tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50851982569470862252024-03-12T23:00:22.570-07:00Freelance MusesFreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-72435320804493093572012-08-26T21:12:00.001-07:002012-08-26T21:52:34.406-07:00Midnight snack - single serving molten chocolate cakeRecently the WCM tried a little thing she discovered on <a href="http://pinterest.com/freelancemuses/">Pinterest</a> - the microwave chocolate chip cookie. Being a pastry chef, the West Coast Muse knew that this wasn't going to match up to the Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookie recipe or anything...but might it do in a pinch? Kinda. If you are really hankering for cooked chocolatey dough, go for it! However, if you want a sweet n' salty cookie with that crisp crust and tender, melty chocolate inside, skip it! You just can't get that sumptuous texture in a microwave.<br />
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Instead of trying the microwave cookie, I say, go for the individual molten chocolate cake. This takes more <i>cooking time</i> than the two minute microwave cookie BUT it takes the <i>same amount of active time</i>. You are just melting a few things in a bowl and throwing it in the oven (or toaster oven!) for a couple minutes.<br />
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Let's get down to it.<br />
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<b>Single Serving Molten Chocolate Cake</b><br />
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1 Tablespoon butter<br />
1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips<br />
1 Tablespoon sugar<br />
1 teaspoon flour<br />
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1 egg<br />
pinch of salt</div>
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+ a little extra deliciousness (I used a pinch of cumin! Other ideas - cinnamon, cayenne, ground lavender, or frangelico.)<br />
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Flip your oven to 375.</div>
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Melt the butter and chocolate together in a bowl (~ 60 seconds in the microwave). Mix in the rest of the ingredients. Plop the batter into a greased 6 oz ramekin. </div>
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Pop it in the oven for 8-11 minutes, until the edges are well set but the inside is still gooey. When it's done, pull it out of the oven, put a plate on top of the ramekin and then flip it upside down so the cake slides out. </div>
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That's it! So if you need a warm cakey chocolate fix before you hit the hay, forget mediocre microwave cookies and bake yourself a quick gourmet treat. Best served bedside with a cold glass of milk and your favorite book. </div>
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Night, loves!</div>
FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-68162160355348301272012-02-17T12:06:00.000-08:002012-02-17T12:06:52.818-08:00To Shellac or Not to Shellac<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOPYL2oj65duoKg38uQC-wT38akXaumKawSDvjozYObxhzoJ-TLBqTwFIq_7vXC-RLwnKKoAHycOn__0oIxg3QJ7SW7yAYDSthWDgAR-8X9vulJIzh01g3yPzx3XSzl20PVZUd5AbFPc/s1600/shellac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOPYL2oj65duoKg38uQC-wT38akXaumKawSDvjozYObxhzoJ-TLBqTwFIq_7vXC-RLwnKKoAHycOn__0oIxg3QJ7SW7yAYDSthWDgAR-8X9vulJIzh01g3yPzx3XSzl20PVZUd5AbFPc/s320/shellac.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a>Shellac manicures are all the rage right now, at least here on the East Coast. And why not? The benefits promised by indulging in a shellac manicure are alluring: a beautiful manicure that lasts for up to three weeks, no-chip color, and extra savings for you in the long run. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Deciding to see what all the hype was about, I went to get a shellac manicure with a friend about a month ago. The manicure started off as one would expect – soaking, trimming, filing, cuticle-grooming, etc. However when it came time to apply the color, the nail technician slathered my hands in SPF 60 baby sunblock and inserted them into small boxes with the creepy purple glow of UV light. Apparently this is the only way that the shellac nail polish sets properly. It kind of creeped me out, but I decided that for the low, low cost of $28, surely this manicure and its promise to last 2+ weeks was worth it. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As we left the nail salon with our pretty manicures, the nail technician reminded us to make an appointment to have our polish removed properly - that is, by her at the salon again. We promised to obey and left. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Fast forward two weeks – my manicure was still intact, but hanging on for dear life. Admittedly, I am hard on my hands – I type on a keyboard all day, I do a lot of cooking, and I wash a lot of dishes; not only that, but the time during which I had my manicure was also when my husband and I were busy doing a lot of prep around the apartment for our baby boy (due this summer). Also, my nails currently grow super-fast due to the prenatal vitamins, so it was painfully noticeable that my manicure was growing out at the base of my nails. I noticed that the polish was starting to peel off, and having heard that this was a major no-no, I tried to apply some top coat to keep it on for another few days until I could visit a salon. No dice – the very next day, while running my hands through my hair, the polish peeled right off of my finger. Two more followed. I rushed to CVS to purchase some acetone, which I had read was the only way to remove the polish. That didn’t work. I soaked. I scrubbed with cotton balls. I soaked again. No dice. I ended up peeling off the rest of the polish from my other seven fingers. My nails, usually healthy and pink and white and hard (people often ask if I have a French manicure when I’m not wearing any polish at all) were soft, transclucent, and bearing the scars of the shellac peeling off the top surface layer of my fingernail. I was horrified – and very sad. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Bottom line regarding shellac manicures: they do serve their purpose. I could see going out of the country for a business trip and getting one of these manicures so that I don’t have to worry about a chipping manicure while traveling. However, I’m not sure that I would get another shellac manicure just for the day-to-day. Below are my “Lessons Learned”: </div><ul><li>Go to a salon and have the manicure removed properly by a nail technician</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don’t get a shellac manicure just for the day-to-day – signing up for the same color for 2+ weeks is quite a commitment</li>
<li>If you are someone who is particularly hard on your nails, aim to keep your shellac manicure for at least 10 days, but at the first signs of distress, go to the salon and have it removed (otherwise you’ll end up peeling it off like I did) </li>
</ul>We would love to hear what you think about shellac manicures - have you had one? How did it work out for you? Did you like it, or hate it? Let us know in the comments section.FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-67607336714996968192012-02-15T12:44:00.000-08:002012-02-15T12:46:45.775-08:00Meatless Monday: Pea-lafel<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week, WCM was down to the dregs in the pantry - I had reached the point when all that was laying around was rice, peanut butter, and tuna (well, and loads of frozen oatmeal banana chocolate chip cookie dough and 5 kinds of homemade ice cream). A dinner this makes not. AND I had zero time to shop. My weekly menu went something like this: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Monday night - take out Thai </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tuesday night - tacos from my local taqueria and a bottle of chardonnay from the corner store. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday night - I don't remember, but vaguely recall the last bits of three different kinds of pasta mixed together with some butter and a can of black beans....and the rest of that bottle of chardonnay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thursday and Friday - who knows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So last night, I fiiiinally got to menu plan and grocery shop. I felt quite relieved that I would spend the rest of the week eating "real" food. One of the things at the top of my list - pealafel! Pealafel is the invention of the beautiful and spunky Aarti Sequeira. For anyone living under a rock, Aarti ran a blog for a long time and posted fabulous cooking videos. She then joined the cast of The Next Food Network Star. And she was AMAZING (she won)! The Muses were definitely backing Aarti during that competition - she is so real and radiant, and it seems as though she's the kind of person that would easily slip into your friend group and come over for brunch (which would be great because I bet she'd bring something delicious to brunch). Not only that, but she's brilliant when it comes to infusing Indian flavors into modern American food. Pea-lafel, for example. This dish is the same basic concept as falafel, except it is made with peas and edamame instead of chickpeas. So delicious and fresh! I love to load plain ole pita bread with pealafel, tomatoes, cucumbers and tatziki.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">PS, Dear Food Network, this photo is awful. Common people, really. The whole </span><i style="font-family: arial;">point</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> of your company is to make food appetizing. </span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pealafel - recipe loosely based off of Aarti's on </span><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aarti-sequeira/fried-pea-and-mint-patty-sandwiches-pea-lafels-recipe/index.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Food Network</span></a></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Ingredients: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp fennel seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 tsp coriander seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup frozen edamame, thawed and drained</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 shallot, peeled and chop roughly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 clove garlic, peeled</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Handful of fresh mint leaves, plus another handful for yogurt sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Glug of extra virgin olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Salt and pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Squirt of horseradish sauce (optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup besan (chickpea flour; regular flour is a fine substitute)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Canola oil for frying</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup plain yogurt</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Directions: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In small skillet, toast the fenugreek, fennel and coriander seeds for a couple of minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly darker. Don’t walk away from the pan! They’ll burn! Remove from pan into a small bowl and allow to cool. Meanwhile, make yogurt sauce: Mix yogurt with finely chopped mint leaves and a generous pinch of salt. Chill in the fridge. Throw seeds into a coffee/spice grinder and powder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throw peas, spices, shallot, garlic, mint, extra virgin olive oil, salt into a food processor. Whizz it up, and if it isn’t grinding well, then pour up to 1/4 cup of water and puree until smooth. It won’t get completely smooth, because of the edamame, but process until as smooth as possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scrape into a big bowl. Add horseradish sauce (optional) and flour. Mix.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour enough oil into a nonstick skillet so that it’s 1/8″ thick. Heat over medium heat until shimmering. Meanwhile, shape mixture into a small pattie in your hands, then gently drop into oil. Fry until the bottom is dark caramel brown (about 2 minutes), then carefully flip over. Brown other side, then remove from the pan and drain on paper towel-lined plate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Serve in a pita bread pocket with some fresh veggies and a spoonful of the yogurt sauce.</span>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-65206299403702963252012-02-02T11:49:00.000-08:002012-02-02T11:49:50.522-08:00Caramel: on the rocks with saltOk, maybe you don't want your caramel on the rocks but you <i>do </i>want it on ice cream, drizzled on cookies, or even on pretzels (Lisa!) and you <i>certainly </i>want it with salt. A co-worker of ECM asked this morning where she could buy high quality caramels to melt down and schmear on cookies (yum!). But why buy when you can make?! Well, I guess because buying is easier but you are talking to WCM who has been pegged as the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anna-brones/the-10-types-of-foodies_b_1170430.html">"Made It Myself!" Foodie</a> (this description is an uncomfortably accurate depiction of real life events in this girl's SF kitchen). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhEmNZz20l3PA9MRyAqfAhZziJIKqYK3CwADXDiSPov8fHwGa2CyIhjOVYXeYWMnYhOdv95z0ybagnfqlVDCPEyd6-q7ksluZ6FR9chmfE_LViam1oyY-JkK85b2EwNlnq7-KGhEk-Co/s1600/pouringcaramel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhEmNZz20l3PA9MRyAqfAhZziJIKqYK3CwADXDiSPov8fHwGa2CyIhjOVYXeYWMnYhOdv95z0ybagnfqlVDCPEyd6-q7ksluZ6FR9chmfE_LViam1oyY-JkK85b2EwNlnq7-KGhEk-Co/s1600/pouringcaramel.jpg" /></a>In any case, the Muses conferred over email about our caramel making strategies. <br />
