under wings of gold & silver

"we are no more than candles burning in the wind."

-japanese proverb

[source]

so as of wednesday, i have finally seen all 3 of the austin powers movies... & i believe what i told matt is how i can't believe i missed out on these movies for so long!!  they are so hilarious!!  why didn't anyone make me watch them, ya know, when they were new?  anyway, if you catch me quoting austin powers...// well, don't be surprised because it's all new to me, baby.

here are some groovy links that i've been digging.

familiar with the bokeh effect that seems to be becoming so popular recently [the photo above is an example]?  well if you're looking to have a little fun with that yourself & you aren't too savvy with a dslr, here is a simple photoshop tutorial to apply the effect to your own photos.  tested & approved.

& for those who are good with a camera, here is another bokeh tutorial to get cute little hearts for your effect.

i think i owned every single thing on this list of nostalgic stocking stuffers for '90s girls.  although, i don't think i'd care to find any of them in my stocking now..

looking to have a break from all the holiday junk food and simultaneously do something nice for your skin [& mind & body in general]?  here are 7 foods to combat the winter dull.  yum!!  feel good food.

don't get tricked into eating things that aren't actually as healthy as they'd like you to believe: 5 foods you thought were healthy but aren't.

here are 5 doctors from history who put house to shame from cracked.com.....  amazing, but house is still my favorite.

NASA has found an earth-like planet that may be capable of supporting human life!!  awesome!!

these photos of fall colors from japan are breath-taking.  as are these photos of wisterias in kawachi fuji garden in japan.

& because christmas is just a couple of weeks away now, here is another cracked.com article of unintentionally disturbing christmas ads that's worth a few laughs.

as a very special gift, i also got you this cute.

[source]

love.nu

illumination: winter white sangria

"i find it hard to believe you don't know the beauty you are. but if you don't, let me be your eyes."

-velvet underground

[source]

i can't wait to make this!!  seems like the perfect little addition to our christmas celebration.  and can you believe i have a sangria set that i got two years ago that has never been used?!  for shame!!  i love sangria.  the sangria set needs some love.  i feel like maybe i should test out this recipe for myself before i serve it to guests on christmas day..  yes?

White Sangria with Pomegranate:

1 bottle white wine

3 cans 7up or Sprite

Grand Marnier (I didn’t measure, a few ounces I think)

Seeds of 1 pomegranate

Slices of two limes

Ice

Pour all ingredients into a punch bowl. Wait for the seeds to float.

Serve.

[source]:  we'll take a cup of kindness yet from whatsheshaving.com

love.nu

that melody i love

"no snowflake ever falls in the wrong place."

[source]

matt & i had a kick-ass thanksgiving up in dana point!!  seriously such a good time.  the next day, i pulled out the christmas decorations.  i love it.  i think my favorite part about decorating this time of year is the lights.  they are so beautiful.  i wish we had more to put up in our house!!  this week i finally received my romantic star projector in the mail... i had no idea that it would be quite the little project to put together [i guess i totally diregarded the "DIY" part], but i think that when i get it done it will really set the mood.

i'm not usually real big on listening to the classic christmas tunes... but i put together a little playlist of what i do like, and what i'm listening to lately to get in the spirit.  i hope you enjoy it!!

love.nu

love + wish + thanks: stars & clouds

"nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart."

-seneca

[source]

happy thanksgiving!!  we're off to dana point.  have a wonderful day full of food, family & friends!!

[source]

love.

the interwebs.  please support net neutrality so that we can continue to enjoy the internet the way that we do now.

[source]

wish.
on my wish list:

snow.  wouldn't that be beautiful.

what i wish for others:
a joy-filled day & sweet dreams of upcoming holidays & the new year.

[source]

thanks.

for family & being together.

love.nu

love + wish + thanks: what does the future hold

"when the bold branches bid farewell to rainbow leaves - welcome wool sweaters."

