Recipe Inspiration!

{FFFFOUND!}
This image coupled with a recent blog I read about recipe ideas really got me thinking. It's hard enough as it is to get to the grocery store once a week and plan your meals in advance, but I find myself needing to go back again to the store and running out of ideas for good, healthy, and tasty meals by Wednesday. This is especially difficult because I try to eat most, if not all, of my meals at home (you never know if you're getting a stick of butter melted into your pasta to get that "mmmmm" flavor).

Here are some of my tips for getting the most out of your shopping experience:

1. Plan in advance. Seriously, who has the time to cook elaborate meals all the time? Certainly not I! So I try to think of a couple of main dishes to make, and plan for some leftovers for lunch. If there is a recipe I'd like to try, I'll pick those out and add them to my grocery list.

2. Think of your staples. Chicken, beef (cubed or ground) and more recently fish, are proteins I know I will eat during the week. I get a bit of each, and think of meals I'd like to use them for. E.g., Chicken will be grilled or baked (breaded) and used for sandwiches, in salads, or just alone with some other side dish. Fish I'll usually bake and put in a salad.

3. Always keep fresh veggies and fruits in your fridge. Always. And when you see that close to the end of the week you haven't used all of them, get creative and start figuring out ways to incorporate your greens into your dishes. E.g., sometimes when I don't want to cook I'll make udon noodles with an egg and my mixed greens--instant veggie udon!

4. This goes along with point 1. I'll usually make a bigger dish that can be stored so that when I can just microwave it when I'm in a hurry. E.g., Lasagna--there is a way to make it super healthy and it can last you for a couple of meals. It's great if you are cooking for more than one. (I sometimes bake the Boyfriend a pan of Lasagna to prevent him from ordering pizza! Usually lasts him about 2 days.)

5. Lastly, I love food blogs and they'll give you some ideas to plan your week. Here are a couple to get you started.
Food Network's Healthy Eating is always a good one.
My personal favorite (I heart you Est!)Ambitious Deliciousness
Cheap Healthy Good
Healthy Eats
Smitten Kitchen

What are your favorite food tips?

Took the Words Out of My Mouth...

Will all the financial woes going on about town, it's enough to get you into a serious rut (finger pointed at me). It's rough, but the Boyfriend and I are happy to be knee deep in it together!

{9SpotMonk} has created an eco-friendly line of recession letterpress that's sure to make anyone laugh a little bit at the situation. Below are some of my favorites!

Tweet Tweet!

Does anyone else out there use twitter?? I find it to be a little strange and a lot harder than you would think to post one sentence stats! Anyway...if you're on, follow me here!

8 cups of water a day....keeps the doctor away!

I have been drinking water like mad and I feel like my headaches are not as bad. But of course, this could also be due to the herbal tea I've been drinking twice a day, and the acupuncture I received on Wed. I'm just sayin'.

Go here for pleasant water sounds! (or to make you pee)

Recent Purchase!

I know, I know...we are in a recession. Trust me, my wallet and I feel it deep. But I couldn't resist these wide leg sailor pants from Banana Republic! I got them on super sale for $35.

Holistic Medicine? Alternative Remedies? Part I

So I don't know about you, but I pretty much always have a headache. It's kinda sad, but I think I spend about 70% of my life in a headache. I have one as I type this, although today it's a duller one.
I started to get them my first year of law school (no surprise there!) and it's gotten increasingly worse. After much research, I found out what I have--Chronic Tension Headache. ugh.
Apparently a large majority of Americans suffer from this and for those of you who also suffer from this...I feel your pain. No over the counter drug helps EVER!!! So...instead of going to a regular doctor (b/c i know they'll tell me that there's nothing I can do but relax or put me on prescriptive drugs), I decided to see an acupuncturist!

After a very high recommendation from a friend who also suffered the same fate, I went to my first consultation. It was interesting. The doctor asked me a series of question, and found several connections that could be the cause.

After placing a bunch of needles on my head, around my eyes, my legs and my toes, I felt nothing. But he also gave me some really nasty herbal tea and I have to continue to come back for the next couple of weeks.

Sigh. I hope this gets rid of them...and I definitely have my reservations. We'll see.
Any thoughts?

I Gave Up Shopping For Lent

And I've survived this long without window shopping online. This is bad. Real bad. Window shopping only leads to purchasing, and I can't afford anything. BUT I WANT IT ALLLLLLLLL!

Up too early!

I am up WAYYY too early today. But it's ok, I slept at 1, which is really early for me, and woke up at 8, and I love getting an early start to the day (I absolutely hate the sound of my alarm.) But today! Today I woke up all by my lonesome and I'm ready to start some good living.

