Ladies Night, Holiday Edition

Tuesday night I got to have dinner with some of my favorite people, and we had a great time. Dana made dinner, a delicious goat cheese stuffed chicken breast, covered in prosciutto, with a pear arugula salad. For an appetizer and we snacked on Liz's homemade dip and large variety of cheese. The wine was flowing and the conversation never ceased, it was on of those evenings I wish happened far more often. It was also an evening I wish I had brought my camera, but I suppose iphone images will have to do. Although I'm sad that ladies night doesn't happen every week like it used to, I'm glad everyone can get together over the holidays and make it happen. So cheers to you lovely ladies, I had a great time and I hope we can do it again soon!

Holiday Catchup Time!

Oh man, it has been a while since I've posted I'm afraid, but the holidays will do that to ya. I suppose it's a good thing as it means I've been busy with friends and family, and haven't had a moment to sit, but I must say this random Wednesday off to relax and catch up is much appreciated. That said, it's catchup time!

One of my gifts I made this year, which is definitely going to become a holiday tradition, is home made vanilla coffee liquor. It's one of those things that although simple to make, you have to commit to ahead of time, as it needs to be bottled for at least a month before drinking. Here is the recipe:

3 cups sugar

3/4 cup instant espresso powder

2 vanilla beans

3 cups vodka

Bring sugar and 2 cups water to a boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Add coffee and reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook, stirring to fully dissolve the espresso, for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large glass jar or seal-able pitcher and let sit until more or less cool. Meanwhile, split vanilla beans open and se the back of a knife or a small spoon and scoop out the teeny tiny seeds (it seems more like a paste). Add seeds and pods to the coffee syrup. Pour in vodka. Seal and put it away for four to six weeks. Remove and discard vanilla pods.


I've personally been enjoying it over ice with a little milk, which I highly recommend. It makes a great dessert drink, as it would over ice cream. I have yet to have it in my morning coffee (surprisingly) but I hear it's a nice little winter warmer. 

Bottle it up and you've got a tasty homemade Christmas present!

Home made pot pie

A few weeks ago (before Thanksgiving) I was feeling particularly domestic and festive and thought I would attempt to make a chicken pot pie. For no other reason than I got home from work and had nothing to do with myself, and wanted to go to Pies and Pints but didn't feel like driving. Surprisingly I had most of the ingredients already, well minus the chicken which I had to run to the store for. Ok, ok, and the crust which was curtsy of Betty Crocker (damn she's good).

I wish I could be blogging about how I opened the cabinet and gracefully whipped together a filling off of pure instinct, but alas I am a slave to my William Sonoma cookbooks I inherited from my Grandma, and for good reason! I can honestly say I have never made something out of those book I didn't like. That said, with a little help from William and Betty, I created a pretty damn good pie if I do say so myself. Not in the least bit healthy, but I honestly don't give a damn, it's winter, and it was good.

Fresh out of the oven

Excellent pairing 

Yum!

Life on the Hill Tastes Good: Marjorie

At one point in my life (all of 3 months ago) I had grand illusions of dining out every night, taking amazing photographs and writing reviews on each and every flavor. What has that tuned into? A quick cell phone pic I sometimes manage to throw on my blog. But today that all changes (sort of)! 

Will and I went to Marjorie last night, a little place I randomly found on Urbanspoon while trying to find somewhere to eat we hadn't been yet. Our overall experience was quite nice, with delicious food and friendly staff, but a word to the hungry: you many want to grab a hotdog before you go. I can't decide frankly if small portions are simply a testament to how much we should really be consuming in one sitting, or sometime just a rip off. In this case, although delicious, I would have liked to see a little more on my plate. Especially since I ordered prawns, and god knows I can eat about two dozen before I'm full. Sadly, there were only three. 

The prawns were cooked with the heads on though (tails peeled) which I have never experienced before. The result was nothing less than amazing. All the goodness usually tossed from the head softens when cooked, and adds a lovely flavor to the body meat. They were served over grits, which were more like a risotto, buttery and rich. Will had a king salmon dish which although was very delicious, and cooked perfectly, wasn't as good as mine :)

Overall, if you're feeling swanky (and in the mood to spend some money) I would recommend it. We'll definitely be back in the summer, as they have an adorable little patio. 