[source]

we're going to see jay & silent bob get old at the belly up tonight with armand & nikki!!  i'm so excited.  it should be really fun.  love kevin smith & jason mewes!!

matt & i picked up the legend of zelda: skyward sword first thing sunday morning, and i have been watching while matt plays through it.  it is so gorgeous!!  omg.. i am in love with all of the art, characters, & story.  totally thrilling.  we were just disappointed that there wasn't more hype about the game release.  fantastic game + 25th anniversary of zelda = no one cares?!  really??  anyway, zelda seems to have really stepped it up in this game...  she doesn't seem like so much of a helpless princess, which i appreciate because i enjoy strong female characters.

two days until thanksgiving....  is all of your shopping done?

[indie.tobi.kc]

love.

our little family.  our kitty-babies.  & miss our little tobi.

[source]

wish.

on my wish list:

bangles & other jewelry from tinyarmour.  so pretty.

what i wish for others:

"go for it now.  the future is promised to no one."  -wayne dyer

[source]

thanks.

for all of life's comforts, which i too often take for granted.

love.nu

seeds & buds: cranberry orange relish

"a shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all."

-carl jung

[source]

mmm... thanksgiving is so close now, i can taste it!!  on friday, i started gathering ingredients for my [small, yet important] contribution to thanksgiving dinner.  we bought a bag of 3lbs. of cranberries...  and while i only need 1lb. for my recipe, it was probably still less expensive than buying only 1lb. at a grocery store.  i am actively seeking recipes for cocktails & other treats that call for fresh cranberries, so if you have any ideas, please help!!  not sure what the hell i'm going to do with and extra 2lbs. of cranberries..

it seems like everyone has a different preference when it comes to their cranberries...  this recipe is one that i tried for the first time last year, and i found that matt & i both love it.  it's great spread on your turkey!!  this is not the exact recipe that i use, but it is close enough.  very simple, the way i like 'em.

Ingredients:

1 12 oz pkg fresh cranberries

1 orange

1 cup sugar

Put washed, drained cranberries in a food processor with 1 orange which has been peeled and quartered with all seeds being removed.  Pulse for a few seconds, just until coarsely chopped. Stop and scrape down sides of bowl, if necessary, to chop evenly.  Add 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar and taste adjusting sweetness as desired.  Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Cranberry Orange Relish may be frozen for up to 2 months.  Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

[source]:  fresh cranberry orange relish from cooks.com

love.nu

love + wish + thanks: to hold you now

"to lead a better life, i need my love to be here."

-the beatles

[source]

i miss baking!!  which is why i am so excited that my friend is coming over on saturday to do a little baking with me!!  there have been so many times that i've thought about whipping something tasty up, but every time i decide against it... because if i make it, then i'll eat it.  & i'll probably eat too much of it.  & then i'll feel like a fatso.  SO now i have an excuse to bake, spend time with my friend, and share whatever treat we make with the boys, leaving less for me to stuff my face with.  win, win, win.

[source]

love.

music & all the ways that it affects us & connects us.

[source]

wish.

on my wishlist:

a day to relax, catch up, & just breathe.  a spa day.  maybe more sleep too.  i like sleep.

what i wish for others:

to have a spirit of kindness, generosity, & love.

[source]

thanks.

for good health.  of the body & of the mind.

love.nu

love + wish + thanks: domino motion

"gratitude: it turns what we have into enough."

[source]

i just got my invite to pinterest a few days ago, so over the past few days i've been discovering how fun it is!!  it's a great place to organize things & ideas that i find on the interwebs...  i probably went a little crazy pinning things to my boards..  hah.

yesterday i got an email inviting me to the diablo III beta!!  i only got to play a little last night, so today i'm antsy to get back to it.  so far.... vomiting zombies: nasty.  my sexy demon hunter shooting them: beautiful.

[unwin thanksgiving dinner 11.25.11]

love.

preparing holiday food & entertaining guests.  & just food in general.

