tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19300460511871218372024-03-16T14:53:12.610-04:00ROOKRook Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09730672536510083533noreply@blogger.comBlogger373125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-91643951105728349692012-11-25T13:04:00.001-05:002012-11-25T13:05:31.907-05:00The beginning of the festive season!With both Canadian and US Thanksgiving behind us, I think it's safe to say the festive season is upon us!<br />
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Happy festive season to you and your family with live from ROOK! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rQbB5L_wQTc/ULJd4gq6HVI/AAAAAAAAAwY/EOqqIPuYEgc/s640/blogger-image-1789077872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rQbB5L_wQTc/ULJd4gq6HVI/AAAAAAAAAwY/EOqqIPuYEgc/s640/blogger-image-1789077872.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HF5HT4uv_1M/ULJd6S6QR0I/AAAAAAAAAwg/ZW8r18NyXmo/s640/blogger-image-1147521920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HF5HT4uv_1M/ULJd6S6QR0I/AAAAAAAAAwg/ZW8r18NyXmo/s640/blogger-image-1147521920.jpg" /></a></div>leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-59184154850267543742012-08-31T08:03:00.000-04:002012-08-31T08:03:11.125-04:00Pause<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q8HqBrJH7o/UECnG5KxCgI/AAAAAAAAAww/foTjKgD_J3Y/s1600/IMAG0477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q8HqBrJH7o/UECnG5KxCgI/AAAAAAAAAww/foTjKgD_J3Y/s640/IMAG0477.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sorry friends for not posting for a while, it has become apparent that the end of summer is way too close; Leila and I will be taking the next few weeks to savor and enjoy these bits as well as prepare our families for the changes that happen come fall! I hope you guys are spending every last minute outside in the sun with your friends and family and we will see you soon xo. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-36279540963954797852012-08-23T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-23T07:00:07.327-04:00Flank Steak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBJngzVWYms/UDGr7ld9YTI/AAAAAAAAAvs/qlQAeOc3iuI/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBJngzVWYms/UDGr7ld9YTI/AAAAAAAAAvs/qlQAeOc3iuI/s640/IMG_0385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've never made a flank steak before, but I was pretty happy with the way this one turned out. Flank is a pretty tough cut that needs to be marinated, cooked rare and thinly sliced.<br />
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I marinated mine in:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1c red wine</li>
<li>3 crushed garlic cloves</li>
<li>1/4 c balsamic vinegar</li>
<li>shake of worcestershire sauce</li>
<li>1 Tbs fresh rosemary</li>
</ul>
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I left it all day and turned it once.</div>
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Then I fired up the grill and let it heat up until it was really hot. The steak only needed about 4 mins on each side. I definitely could have sliced it more thinly, but I was a happy camper.</div>
leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-78392910683872379842012-08-22T08:32:00.001-04:002012-08-22T08:32:39.019-04:00Letter LoveSorry about all of the inspirational posts as of late; the stairs are finishing at a snail's pace and there are too many unfinished projects for me to give you a great reveal. I can, however, leave you with some fun pictures of "letter decor inspiration"! It's been done before I know, for years I have loved this look and can not seem to tire of it...<br />
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m61f71B9UO1rtalt3o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m61f71B9UO1rtalt3o1_500.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://minitrendweek.tumblr.com/post/25669727734">Camila de Azevedo</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.punky-b.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/nery1-730x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.punky-b.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/nery1-730x1024.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.punky-b.com/archive/2012/05/07/cette-semaine-jai-aime-61/#more-6477">Punky-b</a></div>
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<a href="http://cdn.publishdev.se/cdn/5-2/20882/images/2012/005_4ffd94439606ee15e3000034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn.publishdev.se/cdn/5-2/20882/images/2012/005_4ffd94439606ee15e3000034.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://emmas.blogg.se/">emmas designblogg</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vztdpwTZCL4/T128hunM6vI/AAAAAAAAEUM/2r7Uu92C3wM/s1600/riikka_kantinkoski_vaaterekki111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vztdpwTZCL4/T128hunM6vI/AAAAAAAAEUM/2r7Uu92C3wM/s640/riikka_kantinkoski_vaaterekki111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://weekdaycarnival.blogspot.se/search?updated-max=2012-03-29T00:22:00%2B03:00&max-results=20&start=18&by-date=false">Weekday Carnival</a></div>
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<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1nsgrZpmo1qzvgm4o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1nsgrZpmo1qzvgm4o1_1280.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fromscandinaviawithlove.com/post/21429781299/a-home-in-sweden-photo-by-johan-carlsson-for">From Scandinavia with Love</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lily.fi/sites/files/imagecache/lily_column_inline_image/wysiwyg_imageupload/2392/industrial_light_020copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.lily.fi/sites/files/imagecache/lily_column_inline_image/wysiwyg_imageupload/2392/industrial_light_020copy.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lily.fi/juttu/kolme-jalkaa-ja-valo">Lily</a></div>
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So fun. I wish I could find an H like the third picture! I have found a few on my hunt but they have been terribly expensive.Oh well, the search is part of the fun!</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-39324370219585948822012-08-21T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-21T07:00:10.407-04:00Balls.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8LG0ok_Rqo/UDGo3oqVb4I/AAAAAAAAAvM/5VgWJ-b4eMY/s1600/IMG_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8LG0ok_Rqo/UDGo3oqVb4I/AAAAAAAAAvM/5VgWJ-b4eMY/s640/IMG_0395.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meatballs. Yes. My kids love 'em. I know that's probably not surprising to most people, but to me it is. You see my kids are meat haters. So I was pleasantly surprised when they devoured these!<br />