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ECM likes the <a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/kelsey-nixon/salted-caramel-sauce-recipe/index.html">wet method</a> described in this Cooking Channel recipe. WCM prefers the <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2008/01/how-to-make-the/">dry method</a> illustrated by David Lebovitz. They are the same basic concept except one doesn't have water. Even if you go with the wet method, check out David's troubleshooting and tips. Thank you David Lebovitz, we bow to your genius.FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-79078150793799099672012-02-01T12:27:00.000-08:002012-02-01T12:38:09.970-08:00Aunt Brenda - Food Muse for a Sick DayYours truly (the West Coast Muse) is working from home today since I'm feeling under the weather. All I can (day)dream about though - is soup. Nice hot soup. Since I am "cold sick" not "icky stomach" sick, I am really yearning for a filling, soul-satisfying soup, too.<br />
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When I was in college (at Florida State, woop woop!), I spent my first year in Tallahassee living with my Aunt Brenda, her awesome husband Roger (who lovingly teases me to no end), and their twin boys. Brenda and I loved to cook. I'll be honest: there were occasional weeknights on which we could be found scarfing down cans of Spaghetti Os. It's true. But she and I both really loved to entertain and cook for a crowd. ... and crowds were frequent at Brenda's. She and I would cook from the stash of well-worn copies of <i>Gourmet</i> and <i>Bon Appetit </i>that collected high on a kitchen shelf.<br />
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Also during my first year at school when I was living with Roger and Brenda, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and for the next five years fought like a damned <i>champion</i>. Funny bit of info for you ladies: after her double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, she was elated that her bra cup size increased from an A to a C. She also loved to brag about her absence of the monthly "blessing" because the chemo caused her to go into early menopause. I very specifically remember her saying, "I should have gotten breast cancer years ago!" I adore my memories of Brenda, how she fought, how she cooked, and her sense of humor. <br />
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The last time I was able to talk to Brenda was at my grandparents house when she called from Florida on Thanksgiving day. I had just gotten engaged and I remember asking if her twin boys would be ring bearers in the wedding (the three of us had talked about this extensively while I was living with them ;). Sadly, a month later my favorite aunt, who had become more like a best friend, passed away. Just a few short months later I received a wedding gift from Uncle Roger: a complete collection of all the stock pots one could ever possibly need. The card attached to the package said that my newly-acquired, fully-stocked kitchen was from Aunt Brenda, too.<br />
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The following soup recipe is one that Brenda and I loved to make together. In a bit, if I feel up to it, I think I'll make a trip to the grocery store, snatch up some ground turkey, pull out one of my stock pots from Brenda, and make a hot pot of turkey meatball soup. Soul-satisfying, indeed!<br />
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<b>Escarole and Orzo Soup with Turkey Parmesan Meatballs</b><br />
via <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Escarole-and-Orzo-Soup-with-Turkey-Parmesan-Meatballs-107692">Epicurious</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWvswM63p9vlD9iuxls16yWMopXkw8pAT06vNx0pX9Q1oso8SkA1MJiigJcIsmq85sB3lnDBGehEQbp5SpRuSAX5NK7jonaVximjPeMmz_zsDNqop0yLgXeE-Lfs4ybOTCKqMj8Su3jU/s1600/escarole+orzo+turkey+meatball+soup+brothy+sick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWvswM63p9vlD9iuxls16yWMopXkw8pAT06vNx0pX9Q1oso8SkA1MJiigJcIsmq85sB3lnDBGehEQbp5SpRuSAX5NK7jonaVximjPeMmz_zsDNqop0yLgXeE-Lfs4ybOTCKqMj8Su3jU/s320/escarole+orzo+turkey+meatball+soup+brothy+sick.jpg" width="259" /></a><br />
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1 large egg<br />
2 tablespoons water<br />
1/4 cup plain dried breadcrumbs<br />
12 ounces lean ground turkey<br />
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese<br />
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley<br />
2 garlic cloves, minced<br />
3/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper<br />
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8 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth<br />
1 cup chopped peeled carrots<br />
3/4 cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta)<br />
4 cups coarsely chopped escarole (about 1/2 medium head)<br />
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For the meatballs...whisk egg and 2 tablespoons water in medium bowl to blend. Mix in breadcrumbs; let stand 5 minutes. Add turkey, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper; gently stir to blend. Using wet hands, shape turkey mixture into 1 1/4-inch-diameter meatballs. Place on baking sheet; cover and chill 30 minutes.<br />
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Bring 8 cups chicken broth to boil in large pot. Add carrots and orzo; reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered 8 minutes. Add turkey meatballs and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in chopped escarole and simmer until turkey meatballs, orzo, and escarole are tender, about 5 minutes longer. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Rewarm over medium heat, thinning with more broth if desired.)<br />
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Ladle soup into bowls and serve. Also, I really seem to remember this tasting lemon-y when Brenda and I made it. So I would top each bowl with a squirt of fresh lemon juice.FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-71125260273876604862012-01-31T08:05:00.000-08:002012-01-31T08:05:23.468-08:00[belated] Meatless Monday: Vegetarian Tortilla SoupThe East Coast Muse was a bit preoccupied yesterday, and it's only now, Tuesday morning East Coast time, that the Meatless Monday post is being delivered to you. To be fair, it's not everyday one gets to find out the gender of their first child (for those who care - it's a boy!) But it's Tuesday now, and back to work. <br />
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This week's Meatless Monday post can be prepared vegan, should you skip adding shredded Mexican cheese and sour cream as garnish in the last step. This recipe is adapted from <a href="http://eatingwell.com/">EatingWell.com</a> - <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/vegetarian_tortilla_soup.html">the original recipe</a> called for some hard-to-find Mexican specialty ingredients, and we're all about making vegetarian/vegan cooking accessible to even the busiest singles and most harried mom's out there (let's be honest: negro pasilla and sprig epazote aren't just hanging out in your local grocery, unless you live in San Antonio - in which case, check out the original recipe and knock yourself out). <br />
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We hope you enjoy! ECM made this for her lunch co-op last week (post to come regarding this very fun new endeavour and its many benefits) and the ladies loved it - one even remarked that tofu and kale are not something she incorporates in her diet regularly (read: ever) and she gobbled it up and begged for the recipe. <br />
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<strong>Vegetarian Tortilla Soup </strong><br />
adapted from <a href="http://eatingwell.com/">EatingWell.com</a><br />
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<strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br />
1 15-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes<br />
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<div>2 tablespoons chipotle sauce</div><br />
<div>2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided</div><br />
<div>1 medium white onion, sliced 1/4 inch thick</div><br />
<div>4 cloves garlic, peeled</div><br />
<div>4 cups vegetable broth </div><br />
<div>4 cups water</div><br />
<div>1 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu</div><br />
<div>4 cups chopped kale leaves</div><br />
<div>½ to 1 teaspoon salt</div><br />
<div>1 ripe large avocado, cut into 1/4-inch cubes</div><br />
<div>2 cups roughly broken tortilla chips</div><br />
<div>3/4 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese (cheddar and Monterrey-jack mix) </div><br />
<div>Sour cream (optional)</div><div>1 large lime, cut into 6 wedges</div><br />
<div><strong>HOW TO </strong></div><ol><li>Place the can of tomatoes and their juice as well as the chipotle sauce into a blender. Blend well. </li>
<li>Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, 6 to 9 minutes. Scoop up the onion and garlic with a slotted spoon and transfer to the blender with the tomato-chipotle mixture. Blend until all ingredients are smooth.</li>
<li>Return the Dutch oven to medium heat. When hot, add the puree and stir almost constantly until the puree has thickened to the consistency of tomato paste, about 6-8 minutes. Add the vegetable broth and water, and bring to a boil, then adjust heat to maintain a simmer, leaving the pot uncovered.</li>
<li>Drain tofu, rinse and pat dry, then cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook in a single layer, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes, until beginning to brown – this will take about 10 minutes total. Once the tofu cubes have become nice and golden on almost all sides, add to the soup and simmer for 30 minutes (again, uncovered). </li>
<li>Add the chopped kale to the soup and season with salt to taste, depending on your taste and the saltiness of the broth you used (I found that I needed about a teaspoon of salt – but be sure to add a little at a time and taste as you go). Stir the soup until the greens are wilted, about 3 minutes (you don’t want them mushy, just nice and tender). </li>
<li>Ladle the soup into soup bowls. Divide the avocado, tortilla chips, cheese, and sour cream (if using) among the bowls. Serve warm, with lime wedges.</li>
