The Vegan Stoner

I was so surprised to get my very own copy of this adorable and delicious cookbook from Kelly last week as a thank you gift for traveling to Arizona with her. Gifts for traveling? I thought the trip alone was a gift :)

Anyway, this cookbook happens to be all vegan, but I couldn't resist the sweet illustrations (the hopes I had for mine when I had my journal in Thailand), fantastic photography and super easy recipes - which can easily be made into a meat lovers' dream.

If you haven't checked out their site, make it a to-do today, you won't regret it!

Thrifty Thursday

It doesn't get much thriftier than getting something for free! My crafting fairy god mother (i.e. Adrienne) sent me a big box of embroidery floss she recently acquired and didn't quite have the use for at the moment. It's lovely, isn't it? I can't wait to get the 127 skeins of floss ordered in my floss organizer - although it might take a few weeks to complete this project!

Pinterest Recipes

On Saturday I tested out two of my latest Pinterest recipes pins and I have to say, they went over really, really well. The first one I tried (above) was the Cheesy Mushroom Pull Apart Bread. I followed the recipe almost exactly, but I added feta, onions and green peppers. It was super tasty and can't wait to try it again with a totally different approach: cheddar cheese, fake bacon and green onions...yum.

The second recipe I tried was this. I used chicken for the meat and Taco Bell sauce instead of salsa. I also used a zig-zag circle cookie cutter to give the edges some fun. Also super tasty and super easy. Must-dos for your next party for sure.

Sunday Cooking Class

Our work surface

Thanks to Groupon and some friends, I spend my Sunday afternoon at a New Mexico cooking class. You might ask what this is (as did I), but simply, it's just very traditional Mexican food. Everything is made from scratch and from the best ingredients out there. The class was held at Sabor Express in Virginia Beach. It's a quaint little place which opened last Fall and is owned and operated by "Butterfly" (everyone gets Indian names upon starting the class, mine was Creative Blue, haha).

Frying the Indian Frybread

The class was fun and informative. We made delicious Indian Tacos with traditional frybread. You get all kinds of leftovers to take home, coupons for other classes and all the recipes for the yummy food you make that day. Butterfly offers all kinds of classes based on what the clientel wants - but are only on Sundays....the rest of the week she is open for dinner. Click here for the menu. I'd definitely recommend the class for something different to do...it beats laying on the couch all Sunday :)

Our Indian Tacos

Music Mondays

1917 Liberty Bond poster for WWI. Thanks to the Library
of Congress for the artwork.

A few warming songs for this sunny morning.

It's About Time!

I finally got my Fairview Place stamp!

I'm so excited to stamp my paper bags, sticky labels, return labels, thank you cards (for Etsy orders), packaging materials and just everything else with this little guy!

Obviously as you can see, it doesn't take much to make this girl happy.

And if you're ever in need of a custom made stamp, check out Rubber Stamp Champ. This is the second time I've used them, their prices are cheap and the turn around time is amazing!

Thrifty Thursdays: CSA

Now spending $190 may not seem like a thrifty idea, but hear me out.

The 5 Points Community Farm Market has a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program which runs four times throughout the year. What is the CSA you ask? It's a program to support local farmers, the farm market and providing better quality produce to your family. Basically, you get a huge bag of local or regional produce every week (with recipes) for two and half months...but what would I do with a huge bag of produce every week? I convinced my friends to split the bag with me, thus splitting the cost.

Essentially I'm going to have fresh local produce for the next 12 weeks for about $8 a week....I'm gonna go ahead and say that's being pretty thrifty, right?

Stay tuned and see what we end up getting in our delicious bags in just a few short weeks!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

This was my first time ever making chicken wings! And from the photo of remains I think I did a pretty good job. Probably also helped I had this easy to follow recipe I originally found on foodgawker. 

 

What you'll need:

1 1/2 pounds chicken wings
1 cup fat free chicken broth
1 cup hot sauce (I used a mixture of hot sauce, BBQ sauce and buffalo sauce)
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp honey

What you'll do:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
2. Mix together the chicken broth, hot sauce and spices. Add the chicken and simmer until it is almost cooked (about 15 -20 minutes).
3. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and carefully move the wings onto the pan. Bake until crisp, about 30 minutes. Make sure to turn a couple times to roast evenly.
4. While the wings are baking, discard about half the hot sauce (and the bay leaf) and boil the remaining until thickened. Return the crispy wings to the skillet and toss with sauce.
5. Optional: serve with celery, carrots and blue cheese.

