lovely substitute myself, but, nonetheless, this has refreshing mint, plenty of tonic water, some lemon and I want some! I found this recipe here at MyRecipes dot com.

Would you, could you
as an hors d'oeuvres?

Well, I got this recipe from Charles Springfield, who got it from Paula Deen, and it's simple and elegant enough that when served to your guests, they will smile and enjoy the watermelon squares and find it grand in doing so in spite of the fact that it does not remain on their faces and they can not spit out the seeds like small children. Scroll down for recipe of Watermelon Salad with Mint leaves.

If you just want to K.I.S.S. your watermelon (keep it simple, stupid) because you are just not into all the smancy stuff, that is totally cool, my friend. Slice your watermelon into sticks, call it finger food, have a little something to dip it into if you like; yogurt, low fat sour cream... it's all good. I found this little source of joy here at Babble. Kids and adults alike will appreciate this as finger food and it is a neat (as in not messy) way to have some summer joy.

Leave a Comment...
Perhaps this is where a nice person would say "please" instead of "dammit"!

For more watermelon joy...

Olive Rosehipes archives has these lovelies for your review:

These recipes are here in the August 2009 edition

FASHION AROUND $100

2011-06-01T22:13:00.000-07:00

I love fashion and I tried to create a fashion look for under $100 but I only came close as this edgy fashion statement came in at $103.79. You can keep in under $100 if you use a t-shirt or white jeans you already have.

$47 This bell sleeve jacket in gunmetal grey is a statement piece with just enough color to be elegant in 3 seasons and works in those air conditioned summer environments. Wear it open or closed.

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$19.99 White skinny capris look splendid under the boxy jacket, this link connects you to capris similar to the ones shown but at a reasonable price. The jacket does the talking and the capris offer a supporting role in this look.
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I would be honored if you followed my BLOG, options on the right~~~>

$28 Sling back pumps unmistakably reiterate your hotty status here in an espadrille platform which features an animal print. Animal prints are classic, the two colors still make these relatively neutral and ensure you get plenty of opportunity to wear again.

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This is where we go over our $100 because you may want to wear a lacy femme fatal top under that jacket and let it peek out over your jeans or tuck it in. The price isn't outrageous at all at $8.80 and a lacy number like this is sure to keep you from over heating this summer. Wear a camisole underneath if you wear your jacket unbuttoned.
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Speaking of classics, it is wonderful to have one special sarong in your wardrobe and here are a few ways to wear one from the ORH archives.

Comments are alway welcome...

THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS

2011-05-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

image source

(willing to exchange follow for follow to your blog)

You bring wine to parties or to your host and you want to be as thoughtful as can be. I know that about you and that is why I want to share some ideas on how to be memorable. Bring a BIG ASS ZIN or a BIG ASS CAB. Heh heh. You will be remembered. These get their name from the big taste and so you know, they have a smooth finish on the tongue. Their corks say Big Ass, which you must admit, is conversational. The artwork on the label is precious as well, the gentleman wears an impressed expression. Here you will find something fun to do with the cork if you had a memorable event and are saving it.

Ok, say a BIG ASS is not your thing, I get that. Really, I do. Something refined and vintage suits your palate and style. I recommend a classic, large cock. Rex Goliath to be exact. The label comes from a vintage poster and speaks of your fine standards and what you offer. This large tasting line of wines has a Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. The prices range from about $5-$10 American dollars. The wine bottle has so nice a label that you may not want to throw it away which is why I used mine for watering my plants... fill it with water and shove the mouth down into the soil like this here.

The more elegant affair

calls for a LITTLE BLACK DRESS wine. They come in Cab’s, Pinot’s, Merlot’s, Chard’s. Yeah, yeah, blah, blah. Hey, you can do something fun with you wines and make them into light cocktails to serve or include the recipe with your gift. You need a shaker, get one! This wine cocktail recipe for a LBD Fashionista comes from MY WOODEN SPOON DOT COM. You’ll find several other recipes there for your enjoyment.

Fashionista

2 oz Little Black Dress Pinot Noir
½ oz Pomegranate
½ oz Fresh Squeeze Lime
½ oz Agave Nectar

In a shaker filled with ice, add all ingredients, roll to mix and transfer to a tall glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Also fun to try:

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If these remind you of the people you know and love and want to bring a fond smile to their faces, I hope you'll drop by your local winery.

I would love if you left the name of your favorite wine in the comments section. Especially if it is a white wine, I have never met a white wine I like so I hope someone can recommend one.

HAPPY ACCIDENTS

2011-03-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

As a girl I was captivated by simple things. Not much has changed apparently because my kitchen faucet is leaking and it made me think to share these recipes based upon thoughts of splats. Don’t ask. They’re all delicious though to be sure.

Cheese Crisps...

that’s what FOOD & WINE magazine calls these tasty little bits of cheese oops. I made these on accident (I know you have also but we’re not talking about you are we? No, haha, so anywho...) when cheese leaked from something else I was preparing. I kindly lifted them from the pan with my spatula and let them cool. I served them as little food accessories and I thought they were pretty cool. My guests did also and I never forgot them. You try ‘em, ok. On purpose. FOOD AND WINE did it like this: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/stovetop-mac-and-cheese-with-cheese-crisps

Brittle...

that’s what one gets when sugar cooks in an oiled, medium high heat pan until it browns. You could have this happy accident in a pan sprayed with cooking spray (Pam) and then sprinkle it with walnuts, almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds - you pick. Then remove the beautiful browned sugar and seeds from your medium high heat pan and allow time to cool (10 minutes). Crumble to size you find pleasing and sprinkle over something to fancy it up. I do this over a lettuce salad. No it’s not healthy but it is incredible to behold with your eyes and with your taste buds.

You could also make little sugar discs and add to a scoop of ice cream for a gourmet touch.

Image source: http://fotobank.ru/image/SF20-9868.html

Tuille Cookies

I know you have taken cookies too soon from the cookie sheet and they have melted like a sleepy baby from your spatula and then you let them cool some more. What happens if you don’t? Well you can shape them into culinary magic if you were so inclined...

Do this with a really light cookie and you can shape a cone, a fortune cookie, a chip or crisp. Sometimes I make these when people show up unannounced, they’re that quick and easy. I drape the warm cookie over my rolling pin. Here is a simple recipe for a light cookie but not as thin as the one pictured above. Most closely matches the cookie shown in ice cream cake photo. The cookies can be chocolate, with cocoa powder added, or vanilla. Try something fun by piping chocolate into an initial or shape and then add the vanilla over the top. The thin cookie spreads out on the cookie sheet so allow ample room. Tuille cookie recipe.

Shown above are a Tuille Orange Lace Cookies (recipe link)

Though I think the term cookie is generously bestowed here, they are still fun to make for your coffee, dieting friends or to have ala mode.

The real magic of Tuille Cookies is that what you can do with them is infinite. Trace into something sturdy, a simple shape. Lay the template on a silpat or cookie sheet and smear your tuille batter over it, then lift. Bake your cookie and then shape it while it's still warm and you should have something insanely amazing.

TEMPLATE (AND TUILLE COOKIE RECIPE)

PHOTO SOURCE:

ice cream cake tuille

five spiral swirls of vanilla tuille

chocolate tuille cookie spoons with peanut butter mouse

CONTROL YOURSELF

2011-03-17T02:46:00.000-07:00

You ever have an off-hand remark stop you in your tracks? I do on occasion, like today. It's probably not a bad thing that I was frozen like a deer in headlights because it prevented what could have been a regrettable response. Later, I thought about pulling the speaker of the astonishing remark aside and having a discussion but it occurred that she was entitled to her opinion so I just said to myself : Wow. When I'd said wow about 7 times I followed up with: "Enough of this. I am going to keep the good of what she said and release the bad. I am going to move on with the grace that she did not possess." With that, the concern vanished. Why am I telling you this? Because sometimes we forget that we have control over our thoughts. We don't have to go for the ride that our inner dialog can take us on. These quotes inspire me, I hope you'll let them inspire you. The calm mind is attainable.

Remember that poise and power are inseparably associated. The calm and balanced mind is the strong and great mind; the hurried and agitated mind is the weak one.~ Wallace D. Wattles

"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." — Marcus Aurelius

If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.~Marcus Aurelius

"Reject your sense of injury and the injury itself disappears."
— Marcus Aurelius

"WE'LL JUST SEE ABOUT THAT!"

2011-02-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

Image Source

I worked with this one chick, and she used to *irritate me endlessly.

We were given directives at work and expected to carry them out. She would get such a look on her face and go and complain. I would roll my round petulant eyes and wish she would just shut up and deliver. I cringed at making the boss mad.

"Discontent is the first necessity of progress."

— Thomas A. Edison

That was a looooooong time ago**. I’ve never forgotten that obstinate chick. For years I believed she lingered in my mind because she was such a jerk. Then one day, something occurred to me and forevermore I realize she lingered because I was such a people pleaser. I have since found balance. You can learn a lot from a jerk. Now, when things are ridonculous, I'm the first to say, with a wry smile, "We'll just see about that!". I don't go in with guns and fireworks like MsThing did. Mine is a more poignant and disarming process. I generally say "can we find another way to accomplish this?" or "help me to understand...". I do that because I'm hoping to prevent and calm opposition by those who would have me conform and fit neatly into there pre-made box. Read on.

