Curious Bird

we like snacks + how many times can I say chip in one post.

we eat a lot of chips and salsa at our house. a lot. another thing we do a lot is forget to purchase chips when we go to the supermarket -- I really think our chip forgetfulness problem is mostly due to the chip section at our Whole Foods being very poorly located. just sayin'.
although upon discovering our lack of chips the other day, I decided to take the giant package of corn tortillas we can't seem to make a dent in even though we have taco night nearly three times a week and turn some of those tortillas into chips (not sure what took me so long to finally do this -- most likely laziness).  the experiment was a success, a warm-out-of-the-oven chip success. 

forget the chips? have tortillas? here's what you do:

preheat oven to 350 degrees
you will need approximately 10 or 12 corn tortillas for the big bowl of chips above
put a bit of oil on both sides of each tortilla
stack the tortillas up, then cut into triangles
spread the triangles out on a cookie sheet -- it's okay to overlap just a bit
sprinkle with salt or other seasoning your prefer
bake about 10 or 12 minutes  (they should be crispy, not chewy and not too dark in color)
be sure to check your chips at around 7 minutes and give the pan a full turn

a taste test will be your best bet when determining if your chips are done.

I recommend taking them straight out of the pan and into a bowl of salsa or guacamole. yes siree. 

more soon,

leya 

p.s. eleven times

june 29

Things I learned yesterday:

Making salad rolls can be hard work (and very messy).
Good music makes cleaning up a lot more enjoyable.
I'm not very skilled at coming up with names for boozy drink concoctions.
I seem to have a knack for predicting the weather.
Our backgammon game is misplaced.
My friends all love barbecue.
I should try the banana pudding at that new place in the Italian Market.
and...
I'm smack in the middle of my Summer break --two months to go. Man, I hope it passes slooooow, but doubt it will.

Take it easy,
l.

good days

Hi. Hope you're having a nice weekend -- just felt like saying hello.
Today has been lovely, very lazy and productive -- I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's true. It has been one of those nice days made up of getting stuff done as well as taking lots of lazy breaks for refreshments and little space outs on the sofa with kitties. Days like this don't come around that often, so I am trying to do a good job soaking it up. The weekend isn't over yet -- there is still an afternoon picnic with friends tomorrow. I'm looking forward to making some snacks and a batch of my new favorite boozy drink to share.

Here are a few snaps from my weekend so far...

 

 

 

 

Cheers to Summer weekends!

-L

a breeze. a snap. a cinch. part two

In my opinion skirts are essential for summer -- almost an every day occurrence around here. I made this one the other day, using some fabric I have had for quite a while, but had the darnedest time deciding how I wanted to use it. Pants? A skirt? A dress? Pillows? A bag from this book? After thinking it through and realizing I probably had enough yardage to make one of everything, I cut into it and whipped up this comfy skirt, using the a-line skirt pattern from Betsy Ross. So glad I did.

In other news, I think Summer is here to stay. I haven't really minded the rain we were constantly getting because I knew it was keeping everything cool and breezy. And now that it's gone, things are sticky and hot. July is almost here and you can feel it. Although sticky and hot isn't my favorite, it is perfect weather for taking a couple of small-fries to a cool new park, one with water shooting up from the ground and  overflowing from places high above. Fantastic.

Have a great day,

Leya

daily ritual: a little makeup

I remember watching my mom put on makeup when I was young. The whole process fascinated me, especially when she applied her mascara. It seemed kind of dangerous, yet very exciting and worth the trouble.

Nowadays I have my own daily makeup routine -- nothing serious, just a bit of rouge (as my dear grandmother would say -- love that), some concealer for my dark circles, a little lip color, and of course, mascara. 

More daily ritual photos can be found here.

I interrupt my regularly scheduled programming...

To introduce and possibly find a really amazing home for Flash.

Here's the deal. My dear friends are in search of a new home for their sweet border collie, Flash. They had a new baby boy (Isaac!) about nine months ago and although this decision breaks their heart, Flash is just not a good fit for a family with small children. They love him dearly and want to find him someone who will love him and care for him as much as they do.  If you or someone you know wants to spend your days with an amazing border collie, please contact Lauren at lgoldwert(at)yahoo(dot)com

Here are the details Lauren sent my way:

FLASH: A 7 year old Border Collie, Flash is a good natured, balanced dog who has had lots to do and enjoys it all. He hikes off leash beautifully around dogs, deer and wildlife, trained to stay with his person.  He has basic obedience skills and knows lots of tricks too, eager to learn anything new.  He has experience in agility, freestyle and tracking games searching for scents. Besides all the activities he loves to do, Flash loves everyone and his full body wag is his signature hello.  He loves belly rubs and hugs and gives lots of kisses, too.  He is a really sweet, smart Border Collie. He's also been a star, in Milk Bone magazine ads and on a TV show.  He is great with dogs of all shapes and sizes that he meets on his daily hike in the park.  Flash loves to play fetch and tug games, too.  He is not good with cats.  Like most Border Collies, Flash will do best in an adult home without small children.  He is in his home in Clifton NJ and will be placed from there. His current guardian is a dog trainer so will be glad to introduce Flash to an appropriate adopter and share all the years of living with him.  Flash is a beloved family member.  He will need a lifestyle similar to his current one, where he hikes each day and has lots of toy play, which is exactly what all Border Collies need

productivity

okay, so I didn't make a dress before sundown. I did, however, make a tunic out of really wacky fabric instead. I didn't have enough fabric to make a dress (besides I think it would have looked like a muumuu) but this fabric has been screaming out to me for a few years, so it had to be used. had to.

man, two posts in one day. I need to relax...
been meaning to share some links and today seems like as good a time as any.
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braids are everywhere. I found this braid tutorial  to be really helpful. I am terrible when it comes to braiding my own hair (Dustin actually braids it for me), but I'm getting better. (thanks, anna allen)

very enchanted by this photograph available at 20x200. perhaps a trip to the beach is required.

planning to download this free sundress pattern from Heather Ross. so cute.

having fun looking at i can read

and finally, one gorgeous food blog. the photos, oh, the photos.

until next time, take it easy,
l.

a breeze. a snap. a cinch.

Loving my new gingham dress. It hasn't been in my closet that long, but I would guess I have already worn it at least three times. I tend to do that with stuff I really like. Doesn't everyone?

I used the Built by Wendy Simplicity pattern #3692, the same one that I used way back when. But unlike last time, this one was a breeze. The sleeveless version makes it great for layering, although, Dustin informed me this morning that he likes it better without the little tee under it. I will take that into consideration. Thank you very much.

I can see another one of these dresses in my future.  Quite possibly by sundown.

More sewing adventures to show you soon.

Have fun,
L.

 

rooftop access

 

Um, I think I just stumbled upon the best litter box on the planet. It is called ModKat.
Of course I do not have, nor would I shell out such a hefty amount of money on a litter box, but it is an amazing creation. If I ever win the lottery (kinda need to play first), Mortimer and Motown will definitely do their business in a ModKat. No question.

found via apartment therapy

More soon,

L.

Cheers to you on the longest day of 2009. Happy Summer Solstice!