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<br />
<ul>
<li>1lb ground beef</li>
<li>2 or 3 sausages - I used some Hungarian ones</li>
<li>half an onion</li>
<li>garlic</li>
<li>parsley (optional. I opted out because the green in the balls would have put off my kids)</li>
<li>wine</li>
<li>a can of San Marzano tomatoes</li>
<li>fresh basil</li>
</ul>
<div>
chop your onion really finely and crush or microplane a couple of cloves of garlic. Plonk the beef and peel the membrane off the sausages and add the sausage meat to the bowl. Using your hands, mix this up well, adding a bit of salt and pepper. Remember that the sausage was already seasoned so go with a light hand. Add your parsley if you're using it.</div>
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<div>
Now heat a dutch oven or saucepan and add some olive oil. Roll up your balls (wet hands makes this easier) and put them in the pot. When they are browned, turn them gently, trying not to let them break up. Turn a couple more times until they are evenly browned all over. </div>
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Take your wine and slosh in a good 1/2-1 cup, depending on your mood. use a wooden spoon to scrape those yummy browned bits up. Put your tomatoes in, crushing them with your fingers as they go into the pan (I put each one into my hand and crush it as I pour them in). Let this simmer for about 5 mins and then taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper. If you didn't use San Marzanos you'll probably want to add a pinch of sugar to cut the acidity. Roll up the basil leaves and slice finely. Mix through the sauce.</div>
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What I like to do with all my pasta sauces is to only mix half through the actual pasta and then serve the rest on top of each serving. This ensures that there is ample coverage but gives you a bit of control of the "good bits" on each plate.</div>
leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-54458692688562681582012-08-20T08:28:00.000-04:002012-08-20T08:28:10.411-04:00Basket CaseOne of my favourite things to decorate with, are these lovely objects...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jG2hnrRL6o/UAb86atlTmI/AAAAAAAALFM/Liy5-zN7jV4/s1600/TKH+%5B1%5D+%281%29+badrum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jG2hnrRL6o/UAb86atlTmI/AAAAAAAALFM/Liy5-zN7jV4/s640/TKH+%5B1%5D+%281%29+badrum.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://heltenkelthosmig.blogspot.fi/2012/07/tine-k-private-home.html">Helt Enkelt</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bekZsoqcNs/TbIUFWwX2ZI/AAAAAAAAQfY/l0bXqqjQa60/s400/org_163227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bekZsoqcNs/TbIUFWwX2ZI/AAAAAAAAQfY/l0bXqqjQa60/s640/org_163227.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://coastal-style.blogspot.ca/2011/09/beach-house-moments.html">Coastal Style</a></div>
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<a href="http://livingagency.com/images/medium/JO12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://livingagency.com/images/medium/JO12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.livingagency.com/features.php?catalog=Interiors&ctg=scandinavia&cat2=josefine">Living Agency</a></div>
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<a href="http://media.tantjohanna.se/2012/03/YmlsZGVyLmZhc2FkLmV1LzE1LzQwMDAxMS83MDkvbGFyZ2UvMTIyMTguanBndzkwMGgwY3gwY3kw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media.tantjohanna.se/2012/03/YmlsZGVyLmZhc2FkLmV1LzE1LzQwMDAxMS83MDkvbGFyZ2UvMTIyMTguanBndzkwMGgwY3gwY3kw2.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tantjohanna.se/2012/03/14/hemmakontor-2/">Tant Johanna</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2TupL-9wzM/TVvIv_eFvBI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Mv2Y9CSWS5Q/s640/ap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2TupL-9wzM/TVvIv_eFvBI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Mv2Y9CSWS5Q/s640/ap.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://simplyobjekts.blogspot.ca/2011/02/norwegian-beauty.html">Simply Objekts</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnvfVKG7gE8/UCAWG4VFdlI/AAAAAAAAIHI/RRLtkirXsFw/s1600/salle-de-bains1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnvfVKG7gE8/UCAWG4VFdlI/AAAAAAAAIHI/RRLtkirXsFw/s640/salle-de-bains1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.seventeendoors.blogspot.fi/2012/08/chez-carouschka-streijffert.html">Seventeendoors</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lily.fi/sites/files/imagecache/lily_column_inline_image/wysiwyg_imageupload/2392/_mg_4139_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.lily.fi/sites/files/imagecache/lily_column_inline_image/wysiwyg_imageupload/2392/_mg_4139_0.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lily.fi/juttu/harmaata-1">Likainen Parketti</a></div>
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<a href="http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1341015481-oc-h-blairgowie-034.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1341015481-oc-h-blairgowie-034.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.archdaily.com/250124/pirates-bay-house-oconnor-and-houle-architecture/och-blairgowie-034/">Arch Daily</a></div>
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So beautiful and yet so affordable anyone can use them. I think they really make the room in these photos, don't you?</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-3842687279512788132012-08-16T08:59:00.000-04:002012-08-16T08:59:15.907-04:00I'm Dreaming...About built-ins lately. Of all shapes and sizes, to hold books and pretty things. Here are the pictures that are inspiring me lately;<br />
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7to96Lk1Y1qiyzkoo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7to96Lk1Y1qiyzkoo1_400.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://acoustic-garden.tumblr.com/page/3">Acoustic Garden</a></div>
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3x3ecqZ3q1qiyzkoo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3x3ecqZ3q1qiyzkoo1_400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://remodelista.com/">Remodelista</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_xl/ecl/msliving-hires/2012/09_september/in_house_cmyk/alexis_stewart/alexis-stewart-md108938-sw-0010_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_xl/ecl/msliving-hires/2012/09_september/in_house_cmyk/alexis_stewart/alexis-stewart-md108938-sw-0010_vert.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/921709/alexis-stewarts-family-friendly-apartment/@center/276999/home-tours#/921503">Martha Stewart</a></div>
