anam cara

pintrest is bad for my sleep schedule

2011-04-29T00:37:00.000-05:00

I think Peeps are disgusting. They are awfully cute, I will give them that, but I still don't want them in my mouth. (That's what she said.) Luckily I have found a delicious alternative. I know Easter has come and gone, but these crescent roll dove things would be welcome at my table all year long.

found on Pintrest, and I followed the rabbit trail here for the recipe/instructions. woot!

if I could turn back time

2011-04-19T21:16:00.006-05:00

Alright, so I know you said you didn't want to post any wedding things on here, but since I'm married I figure its ok for me (bekah) & not you (hampton)!

I'm pretty sure I've shared this with you before but just in case, here is a reminder. I really wish while I was planning my wedding I knew about blogging! So many great and creative ideas and products. I loved my wedding and I truly felt like it reflected mine and Pete's personality, but every once in a while I find something and think "Damn! That would've been perfect for my wedding!" While looking up rice & bean recipes (that's another post) I randomly clicked on an old favorite blog (that had nothing to do with rice & beans) and died. Twigs & Honey blog.

Glimmering rhinestone headband (my favorite!)

French bandeau veil with silk organza flower bomb

Flapper inspired Bridal Headband

Rhinestone & French Chantilly Headband

Eyelash lace trim bridal cap

Are they not gorgeous? Or maybe its just me. I think with my dress these head pieces would've been alittle much but if I saw these first, I would've planned the dress around it. Would it be to much for me to ask to wear one of these to your wedding (of course not the veils or bridal caps, but maybe a headband?!)?! No?! Aww, thanks friend! (I'm sorta kinda kidding, ha!)

Origami Pleaded Dress

Also, would it be weird if I told you I loved this dress & totally see you in it?! I think it's weird I think of these things. Please tell me I'm wrong and you love that I think of these things! And, of course I would never feel any type of way if you were like "uh Bek, that's nice but just not for me." I'm just having fun playing dress up with you!

Even if none of these things were your fancy, & maybe it's not really nice of me to show you these things but I couldn't resist! I hope you don't mind friend!

bekah xo

Thanks, man!

2011-04-15T08:43:00.005-05:00

I'm alittle kinda frustrated with myself right now. So many things I want to do but motivation has left this heart & mind. & with Fritz & Baby Girl running a muck this morning I'm about ready to throw down.

Nothing is particular wrong (besides silly brothers but you know) & really life has been feeling great! It's taken a looooong time but I finally feel like I'm at a place of growth, & movement, but yet all I want to do today is sleep in. The irony is frustrating.

I am however going to force the push and get a move on today! RIGHT NOW! (right after I share a few things I'm thankful for)
Even though its been a tough time for Pete & I, I'm oh so very thankful that we are here today. Nothing is perfect, but we are certainly working hard on getting there. I'm very happy & excited for the future!
I know you know, but for those that don't. I'M HEADING HOME! To the great state of Texas. It's been almost 2 years but it feels like a lifetime ago since I've been home. I can NOT wait to see my folks, you (Hampton) of course! & a few other prized people in my life. I'm so thankful that it worked out that I can go home in May. Pretty darn amazing how things work out.
Also, I would love (& be thankful) to have this shirt in my wardrobe before I went home, but really it would only be cool to wear here in Jersey & NYC. But still, I may just indulge in some pre-trip shopping!
STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS! The first game of Round 1 between the Penguins & Lighting was pretty amazing. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Pens will keep up with their aggressive play to shut down Tampa tonight. (Bummed I'll miss tonight games b/c of work, stupid jobs! but thankful to have one)
It kinda amazes me how much I have fallin in love with the game of hockey & the Penguins. As silly as it sounds, I know it's a big reason why things are getting better everyday. LET'S GO PENS!
I'm thankful I would know how to make these mouth watering lemon bars if I were to make them. But I won't make them because I have to slow it down with all my sweet consumtion. However, I am thankful none the less!

I like doing thankful post. Helps keep things in perspective. & I like them better when it's not Thanksgiving!

bekah xo

on embracing vanity

2011-04-08T10:32:00.000-05:00

pic from weheartit

You may not realize it back in Jersey, but here in the Lone Star State, spring has sprung. Last week we had highs in the 80’s, and it’s been lovely. The grass is green and the bluebonnets are out. Naturally this is the time of year to unpack your cute sundresses that have been put in storage during the cold winter months, and I was super excited to do that a few weeks ago. It’s like going shopping, but it’s free, and you already know that (hopefully!) everything fits! We have a fairly casual dress code at my office, and last Monday I wore one of my springy dresses to work. It’s a black dress with off-white Mexican floral embroidery. Cute, casual, goes well with my ~~Frye~~ Target knockoff boots. Yay! It’s meant to be worn with a belt, and oh man, I have the perfect belt to go with it… but I see in retrospect that it’s perfect for a Friday night… not so perfect for a Monday morning. The belt kind of hikes up the skirt up a little more, til it’s pushing towards not-so work appropriate. I didn’t realize this until I was literally grabbing my stuff to walk out the door that morning, and I saw that my tattoo was peeking out a little bit from under the dress. Eeek! I made a split second decision to just keep on trucking in my outfit since I already had it on, and spent the rest of the day kicking myself. I should have changed clothes and run the risk of being 10 minutes late. When I got up for a mid-morning restroom break I saw myself in the full length mirror here in the office. Now don’t get me wrong, even with the belt raising the hemline a bit, I still passed the middle school “is it longer than your fingertips?” test, but after having realized, ‘oh shit, that IS really short for work!’ I spent the rest of the day totally self conscious and paranoid, and that's pretty much never fun. DAMMIT.

You know what the problem is? I don’t have a full length mirror at home. I’d initially intended to buy one, but then talked myself out of it, reasoning that I know what I look like from the thigh down. And I do. But it turns out, it's helpful to see it in context. (thighs = metaphor for life. It's all about the big picture. PUT IT CONTEXT, PEOPLE!) Now if we are being honest, I'm probably gonna go with a cheap piece of crap from WalMart or Target, because that's what the budget allows at the moment. But it never hurts to look, does it?

This one from CB2 is my favorite. I like that the wood frame is chunky but streamlined at the same time. It's on sale right now, knocked down from $299 to $199... but that still falls outside of my budget of zero dollars, so I'd better keep looking.

This one from West Elm is a little more understated, but I dig it. There is already a lot of wood in my bedroom (that's what she said) so maybe the sleeker narrow metal edge would be a better match. But the $300 price tag has deemed that this mirror will not be coming home to live with me either. Bummer.

And this one from Spiegel doesn't really qualify as a full length mirror, but it does qualify as awesome, so I thought I'd share it. Well... maybe "awesome" is over-selling it just a bit, but I like the shelf, and I think it would be nice in an entryway. Our apartment almost has one of those, and at $79, the price is way more manageable than the other two. None of that actually helps with the issue at hand though, so I guess I'll have to keep looking for a looking glass.

got milk?

2011-03-28T12:00:00.001-05:00

You know how you (Bekah) and I (Hampton. Duh. Keep up, people!) used to have a recurring conversation about how I like fruit... and you would say "I wish I liked fruit" (which I still think is a funny thing to say!) and then you would talk about how you like milk... like you like it enough to get thirsty for milk, and then I'd tell you that was weird?

I don't know, I just have never really liked milk. I use it in coffee, and in cereal, but I have never really been crazy about it on its own. Unless it's accompanied by a brownie or a cookie, and that's just a classic pairing. And I guess, no longer on its own, which brings me back to my original point. Milk = meh. But I did see these on Oh, Joy a while back ago and I thought that maybe I could learn to love milk.

Milk straws! From what I understand the little flavor sprinkles inside the straw gradually melt to give a bit of flavor to your milk as you drink it. Is it more healthy to drink milk that has been doused with sugar, or to drink no milk at all? I am not sure, but it can't be any worse for you than a Coke!

This is a genius idea too. That milk looks like it knows how to party. In real life, sprinkles kind of annoy me, just because they fall off and get all over everything, but I have to admit that this is pretty damn cute. I found this picture on Pintrest, the latest greatest time-suck I've found online. Maybe if all milk looked this festive I would enjoy it more! Here's hoping!

xoxo
Hampton

ruffles and geese

2011-03-28T00:23:00.000-05:00

You (Bekah) are sooo much better at keeping up with the blog than I am. So I have been shamed into posting more regularly. Normally I would blog from work, but we just got a new supervisor (my previous supervisor basically demoted herself, so now she is just a regular customer service rep- regular except she still makes more money than we do...) and I'm still testing the waters as far as how chill he'd be about things like that. For the moment, I'll just have to blog from home. I know, life is hard.