</ol>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-81345566272023322242012-01-26T14:37:00.000-08:002012-01-27T18:28:39.242-08:00Macy's Customer Service and their need to do multiplication drills during staff training...<div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Recently (well, not that recently anymore) the WCM decided to get some new dinnerware. I ordered these (amazing) <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=974116&catId=HOME-TABLETOP-DINNERWARE&pushId=HOME-TABLETOP-DINNERWARE&popId=HOME&navCount=70&color=040&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=HOME-DINNER-COLLECTIONS" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">salad plates</a> from Anthropologie.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjdD3SXXnTXWLrvtuq-XlT_x3HtiHLlOaSnuyCX0SRewzGFh-USzUMvcUPFqGOoXHw03Y4YNla9jfltRqrsT1fdU5W8yRfgJDIdu67U_1PIPHrlenO-F-d3BvchoML-_HherKmXZU710/s1600/anthropologie+from+the+deep+salad+plate+macys+customer+service.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjdD3SXXnTXWLrvtuq-XlT_x3HtiHLlOaSnuyCX0SRewzGFh-USzUMvcUPFqGOoXHw03Y4YNla9jfltRqrsT1fdU5W8yRfgJDIdu67U_1PIPHrlenO-F-d3BvchoML-_HherKmXZU710/s320/anthropologie+from+the+deep+salad+plate+macys+customer+service.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">To accompany these under-the-sea wonders of beauty, I ordered these <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/bia-dinnerware-feathered-collection?ID=550818" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">dinner plates and bowls</a> from Macy's. Let's all agree at the outset here that these plates and bowls are kind of amazing. Their style pairs perfectly with the nautical look/feel of the Anthro plates - in fact, the bowls even look like seashells. (Please note: this detail is crucial as to why I didn't give up on Macy's customer service 4+ months ago).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt8xVCAX62H6030RWyibe6YpBML6zVuxX8h05MhQM033mKByaBr1yUCGjZaC1nS13VxByNDD505GU7ug6S-oDrytiwgZAMvKRGmlD6p5K54u3iB9648knr4omsnq_uPkExI3B1N-pjKk/s1600/bia+feathered+dinnerware+macys+customer+service.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt8xVCAX62H6030RWyibe6YpBML6zVuxX8h05MhQM033mKByaBr1yUCGjZaC1nS13VxByNDD505GU7ug6S-oDrytiwgZAMvKRGmlD6p5K54u3iB9648knr4omsnq_uPkExI3B1N-pjKk/s320/bia+feathered+dinnerware+macys+customer+service.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">In August, I ordered 3 sets of the above-pictured dinner plates, bowls, and mugs. Each items comes as a set of 4 (i.e. 4 plates come together, 4 bowls come together), so I ordered enough to have 12 place settings (you all are following me with the multiplication at this point, correct?).<br />
<br />
To reiterate, please note: this saga began in August. Checking the timestamp on my blog posting, it is now the end of January. <br />
<br />
<br />
Soon after ordering my plates, I receive a box in the mail from Macy's, containing exactly:<br />
3 plates<br />
3 mugs<br />
3 bowls <br />
<br />
Not 3 <i>sets</i>...just 3 individual pieces of each. <br />
<br />
Hrmph.</div><div style="font-family: arial;"><div style="font-size: small;">I decided to call Macy's for some help clarifying the matter. </div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me:</strong> "Hello, dear customer service. I ordered 3 SETS of plates, however I only recieved 3 plates, 3 mugs, and 3 bowls." </div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep</strong>: "Oh right right, we'll be sure to send the rest out."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Time goes on - and I receive nothing in the mail. Stumped, I call Macy's again. </div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me:</strong> "Um, just a quick question: where are my dinnerware settings?" </div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep</strong>: "Oh right...about that...it turns out these place settings are on back order...it's going to be another 3-5 weeks."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me</strong>: <em>Internal groan</em>. "Ok fine, I can wait."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">A month after placing my original order, I received an email from Macy's whose subject line reads, "Return merchandise confirmation." I call Macy's again.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>An increasingly annoyed Me</strong>: "What is this email?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep: </strong>"Oh, it's a refund for the dishes you ordered."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"And what refund is this? I'm still waiting for my dishes."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Rep: </strong>"I'm afraid those aren't on back order, they're actually out of stock."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"You know, they probably<i> were</i> in stock when I originally ordered them, but you sent me the wrong amount of stuff."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Rep: </strong>"Yeah, right. sorry about that. We will have your money refunded and send you a $25 gift card."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Ok. Thanks....?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Two weeks after this exchange, my money still had not been refunded. So I call Macy's again.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Where the hell is my money?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep: </strong>"Good question. Um, let me look through these notes. [insert long pause] Ma'am, it appears that your dishes are on back order."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Are they on back order, or are they out of stock?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Rep: </strong>"Back order, so you should receive them."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Ok fine. I can wait. How long do you think it will be?"<br />
<strong>Macy's Rep: </strong>"Let me see....oh no wait, you know what? They ARE out of stock. I'm sorry. We'll refund your money."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"If these are out of stock, why are they still on your website?"<br />
<br />
....riiiiight</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
This time, Macy's refunded my money. Meanwhile, I happened to find my coveted and long-awaited place settings online at Bloomingdales. Bloomies was selling them individually, so I ordered 12 bowls and 12 plates. </div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Bloomingdales sent 1 bowl (one!!), followed by an email whose subject line reads, "Cancellation confirmation. Cancelled items - 11 bowls, 12 plates." So I call Bloomingdales.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Seriously?! What does this email mean?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Bloomingdales Rep: </strong>"Well, those place settings are out of stock, so your order has been cancelled and refunded...except for the one bowl, because you have that already."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me, now frantic: </strong>"One bowl?! What do you want me to do with <i>one bowl</i>?!? I ordered a <i>set</i> of dishes, and you sent me ONE BOWL! It's like if I had ordered a pair of socks and you sent me just one, rather than the pair. Or if I had ordered a set of silverware and you sent me one knife. Please, for the love of all that's pure and holy, just refund my money."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">In December I noticed that the plates and bowls are <i>still </i>on the Macy's Web site. I needed to talk to them about this.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Are these <i>actually</i> available? I already ordered them once and didn't get them [insert long, dramatic retelling of the story here]."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep: </strong>"No, they are definitely available! Try again!"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">I ordered 3 sets of 4 plates, and 3 sets of 4 bowls (you all can do the math, right? Again - I'm essentially ordering 12 place settings). </div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">The next week I receive my box, containing 3 plates. Are these people kidding me. So I call Macy's agian.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Yeah, so 3 times 4 equals 12."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep: </strong>"We'll get those sent out right away."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">The following week, I recieved my new box, which this time has 3 more plates in it. I called Macy's again.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Ok kids, what the hell is going on out there? I have received the wrong amount of dishes three times."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep: </strong>"This is a problem at the warehouse. Our systems says "set of 4" but theirs doesn't."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"....Curious, considering that the packing slip <i>in the box</i> says SET OF 4 on it."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Rep: </strong>"We have to fix it on the warehouse's end, give it 5 days and they'll send you the rest of your stuff"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">I waited 10 days, all the while giving Macy's the benefit of the doubt, but after 10 days I still had received nothing. I called Macy's. </div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"[Retell dramatic story]. I am still missing 6 plates and 12 bowls. You told me 10 days ago to expect the rest of my shipment in 5 days. </div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep: </strong>"Oh dear! Let me send that out right away."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">This time, I immediately received a shipping confirmation. YAY!</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;"><div>Meanwhile, I received a gift card for $100 in the mail from Macy's. Clearly they heard my cries and groans and compensated me. Thank you, Macy's!</div></div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Shortly thereafter, I received a box...of 3 bowls. <br />
<br />
Now, this is probably the point in the story when you start to doubt my credibility and you want to close your browser window so as not to read anymore, right? Macy's couldn't <i>possibly</i> send you the wrong number of items four times. Oh yes, my friends, yes they did! Also, this is when all my friends (who have been monitoring the saga with me for months) start to say, "It must be written on the Web site wrong? They must come individually, not as sets." Interesting thought but no...I went over this with my Macy's customer service friends (who are now more like close family if you are measuring familial ties based on the number times you call a person in a week. Hell, I call them multiple times a day, it's like we're dating... note to self: dump Macy's).</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Call Macy's</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"So, listen here. [Recount fiasco in great and dramatic detail]."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service: </strong>"I can see why this is frustrating. I will get everything else sent out to you right away."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Soon, I received my new box from Macy's...of 2 plates. THIS MUST BE A COSMIC JOKE! Are you <i>kidding</i> me?! FOUR TIMES THREE IS TWELVE. <b>TWELVE!!!</b><br />
<br />
At this point, the current dish count is 8 plates and 3 bowls. </div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Last Wednesday, I decided to call Macy's again.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"I want to talk to a manager."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep: </strong>"Sure, what seems to be the problem?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"I am not repeating this story more than once. Get a manager."<br />
<strong>Macy's Rep: </strong>"Sure, hold on."</div><div style="font-size: small;">[Hold for 15 minutes]</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's: </strong>"Hi, how can I help you?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Is this a manager?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Person on the other line: </strong>"No, but I can help." </div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"No. Get. A. Manager."</div><div style="font-size: small;">[Hold for 15 more minutes]</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Person on the other line: </strong>"Just hang on another minute."</div><div style="font-size: small;">[Hold 10 more minutes. Clearly Macy's is not only terrible at multiplication, but they can't tell time, either.]<br />