[source]

wish.

on my wish list:

origami peace crane ornaments by localcolorist on etsy.  i'd love to see if i can make some of these on my own as well.

what i wish for others:

fun!!  don't hold back from allowing yourself to enjoy life.

[source]

thanks.

for friends who care about us & love spending time with us.

love.nu

love + wish + thanks: whispering from the westerlies

"music is a higher revelation than philosophy."

-ludwig van beethoven

[source]

i would be lying if i said that we haven't had our thanksgiving plans figured out for months now...  it seems for us, that everything goes a lot more smoothly if we discuss plans & expectations wayyy in advance.  last year was the first time that matt & i hosted thanksgiving at our house, and it went really well!!  this year, my sister is in england, and my parents are going on a trip to see other family during thanksgiving.  so matt & i will be participating in his family tradition -heading up to dana point to share the holiday with some family friends.  they are a great people, and we always enjoy spending time with them.  i am looking forward to it!!  plus, we get to have a second thanksgiving dinner with my parents when they're back in town.  score!!

what are your thanksgiving plans?

[source]

love.

the wonderful, resonant stories that are told through video games, specifically the legend of zelda games.  i just finished the wind waker for the first time this week, and it is absolutely brilliant.

[source]

wish.

on my wish list:

the anywhere but here lithograph by lights.  i know, i know... i can't shut up about lights lately.  but it would rock to have this hanging up in our house.

what i wish for others:

family & loved ones to share your time with.

[source]

thanks.

for a roof over our heads.  & for all the things that make it our home.

love.nu

where we'll shine: oreo turkeys

"a good memory is one that can remember the day's blessings and forget the day's troubles."

[source]

i came across these on pinterest & thought they were just too cute!!  i think i may make these to share.  i'm sure you can find all of this candy fairly cheap now that halloween has passed...

Ingredients:

Double Stuff Oreo Cookies
Candy Corn
Whoppers
Peanutbutter Cups
Chocolate frosting
Yellow Frosting
Optional: Red frosting
Optional: black sprinkles for eyes

First step:  Grab a cookie.  You don’t have to put frosting in there, but I like to because it holds in the candy corn a little better. Just give it a little squeeze of chocolate.

Then stuff in your candycorn.  If you’re in some sort of candy corn shortage, you can cut off the white tips to use later for your beaks.  I think the candy corn sticks in better with the tip so I leave it on.  Go ahead and do all of the cookies through this step.

Next put a dab of frosting on the opposite end of the cookie and secure it to the “base” cookie.  It helps to place them next to a wall as they dry so they stay put.

While those are drying, unwrap your PB cups.  Take a sharp knife and cut a sliver off of one end.  (I don’t need to tell you what to do with the sliver, do I?)  It helps to gently cut in a sawing motion so you don’t break the PB cup.  (Although I wouldn’t have to tell you what to do with a broken one either, would I?)  Cut it from the bottom like I show here:

Once those are ready, flip your cookies over, but you may find it’s easy to keep them next to the wall.  My frosting was a bit soft, so they needed the extra support.

Place a dab of frosting on the pb cup, and place it on the cookie like so:

Now those little guys will need heads, so glue a whopper on there with frosting as well. I put frosting on the side of the whopper that hits both the cookie and the PB cup.  Wouldn’t want a turkey running around with its head cut off, would we??

While they’re still laying there, use a dab of frosting (I use yellow) and glue on the white tip of a candy corn for a beak.  Put two yellow dots on for eyes, and for the black spots in the eyes you can use a dab of chocolate frosting, or a mini chocolate chip, or a little sprinkle like I’ve used.  A sprinkle is really the perfect size if you have them.

Once the beak stays put you can flip them over and draw on some little yellow feet.  If you have red frosting too (usually comes in a set with the tube of yellow) you can add a little gobble gobble. Or whatever that thing is called.  What is it called?  I’m too lazy to google.  Extra giveaway entry for the first person who can tell me.  Okay not really but I’ll think you’re awesome.