Anyway, I thought I'd share some internetty things I've been looking at for a while. I know that you know that I loooooove Anthropologie. One of the things on my birthday list for this year is to compile a portfolio that I could take in to apply for a visual display job there. Hello, dream job. Also, hello, employee discount!! One of their items that I've been drooling over for some time now is the Flamenco Shower Curtain.

So aptly named. Doesn't it look like something a Spanish dancer would bathe behind? There is also a red/pink/orange version, but these blues and greens are more doable for our bathroom. So, it's lovely and everything, but it's also $118. NGH. Not Gonna Happen. BUT the powers of the internet have brought me an alternative. Apparently I'm not alone in lusting after this bad boy despite the hefty price tag, and I've found a couple of different tutorials for how to make it yourself. I think that rather than buy the fabric for each layer separately, I will just buy a bunch of white fabric, and use Rit dye to get the colors I want. I do have a turquoise flat sheet that I bought at a garage sale (is that weird?) with the intent to make a dress out of it (is that weirder?), and it's just a tiny bit more green and more vibrant than the bottom ruffle on the anthro version. Just how I like it. So I may forgo the dress and use that as the bottom ruffle. Who knows. First I need to get a ruffle foot for my sewing machine. Which is actually my mom's sewing machine. And she mentioned last week she might want that back... so maybe first I need to get a new sewing machine. Details, details!

Here's another fun thing. I saved this picture a few years ago (before I learned about blogging etiquette, and that you should always note the source of the photos for the fun things you share... crap!) and now I have no idea where it came from. I think perhaps decor8 but I don't really remember. Anyway, i love everything about this pic. The loveseat with the curved back and the tufting, the mid-century style table (looks a lot like this Ikea coffee table on stilts), but especially the hodgepodge of gooseneck sconces on the wall grouped together. I think that some of them (possibly even most of them) are probably actually desk lamps that have been mounted to the wall. Since we are renters, I can't really go bat-shit crazy drilling holes in my walls for the time being. I did have the idea that i could just get a really large piece of plywood and mount a bunch of lamps to the plywood, and then lean it up against a wall. I'm not sure how I would keep the plywood upright at the right angle to make that work. I have visions of the weight of 40 different gooseneck lamps pulling the whole thing down and scraping up the hardwood floors in the process... so perhaps i should wait until the boy and I are in a place of our own that is more suitable for such experiments. Until then, I dream of wacky lighting installations like this one. And this one (from weheartit). And this one (also from weheartit). Especially this one (weheartit, duh. Do you click on the links when I link this crap? You should, they are good.).

And that is all I have for you tonight, my friend. The internet is tired, and it's going to bed. I am too, goodnight!

xoxoxo hampton

Mini Shopping Spree

2011-03-25T16:43:00.004-05:00

I just indulged on a little shopping spree.

It all started when I was looking at iPhones.

Verizon finally has the iPhone and I've been itching ever since to get one. The only problem I see is Apple will of course come out with a new one just as I'm getting use to the touch screen interface. Although the more I think about it, I don't care and I want what I want. But luckily my shopping spree didn't start there. I still have a month to go before I can upgrade.

So what did I buy instead?! VANILLA BEANS!
I know, big spender! I've been dying to make my own vanilla extract for close to 2 years (ever since I saw this blog post), and now that I finally have vanilla vodka in my freezer I'm gonna do it! It takes a bit of time, but I want it for when I make cookies at christmas, so really I'm just planning ahead. (for once!)

Also, I finally ordered my Home Try-on glasses from Warby Parker. Excited to see if I like them or not. I desperately need a pair.

10 bucks on a feel good shopping spree?! Not to bad, I must say.

bekah xo

Interweb Bits

2011-03-23T17:07:00.004-05:00

I'm all sweaty and gross right now. Perfect time to blog!

I just spotted this super cute tic-tac-toe stamp set via Design Sponge and I just had to share it. Truly a genius idea! I can picture Grandma Biermann and I playing for hours! Man, I love her.

I also saw this very cool DIY idea for art supply pouches. The idea of printing on fabric makes me nervous but I have a nice printer, & these are just to cool to pass up. I would love to make MAC ones for my co-workers, or cookie ones for my Christmas cookies. It also includes using my sewing machine, which is sadly collecting dust because I have no time! (I do, but don't tell anyone!)

& just for the fun of it. I kinda love this picture of Turner & I. My hair is outta control and he has the silliest face ever. Although that's nothing new for him really.

bekah xo

"my heart stops when you look at me"

2011-03-21T11:38:00.000-05:00

When Katy Perry’s first single came out, I was digging it. I must have still had cable at that point, because I have a vague recollection of seeing the video for ‘Kissed a Girl’ at 2am. It was fun and ever-so-slightly sorority girl naughty. I wouldn’t call it great art, but it was entertaining. ‘Ur So Gay’ was fun too, in a novelty kind of way, and as it aptly described most of my guy friends at the time, I began to develop a soft spot for Ms. Perry. After a while though, the auto-tune shine began to tarnish. I saw her sing at a couple of TV awards shows, and it was rough. You can only cringe through her stiff, lifeless “performances” so many times before you’re forced to admit: maybe she sorta sucks.

And then came the earworm “Teenage Dream.” My soft spot re-softened, not so much because Katy stopped sucking, but more because the song is just sweet. It makes me smile every time I hear it.

I met Nathan when I was 18, but I knew who he was for a few years before we ever had a true conversation. His younger sister Natalie was my age, and we were goofy youth group kids together. After an especially goofy youth church choir performance that his parents video taped, mine and Natalie’s mutual friend CeCe told me that after seeing this video, Nathan had inquired as to who I was. Oh. Ok, cool. Cece seemed unsatisfied with my lack of excitement so I asked, why is that a big deal? And her exasperated response: “because her brother is REALLY hot!” She pointed him out to me later that day and she was right. He was really hot and it WAS a big deal.

We weren’t actually introduced until a year or two later, but my crush was born that day. We found our way to each other as adults (thank you, Mark Zuckerburg!) and I stop once a day and ask myself how I got so lucky. Now I literally wake up every day to my teenage dream, and sometime I sing that damn song when I think about it.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-16T19:19:00.004-05:00

Okay, it's a day early but I won't have time to put this up tomorrow, so you know how it goes.

I grew up loving the color purple. I wanted everything purple, and my parents let that happen. I even one time painted the walls of my old bedroom back home purple. To this day I still can't believe Bob let me do it. I did an awful job but I was satisfied and felt accomplished. Over time I have cut ties with purple and have fallen in love with green. Your (Hampton) influences has alot to do with it I'm sure. Remember that time James (our old youth minister, I say this for the benefit of our other 2 readers.) told you I looked up to you?! That is definitely true but not because you took me to a drinking party, ha! I've always admired your artsy flare, and especially your flare for green. (your bedroom walls ring a bell!) There are many other things I love & admire about you, but I truly appreciate your influence on me in regards to the color green. (& amaretto sours!)

So since it's St. Patrick's Day (tomorrow) here are some cool green things.

I can never get enough of her, and I love that dress. 4 people the other day told me I looked like her. They are my new best friends that live in New Jersey!

Of course God loves green because just look outside. Could you imagine that being your view?! I think I would move away from the city if that was my view. Done & Done.

A green kitchen?! I am in love! Maybe one day!

Ooooooooh you'll like this. Green nail lacquer from OPI. The collection is all about Texas! So even better, green & Texas. I will be purchasing this tomorrow.

I love my bed, you know I do, but for the day when I have a guest room you'll be sleeping in a bed with a green headboard. Count on it!

Thank you for the love of green! It's just what true friends do for each other I'm sure. & don't worry, I still love purple it just has an amazing partner in crime thanks to you!

bekah xo

ps. OH HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Oh Spring Time!

2011-03-13T16:28:00.003-05:00

Ah, the beautiful thing about daylight savings is that it's almost 6pm and the sun is still shining. I know I say it alot, but it makes such a difference. I hate getting to work at 9am with the sun shining bright, only to leave when the moon is rising at 6pm. You really miss the days. So even though I probably could've used that extra hour of sleep last night (staying out til 6am didn't help) I'm happy writing this at 5:45pm and seeing blue skies, with rays of sunshine. (aww how sweet!)

My birthday was pretty chill, but a good one all around. Grandma B did a shot of Jameson with me, and Pete got me some much needed work out shoes. I ended up making the Texas Sheet Cake for the actual day and then this past weekend I made the Dulce de Leche Cupcakes for my friends at work. I was presently surprised when Mari made some cupcakes for me as well this weekend! Not only were they delicious, but it was so sweet of her to do that! I have a great crew at MAC.

Apparently it was quite the process to find the yellow & black Crosby ZigTech's but Pete did it! It was truly a surprise because generally we don't do gifts. They are pretty bad ass and anything having to do with Crosby (or hockey in general) is right up my ally!