<strong>Person on the other line: </strong>"Ok, I have someone who can speak to you, but they need 5 more minutes."</div><div style="font-size: small;">[Hold for 10 more minutes...get transferred....to the Macy's <i>credit card division </i>(?!?!)]</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"LISTEN, I have been on hold for 50 minutes waiting for a manager and now somehow I've been transferred to <i>credit cards?! </i>I don't even <i>have</i> a Macy's card (nor do I EVER plan to apply for one now!). You get a manager on this phone right now!"</div><div style="font-size: small;">[Hold 10 more minutes]</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Manager: </strong>"Hello ma'am, how can I help you?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"YOU CAN HELP ME BY SENDING ME MY EFFING DISHES!!"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Manager: </strong>"Sure thing, right away ma'am." (This is where she also told me that she would put this on her "watch" list so she would call me before I could call her if something was wrong. Take a guess if that happened.)</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">I received a Fedex shipment confirmation in my email inbox. I notice that the box en route weighs 2.1 lbs. Huh. That doesn't sound like the weight of 4 plates and 9 bowls.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">I weigh one of my 3 bowls. 11 oz. Hmm...now if I am supposed to be receiving 9 bowls, that would be 9 x 11 oz = 99 oz ...that's a little more than 6 lbs (plus the weight of the box and shipping materials). Clearly, this is not the rest of my merchandise. But, of course, we wouldn't expect them to realize that because, if we've learned one thing, it is that Macy's staff struggle with elementary <wbr></wbr>mathematics.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Last Friday night, I called Macy's.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"...just send me my dishes already."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Rep: </strong>"Sure. I just talked to Josh* and he is contacting the warehouse directly instead of ordering them through the system. These will ship on Monday, second day, you'll get everything Wednesday."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Perfect. And what is Josh's extension?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Rep: </strong>"Um, I don't know."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Ok, what's his last name?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Rep: </strong>"Eeeerrrrr...."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Let me talk to a manager."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Manager: </strong>"Hi, this is Jake Allen."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Hi Jake, I'd like to receive the merchandise I paid for."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Jake: </strong>"Sure sure, Cynthia and Josh just ordered it. You'll get it Wednesday. If you have any problems you can call me."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Jake, I don't have too much faith in this. You are very nice and you all have clearly understood the issue, but based on previous experience, I'm fairly skeptical."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Jake: </strong>"I understand. See we're in Missouri and the warehouse is in Connecticut so it's hard because if it was our warehouse here, I'd just go talk to them myself."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Jake, I don't care if you have to <i>fly</i> to Connecticut and personally put 4 plates and 9 bowls in a box yourself and then walk them to me in California, get me my plates!" (I actually said this)</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Jake: </strong>"No worries, I'll be sure to help if you hit any problems. Let's talk Wednesday to see what you get. Here is my direct line"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"PS Jake, I don't feel like I should really be paying for this, at this point."<br />
<strong>Jake: </strong>"I understand, but did you get our $100 gift card?"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"You know Jake, I'm not really falling all over myself about the gift card because if I were to charge you my hourly wage for the amount of time I have spent on the phone with Macy's customer service, it would add up to more than that."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Jake: </strong>"Let's see what you get on Wednesday and then we can talk about some kind of accommodation if you are still unsatisfied."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile, Cynthia sends me an email confirmation of all we've discussed and tells me that my dishes will come Wednesday.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">On Monday...no shipment confirmation. I checked my order online. Nothing new has shipped.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">I called Jake. </div><div style="font-size: small;">No answer.</div><div style="font-size: small;">Left a message.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Tuesday, still nothing.</div><div style="font-size: small;">I called Jake. <br />
No answer.</div><div style="font-size: small;">Left a message.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Wednesday (yesterday), still nothing.</div><div style="font-size: small;">Called Jake.</div><div style="font-size: small;">No answer.</div><div style="font-size: small;">Left a message.<br />
<br />
Have you died Jake Allen? Are you out with the <i>flu</i> Jake Allen?</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">I called Macy's customer service - the only thing it seems I know to do these days.<br />
<strong>Me: </strong>"Manager! Now!"</div><div style="font-size: small;">[Hold for 20 minutes]</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep: </strong>"We can call you back...the supervisor is on another call."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Fine - call me back."</div><div style="font-size: small;">I never received a phone call. Let's be honest - nobody is actually surprised by this at this point. <br />
<br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile, I get home from work to that package that we saw in shipment. Ya know, the one that <i>should have</i> weighed 7+ lbs. It was 2 bowls. I. kid. not.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: small;">Call Macy's.</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Manager!"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Macy's Customer Service Rep: </strong>"I can help."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"No, you can't. Manager."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Manager: </strong>"Hi, this is Sandy!"</div><div style="font-size: small;">"[Recap ridiculous story with Sandy (who has turned out to be a real gem and quite attentive in the following days...unfortunately for her, she was getting me at a very frustrated point)]. Sandy, I need you to place an order for me of 7 SETS of bowls and 4 SETS of plates"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Sandy: </strong>"But if I do that, you'll get like, 28 plates!!"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Really Sandy, <i>really</i>? I've received SIX shipments of the wrong thing. I would really be shocked if somehow they suddenly miraculously sent me the correct thing."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Sandy: </strong>"Ok right. I'll do it, and send you an email confirmation. Oh and errr... umm, the plates are on back order until March 11."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Do you know WHY that is Sandy? Because every person that is ordering a set of 4 dishes is getting 1 dish so Macy's is sending 1 dish here and 2 dishes there. So my sweet BIA feathered plates are scattered all over the country. But when those people get fed up and send their three plates back, you're going to send them to <i>me</i>."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Sandy: </strong>"You know I could refund the money on a gift card and you could just buy them at the store."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"SANDY THEY AREN'T SOLD IN STORES!!!! Don't you think I would have thought of that after wrong shipment number FIVE?!?!!"</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Sandy: </strong>"Right, I'll order you 7 sets of bowls and 4 sets of plates. And I'll send you another $100 gift card."</div><div style="font-size: small;"><strong>Me: </strong>"Thanks, and you might want to check on Jake Allen. I think he might have slipped in the bathtub or something."</div><div><div style="font-size: small;"></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*all names of Macy's customer service team members have been changed for their job security. </span></div></div>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-10954692147020909182012-01-23T13:27:00.000-08:002012-01-23T13:29:12.283-08:00Vegan Monday : Peanut Isareli Couscous stuffed Peppers<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Good friends of the West Coast Muse are in the middle of a 30-day vegan challenge (how San Francisco of them!) Now, the WCM is a pretty serious meat-eater so when I made dinner plans with the aforementioned friends, a bit of panic pulsed through my body. Not only did I need to make a main course that was meatless but also eggless, milkless, and (gasp) cheeseless! Ok, deep breath. People existed and functioned before cheese was invented. Right? People survived prior to goat cheese, yes? yes.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">So your WCM searched far and wide for a good vegan recipe but nothing really suited my fancy. So I made up this recipe. ::pause:: Now, I am a <i>pastry chef</i>...I <i>bake</i> things. I make up recipes all the time....for ice cream and cake and truffles. But I will be the first person to admit that when it comes to being inventive with savory dishes, my mind goes blank. I am a great cook if I have a recipe but I can't just create things. So the fact that I made up this recipe AND that it was <i>delicious </i>is momentous. Also, if you're squeamish about vegan eatin' you need to rest at ease because if you're favorite bacon-eater is calling the following recipe delicious, you need to trust, because I am not easily pleased. </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>Peppers stuffed with Peanuty Israeli Couscous</b></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">When you are imagining this on your "mind's tongue", think pad-thai flavors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">2 Tablespoons olive oil</div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">3 cloves garlic, minced (or squished through a hand dandy garlic press)</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Heat oil on medium heat in a large pot. Add garlic and cook for a few minutes being mindful to not let your garlic get too brown.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">12 oz israeli couscous (easily found at TJs)</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Add israeli couscous to the oil and garlic and cook, stirring frequently until the couscous are toasted. </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">2 1/2 cups water or veg stock</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">3 Tablespoons soy sauce</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">1 Tablespoon siracha</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Add the above three ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook until your couscous are tender. </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">1/4 cup peanut butter</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">1/4 cup oil</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><div>1/2 teaspoon cayenne</div></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Mix the peanut butter and oil into the couscous until they are well-coated. </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">6 small rainbow carrots, chopped</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">1 can garbanzo beans</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Toss chopped carrots and beans into the cous cous and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Now let's stuff some peppers...Take 6 bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, whatev) slice them in half length-wise and gut them out from seeds and veins. Lay the peppers in two oiled baking dishes and load 'em up with the cous cous mixture. Drizzle a little bit more oil on top and pop 'em in the oven at 400 degrees for 45-60 minutes, until the peppers are tender. </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Top the cooked peppers with with chopped scallions and toasted peanuts. YUM!</div>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-80492652134257239142012-01-09T09:05:00.000-08:002012-01-09T09:05:38.084-08:00Meatless Monday: Sloppy No'sToday's Meatless Monday post is an original recipe by the ECM's dear husband. With a craving for sloppy joe's and a penchant for eating well this time of year, what's a man to do but make a few substitutions? I must say, I'm pretty proud of him. Try this recipe for yourself and let us know what you think! <br />
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Sloppy No's <br />
by Eric Asche<br />
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Prep time: 10 minutes<br />
Cooking time: 15 minutes<br />
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1 cup vegetarian ground "beef" crumbles (add more if you desire a thicker consistency)<br />
1 cup garbanzo beans<br />
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (preferred brand: Stubb's) <br />
1/4 cup ketchup<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped<br />
1 small jalapeno, finely chopped (remove seeds) <br />
2 or 3 garlic bulbs for a little extra flavor, finely chopped<br />
Healthy dose of Salt / Pepper, to taste<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1: Combine ingredients in medium saucepan<br />
