My first LOCAL CELEBRITY, Dustin Coury, owns Perfected Foods (a fabulous company known for their vegan Soy Jerky). His family has been in the food biz for 30 years, so he’s been “pruned” for the job from an early age. He saw an opportunity to sell and market soy jerky after studying his step-dad’s TVP (texturized vegetable protein) meals.  Dustin’s soy jerky is produced in the United States. It has no cholesterol. It’s all natural and vegan.

Until recently, the successful 26-year-old businessman lived across the street from me.  Now, he lives in Echo Park.   He’s lived in seven different states and three countries,  but he calls East Los Angeles home.

CK: So where are can we get your Soy Jerky? Whole Foods? Trader Joe’s?

DC: No, just Whole Foods. You can get it Joe’s Market downtown. We’d love to be in Trader Joe’s. It’s unfortunate that Trader Joe’s has only beef jerky. And a lot of vegetarians would love some soy jerky. And TJ’s sells several million dollars worth of jerky a year. It’s incredible how much jerky they sell.

CK: Where do you sell the most soy jerky? California?

DC: Probably Los Angeles.  I’m sure Portland will pull ahead in January.

CK: Is Whole Foods the only place you can get it? Or can you get it online?

DC: You can get it a bunch of different places including our website. We’re in 200 stores.

CK: How long does it last?

DC: A year and a half. That’s technically what our expiration is, but…it will last 5 years. You could open that bag and stick it on the table and it would sit there for the next 10 years and it would be edible.

CK: So basically, it’s just soy that’s dehydrated?

DC: It’s not dehydrated. It has that feeling..it has that chew of dehydration, but it’s not.  It’s been heated up and extruded–that’s what we call it. We have a gigantic manufacturing plan in the mid-west.

CK: Is that where you’re from?

DC: My hometown would be Houston. I was born there.

CK: You lived in Venezuela. How long did you live there?

DC: For four and a half years.

CK: Have the places you lived had an effect on what you do?

DC: Every single place. I’ve lived in 7 different states, 3 countries, I lived in the islands-St. Croix. Park City.Oklahoma….All of them. So I got to see a lot of different places. I lived on a ranch in Oklahoma, so I got to see the whole rural kinda thing-dairy production and meat. Right after that was when I became vegetarian.

CK: So that’s why you’re a vegetarian?

DC: That and punk rock music. Punk rock music made me a vegetarian.

CK: Punk rock music? Explain.

DC: Propagandhi. “How to Clean Everything” is one of the best albums. Minor Threat…Fugazzi.

CK: And their messages were what, don’t eat meat?

DC: Yeah. Essentially that’s what they said. There were a lot of bands when I was growing up that were spreading that message.  I’m really glad that I was influenced. It’s just the way I was. And I think by moving to so many different places growing up, music was the core thing that I had.

CK: It’s great your jerky is Vegan.

DC: The carbon footprint of beef is insane. It’s ridiculous. I’m pretty disgusted by the animal abuse. It’s just senseless.If you’ve ever driven to San Fransisco (from LA), and the smell passing through….It’s horrible. And El Paso. It’s bad. Just think, we do that just for a meal. And we feed them all this grains and stuff. Our grains, our food core, everything is going to them. World hunger would be eliminated if it wasn’t for the meat consumption. I’m not saying people should stop eating meat completely. Reduce it–a couple times a week. Most other countries, you usually go to a butcher and tell them what you like. There’s not just slabs of meat lying around in cellophane. There’s not so much waste it seems like.  It’s mainly the carbon footprint for me, to be honest. I think it’s a waste of resource…including land.

CK: I’m guessing most people don’t think about that. I bet a lot of people just think about the animal abuse…not environmental abuse.

DC: I get that. Abuse is horrible. It’s senseless violence. We were killing things long before now, but not at this rate.  We’re one of the business contributors to PETA. We give money to PETA. There’s a couple hundred companies that are part of the PETA business group.

CK: So how did you end up Downtown? In the Arts District?

DC: I wanted to be away from Downtown-Downtown. When I was looking to move Downtown, I had friends tell me that this side of Downtown is more like the meat packing district of New York  It’s not developed really. This [The Arts District] is the best place to be..hands down. It’s amazing.