"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man." — George Bernard Shaw

She raised hell, that chica. She was, at times, a 4’9” piranha and I did not like her much. We were tasked with the most stressful demands and I wanted to buckle down and get it done. She marched her angry self into the bosses office and flat out told him what she thought of his demands. Meanwhile, I kept thinking how I wished she’d just be quiet. I reasoned: “You don’t see any of us complaining, do you?”. I’ll cut to the chase: the boss found another way to get things done. I learned something that day but it took years of rankle and resentment before I could see what was right in front of me. So...

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square hole. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

— Jack Kerouac

And just so you know:

*"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves."

— Carl Gustav Jung

**“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.” -Pema Chodron

If something is lingering on your mind, sit with it a minute.

Complaining is not necessarily bad.

"You will never change what you tolerate." — JO

Know what I mean? A response or comment is most welcome. Are you following my RSS or this blog? Wish you would =)

Namaste,

~Olive

*%$!^%# hole OF THE CENTURY

2011-01-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

"BLEEP hole of the Century" I was recently bestowed that epic title. I hardly felt qualified but somehow I went from nominee to winner in someones eyes after they read my text messages to them. This could happen to you if you email, text or participate in any eletronic form of communication so listen up because I will tell you how you can easily win such a coveted and nearly unavoidable title.

It's still such a surprise because I wasn't even trying to win. Just like any contestant you've ever seen in a pageant I froze at the announcement and stuttered to make a speech. I, too, hardly felt worthy with all the other contestant's who've worked so much more impressively. In the end, I felt I had to decline the title of "BLEEP(hole) of the Century" but the winning left me wondering "how". Between you and me I didn't know women could be deemed "BLEEP holes" but these are mo dern times (not a typo) I guess. How'd I do it?

Here's the secret to my success:
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I sent a number of texts to someone whom I thought knew me very well. When I didn't get any response, I injected a little levity into the conversation. Boy did I get a response then, and that text I sent apparently, and unwittingly self-nominated my candidacy for "BLEEP hole of the Century". "Whoa", I said, "Not what I meant at all", I said, "10,000 apologies" I said and under my breath "SHEEEEESH!". In moments like that all you can do is smooth the ruffled feathers, pat them down with kisses and trust that you are forgiven.

WE HAVE A WINNER!!
Image source Some time had passed and I believed the matter was cleared and more texts were sent, more misinterpretation and then lights began blinking frantically and sirens wailed and I was pronounced "BLEEP" hole of the Century!. Some people would appreciate this title but I did not. I don't want to be seen as a "BLEEP" hole of the Century, especially when I didn't intend to enter, and especially-ly (not a real word, I know!) because I care about my friend and would never nominate myself at the expense of our relationship.

HUH?!
I was handed my crown...and I was shocked, as I've said. Truely, I'm not quite worthy but the committee won't be convinced of that, my retraction and apology were never accepted and I won because of the committee's decision.
You too could be a winner without really trying because:
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"A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart." — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“People only see what they are prepared to see.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. Same world.” ~Wayne Dyer

YOUR HIGHNESS

As lovely as crowns are, I'm still not going to wear this one, even if the committee won't accept my resignation. I'm telling you this because when people misunderstand your intentions and won't forgive you, I hope this blog post helps you to demystify what occurred.

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Have you been bestowed nominations you are not worthy of? If so, please tell! Include your crowned title. Are there BLEEP holes of the millenium? I just really don't want to be a winner here.

Namaste,

~Olive

JUST SAYIN

2011-01-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

WHY YOU SHOULD LET THAT SLIDE...

This is all generality of course, but let us say that something was said to you in a negative and non-genteel manner and a response is required. Is it possible for you to simply say:

“Thank you, I’ll ponder that.”

or stick a candy bar in your face and think it over when what you really want is to rip off a face? And you could do it too, with that mind set you're in! But:

"You don't have to attend every argument you're invited to."~Jeanne Rausch

Might I recommend when you are in the throes of such moments, that you take a minute to unwad them undies, loosen the sphincter and exercise this calm wisdom?:

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.”~Winston Churchill

That little jerk-face may have a point, and you’ll miss it if you pull out your big guns and blast them to smithereens. Once you blow this out of the water, any repair job you attempt will always contain cracks and it doesn't matter the amount of spit, glue, nor bandaids.

I suggest you remember also that:

"If her past were your past, her pain your pain, her level of consciousness your level of consciousness, you would think and act exactly as she does. With this realization comes forgiveness, compassion, peace. The ego doesn’t like to hear this, because if it cannot be reactive and righteous anymore, it will lose strength."~Eckhart Tolle

When you were not as wise as you seem to think you are today, your experience with reality was limited, and so to the extent that you understood life you were correct in your thinking. Trouble was: that extent was limited, grasshopper. Take note that:

"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength. "~Eric Hoffer

Then you developed a little wisdom because:

“When the student is ready, the master appears."~Buddhist Proverb

You learned to:

"Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are." ~Anonymous (probably someones Mom)

and also that:

"True wisdom is never separate from compassion." - Fred Rogers

Got something to say about that?! Go right ahead in the comment section, I’d love to ponder that.

If you were truly wise, you would follow this blog (^_~)

WHY?! I'LL TELL YOU WHY

2010-12-26T17:14:00.000-08:00

When you're laying across the bed, real quiet like, you can sometimes make sense of things. This is how this one began: I was appalled at something someone had said, they were not talking to me but I astonished at their callous words. Ok, I was lurking/eavesdropping on Twitter. It couldn't be helped.

There have been occasions that people have said things to me that stopped me like a deer in headlights. As a mother, I've seen this happen to my children, I've seen it happen to friends. I've personally been both perpetrator and victim and seen generally the same reaction: it hurts.

This matter followed me around in my mind recently, waiting patiently for it's turn in my busy day and when I sprawled out on the bed it insisted on being heard. As a writer, I am very accustomed to listening to the voices in my head but for a few years now I've been drawn towards sharing more than fictional words. This is no different, I have to tell you this. I'm really only reminding you what you already know on some level:

"DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering."

This is the second agreement from a book a friend recommended by Don Miguel Ruiz called THE FOUR AGREEMENTS. I wish I had read this book when I was 5 which is unrealistic but it would have saved me a lot of trouble. I can not tell you how many times I've reacted and struggled with wondering how someone could be so hurtful towards me. I've wondered how celebrities could be unfaithful, kids so mean, PTO moms so back biting, co-workers so rude...

My own children have come to me puzzled when they were tots, saying things like "Luke was so mean today." Initially I'd ask "What did you do to Luke that made him respond to you like that?" and the answer was "Nothing. I didn't do anything to him.".

I had to get to the bottom of these little mysteries once and for all. When I pursued each, more often than not, it turned out that the other person was coming from a place of personal pain or struggle and the affront was not based on the receiver being a jerk but the giver was hurt. Yes hurt:

"Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath."~ Eckhart Tolle

So, the next time someone blows your hair back with a dis(respect) that seems bigger than need be, please remember not to take it personally. When the time is right, and if you care to know what's really going on, perhaps you can request that they help you to understand why they responded to you in that manner. Your overture should bring an opportunity for healing and understanding for all parties concerned.

Can you relate to this? I know you can! Leave me a comment.

Namaste,

~Olive

LET'S TALK

2010-12-22T21:19:00.000-08:00

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You've been "grazing" for weeks, blame it on the holidays... but you still need a delicious plan for cutting that crap out. You know you've got to switch to lower fat, calories, carbs but your taste buds are still delighting in the naughty, carefree catastrophe you've been indulging in and bland fare won't satisfy at this point. That's ok, we can fool a taste bud just like your mother did when you were 4: with a condiment! Yes, adult palate condiments and not something silly like catsup or ranch dressing.

Image source: Mark Reigelman’s ‘Bite’ silverware collection

First, you're going to grill or bake lean proteins, add plenty of vegetables: roasted or grilled, decrease your carbs by half and then a CONDIMENT with (top or on the side) your protein (seafood, meat/tofu/veggie burger) to quiet your spoiled taste buds which crave excitement formerly known as fat and calories and carbohydrates. A great one to try is:

SALSA VERDE

You know, the green salsa. It has a great flavor pop from the zing of the tomatillo (think green tomato) and comes in heat options like mild to put the bathroom tissue in the cooler. Most condiment makers carry a version of salsa verde or you can make your own with a recipe like this one from CLOSET COOKING, but where you're going to get tomatillo's from I just don't know. Good luck with that!

PICO DE GALLO
Since we're already in the Latino state of mind. You can purchase this but it's excellent freshly made and easy to prepare if you have a sharp knife handy. CLOSET COOKING also has a simple pico de gallo recipe because pico de gallo is merely tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, lime and jalepenos if you're not faint of heart (+salt & pepper).

FLAVOR
Other big flavors to try with your boring baked or roasted protein, salad and the other dull healthy foods are: dijon mustards, balsamic vinaigrette, squeeze of lime, soy sauce, or Sriracha which was recently Bon Appetit magazine's condiment of the year. Oh, that Sriracha (rooster sauce), a chili sauce, will gladly burn your face off if you are a spicy heat virgin but you can stir it into a plain, low fat yogurt and have a sour heat experience which is enjoyable with seafood such a crab cakes, shrimp and or fish.