2: Bring mixture to a boil<br />
3: Reduce heat to low, cover and let cook for 10-15 minutes, or until onion is tender (remove cover to thicken) <br />
4: Stir occasionally <br />
5: After finished cooking, let contents sit and cool for 5 minutes to help thicken <br />
6: Toast buns, add pickle, slaw, tots and get after it!FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-33717944888770418102012-01-03T08:28:00.000-08:002012-01-03T08:28:56.975-08:00Meatless Monday - Low fat vegetarian black bean soupHello dear readers, and Happy New Year! <br />
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The Muses fell off the wagon a bit in the past couple of months - who knew that promotions / new jobs could mean REAL work to do and less time to play? <br />
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Alas. <br />
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It's Monday, and the FIRST Monday of the New Year, at that. We are bringing back Meatless Monday posts in the Big 12, and first up on the roster: low fat, vegetarian black bean soup. What could be more delicious in the chilly winter than some soup? Not only that, but this soup is super inexpensive, super quick to prepare, and uses mostly pantry items that you most likely already have laying around. <br />
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The ECM made this for herself and her dear husband last week, and already it's back in the line-up of this week's dinners. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!<br />
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<strong><u>Low Fat, Vegetarian Black Bean Soup</u></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[Adapted from Bon Appetit (August 2004)]</span><br />
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2 tablespoons olive oil<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
1 carrot, chopped<br />
4 garlic cloves, chopped<br />
2 teaspoons ground cumin<br />
One half jalapeño chile without seeds, chopped<br />
2 15-ounce cans black beans, undrained<br />
1 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes in juice<br />
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth<br />
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Chopped fresh cilantro<br />
Low-fat sour cream<br />
Tortilla chips<br />
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Heat oil in a heavy large pot (I used my Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, and garlic; sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 6 minutes. <br />
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Mix in the cumin and 1 teaspoon jalapeño, and stir for about a minute or so, letting the cumin toast. <br />
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Add undrained black beans, tomatoes with juice, and vegetablebroth; bring soup to a boil. <br />
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Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until carrots are tender, about 15 minutes. <br />
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Using a large ladle, transfer 3 cups of the soup to a mixing bowl and using an immersion blender, puree until smooth. <br />
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Return the puree to the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes, until thickened. <br />
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Season to taste with salt and pepper (apprx. 1 teaspoon each, but judge by your taste).<br />
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Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, and garnish with cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and some crumbled tortilla chips.FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-74559399719698994442011-12-30T10:01:00.000-08:002011-12-30T10:01:21.766-08:00Start Your New Year Off with the Right KnotSit down. Are your kids running around screaming? Hush them. You, little missy, need to focus for the next 4.5 minutes. You are about to watch one of the best YouTube videos of. all. time. <br />
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The Muses have been waiting for a video like this for <i>years </i>- it definitely rocked our worlds. Twenty-five different ways to wear a scarf, and compiled into a campy, super cute little video. We are definitely inspired! We can't wait to try the "DIY-Infinity," "The Celebrity," "The Braid", and "The Bunny Ears." Perhaps we'll use the month of January to try all 25.<br />
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Prepare to be inspired, and enjoy!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5LYAEz777AU" width="560"></iframe></div>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-23622617030146415222011-12-27T16:15:00.000-08:002011-12-27T16:31:12.873-08:00Leggings (as pants) not permitted after Labor Day....or during any other seasonAs you are well aware, the Muses have long raged against fellow fashionistas sporting leggings as pants. In fact, we regularly chant to one another, “Leggings are not pants!” and can be heard muttering the same when walking behind anyone wearing a short shirt with a pair of leggings. Though we love, love, love Joanna Goddard, the goddess behind A Cup of Jo, we happily disagree with her <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2011/12/black-leggings.html">recent praise of leggings as pants</a>, and her patronage of the $68 EmersonMade <a href="http://shop.emersonmade.com/Bag-O-Black-Leggings">bag o’leggings</a>. We wholeheartedly stand by our original battle cry of, “Leggings are not pants!” VPLs* abound in leggings, and many leggings do not offer the coverage you need. Don’t believe us? Don your beloved leggings and stand next to an open window while the natural light streams in and take another peek at your <i>derrière</i>.<br />
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However, being the reasonable gals that we are, we’re here to say that there is something behind the slim, sleek, silhouette of black pants – and we agree, this is something to crave! Audrey Hepburn, anyone? The sight of that little pixie prancing around in her slim black pants and flats is something we all adore and aspire to. But the answer is not leggings. The original name for these pants is “cigarette pants,” and while that name is a bit antiquated, the look is not.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eL4X9GDfMRw/Tvpff_bNLqI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Yk_kA0LjSRA/s1600/audreyhepburn_cigarette+pants+leggings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eL4X9GDfMRw/Tvpff_bNLqI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Yk_kA0LjSRA/s400/audreyhepburn_cigarette+pants+leggings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Take a peek at J.Crew, for example (another brand that Jo frequently plugs). The “Minnie” pant offers the look that we all desire, but gives us an actual pants version of them in both <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/minnie/PRDOVR~47383/47383.jsp">wool</a> and <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/minnie/PRDOVR~18850/18850.jsp">twill</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XS3mwSbePs/TvpiXZpgYyI/AAAAAAAAAs8/74tSelrfhTc/s1600/J+Crew+Black+Cigarette+Pants+Minnie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XS3mwSbePs/TvpiXZpgYyI/AAAAAAAAAs8/74tSelrfhTc/s1600/J+Crew+Black+Cigarette+Pants+Minnie.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Bottom line (pun totally intended), save the butt-bearing leggings for under tunics and dresses, and score a pair of slim, figure-hugging pants like the ones from J.Crew. Your rear-end, your figure, and your mother will thank you (and us).<br />
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End rant.<br />
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*VPL – visible panty line.FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-81999140140255800622011-10-17T19:01:00.000-07:002011-10-17T19:01:30.433-07:00meatless monday: noodle bowlIt's finally feeling like fall on the east coast! I love slurping warm soup on a cool day out of a big bowl. I made this soup the other night and it was positively delish. It contains udon noodles (Japanese buckwheat noodles) and tofu, as well as plenty of veggies, so it's super satisfying and hearty.<br />
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Things to note: this recipe does call for oyster sauce and chicken broth, which do not make this meal entirely meatless if you're being strict. Feel free to substitute veggie broth. Oyster sauce does contain fermented dried oyster - again, if you're not comfortable using this, there are vegetarian options available (for example, Sin Tai Hing Vegetarian Oyster Sauce or Soy Sauce with Mushroom by Healthy Boy Brand).<br />
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<a href="http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/udon-tofu-stir-fried-vegetables.aspx">Udon with Tofu and Stir-Fried Vegetables</a><br />
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Kosher salt <br />
3/4 lb. dried udon noodles <br />
3 cups lower-salt chicken broth <br />
1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. oyster sauce <br />
1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. rice vinegar <br />
4 tsp. Asian sesame oil <br />
1/4 cup minced fresh ginger <br />
2 Tbs. canola oil <br />
3/4 lb. bok choy, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces (4 cups) <br />
3-1/2 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced (1-1/2 cups) <br />
1/2 lb. extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes <br />
2 medium carrots, cut into matchsticks <br />
3 medium scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, for garnish <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2gdg5KTR1eK0JqkNEwPO4DK_OkfW7e4ALHJJzVnRFJQjXE3uB5uAGjxo8nrI6DBVBHBNTVY8xnBzfomHnhO4f-UWKmaeqKHTJ8UZRmfcXbQWZwiB5cm-hNz8F98S1RODY_fZghsyP2w/s1600/udon_soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2gdg5KTR1eK0JqkNEwPO4DK_OkfW7e4ALHJJzVnRFJQjXE3uB5uAGjxo8nrI6DBVBHBNTVY8xnBzfomHnhO4f-UWKmaeqKHTJ8UZRmfcXbQWZwiB5cm-hNz8F98S1RODY_fZghsyP2w/s1600/udon_soup.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of Fine Cooking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bring a medium pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook, stirring, until tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a colander and run under cold water to cool slightly. Drain well.<br />
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In a medium bowl, mix the chicken broth, oyster sauce, vinegar, and 2 tsp. of the sesame oil.<br />
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Heat the ginger and canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the ginger sizzles steadily for about 30 seconds. Add the bok choy and mushrooms, sprinkle with the remaining 2 tsp. sesame oil and 3/4 tsp. salt and cook, tossing after 1 minute, until the bok choy turns dark green and begins to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth mixture, tofu, and carrots and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the carrots are soft and the tofu is heated through, 5 to 7 minutes.<br />
<br />
Distribute the noodles among 4 bowls. Spoon the vegetables, tofu, and broth over the noodles. Sprinkle with the scallions and serve.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Love,<br />
The East Coast MuseFreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-53916730114232046002011-10-12T11:15:00.000-07:002011-10-12T11:15:25.158-07:00Real Sukkah: West Coast StyleLast year we shared some inspirations for <a href="http://freelancemuses.blogspot.com/2010/09/sukkah-decorating-inspirations.html">classy Sukkah decorations</a>.<br />