The Dulce de Leche Cupcakes turned out super sweet and super fluffy! I must've eaten probably 10 of them, but hey! it was my birthday and now I have the new shoes to burn them off! No judgment.

& doesn't this meatball sub from Smitten Kitchen look amazing?! I'm not big on meatball subs but this one just made my mouth water. I think I'm gonna makes these up tomorrow since I have no class this week, thank you spring break!

After getting home at 6am this morning, it's been nice enjoying the lazy, sunny Sunday! Penguins won! (although at the price of my Oilers) and I have no class or work tomorrow. Who could complain?!

xo bekah

ps. yes, you read that right, Grandma B did a shot of Jameson on my bday. She is amazing!

Decisions, Decisions.

2011-03-02T20:36:00.003-06:00

The best way to let your nails dry is to blog right?! Nail lacquers is definitely a good subject for us to chat about, but not tonight.

Did you know that my birthday is on Monday?! No?! Hey! Guess what jerkface my birthday is on Monday and I expect you to out do yourself over the cupcake courier (still the best birthday gift ever!). That being said, I've been putting alot of thought into what I would like to bake for my birthday. Cupcakes of course, but what kind? I really do believe that nothing, NOTHING, can be "too sweet" , & I always think people are being ridiculous when they say that something is "too sweet". Give me a break, its dessert! That's the point! My 3 choices are definitely on the sweet side and I can just hear someone saying, "they're were good, just alittle too sweet for me." Good thing about baking for myself is that it's finally all about me! I get to make what I want and if it's "too sweet" for you, tough.

Dulce de Leche Cupcakes, I love me some dulce de leche!

Ah, Texas Sheet Cake. So amazing, cinnamon-y and fudgey. I've made this a few times and it never fails me. And it's all about me : )

White Chocolate-Coconut Brownies. I love the idea of this combo, & really anything with coconut in it, I'm ok with.

So whatcha think?! I realize that there is only one cupcake option, but that's really for work, the others are for the actual day. What would you want for your birthday, since we share March?! Maybe I'll just make all three! I can always diet on the 8th, mmmhmmm.

bekah xo

ps. & btw, I was totally joking about the jerkface part. Love you!

Tomato, Tomatoe

2011-03-01T12:30:00.000-06:00

I really should be studying, but instead I researched how to grow tomatoes. Not the studying I paid to do, but I'll get to that eventually. I'm sure I've mentioned to you before that I wanted to grow tomatoes. I've talked about it at least with myself for the past few years and I think 2011 is going to be the year. We have a nice balcony that we never use but always talk about using. It's always in the sun, and from what I read, it would be perfect for growing tomatoes. I've even talked about this with a few customers that are gardeners and they agree. So that is my plan. Grow tomatoes this summer!

I'm hoping to maybe make my own sauce?! Or at least have some fun snacks to take to work and be able to say, I grew these mother fucker! Okay, maybe no f bombs, but still, how cool would that be?!

sidenote -- Reading Lake Jane (haha I love her!) she had this great birthday post that I am sure you could identify with about getting older (not because you'll be 30, but just because its true). These few words have stuck with me the past few days. Not sure why, but they make me feel good.

"Obviously, as you grow up, you come to realize that you never really have that moment where you feel like a proper grown-up. I think you always sort of feel like your 14 year old self (or a younger version of yourself anyways)."

bekah xo

it's not easy being green

2011-02-28T10:15:00.000-06:00

This weekend Nathan and I met his parents over at his grandad’s house. Marv (Natedogg’s dad, for those who don’t know) was asking me about my job. What a typical day looks like, that sort of thing. The things that I actually do at my job are pretty boring, but I’m trying to focus on the positive these days. Trying. ;) Anyway, he asked if I had a cool cubicle. I had to laugh. As cubicles go, I guess, mine is actually pretty nice! He asked if I had any live plants, and again, I had to laugh. The cube farm is not a healthy place for any living thing, and my black thumb would not exactly bring life to the workplace. But I was looking on the Craft zine blog this morning, and they linked to this badass needle felted terrarium by Tiny Apartment Crafts that had been posted to their flickr pool. This is more my speed. I could do succulents, for sure, and I can totally handle crafts. I sort of wish that she sold them, because, let’s face it, do I really have time to take up another crafty hobby? (I do not.) But this is so damn cute, and I have about a million wool sweaters in the craft closet at home that are ready to be felted and fulfill their crafty destiny. I may have to lady up and take on a new skill.

In the meantime, I brought a small bud vase to work this morning. I figure for the time being I can bring a tiny bit of life to my cube that way.

....in bed.

2011-02-28T00:30:00.000-06:00

It's late but I felt the need to get a blog in before bed.

I save fortune cookie fortunes. (You probably already know that.) I was looking for a higher resolution file of this picture here so that I could print it out for a project, and in my search ran across the one above. I dig this one too. I had this idea one time (idea-stealers of the interwebs, stop reading now please) to do a series of drawings, depicting whatever the fortune cookie talks about, but it happening (wait for it) in bed. Like, for this fortune, it'd be something like a girl with her surfboard surfing the waves of her comforter. I'm not sure that this idea translates as well verbally as I think it would visually. Also, it's after midnight, so if this post doesn't make sense there could be a number of reasons. Anyway. I tried to make my own fortune cookies one time. They didn't work out too well, but maybe it's because I wasn't using this recipe from Craft zine- I think may try again.

:

I might make some for Jared.

Can you imagine opening your fortune cookie and getting this fortune?!?! This picture cracked my shit up.

all pics are from weheartit. i'm too lazy to link tonight, i'm tired. goodnight friend, and goodnight world. see you tomorrow.

love, hampton

Sight for Sore Eyes

2011-02-25T21:00:00.003-06:00

I've been in desperate need of a new pair of glasses for quite some time now. My vision isn't to bad, but I have noticed that it is slowly getting worse & I certainly don't wear my glasses as much as I should. Tonight, I stumbled across Warby Parker via Making It Lovely & For Me, For You, & instantly got excited to get a new pair!

Sinclair

Owen

Crosby
I may be bias to these because of the name alone, crossing my fingers they are the ones!

They have this great program where you can pick 5 different pairs and have them sent to you for free (free shipping as well, whoa) to try on. What a great idea! The excitement to make an eye doctor appointment is overwhelming, ha! now I just need to get Pete on board. The other great part is all their glasses are $95 bucks. Yes ma'am, that includes your prescription too. That was one of the reasons I've been waiting on getting a new pair. A decent pair of specks can really reach deep in the pockets, even with insurance, but I can definitely do $95 bucks.

Once I get my try-on's I'll post pictures so you can help me pick a pair!

bekah xo

ps. the Penguins lost again, ugh! I couldn't bare to start another post that way.

Happy UnBirthday!

2011-02-23T21:55:00.004-06:00

Once again I have to start another post with yet another Penguins lost. Really guys?! This one was more disappointing because they tied it up with under a minute left to go, and then lose it in the final 4 seconds of overtime. I'm sure they're more upset about it than me, but still! When will Crosby come back?! I miss him so!

I know I'm a little early on this, but I figure I should start now so maybe, JUST MAYBE, I could actually accomplish what I plan on doing. Besides March 17th being your birthday, it is also St. Patrick's Day. Did you know that?! Haha, I still remember that St. Patrick's Day that we went to On The Border (mmmm) and we called that Matt guy, remember that?! Good times for sure!

My plan for St. Patrick's Day (besides celebrating your birthday, of course) is to mail out cards to all of our friends and family. I never got the chance to send out Christmas cards this past year, and that made me sad. By the time I realized I didn't send them it was the middle of January, talk about #fail. I think it would be a nice surprise to all the people we think are cool in our lives. I'm pretty damn sure that I've never received a St. Patty's Day card, so I'm guessing that there is a good percentage of people out there like me. I found some pretty bad ass ones on Esty, and if funding allows I may just indulge.

So, keep an eye on your mailbox!

bekah xo

"A Clever Title"

2011-02-21T22:13:00.004-06:00

I'm alittle errked about the Penguins loss tonight. They played so well and still couldn't get anything to show for it. Hockey is hard on the emotions boss!

Anyhoo, I was looking through alot of my bookmarks and I realized that so many of them are recipes. I've pretty much got enough to bake/cook something new for a whole year. That is definitely not a project I want to take on, but damn Bek, could I at least narrow it down?! All in due time I suppose.

I know I mentioned to you that Pete & I were looking forward to moving, but we have decided to go another route. I'm alittle bummed but overall it will be better in the long run I think. One day I will have my very own washer & dryer! So in the meantime I will continue to collect pretty pictures of homes I love and if I had all the money in the world, I would recreate.
Those ceilings are unreal. I'd love to wake up in that bedroom with all that light, although I would choose different bedding. (nothing can be perfect!)

