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Saturday, November 30, 2013

Upcycled Vase

I came across this pin of a vase wrapped in twine.  Of course I can do something like that.  But, I also wanted something a little nicer.

The website wasn't much help because nothing really came up on it.  I kept the pin to look at the picture.

Picture

I decided to use a vase instead of a bottle.  We have a vase that we never use, so I thought it would make a great victim.  I went to the fabric store and got trim instead of using twine.  I wanted it to look more professional for the new bathroom.  All I used was a hot glue gun to attach the trim.

My Pictures


I didn't want to go all of the way up.  I will probably put fake flowers in it since I'm allergic to real ones.  I hate the way fake flowers look in a glass vase, so now you won't see the stems.  I can't wait to get some flowers!

Upcycled Trash Can


I found this pin that had a trash can covered with burlap, ribbon, and homemade rosettes.  My daughter has a similar trash can, but it's silver.  We are moving in June and I figured that I should start some projects for the new house.  This is my first one!

Website

The website doesn't have directions because it just has a bunch of samples using burlap.

Picture




My daughter's room is going to feature purple, so that's what I went with.
My Pictures



It was pretty easy to do and only took a half hour.  I'm not a pro at this stuff, so it would probably take less for those that are.  I think this will look so cute in my daughter's room.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Tikka Masala

Ok this didn't come from Pintrest so I decided to put it on there.  I did find the recipe from googling it and then when I wanted to make it again, I wished I pinned it because it took a half hour to find it again. 

The Website

The Directions

Lamb Tikka Masala
Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated Chicken Tikka Masala recipe
Serves 5
For the Lamb Tikka:
1-3/4 lb boneless lamb leg, trimmed and cut into 1 inch cubes
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp coriander, toasted and ground
1 tsp cumin, toasted and ground
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
For the Masala Sauce:
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, small dice
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 serrano chile, seeded, ribbed and finely minced.  ( I went for 1/2 a pepper for heat-sensitive guests and felt like there was zero heat.   I like a kick and would go with 2 peppers, seeded and minced next time, or plan on making a spicy condiment to up the heat on a per-plate basis)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp garam masala
1 28oz can crushed san marzano tomatoes
2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
In a large ziplock bag, combine garam masala, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper.  Drop in the lamb and shake to combine, making sure it’s all thoroughly coated in spice mix.  Pour in the yogurt, and again, shake the bag to combine.  Tuck this into your fridge for at the very least 1 hour, but I recommend overnight.

30 minutes before grilling, pull your lamb out of the fridge and skewer them like kabobs, leaving a 1/4 inch space in between each piece.  If they were in the fridge overnight, you’ll want to let the skewers sit at room temp for about 20 minutes to take some of the chill off before grilling.    Right before these guys head to the grill, season both sides with a healthy pinch of kosher salt.

Lets get to that sauce.  Place a dutch oven over medium-high heat and pour in the vegetable oil.  Saute the onion until golden brown, about 10 minutes.  Stir in the garlic, ginger, chile, tomato paste, and garam masala, cooking until fragrant and slightly caramelized on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes.  Add the tomatoes, sugar and salt.  Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium low, pop the lid on, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Now’s a good time to get that lamb grilled.    On a preheated super hot gas grill, give those skewers 3-4 minutes per side to get a nice char and still retain a tiny bit of pink on the inside.

Back to that sauce. Add the cream and stir for a minute or so until warmed through.  Then add in the lamb (pulled off the skewers, please) and top with the handful of cilantro (which I neglected to do in my rush to the table.  But do it.  Seriously.)  We served it up with some steamed basmati rice, peas, a delicious cucumber raita, and some toasted naan bread from Trader Joes.  Kim’s hands celebrated the meal!  Hurraaaay!

My Thoughts
It was delicious.  I love Indian food and I have always wanted to make it instead of always having to go to a restaurant to eat it.  The only thing I regret, I forgot to make naan.

My Pictures
                  

                                  It didn't look as red as it does in the pictures!                            
 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Blackhead Mask

I was up for trying another blackhead remover.  Mine just don't seem to go away.

Website

Directions
  1. Measure 1 Tablespoon of unflavored gelatin into a disposable container {if you put say, green jell-o on your face, there might be trouble}
  2. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of milk into the gelatin
  3. Until it looks like this
  4. Mix it up, and be quick about it, until you get a chunky consistency.  Add more milk if you’re uncomfortable with the amount of chunk.
Microwave the gelatin for about 10-15 seconds.  It will get creamier in the microwave.  Stir that around and start applying it IMMEDIATELY to your face.  This stuff hardens up fast so you’ve got to act fast.

Picture

My Thoughts
1. Well I didn't read the part that says you should microwave it.  I would suggest doing that.  The milk made the mask freezing. 
2. It does clump up very quickly and I barely had enough time to spread it on my face.
3. It smells like rotten milk - no, my milk was not rotten.
4. It does not peel off the way that she shows in the picture.
5. My face was soft afterwards.
6. My blackheads still existed.

My Pictures


With Mask - notice the clumps
















Afterwards - it's hard to notice the blackheads, but they
are still there.  My skin is a little red from trying to
scrape off the mask.


I don't think I would waste my time doing this again
because I really hated the smell.