Friday, June 29, 2012

Asian Fusion

Last night Jim made another recipe from Food and Wine, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce.  It was really good!  Very flavorful.  It did seem a bit time and labor intensive.  And like the curry from a few nights ago, a few special ingredients.  But I loved it and we have a lot of peanut sauce left to use in other dishes this week. 

Weekend time!  I am volunteering at the museum on Saturday morning and taking my LS out Saturday afternoon.  On Sunday we are partaking in some wine tasting for a gal's birthday.  We've also made some other fun summer plans: Jim is heading to Arizona to visit his grandparents at the end of July (Trooper and I are staying here to hold down the homestead) and we are driving up to Seattle for a quick visit the weekend of July 13.  I think I'm ready to retire and travel full time. 

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Teardrop Bag

 Yay!  I made a purse for myself!  It literally took me four days or so.  I had purchased Amy Butler's book, Style Stitches, quite awhile ago and never made anything from it.  So I went online and found some super cute fabrics (also Amy Butler: her Lark collection) and ta da: my purse.  I was really pleased with it and have used it every day since I finished it.  I like the size and where it falls when I wear it. 
 If you look closely there are some errors (I literally ran out of my bobbin thread within an inch of finishing so got crazy and used red bobbin thread when I was sewing with navy needle thread.)  I am also concerned about the integrity of the magnetic snap (I installed it myself!) but still love the bag. 
It even has a lining!  It called for a pocket, but I messed some things up and had to leave it out.  The book considered this an "intermediate" level pattern, so I am happy to have it turn out as well as it did.  Who knows what crafts will be next!

Monday, June 25, 2012

 Look at that face!  Trooper is sick of the rain.  I think he's slightly depressed.  "Guys, it's been raining since October!  Make it stop!!"  I hear ya, buddy. 
I finished a tote for myself!  I made a ton of these (with a pocket) for Christmas gifts, and made myself a simple version (finally.) 

We had a nice weekend!  We had two nights of staying in and sleeping 10 hours (much needed.)  On Saturday, I went to the Saturday Market in the morning then to see Brave in the afternoon with my LS.  (Such a great message for young girls!)  Jim rode his bike to check out the Olympic Track and Field Trials, but I wasn't Oregon enough and didn't want to go in the rain, so stayed home.  On Sunday I spent the morning volunteering at the Museum.  I'm excited to be doing something more relevant to my degrees, even if it's only volunteering for 3 hours a week. 

I am hoping the rain will let up tomorrow and maybe Trooper's spirits will pick up.  (Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.)

Friday, June 22, 2012

Coco-Nuts

Typically, we make a grocery list on the weekends and try to shop for most of the food we will need for the week on Saturday or Sunday (and then inevitably need to run to the store at least four more times during the week.)  It takes a bit of discussion ("what do you want to eat this week?") and planning (lists!) but it's helpful.  This past weekend Jim decided he wanted to make Coconut Laska and Shrimp (as featured in the latest Food and Wine.)  It turned out really, really well, but definitely requires some special ingredients.  (Unless you happen to keep fresh lemongrass stalks on hand.)  He also decided to skip the first step (making your own shrimp broth) and purchase shrimp broth.  Well, Eugene made that a little hard.  I went to four local/ specialty stores before I found seafood stock (not shrimp, but oh well).  This meal ended up having restaurant quality and I'm excited to eat the rest for lunch.  Good work, Jim!
We are also slightly obsessed with coconut ice cream.  I've really been enjoying the So Delicious brand (also made right here in Eugene.)  I've read that it's good to avoid dairy when having allergy issues (can increase phlegm production... ew...) and coconut is soooo refreshing when it's warm out.  I love the mini ice cream sandwiches (only 100 calories) and Jim loves the chocolate ice cream with peanut butter.  So darn good.  (Coconut is still relatively high in fat, so if you want a healthier option I'd try the soy ice cream.  Also delicious.) 
Now I'm hungry.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Still More Granola Bars

Am I granola bar obsessed?  Mayhaps.  Last night I whipped up these awesome bars.  The addition of peanut butter and (mini) chocolate chips made them pretty delightful.  I did not include the seeds.  Yummy and filling. 
Otherwise, we are just enjoying our summer.  Trooper continues to be a (wonderful) handful.  Last night he was randomly limping at the dog park, but hasn't done it since.  Today he had dried blood in his ear.  He's such a rascal!  His itching has subsided quite a bit, though, so that is good, and he's still a happy and playful pup. 
I have been invited to a Bachelorette Party in Bend on August 3rd and 4th, which I am pretty excited about.  It sounds like a bunch of gals and breweries, so it should be a grand time!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Tempeh Quesadillas and Fun Sites