Other *OR shared/found recipe "blasts from the past" are the Criminal Crab cake found here(scroll down) and the Pesto sauce which can serve as a condiment (substitute basil or other leafy green like spinach if basil is not available to you).

Do you have a reasonably healthy condiment that I didn't mention? Just leave a comment with your great idea! Thanks for reading and let me know if you found inspiration in any of the condiment options.
~Olive

*OR=Olive Rosehips

PASSWORD MANAGERS

2010-11-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

I forgot my password!!! Not to worry though, nor to swear (unless you like that sort of thing)... there are always ways to work around this little pause in your day.

PASSWORD MANAGERS

I know you are going to say: I thought we were not supposed to write our passwords down... read on you ninny. Of course you shouldn't write down: Account Password - blah343blah... Come on, don't be silly, be something more sophisticated. Think encryption. Even if your device or wallet is stolen you passwords remain safe with these managers.

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There's and APP for that! Agile Web Solutions makes one and it's available to Mac, Windows, iPhone and iPad users. The product is 1Password and the offer is peace of mind and safe web browsing.

SplashID promises a secure password manager that runs on your mobile device (phone). They do this for an unlimited number of record categories and store other types of personal and sensitive information, boasting unbreakable portable protection.

PasswordCard is a credit card sized printout that is generated with various colors for separate accounts, the password is encrypted within other letters and numbers, read in the direction (left to right or vice versa) you decide... click link for more information, answers to your questions and to print yours.

If you're just a cheap so-and-so, that PasswordCard is free, as is this solution from KeePass which also offers encryption algorithms. Need to spend money to feel safe, ok money-bags, consider RoboForm which allows you to log into websites automatically as well as encrypts your passwords, all for around $30 American dollars. Your logins are in one place, you can access from anywhere and this also fills in forms for you utilizing your safely stored data.

All these solutions to your memory problem are peanut and elephant free! I hope you enjoyed this article.

Do you have a favorite password manager? Please share in the comments area. Found this informative or helpful? FaceBook this link!

COOKING

2010-10-31T16:31:00.000-07:00

Cooking snobs

two of these chefs are smug and then there's that other smiling one who apparently cooks with wine...

They are snobs because they know their way around a recipe, a cook book and a kitchen. I know you don't aspire to be a snob but do you ever look at a recipe and wonder what is al dente, antipasto, ceviche, béchamel, papillote, sauté ...

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Today I came upon at a recipe called Lamb Tagine ... what I saw was a bowl of roasted dark meat and vegetables nestled cosily besides a length of couscous and guessed that perhaps it was the tangy taste that gave the dish it's "tagine" name. A little research taught me that I was not even close, a tagine is a type of Morrocan dish or the heavy clay, domed pot used in food preparation. My inner smart-ass wondered why all the mystery, just call it slow cooked lamb, but really, I can appreciate the history lesson here. Every cooking term contains a little story of style and or region of the world deserving of appreciation as well as the opportunity to be a tiny bit of a cooking snob worthy of your salt, even if only in conversation. Once while watching ol' what's her name , I found myself consorting with the tv over what a snot I thought she was when she spoke of crystal bobeches. Not really a cooking term, bobeches, but she was setting her table for a meal and for a few minutes I didn't have a clue what she was talking about I looked them up and discovered that bobeche really is the a fabulous term to describe a bobeche. Otherwise you'd have to refer to it as that candle ring that catches melting candle wax and keeps it from dripping on your heirloom table cloth. So, ok, I would rather say bobeche, and touché Martha, but I still think you're kinda ické.

You want to be worth your cooking salt, so look up culinary terms (this link offers a pretty extensive and alphabetized resource) when following recipes and you'll not only have an interesting conversational tidbit, but when you're deciding on whether to make that chicken florentine you will already know that this dish calls for spinach because any recipe speaking of florentine is speaking of spinach.

This Lamb Tagine Recipe is from Woman's Day magazine, <~link you can make it in a slow cooker. This recipe calls for dried fruit, I'm not a fan so I leave it out and continue on in my inauthentic way. Do what you like and know that when you see "tagine" you are slow cooking.

(click paragraph as link)

Do you enjoy slow cooker recipes? Or how about non-traditional oven baked recipes such as oven baked egg rolls? Then check out this edition ORH.

APPLICATIONS

2010-09-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I mentioned it but I am an APPLE technology nerd. I mention this because I've been having the nerdiest fun this past week with my toy. First, I wanted to show this little dock because it works for other technologies like BLACKBERRIES. It's nice to have a dock to use your toy hands-free and not have to purchase something for your work and home.

DOCK

Since I'm sharing nerd-inal delights, I'll show you this little solution for when you want to watch your iToy showing a movie. These are two geeky ways to make a dock that work for iPhone and iPod, both quick, easy, cheap - the way you like it, no further comment. =)

The cardboard iStand is cut from a sturdy piece of cardboard, folded, includes little compartment for your and enjoyed. Find the pattern, full instructions and quick video at Geeky Gadgets.com as well as other needful nerd delights and enjoy~~> cardboard iStand or you want to print the PDF? Right here my friend: iPhone Dock.

PENCIL STAND

You don't feel up to the origami of the cardboard stand but you do happen to have 5 pencils and 4 rubber bands, well then, have I have just the thing for you! Ok, well, really Geeky Gadgets.com to the rescue again with this Pencil iPhone or iPod stand .

Geeky Gadgets.com found inspiration from this little number from Cult of Mac, who used a couple of bull nose clips for a stand/dock. You can use this with your Blackberry, too, it seems but I haven't the foggiest idea why you would because I don't have a Blackberry.

Diba Babs and iPhone Apps

Flash forward to the mall, there was a pair of outrageous boots by Diba called Babs, that I just had to have and they were in the clearance section, 2 sizes too small. I whipped out my handy-dandy RedLaser app and scanned the barcode on the shoe box. Instantly I had a list of where I could find this boot and at what cost in each venue. They arrived by mail 3 business days later at a great price = BAM! I'm keeping this app! I hope you download it and use it when you see that overpriced item that you really want. I used the app again while shopping for a sexy kitchen faucet and found great prices in town and online.

Clever Nerd?

In this edition of OLIVE ROSEHIPS, you'll find this make-able cork craft which holds a flash drive. Also, directions for making this in a key chain version.

You know you have something to say about all this so please leave a comment below.

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PANKO

2010-08-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

No, this is not a casino game, a dance step or a martial arts maneuver. It is a cooking ingredient and you should know about it. Why? Because Panko is so upper crust. In fact, Panko [PAHN-koh] is a large, coarsely ground, crustless bread crumb which gives foods a light, airy taste because they don't absorb as much grease. making your meal lower in fat. Also noteworthy, Panko comes Gluten Free. I'm not usually a fan of fried (tan) food but Panko has me rethinking fried for those times when I would like something with breading but prefer not to have a greasy coating on my tongue not to mention in my belly.

You can find this captivating crumb in most grocery stores in the Asian section of your local grocery store as well as in Asian markets and international food stores. In Japanese cooking Panko is traditionally used as a coating for deep-fried foods and is a great substitute in your recipes calling for breadcrumbs. I want to share some ideas that are just as side step away from the beaten path.

Criminal Crab Cakes (adapted from this source)

1/2 red onion, diced
1 Tbsp Smart Balance buttery spread
1/4 cup Egg Beaters (or 1 egg)
1/4 cup mayo or Miracle Whip
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 shakes Worcestershire sauce
3 shakes Frank's Red Hot sauce or other hot sauce, or to taste
1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning, or to taste
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1-1/4 cups panko or be boring and use breadcrumbs
1 lb fresh lump crab meat, picked over to remove any bits of shell (can substitute packaged)
Spray Olive oil for frying

In a small frying pan, sauté onion in Smart Balance until translucent. Remove from pan to a large bowl, and let the onions cool. Then, beat in the egg, mayo, mustard, Worcestershire, hot sauce, Old Bay, black pepper and panko. Fold in the crab meat. Form into 8 large patties, and place on a plate. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Spray oil the bottom of a large (12-inch) frying pan, and heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the crab cakes and cook, without moving, 5 minutes or until the bottoms are brown. Then turn and cook the second side, 5 minutes or until brown. Remove from the pan and let drain on a plate covered with a paper towel, to remove excess oil. Serve hot, with tartar sauce if you like.

Pea and Potato Panko

This little vegetable pan cake or fritter, presented on a leafy salad green next to seafood, could serve as both carb and vegetable options but it's origin is snack food in India. The lovely Sala at VeggieBelly.com shares this appetizer also called aloo mutter tikki . Find the recipe here and try this simple, almost homey, with it's mashed potato and pea ingredients, that is cooked it a very shallow layer of oil. I really think you could get kids to eat this if you adjusted the seasonings by removing the cumin and red chili powder.