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<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l2navvjDZw1qzeb9oo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l2navvjDZw1qzeb9oo1_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://roombyroom.tumblr.com/post/745678283/via-myfarmhouse">Room by Room</a></div>
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/2CbQZ1atey6b-479LKYroMIMgKVWlf-wSdwH3M9rtapo4xPxRoNpBxd99f0qpY5HEj73s1Yx4Yl3IOU8ZiefVae3VV1xsvIp/3_27_10_LyndsayC_FitzhughK22533.jpg?width=700" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://api.ning.com/files/2CbQZ1atey6b-479LKYroMIMgKVWlf-wSdwH3M9rtapo4xPxRoNpBxd99f0qpY5HEj73s1Yx4Yl3IOU8ZiefVae3VV1xsvIp/3_27_10_LyndsayC_FitzhughK22533.jpg?width=700" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://waveavenue.com/profiles/blogs/apartment">Wave Avenue</a></div>
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<a href="http://design-elements-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cc-estantes-apartamento-02-1024x744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://design-elements-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cc-estantes-apartamento-02-1024x744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://design-elements-blog.com/2012/05/08/sao-paulo-apartment/">Design Elements</a></div>
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<a href="http://housetohome.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/96%7C00000f330%7C7988_orh550w550_Elegant-modern-conversion-House-tour-Livingetc-book-storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://housetohome.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/96%7C00000f330%7C7988_orh550w550_Elegant-modern-conversion-House-tour-Livingetc-book-storage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/house-tour/picture/take-a-tour-around-an-elegant-modern-home/3">House to Home</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_xl/ecl/msliving-hires/2012/03_march/in_house_cmyk/portland_house/portland-house-ms108297-6348_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_xl/ecl/msliving-hires/2012/03_march/in_house_cmyk/portland_house/portland-house-ms108297-6348_vert.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/893236/green-cottage-portland/@center/276999/home-tours#/875982">Martha Stewart</a></div>
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I love the look of these, but can't even begin to imagine having enough stuff to fill and decorate them! However, they are lovely to look at, don't you think?</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-14292662056421173662012-08-14T08:35:00.002-04:002012-08-14T08:35:49.152-04:00Finally the Right StepOne of the biggest pet peeves about this house when we moved in were the soggy, worn down carpeted stairs...for those of you who saw the before pics of my house, you may remember these:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_I0pVBGn70s/UCo_hmGFgaI/AAAAAAAAAwE/YDoRE8OUGbE/s1600/fence+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_I0pVBGn70s/UCo_hmGFgaI/AAAAAAAAAwE/YDoRE8OUGbE/s640/fence+051.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
That picture almost makes them look good. In reality the carpet is sagging off the front, and they are dirty and gross. Trust me. And creaky as well! It is no wonder when the underneath looks like this:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fEncPkMlqOo/UCo_m0K90DI/AAAAAAAAAwM/ajfhWMuswCc/s1600/fence+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fEncPkMlqOo/UCo_m0K90DI/AAAAAAAAAwM/ajfhWMuswCc/s640/fence+052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We were pretty sad to see that they were the original stairs underneath. The ideal circumstance would be to restore the old stairs to maintain character, but most of them are split right in half! (hence the sagging). We found a deal a while back on a tread and riser kit that covers existing stairs instead of taking them off and replacing them. I don't have any beautiful after pictures of them yet, but I can instead leave you with some pretty pictures of creative and beautiful staircases that keep me motivated for the finished product!<br />
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<a href="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Alvhem-Apartment-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Alvhem-Apartment-15.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://freshome.com/2011/11/02/fresh-stockholm-apartment-showing-colorful-details/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20FreshInspirationForYourHome%20%28Freshome.com%29">Fresh Home</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hIw4XrXpQUQ/TH3rgRsWKnI/AAAAAAAAMXU/yYhaQIiPbZ4/s1600/Bilde+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hIw4XrXpQUQ/TH3rgRsWKnI/AAAAAAAAMXU/yYhaQIiPbZ4/s640/Bilde+12.png" width="468" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lottaagaton.blogspot.jp/search/label/INTERIORS?updated-max=2010-10-19T13:54:00%2B02:00&max-results=20&start=68&by-date=false">Lotta Agaton</a></div>
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<a href="http://assets6.designsponge.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/fitzhugh9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://assets6.designsponge.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/fitzhugh9.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/03/sneak-peek-fitzhugh-lyndsay-of-the-brooklyn-home-co.html">Design Sponge</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/125889752054018644_jNUwvOOb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/125889752054018644_jNUwvOOb.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bodieandfou.com/">Bodie and Fou</a></div>
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<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/3193242186_faebcfe566_o.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/3193242186_faebcfe566_o.gif" width="520" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poppytalk-thetownhouse.blogspot.ca/2009/08/inspiration-stairway-over-rainbow.html">The Townhouse</a></div>
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyd0x9I3ne1qiyzkoo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyd0x9I3ne1qiyzkoo1_400.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://acoustic-garden.tumblr.com/page/10">Acoustic Garden</a></div>