So I've decided to try and do a "love me" day. I have chronic tension headaches and last night I experienced a really bad one and had to go to bed early. This requires some lifestyle changes but as most of you know, lifestyle changes don't really work unless you commit to them, full body and mind. I usually commit full body, but not mind, since as I'm doing say, yoga, I'm still thinking about the list of groceries, the things I need to get done, assignments that need working on, etc. I'm just not a good relaxer.

So today, I started off with a short prayer, which helps brings things in perspective for the day. Today is the Boyfriend's first day of work so there were lots to pray about (such as...I hope someone is kind enough to ask him to eat lunch with them!)I'm also on this flax seed kick, and bought a new pack at GNC yesterday. It's really weird, like ground up seeds that I sprinkle onto my yogurt. But I need all the omega 3s I can get for the Bar Exam this summer. And after this post, I'm going to go for a workout. Are you proud of me?

But I couldn't help posting about some dresses.

{Fall 08 Caroline Hedaya}



{Spring 09}


{Mathew Williamson Spring 09}

A Pirate's Life for Me

HOIST THE COLOURS

Yo, ho, haul together,
hoist the colors high.
Heave ho,
thieves and beggars,
never shall we die.

The king and his men
stole the queen from her bed
and bound her in her Bones.
The seas be ours
and by the powers
where we will well roam.

Yo, ho, haul together,
hoist the colors high.
Heave ho, thieves and beggars,
never say we die.

Some men have died
and some are alive
and others sail on the sea
– with the keys to the cage...
and the Devil to pay
we lay to Fiddler's Green!

The bell has been raised
from it's watery grave...
Do you hear it's sepulchral tone?
We are a call to all,
pay head the squall
and turn your sail toward home!

Yo, ho, haul together,
hoist the colors high.
Heave ho, thieves and beggars,
never say we die.

I Got Bored

Like I said, thing for elephants.

Sigh...

It's day 6 since the Boyfriend has left for his hometown in Vancouver, B.C. Although these past couple of days have been so busy and I probably wouldn't have seen him much if he were here, but it's the difference of feeling his presence and him being just entirely GONE.

2 more days until he returns. I can't wait!

I miss you Eddy! I can't wait for you to come back and we can drink tea together!

Kidrobot Pink Elephant Belt Buckle

I don't usually wear belts, but I would if I had this. What can I say, I'm a sucker for elephants.

Also doubles as a bottle opener on the back! By artist Amanda Visell, who, by the by, makes really cute cartoony stuff. (Products and prints available at here, here, and even Amazon.)



$65 at Kidrobot.

Coco Avant Chanel

This month's Paris Vogue pays tribute to Chanel in light of the April 2009 release of "Coco Avant Chanel", starring Audrey Tautou as Ms. Chanel herself! (I heart Audrey). I've seen the American version of Chanel's biography, but one with Audrey Tatou?! Be still my heart!

Reader Update

I recently finished "The Shack" (see below) and you know what? I started off really liking the book, although parts of it were quite disturbing and I could barely get up to go to the restroom in the dark by myself. But then it got sort of...meh. Nothing too exciting, nothing really interesting, in fact it dragged on for a bit. What I did enjoy about it was that it provided a simple and clear explanation of the Christian faith, God's love, the presence and purpose of the Holy Trinity, all personified in 3 random characters. So I did feel that I learned something and I don't regret reading it. I would say, read it if you have some time and you want to learn more about Christianity, but it is by no means an exhaustive study/explanation. It actually left me with more questions, but the good kind. Next on my list is "Ballet Shoes" by Noel Streatfeild. This is actually a classic children's story, written in 1937 about three little girls who are raised as sisters but are really unrelated orphans who were taken under the wings of an old fossil collector. The three girls grow up to perform in the theater, but each girl must find the courage to pursue their own dreams. So far i LOVE it!
Read a quick and simple review Here.
Does anyone else have any good book recommendations?

"The Little Prince" Online

Read it here.

You're welcome.

Dear Sharon

Thanks for the best day ever!

Love,

Your friend, Tina

<3

Tired...

Today, I declare it Tired Day. I ended up staying out really late in the city for my friend's birthday party. Got home around 4:30am, plopped on the bed and woke up at 12:00. Yet I am still tired.

I spent a lazy morning in bed catching up on all the shows I've missed this week, and then spent a little time reading. Currently, I am reading "The Shack" by William P. Young. I've heard many people talk about this book--both good and bad reviews. Apparently it is the all new rage among the Christian circle. I don't usually read Christian books, although my last book was "Through the Shadowlands", which is about C.S. Lewis and his wife, Joy Davidman. I really love C.S. Lewis and it was interesting to learn about his short life with his wife, who was dying of cancer when he married her.