Panko

Stuffed Mushrooms

These morsels are not your usual Italian stuffed shrooms. No no! They are Asian inspired with ingredients like sesame, soy sauce (mirin) and scallions Our Panko serves to make them crispier with a lighter finish. This recipe, from the POST PUNK KITCHEN calls for baking 20 minutes in a 350 oven, but if it is super hot where you live (yes, we have international friends) I would still make this stove top in a pan with a lid over medium heat. Watch this though, cooking time may vary because the lid will hold in moisture. When you think your shrooms are nearly done in about 15 minutes or so, remove the lid and cook off condensation. This recipe makes 22 large mushrooms, uh, yeah, feel free to cut it in half unless you're having guests over. Panko Stuffed Mushroom recipe.

Panko Wiener Schnitzel

Admittedly, I find Wiener Schnitzel, a German and Austrian dish, funny to say because of the way it gives a mouth a work out. I also thought it sounded like a hot dog dish when I first heard it. Traditionally it is a 1/2 inch (pounded evenly) thickness of veal or pork but I make it with chicken breast. Cover your choice of meat with plastic wrap to prevent spattering and pound away from you. Prepare this as you would any pan fried schnitzel, substituting Panko crumbs for the bread crumbs. I'll share the recipe I tried from Group Recipes for Panko Wiener Schnitzel. The lemon wedges are not just a cute picture accessorie, they really compliment the meal in this case, so include them - they matter.

ICE CREAM

2010-08-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

This ice cream makes a stunning picture but you wouldn't want to eat it. No worries! I'm bringing you several real mouth watering delights along with some tools and tips that I hope you'll try. Taste life, begin here:

This:
This thick handled ice cream scooper, with action end created for precision, will make perfect rounds of ice cream, pretty as you please for about $15 from fitzsu.com. If you are hosting, place these lovely spheres on a lined (wax paper, parchment paper, plastic wrap) cookie sheet about 24 hours (4 is fine) before you plan to serve. Once frozen you can stack the balls of ice cream in a bowl and use tongs to serve with no waiting for your birthday party or other guests. While you're at it, make your own ice cream drumsticks: just scoop, plop on cone, freeze, add toppings, re-freeze like this.
It's a good idea to remove your delish ice balls 15 minutes or more before serving so they're more than pretty rocks.

Watching calories? Eat same thing just much less. Using a small cookie scooper, scoop your delish ice cream, add lollipop stick or sturdy tooth pick and freeze. After freezing either size, dip the scoop of ice cream into melted confectioners chocolate, then roll or dip into bowls of toppings like thinly sliced strawberry, banana, mango... those chocolate covered pretzels, chopped nuts, malted milk powder, yogurt chips, shredded coconut, nonpareil balls, marsh mallow creme, butter scotch or peanut butter chips, crumbled brownie bits...

Thinking Small
You've seen the small, pint sized containers of ice cream that Haagen -Daazs, Ben & Jerry and even Starbucks now puts out, right? What could be more fun than making a batch of mini ice cream sandwiches with small cookies like Nilla Wafer's or even Oreo's without the middles. The beauty of this is that you can purchase a few varieties of ice cream and fill cookies differently. Why? Because variety is the spice of life and don't you just want to taste what someone else is having sometimes? You can control how much dessert you have this way, also. Ok, well, the opportunity for control is there, that's probably more honest. This little recipe (see picture) uses a slice of banana, a scoop of ice cream, here check it out~~> Ice Cream Sundae Bites.

Thinking Bigger
I know what you're thinking, piggy, you're thinking you'd just as soon have one of those pints all to yourself. I had thoughts like that once too, had a thing with Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey pint. Seemed like a relationship replacement at the time. I don't recommend it but you will do as you please I'm sure so, do it with this Prepara ice cream pint sleeve, you can find them at your local Target store for about $10. I believe the lid is for transporting, to keep the product cold but we all really know that you're going to finish the pint and won't need to store any remaining iced delight. The sleeve is just to keep your hands from freezing.

Some People Fry Everything
One of my favorite Mexican restaurants serves fried ice cream. I've tried it, of course. It was ok. Most fascinating to me was the recipe, I had to have it! You too?! Well, I rounded up a video because I wanted to see this, it's fun to watch, right? I watched several videos, basically you scoop ice cream, wrap in bread or cake, re-freeze until hardened and then fry. Some videos rolled in tempura batter before the fry. Curiosity satisfied, now I can move on with my life.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED... feel free to include a link to your site.

JEWELRY TANGLE

2010-07-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

HOW TO MAKE A
JEWELRY TANGLE CHIC NECKLACE:

Photo source www.lovemaegan.com.
As I looked at jeweler Tom Binn inspired necklaces in a few tutorials for research, I wondered how in the world I was going to find all of that bling to pull this project off. Undaunted, I made a version of this decadent design myself and found that for me, the other tutorials did not completely prepare and explain key details that could make this project easily successful. Here's what worked and how you, too can make one of your own for much less time, money and trouble. Firstly: Most craft stores carry beading supplies and all manner of needful things for this conGLAMeration: varieties of chains from chunky to demure and faux-bulous shades of pearls matching a variety of direction you may take with your desired "of-the-moment" master piece. I found the most delightful pearls in a pewter, graphite color and I almost did a little dance.

... FOLLOW THIS LIFESTYLE BLOG-A-ZINE ...

Here's what worked:

1. Inventory your necklaces, deciding what tone (silver/gold) you want. I went for the silver in my collection, then supplemented with the craft store chains and bling, mall costume jewelry, re-sale shops, yard sale fodder are also good sources. My own finished design contained about 30% from my unused necklaces.
2. Tools you'll need can include scissors or nail clippers, jewelry pliers x2 if possible. Fireline or other beading thread, not fishing line, for stringing pearls. Use the fishing line as invisible support for key pieces which I'll explain later. Super glue or other clear glue for gluing tied fishing line.

Lay out your necklaces, findings and tools:

It was tricky and colorful-word-annoying trying to weave my necklaces into something gorgeous and I had to put it on my unamused son in order to design easier. This really works best if you can use an elevated surface. If you don't have a statue/bust at your disposal, you may wish to construct this little necklace display tool in order to easily arrange, twist and tangle your pieces. Using a sheet of extra thick craft foam, roll into a tube similar to picture and staple where necessary to hold.

Create:

Your design will fasten on one clasp in the back, so determine a sturdy chain ingredient because you will likely attach key pieces to it here and there. Mine was a 24" silver chain from the bead store which included a clasp closure. I removed links from both sides in the end, reattaching the clasp to shorten. I used it to wrap/reign/weave, also. If this sounds vague, don't worry, it will all make sense as you create.

Study your inventory of necklaces, the Binns inspiration and others in this blog. Make some portions drapey, put rhinestones off to one side, create a tangled layer, weave portions of chain or pearls throughout to develop a cohesive look.
Use the fireline if you buy pearls, do not think you can avoid restringing them, you risk having the cheap plastic line they come on breaking and scattering your little pretties...
Use the fishing line to attach key pieces by tieing ends here and there to other sections of your design. The fireline offers most security here (comes in different jewel tones) but if you want invisible attachment, go for the fishing line and glue the knots carefully, allowing to dry before trimming the ends.

You should end up with something which is more beautiful once you put it on. I rearrange mine some each time I wear it. It's a little wee bit heavy but I love it! It lends a cohesive, fabulosity to dressy outfits and jeans that I live in.

If you enjoy making DIY necklace projects, this blog post link has a less involved jewelry design projects that are also fun! This one uses ribbon and existing necklace to make re-invent. See the pictures below.

Comments are always welcome =)

5 WAYS TO ROLL

2010-07-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Can a supple and curvy chaise such as this have a place on a bucket list or are bucket lists limited to adventures? If so, I'll figure a way to work this chaise into that format... until then I can certainly make that neck roll pillow shown. Neck roll pillows, also called bolsters, are fa-bu neck support. Find pattern for one here add a couple of unique tassels at each end which speak of travels or drip with some other sentiment.

...sometimes it's ok to be a follower - like when you follow my entertaining & inspiring blog-a-zine full of recipes & general cures for boredom.

1. Vietnamese rolls shown above (recipe Cooking Light) Have you ever had these? Light and full of flavor, I make these every chance I get and have always replaced the peanut oil with vegetable oil, omitted the peanuts because of nut allergies and still find it tastes authentic and satisfying. The rice paper may intimidate you so I will let you know that I purchase it at Asian markets and even international markets. It is tricky to work without a demo so maybe you'll enjoy this valuable video because while the rice paper isn't expensive it is fragile if not handled correctly. Gratuitous stuffed shrimp recipe which hasn't a darn thing to do with this article, just a squirrel which distracted me, heheh.

2. Mango Spring Roll <~recipe. Had lunch at an Indian Curry type of restaurant and discovered whilst making only necessary slurpy noises with a mango soup, that in India there are more than 50 varieties of mango's... heaven? That thought tied up my salivary glands for quite a while as did this little recipe. I hope you'll give this a try when mangoes are plentiful where you live. How on earth does one slice mangoes into fingers? Ask no more, here's how in 1:37 seconds (omit cutting into cubes).

3. Breakfast Rolls, easy fast enough that it's child's play, decadent enough that adults will want more. Don't believe me? Using purchased puff pastry (one of my favorite things in life) or even refrigerated crescent rolls, do this: Combine a fair amount of sugar with a couple drops of vanilla because vanilla is potent. Set aside and unroll and seam together pastry using a pastry roller if necessary, creating a rectangular sheet much longer than wide. When vanilla sugar has become one, spread onto the dough leaving a half inch margin all around. Roll, beginning at the widest part, until you have a log. Then cut/slice into 6 logs and bake according to pastry directions.