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I think I may have a new obsession!</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-23120671276683659242012-08-13T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-13T07:00:04.842-04:00Carradice Bike Bureau Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dunufhd1fHM/UB7dqac0ibI/AAAAAAAAAus/5HlmImaeCGk/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dunufhd1fHM/UB7dqac0ibI/AAAAAAAAAus/5HlmImaeCGk/s640/IMG_0380.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've now had the <a href="http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&product_id=64">Carradice Bike Bureau</a> for a while and thought it was about time for a review. Overall I think it's a great bag which hits the mark for my uses.<br />
<br />
I was basically looking for a pannier that would function well off the bike as a shoulder bag, plus look good. I also needed it to hold a fair bit of stuff.<br />
<br />
Mine is actually a second from the factory store in England (a friend brought it back for me - thanks Graham!) so it doesn't have the laptop sleeve, but I was intending to use my own anyway.<br />
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Firstly, the looks:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja8uF0zKzlo/UB7dIvBoeoI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/IRFi2gGYAuI/s1600/IMG_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja8uF0zKzlo/UB7dIvBoeoI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/IRFi2gGYAuI/s400/IMG_0376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Off the bike, you peel back the uppermost flap (which then covers the hardware) and it reveals a pretty classic looking satchel. The Leather straps are yellow-y and great quality. What's really nice is that they are decorative - you use clip-locks to do the actual closing - much easier! I wish the nylon shoulder strap had a leather pad on it, but it looks fine.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtzLBQTmTzg/UB7c-SPOFbI/AAAAAAAAAuI/FQJVroJJIgs/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtzLBQTmTzg/UB7c-SPOFbI/AAAAAAAAAuI/FQJVroJJIgs/s400/IMG_0375.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Under the main flap there is this zipper pocket, plus a pocket right behind it, presumably for a U lock as it fits mine well. It does, however, depend on how much you put in the zippered compartment. If you've loaded it up with your Constanza-wallet, keys and phone, then your lock won't fit in. This brings us onto the size.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ApVD4DPdBts/UB7cuZyGerI/AAAAAAAAAt8/wzmo74l-q6w/s1600/IMG_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ApVD4DPdBts/UB7cuZyGerI/AAAAAAAAAt8/wzmo74l-q6w/s400/IMG_0374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's humongous. Deceivingly so. It's very hard to capture, but here is a helmet in the bag. I could easily stash four big helmets in here with no worries. There is a drawstring thingy at the top of the satchel which also means you can overstuff. The leather straps on the flap can be adjusted to assist the overstuffing.<br />
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The fabric is very stiff waxed canvas and all of the thinner nylon parts have some sort of waterproofing applied to them. It all seems very sturdy.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f_S7DUU9tds/UB7dhp3PAsI/AAAAAAAAAuk/qfek2qxfYlo/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f_S7DUU9tds/UB7dhp3PAsI/AAAAAAAAAuk/qfek2qxfYlo/s400/IMG_0378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the hardware. Note that it is on an angle to avoid heel-strike. It's a big, big pannier and I have big feet. I've never hit it with my heel. Each bag is side-specific, so if you're buying a pair, be aware (I'm a poet). The system of attachments is very simple to use. I don't know if I'm doing it 'correctly' but it works fine and fast. There's probably some way to do it with one hand in a single movement but I haven't quite figured that one out yet!<br />
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Overall, this is a really great pannier. It's huge and would be great for work, school, shopping etc. It's a bit of a behemoth to carry as a bag, but it's a big bag. It holds a lot of stuff. I totally recommend getting one!leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-7933295121428752782012-08-10T08:51:00.000-04:002012-08-10T08:51:03.684-04:00Covet: ArchesBefore we moved into this house, we lived in a rented duplex that was a Victorian farmhouse. It was really nothing special inside, but my renovation-crazy mind dreamed of fixing it up to highlight some of the original features that were still left; specifically the arches in the hallways. To this day, arches are on the top of my list of coveted architectural features in a home:<br />
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<a href="http://remodelista.com/img/sub/uimg//06-2012/700_king-chelsea-townhouse-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://remodelista.com/img/sub/uimg//06-2012/700_king-chelsea-townhouse-10.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://remodelista.com/posts/the-architect-is-in-minimalist-moves-in-a-chelsea-townhouse-by-julian-king">Remodelista</a></div>
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5i6bokA9o1qzvgm4o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5i6bokA9o1qzvgm4o1_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fromscandinaviawithlove.com/post/25704979230/a-home-in-sweden-photo-from-hemnet-inspiration">From Scandinavia with Love</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVXstYLBjyU/T7Ktucw6JVI/AAAAAAAAM9A/bUQPzUbQF7A/s1600/bedroom+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVXstYLBjyU/T7Ktucw6JVI/AAAAAAAAM9A/bUQPzUbQF7A/s640/bedroom+love.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://greigedesign.blogspot.ca/2012/05/restful-retreat.html">Greige</a></div>
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<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqpzafoziH1qastypo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqpzafoziH1qastypo1_400.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thepursuitaesthetic.tumblr.com/post/9571974157">The Pursuit Aesthetic</a></div>
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<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrh4qjhPxo1r38aowo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrh4qjhPxo1r38aowo1_500.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://notesofafuturemisses.tumblr.com/post/10169705375">Notes of a Future Misses</a></div>