I do love a good kitchen. This picture makes me want have 4 kids and have them all sitting here while I make them eggs before school. Of course, along with toast made from the bread I baked fresh that morning. I know that sounds crazy, but I'm kinda crossing my fingers.

I really like see thru cabinets. Not even sure that is the correct name for them, but I like them none the less. Pete doesn't, but let's face it, when it comes to the kitchen I doubt he'll get much say.

bekah xo

and we already know how it will end...

2011-02-17T20:26:00.000-06:00

Your (Bekah's) music post a few weeks ago got me to thinking (and that's pretty much never good). Here's the thing- I think we still have pretty similar taste in music- we just don't talk about it as often, because we both just got busy with life for a while there, and when we do talk, we have so many other things to talk about!

I bought concert tickets tonight for the Devotchka show coming to the Granada Theater here in Dallas. Telegraph Canyon is opening for them, and I'm pretty excited about that too. They are a local band (from funkytown actually) and they have an Arcade Fire-esque thing going. Do you know the band Devotchka? They are weird, but in a fun way. Have you ever seen Little Miss Sunshine? If you haven't, get Pete to ~~download it~~ acquire it legally asap! I actually still have Jared's DVD of it from when we were roomies. Anyway, most of the songs on the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack are by Devotchka, and this one called "How it Ends" plays in the background of this one joyous crazy scene towards of the movie. Aww man, it's great. Listen:

This one is really good too, but it is OMG SO SAD. It's a love song for his dead wife. I am not sure if it is an actual dead wife or (hopefully) a fictional dead wife, but either way, the song is fantastic if you can turn of your heart for a few minutes. Luckily, my computer is going on 8 years old now and the video card doesn't get along so well with youtube... so i only see every third or fourth frame of the video, and I can listen to this tragically beautiful love song while without really seeing a funeral happening.

I'm super excited for this show. I haven't really found consistent concert buddies (at least not ones that consistently want to go to the same shows that I do) around these parts since you moved, but I have a couple of lovely ladies in ATX that I think would be willing to play the part if the boy and I end up down there in a few years (fingers crossed!!)

Anyway, listen and enjoy!!

xo
hampton

Tiramisu Cupakes

2011-02-16T16:06:00.004-06:00

I really should be studying! I have so much do, so what do I do? I jump on my computer, fully knowing I will probably get caught up in the blogging world. I was slipping there for a bit, but I am back on track now. Then it's off to getting stuff done, and most importantly studying. I swear.

My manager Juanita is coming back to our counter this week and since I am excited about that & her birthday is in February, I'm celebrating by making her some cupcakes! Not only is she the best secret santa-er, she also always tells it how it is, & I appreciate that. "Bek, these cupcakes are good but a little dry." Ha! I know that seems alittle under handed but it's good when people are honest, it only makes us better, right? We have had many conversations about desserts & I know how she likes tiramisu (probably just as much as me), so you guessed it! I'm gonna make her tiramisu cupcakes.

What I like about this recipe, and blog post for that matter, is that there are great pictures for instructions & it calls for box cake mix. I know, I know, but I am no elitist when it comes to baking so if I find a good recipe, I'm gonna go with it. Besides, I'm going to be making these bad boys at like 11pm on Friday night, I need a time saver. They look amazing, & I'm super excited to make them for her. I'll let you know how it turns out.

xo bekah

random radness

2011-02-15T00:35:00.000-06:00

I feel like I've been slacking a little on the blog, but jeez I'm tired! Nathan and I went down to Austin this weekend and the trip was lovely, but I'm still in a state of recovery, adjusting to being back in the real world. I need to step up my blogging game though, so here are a few quick fun things.

Nathan's dad gave us a Dremel (for no particular reason, other than because Dremels are awesome, and Marv is awesome, and he heard me say that I needed to give back the one I'd been borrowing from my dad). This looks like a fun inaugural project, right? This plate carving (is that what you'd call that?) is by CJ O'Neil, an artist from the UK.

Or maybe I should start on something like this silhouette from icklebird on etsy. It looks a little more forgiving for my skill level.

Also, while we are spending time on etsy, I really like these earrings. These birds are very Charley Harper-esque. Charley Harper the illustrator, not Charlie Harper the character on Two and a Half Men (who, let's face it, is really just Charlie Sheen playing himself).

And with that, I bid you goodnight, internet!

xoxo
hampton

Keep Calm & Carry On

2011-02-14T21:15:00.005-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! No matter if you think it's just a "Hallmark" holiday, it is nice to spend it with the people you love. I hope you got a chances to let them know that! Pete got me two new NHL tee's from the NHL Store, & in my mind it's way better than flowers! He got Taco Bell because that was what he wanted. Easy enough!

If I didn't get my new shirts I would've totally gone for these prints from Keep Calm Gallery. I could seriously design (I use the term loosely, because I don't know the first thing about room design) a whole room around some of these lovely sayings. We have alot of pictures around our apartment but I think nice prints just make it that much more homey-er.

Make Lemonade! I could see this in my kitchen, hanging right above a bowl full of lemons in the summer time.
Rise & Shine! This is the one that made me really want to re-do our bedroom (or just do it in general, ha!) I love yellow and Pete actually does to, so I might be on to something here!
Breakfast in Bed! I didn't think of a place I would want to put this one, but it made me smile because it is something my Grandma B would say.
Meal Without Wine! This would be the perfect gift for my sister in law. She is re-doing her kitchen and she loves her wine! I think this is a must have.
I love clever stationary & I don't use it as often as I should. But maybe if I had these cards I would! This jumbo pack is such a good idea, everything in moderation.

xo bekah

I Love the Internet,

2011-02-11T20:07:00.009-06:00

Since the Penguins are stinking it up tonight, I decided to catch up on some of my blogs. I checked out Tyler Conium's podcast, and learned about March 14th, the "Valentine's Day for Men" where grilling steaks & bj's are expected. Ha! Fair enough. And then I spent some time browsing one of my favorite bloggers, Lake Jane. I am amazed because she always seems to find the coolest stuff on the internet (at least to me anyhow). Plus! She is Canadian & lives in Montreal (which I have a secret fascination with learning french & moving there.) So it's a win win all around. Here are some of my favorite blips...

How gorgeous is this upcycled doily lamp?! It makes me want to take some of my Grandma B's doilies & make one.

Being the baker that I am, I would totally take this tea towel, frame it, and hang it in my kitchen.

Doily lamps, conversion tea towels, & March 14th (the man's valentine's day, bj's & steaks), who knew! I love the internet.

xo bekah

Valentine's Day Cookies

2011-02-07T19:26:00.003-06:00

Every Christmas I make cookies for my family members for a couple of different reasons.

a. I like to bake.
b. Everyone seems to get a kick out of it.
c. It is a budget conscience way for me to give gifts to the people I love.

Unfortunately, my sister's batch got lost in the mail, & she didn't get them until a month after Christmas. In the post office's defense, my sister at the time didn't have a mail box, and so they had no way to leave her the cookies. So, I was kind of bummed that my nephews didn't get their Christmas cookies, so to make up for it, I am sending them Valentine's Day cookies! I figure its fair, and when you're just a kid Valentine's Day actually means something.

I saw these super cute Valentine stickers on Design Sponge, which gave me the inspiration to do something for my nephews. If I knew that the fruit wouldn't get tossed around among my nephews, I would send it, but I think for kids under the age of 15, cookies would suit them better. That doesn't mean you can't do it though! (you like fruit!)

I also owe my folks back home some cookies, so I am gonna get it all done in one shot. Here is my line up ...
Oatmeal Raisin, my Dad's favorite. This recipe is great & always a big hit, but no one is surprise considering where I got the recipe.

Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich cookies, my Mom loves Oreo's so I wanted to try my hand at some homemade ones. She also loves peppermint, so this is a perfect match.

& lastly, April's Ever Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies. You seriously can NOT find a better chocolate chip recipe. Soft & chewy, they're just perfect.

What are you up to for Valentine's Day?!

xo bekah

Red Velvet Success!

2011-02-04T22:45:00.005-06:00

I have a secret & since you partially know all of my other secrets I might as well share this one with you. Right?! Right.

While I would like to think of myself as this amazing baker ( & I'm sure in comparison to others I am ) I still feel very amateur. (or at least I think so ha!) Red Velvet is probably one of my all time favorites. I can remember as a kid being so memorized by the red cake, & the sweet & tangy icing! Mmmmm. I have tired several different recipes & some how I ruined them all. The only thing I could get away with was the boxed stuff, and even though I am definitely not an elitist when it comes to baking, it just wasn't satisfying.

In walks Glenda! Glenda is Margaret's (my mom, I know you know that, but for the sake of anyone else that might read this.) ex-husband's wife. Did you follow that?! Anyways, back on track! She gave me her famed Red Velvet recipe. I was alittle nervous to try it because of my past experience with red velvet but I was determined!