4. Ginger (and ground meat) Lettuce Wrap recipe from Food People Want (recipe) ok, they do theirs with ground pork but mmm, I like ground turkey or even tofu. My reason purely silly, I don't eat pork because well, pigs are fat and I can't get beyond that in my brain housing group. And they smell funny when you cook them, except bacon and pancetta. I always order these at PF Chang's restaurant and one day decided to make my own and these were every bit as divine.

5. Sushi hand rolls (Temaki-zushi) cooked shrimp and smoked salmon here, (RECIPE) so cringing not necessary from all the squeamish never-try-anything-new types. This recipe has fresh cucumber, carrots, avocados and scallions, it's light and can be as spicy as you like with wasabi paste. I discovered that my local grocery store carries wasabi and ginger in a tube as well as garlic and pesto sauce, the latter tasting too much of citric acid to even smack of worthy, though.

Bonus Roll: Strawberry Swiss Roll, pumpkin log roll...
are two others I've blogged which you may find delicious here in this previous edition of ORH.

Now roll on down to the comment section and share your thoughts and your URL!! Thanks for showing some love. ~Olive

BLOSSOM

2010-07-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.~ Robert Herrick

I really want you to take the time to smell the roses and so I've assembled a collection of inspiration and instructions to aid and abet you. Flowers always look lovely in the hair, perfect for date night or when entertaining at home because they are festive and elevate the mood. We'll explore simple floral designs.

Become a follower of this blog! Costs nothing and the inspiration is priceless. You can also choose to receive updates via the RSS.

Attitudes are contagious, be a carrier...

Your home or work space would feel wonderful with the delights of flowers among your things. No worries if you have seasonal allergies, I've shared sources and images of stunning paper creations. I've tried to keep it simple with the glass vase arrangements and know that you want to know where in the world can you find the vases shown here. Many of these can be had for a song from your local craft retailers, but other outlets to consider are antique stores and recycle sources such as Goodwill stores, yard/tag/garage sales and such. It's likely though that you will find similar containers in your own home. Don't concern yourself too much if you don't have the exact flowers shown, just fill in with something which has a similar shape and size.

The simple arrangement above, I've purchased this blossom at Whole Foods (fuchsia one) and never can recall the name of it. It looks like a Chrysanthemum to me and it costs $$$ so I only buy one. This glass vessel can be found in Pier I Imports, along with smooth river rock. Plunk your blossom in, even add the noteworthy leaf of another plant, tucking them into the rock and filling with water. I think this looks masculine displayed in this way.

There are moments in my garden when the only prolific flowers are non-descript, like those silly maiden pinks, marigolds and mums that grow short compact flowers that are just the right thing to go into a little container like this on or a cocktail low ball, poke a daisy on top and that darned grass that keeps growing in tall in your garden can also be put to use by wrapping it around three fingers (you can secure it with floral tape) and tucking under the daisy, cone flower or what ever blossom you deem worthy. To get these diminutives to stay precisely, you can poke them into a water soaked oasis that you may need to trim to suit your container.

The tall, narrow vase shown here, intended as a wedding gift and easily arranged with the flat top flower of daisy and a few wisps of ornamental grass. Other flat top garden florals to consider are the cone flowers, even yarrow but I encourage you to shop in your garden or floral shop for a suitable flat top substitute.

Floribunda, this overly generous variety bloom all at once on short and skinny stems. Do not despair! These are the very petals which create lovely walkways for brides, romantic bed-scapes that lovers cover beds with, or scatter them in your bath for scented softness. If all that is too much, fill your bar ware with the petals as above for a lavish looking display. They don't even last on the stem, a good shake can remove most petals and because they bloom all at once you might as well take advantage of their abundant petals.

The blossoms here are pretty artificial ones of course but festive in large poofs or lovely as small ones. They come from a kit which can be purchased in creative centers of super stores or hobby stores. The Tissue Pom's directions can be found here if you would like to make them without purchasing a kit.

While preparing the blossoms, I came across these butterflies and thought you may enjoy them also. Source Butterfly Bazaar.

You may enjoy this earlier ORH blog article: FOOD AND FLOWERS

Love it when you leave comments! Share a thought and your link.

SARONG

2010-07-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

While on the prowl for a clever swimsuit cover-up ...

Each summer before I head to the beach I try to find a swimsuit cover up. I did find some really plain ones and over priced ones and do-it-yourself ones when it occurred to me to just do a Sarong! I love the versatility of these beautiful rectangles, you can cover or reveal in a variety of ways, they take only seconds to put on and look wonderful on any body type.

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WAYS TO TIE

DRESS

I borrowed this step by step guide from A TRAVELER'S BLESSING they tell how to tie this Pareo which I call a Sarong. Step 1 hold fabric behind the back and under the arms. Step 2 Wrap tie ends around themselves a few times until you get desired look Step 3 Tie tips behind your neck.

You can purchase a sarong or make one...

In general a sarong is a light weight fabric like gauze or batik that measures 72" long x 36-45" wide. Adjust this to fit you if you are plus size or piqueno by with fabric purchased at sewing and craft stores. Go for something sheer, unfinished edges can be nice if you fray them by taking an even weave of fabric and a pin or needle and picking/pulling out about an inch or more or the horizontal weft a little at a time with the sharp edge of pin/needle. You can use a sewing machine to stitch a straight line above where you want your fray to stop if you feel it's necessary to keep unravel in check or trim along with a Fray Check product.

A Sarong by Any Other Name...

Sarongs are known by other names in other parts of the world, including:

Kangas : Africa
Pareos : South Pacific region
A Sri, or sari : India
Wraps : USA

The popularity of wraps(sarong) are not limited to the ladies, I was watching a FoodNetwork show recently and spotted one of the chefs wearing one as he rode his motorcycle through town. I can't imagine any man in my life being comfortable in a wrap but differing cultures don't bat an eye at this sort of thing.

With a small investment of time I'm sure you can find a fabric rectangle that will match your bathing suit or harmonize with the pattern in an eye catching way.

I wanted to show you these sheer numbers and share something I learned one day at the beach. There was a beautiful woman there in a bikini wearing a lovely sheer pareo like the black one shown. She wore it in and out of the water and I was thinking I'm going to do that!. I complimented her on her beautiful choice and she blushed before revealing that she chose it because it was camouflage to the tell tale lines child birthing had bestowed upon her. I would never have guessed by the way she draped the sheer mini sarong around her waist, the gathers working in her favor. She said it was actually a scarf she'd chosen because she just loved bikinis and was not ready to give them up. She had a pleasing figure and I'm glad to have her little secret to pass along to you.

SKIRT

Skirted the Sarong can be adjusted to any length, a simple fold over at the waist will shorten it to the length you desire and even make it a delightful option for the little ladies as shown below. This nearly 9 minute video will show you 15 simple but beautiful ways to tie Pareo's to include varying lengths as well as sarongs for gentlemen. Many of these seem very similar at first but worth a watch through to the end where you'll find a one sleeve tie at the shoulder and not to be missed is the way they create a dress with a between the legs move and the butterfly sleeve looking shawl.

You may also enjoy these wraps from a previous ORHblog edition:

OPEN DOOR

2010-07-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

"It's hot in here, open a door so we can get a breeze." It's that same cooling breeze we desire to cultivate by opening the door that is also slamming doors closed and disturbing the peace we sought in the first place. We need to put a stop to this, a door stop. Of course most people would go out and buy a solution but you and I? We're not ordinary like that - we're extraordinary and we're going to make one because it's things like that which make our house a home and give certain death to the phrase "I'm bored".

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I looked around for some things which were homey but not limited to a particular definition of homey. In my home, I like something which has a little sophistication but you may prefer cottage or contemporary, so keep an open mind and adjust these projects to suit yourself instead of sitting there cringing and going "ew". That makes you look so unattractive anyway. Oh... there are lot's of door stopper ideas here...

Hold that door open with a good old fashioned rock.

These beetles and asundry buglets are traced out with a rotary tool and thought them a suitable project for my teenage son. Surely you realize you are going to require a larger rock than these presented to keep that door from slamming. Add a spray sealer in matte or gloss to complete your little project. Please remember the safety glasses and try your hand at simple grooves in the rock or entire shapes:

Door stopper weights Some of these triangular stoppers shown here were also spotted accessorized with wattles of roosters and little bird faces. These simple cotton ones do the job as would ones made of scraps of decorator and upholstery grade fabrics but the patterns are basically the same for the pyramid door stopper and you can find one here on this charming blog: Bake and Sew. I also learned that you should fill them with something heavy and not poly pellets, something like rice or sand and if you velcro an opening, you can include a scent sack or baking soda to absorb odors. As charming as these are I know some bumbling clod will come along and trip over them. If you know such a clod, no worries, just sew up this strip door stopper instead. Use measurement of your doors length, 3 inch diameter and include seam allowance when cutting.