CK: What are your favorite places to eat downtown?

DC: The Nickel. It’s such a good place. There’s an amazing breakfast place.  They do all their own pastries and donuts.

CK: What’s your favorite breakfast item?

DC: I always get their tofu scramble and their brioche. What’s cool about their brioche, is that they make their own jams. They’ll do an apricot, they’ll do a strawberry, just different homemade jams all the time. The brioche is incredible.

CK: So you lived in the Arts District, are you an artist?

DC: I paint. That’s something I’ve been doing since I was three years old. I wanted an inspirational place. I had this idea that I just want to sit in a loft and paint. And, I love the history. That’s why I specifically moved into the Biscuit Company Lofts.  It’s because it was an old Nabisco factory. Seeing all the trucks go by kept me very motivated [with Perfected Foods]. I didn’t start doing big truck loads until about 6 months ago. So, the whole time living downtown, I thought to myself, “God, I can’t wait until my product is in one of those big trucks.”

*photo credits:

I keep a running list of ingredients and dishes I see throughout the year. Some observations come from my travels, some from reading various food publications and some from from talking with other food writers.

I’ve whittled down a very long list to just 16.

Are these sweet 16 trends or fads? Or just temporary blips on the vast food radar screen?

Only time will tell. A fad is a fleeting thing. Trends last longer, and some eventually land in the mainstream (hello chipotle, I’m looking at you).

Without further ado, here are the things that made my Sweet 16:

1. Coconut water — It’s the new “in” drink. It has more potassium than a banana, and all the cool people are sipping it, including food writer Amanda Hesser, who once tweeted that she was sipping coconut water and eating chocolate. And coconut water is showing up as a beverage choice on menus from Portland to Austin.

2. Padron peppers — from pizzas in wine country, to canning jars in Seattle, this Spanish pepper is enticing new fans with its sweet — sometimes hot, sometimes not — flavor.

3. Crispy poached egg — It started in Europe and landed in San Francisco a few years ago. It made it to Phoenix as a signature dish at one of the best restaurants in town, noca.

4. Salted caramel — from candies to cakes to grown-up milkshakes spiked with Bourbon, we love our caramel and if it has a sprinkling of sea salt, all the better.

5. Butter lettuce — Move over Iceberg wedge, butter lettuce is the new darling. Not only are restaurants creating butter lettuce-only salads, but farmers are giving us new varieties, including red leaf butter lettuce.

6. Hibiscus — this flower has moved beyond the herbal tea category and is flavoring other drinks (like agua frescas in noted Mexican restaurants) and desserts (like panna cotta and gelatos and sorbets in non-Mexican venues).

7. Chamomile tea syrup — another flower breaking out of the tea category and moving into dessert sauces and sorbets.

8. Foie gras desserts — I’m hoping this is a fad, not a trend. This year, I saw a foie gras float (foie gras ice cream paired with root beer) and foie gras creme brulee. Ick.

9. Amarena cherries — these expensive Italian dark cherries are popping up in desserts in fancy restaurants as well as modest pizza parlors and cafes.

10. Donuts — gourmet and otherwise, the fried balls of dough are making a comeback, leaving police officers across the country scratching their heads as to why.

11. Marshmallows — who knew they were so easy to make? Not only are restaurants making their own flavors of marshmallows, but home cooks are making them, too, and food bloggers are writing about them.

12. Shiso — the Japanese herb was once relegated to just a garnish for sushi, but now it’s showing up as a garnish for salads, like the heirloom tomato salad at Zuni Cafe in San Francisco.

13. Cardamom — Long used in Indian, Scandinavian and Middle Eastern cooking, cardamom jumped the shark into chewing gum this year in Eclipse Breeze “Extotic Mint.”

14. Home canning — So many new blogs and websites dedicated to the art of home canning popped up this year, along with a few new books.

15. Staub serving ware — restaurants from high-end steak houses to cozy French Bistros moved the cast iron cooking ware from the kitchen to the table. Speaking of French Bistros…

16. French Bistros — if you don’t count the new restaurants opening under the “local, seasonal, farm-fresh” category, French Bistros would have been the number one new restaurant theme.