And there you go, cute as can be!

[source]:  oreo turkeys and cookie pilgrim hats from our best bites

love.nu

love + wish + thanks: you're not close enough

"be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need."

-sarah ban breathnach

[lucysnowephotography via etsy]

the concert was more amazing than we could have hoped!!  lights is so incredibly talented!!  we were tempted to drop everything & go up to see her a second time in l.a. on monday, but decided against it... only because we didn't want to be irresponsible.  but seriously..  if you have a chance to catch her on the siberia tour, do it!!

today i'm sharing!!  in light of the upcoming holidays, i thought it would be interesting to do this little, random series of things i love, things i wish, & things i am thankful for.

[source]

love.

when the weather starts cooling down and i start pulling out sweaters & scarves & coats & boots...  i love getting all bundled up and feeling the chill in the air outside.

[source]

wish.

on the top of my wish list:

a vacation to japan with my husband.  & a lot of time spent in tokyo.

what i wish for others:

relaxation & peace.  we're heading into a stressful time of the year.

thanks.

for my husband & for our marriage.  he is everything to me.

love.nu

lights

“honestly, if you don’t fit in, then you’re probably doing the right thing.”

-lights

[via mindequalsblown]

today i'd like to share one of my favorite music artists and also a person who i have a lot of respect for.  lights, or valerie poxleitner, is an electronic pop musician from canada.  at a young age she began writing and playing her own music as she traveled the world with her missionary parents.  at 18, she moved out on her own in toronto and legally changed her name to lights.  she started out composing music for others, but eventually released her own album: the listening.  last month she released her second album: siberia.  both albums are stellar, although significantly different from one another as her style has evolved.

i first discovered her music when matt had me watch a couple of her music videos on youtube last year.  i was hooked after watching second go.  i just love, not only her music, but her quirky personality, crazy-awesome talent, and outlook on life that i have a lot of respect for.  she has also done some super sweet paintings.

matt & i are going to see her in concert tomorrow night in san diego.  we are both so excited to finally have the opportunity to see her live, and we've been listening to her albums without cease during the past few weeks.

check out her music & let me know what you think!!

lights

facebook

twitter

youtube

love.nu

carrot cranberry cake with orange cream cheese frosting

"vegetables are a must on a diet.  i suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie."

-jim davis

[via gingerbread bagels]

mmmm...  here's another one from gingerbread bagels!!  this looks so good!!  it reminds me of the cranberry-orange dish that i make for thanksgiving.  what a perfect fall treat.  oh, and what is that??  cream cheese in the frosting?!  oh my...

For the Cake:

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

2 cups sugar

1 cups buttermilk, at room temperature

1/2 cup canola oil

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups shredded carrots

1 (8 ounce) can of crushed pineapple, drained well

2/3 cup dried cranberries – tossed with 1 Tablespoon all purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted walnuts, chopped

For the Frosting:

3 cups powdered sugar

8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 teaspoons orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon orange zest

Chopped unsalted walnuts, for topping.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, kosher salt, cinnamon, allspice, ginger and nutmeg. Set aside.

Grate 2 cups of carrots. (I typically use a food processor with the shredding disc blade but you can do this by hand)

Drain the crushed pineapple really well. (I put the pineapple in a strainer and press the juice out with my hands.)

Toss the cranberries with 1 Tablespoon of flour.

And measure out the chopped walnuts.

Set the shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, cranberries and walnuts aside.

In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together the sugar, buttermilk, canola oil, eggs and vanilla extract on medium speed until completely combined.

Slowly add in the dry ingredients on low speed. Mix until just combined.

Take a spatula and fold the ingredients together.

Add in the shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, cranberries and walnuts. Fold them in.

Pour the cake batter into a lightly greased 9 by 13 inch baking pan. Spread the batter out evenly.