Did you know about my love for tempeh?  I think I've blogged about it before.  It's kind of like tofu, but better.  It's a great vegetable protein and has a really nice earthy taste.  Oh my god, I love it.  My wonderful hubby has created his own recipe that I love, love, love: tempeh quesadillas.  He makes them with sauteed tempeh, cooked spinach, refried black beans, green chiles, and pepperjack cheese, all on a flour tortilla.  I then dip them in plain Greek yogurt, green salsa, and add avocado.  They have been in our dinner line up (and lunch leftovers) for two weeks in a row.  (Jim said he was going to stop making them for a few weeks so I don't get sick of them.)  They are healthy (I guess the cheese might not be the best, but oh well) and filling.  (They are loosely based on the food from one of our local faves, Laughing Planet Cafe.)  I don't want to sound like a broken record, but we should all be trying to integrate a few veggie meals into our menus. 
I realized I never reported on my first day of volunteering at the museum.  It went well!  I spent two hours shadowing someone in the exhibit hall.   I am looking forward to learning more about the natural and cultural history of Oregon. 
I also stumbled upon a really cute blog, A Confederacy of Spinsters.  These three women seem like my kind of sassy young feminists. 
I also found the site of Joel Dewberry, a fabric designer.  He is a reminder of how many beautiful patterns and fabrics exist out there.  (And how materialistic they all make me feel.  But I want them!!!) 
Okay, now go make yourself some tempeh quesadillas.  If you need advice on how, call the Legal Beagle (after 5pm Pacific Time.)

Monday, June 18, 2012

Simplicity 2215

I made this skirt (Simplicity 2215)!  Jim took some pictures of me head on, but my gosh, I look terrible with allergies, so this will have to do.  Please note that it has both pockets and a zipper.  Another great Cynthia Rowley pattern!  Very easy to follow and cute!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

McDowell Creek Falls

 We drove about an hour and a half to a beautiful hike today.  The drive itself was pretty.  Lots of fields, sheep, cows and buttes to look at. 
 This was seconds after Jim slipped on that log.  Nice recovery. 
 It was nice to get out of the pollen filled valley.  We are in the thick of grass season.  Last year my allergies were over by July, so just a few more weeks.  I've seen quite a few people wearing bird flu masks around town, which isn't that bad of an idea. 








Friday, June 15, 2012

Happy Friday

Trooper's friend Oliver spent the night on Thursday.  He is a sweetie.  They had fun chasing each other, playing with bones and tennis balls, and napping.  It seemed like Oliver felt right at home.  This only intensifies my desire for a second doggie.

Tonight is Book Club!  I am going to take cheeseburger sliders.  I might be revolutionary and take beer instead of wine.  We'll see, though.  (We had beer at one BC last summer when we made beer floats.  Beer just feels right in the summer.)  Not only am I lucky enough to have a monthly gals night BUT I have a wonderful husband who drives me there and picks me up.  What a guy!! 

Tomorrow morning I begin my new volunteer activitiy: tour guide at the Museum of Cultural and Natural History on the UO campus!  I volunteered as a docent for two years at the Brookfield Zoo and am hoping to get back to using my degree (Anthropology) so thought this would be a great way to spend the next year.  I will be doing this in addition to Big Brothers Big Sisters, so have a few things going every weekend, but why not.  I am lucky enough to only work 40 hours a week and have a 10 minute (15 minutes if on bike) commute, so am home by 5:15 every day.  I am also an advocate for public service (when the time and money allows) so this will help me give back to the community.  And it won't hurt my resume either! 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Just the Usual

Gosh, life is pretty much normal and unexciting around here.  It's so nice to have my friend and roomie to help around the house during the summer.  He's been making dinner some nights, doing the dishes, walking the dog, etc.  It's wonderful!  And I've just been keeping busy going to yoga, taking my swim lessons, running with my friend, crafting, drinking wine, etc.  Really, not much to report except that we have less than a year in our current situation, which is very exciting.  Come visit before it's too late!  Don't pass up your chance to visit a beautiful state!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Outdoors

 Is summer finally here, Oregon?
 We were lucky enough to get out for a nice hike in the woods today. 