Now, you may be wondering why bacon isn’t on the list.

Well, that horse left the barn in 2008, and in 2009, bacon-mania hit mainstream in a big way (remember baconnaise?)

I’m sure I left out some things (this is only 16 out of a possible gazillion).

Does anything on the list surprise you? What else would you add?

I can’t believe I just discovered Liquid Salvation Ultra -Hydrating Water.  My usual bottled water of choice is Smart Water.

This weekend, I asked for water at an after-hours, speakeasy.  I was a little disappointed when they gave me a bottle (As I really just wanted tap water after a long night out. We were still sipping on red wine, so I didn’t need a whole bottle!). But,  I was excited to see a bottle I had never seen before. It was in the awesome blue flask–with a she-devil on the label.  The water was delicious. Seriously—it was crisp and refreshing. It tasted a lot like Smart Water, actually.  I liked the bottle and water so much, that I took an extra water to go. I’m not sure how much the speakeasy charged for the flask of water, as some of the other customers insisted on buying me and my friend drinks.

So, I looked online to see where I could purchase more Liquid Salvation water.  Unfortunately, the LS website wasn’t very helpful.  So, I went to their myspace site, where I found this info:

“Yes, the revolution has begun–and you can help! Liquid Salvation is distributed in CA, NV, TX, AZ, OR, WA, CO, OK and as an Ambassador of the Salvation Nation, please encourage your local retailers/distributors to Ask for the Flask–or else you’ll start a F*&!# riot! (“please” also works, too)”

After a little more research, I found out that LS is bottled in Lake Tahoe, NV, and  at one time, you could buy LS on Amazon. I mean, you had to buy a pack of 24—but what a great idea for a party? Hopefully Amazon will restock the product soon. Otherwise, you might just have to find the secret speak-easy and “ask for the flask”.

Sometimes, stories are better told through photos:

THE END.

1. You saw the squirrel. It was de-squeaked on Day One and is also missing his white fluffy innards. Boogie still loves chewing on the skin and ripping pieces off.

2. The big blue plush Octopus, which has now become a Septopus. Boogie loves this octopus. Loves it, loves it, loves it. It has also lost its voice and some innards, and who knows… may turn into a Sextopus in a couple of days.

3. Rib Eye steak. Ok, not really an exotic treat because Boogie’s dad spoils him with pieces of steak after our dinner.  And we eat rib eye steak several times a week.

4. A new Mr. Roboto doggie duvet from Mollymutt .  The duvet is really cute and you stuff it yourself with old garments. No fluff! Easily laundered!  The only problem is that I don’t have enough old garments to stuff it with so I am using an old cushion for now which isn’t flat enough to be comfortable. Donations of old clothing, blankets, towels etc. (otherwise destined for Goodwill) accepted!

5. A handmade “gingerbread man” collar.THANK YOU for sending this, Lindsey! (I drew Lindsey’s boston girl – Kylie.)

5. TreatKeep.   I found this treat pouch when searching for something hands-free and portable that I could keep slimey (sausage/cheese) treats in without having to stink-up my pockets or resort to a fanny pack. This pouch is small, lightweight and clips onto my waist. Bit hard to squeeze open with one hand though, as the rubber is really stiff. The order came with free toys! (that red ball)

What do you get the cook on your list who already has the perfectly appointed kitchen?

1. Leopard print baking cups from Sur La Table. $6.00.

Got a baker on your list? Give them these wild baking liners for their exotic muffins and cupcakes. Grrrrrrh….

2. Tortoise rimmed onion goggles from Chef Tools. $18.99.

Don’t laugh. They work and could be considered stylish…sort of…at least more stylish than my lime green rimmed ones.

3. Oval-shaped ice cream scoop from Globe Equipment Company. $15.67.

It’s how top restaurants scoop their perfectly shaped oval ice creams and sorbets.

4. Chocolate spatula with built-in thermometer from Chef’s Catalog. $18.95.

Serious chocolate makers know that tempering chocolate creates a uniform sheen and perfect snap. Tempering requires stirring heated chocolate to cool it to a precise temperature, which is different for each type of chocolate (dark, milk, white). The thermometer on this stirring spatula is labeled with that perfect temperature.