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This year we thought we would show a few pictures of our real Sukkot feast that were inspired by that post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAhyHe7ban1qKZ_XuZix5TkRwkGARm5avKIGB-X3fnMW73zXfHD_52J44FzELgK35iX5xrF_7OtfHYtn_xn-6Mu3uj2WTfFDbXGBjgHsZr0dGoSSMU8bblHAN8RRQXY2M7yDercyVwik/s1600/sukkah+building.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAhyHe7ban1qKZ_XuZix5TkRwkGARm5avKIGB-X3fnMW73zXfHD_52J44FzELgK35iX5xrF_7OtfHYtn_xn-6Mu3uj2WTfFDbXGBjgHsZr0dGoSSMU8bblHAN8RRQXY2M7yDercyVwik/s400/sukkah+building.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First of all, there was the construction of the Sukkah. We had a former architect and a number of musical theatre geeks (read: set design) in our group so this was no small sukkah with a couple twigs and a blanket. It was framed out and built up like a serious Californian earthquake proof building....ok maybe not earthquake proof, but it was intense.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCKnHB2oG5gtv7okp25Iv1lwNXuR_VZ7by4lF3xAfteli4weRFMRVa2MBsDsMxHtF7Bc1WV0y4Eqt5yJzx9SdSa6lnKGd6c0JkZmbXeM17oXOAqH9QTFayVUcD4EXogbV45iHV8TTGzU/s1600/classy+unique+stylish+modern+sukkah+decoration2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCKnHB2oG5gtv7okp25Iv1lwNXuR_VZ7by4lF3xAfteli4weRFMRVa2MBsDsMxHtF7Bc1WV0y4Eqt5yJzx9SdSa6lnKGd6c0JkZmbXeM17oXOAqH9QTFayVUcD4EXogbV45iHV8TTGzU/s400/classy+unique+stylish+modern+sukkah+decoration2.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the roof, we added some <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_231190-87439-65001000_4294934297__?productId=3393438&Ntt=bamboo&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Building%2BSupplies_4294934297__s%3FNtt%3Dbamboo&facetInfo=">rolled bamboo fencing</a> material which is easily found at your local hardware store. The group had a number of light weight tapestries that had been collected from international travels that were tacked on to three sides. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdBm8AHEeqYf3zByhyphenhyphen07ONRBB6OYeNOhEcZXtaiIVI87rWi6pR2rofkrUC8dFnJtkPzbPpVh-9SFJVucVghzqq7CISiHdiEoj_fVMu57YbSJhFAmBf97UsF-AIeJp6SwHh3xNfwtg2tE/s1600/classy+unique+stylish+modern+sukkah+decoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdBm8AHEeqYf3zByhyphenhyphen07ONRBB6OYeNOhEcZXtaiIVI87rWi6pR2rofkrUC8dFnJtkPzbPpVh-9SFJVucVghzqq7CISiHdiEoj_fVMu57YbSJhFAmBf97UsF-AIeJp6SwHh3xNfwtg2tE/s400/classy+unique+stylish+modern+sukkah+decoration.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a few Ikea lanterns (featured in last years post) that we attached to the 2x4 roof structure. Tea lights were placed in the lanterns as well as scattered around the table to give some beautiful ambient lighting. There was also a standing light outside behind the white sheet for added visibility. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We covered our mismatched tables with one long tablecloth and bam....a beautiful and classy sukkah. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy feasting, friends.</div>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-47879117154651767442011-10-10T15:58:00.000-07:002011-10-10T15:59:44.863-07:00Meatless Monday: let's poach an eggA poached egg, they are like bacon, everything is better when covered with it.<br />
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<div>When you are going for a Meatless Monday sometimes salad and pasta can get tired if you are just tossing some vegetables in. A whole bunch of vegetables on pasta, a whole bunch of vegetables on spinach, a whole bunch of vegetables on quinoa, a whole bunch of...blah blah. It gets old, right? So throw an egg on it! The richness of that runny yoke will not only add decadence to your otherwise yawn-worthy dinner but they are also loaded with protein and a decent amount of iron. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Now we realize that many people fear the poached egg. The West Coast Muse sure did until the sweet East Coaster told her how simple it is. We prefer the swirl technique. Take it away Brandon Jew...</div><br />
<div align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/26894631?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe> </div><br />
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<br />
Ok so now that you're all master egg poachers, let's check out some recipes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCj3uhUlZR7J1tssg1hU1Ug7atXwd88OiLNa1DnQHa1NEu7x-O_m3dAeQWimOVnaBZpVBUsmwvpY33dvYGKcZAKe7ZcsIDXMFlLcfVyQBHW-m8Uw9epd3mMVPdFBUXif36waggVqkljBs/s1600/poached+egg+quinoa+fall+vegetables+meatless+monday+hash+vegetarian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCj3uhUlZR7J1tssg1hU1Ug7atXwd88OiLNa1DnQHa1NEu7x-O_m3dAeQWimOVnaBZpVBUsmwvpY33dvYGKcZAKe7ZcsIDXMFlLcfVyQBHW-m8Uw9epd3mMVPdFBUXif36waggVqkljBs/s400/poached+egg+quinoa+fall+vegetables+meatless+monday+hash+vegetarian.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/fall-vegetable-and-qinoa-hash-with-poached-eggs">Fall Vegetable Quinoa Hash with Poached Egg</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTi8toFb0JwOPXjBcn_quePQzzZ_T_S2K-9wrkGB3XXRcbV2svBHsR3FP_xLzaC0q4gm-8r0obKfWZh_BNBNuYh_lOxG5u87vJWqTPAybQh4474LwgFdSwmh_9K3uHAvi1MsDODhT4Fg/s1600/poached+egg+tomatoes+portabella+mushroom+meatless+monday+vegetarian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTi8toFb0JwOPXjBcn_quePQzzZ_T_S2K-9wrkGB3XXRcbV2svBHsR3FP_xLzaC0q4gm-8r0obKfWZh_BNBNuYh_lOxG5u87vJWqTPAybQh4474LwgFdSwmh_9K3uHAvi1MsDODhT4Fg/s400/poached+egg+tomatoes+portabella+mushroom+meatless+monday+vegetarian.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Poached-Eggs-with-Roasted-Tomatoes-and-Portabellas-109119">Poached Eggs with Roasted Tomatoes and Portabellas</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb6XTBmEWYG_03OOyk5DqLiJqdRyc_8oH7pNDZaqJi6YFzl5AbHA_P-ZNP6_mMBqlhIMTrF4d731zgftAL8Vtpd3aB7Oq-eqxHitvSqlWSuhCzIpY1BxfuKLxJcydG_6RXN2CgzRTGl8/s1600/Poached+Egg+over+Polenta+with+Olive-Herb+Pesto+Meatless+Monday+Vegetarian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJb6XTBmEWYG_03OOyk5DqLiJqdRyc_8oH7pNDZaqJi6YFzl5AbHA_P-ZNP6_mMBqlhIMTrF4d731zgftAL8Vtpd3aB7Oq-eqxHitvSqlWSuhCzIpY1BxfuKLxJcydG_6RXN2CgzRTGl8/s400/Poached+Egg+over+Polenta+with+Olive-Herb+Pesto+Meatless+Monday+Vegetarian.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/breakfast/poached-egg-over-polenta-with-oliveherb-pesto-from-danielle-of-the-trail-of-crumbs-breakfast-with-a-blogger-148103">Poached Egg over Polenta with Olive-Herb Pesto</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Vegetable-Barley-Soup-with-Poached-Egg-240585">Vegetable Barley Soup with Poached Egg</a></div>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-54826383685275563182011-09-26T13:56:00.000-07:002011-09-26T14:32:30.080-07:00Meatless Monday: Soup RoundupFall - as of Friday, it was official. What a fabulous season! We are looking forward to sipping mulled wine, wearing tights and boots, finding persimmons at the market, watching leaves turn bright shades of red and orange, and eating warm comfort food.<br />
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So this week we are taking a look at all kinds of soup from vegetarian pho (the traditional Vietnamese noodle dish) to cornmeal soup from everyone's favorite rustic Italian chef Lidia Bastianich. Soup is a simple way to make any meal meatless. There are so many options from straight veggie to soups loaded with noodles or rice. If you find a delicious looking recipe made with chicken or beef stock, just sub in some great quality veg stock and you're in business.<br />
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<div align="center"><embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F103720529063349937246%2Falbumid%2F5656764762407489713%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="341" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="511"></embed></div><br />
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<div class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/soup/recipe-vegetarian-pho-107312">Vegetarian Pho</a></span></div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://gourmettraveller.com.au/swede-soup-with-pickled-hazelnuts-and-turnips.htm">Swede Soup with pickled hazelnuts and turnips</a></span><span class="s2"> (fyi a "swede" is a rutabaga)</span></div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://gourmettraveller.com.au/pumpkin-barley-and-miso-soup-with-fried-wakame.htm">Pumpkin Barley and Miso Soup with friend wakame</a></span></div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/minestrone-10000001536107/index.html">Minestrone</a></span><span class="s2"> </span></div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2010/10/rustic_spinach_and_cornmeal_soup">Rustic Spinach and Cornmeal Soup</a></span></div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://annies-eats.net/2011/02/15/tortellini-soup/">Tortellini Soup</a></span></div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="http://gourmettraveller.com.au/beetroot-soup-with-crme-frache-horseradish-and-crisp-rye-crackers.htm">Beetroot Soup with crème fraîche horseradish and crisp rye crackers</a></span></div>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-15157669162339507382011-09-19T18:26:00.001-07:002011-09-20T10:02:03.721-07:00A Stylish iPhone Case - the perfect accessoryBags, shoes, earrings - check, check and check. Of course we all have those quintessential accessories down pat - they complete our look. But let's say you're one of the millions of iPhone users - you want something that matches your style as far as that goes too, yes? <br /><br />We've all seen the same, tired iPhone cases you can get at the Apple Store, or the cheap-o ones that you can purchase at a mall kiosk with your fave sports team logo. But what's a girl to do if she wants something unique and stylish - something that catches admiring looks from passers-by when you pull it out to text or schedule your next hair appointment?<br /><br />Of course, the Muses have a few suggestions for you: <br /><br />1) Go totally unique -- Society 6 is a venue for artists to sell their creations. Browse more than 12,000 pieces of artwork to find something that speaks to you...or speaks about you. The best part, they will turn any painting, picture, or print from their website into a case or skin for your iPhone, iPod, or even your computer. <br /><br />2) Support individual vendors & their creativity -- you can find almost anything to suit your fancy on Etsy.com. Soft cloth covers, cute little pockets, hard covers that look like retro Nintendo holders or phones - if you want it, chances are you can find it on Etsy - or commission a vendor to create it for you. <br /><br />3) As if we need to tell you -- two little words that make any girl happy: Kate Spade. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2AsjWpNV_WfglsIZM4451M8gv6Q7q-Ig0ijSwfrlUkElPqQEy1C0T8vdAX5CHpz6-h95QuWO6dBDik-_-Hgp3sb9QTClo-rMEVcrV-WfZ1swO8A2Nnt2Qzve-L30sSYuKDogEAkCM14/s1600/blue+kshirahm+sky+mandala+iphone+case+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2AsjWpNV_WfglsIZM4451M8gv6Q7q-Ig0ijSwfrlUkElPqQEy1C0T8vdAX5CHpz6-h95QuWO6dBDik-_-Hgp3sb9QTClo-rMEVcrV-WfZ1swO8A2Nnt2Qzve-L30sSYuKDogEAkCM14/s320/blue+kshirahm+sky+mandala+iphone+case+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://society6.com/product/kshirahm-sky-mandala_iPhone-Case">Mandala</a> by Peter Patrick Barreda</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaUI_mgKHx7MhepdaEoO4ehKunY3u_a95d21-K0UUrbWECDZT9Maa-P90YrZoSjFyXnYHw1dXndJflWvvIyNm86Aqqgj7hvju_MXQhNf3bj23CH5GrsMXRsiqpgZkbgFKXNoaK-k6-EU/s1600/kate+spade+lipstick+matchbook+iphone+case+envelope+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaUI_mgKHx7MhepdaEoO4ehKunY3u_a95d21-K0UUrbWECDZT9Maa-P90YrZoSjFyXnYHw1dXndJflWvvIyNm86Aqqgj7hvju_MXQhNf3bj23CH5GrsMXRsiqpgZkbgFKXNoaK-k6-EU/s1600/kate+spade+lipstick+matchbook+iphone+case+envelope+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish.gif" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-m4U77_4mgZsNoNsl4Pab2gvpUJ9nD8IXfiSlevOF1I3QfbodhlnsJLKQ_Q1j8ElpjD07GE2C0XEvu2glpnVYNK9FngE6oAP88_6tL22twxc_NoIxUNcl9JgDn9-koYMbi0-i9ee80I/s1600/personalized+iphone+case+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-m4U77_4mgZsNoNsl4Pab2gvpUJ9nD8IXfiSlevOF1I3QfbodhlnsJLKQ_Q1j8ElpjD07GE2C0XEvu2glpnVYNK9FngE6oAP88_6tL22twxc_NoIxUNcl9JgDn9-koYMbi0-i9ee80I/s400/personalized+iphone+case+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79852360/personalized-modern-iphone?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=iPhone+case&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=">Personalized Cases</a> from Etsy</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8uU2tAu0jQyPEuXxqC80NzG1dyeJsZX0Grql9R3vgwmAnqsIMztb4PLTDW7ojWcH5JeWdbnZ1g1-FOiYRQctpaQcqW6Bsatdc-GzRY7VKbc7TYisFf04zQyn21lc0PP_Ge6Z-gWgCgc/s1600/Mermaid+iPhone+case+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish+Mandy+Tsung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8uU2tAu0jQyPEuXxqC80NzG1dyeJsZX0Grql9R3vgwmAnqsIMztb4PLTDW7ojWcH5JeWdbnZ1g1-FOiYRQctpaQcqW6Bsatdc-GzRY7VKbc7TYisFf04zQyn21lc0PP_Ge6Z-gWgCgc/s320/Mermaid+iPhone+case+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish+Mandy+Tsung.