Anywhoo, I'll let you know what I think of "The Shack". So far it's kind of....interesting, but I'm starting to get a liiitttle bored and my eyes keep wandering over to "Ballet Shoes" by Noel Streatfeild, a book for little girls, or the little girl inside of you (tee hehe). I'm SO EXCITED TO READ THAT!

Oh sigh....I must go to my cousin's pot luck dinner/birthday soon but I am just so....sleepyyy.
Happy Weekend Everyone!

Pinkberry Coupon!

Buy one get a small with a topping FREE!



Who wants some! Let's go! (Until March 21st)

FYI Shirley, there is one in Queens! Right off Main St., across the street from Old Navy!!!

DIY

So lately I have been on a DIY frenzy and started to make my own journals. I've always dreamed of being a book binder, only in Florence and with my own table set up on the cobble stone streets. But I suppose Brooklyn is the new Italy--for now! I was inspired by Heart of Light's DIY notebook--beautiful, simple, and best of all, tailored to personally fit her needs!

{photo from Heart of Light}

For a great and simple video tutorial, watch this clip from the lovely Judy from Five and a Half. She makes book binding really simple and fun! I wish I knew how to embed this video clip onto our site, but I'm just not that tech savvy. So click HERE for the link.

{photos courtesy of five and a half}
Here are some step by step photos from Judy's site.

Step 1: All the supplies you'll need. Her video explains the specific tools, but really it's just two photos which will function as your journal cover (you can use card stock paper), glue, clips, paper as the filler, a brush to brush the glue, a brick (or anything heavy) to clamp down the journal while the glue dries, wax paper, and two wood blocks to hold the papers in place.

Step 2: Stack your paper and covers evenly and clamp down with clips to hold in place. Make sure paper is even.

Step 3: Prop the wood blocks (you can use books) on either side of the paper stack to hold in place. Brush glue onto the spine and distribute evenly. Give about 30 seconds to dry. Do this twice.

Step 4: Take your stack and wrap it in wax paper and place the brick on top (I use my law books!) Wait about an hour or so so that it can fully dry.

Step 5: Take a strip of paper, cut to the height of your book, and apply glue evenly. This will function as the cover for your spine. Make sure it's not too thick, unless you really want a huge spine. Wrap it around the spine, covering the front and back cover evenly.

Step 6: Voila! Your beautiful hand crafted book is done!

Ok, I pretty much lifted this step by step procedure, pics and all, from the five and a half site. And she obviously does a better job of explaining the steps! So please visit her site and watch her video to learn!

I've made two journals so far, one with some personal pages such as sketches and ideas, finances, and lists. Here is my final version:
{please keep in mind this was my first attempt!}



I noticed that some of the pages weren't glued on as well, and resulted in a few stragglers. So I tried sewing the pages next:

Didn't come out how I wanted, but I'm learning more and more. Next is a book I am making for a friend's birthday! This time it's with better quality papers, so hopefully it'll turn out well. I'll keep you posted!

Beauty Questions

Some miscellaneous vanities on my mind lately, any (constructive) help would be appreciated.

- How does a girl/woman, hypothetically, get rid of arm flab? Also, fat calves. Running?

- What are some good skincare lines/routines for Asian skin? There's got to be some secret as to how Asian ladies have the greatest skin in the world.

- Hair products: I used to think they were kind of excessive and useless, but with age, my gorgeous hair is becoming coarser and crazier. So what do people do about this?

Full Trailer for UP

What would this blog be if it didn't have at least one video a week?

Save Domino Mag!

In a huge effort to save the beloved Domino Magazine, several Domino lovers have gotten together for a last attempt to revive the publication. I am a HUGE fan of Domino and have every magazine since it's launch party. A friend of mine used to work for Domino from its inception, and I remember the day she excitedly told me that her magazine was hitting the stands. Who knew I'd be hooked!

sfgirlbybay has posted several ways for you to get involved. You can head over to Save Domino where there is a link to "Save Domino" (on the side bar).

You can also take a gander at the blog We Love Domino and check out the Domino Inspired My Home Contest
and of course, please visit sfgirlbybay's post for a more in depth description. Yay! I'm so excited!

I won!

Oh what a happy happy Sunday!
I just found out that I won a $25 gift certificate to blogger and jewelry maker Suzyville's etsy store!
I absolutely never ever win anything, but it looks like my luck has turned around.

Now the only problem is...what do I get? There are so many great choices!