5. Burn Cream MD from Amazon.com. $23.96.

No cook worth his or her salt has ever escaped a burnt finger, palm or arm. This cream takes the sting away and helps with healing.

Happy shopping. Who knows, you might find something for yourself, too.

One of my favorite designers showed me these rad, metallic-silver, Jordan Almonds.  They look so great displayed in silver dishes or glass bowls. The best part? They’re edible. They appear to be normal metallic stones–something that you would see in the bottom of a fancy, glass vase full of flowers.   These almonds are so shiny that you can see your reflection in them. I’m not even joking. They have the same mirrored look as these mercury vases from CB2.

They might not come in the prettiest of packages, but they are quite stunning when put in the right container, or scattered all over a table at a party.

These nuts are expensive. $18 for the bag above (at my local favorite arts &craft store– Moskatels).

You can also buy them online here and here.

For the people who love paper products in your life (ah-hem, me included), I found this adorable holiday goodie bag from minimalist stationery designer, Blue Pool Road in Los Angeles.  It comes with a mini calendar, a folded card, a post card, a thank you card (useful to thank your gift giver) and other funky items that I’ve posted below.  I love this idea. 

I have looked at ezibuy on and off in the past but have never bought anything. Not long ago i discovered (realised) that they also do homewares. So today i remembered and went to have a little look at their latest things. I am shocked to discover a number of things that i would love to buy. I have no idea what the quality they would be like though. Maybe i just need to go ahead and order something to see.

Here are my favourites:

The Mindy Quilt.

Calypso Cushion Pack

Ceramic Flower Pot

Kids Cape Cod Chairs

Cape Cod Chairs

A few years ago when i was backpacking around the world, i discovered Bed, Bath and Beyond. I was in HEAVEN. I swear i have never seen such a huge store devoted to just tableware, curtains, bedspreads, towels, bathroom bits and pieces and more. For you fellow Aussies it’s like the Manchester section of spotlight, but four times the size (well the store i went into was anyway). We arrived in  LA after 18 months of traveling with just a 55 litre backpack each, and they were stuffed to the brim. You can imagine how i felt seeing all these different and new products that we couldn’t get back home, not to mention the fact i was starved of luxury items after backpacking for 18 months. The biggest luxury we were used to was checking into a hostel that had hot water. It was a fantastic, life changing, eye opening trip, but boy did i have to drop my standards on what was acceptable in terms of transport, accommodation and culinary delights. After all that time, the site of thick towels, clean, crisp linen and indulgent bathroom products had me almost screaming in delight. But of course we couldn’t buy anything as our bags were already full and we had a return ticket with a weight limit and a massive excess baggage fee, oh and not much money left after traveling for so long.

We were in LA for about a week waiting for our flight home, just in time for Christmas and we were exhausted. You know how you feel after a long trip, you have had a great time but look forward to going home, well after being away from home, and on the move every few days to a new and exciting destination, we were absolutely tapped of energy. So we did a few of the typical LA tourist things then we mostly hung out in out Inglewood hotel watching cable TV. Yes you read right i did say Inglewood, we were out of money and it was the only place we could afford for a week. It was entertaining that’s for sure. The one saving grace was the Bed, Bath and Beyond store just down the road. Just about every day, when we had had enough of the TV we would wander down to the street and spend a few hours exploring the massive store. We saw every inch of it and wanted to buy just about everything. I’m not sure if it is because we were so home sick, for Australia and all things that make you feel at home (i.e clean linen, towels etc), or because the store is actually as good as we remember it to be but i would love have a little browse again now that i have space and money. *Sigh* I miss Bed Bath and Beyond.

Anyway, sorry about the long rant, the actual point of this post was to show you the Bed, Bath & Table catalogue. The name of the Australian shop is very similar and i always accidentally refer to it as bed bath and beyond.  They sell homewares as well but not to the same scale of bed bath and beyond. I was shocked to discover that they don’t have a website. Don’t you find that weird in this technological age? Anyway the Christmas catalogue is out and i thought i would share the eye candy. Enjoy!