Images are from Marjoie's website, as sadly my phone's photos are dark and not pretty.

My Dish - Hawaiian Blue Prawns

Home made truffle butter... yes please!

The Local Swig : Bacon Ale

One of the many things my new neighborhood does well is beer. It joys me to no end that you can walk into a coffee shop and find an assortment of local brew on tap. What was once a cold sandwich and a diet coke, lunch suddenly got a little more interesting. Upon stumbling onto such gems as Odin Brewing's Smokey Bacon Ale, I've decided the best way to honor such lovely local creations (aside from downing them of course) would be to blog about them. It's going to be a lot of work and dedication, but I think I can do it. I give you: The Local Swig. My reviews on the local brews that make this city one of the tastiest places to knock one back.

To start things off, I defer to the beer that inspired my new blog subject; bacon ale! Bacon's popularity has taken off lately, appearing in everything from vodka to chocolate, and I'm loving it. I tried Odin Brewing's Smokey Bacon Ale, last night at the Capitol Hill Art Walk with the lovely Dana. This delectable ale was surprisingly not as bacon-y as I would have hoped. Call me a glutton but I was ready for something will a little more greasy-love, and there for was slightly disappointed after my first sip. Upon further investigation however, I decided sipping on 12 ounces of liquid pig might be too much, and maybe settling for a hint is just enough. It's the smokey flavor that really takes the cake, and is most notable. It's a great balance and not too overwhelming, which is nice because I have tried several smokey ales that have gone overboard in the smoke department for my taste. Overall, if you're looking for a beer that satisfies your bacon craving, you may want to keep hunting, but if you're in the mood for a dark smokey beer on a brisk fall evening, it's got you covered.

If you're on the Hill make sure to stop by either Bluebird or Quinn's Pub to try it out.

Design Love : Morning Edition

Good Morning! I'm starting to get used to the 9-5, something I never thought I would in all honestly. But it's surprising how much it just makes sense. Getting off work when it's 5:00 and dark out isn't nearly as bad as going to work when it's 5:00 and dark out. Although I can't yet, I'm excited to post some of the projects I've been working on. It's been a great fresh new start for me and the working on an entirely different scope of projects has been great. I've had the opportunity to explore styles that I hold dear to my heart but have not had the opportunity to really delve into thus far in my career. One of those elements being my love for vintage typography.

So that said, here is my Design Love, Morning Edition.  Why more bikes? Couldn't tell ya,  just seem to be drawn to them lately, and it's starting to make me feel like I need a good bike ride one of these beautiful fall weekends.

found at Telegram Studios

Design Love : Write a Bike

I found this awesome fuse of typography and bikes this morning and had to share it. They are simply beautiful pieces of art at the moments, but one day hope to be an actual functional bike. I'm not sure if I would love to ride a bike with my name on it, but I wouldn't mind having one as a piece of art!

A new way to show your stuff

KIM KELLY - Project Manager from Ryan Cory on Vimeo.



In today's world of applying for jobs in a competitive market, it certainly doen't hurt to have something a little extra attached to your name. I'm talking of course, about a new trend in resumes; video resumes. What once was just for producers and videographers, my friend Ryan is opening up to just about anyone. I'm in love with this idea because it's something totally new and entertaining, and it shows possible employers a different perspective, aside from what it is on paper. It's a great way to showcase your personality, and it's buzzworthy. 

Before and After on Design*Sponge

I so happy that a project I recently posted, has appeared in Design*Sponge this morning! I constantly surf D*S's "Before and After" section hunting for inspiration, and now I can proudly say I have something in there of my own!

Thank you to the awesome people at D*S for choosing my project for their lovely blog!
Check it out here!

Tuesday Dinner Night

What began as a night filled with classic movies has ever evolved to a big dinner with family and friends, and I couldn't be happier. Sarah and Liz, the founders of movie night, have moved to pursue their dreams in other cities around the world, and I'm sure they would be happy to know their legacy lives on, even if it has morphed a bit.