This girly plush thing is something of potential for those with a sense of the unique. She wears fish net stockings, change out that dress fabric for something more custom, perhaps the hair color, too and you're on to something darling and personalized for gift giving, house warming or name your occasion. She wears a little heart button in her hair, this too could be customized into something more symbolic like the button from a favorite outfit or add a piece of jewelry or ribbons for shoe laces, necklace, earrings. Go crazy~

Rock STar

Once, while at a friends beach cottage, I noted that their door stopper was a rock. Not just any old rock of course, it was a rock shaped kind of funky and painted to look like a tennis shoe with untied laces. Very detailed piece of something with shading and all and I thought "kewl". Now I wish I'd taken a picture but you'll have to give these painted rocks a gander: The painted rocks on the right are simple, one color/element. You can use graphite paper to trace an image you find on the internet or where have you. Then using a size 0 round brush or other suitable size, create a painted monocolor masterpiece and then apply a sealer (matte or gloss, can use acrylic brush on sealer also) to preserve your mini-masterpiece. Have fun with these.

You don't paint, sew, own a rotary tool - but you do have a door slamming issue. Well, you can glue, right? I have a solution: Mosaic's. You can find the colored glass and grout at any local hobby store but before you go I want you to get familiar with how you're going to do this so check out these directions and consider embedding items more creative than the obvious products that first come to mind. I think buttons, foreign coins, that little artifact you picked up off the ground and examined because you thought it might be valuable... embed them in your moasaic door stopper. Basically you are going to glue clean items to a surface and then smear a mixed grout in the crevices and behold, a creative door stopper. Keep in mind the spacing beween the glued pieces as this will effect the amount of exposed grout in your finished product.

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SUCCULENT

2010-06-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

This arrangement, it's plant contents and directions found here at HGTV.COM

Ssssssucculents, doesn't that just flow off the tongue? These are the plants with the fleshy leaves which retain water and can go for long periods of time without water. Aloe is probably the most common succulent. Succulents are excellent options for people who live in arid (dry) regions or those who just plain forget to water their plants. I like them for patios or entryways and I'll tell you why: I don't have a water source right at my front door nor do I want conspicuous hosing rigged to water my entryway containers.

Succulents come in many shapes, sizes and colors and you're sure to find the one to make the statement you want to make. Consider these, and I pardon me that I can't provide each plant name, however, you can always print the picture and take it to your local Home Depot, Lowe's or plant nursery and pick up these or ones with similarities. I've gardened for many years now and my philosophy is to pick up a plant which grows in my area and looks like the one in the pictures. I've arrived at this position after having purchased plants which don't thrive in my area and coddled and cajoled just to have my investment wither. So save yourself some greenbacks and get a similarity which works in your part of the planet.

These are some of the more common succulents, main ingredients in the arrangements that follow:

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Kalanchoe thyrsiflora commonly called flapjacks or paddle plant.......>

aeoniums (Aeonium) above left and the genus Echeveria (centet), which includes hens-and-chicks.

Keep in mind that any of these succulent arrangements would look wonderful in a tall container at your front or back entryway and you can water these minimally according to your plant hardiness zone. I live in Colorado (which is generally zone 5) and find that while some of these succulents overwinter just fine, others must be lifted and brought inside when the frosts hit.

Did you enjoy this article or have an idea or comment? Feel free to add your comment by clicking on the word COMMENT below. Thanks for stopping by. =)

PICNICS

2010-06-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

"How would you like to be woo-ed?"A guy once looked me deep in the eyes and asked me that and it stopped me in my tracks. I stammered and was too stunned to answer him but I never forgot the question, and still to this day I always arrive at my best comebacks when it doesn't count. Well, sir, I would have liked a picnic! I've always found the roar and haste of the dining crowd not to my liking, preferring something intimate, personalized, and memory making.

Picnics are not just for lovers so join me as I examine the ingredients for a lovely picnic, because while they shouldn't be an overly thought out affair, some pre-planning can go a long way:

blanket
food & drinks
setting

The Blanket

Once I had the lovely idea of taking my kiddo's to the park to picnic and play in the morning. We had a great time but ever since the time of my first, very own picnic I've learned a thing or two. The ground was damp, children will walk on the blanket with sandy feet, and wet napkins are a picnic's best friend. If you're picnic-ing for two, I recommend a small-ish blanket. I have this little antique blanket that I found, they can cost crazy amounts of denero but are full of charm and I've had mine for years and it still functions... sometimes people shoot me dirty looks for actually using an antique and I manage not to poke them in the eye for it. Waterproof picnic blankets are available, as are ones with carrying handles but unless you intend on being a professional picnic-er, I just don't see all that as necessary.

Food and Drinks

It's completely acceptable to cheat here and buy lunch but keep in mind that the messier the food the more need for wipes and for garbage catcher. If you want your picnic to feel sentimental and you have skills in the kitchen, then by all means prepare the food yourself. Otherwise select special things to purchase the day before from a local gourmet or health food store. Add strawberries (remove hulls) or some sensual treat and maybe a little wine in a thermos bottle if this picnic is with a member of the opposite sex. Lemonade always refreshes and I really have a thing for bubbly water like ice cold Perrier. Listen to me here, this is very important, if you grab a bucket of fried chicken ask yourself if you want to gnaw on a chicken bone in front of a practical stranger, hmm. If you decide yes on the take out chicken - ask them for an extra, empty bucket to toss your bones into when you are finished. Remember to bring cups and any eating or serving utensils required. Napkins are a also a must.

Setting

Your first thought is to go to a nearby park isn't it? That's nice, really, yaa-aaw-awn, no really it is. So anyway, if you have the time, whoosh your guest(s) away to somewhere lovely like a botanical garden, or on a rainy day - rearrange the living room and add music and dim the lights or go with candle lights if possible. Picnic unconventionally, like at night under the stars and with desert, champagne (with strawberries in the bottom of the glass) and candle light or the light of a full moon. When my kidlets were tiny and we had spent the day destroying the kitchen table with crafts and creativity, rather than clean the table and cook dinner I would spread a blanket on the floor and announced that we were having a picnic. This was always a hit! So think outside of the picnic basket.

If you are really seeking to do something romantic here, I recommend you bring a little vase of flowers and take pictures, or bring bubbles or a frisbee for kiddos. Consider these from my twitter friends and remember the bug spray and sunblock:

@TearlessPoet: beach, valley, clearing

@mikedinc: book 4 or 5 Private Gondola rides in a row @ Venetian Hotel Las Vegas. Eat light lunch w/ champagne on the gondola. Works. (tip well)

@DarkFeathaz: I wud go to the lake. Its more peaceful than da park. Or find a creek. Sittn near water is so tranquil

@PtahShadow: At a lake ... Or if ya city on top of a roof with a tight view with a boom box wit y'all fav tunes!!

@SusanLorelei: On a boat on a lake ... On a big farm .... on your bed .... and definitely in your neighbors back yard!!!!

@Lodis22: beach or waterfront

Picnic Suggestions? Please Share in the comment section!

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A "GO TO" LOOK

2010-06-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

<~~ that's "POSH" Beckham... I enjoy having go-to attire so I can be stylish on a moments notice without a moment's thought. From head to to, this casual look is timeless, the simple monotone will work on any body type. Yes, I know her jeans are tight as heeeello, so use your discretion, no one said you had to mimic precisely but note: jeans should "fit" for this look because we're going for loose on the top and you can't have a loose fitting top and bottom without coming across as sloppy. Aw, don't go thinking that you have to be a skinny mini to wear this, all the ladies think they have to be skinny to look good but ask any man and he will tell you he likes it when he smacks that arse and gets a soft response. So let's analyze this:

side part then pull your straight or straightened hair off to the side, making a sleek ponytail if necessary (don't forget the hair stay product)
glamorous over-sized sunglasses (no bug looks tho)
cotton shirt, loose fit ( you don't have to tuck this in)
skinny jeans (but similar capri's are ok, too)
bangle watch
you really should wear a belt unless you want to sell crack (^_~)
shoe options for skinnies (skinny jeans)

For that Shirt:

You aren't going to find that cotton shirt, you're going to buy a plain crew collar one in a shade which creates a mono-tone with you jeans. It should fit a little loose because you want it slouchy to compliment your little jeans without looking like, well, just trust me on this. Target website shows them at 9.99.
Then you are going cut the cut the neckband off to make it stretchy, don't wimp out here, it will be ok. Also cut bottom half of one sleeve.
Next, let's do something with string and scissors, shall we? Using needle and thread in a color close to your shirt, you are going to double about18" of your thread and knot the bottom.
Begin below to hide your knot, sew a (wide separation) running stitch from top of sleeve to bottom and then back up, pull to create a slight shirr, then take needle below again and knot, cut. Do one side.
For the other sleeve, notice hers is drapey, remove hem and remove underarm seam. Also, remove bottom hem of t-shirt for continuity.

Not feeling brave with the scissors? Try this on a shirt you don't love and see what you think.

SHOES

Flats work with skinnies, as do wedges and stiletto's. Consider your terrain before making your selection.

Water bottle
Remember to stay hydrated! There are so many water bottles on the market right now made to assist your planet conscious self. Some come with charcoal filters to clean your tap water. I found a nice selection at R.E.I. which also had good looking camel-backs but if you buy a plastic bottle of water for sake of convenience, I hope you'll be sure to recycle it.