Are birds still in?

I love that they have used different side tables in the photo below. Well one is a chair but you know what i mean.

I just love the glass fronted hutch. I am desperate for one of these in my house.

Not a huge fan of the messy styling in this shot but the hutch is nice.

Red stripes are high on my like list at the moment, so the towel and deck chair below is perfect.

My friend and I ventured out to explore the Bloor West Village area in Toronto yesterday morning.  For someone living on the opposite side of the city, Bloor West Village is a bit of a hike but well worth the drive.  What prompted our sporadic trip, was a visit to Sweet Flour Bake Shop, a store in Toronto that “pays tribute to the cookie.”  The concept is simple.  People like the taste of fresh baked cookies.  People like to customize things.  So  Kim Gans, entrepreneur/MBA/ex-General Mills, put some innovation, imagination and fresh all natural ingredients together, the end result is a fun hot-out-of-the-oven fresh baked cookie concept. 

The option to customize both delights and entertains adults adn children alike.  On our expedition,we choose an oatmeal cookie base (three bases to choose from) with dark chocolate bits and walnuts.  After choosing our personalized combination, we watched in awe as the mixing and molding of our cookie began to bring our snack into shape.  2 minutes in a hot oven, we devoured a the cookie in our take away bag.   Upon paying I got a kick out of being asked “would you like a glass of milk with that?”  Of course they would ask that (the milk is organic) they are serving cookies afterall.  They also offer muffin tops (think Seinfeld) and granola that can be customized to your wildest imagination.  It is definitely worth the trip for a fresh baked cookie.  Sweet Flour Bake Shop also does gifts and catering options if you are thinking of edible gifts for this holiday season or an upcoming event.

via blogto.com

Okay. Every once in a while, I experience something that prompts me to ‘drop that stupid, irritating voice’ i use to write on my blog and ‘just get real’. The ghd Style Lounge – which i was privileged enough to attend on Friday evening – is one such brand activation which has prompted such drastic action. In all seriousness – “srsly y’all” – this event blew my mind. “O RLY?” i hear you say. “Howcome y’ulz?” I hear you say. I’ll attempt to do justice to the sheer delight that was having my makeup done by Benefit, my hair styled by 2 ghd Angels, then being styled by Accessorize and being given a remote control with which to shoot myself. Not in the foot, but on an infinity curve that had been set up, “just like a real-life photo shoot”. Oh my word. Oh my hat.

Firstly, the venue was just amazing. Roodebloem Studios in Woodstock, for those interested:

A magical wonderland.

You walked in, were greeted with a glass of Krone and a Vitamin Water, and then you went and waited with sumptuous snacks until a Benefit artist could start doing your makeup.

Sumptuous snacky treats.

Waiting area.

Delicious product display.

More delicious product display.

Benefit's Beauty Bootcamp

The Result: Makeup by Benefit

Once you got your makeup did, you had a little more Krone before heading over to the Style Stations (see above) to have your hair done by 2 lovely ghd Angels. Since my hair is naturally straight, I asked for them to ‘get a l’il zany y’ulz’ and give me some curls and, most importantly, show me how to make curls with a ghd (Creation Mist, Hold Spray, Obedience cream and…go!). This really was revelatory to me – I had no idea you could curl with an iron. “Srsly y’ulz” – no idea.

A before photo: hair is still untouched.

Hair: a work in progress

No hair “After” pic yet because those were a part of the shoot we had on location, but I’ll upload them as soon as I get them. Once hair got did, we were taken in hand by a stylist who added a little something special to the look we were creating, to make us a little more ’shoot ready’.

Accessories! Yay!

Getting styled. Glove love.

And then I was given the top 2 ghd products to suit my hair as recommended by one of the ghd Angels.

Miracle mist and obedience cream.

In the words of my blog:

“Srsly y’ulz – should I sue myself for not buying a GHD sooner?”

Check out all the pics from the other ghd Style Lounge activations here on facebook, or at the ghd Style Diary. PS. Benefit makeup can only be bought at Woolworths. Anyone looking to ‘treat me for xmas y’ulz’, hit me up with one of their fab products.