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because for at least one of the Muses the dream of being a <a href="http://society6.com/product/Mermaid-XME_iPhone-Case">Mermaid</a> never died</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5mUV4BxSVD8rYJ4uEgInvlOo36nRGprDrstzquw2i2_hWtDiXTf_6KquXaqA6-bNonalokPC_tWJdWRHy2YrMsXYDJMWJ2ZcxwoMX9xLvenzEbYWrEBPMRqksvl80psEBa4Wwg1_OHo/s1600/kate+spade+lipstick+matchbook+iphone+case+envelope+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5mUV4BxSVD8rYJ4uEgInvlOo36nRGprDrstzquw2i2_hWtDiXTf_6KquXaqA6-bNonalokPC_tWJdWRHy2YrMsXYDJMWJ2ZcxwoMX9xLvenzEbYWrEBPMRqksvl80psEBa4Wwg1_OHo/s320/kate+spade+lipstick+matchbook+iphone+case+envelope+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh <a href="http://www.katespade.com/designer-cell-phone-laptop-cases/designer-iphone-cases/kate-spade-tech-accessories-matchbook-4g/PSRU0605,default,pd.html?dwvar_PSRU0605_color=639&start=5&cgid=laptop-phone-cases">Kate</a>, how we love thee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMl0Sdfp7ZA3lgh1pop_WCePbdyjey56O-7UCmbk97KTaKlfgtdv75vUucPuqMX9PMU70XSr7CxRJ6Bter0KSXiF4YteL3lorxC_2lzOTRBJ6KV6qF15xQawMk38UXL7L_ODhU2FJQ7c/s1600/blue+iphone+case+envelope+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMl0Sdfp7ZA3lgh1pop_WCePbdyjey56O-7UCmbk97KTaKlfgtdv75vUucPuqMX9PMU70XSr7CxRJ6Bter0KSXiF4YteL3lorxC_2lzOTRBJ6KV6qF15xQawMk38UXL7L_ODhU2FJQ7c/s320/blue+iphone+case+envelope+girly+artsy+creative+unique+stylish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71864413/iphone-case-iphone-4-case-iphone-4-cover?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=iPhone+case&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=">Cell Phone Envelope</a> from Etsy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhDROSdrzpe64s9lYY0SHZxomcM7wrwWDiaiWXz1Oij4gAyHTkr31E1NT0pTDs58PXNLGiSdBzPitDTP8_2AhuNcDj3ENf7pKi2DFtGfl50ZnRj4G1IAGWdyK3FfxR4QxbOmc2ayIB6s/s1600/Notorious+BIG+french+iphone+case+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhDROSdrzpe64s9lYY0SHZxomcM7wrwWDiaiWXz1Oij4gAyHTkr31E1NT0pTDs58PXNLGiSdBzPitDTP8_2AhuNcDj3ENf7pKi2DFtGfl50ZnRj4G1IAGWdyK3FfxR4QxbOmc2ayIB6s/s320/Notorious+BIG+french+iphone+case+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://society6.com/product/French-Poppa_iPhone-Case">HILARIOUS Notorious B.I.G case</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-41548060502597046642011-09-19T10:36:00.000-07:002011-09-19T10:36:57.433-07:00meatless monday: slooooow food<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8QVTLy7iAq7ME4EbwyybIJmS0Q3pkp8MwNqZ03XmEwsC-7RjuYZyCJYfcdZx_PZGcouqoVrv0ffULVEHtQkJpoZ4NhBDgLFWd_iKl9BFlyKI3_QHWwalrL3fY0UM7BftTW0J8c5DNps/s1600/green+grocer.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8QVTLy7iAq7ME4EbwyybIJmS0Q3pkp8MwNqZ03XmEwsC-7RjuYZyCJYfcdZx_PZGcouqoVrv0ffULVEHtQkJpoZ4NhBDgLFWd_iKl9BFlyKI3_QHWwalrL3fY0UM7BftTW0J8c5DNps/s1600/green+grocer.gif" /></a>Meatless Monday isn't just about going without meat - it's about celebrating "slow" food, food that is grown locally, is fresh and takes time to prepare. Chances are if you don't live in California like the West Coast Muse, you relish any opportunity to score fresh, locally-grown produce on the cheap. I, the East Coast Muse, and my dear husband have recently signed up for produce box delivery through <a href="http://www.washingtonsgreengrocer.com/">Washington's Green Grocer</a>. A box of produce in a size our little family can handle is delivered every Thursday to our building. We get an email four days prior letting us know what's going to be in our box (perfect for meal planning), and if we're ever out of town we can cancel our box for that week. There's no contract or obligation, so if it ever gets to be too much, we have the option to cancel without charge or agitation. The variety of goodies that come in the box is tremendous, and I'm having so much fun trying vegetables I've never actually purchased or cooked before (e.g. beets - I love beets but I've never actually cooked them before! Those were fun). I find that the fruit does get to be a bit much for us, but a clever solution I've discovered is to chop it up and put it into Ziploc bags in the freezer - add milk and ice, and a smoothie can be prepared anytime and on the quick. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>What about you, faithful readers? How do you celebrate "slow" food?<br />
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Now, lest you walk away disappointed at a schpeel rather than fun, know that we wouldn't be the Muses if we didn't leave you with some parting goodies. We would like to share two delectable recipes for you today: <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/09/baked-eggplant-sticks.html">eggplant dippers with marinara</a> (courtesy <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">SkinnyTaste.com</a>) and <a href="http://acozykitchen.com/carrot-cake-cookie-whoopie-pies/">Carrot Cake Sandwiches</a> (from <a href="http://acozykitchen.com/">A Cozy Kitchen</a>). Check them out and let us know what you think!<br />
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Cheers to slow, meatless cooking, baking and eating! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/09/baked-eggplant-sticks.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtivoyLE1NTo-ummZNyNXq1779pEAASCn_qhZgOV7ldieSCGuBtg1w2v1LKyHsKTARoEIGdD9sqi8_cTXvTFhYFGTHlFjbFSWm9AACkbGZcqvGfw5N7EIwsplTmeirTSvgb7fFKzCVCQ/s320/baked-eggplant-sticks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy SkinnyTaste.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://acozykitchen.com/carrot-cake-cookie-whoopie-pies/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6SEEpx9jnIHAC4CGdhfVAx9wAvz56exuLT4B6cIXYmfIJn99egFKdxtpyOmJ7df8GLpvFTiJh_U6FFz1EfF0TvK7Rn2lDj6lMXItKGQ76KRqe7kxwuwR1j0LQxST36BWIDvE2Ehlvx0/s320/CarrotCakeCookies1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesty ACozyKitchen.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-68095487346529634672011-09-13T15:24:00.000-07:002011-09-13T15:24:22.572-07:00Cupcake Wars - you know we gonna kill it!That's right friends, yours truly and yours truly are currently on Step 3 of the casting process for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/cupcake-wars/index.html">Cupcake Wars</a> (read: first we were called back because of our hilarious email to the casting office; then WCM wooed the casting agent on the phone with her ridiculous antics and charming personality - xoxo love you Chancey!). After all that we were asked to make an audition video. Certainly tough to do when we live on other sides of the country but we managed to come up with a fun creative video nonetheless.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pIuqbp1Hd1Y" width="560"></iframe><br />
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...now we just need to figure out what to do with 10 Grand.FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-16784638722643827252011-09-12T16:43:00.000-07:002011-09-12T16:43:14.395-07:00Meatless Monday: fancy pants rice and beansWe recently had a Meatless Monday suggestion from a good friend of the West Coast Muse. Leah's culinary savvy equals her elegance so when she gave a recipe suggestion my ears perked up for sure.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>This is a gourmet version of rice and beans that stemmed from a recipe in <a href="http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2007/04/blackbeansrice">Gourmet</a>. The base is rice, beans, and sweet potatoes, topped with roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds); direction for all that is below. When Leah and her precious family had this for dinner, they added some delicious accoutrements and layered the rice and beans as follows:</div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Rice</i></div><div><i>Beans (any type you like)</i></div><div><i>Roasted sweet potato</i></div><div><i>Avocado</i></div><div><i>Queso fresco </i></div><div><i>Toasted pepitas</i><br />
<i>Spritz of lime juice and some salt</i></div><br />
This recipe could not be simpler so it would be the perfect thing to throw together as a quick Meatless Monday dinner (or lunch!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMKTr4MopBT8Qjjl-oa3J4Olp8SWmtCjiRlKSpdPToOt6gbguTYQTPlA3sWtae7szDVsqdmJVx3laSvODjKECcQsLsYyEv2SKMYMH5L7WjpKi6txN2cijpH0b21Cnds_7xLRme2CLL00/s1600/gourmet+rice+beans+fancy+avocado+tomato+sweet+potato+meatless+monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMKTr4MopBT8Qjjl-oa3J4Olp8SWmtCjiRlKSpdPToOt6gbguTYQTPlA3sWtae7szDVsqdmJVx3laSvODjKECcQsLsYyEv2SKMYMH5L7WjpKi6txN2cijpH0b21Cnds_7xLRme2CLL00/s400/gourmet+rice+beans+fancy+avocado+tomato+sweet+potato+meatless+monday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Instructions</b><br />
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<b>Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes</b><br />
1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes<br />
2 tablespoons olive oil<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
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Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F.<br />
Toss sweet potatoes with oil and salt, then spread in 1 layer in a large shallow baking pan. Roast, stirring and turning over once or twice, until tender and browned, 35 to 40 minutes.<br />
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<b>Rice and Beans</b><br />
2 1/4 cups water<br />
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice<br />
4 to 4 1/4 cups Kemp’s black beans<br />
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Bring water, rice, and salt to a boil in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat and cook, tightly covered, until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.<br />
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<b>Toasted Pumpkin Seeds</b><br />
1 cup hulled (green) pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas; not toasted)<br />
2 teaspoons olive oil<br />
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Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet (not nonstick; preferably cast-iron) over moderate heat, stirring, until seeds are puffed and pale golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and stir in oil and salt to taste.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-60946758383372940552011-09-09T10:15:00.000-07:002011-09-09T10:15:29.956-07:00Friday Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7RGnLSN0mlhlFClFG523fss19ihpOR4sPR2GVTRfXtCRpVuXbfJcWaY-0_Ch5In_KFADzqYmcCEdeLBydUl1tEbJa1QkfC2Vii_lzVVMT41YQNmWDjJeLKf53UeYkTY-u4kISo6S5wQ/s1600/Dear+Florida+Zara+2011+Dear+America+Waves+Foamy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7RGnLSN0mlhlFClFG523fss19ihpOR4sPR2GVTRfXtCRpVuXbfJcWaY-0_Ch5In_KFADzqYmcCEdeLBydUl1tEbJa1QkfC2Vii_lzVVMT41YQNmWDjJeLKf53UeYkTY-u4kISo6S5wQ/s1600/Dear+Florida+Zara+2011+Dear+America+Waves+Foamy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">From Zara's photographic <a href="http://dearamerica.zara.com/">love letter to America</a>. This photo is an ode to Florida, where your sweet Muses met and fell in love. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The new <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/08/garden/design-sponge-at-home-by-grace-bonney.html">Design Sponge book</a> is out.<br />
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Check out Gourmet Traveller's tantalizing collection of <a href="http://gourmettraveller.com.au/coffee-dessert-recipes.htm">coffee dessert recipes</a> - great for a sweet pick me up. The <a href="http://gourmettraveller.com.au/chocolate_fig_and_hazelnut_semifreddo.htm">chocolate, fig, and hazelnut semifreddo</a> looked particularly sumptuous.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tuesdayweld.com/music_iLoveTheRain.html">Loving the rain</a>.<br />
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<i>In Fashion this week</i>....<br />
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The Limited started <a href="http://www.thelimited.com/category/accessories-gifts/shoes">selling shoes</a> (!!)<br />