Comments always welcome!!

FORGET-ME-NOTS

2010-05-22T05:20:00.000-07:00

This name of this compact profusion of small blue flowers surely conjures romantic thoughts of staying power: "forget-me-not". Also called Myosotis from the Greek "Mouse's Ear" and legend has it that during the 15th century these were given and worn pursuasions so as not to be forgotten by ones lover. Henry David Thoreau said of Forget-Me-Nots: "It is one of the most interesting minute flowers. It is the more beautiful for being small and unpretending; even flowers must be modest". I find them lovely for pressing, and making stickers of them (for more scroll down) but I chose them as symbols to help you remember a tip or two here for this years garden season:

VOLUNTEERS

Each spring I find countless "volunteer" plants and flowers in my yard who have seeded them selves or sprouted from runners. They always seem so cheery and of course I adore them or I wouldn't have planted them in the first place, but they can't possibly stay! I used to save plant pots in my garage to share them with friends but I am so sick of clutter that I needed a plan B: newspaper plant pots. The nice thing about these is that they are fully biodegradeable and you can simply plant the entire pot without disturbing your plant. I also like these for starting plants from seeds which are fussy about being replanted like Morning Glories which would otherwise they take half of the season to flower.

SAVERS

I didn't put my garden to bed in the fall because I'm a fan of how winter frost kisses the stalks and makes moose antlers of them. Consequently I have lots of seeds right now and a plan or two for them. I printed out these seed savers to mail a long distance friend some seeds from my garden. Immediately I decided to cut out a few more and tuck them into my wallet, remembering the many times I've wanted to harvest seeds from lovely flowers encountered on outings. I think if you garden, you have done

the same so for us: Seed Savers to print and fold . I cut so terribly , with my persistant case of impatience, so when I finished my cut out seed saver origami dealy, I traced around it with a gold marking pen. I also had to refold my envy in order to have it close completely with It brought my packet into the state of diminutive loveliness I was hoping for. You can certainly feel free to use the packets as a template and trace onto papers of your choosing for a personal touch.

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Seed

These little plant byproducts are incidently what plants live for, they are reproduction. All season flowers seduce to make seeds, well some of the reproduce by other means, but seeds are the outcome I want to discuss. We can not possible plant or share all of them with friends but some need not go to waste. So here is a forget-me-not for you that is a pretty spin on the old nut brittle. Pictured here is pumpkin seed brittle , (recipe from Epicurious) cut long instead of broken and placed in a container which I think would look pretty on a buffet of desserts. You could score the brittle using a ruler and a pizza cutter before it cools completely and then break carefully when hardened. Toasted sesame seeds, slivered almonds, poppy seeds alone or together are great alternatives to the pumpkin seeds.

I hope you found a forget-me-not here. Thanks for visiting, I enjoy it when you leave a comment (feel free to include your URL with your comment).

REGARDING MAYA

2010-05-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

You've not doubt heard through some channel that the ancient Aztec calendar predicts the end of the world to occur on December 21, 2012 at 11:11 PM as it marks the end of a 5,126-year era and possibly the end of another long cycle of birth and destruction on our planet. I've done research on this subject and found credible testament to the improbability of this destruction theory as well as conclusions that something cosmically significant will take place. No real matter to me, I'm merely a tad fascinated with the art, culture, foods of Meso Americans and had to look into the 2012 chatter in order to maintain my informed status of the buzz.

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Being an artsy-fartsy-foodie type, I looked into the really important to me things and share the interesting among them here for you:

Food: Quinoa recipes, Spicy Aztec Brownies
Movies: Yes, 2
Craft: Embossed polymer clay tin, Earrings
Video: Appetizer Chorizo Empanada w. cream cheese (plan on jogging)

Chorizo and Potato Empanadas

After your work out, run a mile more, then make this is great tailgate/entertaining appetizer. You can find the nearly 10 minute video here with it's recipe. Click on the double arrows found on bottom right of the video, you will find the recipe:

Keen-wah

Keen-wah is the way to pronounce Quinoa, the ancient Inca's held this grain to be sacred, and the plant itself is common like a tumbleweed with seeds holding it treasured part. Quinoa has a chewy texture comparable to any cooked seed sized grain but it's value in my never to be humble opinion is that it is a considered a full protein. Because of that you get an extra shot of protein when served with a meat, all great for muscles and void of the downside of having a carb like rice or pasta as a side dish. Comes in two varieties red and regular, I cook this according to package instructions in about 15 minutes, then stir in lemon juice and zest, olive oil and stir in fresh spinach leaves (which wilt immediately) because gosh, otherwise it is bland, bland, bland, stubbornly bland and a little dull, too. Ol' what's her name has a great recipe idea, I gleamed it from her site to share with you because, she does that and apparently so do I. Hers is a warm quinoa salad also with wilted fresh spinach, but includes shiitake mushrooms. She prepares her dish without meat but I heartily recommend having this with a grilled salmon or chicken breast. Recipe is for Warm Quinoa, Spinach and Shiitake Salad from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food.

SPICY AZTEC BROWNIES

You do not need to know this, I think dessert is greatly unnecessary but Spicy Aztec Brownies , <~~(recipe) so adult, are made with instant espresso or instant coffee granules, I love adding coffee granules in any recipe for the punch of flavor and in deserts, to counter the sluggishness I always feel after a carb load such as brownies. The spicy here comes from the addition of cayenne pepper and cinnamon. This recipe is also a bit of a cheater in that it calls for prepackaged brownie mix but you make your own simple cinnamon glaze and no one is the wiser after you include the extra ingredients and small chunks of bitter sweet chocolate.

CINEMA

In 2006, Mel Gibson (the producer/director/turd/actor) made a film about Mayan civilization, "Apocalypto". I've no idea as to the success or lack there of of this film but I can tell you that I found it rather authentic, intense at times with it's action, realistic violence, tender scenes, and visually credible indigenous appearing actors. The language spoken throughout the movie required translation at the bottom of course, I don't speak ancient Mayan and if you say you do, well, you lie like a rug. The sub text in no way compromised the viewing of this movie and I'd highly recommend it when you want to see something wonderful, cultural and void of the usual suspects. Did you see The Road to El Dorado? Yes, I realize it is animated, so what? It's good stuff which stays away from "cute": set in Spain, two swindlers get their hands on a map and set about searching for legendary El Dorado gold. It stars the voice talents of Kevin Kline as Tulio, Kenneth Branaugh as Miguel and the riveting Rosie Perez does a wonderful job as the scintillating Chel. Good, evil, attempt at ruthless conquest and boy meets girl.

Earrings

I've never mentioned that I go beading at my local bead store (The Bead Gallery of Colorado Springs) and with good reason: I make the same pair of earrings over and over again. The details change only slightly but it's the same earring really. Be quiet, it makes me happy. Here are those earrings done with Aztec inspiration:

Embossed Tin

I saw this little treasure and I'll be honest with you and say I do not know whatever the heck it is but, BUT! it gave me an idea. You see, I am ever and eternally searching for something to occupy my young men that requires the turning off of the television and as they are ever and eternally wanting me to buy mints, gums and candy, you can likely see how this idea came about. Here goes, and don't sit around waiting for me to do this and then show you how because you know I have the attention span of a gnat and the experience of a seasoned creative person so that I can tell you how and I will write this first: Read first Using polymer clay, and please do condition it first by warming and rolling it between your hands in order that you don't find yourself frustrated that you can't do this. Apply a layer of clay to your tin container about 1/4 " thick, carefully trimming clay away in key places so as to render the lid of your tin functional. Using images, I recommend you google Mayan glyphs/writing systems and print out some of theMayan black and white clip art after you've re-sized it to work for your project. Place glyph image over the clay and using a pin or pointy object, prick shallow holes through paper as you trace the main outline of the glyph onto the clay. Next, using an embossing stylus, knitting needle or other rounded tool, retrace your glyph, adding detail and smoothing your carving and embossing as you go. Repeat with other glyphs until you are happy and please consider using art of your own choosing if these glyphs do not appeal to you. Bake container according to instructions on your particular clay package and allow to cool completely. Very important that you allow this to cool completely before antiquing. You can use any method of antiquing that you like, I recommend wax - shoe wax - and an old cloth. Insert finger into cloth, wrap around finger and rub small amount of wax onto cloth and then rub this wax onto your embossed tin. Remove excess wax and allow your clay to absorb the wax for 24 hours before expecting the wax not to rub off.

Well, what did you think? See anything you'll try? I'd love to hear from you =) Comment by clicking on the pencil.

BY THE SEA, BY THE BEAUTIFUL SEA

2010-04-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

During a giddy spring break trip to beach euphoria, I gathered a ton of shells and took the sandy, smelly treasures home only to wonder what the heck to do with them. Of course that is my favorite thing, to say “What now”, but said with feeling. See, I learned this little phrase from my son which I know I’m completely miss using according to him because when he gives a smack down, he does this in your face thing and says “What now, son?! What now?!” Anywho, that’s the way I like to draw forth my creativity. Here is "What now?" with sea shell projects and a delicious seafood recipe idea. I also spotted fish net crew socks worn with sandals at my favorite source of cash depletion, J. Crew and recalled a delightful pattern from years ago that I’ve been meaning to knit which I’ll share. During my beach romp, I found that I needed a hoodie when the sun dipped low, and if you’ll pardon my randomness as I make the connection to this very small knit hoodie promising to use only one skein (much less, really) and offering to hold your ear buds.