Bake the cake at 350 degrees F for 25-28 minutes.

Cool the cake completely on a cooling rack. While the cake is cooling, make the orange cream cheese frosting.

Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl and set aside.

In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth for about 2 minutes. Do not over mix.

Add in the orange juice, vanilla extract and orange zest. Mix.

Slowly add in the powdered sugar on low speed until combined. Then increase the speed to medium and mix for about 2 minutes.

Spread the frosting onto the cooled cake. If you like, top the cake with chopped walnuts.

Cut into pieces and enjoy!

[source]:  carrot cranberry sheet cake with orange cream cheese frosting from gingerbread bagels

love.nu

i sense there's something in the wind

“pixie, kobold, elf, and sprite,

all are on their rounds tonight;

in the wan moon's silver ray,

thrives their helter-skelter play.”

-joel benton

[raceytay via etsy]

halloween is only a week away now!!  i'm sure everyone is finalizing fun plans for parties, etc.  as for matt & me, we will be spending the day celebrating our 2nd anniversary [& you can be sure there will be tons of delicious food involved]!!  i won't have use for these this year, but here are a few fun adult [as in alcoholic] halloween party goodies +plus some other fun stuff:

who knew tonic was so awesome & could be used to make glowing drinks?!.... as long as you have a black light.

be careful, the drunken gummies might take you down with them.

kah sells their tequila in these awesome skull bottles, which i love!!  totally dia de los muertos-esque.  i may be picking up a couple of the smaller ones.  on that note, crystal head vodka is sold in a.... yep!  crystal head bottle!!

here's a sweet idea for a trick-or-treat minicure.

these halloween candies will completely ruin your appetite.  i love candy, but i can't imagine putting this stuff in my mouth.  like.  ever.

if you still haven't brought home a pumpkin [like me] [fail] and you have a fresh&easy near you, their pumpkins are decent-sized and cost $6 for 2!!

also, fresh&easy makes pumpkin pie cheesecakes as a seasonal dessert... matt & i got one for thanksgiving last year, and it was to-die-for [no pun intended].  we have been checking every week to see if they have them in yet, but so far no dice.  i can't believe they don't have them yet!!  i need to feed my craving!!

have a swankified, scrumdiddlyumptious week!!

love.nu

this is halloween: candy bark s'mores

"after eating chocolate you feel godlike, as though you can conquer enemies, lead armies, entice lovers."

-emily luchetti

[via gingerbread bagels]

today is national recipe day, which is why i want to share with you this awesome-tacular recipe that i just discovered and now desperately want to try.  if you know me, you know that i love candy & chocolate & marshmallows & halloween [after all... i was married on halloween], and so why not put them all together into one glorious recipe?!!  i have the recipe here, but i will recommend following or at least reading the blog post and directions of the creator of this wonderful little treat.  it is a fantastic blog that i came across today on my quest for yummy things.  i am a sucker for food blogs, and this girl speaks my language.  can i have some now?  is it ready yet??

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Halloween Oreos, chopped
1/4 cup candy corn
1/4 cup Halloween Kit Kats, chopped
1/4 cup Fall colored Peanut Butter M&Ms
8 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips (I recommend Guittard or Ghiradelli semi sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. I don’t recommend Nestle, it doesn’t dry very well and will still be soft the next day.)
8 ounces milk chocolate chips
4 ounces orange candy melts

20 graham cracker sheets
20 marshmallows


First make the candy bark:
Chop the Halloween Oreos and measure out 1/2 cup. Chop the Halloween Kit Kats and measure out 1/4 cup. Measure out the candy corn and the M&Ms. Set the candy aside.

Place a large piece of parchment paper down on the counter.

In a large microwavable bowl, melt the semi sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips together.
Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper. Spread it out into a 9 by 12 inch rectangle with a spatula.

Melt the orange candy melts in a small microwavable bowl.
Place drops of the melted candy in rows of three.
Using a knife, swirl the chocolate down and up and then back and forth.
I always go back and swirl the chocolate in different places where there aren’t many swirls.