BOOM! There you have it. The recipe was flawless (awww) & the cupcakes turned out super light & moist. The red turned out so bright, that I am excited to show these babies off at work tomorrow. I feel accomplished, & ready to take on anything! At least when it comes to baking.

still the greatest birthday gift ever! my cupcake courier, you're the best!

Glenda's Red Velvet Cake

2 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/2 cup crisco (I used butter flavor because that's what I had)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 bottles of red food coloring
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda

In a large bowl (or mixer) cream crisco, sugar, food coloring, eggs, & vanilla. In a separate bowl sift flour, cocoa powder, & salt. Add flour, alternating with buttermilk to creamed mixture. Beat well. In a small bowl, mix vinegar & baking soda. Fold in baking soda vinegar mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 -35 mintutes. (for these cupcakes, I only baked them for 22 minutes & they turned out great.)

more blog love

2011-02-04T21:02:00.000-06:00

I also think you should check out the blog Aunt Peaches. My friend Wendy sent me this link because she thought I'd like the craft tutorials Ms. Peaches posts. And I do. But I also like her style of writing. A lot of times if I'm checking my blog reader and I come across a long-winded post, I'll skip it, but I don't skip hers. My first favorite post of hers was around Christmas time, when she talked about making nativity scenes from old toys. It reminded me of my nativities up on Etsy, but hers has a sweet story behind it, whereas mine was just 'oh that'd be a cool idea... I bet I could sell those!' And then there was this lovely post when she talked about attending a Swiss cow parade, and also included a thematic craft tutorial. It's a lovely narrative, with a crafty payoff at the end.

photo by aunt peaches

Also, she has a cat, and she makes her wear hats. Gunther would never wear hats for me. But then, Gunther was an asshole, so there's that.

Pumpkin & Lidstrom

2011-02-02T14:30:00.000-06:00

In keeping with the pumpkin cooking theme, as promised Grandma B & I baked Pumpkin Whoopie Pies for the NHL All-Star Game. They were fun to make, & super tasty! Not overly sweet, a good balance between the spicy pumpkin cookie & sugary cream cheese frosting. I use to be afraid of pumpkin but now I can't get enough. (I have a similar affection towards mustard, but that's another post!) I would recommend that you make these the day of, and maybe this was just me, but they didn't hold up to well the next day. I guess when you make 30 plus pies & only have 4 people over, some aren't going to be consumed. But over all very delicious & I can't wait to try some other recipes!

I kinda like how they ended up looking like burgers. Mmmmm! & I was happy Team Lidstrom won the game. A very lovely Sunday indeed. Next up, my "step-mother" Glenda's Red Velvet Cake for Super Bowl Sunday at Kenny & Liz's. ( I really like them! )

xo bekah

sugar derby!

2011-02-02T12:00:00.000-06:00

I have this friend Melissa, and I sort of think you would really love her. (Although having said that in the past about, ahem, other friends... I'm hesitant to make assumptions anymore!) She's super fun, and she's an avid baker who just started a blog. She posts recipes and fun pics of the cool stuff she picks up at estate sales around town. Her blog is called Sugar Derby (adorbz) and youuuuu should go look at it.

Also, she has this cute baking themed tattoo- this pic was featured on Bakerella!

(photo from Bakerella)

How effing cute is that? I know that we both suffer from blog overload, but I think you should add her to your blog reader, stat.

it's the little things

2011-02-01T13:50:00.000-06:00

I know that as a makeup artist, this will probably disgust you, but sometimes I just don't feel like washing my face at night. I have the little bag of wipes I keep by my bedside, for extreme cases of laziness, but they don't usually do the best job. I really ought to just get off my ass and wash my face with real cleanser and a real washcloth. But you know what annoys me the most? The way the water drips down my arms and gets on my sleeves and then I'm going to bed with wet pajamas. 9 times out of 10 I'd rather just take a bath, because then the water is warm (and it STAYS warm!) but sometimes that is just too much effort at the end of the day. So I have figured out the perfect solution to avoid the cold, wet, uncomfortable drip:

Don't I look athletic? Ha!

A $3 pair of sports armbands from Walmart. Duh! I drew the arrow to accentuate my teensy flash of brilliance and apparently I just kept drawing and ended up with the tennis racket too. I thought I'd make a joke about how now I am winning the tennis match against zits, but tennis scores don't make a lot of sense, and that joke isn't very funny anyway. Sigh.

O-Face Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce

2011-01-31T13:27:00.000-06:00

I had read somewhere last year (Thanksgiving 2009) that there was a nationwide pumpkin shortage. If I recall, there was actually a note posted on the Target shelf about the shortage to let people know. I remembered that when I was shopping before the holidays this year (2010), and since I was feeling much more festive and Thanksgivingy than the previous year, I figured that it wouldn’t hurt to stock up. Who knows, maybe everyone was going to stockpile canned pumpkin in fear of another shortage! Stranger things have happened, right? Well I’m sure you are shocked to hear it, but it’s almost February and I still have cans of pumpkin puree sitting in my pantry, waiting to fulfill their culinary destiny.

I saw this recipe in an old issue of cooking light and decided to try it out. The recipe was part of an ad for Buitoni, and the ingredients included their pre-made Alfredo sauce found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. That’s all fine and well, but I’ve had bottled Alfredo sauce before (it was not Buitoni brand, but still) and it was NOT GOOD. It tasted weird and preservative-filled, and the experience left me with a deep distrust of canned cheese. I was feeling ambitious, so I made Alfredo sauce from scratch. Not exactly the budget route, but way less expensive than years of therapy to deal with my food trust issues. I’m not sure that I’m ready to confront my feelings about canned cheese quite yet anyway. I used this recipe, found on Allrecipes.com, and then added the wine, shallots, and pumpkin puree. The original recipe calls for sage and green onion, but I didn’t have either of those things, and I didn’t miss them. The recipe also calls for the sauce to be served over pre-made cheese ravioli. I followed the instructions on this point, but I think the sauce would be better appreciated served over penne pasta or fettuccini (or any other sort of pasta that isn’t stuffed with cheese) so that the pumpkin flavor really comes through. The fine people of Buitoni probably have some choice words for me for sharing their recipe and then telling you that you don't actually need their products to make it... but they do make packaged fettucini and i'm sure it's the best packaged fettucini in all the land, so... there's that. (Also, i have no idea how to spell fettucini. Blogger, MS word, and Google have all corrected my spelling in different ways, so now I'm confused.)

1/8 cup of butter
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 clove of garlic, crushed
3/4 cup of Parmesean cheese (not Kraft sprinkle cheese- you want real, legit parm for this)
1/8 cup of fresh parsley (NOT optional- a lot of times I will leave out parsley from recipes just bc I don't have it on hand and used to think of it as glorified rabbit food- but if you're gonna make this sauce, spend an extra buck and buy fresh parsely. It's worth it.)
1/2 cup of dry white wine
1/4 cup of chopped shallots
1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage, or 1 teaspoon if you are using dried (optional)
chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Melt the butter and then add the cream in a medium saucepan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes and then add the garlic, and gradually add the cheese. Keep stirring, and don't worry if it looks gloppy. Mine did too, but when you add the pumpkin later it evens out the texture. You can also add milk to thin it out a little. Add the parsley and then taste the delicious alfredo sauce you just made- from fuckin scratch! You're like an Italian grandmother! But way hotter, and with a better rack. Now, on to the next step.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside for a minute. Take a small saucepan and toss in the shallots and wine and let it cook down for a few minutes. The original recipe says to let it reduce to about a tablespoon, but I didn't wait that long, I think I still had closer to 2 tablespoons of liquid. Remove from heat and pour that into the saucepan with the alfredo, and put that back over low heat. Stir in the pumpkin puree. Now stop and taste, and try not to pee your pants, because it's going to be really good. Now is the time to adjust the texture. You can add more pumpkin and/or a little bit of milk if your sauce is lumpy or gloppy. It is extremely unlikely that you can add too much pumpkin. (You will still have probably half a can of the pumpkin left over. I debated making pumpkin banana bread, but this recipe turned out so so so good, I will probably just make this again. ) Once you get the sauce to the desired texture and the pumpkin/milk you just added is warmed through, you are done! Pour it over some warm pasta and dig in. You'll be making your O face in no time.

"I've got the northeast on my side"

2011-01-27T21:32:00.000-06:00

You already know this about me, but one of the reason why I love living in the northeast is because of the snow! People complain about it all the time, but its part of living up here. You gotta go through the winter to enjoy the summer, right?! I love having all the seasons and they all make me happy for their own reasons. You also know this about me, I hate to sweat. Its the James Roberts in me, no lake butt here! So fall and winter are right up my ally. There is something magical about the snow, and no matter what I am determined not to let the silly attitude of the northeast bring me down. I find it very calming and relaxing. I was even silly enough to walk out in the snow last night alone. If anyone looked out their window they probably thought I was nuts but I don't care, it was what I needed.