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Aren't they fabulous? Unfortunately I am beginning to think that this design feature is hard to find in my neighborhood, but so are houses these days (nothing to feed my MLS/house-stalking hobby!). What feature of a home could you not live without?</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-32114852168647228642012-08-09T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-09T07:00:04.281-04:00Three Cheese Mac<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FJc9ztEjRo/UB7aXIMrH7I/AAAAAAAAAtg/44Ovp4uR3ts/s1600/IMG_0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FJc9ztEjRo/UB7aXIMrH7I/AAAAAAAAAtg/44Ovp4uR3ts/s640/IMG_0382.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If one cheese is good, then three are better, right? I'd say so. I made this super-cheesy Mac and Cheese the other night and it was a bit of a hit. Most of the cheesiness will come from cheddar and we'll also use some parmesan for bite and Jarlsberg for yumminess.<br />
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Here's how you too can be the hero of the day:<br />
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Put a big pot of water on to boil for the pasta. Throw in a pound (a whole box) of pasta. I used rotini. Now start on your cheese sauce.<br />
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<ul>
<li>4 Tbs butter</li>
<li>4 Tbs flour</li>
<li>3-ish cups of milk</li>
<li>Dry mustard</li>
<li>1 lb cheddar, grated. It's a lot, I know.</li>
<li>1/4 c parmesan cheese (freshly grated)</li>
<li>1/4 c Jarlsberg/swiss cheese, grated</li>
</ul>
<div>
Melt the butter and add the flour. Cook this out, stirring, for a few mins. Don't let it colour. Now you should heat your milk but I live dangerously and throw about half the milk in and then whisk like a crazy person. Whisk all those lumps out. Then add teh rest of the milk and keep on whisking. Stir it constantly until it's nice and thick. It can simmer, but not boil. Add a really good shake (1 tsp) of mustard powder and all of your cheeses. Set this baby aside while the pasta cooks. Scoop some of the pasta water out and set it aside in case you need to thin the sauce. Drain the pasta and then mix the sauce through. If the sauce is crazily thick, add some of the water. You probably won't have to. Now put some in a dish (I used this adorable vintage skillet) and set it under the broiler for a few mins to brown the top. Mmmm.</div>leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-6279457624867616092012-08-08T09:03:00.001-04:002012-08-08T09:03:33.518-04:00Trendspotting: Houses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiHnURKJtCE/ToTBxKkBgsI/AAAAAAAAALE/Mn62_uT5KbY/s640/IMG_3616.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiHnURKJtCE/ToTBxKkBgsI/AAAAAAAAALE/Mn62_uT5KbY/s640/IMG_3616.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://kanelikauppa.blogspot.ca/search/label/leikki">Kanelikauppa</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGTRxNJrmQ0/TrJsMTDykUI/AAAAAAAAJuc/8Ygidwb3478/s1600/homestead_a_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGTRxNJrmQ0/TrJsMTDykUI/AAAAAAAAJuc/8Ygidwb3478/s640/homestead_a_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://hello-tiger.blogspot.ca/2011/11/ladies-and-gentlemen.html">Hello-tiger</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fotoagent.dk/single_picture/10877/138/mega/SS11_Studios%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.fotoagent.dk/single_picture/10877/138/mega/SS11_Studios%281%29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ferm-living.com/studio-2-oak/">Ferm Living</a></div>
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/226517056227505975_phHInHj8_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/226517056227505975_phHInHj8_f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gretelhome.com/landscape-products/612-wood-house-block-set.html">Gretel Home</a></div>
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<a href="http://cdn1.houseandhold.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/s/ss11_cuttingboards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn1.houseandhold.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/s/ss11_cuttingboards.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.houseandhold.com/ferm-living-cutting-board.html">House and Hold</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://ab.weimgs.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201224/0004/img8o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://ab.weimgs.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201224/0004/img8o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/house-butter-dish-c610/?pkey=cnew-gifts">West Elm</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.femkepastijn.nl/wp-content/gallery/huisjes/thumbs/thumbs_femkepastijn_trend_02_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.femkepastijn.nl/wp-content/gallery/huisjes/thumbs/thumbs_femkepastijn_trend_02_03.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.femkepastijn.nl/trends">Femke Pastijn</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.us/product_thumb.php?img=images/103NormannCopenhagen_iso.jpg&w=350&h=350" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.finnishdesignshop.us/product_thumb.php?img=images/103NormannCopenhagen_iso.jpg&w=350&h=350" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.finnishdesignshop.us/outdoor-outdoor-lighting-lighthouse-lantern-lime-p-5203.html">Finnish Design Shop</a></div>
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Have you noticed this? Could it be that houses are the new owls? I think they are less cutesy and have more staying power, don't you? I am a fan!</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-36582856133598023722012-08-07T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-07T07:00:01.118-04:00Queso Fundido with Chorizo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLKEGkTWZ48/UBGduu89RUI/AAAAAAAAAtU/Fk7xlGGnh6w/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLKEGkTWZ48/UBGduu89RUI/AAAAAAAAAtU/Fk7xlGGnh6w/s640/IMG_0352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hmmm....a melting, bubbling vat of melty, browned cheese served on homemade tortillas? Yes please!<br />
<br />
I saw this on a TV show and knew this had to be made. Immediately.<br />
<br />
First, I made a batch of my <a href="http://www.rookblog.com/2011/08/chorizo-tacos-my-new-love.html">homemade chorizo</a>. I cooked it up and put it in the bottom of this baking dish. Then I grated a pound, yep a pound, of mozzarella and put it on top. It should probably be some sort of special Mexican cheese, but it's a nice bland accompaniment to the chorizo.<br />