 This picture didn't turn out so great, but I wanted to share this cool flower. 

Yesterday was the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters fishing day.  It was a long day (7am- 6pm), but worth the time and effort.  My LS said it was "the best day of her life."  We went fishing on a reservoir off of the McKenzie River in the foothills of the Cascades.  The group that puts on the event made us breakfast, lunch, gave each of the kids their own rod and tackle box to keep, and cleaned all of the fish for us to take home.  Super generous, to say the least.

(Below is a picture of Trooper's foot, just because he's cute.)  

Friday, June 8, 2012

Adult Swim and Book

My second swim lesson went really well last night.  I was able to "swim" across the pool four times (all with a different flotation device of some sort.)  We worked on adding in arm strokes and side breathing.  By the time I get about 3/4 of the way down the pool, I am exhausted!  It's another good challenge to add to my workout routine. 
I finished my June Book Club book and highly recommend it.  This month we will be discussing The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.  It's a nonfiction book that centers around the cells of an African American woman who died in the 1050s, but it is very interesting and well written.  Don't be scared that it's a science book.  It's very readable and was a fast read for me.  It brings up a lot of interesting points on biology, medical ethics, racial issues, and legal questions.  You should read it!  I'll keep you updated on July's book.
Otherwise, life is going well.  Still cold and rainy here and we're wishing for the return of summer weather.  Tomorrow is the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters fishing trip on a reservoir off of the McKenzie River.  It's a long day, but the kids have a blast, so it's worth it. 
Have a Happy Friday, readers!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Tadpole

Last night was my first swim lesson!  It went really well (I think.)  The gal who is teaching me is a super sweet undergrad at the university.  Prior to my first lesson, I went to about five stores looking for athletic swimwear.  Girlfriend did not realize how expensive it is!  Athletic suits for women start at $50 and go up from there.  After a discouraging shopping trip, I didn't even buy goggles or a cap.  So I showed up to lessons wearing my J. Crew bikini and borrowed goggles from my instructor.  (Apparently the hubs has some goggles from his days as a tri-athlete.)  We started with breathing exercises, which were hard for me.  Going under the water made me really anxious and clausterphobic.  Then we worked on floating, which my body would not physically do.  Then we worked on kicking and breathing at the same time, first on the wall, then with a paddleboard.  I liked working with the paddleboard.  I tried to kick and breathe without it and sank.  My next lesson is on Thursday evening and she said we'll be adding in arm strokes.  Hopefully I'll graduate to a pollywog. 

Monday, June 4, 2012

Banana Granola Bars

Last night I tried these Banana Pecan Granola Bars, and they turned out really well.  I followed the recipe except I omitted the dried fruit.  (It sounded weird.)  Jim actually found this recipe in the blogosphere and sent it to me.  I was worried that they'd taste bland, but they were great.  I used sweetened coconut, but otherwise there was no sugar or honey in them.  They were pretty moist, so I would store them in the fridge as the directions say to avoid mold.  They were kind of like a cross between a banana muffin and granola bar, without flour or sugar.  Oh, and they are Legal Beagle approved. 

Saturday, June 2, 2012

TGIS

Summer Saturdays are the best.  I just came home from mini golfing with my LS and TZ is laying next to me chewing on his bone.  Last night Jim went to a bar to watch a basketball game, so TZ and I had a dog park date.  It was a lovely way to spend a quiet Friday night. 
I awoke this morning to my friend calling Jim to make sure I was alive.  We slept 10 hours last night and if you know the Legal Beagle, he is usually up and at em by 7am at the latest.  I was supposed to meet her at 9am and we didn't wake up until 8:45!  It felt so nice to sleep in in our own bed.  My friend and I have a weekly potato donut/ coffee/ farmer's market date and this week we fit it in before Spin class.  (Potato donuts are basically power bars.)  Tonight it sounds like it's going to be a family dog park/ early dinner night. 
Did you know that I'm taking four private swim lessons in the next two weeks?  As I never learned how to properly swim, I have decided it's time.  Aside from safety reasons, I am always really jealous of the people who swim at the gym.  I start on Tuesday night.
This Wednesday I am also meeting with someone about volunteering at one of the museums on campus.  I plan to continue with BBBS as well, meaning I'll be a bit busier on the weekends, but I am lucky to only work 40 hours a week and am trying to start thinking about my career after Jim finishes school (yay!!)