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Zara opened its <a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home/us/en/zara-us-W2011">online shop</a>. Dangerous.FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-47886573228699561982011-09-06T12:52:00.000-07:002011-09-06T12:52:14.527-07:00Gifts for an expecting mama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For so many of us, it's that stage in life - babies and weddings. Admittedly, it is a very fun stage. So many friends welcome new loved little ones into their lives and you get to spend your Saturdays oooing and aahing over wittle baby clotheys and stuffing your face with finger sandwiches. We know what to buy an expecting mother for a baby shower since she has a registry but we've also come up with a few gifts to help you pamper your to-be mama when she first finds out she's got a bun in the oven. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=930660111&MasterCategory_Id=MC32">The Belly Band</a> - no need for a whole slew of new maternity pants, toss it over any unbuttoned pants and she can keep wearing that favorite pair of trousers for months!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-nlZyZhw86w0uYY2OnBofI7tEFTUMqAuXiahL2vm_GBadXd3dPm3bUp4MXxp-npjM_Y6fJ3pMlnbgJoin7D59Hi91k3Jst2-dNTCFGaY1hnOTG4xIDU6kpNY6ELbUvbxaM69L6wGB3k/s1600/Belly+Band+Tummy+Sleeve+Pregnancy+Pants.Jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-nlZyZhw86w0uYY2OnBofI7tEFTUMqAuXiahL2vm_GBadXd3dPm3bUp4MXxp-npjM_Y6fJ3pMlnbgJoin7D59Hi91k3Jst2-dNTCFGaY1hnOTG4xIDU6kpNY6ELbUvbxaM69L6wGB3k/s1600/Belly+Band+Tummy+Sleeve+Pregnancy+Pants.Jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-nlZyZhw86w0uYY2OnBofI7tEFTUMqAuXiahL2vm_GBadXd3dPm3bUp4MXxp-npjM_Y6fJ3pMlnbgJoin7D59Hi91k3Jst2-dNTCFGaY1hnOTG4xIDU6kpNY6ELbUvbxaM69L6wGB3k/s1600/Belly+Band+Tummy+Sleeve+Pregnancy+Pants.Jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/RaspberryLeaf">Pregnancy Tea</a> - You can find a number of caffeine free teas that aid everything from nausea relief to healthy lactation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityPeDGLIuu_7NYnRH2DMmh0bH1a7BaO1bIuWC4gDErsYKaxSpVp78sFKbn-cO-0zVDpNj1FlCCCglcMPqdDLyUFVSlv7nbz7fej9ov1f-qkkqrhko-ZUTSnwlhXrEP_Lmi0Q7iDwzZJg/s1600/Red+Raspberry+Leaf+Pregnancy+Tea+Traditional+Medicinals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityPeDGLIuu_7NYnRH2DMmh0bH1a7BaO1bIuWC4gDErsYKaxSpVp78sFKbn-cO-0zVDpNj1FlCCCglcMPqdDLyUFVSlv7nbz7fej9ov1f-qkkqrhko-ZUTSnwlhXrEP_Lmi0Q7iDwzZJg/s1600/Red+Raspberry+Leaf+Pregnancy+Tea+Traditional+Medicinals.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.pregnancystore.com/tummyhoney-stretch-mark-cream.html">Stretch Mark Prevention Cream</a> - you may want to save this kind of thing for a close friend or sister as some people might not love the suggestion that they are about to be covered in stretch marks. But really, in our minds, anyone that would help us stay bikini ready should definitely be considered a friend.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-Jiqb-IDJVMWlfbpug8djMEd5cWghMYq9ZKa4m27KDNCjLEaVAkFjdz6VXlTZOoxuZiLaqgHceeL5hPU264Ys3YMLr4tW_0Y_P83C-GcvtiQGRhZieVv0DReqYKyupgiJVlk8Ekgt2M/s1600/Bella+B+pregnancy+stretch+mark+prevention+cream+butter+honey.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-Jiqb-IDJVMWlfbpug8djMEd5cWghMYq9ZKa4m27KDNCjLEaVAkFjdz6VXlTZOoxuZiLaqgHceeL5hPU264Ys3YMLr4tW_0Y_P83C-GcvtiQGRhZieVv0DReqYKyupgiJVlk8Ekgt2M/s320/Bella+B+pregnancy+stretch+mark+prevention+cream+butter+honey.jpeg" width="312" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-Jiqb-IDJVMWlfbpug8djMEd5cWghMYq9ZKa4m27KDNCjLEaVAkFjdz6VXlTZOoxuZiLaqgHceeL5hPU264Ys3YMLr4tW_0Y_P83C-GcvtiQGRhZieVv0DReqYKyupgiJVlk8Ekgt2M/s1600/Bella+B+pregnancy+stretch+mark+prevention+cream+butter+honey.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-Jiqb-IDJVMWlfbpug8djMEd5cWghMYq9ZKa4m27KDNCjLEaVAkFjdz6VXlTZOoxuZiLaqgHceeL5hPU264Ys3YMLr4tW_0Y_P83C-GcvtiQGRhZieVv0DReqYKyupgiJVlk8Ekgt2M/s1600/Bella+B+pregnancy+stretch+mark+prevention+cream+butter+honey.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ginger-People-Original-Chews---/dp/B000BP1SDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315338210&sr=8-1">Ginger Candies</a> - another great way to help fight nausea. These do have a pretty strong ginger flavor so they aren't for the faint of heart. Also, you can usually find these at Trader Joe's.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pregnancypillowstore.com/">Pregnancy Pillow</a> - These glorified body pillows help a mom by allowing her to rest her ever growing belly on something while sleeping, relieving stress from her back. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MpUkxnBYe1qiy1zKTI5m1hOWGSpZ8HPz86r5r1vRRQ2kb3RxRk9drwmH32yV4jiS3Wx4Pgwb3_ZH3xRLWA-zxuf4UmRCjWp0Zo7PtgSMR0vcg3wyv03Q1uy3o7MDVXflZpSjn_NGQvk/s1600/Boppy+pregnancy+pillow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MpUkxnBYe1qiy1zKTI5m1hOWGSpZ8HPz86r5r1vRRQ2kb3RxRk9drwmH32yV4jiS3Wx4Pgwb3_ZH3xRLWA-zxuf4UmRCjWp0Zo7PtgSMR0vcg3wyv03Q1uy3o7MDVXflZpSjn_NGQvk/s320/Boppy+pregnancy+pillow.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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What do you think? What were some things you wished you would have had early on in a pregnancy?<br />
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Lots o' love,<br />
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The Muses</div>FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-66990025189487063142011-09-02T09:22:00.000-07:002011-09-02T09:43:17.076-07:00Happy Friday!We are loving the Lanvin Fall/Winer 2011-2012 collection. Check out those beautiful red and coral dresses...and they move so well when fist pumping! However, our male dancers should maybe just stick to catwalks #whitefolk.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7KyG0xKTDJs" width="560"></iframe><br />
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So who mandated no white after Labor Day in the first place? If you must know, Time dishes <a href="http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1920684,00.html">the scoop</a>.<br />
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Obsessed with the new web site <i>Museum of Useful Things</i> offering fun kitschy items and great gifts. Personally, we love the idea of this <a href="http://www.museumofusefulthings.com/products/18-canvas-and-leather-mason-bag">Mason's Tote</a> as a weekender bag!<br />
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Never be without <a href="http://www.katespade.com/cute-stationery/designer-stationery/all-occasion-gift-set/TB4910,default,pd.html?dwvar_TB4910_color=100&start=10&cgid=paper">the perfect card</a> again, from the always lovely Kate Spade.</div><br />
Lucky west coasters never have to do without 'em, but east coast gals are always craving lemons. Learn how to <a href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2011/08/31/got-lemons/">preserve lemons</a>, thanks to SF Girl by Bay.<br />
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<a href="http://gawker.com/5833738/californians-are-being-insufferable-about-this-earthquake">This</a> fairly perfectly sums up the interaction between your bi-coastal Muses over last week's "earthquake". Too funny.FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-89651449848078568642011-09-01T12:03:00.000-07:002011-09-01T12:03:29.028-07:00white jeans after Labor Day? YES WE CAN!It's almost Fall, which makes this little East Coast Muse giddy with excitement: boots and trenches and sweaters, oh my! (This, of course, isn't really the same for our sweet West Coast Muse, who, thanks to San Francisco's perpetually-brisk weather, gets to wear boots and tights any ole time she likes) But Fall's fast approach also brings on the whole "wear-your-summer-stuff-now-because-it's-almost-Labor-Day" dilemma. I've spotted multiple ladies at the office this week wearing every piece of white clothing in their wardrobe.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwSnykSMD8cW-ijwniTmaA4JR-KItp-hr7ue6fokoaYhE1vlZHKvyan1Cl4LuC_2UDcubDIxXYdUO473LnaThGl8exek89GcywLttcy9HTr0xseJ6KirwEoi5l32t_ncdsaXKbpIMD9w/s1600/White+Jeans+Pants+after+Labor+Day+Fall+2011+Textile+Elizabeth+and+James+Diana+Flared.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwSnykSMD8cW-ijwniTmaA4JR-KItp-hr7ue6fokoaYhE1vlZHKvyan1Cl4LuC_2UDcubDIxXYdUO473LnaThGl8exek89GcywLttcy9HTr0xseJ6KirwEoi5l32t_ncdsaXKbpIMD9w/s320/White+Jeans+Pants+after+Labor+Day+Fall+2011+Textile+Elizabeth+and+James+Diana+Flared.png" width="258" /></a></div><br />
HOWEVER -- while getting my shoulder iced yesterday afternoon at the PT office, I flipped through the September issue of <a href="http://www.instyle.com/instyle/">InStyle</a> magazine. In it, they answered a reader’s question by saying <strong>YES – you CAN wear white jeans* after Labor Day</strong>. Only stipulation: style them differently for fall/winter. We suggest pairing them with some dark chunky boots, a camel-colored trench or a long-sleeved button-down (even chambray!). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wdd5D706GlFwcE8PCSIHv-l-kzn3b2TsjFk9FHlPWoxEgvUKbsEo_prfwVm07-eSofyftYON0suHsgFKWQbkTVZSefckrg2yQJK2ocuiF4fy-0ntXHKd-DFjlMZKWG9PJKBKaWj6rK0/s1600/Fall+white+jeans+2011+jcrew+Selvedge+chambray+Luck+Brand+Ashbury+Floral+Silk+Top+Blouse+black+banana+republic+classic+tan+khaki+camel+trench+Enzo+Angiolini+Alessi+Brown+Boot+bootie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wdd5D706GlFwcE8PCSIHv-l-kzn3b2TsjFk9FHlPWoxEgvUKbsEo_prfwVm07-eSofyftYON0suHsgFKWQbkTVZSefckrg2yQJK2ocuiF4fy-0ntXHKd-DFjlMZKWG9PJKBKaWj6rK0/s1600/Fall+white+jeans+2011+jcrew+Selvedge+chambray+Luck+Brand+Ashbury+Floral+Silk+Top+Blouse+black+banana+republic+classic+tan+khaki+camel+trench+Enzo+Angiolini+Alessi+Brown+Boot+bootie.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Enzo Angiolini <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51754&vid=1&pid=867654&scid=867654012">Alessi Bootie</a>, Classic Khaki Banana Republic <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=40924&vid=1&pid=802623&scid=802623022">Trench</a>, Lucky Brand <a href="http://www.luckybrand.com/Ashbury-Floral-Silk-Top/LBW01381,default,pd.html?cgid=womensTops&selectedColor=960">Ashbury Floral Top</a>, J Crew<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtstops/casualshirts/PRDOVR~50943/99102481915/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~chambray/50943.jsp"> Selvedge Chambray</a></span></div><br />
The rules are changin', ladies! And yes, if you happen to live on the East Coast, you will see me sporting my white jeans well into late fall/winter. <br />
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*please note: if you own white jeggings, go ahead and throw them into the trash now. no need to hang onto those nuisances.FreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5085198256947086225.post-84931975934249758282011-08-29T10:22:00.000-07:002011-08-29T10:23:01.323-07:00meatless monday: tomatoes galore!If you've tended a garden throughout the summer, chances are your bounty is rich with tomatoes. And even if you don't have a garden, you can't help but notice the abundance of those oddly-shaped, brightly-colored heirloom tomatoes available by the bushel at farmer's markets or your local Whole Foods. Even if they aren't heirloom tomatoes, big, fat, juicy, red, rotund tomatoes are plentiful and (literally) ripe for the pickin'.<br />
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For today's Meatless Monday post, we've rounded up several links to give you ideas for incorporating those ripe and delicious tomatoes into your lunch and/or dinner today. There's nothing like enjoying produce that is in season and at its season's peak - with meals this satisfying, you'll hardly even miss the meat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjOf-Q5brDO8mRB5I8IbAuBzJTtqzPYqrSxKv1Fb2RsGDk1UnI98WgIbm3aSWghS1BPvc4mTkrM9tgDRDDflG3A5Now0iLHjzFOKH6aG-68jSk741aFC02VSKG7nlAbzcKgu2hPRp6gw/s1600/tomato+olive+salad+fresh+summer+coriander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjOf-Q5brDO8mRB5I8IbAuBzJTtqzPYqrSxKv1Fb2RsGDk1UnI98WgIbm3aSWghS1BPvc4mTkrM9tgDRDDflG3A5Now0iLHjzFOKH6aG-68jSk741aFC02VSKG7nlAbzcKgu2hPRp6gw/s400/tomato+olive+salad+fresh+summer+coriander.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yummysupper.blogspot.com/2011/08/tomato-salad-with-olives-coriander.html">Tomato salad with olives coriander</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUbo8nQgUyBdzAoNjwlf97YxBqgEP0zHgI7KLWwyDtlEG2VwFoBSNE8AJ0X5hPRwGYkpWKpIV6E0RX7hTwGwpQUGCiYVX5srYuWwXiHQyOuY7AKB29wneefBhdVVsnT4oJ3IvCMHNPOU/s1600/linguine+with+summer+succotash+tomatoes+corn+snap+peas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUbo8nQgUyBdzAoNjwlf97YxBqgEP0zHgI7KLWwyDtlEG2VwFoBSNE8AJ0X5hPRwGYkpWKpIV6E0RX7hTwGwpQUGCiYVX5srYuWwXiHQyOuY7AKB29wneefBhdVVsnT4oJ3IvCMHNPOU/s400/linguine+with+summer+succotash+tomatoes+corn+snap+peas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/quick-recipes/2009/07/linguine_with_summer_succotash">Linguine with summer succotash</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2010/05/french-tomato-tart-recipe/">French tomato tart with goat cheese</a> from David Lebovitz</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Margherita-Pizza-Topping">Margherita Pizza</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwo05iUej98tZQcAY1cyFpLtBZYkjR8u9sfbiZrnly-ycjFNarSRxtLW1wFe16jV1pu8CVGmtWs02pRNpwRx36RrCbipa2PyG0PrmwABHBQjd4HPXBtwUIAcFByatuNX8BIFZenU2g5SI/s1600/chilled+heirloom+tomato+soup+summer+gazpacho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwo05iUej98tZQcAY1cyFpLtBZYkjR8u9sfbiZrnly-ycjFNarSRxtLW1wFe16jV1pu8CVGmtWs02pRNpwRx36RrCbipa2PyG0PrmwABHBQjd4HPXBtwUIAcFByatuNX8BIFZenU2g5SI/s640/chilled+heirloom+tomato+soup+summer+gazpacho.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/2011/08/summer-lunch-for-two.html">Chilled heirloom tomato soup</a> from Cannelle et Vanille</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Love, The MusesFreelanceMuseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580010603612294071noreply@blogger.com0