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I then baked it at 400F for about 25 mins, until it was bubbly and brown. I served it with some <a href="http://www.rookblog.com/2012/07/fish-tacos-with-homemade-corn-tortillas.html">homemade tortillas</a> and Tomatillo-Cilantro Salsa.leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-42513828024936725832012-08-03T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-03T07:00:00.142-04:00Tomatillo-Cilantro Salsa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwmSAJM6Wzw/UBGcgi2nxPI/AAAAAAAAAtM/0p5YQzpvuq0/s1600/IMG_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwmSAJM6Wzw/UBGcgi2nxPI/AAAAAAAAAtM/0p5YQzpvuq0/s640/IMG_0349.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tomatillos. Wow. How did I live so long without them?<br />
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They had some gorgeous ones at the farmer's market this week so I decided to whip up this yummy salsa. It's pretty saucy so it's definitely for use as a sauce for tacos etc than for chip-dipping.<br />
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<ul>
<li>1/2 a sweet onion (I used Mayan Gold. Vidalia would also be ok)</li>
<li>1 Quart Tomatillos, de-husked</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic</li>
<li>1/2 bunch cilantro</li>
<li>juice of half a lime</li>
<li>1+ green chilli peppers. Jalapeno would be nice, but I only had a big green one from the garden (plus I didn't want it too hot for the kiddoes)</li>
<li>salt</li>
</ul>
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Plonk everything into a food processor and whizz up until everything is smooth. Chill. That's it. yep.</div>leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-87328495415473453702012-08-02T09:10:00.000-04:002012-08-02T09:10:19.992-04:00Inspiration; Black, White and WoodA combination that can look either stark or a little too bold, it is amazing how wooden elements in a space really tone down the contrast and make it soothing. I am really drawn to this look lately, something I don't think is ever achievable in my house due to my occasional craving for colour...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.themarionhousebook.com/">Marion House Book</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://frenchbydesign.blogspot.com.es/2012/06/converted-mill-in-helsinki.html">French by Design</a></div>
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<a href="http://emmas.blogg.se/2012/july/distinctively-danish.html">Emmas Design Blogg</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bo-laget.se/?page=objektvy&id=1309">Bolaget</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJuWJ8kPQLw/UABySxyPKrI/AAAAAAAANBI/5s4NKnVPZqo/s1600/Capture+plein+%C3%A9cran+13072012+210036.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJuWJ8kPQLw/UABySxyPKrI/AAAAAAAANBI/5s4NKnVPZqo/s640/Capture+plein+%C3%A9cran+13072012+210036.bmp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lamaisondannag.blogspot.ca/">La Maison D'Anna G</a></div>
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I could live in these spaces, could you?</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-27618802816034707882012-08-01T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-03T19:13:00.998-04:00How to cut up a Mango<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcGLK2F0kbc/UBGbK-LctpI/AAAAAAAAAtE/GUNCbZDp-iA/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcGLK2F0kbc/UBGbK-LctpI/AAAAAAAAAtE/GUNCbZDp-iA/s640/IMG_0345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since I have lived in Canada I've witnessed all sorts of strange and wacky ways to remove the flesh from a mango. Usually they seem to involve removing the skin first. Sorry guys, but that is not the best way. All that will happen is that you'll have a lot of mushy mango bits.<br />
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Basically, you'll cut the "cheeks" off the mango (the sides on the flat part of the seed), score them and then turn it inside out. Here's a vid from youtube to explain it really clearly. Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lvLdPjpELyU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-77919727191387891082012-07-31T08:39:00.001-04:002012-07-31T08:39:23.997-04:00Summer DIY Inspiration; Episode 2I still have DIY on the brain, and now that summer heat is here I can take some projects outdoors! Here are the new projects I would <i>love</i> to get my hands on...<br />
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<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0036/6642/files/ALS_BearFaceMirror.jpg?1284168438" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0036/6642/files/ALS_BearFaceMirror.jpg?1284168438" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.scp.co.uk/blogs/news/1986592-london-design-festival-2010">SCP</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86105246/wire-crown?ref=tre-2236040875-2">Etsy</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9G0H9lD6l4/Tn0eB3YzMnI/AAAAAAAAe68/AedW-slH4So/s1600/halloween-garland-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9G0H9lD6l4/Tn0eB3YzMnI/AAAAAAAAe68/AedW-slH4So/s640/halloween-garland-1.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poppytalk.blogspot.ca/2011/09/pacman-halloween-garland.html">Poppytalk</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHLxTfWHtkk/T5C0SXm6sWI/AAAAAAAAB8o/DFYiyvSsIb4/s400/Mo%C3%B1itos+pintados+1-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHLxTfWHtkk/T5C0SXm6sWI/AAAAAAAAB8o/DFYiyvSsIb4/s640/Mo%C3%B1itos+pintados+1-.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://ayhandcraft.blogspot.com.ar/2012/04/cute-painted-pasta-pasta-decorada.html">Made With Love</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8F5TfCtlXA/T0XQGEc-jyI/AAAAAAAAB5o/zY594_mitGk/s1600/magnets8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8F5TfCtlXA/T0XQGEc-jyI/AAAAAAAAB5o/zY594_mitGk/s640/magnets8.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://swoonstudio.blogspot.ca/search?updated-max=2012-03-02T14:06:00-08:00&max-results=7&start=7&by-date=false">Swoon Studio</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pillipillihandmade/4789745489/">Pilli Pilli Handmade</a></div>
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You can see a lot of these projects involve the kids, an essential because they are all around 24/7 these days! How has your summer been going? Are you feeling creative?</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-9455710645286188232012-07-30T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-30T07:00:08.384-04:00Junky.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_xb5baft1o/UBGZnzziIGI/AAAAAAAAAsw/mNbg-X6Ag9o/s1600/IMG_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_xb5baft1o/UBGZnzziIGI/AAAAAAAAAsw/mNbg-X6Ag9o/s640/IMG_0353.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do you have a junk drawer? Believe it or not, we didn't until last week. Our house is extremely storage-challenged. Instead, our bar was littered with crap and there was a large bamboo bowl to contain messes. It wasn't pretty. Then I had the brainwave to using a good-lines-but-crappy-veneer bedside table as a living room piece. It's the happy home to recipe binders, <a href="http://www.laptoplunches.com/">Laptop Lunches</a> bento boxes (review forthcoming!), and...junk!<br />