On the Move

 
My felt food is packaged and heading over to Kitsch today. You'll be able to buy the five varieties of dishes locally, aren't you so excited? But don't worry, if you aren't local, you can still order any of the delicious eats over at the shop - and keep your eyes out for some new goodies in a couple weeks.

My Local Resources

Everyone knows of a few local places that are really essential to their routine, whether it be sewing, construction, cooking or crafting. Since my routine varies by the minute, I've accumulated quite a few local resources which have been my life-savors the last couple years. I thought it was time I share some of these gems, and lemme know of any I missed!

Grand Mart produce section

Grand Mart

Where:  649 Newtown Rd., Norfolk | 757.490.7901
What:  The delicious goods you need to make the more exotic meals you really love. What's the best perk? It's SUPER cheap!
When:  9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily

Army Navy Mart

Where: 2609 Granby St., Norfolk  |  757.285.5666
What:  Normal army surplus store goods, great camo shirts, nice canvas bags you could embellish, old souvenirs and Converse Chucks ($10 off normal mall prices). It's awesome because you never know what you will find!

The awesome collection of Amy Butler fabrics at Fabric Hut

Fabric Hut

Where:  2340 E. Little Creek Rd., Norfolk | 757.588.1300
What:  Virginia's largest independent retail fabric center for more than 40 years (so they say). A great resource for unique fabrics, yarns and everything between. May not be the cheapest place to shop, but you'll definitely get a good variety.
When:  10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Closed on Sundays

Beads and Rocks 
Where:  335 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach | 757.428.9824
What:  Beads and rocks offered at both retail and wholesale price. They've been in business for more than 25 years and can get you anything you need dealing with the beading world.
When:  Noon to 6 p.m. daily

Frank Spicer Co., Inc. Kitchen Equipment

Where: 119 East Princess Anne Rd., Norfolk  |  757.625.5833
What:  A family-owned everything-you-need-to-open-a-restaurant store (for more than 45 years at that!). Not super practical for most of our everyday needs, but they have some great high-end kitchen items at great prices. I'd say definitely stop in if you like to cook.
When:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays

Discount flower room at Norfolk Floral Wholesale

Norfolk Floral Wholesale

Where:  601 East Brambleton Ave., Norfolk | 757.625.0901
What:  Flowers! Real, fake, arrangements, individually. Weddings, funerals and everything in between. Plus, their ribbon room is to die for!
When:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Closed on Sundays

S.R. Goldberg Co.

Where:  711 Church St., Norfolk | 757.622.5364
What:  A neighborhood hardware store, locally-owned and operated. They carry all your basic hardware needs and has that smoke and wood smell - love it.

My recent purchase from Wine and Cake
(which has nothing to do with wine or cake):
a deviled egg made from pure chocolate!

Wine and Cake

Where:  6527 Tidewater Dr., Norfolk | 757.857.0245
What:  Pretty much your (should be) go-to place for parties, wine- and beer-making, cake and baking supplies and so much more. Wine and Cake started in 1973 and it shows through their 11-room store. Plus, they offer loads of classes for any age, all year round.
When:  10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, Closed on Sundays

Jerry's Art-A-Rama

Where:  5258 Fairfield Shopping Ctr., Virginia Beach | 757.495.7380
What:  You one-stop shop for everything paint and paper related. And it doesn't matter if you're a beginner or a pro, they have items to fit anyone's level and budget.
When:  10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday,  Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

The sign is so true :)

Thrift Store City, probably my most favorite

Where:  1760 East Little Creek Rd., Norfolk  |  757.583.6936

What:  Just a good ol' fashion thrift store with everything under the sun at super cheap prices. What I love most is their fabric, crafts and patterns selection. It can be hit or miss, but isn't that the fun of thrifting?