In a few days, Wes and I will be heading out of town and Boogie will be staying with his Aunt Christa, Butch, Emma and two cats. I hope that he will be a good boy. (please please don’t chew anything up and please please don’t lunge at anyone)

I said to Wes that I will miss Boogie terribly. As I always do. Wes doesn’t believe me. He thinks that I will be RELIEVED to not have a needy and demanding little dog follow me around all day, dropping tennis balls  at my feet while I try to work.

It’s Boogie’s birthday next month on December 11th! This is the date that Wes and I adopted him from BostonBuddies two years ago. We are not sure how old he will be. 6 years old? 7? He is still very young in spirit.

With a little help from me, Boogie has compiled a wishlist of stuff that he would like for his birthday:

1. Racoon (or Squirrel) Pentapull
2. Sea Creature
3. Mr Roboto duvet (small)
4. West Paw Bumper Bed (small)
5. Grrrona Beer
6. Camera
7. HumungaStache
8. Puppycakes
9. Modern Dog bowl
10. The Smart Dog game
11. Of course, he would also gladly accept more squeaky tennis balls and corn cobs.

[thank you to www.phetched.com <--- great blog for doggie shopping ideas!]

One thing for sure, we won’t be wanting any more fancy doggie beds for Boogie.

The fancy bed

Wes: “I can’t even LOOK at that bed. It cost a hundred bucks”.

Well, it wasn’t all Boogie’s fault. I learned that this Bella Creature Comforts bed has actually been discontinued. They don’t make it anymore and it’s no wonder why. The fabric covering is quite soft and flimsy, and the photo above shows the sad and sorry results after much  “fluffing” . And of course, when Boogie saw the fluff coming out, he got excited and the bed became a big fun plush toy. He had green fluff hanging from his flews tonight.

Oh that Boogie Monster.

There hasn’t been a post on this site since July?  What is the deal with that?  How are we supposed to build up a reader base if we don’t post anything??

Anyway, I just bought myself a new Macbook, and now that I have a functioning 2 key, I’ll be posting more frequently.  Problem is I’m not getting internet access in my apt until December 5th, so I’m not fully there yet (I’m currently writing this at Annie’s apt).  I also bought Apple TV cause I can use it to play my iTunes song on my TV speakers, which are sick!!

I’m going to have to cut this post off cause I need to go into the office soon (I have a call that starts at 3:30, bahhh!)

Social Designer is an organization that curates and creates smart products that tune into the greater good.  They believe that every good idea (and every good cause) starts with a conversation.  One of their most recent projects is called 500 pencils.

For anyone that loves to draw, loves color, and loves art then you will surely dig this.  They have put together 500 pencils each with its own unique color.

The way that this program works is on a subscription basis.  Once you sign up, you will receive 25 pencils a months sent to your doorstep.  What you decide to do with the pencils is completely up to you.

They also have available a variety of display cases for you to use.  I personally really like how they are all displayed on the wall, giving you access to each color should you choose to use it.

The downside to this very cool concept is the price, subscription costs are a bit high at $33.00 a month, multiply that by 20 months for a grand total of $660! (not including the display case).

For more information on this project, please click here.

Things i have added to my inspiration file this week:

Things i am happy about:

This news from Young House Love! Yippie.

That my vegie garden is thriving:

That the baby is trying to crawl (but only going backwards).

Things i am coveting:

This cute porcelain camera

Misterrob tape on Etsy

Happy Tape

This post is completely selfish in focus.

I hope to be house hunting in the near future and I keep my eyes and ears open for interesting interior decor techniques/products at all times.   I was blown away by this product when I saw it and I plan to order some to test it out when the time comes.  It’s called idea paint and it is a paint that you can put on any surface (walls, tables etc) which turns the surface into one big dry erase white board.   In other words,  you can draw and erase anything you’d like  on the surface once the paint is rolled on and dry (7 days).  Think of all the fun you could have around the house in the kitchen jotting down recipes or a grocery list on the wall, in a home office to brainstorm, in the washroom….. I freakin love this idea.  The ultimate creative product for the neat freak who hates chalk dust.