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WHAT NOW, SON!

with those shells, I mean. I subscribe to this line of thinking when it comes to crafts: Keep nothing and no one in your house that you do not view as beautiful and or useful.Thinking in this manner helps me decide on crafts to make or purchase, people to put up with, teehee. Anyway, so I did some research and discovered these lovelies:

the hemp tassel, in my home I hang tassels on every door, front and back, like earrings. I try to theme them and collect them on my travels. Fashioning one from beach exploration also appeals. Beach glass is the only litter I like, it looks magnificently refreshing in a floral arrangement and hold your flowers where you want them. The shell thingamajigger is actually an antique night light, seems someone made it and likely wet drilled a hole where necessary for the placement of a light bud. The top hinges to expose a night light, and there ya go: something useful. You could use it to hold small treasures like rings, coins, fragrance crystals, tooth fairy money...By the way, I would totally gild (gold leaf) that shell compilation, it's a little vanilla for me and face it, I am simply not so organic minded as to settle for basic.

CRABS

While visiting tide pools of La Jolla Beach in Cali, during a low tide, I had the

opportunity to behold the spectacular magnificence of sea anemones, crabs and meandering sea lions. I discovered the tiniest crab there, and I do mean tiny, about the size of an soy bean, and he was fascinating to behold. I held him in the palm of my hand, observing him for nearly an hour before having to go. I considered taking him home with me but how, where... airport security, it just couldn't happen. It's just as well because I don't know how I would explain this Crab cake recipe to him, and it would seem so cannibal. For you gourmet animal protein consumers, this here scrumptious crab cake recipe would dish up nicely in a clean crab shell when baked or deep fried. Or you could certainly use the openings of a large clam or other shell to get your schmancy on. Great for guests or occasions where memories are waiting to be made.

GARDENING with LAWN PRAWNS

I refer to slugs... California's landscape was lush with greenery, flora and fauna spilled from every structure, citrus trees scented the air and I was certain this was not far from Eden. I noticed also that slugs were abundant here with the humidity and the incredible greenery, California must be the ultimate salad bar for them. A slug clan can decimate a garden in mere days, so while I am a live and let live kind of girl, all bets are off in my garden. I've managed these slime balls in the past with beer in a tuna can, as lure to drown the little buggers. I

don't usually have beer on hand and have to make a special trip to get some so I was pleased to learn that grape juice will do the same thing: lure the slugs and they will drown in it. Use tuna cans because they are easy to camouflage in the garden, I partly bury them to ensure garden pests have little trouble stumbling in... and of course drowning. There are methods of discouraging slug entry to your garden, they don't enjoy dragging themselves over pennies as the cooper properties irritate them. Neither do they like scratchy surfaces. Some fellow gardeners pour salt on them or keep a screwdriver handy for impaling garden slugs. I find that all too hands on and prefer allowing them to drown overnight and then toss them out in the morning.

FISH NETS

Amy King of Boogie Knits has a sock pattern she calls Lolita Toes, I book marked it on my computer some time ago, years actually, and then I saw this look at J. Crew, where model wore pair of ankle boots with little fish net sockies... completely appealed to my parochial intermingled sense of self: socks and shoes... all sorts of shoes, socks with heels, booties, you name it. To me, those booties she is wearing, they totally call for sexy little fish net socks because how are you going to get your saunter on with no socks? Can you say "stinky" you will if you don't wear any socks. Knit some and make your own little

one skein wonders, go see Lolita toes, also at Ravelry the premiere knit and crochet pattern.

HOODIE

Speaking of knitting and the sea, it was at the oceans edge when suddenly the hoodie thing began to make sense to me. It whispered to me when the wind began to blow

"a hoodie would be nice right about now". Now, I didn't see myself knitting a hoodie, well not a life sized one, but one for my ear buds makes sense. Huge leap from hoodie to ear buds, I know - here's the connection: I don't really like shoving them all unwound into my bag because I suspect that wrapping them is going to lead to trouble. And of course, being anal retentive, I saw a pattern a long time ago for an ear bud hoodie at Wendy's Intertwinement. Seems you stuff your hoodie with ear buds peeking out of the hood and connection comes through the waist which has a draw string tie. I bet you could purchase one skein of ridiculously expensive yarn or use up something leftover for this project and be the envy of your knit-geek friends. If not, I know your inner nerd will be delighted. Knit hoodie pattern here. What? You don't knit? I don't understand that, no habla but here is how: learn with this cute and completely useless hat pattern/instructions at the big knit and incidentally enough, if you buy one of their hatted drinks, your are donating a portion of the sale goes to help feed malnourished in the UK.

AND

Underwater Nano

I've often wanted to take pictures underwater, scuba diving or of the kids and I found this and thought uou may want to know this the next time you head towards the seaside: The H2O Audio case turns an iPod nano 5G into underwater camcorder, allowing you to capture images underwater for about $80. This H2O Audio Capture Waterproof Case promises to allow you to utilize all of your favorite iPod nano (5th Gen) features including music playback and video recording, in, around, and completely underwater.

Well, what did you think? See anything you'll try? I'd love to hear from you =) Comments are always welcome (hint hint) just by clicking on the pencil.

2010-03-06T05:22:00.001-08:00

I'm longing for spring...or even a sign of spring. I'm getting tired of waiting so I think I'll begin without it by planning for it. This time:

Gardening: extending Peonies
Decor: Bird Cage? Try Bird Aviary, at home
Project: Knit tech cover XM cover
Foods: Garden onions, first of spring veg
Technology: download

FOLLOW this blog by choosing the RSS button for updates on fun things to try like recipes, tech toys, home projects. Comments always welcome.

Food

I'm mostly into flower gardening but I tuck in herbs, tomatoes, fiery peppers and red potatoes every year among my blossoms. Spring onions, perennials with lovely purple balls atop long slender stems are the first food item to make an appear and in my garden. Cutting them here and there before they flower really helps brighten all sorts of dishes but we're going with Salmon because they're on the move in the spring also. Here is an Asian recipe for Salmon with spring onion sauce , which calls for the spring onion and fresh ginger. I hope you enjoy this.

Gardening

Peonies are a favorite flower of mine with their robust blooms bursting with

enthusiasm and the glossy digits of their foliage remind me of the graceful hands of a dancer. So romantic and generous their gifts, but here's the thing, they do not play hard to get! They just throw themselves at you, blooming all at once, insisting to be noticed as if any could ever miss them. I think they're a little insecure but that's just me. Here's a little trick to delay the joy of some of your

beauties, cut them when the color just starts to show on the buds, (see photo) remove most of the leaves and pop them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When you're ready, plunk the beauties in a vase and in a couple of days they'll start all that look-at-me-madness they do so well.

Techno Knit

So these little creations were knit by some kind and generous soul intending to

share a baby tube sock pattern with the world. Nice, huh? I look at this and I see something which will cover my XMSatelite radio iPod thingy, camouflage it to be exact in order that I don't have to remove it each time I get out of the car. My Thought is that it would discourage the less ambitious thief because they're generally in a hurry and like to make their time count and are less likely to invest time into the unknown. I see this in black or something matching your cars interior. Double your cast on amount if you have an iPod Touch, also increase your length as needed. Pattern is by the lovely Cameron Delaney at eHow.

Technology

So you have some of the wonderful technologies available now. You ever think to yourself that you're not really getting the most use of what you have? One way to get more use from your modern toy is by downloading a good book. I recently downloaded Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth, he reads it himself. You could go with any genre, there is so much available and besides, it will make you a more interesting conversationalist at the spring holiday meal =)

Hope is a thing with feathers...

There is an adorable little dove living at my house, goes by the name of Puppet. He really is a peaceful little creature and I like that silly way his head seems to express so much with it's

bobbing. Curiosity is what he mostly seems to be, and sometimes frightened. The latter he signals by glandular fall out if you know what I mean. I don't find this at all amusing no matter how cute he is and that is why I am happy to have discovered "FLIGHT SUITS" the glam term for bird diapers. Puppet likes to visit us in the family room, or so I am told and due to my aversion to bird feces on furniture, I was reluctant for him to do so until discovering this Flight Suit. You want to get your wings, er, hands on one? They can be found in some pet stores locally but of course you can get practically anything on line, this one is from DJ's Feather Aviary for starting prices of $21.

FOR THE BIRDS

Speaking of birds as pets, it's very nice for your pet to have a home which mimics his original habitat but if he's going to live with you you want it to function for you as well. You, you, you =) I really mean me, who am I kidding. With all that in mind, I did some research an

d came up with this bit of spectactularosity. Be quiet. I know that is not a real word, nonetheless here ya go: Armoire to Aviary as described by the self proclaimed empress of creativity. This innovative mama has my vote, she turned an armoire, which can be found used for cheap, re-purposed it into and aviary with a branch build in, chicken wire and paint. She also added a pull out drawer for the poopskies.

Well, what did you think? See anything you'll try? I'd love to hear from you =) Comment by clicking on the pencil.