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I also love having fruit at child height for easy snacking. It's made a huge difference to us! And, if you're curious, here's what the drawer looks like inside:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3vR0hMblUeI/UBGZvhBIDBI/AAAAAAAAAs4/dpy15f2n7-U/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3vR0hMblUeI/UBGZvhBIDBI/AAAAAAAAAs4/dpy15f2n7-U/s640/IMG_0354.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can you believe this was all out in the open until now??leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-21302543846161248092012-07-27T08:57:00.001-04:002012-07-27T08:57:32.254-04:00Mirror, Mirror...I love the look of gilded mirrors in modern interiors, don't you?<br />
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<a href="http://www.creamylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sans-titre-29-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.creamylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sans-titre-29-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.creamylife.com/interior-design/11331/simple-living-belgian-style.html">Creamy Life</a></div>
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<a href="http://assets4.designsponge.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/emja-n4-199x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://assets4.designsponge.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/emja-n4-199x300.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/06/sneak-peek-emma-jane-noren.html/emja-n4">Design Sponge</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fromscandinaviawithlove.com/post/15775129923/a-home-in-sweden-photo-by-marcus-lawett-for">From Scandinavia with Love</a></div>
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<a href="http://bubbelsoda.tumblr.com/">Bubbel Soda</a></div>
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<a href="http://mydesignchic.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/french-chair-amy-d-morris-designer.jpg?w=480&h=620" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://mydesignchic.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/french-chair-amy-d-morris-designer.jpg?w=480&h=620" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mydesignchic.wordpress.com/">Design Chic</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.themarionhousebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/HouseandHome-FamilyRoom-EmmaReddington-SIP-Fall11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.themarionhousebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/HouseandHome-FamilyRoom-EmmaReddington-SIP-Fall11.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.themarionhousebook.com/house-home-house-tour/houseandhome-familyroom-emmareddington-sip-fall11/">The Marion House Book</a></div>
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Starting to think that this look is so popular now that by the time I have a space to use a mirror in they will be cliche or tacky, or both. What do you think, passing trend or classic pairing? I hope it sticks around, I love the glamor of it!</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-41171622006441881652012-07-26T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-26T07:00:05.684-04:00Roasted Tomatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R6uyNm5z9Mo/UA7h8HGR7dI/AAAAAAAAAsk/2piS53IOFPA/s1600/IMG_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R6uyNm5z9Mo/UA7h8HGR7dI/AAAAAAAAAsk/2piS53IOFPA/s640/IMG_0347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When tomatoes are at their cheapest and most delicious, I love to roast them. It's such a versatile way of preparing them. Once they are done you can do so much with them! Here are some ways I have used them:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Eaten right off the baking tray! Addictive!</li>
<li>As bruschetta - toast some ciabatta slices, rub them with garlic, plonk a basil leaf and a tomato on top!</li>
<li>Made into delish roasted tomato sauce for pasta</li>
<li>Freeze them for roasted tomato soup during the winter</li>
</ul>
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So next time you see them at the farmer's market, get as many as you can carry. Then halve them (or slice them thickly if they are big and fat) and put them on a baking dish which you've oiled with some olive oil. chop up a whole lotta garlic and sprinkly them generously. Lots of salt and pepper. Another drizzle of oil and into a 350 F oven until they are starting to caramelize beautifully around the edges. Don't let them or the garlic burn! Finely slice some basil leaves over and devour.</div>
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<br />leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-88264004913301002422012-07-25T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-25T07:00:06.374-04:00A Place To LandI have never been successful at creating a welcoming entry in this house. Because of the constant projects on the go, my front hall has been sorely neglected and is often a pile of strollers, renovation supplies, shoes and sports equipment. Until this week, though, when I finally got to do a little decorating in the space. Remember that <a href="http://www.rookblog.com/2012/06/ok-i-think-im-good-for-now.html">green school chalkboard</a> I found a few weeks ago? I figured out where to put it!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eN1xVZ_W3Ao/UA8C7yStxAI/AAAAAAAAAvs/h_BudCMrSpA/s1600/fence+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eN1xVZ_W3Ao/UA8C7yStxAI/AAAAAAAAAvs/h_BudCMrSpA/s640/fence+049.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnrkkUWMHM0/UA8C_ZOX7nI/AAAAAAAAAv0/QZFcEGNcWGc/s1600/fence+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnrkkUWMHM0/UA8C_ZOX7nI/AAAAAAAAAv0/QZFcEGNcWGc/s640/fence+050.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I also found those long baskets this weekend at a garage sale (can you ever have enough baskets?) and the bench and bucket I've had for a while. I love that it has a little schoolhouse/ industrial edge now, don't you?Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-44096617994720329852012-07-24T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-24T07:00:14.833-04:00House Tour: Will's House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8b6Rz2Slas/UArK0dheUJI/AAAAAAAAArc/kABhcsoRz7k/s1600/IMG_2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8b6Rz2Slas/UArK0dheUJI/AAAAAAAAArc/kABhcsoRz7k/s640/IMG_2164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't you love house tours on blogs? I know I do. I surf and drool. So here I am, posting my first ever "real" house tour! I met Will while I was studying Architecture. He's always been amazing, and his pics of his house reno don't disappoint!<br />
