new apartment

So, there's been a lot of change over on this end lately.  Another item being that I may have to find a new apartment come June.   Not sure yet, but no matter - I've found my new place!  Unfortunately, I'll have to move to Hong Kong. 

This place is SO COOL!


(Thanks for showing me this, Mom!)

Plenty

 I really want this cook book.  Everything looks so delicious.

I have a tendency to buy cook books and then never make any of the recipes.  It's terrible.  I'll look at all the gorgeous food styling over and over again, of course, but I fail miserably on the execution.

That said, I will have to resist purchasing this, however strong the temptation may be.

Almond Milk

I recently learned from chef Amy Chaplin that fresh almond milk is an absolute cinch to make! 

It's a much better price than buying the cartons... and then there's no carton, which means less waste too.  As a bonus, it's delicious and takes maybe 15 minutes of active work.  Love it!

Here's the recipe for you...

Place 1 cup of raw almonds in a bowl, cover with filtered water, and soak overnight in the refrigerator. 

 The next day, drain and rinse the almonds.  Put them in a blender with 4 cups of filtered water, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. 

 Put the blender on a high speed for 2 minutes.  

(I used an immersion blender.  It worked great but was a bit messy, seeing as there's no lid)

 And that's almond milk!  It's a bit grainy, and I suppose you could filter it -- but where's the fun in that?  

Pour your milk into a bottle or jar to keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 or 6 days.  And be sure to shake it well before pouring! 

[original recipe here; all photos by me]

Who won the superbowl

Can anyone tell me?  I didn't watch... 

My thinking was, "Why watch the superbowl when I could spend the evening making three different kinds of soup instead?"

Homemade Yogurt

My sister Janine makes her own yogurt.  (How cool is she?)  I've been thinking that I want to do the same...  

Apparently it's delicious.  This picture sure makes it look delicious, don't you think?


[photo (and recipe!) via roost]

Holiday cheer

There are a few simple things keeping me very jolly...

 my bedecked mantle

 The Nutcracker on vinyl

 this funny house with wreaths on every window

The holidays are fun!

Have a merry weekend!

I'm  off to Pennsylvania for the weekend to see my niece, Mica, perform in The Nutcracker.  There's not much that can top The Nutcracker, in my book, for spreading holiday cheer! 
 



painting by Degas

pretty clever

and very useful

via

pretty fridge

I know this is silly, but I have a great appreciation for tidy and pretty refrigerators.  


[photos via frolic]

a tent

"The most important part of a tent is the stars," she says. 

I'd have to agree.


by firstmilk

Angela Adams

I always love Angela Adams' rugs. (Remember these?)  This one is no exception.  So fun!

Farm Anatomy

I'm thinking I might have to buy this book by Julia Rothman.  I know I live in an apartment.  in Brooklyn.  But I have a romantic notion about living on a farm and making everything for myself.  You never know, maybe it'll happen someday.  For now, I'll just look.  I especially love the illustrations and guidelines on how to color wool with plant-based dyes. 

photos by lena corwin

dusty

As a rule, I hate dusting. 

But sometimes, it surprises you. 

And reminds you to keep your eyes open -- there's beauty everywhere.  :)

[image via mymom]

DrinKlip

 Isn't this thing cool?  Like a giant clothespin that holds stuff.  It would be very useful to have a couple of these around the house, don't you think?  Apparently they sell them at the MoMa.

DrinKlip via NotCot

Le Shack

Have you seen this place?  This little French idyll was featured in the New York Times back in August, and I keep going back to ooh and aah over it some more.