The camera on my blackberry doesn't give the beauty of the snow we had yesterday any justice. But I hope you get what I am talking about. I know you lived here but I'm not sure you really got to go through a nor'easter like yesterday. It's is truly something.

xo bekah

ps. I need a good camera, I'm hoping when I get the iPhone it will serve me better!

Standing On My Head

2011-01-26T19:21:00.000-06:00

My manager at work yesterday asked me if I was coming to the kit building getting together on Sunday. I had to decline and my co-worker then proceeded to ask me what I was doing. DUH! NHL All-Star Weekend! This isn't a hockey blog, but over the past few years I have become quite the fan, so I'm sorry Hampton, this may come up from time to time.

There is a whole weekend of events going on, and I couldn't be more excited! They are doing things a little different this year. Friday they are having an All-Star Fantasy Draft, where the players get to pick each other (playground style), it will be interesting to see who picks who. Then on Saturday its the Super Skills Competition, which is always exciting to watch. I'm very curious to see the show Ovechkin is sure to put on. And then of course there is the All-Star Game on Sunday night! There is no better reason that I can think of to have a get together! We will have to dvr the shows Friday and Saturday, but that makes for an all day watching extravaganza on Sunday. So I'm sorry boss, I won't be able to make it to the kit building class this weekend.

Crosby & Malkin won't be at the game because of injury but I gotta shout out to my Penguins!

Taylor Hall of the Edmonton Oilers

Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks

Bobby Ryan (Jersey's Own!) of the Anaheim Ducks

& of course Alex Ovechkin, always a show!

I figure since I'll be making dinner I have to have dessert. And since Grandma B will be hangout all day, I'm enlisting her to help me make some Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Mmmm I can't wait.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Maple Cream Cheese Filling

xo bekah

yes, skulls.

2011-01-24T12:28:00.000-06:00

I forget exactly how I found out about Michelle Chang Jewlery, but browsing around her Etsy shop, I found more than a couple of pretty things I'd like to add to my jewlery box. This skull ring is my favorite. I bookmarked it a while ago just because I thought it was cool, but having had more and more talks recently with my boo about our future, I've started to look at jewelry through a different sort of lense and I think this ring would make a really cute wedding band.

I know what you are thinking. "Skulls?!?! for a wedding band?!?!" But they are really, really cute skulls. Delicate skulls. They even have diamond eyes, which is perfect for those slightly more traditional non-traditionalists out there. I mean really, this ring is pretty badass. But at $1400, it looks like I will need to keep looking for a more wallet-friendly way to say "til death do us part."

"Up & Over it & Over Them"

2011-01-21T10:29:00.000-06:00

It's funny. When I think about music, I always assume that you (Hampton) & I listen to alot of the same thing. I don't think that is true, and to be completely honest (you are my best friend that only makes sense, we've talked about everything else in this world haha) aside from Relient K & cheesy old skool christian ska (ahhh tooth & nail) I can't think of anything we share in common, music wise. Although, after typing that I realize we have New Found Glory! I feel better now.

However, I do think you listen to Tegan & Sara & if you don't I think you would enjoy them. I have always kinda been on the fence about them but after discovering their album "Sainthood" I have fallen in love. They have written some catchy tunes & their lyrics I find myself identifying with. Besides that, I really love their look. I feel the are very true to form & I like that. The artist in me wants to put makeup on them because they have bone structure to die for. But either way, take a listen! NOW! kthxbi.

xo bekah

I look like Joan, right?!

2011-01-19T18:59:00.000-06:00

Have I ever told you how much I love, I mean LOVE Christina Hendricks?! Sure, maybe you've seen her on my facebook, or in my twitter feed but I LOVE her. My self image hasn't always been the greatest, and with very few role models it's sometimes hard to picture yourself beautiful when nothing around you looks like you. & God, if someone else tells me "Well you know Queen Latifa is big & beautiful" I might as well shoot myself if that's what I have to look up too! (no offense if you have some crazy obsession for her, just not my thing)

I sometimes wonder if it's Christina herself or her character on Mad Men (which is amazing in general) that I like so much, but I figure it doesn't matter. I never had a celebrity or famous female to admire as a kid, matter a fact I hated them because I felt I wasn't up to par. But I've put my junior high sadness behind me & have fallen in love. One time had a customer tell me I looked her. I nearly died, and gave her a hug. I'm sure it was just the fact that I have red hair and red lipstick on but that moment is going down in my top 10.

Just thought you should know. Oh, and you should watch Mad Men, I was totally born in the wrong decade. (oops there I go wishing I was someone else again, dammit I gotta stop that!)

xo bekah

Jackson Pollack Diarrhea

2011-01-18T15:32:00.000-06:00

(Jackson Pollack - Autumn Rhythm 1950)

Well, shit.

Yes, I said shit.

Shit! It's been a whole year since either one of us has probably looked at this. Kinda makes me sad, but like Hampton knows, I think everything happens for a reason. So for shits & giggles, 2011 is gonna be our blogging year!

We don't talk nearly enough as we should, and it always seems to be me who drops the ball on our phone dates. ( I can be pretty lame like that) But last night during our much needed phone date we didn't even mention this blog, which makes me think we should blog more often. Hampton works at a computer and I'm gonna be inseparable from my net book with school starting, I figure we need to do this for our own sake.

One time we had this little scrap book we would mail back and forth with the different shit we would put in there, and now since its 2011 we should so the same here. A lot cheaper this way! Ha!

So enough of this shit! & get on it!

xo bekah

you're so 2000 and late!

2010-01-04T15:22:00.000-06:00

welcome to 2010, everyone! i must say, mine is off to a pretty fantastic start. now raise your hands, how many of you have already made (and broken) your new year's resolutions? i haven't made resolutions in several years (largely because i don't ever keep them and i decided a while ago not to set myself up for failure!) but there is something symbolic of the time period, starting fresh with a new goal in mind. so...

i am pretty sure that i can commit to this one. i found this resolution generartor from the good magazine twitter feed.

while i'm not much for resolutions, i do enjoy lists. so much in fact, that when i found this girl's blog shortly before my (dreaded) 28th birthday, i found it inspiring. she had made a list of 24 things to do while she was 24. can you guess what happened next? i have just over 3 months to complete my own lengthy and ambitious list. it's not going to happen, because a lot of my plans were made when i had a roommate to split to bills with, and life sans roommate has rendered a lot of them prohibitively expensive. but hey, there is always 29! here are a few of the things i have managed to cross of my to-do list. (such a nice feeling!)

* hang curtains in my apartment

* learn to make risotto

* take a yoga class

* try out for roller derby (... alright, alright. technically this didn't actually happen but i'm going to give myself a pass on it because i did go to the practice and realize i was in waaaaaaay over my head. next year, it's on!)

* volunteer somewhere

* start an etsy shop

there are lots more to go, but i'm in the home stretch, right? this was just for fun so i'm not going to beat myself up if (when) i don't cross them all off. instead i will learn from experience and perhaps make my list for 29 slightly more attainable. and affordable. (we're in a recession, maybe you've heard.) how about you? any resolutions or goals for the year?

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T20:00:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!
Welcome 2010!

we hope your 2010 is superb!
& remember ...

tip your glass to 2009 & bring on a new decade!

with love, hampton & bekah

to-may-to, to-mah-to

2009-12-26T11:00:00.000-06:00

However you say it, they are delicious. I love tomatoes, I can eat them like apples. I don't necessarily recommend it, because that tends to be a messy endeavor, but if you are brave and/or keep a Tide pen in your purse, go for it! My favorite kind that I have found are called "Super Cherry" tomatoes. Whether that is a brand name or just some sort of variety of the plant, I don't know. What I do know is that I got them in a small plastic container (like what strawberries come in) at my local Newflower farmer's market and they are crazy delicious. They are a bit bigger than un-super cherry tomatoes (on average the size of a golf ball) and slightly sweeter. They are similar to Campari tomatoes, but a little smaller and less expensive. The PERFECT size for this dish that I discovered via Scrumptious Blog:

Tomatoes Baked with Garlic Butter and Cream

picture via scrumptious blog

OH.MY.GOD.