Please check out Suzyville's Etsy shop, Suzannemade, here. Her pieces are simple, clean, and add a little bit of whimiscal-ness that is sure to make any gal feel a bit prettier. Let me know if you have any suggestions for me! I'm usually a very minimal jewelry type of girl, I pretty much wear the same necklaces all the time, and don't usually wear earrings. One of my resolutions was that I was going to start accessorizing more this year, and was looking for some classic pieces.

I am sort of loving these:

I want a spring garden but I have no backyard.

Above is the story of many New Yorkers living within the 5 boroughs. With Spring right around the corner (although it really doesn't feel like it), I have gotten it into my head that I would like a spring garden, and I would like it right now. I don't even think that I would be any good at this considering that all the plants I have ever owned have died, some with a gallant attempt to survive, and some just submitting to their ill-fated lives at the hands of me, the destroyer.

But I still would like a spring garden.
I would definitely grow herbs that I use frequently, possibly some vegetables like a tomato tree because who doesn't always need that ONE tomato (OMG I almost pulled a Dan Quail and added an "e" at the end of tomato, like potato.) Oh and yes, I would of course include a couple of my favorite flowers so that I can pick them and dress our house. Sigh...now I REALLY want one. I love fresh flowers, I hate paying for them.


courtesy of {littlebrownpen}


courtesy of {a cup of Jo}



Gasp! I just had an urge to move out of NYC...scary...

Pretty People

From April's Glamour: American Icons photo shoot:

Alicia Keys as Michelle Obama

I love that blue dress.

Emma Roberts as Audrey Hepburn

Less interested in E.R., more interested in the fact that this is one of my favorite scenes from Funny Face! Except the balloons are supposed to be red. Duh.

America Ferrera as Dolores Huerta

America has a) the best name, b) awesome hair, or c) both A and B.

Camilla Belle as Mary Tyler Moore

Camilla Belle also has a really cool name. And I love this picture. And I kind of wish I looked like her.

Alexis Bledel as Rosie the Riveter

Two words: RORY GILMORE!

And this Rosie the Riveter poster has really made a comeback thanks to this crappy economy. Exhibit B:

Alexa Chung article in the Guardian

Just FYI, I think this girl is the bee's knees. Along with the rest of the world. Alexa, if you ever see this somehow, can we be friends? kthxbai.

Tie the Perfect Scarf Knot

Now in SLO-MO!




Via Spottedby...

Square Root Day

Yeah, you read that right. It's Square Root Day. Math geeks rejoice! 

And in case you're new to the blog, you'll notice that Sharon posts most of the crafty and cute stuff while I like to waste your time with random videos and facts...like the fact that today is a math holiday. Also, Justin Timberlake on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon! 

Jimmy's kind of awkward, but Justin is kind of cool, so it kind of evens out. Mostly, I just love the impressions. And the Roots - WHAT. Amazing.

One more, because I love Jack McBrayer, aka Kenneth the Page from 30 Rock:

Chalkboard 101

I didn't want to bring this up until I had some luck in my quest, but I can't hold it in anymore. Chalkboards seem to be the all new rage on design blogs as of late, and I am definitely on that bandwagon!

I really want a huge chalkboard with a vintage frame, although the frame doesn't really have to be vintage, just interesting and detailed. And I have given up the idea of having real slate since that would cost me a gajillion dollars.

Step one of my quest was surfing the internet for some good finds. I ventured over to Bluebleebazaar's Etsy site and perused the many chalkboard selections.



This Etsy seller was also featured on Design*Sponge because it turns out, they have an obsession with chalkboards too. Although I love bluebellebazaar's chalkboard inventory, I thought, hey! Why can't I just make my own! (p.s. a lot more difficult than I thought). Design*Sponge provided the answers to all my chalkboard making questions when featuring this DIY post, which really got the wheels in my head turning.




I love this one, it's perfect! Click HERE to see a step by step instructional on how to make a magnetic chalkboard on your very own.

There are also chalkboard wall decals that you can stick up on your walls with less commitment and for half the cost. But, I have to say, I'm a bit skeptical. I'm not sure I'm all for the idea of having a decal as a chalkboard mainly because I am leaning towards the idea of a substantial frame, and I feel like these would be temporary and eventually fall off. I could definitely be wrong about their longevity though since I have never tried them! Check out the decals from SpellitOutdesigns.


Photo Courtesy of Poppytalk.

I'm still on a quest to find the perfect frame and have been dropping by local antique stores and internet sites such as craig's list. But shipping ends up being a bit too much. So, the search is still on. Let me know if you have any tips or if you have a chalkboard of your own!