When:  9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday

The great collection of vintage shoes at Echoes of Time

Echoes of Time

Where: 600 N Witchduck Rd #102, Virginia Beach | 757.428-2332
What: One of the best vintage clothing and costumes shops you will find in Hampton Roads - and reasonably priced!

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Saturday, Closed on Sundays

Five Points Community Farm Market

Where:  2500 Church St., Norfolk  |  757.640.0300

What:  A farm market and so much more...a used book store, recycling center for old electronics, fish market, a place to go and veg out for lunch with delicious food. Basically, a person who enjoys the others on the list would love this place :)

When: Closed Mondays thru Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays

Music Mondays

WPA poster for Ohio in 1937. Adorable, right? Thanks
to the Library of Congress for the image.

Spring officially starts tomorrow...so a Spring-(kinda)-inspired playlist. Enjoy!

New Arrival: Felt Sushi

In addition to pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers and tacos, Fairview Place now carries felt sushi! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed making this set (except the cravings for the real thing) and am ready for it to hit the shop. The box comes with 12 pieces of sushi, wasabi and a pair of wooden chopsticks. To buy and for more details, click here.

Thrifty Thursdays: Before and After

Today's updo comes from many inspirations...Me wanting a jewelry box, Emily's suggestion of making over a tea box into a jewelry box, Pinterest, and finding the right pieces at the thrift store. I already had the teal paint (from the buffet table), paint brushes, sand paper and nails, so I only spent $19 in materials:

$1.98 - spice box (top left)
$4.98 - jewelry box (top right)
$5 - spray paint
$5 - varnish
$4 - box of 50 cup hooks

The process was pretty easy for both and could be finished within two days (allowing for drying times). I made the mistake and bought the hooks in the small packages, but word to the wise: always buy in bulk!

 

You can find both of the jewelry boxes over at Fairview Place, and if you're local inquire about free shipping!

Shepherd's Pie

I've always wanted to make shepherd's pie, but never found a recipe I really liked or wanted to make it with a ton a beef. I finally decided to alter a bunch of recipes into one and leave the meat out completely. I'll say that it was definitely an interesting turnout, so just let that be your warning...

What you need:

1 package instant mashed potatoes (show me up and make 'em from scratch)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp flour
3/4 cup red wine
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
rosemary, thyme
lots of salt and pepper
1/2 cup of each of the following (I used all frozen, if you use fresh, add in the beginning): corn, broccoli, green beans
1 cup chopped kale
1/4 cup shredded cheese (your choice)

What you do:

1. Saute the onion, carrots and garlic in oil. Season with salt and pepper and cook for a few minutes.
2. Stir in flour until everything is evenly coated.
3. Add the wine, herbs and Worcestershire and bring the mixture to a boil (you'll probably need to add some water here make a real boil). Add the rest of the veggies, cover and let simmer 10-12 minutes or until thickened.
4. While your veggies are cooking, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the directions.
5. Pour the veg mixture into a 10" round baking dish and spread the potatoes evenly across the top. Top lightly with a little cheese and throw into the oven (at 400 degrees) for 25 minutes.

Vintage Fashion Photographs

Three unnamed photographs, I would die for that hat
and coat combo on the right!

I came across this fantastic collection of fashion photographs from the early 1900s while perusing the Library of Congress and had to share. The entire set contains more than 60 images from 1900 to 1918, showing off the latest trends, mostly from Paris.

(left) Premet Tailor suit by J.M. Gidding or inspiration for Tim Burton?
(right) Shop girl in L.A. modeling a "sheath gown" with rubber boots = sassy lady!

(top left) Collat evening gown, which I would totally wear now!

(top right) Poiret model for "Gimbels" a NY department store

(bottom left) Debutante Summer evening gown by Jenny, isn't that a little warm for the Summer?

(bottom right) M'lle de Joire gown, seriously what's up with that hand?

(left) Pacquin Race Gown, love that umbrella!

(right) Quilted silk on chiffon with gold thread, and yet another dress I would wear now :)

Music Mondays

Thanks to the Library of Congress for the artwork.

Songs inspired by these mischievous (and kinda weird) kitties. Artwork by Currier and Ives, 1871.

New Arrival to Fairview Place!