Place the candy and cookies on top of the melted chocolate. Let the candy bark dry for at least 4 hours.

Once the candy bark has dried, chop it into about 20 pieces. Set the candy bark pieces aside.


For the s’mores:
These are the directions to make 20 s’mores at a time. Feel free to do however many you want at a time.

Break the 20 graham cracker sheets in half.
Place a piece of candy bark on 20 of the graham cracker pieces.

Take a baking sheet and line it with foil. Spray the foil with non stick spray.
Place the marshmallows on top of the foil. Put the baking sheet under the broiler until the marshmallows are toasted.

Put a toasted marshmallow on top of each candy bark piece.

Take the other graham cracker pieces and press them on top of the toasted marshmallows.

Enjoy!

[source]:  halloween candy bark s'mores from gingerbread bagels

love.nu

i'm waiting for my moment

“a girl should be two things: classy & fabulous.”

-coco chanel

[rollercoasterflight via flickr]

I'm gearing up for the weekend and our neighborhood garage sale tomorrow morning!!  You know what that means... donuts & making money (a lot we hope)!!

In the spirit of the season, here are some Halloween costume ideas from celebrities.  Fun to see them dressed up!!

InStyle Costume Ideas

BuzzSugar Pop Culture Costumes

Here are a few other costume ideas that I thought were creative.

Carrie

Little Miss Sunshine

Lieutenant Uhura

And here's one I couldn't resist sharing.... Sarah Michelle Gellar's little girl as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz last Halloween.

[via celebritybabyscoop]

One of my biggest pet peeves are "sexy" Halloween costumes.  Just another excuse for girls to wear next-to-nothing.  Huffington Post did an article on 13 costumes that have no business being "sexy".  Some of them are pretty funny!!

The best costumes are classy & creative... stay classy ladies!!

love.nu

simply irresistable: snickerdoodle cupcakes

“until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with the cupcakes you baked."

[via a farmgirl's dabbles]

it's the time of year for baking now, right?  i made my own version of these little guys a few years ago, just by adding cinnamon to regular vanilla cupcakes, but i'm betting these are loads better.  despite the quirky name, snickerdoodles are one of my favorite cookies, and the cupcakes are pretty awesome too.  if you try them, let me know what you think!!

for the cupcakes:

1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1-1/2 c. cake flour (not self- rising), sifted

1 T. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1-1/2 T. cinnamon

1 c. unsalted butter, at room temperature

1-3/4 c. sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature

2 tsp. vanilla

1-1/4 c. milk

for the cinnamon-sugar dusting:

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 T. sugar

Preheat oven to 350°. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners and set aside.

Sift together both flours, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of milk, and beating until combined after each.

Divide the batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes.

Mix together the 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons sugar in a small bowl for dusting the frosting. Set aside.

Yield: about 28 regular size cupcakes

for the cream cheese frosting:

8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 c. unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

3 c. powdered sugar, sifted

Using an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and cinnamon and beat just to combine.

Slowly add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

Using a pastry bag fitted with a large plain round tip (I used Ateco No. 808), pipe frosting on each cupcake. Immediately finish by dusting the frosting with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

[source]:  snickerdoodle cupcakes from a farm girl's dabbles

love.nu

we are the lucky ones

"autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile."

- william cullen bryant

[georgiannalane via etsy]

here's a little taste of what i'm listening to this week.  mood music for autumn, rainy days, and quiet afternoons.  what i won't tell you is that i'm also listening to the wicked soundtrack (oops, i just did).

glittering cloud
imogen heap

mad world
gary jules

the funeral
band of horses

keep myself awake
black lab

monsters
hurricane bells

don't forget to breathe
bitter:sweet

micro melodies
the album leaf

somewhere only we know
keane

where the fence is low
lights

french exit
the antlers



love.nu