Now on Tuesday evenings (well, most Tuesdays) Will and I, and sometimes others, have been gathering at either my apartment or Camille's house for a big dinner. Last night Camille and I whipped up a big batch of chicken enchiladas. Although a simple recipe, it is one dear to my heart. It's a dish I've only ever made with my dad, and reminds me of weekends in Friday Harbor, my sister, dad and I crammed in the kitchen of the houseboat, everyone with their individual task, helping to craft dinner.

Last night was a testament to how much food can spark memories, and provide the definition of comfort food. Sometimes good food is just that, good, and others it's much, much more.

Note the sangria in the background, not too bad considering it's out of a box!

Before and After

My little office cabinet get's a makeover! All it took was a little paint and some new hardware from Anthropologie. 

Before

After

Shots from around the hill

I finally took some time to walk around the hill yesterday and snap a few shots. I've been wanting to do this for a while, and not had time until recently. I'm trying to make a point in my week between jobs to catch up on some projects, and photography is an on going one. I hope to someday nail down a theme and get enough shots I like to display them in a gallery or coffee shop, but I'm far far away from that.

Peek-a-boo

I've realized I have a small obsession with neon lights

Good 'ol Cap Hill hipster

I hate the cold, but at least fall is beautiful

Lone leaf

In the window of Havana 

My lovely neighbors

Another neighbor

I don't know the story behind this, but it's an interesting subject 

Hike Last Weekend

I have a few shots froms the hike the gang and I went on last weekend I have yet to post! Will, Camille, Chris, Arabella and I went to Wallace Falls last Saturday for a 5 mile hike which was just perfect. Not to long,  not to hot out, just good 'ol sore legs all of Sunday.

From half way up

Camille and Arabella

View from... almost the top?

Moe is clearly not a fan of the back of the jeep, but a huge fan of Camille

Pretty things.

The head of the trail on our way back to the car at dusk

Back to the car we go

Great new online find!

I was surfing the web this morning and stumbled upon the greatest little online vintage market, and I'm absolutely in love with it. This adorable shop in Philadelphia, Three Potato Four, is one of those shops that if they were in Seattle, I would live in. I've already virtually lived in it for about an hour this morning, and did a tinsy bit of shopping. It actually looks very similar to Second Use, which is an awesome thrift/vintage/home store in SoDo. It's one of those places that make me want to buy an old house to not only restore, but decorate head to toe.

Found at Three Potato Four, one of those awesome little things I really want to find a reason for buying...

Ok, I'll admit I bought this. But it's has a purpose, I just haven't figured out what it is yet.

From Second Use, one of those awesome thing I hope to some day fit into my home.

Lazy Weekends

It was a beautiful day for a lazy saturday this weekend, and that's exactly what we had. 

we spent the afternoon at Discovery Park...

...and finished the day with a sunset cruise.

Bri and Jeff's Wedding

It's been over a month sense Bri and Jeff's wedding, and although I sadly didn't get to take nearly as many pictures as I would have liked, I do have a few that I think turned out quite nice.

The Inspiration Folder

After days like today when the creative juices seem to have squeezed out the last drop I love to move from the graphic design world to the interior design world. Don't ask me why but the two speak to me very differently, the interior world an escape from the graphic world when my brain shuts off and doesn't want to think about grids for another second. That said, I have so many ideas for my new place I'm slightly overwhelmed. Each wall in my little apartment I want to paint, wallpaper, or rehang something in the worse way. So much so that Will napping is about the only thing stopping me from hunting around with my cordless drill for something to hang. I suppose I'll just have to tap into the 'ol inspiration folder and mentally hang things for this evening.

I saw this on design sponge as a dyi project, and although I'm always up for that, buying one might be slightly easier.

Somehow, some way, I want this to happen in my bathroom. Still haven't quite figured out how yet.

This is actually in the range of possibilities, and would give me an excuse to buy some of those vintage cameras I always droll over at flea markets. 

I've deiced a need some yellow to break up the grey/teal in the living room, and I love the blown up B&W print.