The long awaited Mustache book! This little treasure has been on the back burner for some time now, but I finally finished it this morning and it's for sale at the shop. Don't wait, it won't stay for long :)

Blazer Updo

I've been looking for a boyfriend-type blazer for a few months now and haven't found anything I really fell in love with. A couple weeks ago I found this boys blazer at the thrift store for $5. It's in great shape, but wasn't ready to wear. After about an hours worth of work, I updated the coat with a little pop of color and bright (freshly spray painted) buttons.

I used stitch witchery to hem a piece of fabric on two ends (photo 1), sewed the non-hemmed ends together (photo 2) and pinned the cuff in place. Pretty much it was all done with the amazing stitch witchery and 30 seconds of a sewing machine. Gotta love that stuff!

I love my new blazer and can't wait to try another one in the very-near future :)

March Inspiration and Goals

This month's inspiration comes from a variety of places: Martha Stewart, local art exhibit openings, Spain, W magazine, Phoenix and more. Oh, and the reason there is a big booty on the wall board this month is because it's inspiration for the ultimate beach body :)

As far as goals go this month, I'm aiming for three more-time consuming targets:
1) Do my taxes
2) Scan and organize my middle-school scrapbooks (I'm sick of lugging them around!)
3) Take my cooking class (thanks to Groupon) and make some of the meals at home

Jalapeno Poppers

I found this recipe while waiting in line at the bank (not a minute to waste!). However I fixed it up to make it healthy, still still super tasty (I promise). Here's how...

What you need:

6 large jalapenos
4 tbsp fat free cream cheese
2 tbsp fat free shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp garlic salt, crushed red pepper
2 slices of low-cal bread, toasted and chopped finely
salt and pepper

What you do:

1. Slice the jalapenos lengthwise, de-vein and de-seed. Place on an oiled baking sheet.
2. Mix the cheese, garlic and red pepper, spoon into the jalapeno halves.
3. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs, salt and pepper (parm if desired).
4. Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes and serve immediately.

Music Monday

Print poster from circa 1899. Hypnotist controlling
two men to cross dress and go fishing...weird.
But thanks to the Library of Congress.

Some people loathe Mondays. But just think, it's the start of a fresh new week, a clean slate and five days to get ready for Friday! Okay, if that doesn't do it for you maybe today's playlist and the artwork above will. Happy Monday!

Do Me a Favor?

Since I'm off gallivanting around Phoenix, stop by Fairview Place or the Facebook page. Let me know what you think...leave a comment, become a fan or follower or purchase something and one lucky person will get something from my trip! Sounds fun, right?

DIY Smash Book

  

Have you heard about the new Smash Book craze? Basically it's a journal with a marker/glue stick attached to the side, a few pockets and tons of sticker and paper accessories you can buy to jazz up your book. I'll admit, the books are super cute, but can cost you $20 and upwards. Who needs to do that? My sister and I have been making "smash" books since high school. You just need a few things you can find around the house, my handy print-offs and you can get to "smashing" in no time.

What you need

a journal (mine is an "Ampad Project Organizer," which I bought for $3.50)
cardstock/construction/graph/news paper
about six inches of elastic
glue (hot glue, tacky glue, Elmer's)
envelopes or small bags
a marker
a glue stick

What you do

 

1. Buy your journal and decorate your cover. Make it easy by using a single image from a magazine, collage the whole thing or just leave it blank.

2. Find the circumference of your market and glue stick (glue stick = 2.5", marker = 1.5"). Add an extra 1.5" to that number and cut pieces of elastic to that size.
3. Next, cut a piece of cardstock to the size of your back cover. Cover the back cover with glue.

4. With the back cover open, fold the elastic in half and glue it down. Repeat with second piece of elastic. Now place your cardstock on top of the back cover and elastic. Close your journal and lay a heavy book on it for 10-15 minutes until the glue has dried and set.

5. While you're waiting you can print out these handy phrases I've created and cut them out.

 

 

6. Randomly open your journal and glue in your envelopes, bags, graph/colored paper and phrases. You can add "tabs" by gluing post-it notes to the edges of your pages.

 

 

7. You're finished! You can get to work on your own, inexpensive, handmade smash book!