Look at some of the applications:

via reliable remodler

via contract magazine

via once upon a venture

via out blush

I have spent the last few days trying to put together narrow down my Christmas gift list. My husband wanted some idea on what to get for me and i also needed a few suggestions for Kris Kringle.

We started Kris Kringle last year with my (rather large) family and it worked really well. Instead of buying a present for each family member and spending a lot of money, we decided to draw names and buy for one person each and spend a generous amount on that one person. We decided to help each other out by writing down a few things we would like to receive, or even just ideas on a type of gift. For example last year my mum wanted a new tablecloth so she wrote down the table measurements which allowed me to choose one that i thought she would like. I’m really looking forward to shopping this year as i had so much fun last time choosing gifts i knew would be loved and best of all needed.

So far my list consists of:

This fabulous looking book. I have planted my vegie garden and it is thriving, i would love this book to help me think of ways to use the produce. Also it has a beautiful fabric cover, but i promise that’s not the only reason i want it.

or

A necklace to celebrate the birth of my daughter this year.

This funky decal

Cute recycled cork placemats by Lightly

A new tablecloth. This one is Ladelle.

Actually i would love a plate of Yo Yo biscuits like in that picture too!

There are probably thousands of things i could put on my list. How about you? Do you make a list?

In honor of my new decor, bought a few months ago, and finally installed on the weekend………….

I bring you a bevy of bird hooks. Enjoy!

House and Home Nightingale Hook

Urban Outfitters Blue Bird Hook

Toriejayne – Flickr

Lyndar T. Merciless’ – Flickr

Very Cute.  A product from Debbie Chialtas’ glycerin soap design company, Soapy Love.  She got started in glycerin soap design while pregnant with her son and soon after opened a store on Etsy.  Each product is hand crafted in San Diego and is a great idea for a hostess gift or event favour. 

soapy love via lovely room

I’ve been running around like mad and trying to save money, which means I have been 1)Not buying food as much and 2)When I do, my list are very very simple-as you will see. Anything that takes a lot of time is just not a interest right now. I want to do minimal cutting, minimal chopping, minimal washing or standing over the stove. I’m busy people! I’m busy!

Carrots, purple cabbage, tomatoes and romaine lettuce

Purple cabbage, carrots, avocados and arugula

Instant miso soup-I used to packets (they're only 35 cals a serving)

I’ve been eating a lot of non-dairy ice cream, generally made with coconut milk

Purely Decadent is dairy free, made from coconut milk and so GOOD

Im really into the Mint Chip flavor

I like to use this stuff for my shakes. I use a serving of it, along with hemp powder, mint extract and water- makes a pretty good faux peppermint patty shake.

I attempted to cook something the other day-Broccoli and Noodles.

I first used two small stalks of broccoli and instead of placing them into a little water to steam, I placed them into a pot of sauce, on a medium flame.

I let it cook for a good ten minutes, maybe fifteen. I added some vegan parm cheese when it was done, just so it would be a little more like american italian cuisine.

Don't forget to salt and pepper the sauce

I placed my masterpiece on top of some tofu fettuccine noodles.

I don't know why people bother with regular pasta anymore! Tofu noodles are only 40 cals a packet, mostly protien and really very delicious!

Anyway, I hope all of you had a great weekend. I spent mine in my apartment, working on homework. I did break for a little bit on Sunday to work out, and I took some random joy rides, but other then that I have been laying low. I was sopose to go to a party, but I have so much work to get done- I couldn’t go in good conscious. Anyway, I have to go and begin my day-it’s Monday.

With a basic twist on standard design Iremonya have created boxes with attitude.  By simply repositioning the handles, their boxes take on their own personalities, with differing expressions.

These would be so cute in a kids room or could even brighten up a study. I know I cant help but smile when i see them, so i have a feeling they would have a positive effect on my work ethic, if i had a few on my desk.

The only problem is,  I cant read their website so i dont know if they post to Australia. Anyone read Japanese?

What an awesome gift for Christmas. I still remember the trouble I had choosing from the many coloured crayons I had as a child, so no doubt I will struggle to choose which mug I want. How about you what’s your favorite?

Avaliable from outliving.