My sister and her husband spent three weeks in Thailand for their honeymoon. They took a couple cooking classes while they were there. What a great idea. Lucky for us, they had Jim and I over for dinner.

Spring rolls. Salad. Curry. It was so tasty.

if you like a little kick...

If you're looking for a new way to cook grilled chicken breast, you've got to try this recipe. Jim and I made it last night for ourselves and some friends at a BBQ/bonfire and it seemed to be a hit. I thought it was really tasty. We used habanero jelly that Mike and Melissa (Rubberneck Farms) sent us home with last time we visited. Even though the recipe seems lengthy, it calls for very few ingredients and as a team we whipped it up quickly.

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Orange Chipotle Glaze

my own private book club

I should not even consider going into Elliot Bay unless I have at least $60 to spend. After staring at the stack in my hands I decided to walk out with only one. Zeitoun was a great book. Quick and easy, I finished it in four days. It feels nice to be reading again.

Note to self: Don't take Jim to the bookstore with you unless 1.) you want to feel pressured to choose quickly and 2.) you want to watch what it's like for someone to wander around a bookstore so completely bored.

book

currently reading

birchbox arrival #1

It finally arrived. I've been waiting weeks. If you haven't heard of Birchbox before let me explain. Birchbox is a website, dedicated to beauty whether it be makeup, skincare, etc. You can sign up to receive your very own Birchbox every month that includes four or five samples of various products...always a surprise. Birchbox online also includes lots of how to videos and informational articles. As a bonus you get points every time you order a box, refer someone or buy any of the products you've received as samples. Most importantly it's just a great way to try new products and find what you like. For only $10/mos it's worth it.

Let me share with you my box. I don't think I could have asked for a better first box since I've been really interested in new skincare. Now that I've finally quit smoking I can see the changes in my skin and it's time to start taking care of my face and give it lots of love. I'd like to attempt to reverse some of the damage I've already done, and fingers crossed I'll age better now. Goodbye smokers wrinkles! Trying a new face wash was a nice start and god knows I need the eye treatment pads since I constantly have bags under my eyes, for no reason. I was really excited for the blinc product because they recently came out with a new mascara that is way ahead of its time and creates this tubing method. Check out this product. It's really cool. The hair ties are amazing. I'm definitely purchasing these. They look much better around your wrist and thus far haven't left a funny crimp in my hair. The hair repairing mask I'll hopefully try over the weekend. My locks always need love since I rarely let my stylist cut them. I can't part with the length.

blinc eyeliner in black
Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask
Pangea Organics Cleanser
WEI Tibetan Chrysanthemum correcting eye treatment pads
Twistband Hair Ties

I can't wait for my next box.

houseplants part 2

I bought some more cacti today. Five little ones to be exact. Now if I could just find a the perfect sized rectangular planter for them. Not too long. Not too deep. Not too wide. In a fun color.

rough stuff

Prove to me
I'm not gonna die alone
Put your arm 'round my collarbone
Open the door

Don't lie to me
If you're putting the dog to sleep
That pet you just couldn't keep
Couldn't afford

Well prove to me
I'm not gonna die alone
Unstitch that shit I've sewn
To close up the hole that tore through my skin

Well my trust in you
Is a dog with a broken leg
Tendons too torn to beg
For you to let me back in

You said I can't prove to you
You're not gonna die alone
But trust me to take you home
To clean up that blood all over your paws

You can't keep running out
Kicking yourself off the bed
Kicking yourself in the head
Because you're kicking me too

Put your trust in me
I'm not gonna die alone
Put your trust in me
I'm not gonna die alone
I don't think so

Put your trust in me
I'm not gonna die alone
Put your trust in me
I'm not gonna die alone
I don't think so 

new specs

MY NEW GLASSES

I CAN'T WAIT TO PICK THEM UP ON FRIDAY.

Now I know that they may not be the perfect glasses for my face but this time I decided to disregard that. Despite the fact that I am required to wear them when I drive, I'd like to think of them as an accessory. These are exactly what I was looking for. I'm pleased.  

feist returns

It's exactly what I wanted to stumble upon today.

How Come You Never Go There by Feist

houseplants part 1

For years I've been neglecting to decorate my house with something that its really needed. For my birthday this year one of the items I asked for was houseplants and cute pots to go along. As I browse the internet looking at photos of adorable apartments I'm so envious of all the greenery and colorful pots. That is what I'm lacking(among many other things). I have my aloe plant in my kitchen but that's it. I received some bamboo as a housewarming gift eight months ago and neglected to take care of it. But now I've been feeling that I'm ready.

My parents gave me a great floor plant on my birthday and with a gift certificate to home depot from a friend I was able to pick up some more bamboo, a succulent, a couple cute pots and some miracle grow.

I was so excited to place my first new plants in my apartment yesterday, which led me to a short search online of other great indoor plants. I've already started creating my list for my next purchases and am really anxious to go to the nursery.

on the road again

I was so happy to have him home for a few days. I can't wait to have that feeling again in a couple weeks.

hello goodbye

It's been a busy past few days. Jim's sleeping right now so let me catch up.

FRIDAY
Surprises at work...

Hello Kitty Cake Pops from Becky and Chicken Adobo from Candice.
I'm so lucky.

SATURDAY
My Birthday
I spent the majority of the day with Jackie and Kimmy. We went downtown for shopping,sushi and drinks.

And then I spent the evening at the Sunset in Ballard.
Kimmy bought me my first issue of Apartamento. I'm in love. The stories and photos are wonderful.

Jackie got me a nice hairbrush that I desperately needed, along with tons of goodies to take care of my nails (since I don't bite anymore) and a gift card to get some plants for the apartment.

Such great gifts.


SUNDAY/MONDAY/TUESDAY
Jim came home after being on tour for four weeks. I thought this day was never going to come. Thank god it did.

The past few days and been perfect. Movies and cuddle puddles. A bonfire at Mike and Melissa's (she made the tasty zucchini & chocolate cake above). Out for breakfast. Korean BBQ. Boom Noodle (I'm not sold). Trip to the zoo. Dinner at both our parents houses. Shopping downtown. Jim got me the Marc Jacobs wallet I was dying for!!!

WEDNESDAY
Today's our last day together before he leaves again. I'm nowhere near ready.

walking the cow

great daniel johnston cover

soup for one

Soupe au Pistou

fresh pesto

veggie prep

dinner