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His little house that he shares with his partner, Myles, is in Sydney's inner-city area of Lilyfield. Here's what he says about their reno:<br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px;">The house is a 1930's worker's cottage with a simple weatherboard extension at the back. When we moved in we gave the garden an overhaul (it was literally just paving with 2 concrete slabs under it) and ripped out and rebuilt the bathroom. The back was opened up to the north and we extended the rear deck. We really wanted to just look at layers of green in the backyard (whilst screening the building behind us) and borrow the view of gum trees in the park beyond the property.</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you, Will and Myles for sharing your beautiful house with us!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-71861669507326523772012-07-23T10:15:00.001-04:002012-07-23T10:15:38.344-04:00New Fruit BasketSomething about this fruit basket grabbed my attention on my Saturday morning thrift...<br />
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It has to be those cute atomic style legs and feet! In other news, we hung a shelf in the kitchen to display some kitsch. I think it adds some much needed colour to my favourite corner of the house...</div>
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Hope you had a great weekend!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-84851253987714661212012-07-20T07:00:00.000-04:002012-07-20T07:00:13.407-04:00Red Wine Chicken Breasts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't often buy chicken breasts, but when I do, I marinate them. Yep. Always. I like to ensure a moist breast and this makes it foolproof. Today I used this marinade, based on one in the Joy of Cooking:<br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">¼ cup balsamic vinegar</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">¼ cup red wine </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">¼ cup olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2 tbs. chopped thyme</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 tbs. chopped rosemary</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2 tsp. salt</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2 tsp. soy sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2 tsp. black pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">6 garlic cloves, minced</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Juice of half a lemon </span></li>
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I let the breasts do their thing for about 2 hours and then dumped them into a baking dish and heated the oven to 425F. I had some mushrooms in the fridge, so put them in the bottom of the dish and then put the breasts, marinade and all, on the top and cooked them, uncovered, for about 30 mins. The result was delish!<br />
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I also put some chopped up cauliflower in to roast at the same time and steamed some fresh peas!leilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03714031110554129830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1930046051187121837.post-10001015012660529612012-07-19T08:12:00.000-04:002012-07-19T08:16:21.528-04:00Spot The StuvaOnce and a while it is funny to check the stats to see how people end up on this blog. One of the top Google searches is for IKEA Stuva (bizarre, I know), hence one of the more popular posts is the Stuva review I posted a while back when I was purchasing it for Henry's toys. It is easy to see why this modular system is popular, its simple design can be used in modern interiors with white doors for adult spaces or colourful doors for children's rooms. Here are a few of my favourite uses of Stuva lately in interior photos:<br />
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<a href="http://flexinredning.blogspot.ca/2010/09/stuva.html">Flex Inredning</a></div>
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<a href="http://hemlikt.wordpress.com/?s=stuva">Hemlikt</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lily.fi/sites/files/imagecache/lily_column_inline_image/wysiwyg_imageupload/2392/et_078_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.lily.fi/sites/files/imagecache/lily_column_inline_image/wysiwyg_imageupload/2392/et_078_0.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://interiorsoriginals.blogspot.ca/2011/09/blanc-i-negre.html">Interiors Originals</a></div>
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<a href="http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=fi&u=http://www.divaaniblogit.fi/blogit/kesallakerran/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.divaaniblogit.fi/blogit/kesallakerran/%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DQ2V%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26prmd%3Dimvns&sa=X&ei=BvgHUM_1CobZ6wHr8uHPBQ&ved=0CFgQ7gEwAA">Divaani Blogit</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.solebich.de/sites/solebich.xlcontent.de/files/imagecache/scale495/content/12942/images/1_540-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.solebich.de/sites/solebich.xlcontent.de/files/imagecache/scale495/content/12942/images/1_540-5.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.solebich.de/stuva/111640">So Leb' Ich</a></div>
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<a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/imagecache/main/ikea_stuva_kitchen_inspiration_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://livethemma.ikea.se/sites/livethemma.ikea.se/files/imagecache/main/ikea_stuva_kitchen_inspiration_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/inspiration/recept-pa-latta-stuvningar">Ikea Livet Hemma</a></div>
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I still love ours in Henry's room, if you are wondering. They are durable and wipe-able for little hands too! My only regret is not putting more wall mounted units instead of taking up floor space with the bench, however, those are the toys the kids use the most because of the accessibility. </div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02460626898538289008noreply@blogger.com3