Juno from the Scrumptious Blog describes the finished product as "spangled with little sequins of butter." Isn't that a beautiful description? I love sequins, and while I'm not sure that my tomatoes turned out as glamorous as hers, I'd be willing to bet they were every bit as tasty. Juno is blogging and baking from South Africa, so I had to play a bit with the temperatures and baking times because she is using degrees Celsius. Her instructions say to bake the first go-round at 180 degrees, and the second at 160 degrees. After consulting Google, my estimate for that conversion in degrees Fahrenheit was 350 and 325, respectively. I guess my math was wrong because my first attempt at making this was not impressive. I used regular large-ish tomatoes on the vine and baked for 15 minutes at 350 and then added the cream and put them back in for 10 minutes at 325. The tomatoes absorbed the flavors of the garlic and the herbs, but they weren't soft so I put them back in the oven and would check back every 10 minutes or so. After an additional 30 minutes they were softER but still not soft, and were generally unremarkable. But I'm stubborn and wanted these to be amazing, so I pressed on. I played with the time and temperature on my next attempt and hit the jackpot. So I present to you, my Americanized version of Juno's recipe, Fahrenheit-425 Tomatoes!*

4 medium sized tomatoes
3 T softened butter
1 fat clove garlic, peeled and crushed
2-3 t of dried Italian-ish herbs (I used basil and rosemary)
salt and black pepper
2/3 cup cream (Real cream. Not half and half, not low-fat. If you're gonna do this, do it right.)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Take the tomatoes and cut the top off, slightly angled in toward where the stem would be, sort of like the first step in carving a pumpkin- you want to cut into the top so you can pull off the 'lid,' but DON'T cut through the bottom skin. If you do that, all the deliciousness will leak out, and that pretty much defeats the purpose of all the work you are about to do.

Combine your butter, garlic and herbs, and then put a dab of the mixture into each tomato, add a little salt and pepper and then bake for 25 minutes. Then you'll take them out and gently pour the cream inside each tomato. Don't stir, and do expect a bit of a mess. You may have some cream left over but that's ok. You can save it for coffee or take a bath in it or whatever. Turn the heat down to 350 and bake for another 20-25 minutes. You want the walls of the tomato to be soft but still intact, and if the edges start to get a little bit dark that's ok, but we aren't roasting here, we don't want them charred.

My digital camera died so I couldn't take a pic of my finished tomatoes. Tragic, I know. But trust me, they did spangle with butter sequins. It was like having a disco ball in my kitchen, a decorating idea I had not previously considered but now I'm toying with.

picture via weheartit

*It's a working title. I'm open to suggestions.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T07:51:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday! Love you friend!

take off your makeup, honey

2009-12-25T02:49:00.000-06:00

Wow, Bekah is really blogging it up lately! I feel like such a slacker, but I've been so busy! Busy working, busy crafting, and busy babysitting. You may not know this but I am a 5-star babysitter. Seriously, the best. So good, in fact, that the main family I babysit for gave me a $50 mall gift certificate as a Christmas present! Now I just have to decide how to spend it. I am pretty sure that I'm going to get this foundation from Sephora:

It's called the Magic Wand foundation made by Too Faced. I almost got it a few weeks ago and I'm sort of kicking myself now that I didn't. WHY would I not get a foundation that actually blends with my skin (the color I tried in the store was called Paris) AND has a built-in brush?! I've developed this habit of not putting my makeup on in the morning until after I get to work, and putting foundation on at work without looking like a dumbass is tricky business. If I had this bad boy I could just toss it in my purse for just such an occasion. My only reservation is that it costs $32. That's not a terrible price point for department store foundation, but it's hard to part with 64% (plus tax) of my Christmas gift all at once. What a hard problem to have, right? The reviews on Sephora.com are encouraging though, and I figure I can always exchange it if I end up with buyer's remorse.

I should probably go to bed before Santa comes. I hope you all have a lovely holiday weekend. Hug your loved ones, drink eggnog, and don't sleep with your makeup on. Merry Christmas!!

Best Ever Mashed Potatoes of your Life!

2009-12-24T05:02:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve!

I can remember counting down the hours til' Christmas morning & even taking NyQuil (yes ma'am!) to help me sleep because I was always to excited to fall asleep. Luckily & unfortunately I sleep just fine the night before Christmas these days, partly because I work on Christmas Eve. (oh the joy of retail!) & I guess that's just what happens as we age. Work shouldn't be to bad today, so I can't complain. This year we are actually celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve so that we will all be able to be together. Since I am working my sister in law is taking over the cooking this year. All I made was the cake (red velvet, mmm my favorite!) & the best ever mashed potatoes you've ever had. No, I am serious, these are the BEST EVER. One of the best things about these mashed potatoes is the fact that you can make them ahead of time, you can even freeze them until you need to bake them off. Think twice baked baked potatoes, but alot less work and a billion times better! There is cream cheese, butter, and sour cream mixed right in, you don't even have to add butter, salt, or pepper to these bad boys. I am telling ya! They are the best ever! Haha, ok now that I beat that into the ground, get to mashing!

via Ezra Pound Cake

The best thing about these mashed potatoes is that they got me a KitchenAid Stand Mixer! While making the mash this past Thanksgiving, my Grandma B didn't like how my little ol' hand mixer struggled with mixing the potatoes, so she took me to Kohl's to pick one out. Not only are they the best mashed potatoes ever but this was the best gift EVER! (& thanks to Kohl's for Senior Day discounts)

I know it's Christmas Eve but you still have time to run to store & make these for your Christmas dinner! Merry Christmas Eve!

*All photos via/copyright their respective blogs*

---------------
Now Playing: New Found Glory - "Better Off Dead"

Gift Wrap

2009-12-22T15:17:00.000-06:00

Even though I have already finished my gift wrapping (with the execption of Pete's gift, shhh don't tell!) I adore this idea! In 2010 I'll have to to invest in a rubber stamp collection so I can do this.

via the haystack needle

I know that all the pretty wrapping paper gets throw out at the end of the day, it's a wonderful feeling to get a thoughtfully & beautifully wrapped gift.

How is your wrapping/shopping going?! 3 days!

*All photos via/copyright their respective blogs*

--------------
Now Playing: Taking Back Sunday - "Bike Scene"

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-21T20:07:00.000-06:00

It SNOWED! Ok, so it snowed this weekend on the east coast, I'm sure you heard. Even my cousin Billy Wayne (who lives in Alabama) texted me to ask me about the snow. Luckily it worked out that the snow started just as I left work on Saturday, so Pete & I order a pizza pie, made chocolate chip cookies, & watched movies. A perfect night to cuddle with the one you love & watch the snow quickly cover everything. I wish I could have gotten better pictures but the blackberry couldn't capture the magic. ( I think its time for a new camera?!) So here a couple of my favorite shots, from some of my favorite bloggers.

Via rockstar diaries

Via for me, for you

Hope everyone had a good weekend! I'm excited for Christmas this week!

*All photos via/copyright their respective blogs*

--------------
Now Playing: The Honorary Title - "Along The Way"

Homemade Ornaments

2009-12-18T12:17:00.000-06:00

Is this Christmas decoration overload? I am trying to get this all in before next Friday. Can it really be that Christmas is NEXT FRIDAY?! Whoa! Pete & I decorate our table top tree with things that out cats can't break. I have these beautiful glass ornaments that my Mama got us when we first got married but I am terrified to put them on the tree because of the cats. Check out these super cute & fun (cat friendly!) DIY ornaments for your tree. Maybe you can squeeze in some craft time by the tree this weekend.

Via Bake It Pretty

Of course I need one of these Cupcake Ornaments, so cute!

Via katie.cupcake

Since Polaroids are in high demand & hard to find, make your own!

Via Zakka Life

Via 100 Layer Cake

It's about cupcakes, over course I love it.

Via How About Orange

And if making ornaments isn't your style, check out these great DIY bows. (which I am sure you could put on your tree if you wanted)

Via How About Orange

Via Twigs & Thistle

Happy Crafting!

--------------
Now Playing: MxPx - "Set The Record Straight"

Wreath Love

2009-12-17T16:00:00.000-06:00

I know it maybe a tad late, but here are some amazing wreaths for the holiday season. There are a few DIY projects in there that I need to get on. Even though they might not make it this year, they will definitely be around for next. Besides, who says you can hang a wreath all year long?!

via Design*Sponge

This wreath is at the top of my list to make. It seems fairly easy to make, but a good time waster. I also think that it would be great as a winter wreath for our outside door, once the holidays are over.

via DesignCrush

I love the little stand mixer in this one.

via Layers Of Meaning

via Martha Stewart

via Simply Seleta

Via Martha Stewart

Pete would hate this one because of the noise it would make, but I can't say I didn't think about it!

Enjoy!

*All photos via/copyright their respective blog sources*

--------------
Now Playing: Nina Simone - "Sinnerman" Remix by Felix Da House Cat

Christmas Cookies, Done & Done.

2009-12-16T18:49:00.001-06:00

So here we are, Hampton & Bekah blogging together! It is an obvious match made in heaven (to anyone that knows us, & those that don't, you'll catch on quick) & hopefully you will enjoy what is to come!

Since living on my own, and with some inspiration from Hampton (she doesn't know that!), I have become quite the Betty Crocker. I love my kitchen & what I have been able to create has given me a great sense of accomplishment. The feeling I get when I make a pot full of soup that my sister-in-law begs for in the winter months, to the batch of cupcakes I make for my co-workers is a great one to say the least. So it's no different when it comes to making Christmas cookies for my friends & family. If you follow my personal blog you'll remember my cookie post & here are the results!

Snickerdoodles! They turned out moist, chewy, & with the right amount of sweetness. The perfect alternative to feeling overloaded by all the chocolate.

A holiday staple in the Wortmann household, Seven Layer Bars. Give them any name you want, they are super easy to make & always delicious no matter what you throw in them.

These might not look like the traditional Peanut Butter Cookies, but hey! they taste even better!

I was pleasantly surprised when these Oatmeal Raisin cookies turned out as chewy & yummy as I hoped! I wasn't always a fan of the oatmeal raisin cookie, but this recipe made me a believer!

These Neiman Marcus cookies where definitely the surprise favorite at work. They aren't soft or chewy, but perfectly crisp & airy. In my opinion the ultimate dipping-in-milk cookies, if you're into things like that. (I sure am!)

MmmmHmmm, Coconut Macaroons. These are some of my favorite cookies & I thought they were the perfect surprise to my cookie mail-out.

Now you might be thinking these are waaaaaaay too chocolatey, but you're wrong! The only part that was chocolate was the dough, the rest was yummy toffee & walnuts. Chocolate Toffee cookies, a sweet companion to a nice cup of coffee.

I saved the best for last. Chocolate Chip! Not any ol' regular chocolate chip but my good friend, April's Ever Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies. She really should sell this recipe because these were amazing, my only regret is I didn't make enough to have left overs! (no worries, I'm making more next week) They are crisp on the outside & chewy on the inside. You could have sworn you bought these at Mrs. Field's but I have to admit they are WAY better than a mall cookies, ANY DAY!

With the permission of April, I get to share the recipe with you! This is seriously a must try recipe, you won't regret it.
(copied just how she sent it to me)
---------------

April's Ever Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies
Preheat oven to 375'

3/4 C. firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 C. sugar

1/2 C butter (soft)

1/4 C butter flavored Crisco (shortening)

1 1/2 t. Vanilla

2 eggs

1 t. baking soda

2 C. Flour

1/2 t. salt

1 pkg. Hersey's Choc Chips

mix all wet ingredients until nice and mixed, then add sugars, mix until well mixed.

stir in choc chips

slowly add flour

refrigerate for no less than 2 hours... or at least til the dough is cold thoroughly.

Use your cookie scoop and make 1 inch balls and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Cook 8 - 10 . or until its too your liking.. .I like mine still a little chewy... but don't under cook them... I cook mine for 9 mins...

---------------

Without the help of my amazing Grandma B, Krysta K, & Pete, I couldn't have completed this project nearly as flawlessly on my own. As far as a good baking tip, CHILL THAT DOUGH! I truly believe that chilling the dough made all the difference. I can say that because I didn't chill all the doughs, and the ones I did turned out the best. I am sure Alton Brown could give us a good run down on why that is key, but just trust me on this one. A big thanks to my wonderful family & friends for all your help & I hope all the recipients enjoy the season with some sweetness. (sounds kinda lame, but it's true :) )

The boxes filled & ready to go!

Pete giving the final sign off to the boxes, ready to ship.

Now get to baking people, you're friends & family will be thankful for it! (your waistline might not be, but that's what New Year's Resolutions are for!)

--------------
Now Playing: Blink 182 - "Feeling This"

we're all right where we're supposed to be

2009-08-24T12:24:00.000-05:00

i like to think i stay pretty current with new music releases, but sometimes things slip through the cracks, ya know? so have a tendency to 'discover' bands or songs well after they've made themselves known to the rest of the world. so i'm fashionably late, so what? i guess sometimes it would be better described as a re-discovery. i'll hear a song and not really pay any mind to it, but then i will hear it a few months or even years down the line and it will jump out at me in a way it didn't before. i think it's about the curse of expectations, and the beauty of context. if a million people tell you how AMAZING such-and-such album is, often times you look so hard to find the AMAZINGNESS that you miss it. forest for the trees, yo. amazing things are better when they creep up on you. that way you can just love them for what they are, rather than because your friends or billboard or blender or pitchfork whoever said that you should. (i'm quietly stepping down from my soapbox now...)

such is the case with we are scientists. i first heard their music when i was looking at lonely island videos on youtube. the lonely island channel included a video for the band's song "after hours" because island dude kiv directed the video. true to island form, the video is hilarious. i posted the video on my personal blog and then promptly forgot about it.

fast forward to this january when i saw the movie nick and norah's infinite playlist. it's a cute story that stars the city that never sleeps and features the adorably awkward michael cera. it's a little teen-angsty in parts, but the central characters ARE teenagers, so... there ya go. as you might expect from the title, the plot weaves around nick and norah's mutual love for good and often underappreciated indie music. almost before the end credits were finished rolling, i was downloading the soundtrack. i recognized "after hours" and felt in a new way. it's held it's place as my favorite song for 6 months now, a pretty solid run. lead singer keith has reportedly said the song is about death (although after perusing the scientists' website and getting a sense for their humor, i really doubt that he was serious), but that's not how it reads to me. i hear a sweet upbeat song about getting drunk with your dear friends. so unless you are morally opposed to such things, i recommend you download the album (either WAS's brain thrust mastery or the nick and norah soundtrack will be sufficient), gather your peeps, and proceed to soak up the hours that everyone else throws away. cheers, y'all.

from midtown to downtown, snakes on a blog

2009-08-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

so you know that song 'good girls go bad' by cobra starship? of course you do. it's obnoxiously catchy and i'm surprised you don't have it stuck in your head right now. you may not know that you know it, but you do. you've heard it playing over the speakers while you were shopping at forever 21. or you've caught snippets of it while you were channel surfing past MTV. or it has undoubtedly otherwise found a way to work itself into your subconscious. and you'll recognize it when you hear it. here, i'll prove it to you:

Cobra Starship - New Music - More Music Videos

oh! that song! yeah, see, i told you. the song is poppy and fun and infectious. i wasn't totally sold on it my first listen, but it really grew on me. like a rash. that's why these songs are described as infectious. before you ask, yes, that is leighton meester in the video. (she sings the female vocals as well.) and the grocery store** deli guy by day and hipster by night that blair waldorf would be stupid to trust? that's gabe saporta, the band's lead singer. he does have a delicious sort of bad-boy aesthetic that lends itself well to the song. the combination of baby face, sharp features and cocky smile (jess from gilmore girls, anyone?) has always been dangerous to me. maybe it's just the new jersey italian pretty boy thing i like. but i digress. truth be told i've been celeb-crushing (pseudo-celeb) on gabe for many years now. cobra starship's debut single was featured on the 'snakes on a plane' soundtrack in 2006, and when i saw the movie i made my friend stay with me long after everyone else had left the theater because the video was features at the end credits of the movie.

see, he's got that yummy jackass-ish smirk working for him here too. but before gabe saporta was gabe from cobra starship, he was gabe from midtown. i have grown to dig cs, but i don't always adjust well to change, and sometimes i listen to them and want them to be midtown. but you don't always get what you want. midtown disbanded sometime in 2004, so perhaps it's time for me to let go a little.

that being said, the whole point of this post is to share some midtown love for those of you who are late to the gabe saporta party. i think he has a really cool voice (it's probably one that you either love or you hate) and i like that midtown is more guitar-driven musically. 'living well is the best revenge' is probably my favorite album, but in the interest of full disclosure i'll leave you with a song from each one (in reverse chronological order, since that's what i've already been doing) and you can decide for yourself.

give it up, from the album forget what you know:

more like a movie, from the album living well is the best revenge

<<< click to the youtube link, embedding has been disabled >>>

and just like rock and roll, from the album save the world, lose the girl

there is no video for this song, but some of you may remember it as the theme song for MTV's ' real world/road rules challenge: battle of the sexes.' you can listen to the song here, and if you are hard pressed for a visual just picture bunch of idiots simultaneously playing beach volleyball, bungee jumping, and taking themselves too seriously.

enjoy!
love, hampton

**side note: is that the same grocery store from the 'jizz in my pants' video? i'm fairly sure it is. i know my grocery stores, people.

come on in!

2009-08-03T11:51:00.000-05:00

welcome, friends! we are two bff's who, despite the 1500+ miles between us, seem to constantly find ourselves in the same places. anam cara is a celtic phrase that means "soul friend," which we think is a pretty good description of our relationship. this blog is meant to be a way for us to connect on a (hopefully) daily basis about the things we see and hear and taste and love... and you're welcome to join us, because we think you might love them too.