Vim and Verve

holga 2006

2012-02-23T17:26:00.000-08:00

I found these on an external hard drive the other day. Eric, then boyfriend, now husband, took these when he was trying out his Holga. I really miss Walla Walla, and Washington in general.

kitchen obsession

2012-02-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

I have an obsession with kitchens, partly because out of the 4 apartments I've lived in, there was only one suitable kitchen for my needs. And while it was rather 70s in color and design, it was large and spacious and you could see the Space Needle out the window.

My parents are currently designing a detached apartment on their lot and I have tried my best to sneak in my own personal tastes into the design of it. While, I'm sure they've ignored my remarks, I still collect inspiration kitchen ideas here and there.

These are some of my favorites.

ARTISTIC KITCHENS

Source: old-chum.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: skonahem.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: frommoontomoon.blogspot.com via Hollin on Pinterest

EUROPEAN KITCHENS

Source: room269.tumblr.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: che-amore.tumblr.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: remodelista.com via Hollin on Pinterest

"EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE" KITCHENS

Source: johanna-vintage.blogspot.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: designspongeonline.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: design-shimmer.blogspot.com via Hollin on Pinterest

BUDGET KITCHENS

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: katyelliott.com via Hollin on Pinterest

JUST PERFECT KITCHENS

Source: katyelliott.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: alifesdesign.blogspot.com via Hollin on Pinterest

library life

2012-02-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

My version of success will be a library in my house.

Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via Hollin on Pinterest

home libraries by hollin on polyvore.com

secret library
closet library
books
stair library
Leather Book Boxes: 11" Poems of Robert Browning Box $9.99 each
ruskin
Lit-Classics-After-Wrap-33.jpg (640×604)

Source: johnrrogers.com via Patricia on Pinterest

homemade hot cocoa mix!

2012-02-20T17:00:00.001-08:00

It's not spring yet! But almost. Well, not here in Montreal, so if you still feel like the weather permits it, I highly suggest making your own hot cocoa mix. For starters, you know what goes in it - and you can customize it to your liking! The husband and I made hot cocoa with homemade mini marshmallows for our families this year for Christmas.

.recipe.

VANILLA BEAN CHOCOLATE CHIP COCOA

Makes: 1 gift (4 cups in all)
Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup sugar
8 ounces chopped semisweet chocolate
1 vanilla bean scraped.

Directions

In a bowl, combine the cocoa, sugar, vanilla, and chocolate. Store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 4 months.

For marshmallows, try this recipe.

To jar the mix, I saved up a bunch of used and cleaned up jars, painted and modge podged the lids and affixed a label with directions on how to serve the hot cocoa.

How to serve the hot cocoa.

1. measure out the amount of cocoa you want per cup of milk. (2-3 tbs. per cup)

2. heat ingredients together

3. heat and stir until the cocoa clumps have gone, and the chocolate chips are beginning to melt.

ENJOY.

new photography packaging!

2012-02-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

Yes! It's been a long time coming. I've been experimenting with packaging for my wedding photography for a while now, but with school and everything I was never able to sit down and just work on what I had in mind. Then, my awesome, totally talented, beautiful beautiful sister designed my logo. If you ever want custom design, seriously hire her, she's currently working on an illustration for a tattoo for someone! That could be you! (or you know, wedding invitations, whatever). I couldn't just have the pretty logo she designed for me standing all alone in the midst of my random packaging. So this week, I whipped out my water color set and exacto knives and got to it. Considering I don't watercolor, ever, I'm pretty happy with how the packaging turned out. In case you're interested:

For my photography packaging I use:

Moo double-sided business cards
Stumptown printing recycled dvd cases
Recycled paper bubble mailer

I try to limit the amount of materials I use for packaging, mainly so that I am not contributing more to the amount of material that is out there in the world. As you can see, all packages are hand-painted, packaged, and mailed by me. And, because we live in the Great White North, each package will now include a lovely Canadian token... yes you should be excited.

The foster kitten, Flannery, got a little mischievous while I was taking photos of my packaging. If there are any paw prints on your dvd cases - well, now you know why.

Anyways that's it. If you haven't been to my photoblog in a while, please have a look. There are still a few weddings I have yet to post on there, so keep your eyes peeled. I may even blog the packaging on there, too.

how do you guys like the new packaging? Any thoughts or new ideas? I'd love to hear!

two companys/products I am pleasantly surprised by.

2012-02-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

I am someone who is relatively comfortable with the stores and companies I like. I tend not to stray from my regular favorites, like shopping at Anthropologie or buying makeup products at Sephora or Target. However, living in Montreal, I do not have access to any three of those companies (Well, Sephora is in Laval but... I'm not going that far). Anyways, the other day I walked past Gap and noticed amazing colored khakis in the window. Then I noticed even more pieces in the store that I would buy, if I had more money. I remember taking advantage of some Gap sales in previous years, but never have I found a list of 5+ items I'd want at a given time. It's more like a list of 5-10 now. Take a look at these awesome picks. I'm really hoping that denim jumper goes on sale, like, under $50.

Gap 2012 by hollin featuring tapered pants

Gap, $90
Gap, $90
GAP tapered pants, $70
Gap, $50
Gap, $45

The second company I had NEVER tried before was The Body Shop. Before I had always thought of it as a glorified scent company, like Bath and Body Works, and didn't think much of it, in fact I had never even walked in the store before. Well, there's a Body Shop in the vast metro shop area and I noticed they were having a "buy 3 get 2 free" sale, which seems like an incredibly good deal. So I went online and did a little online browsing before choosing the items I'd want to purchase. For starters, Canadian winters are rough on the skin. My face was different in color and texture all around. So, I got the Aloe soothing day cream and protective mask (recommended by Vogue), and no joke, 1 day later, my skin was soft and no longer dry. Hasn't changed since! Next, I'd highly recommend their makeup brushes. For starters, they're vegetarian and EXTREMELY soft. I had been using the brushes that came with my old Bare Minerals kit, and they are so brittle and scratchy in comparison to these brushes. Finally, I would recommend the Vitamin E face mist. Have you heard of using face mists to set makeup and also to spritz when your face is feeling dry throughout the day? Well, it's a great idea, and I carry mine in the purse whenever my face feels dry while walking around the city. This spray has vitamin E in it, and apparently smells like rose water. I'd imagine it would soften and moisturize while instantly hydrating your face. Now, even though this company has some great stuff, it should be noted, this is not a "natural" company - but it is a vegetarian company, that does not test products on animals. So that's definitely something. Do any of you have recommendations from these companies or any others?

the body shop favorites by hollin on polyvore.com

Kabuki Bronzing Brush | The Body Shop ®, $23
Vitamin E Face Mist | The Body Shop ®, $16
Aloe Protective Restoring Mask: - The Body Shop, $19
Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask | The Body Shop ®, $22
Aloe Soothing Day Cream | The Body Shop ®, $16
Vitamin C Microdermabrasion | The Body Shop ®, $20
Foundation Brush: - The Body Shop, $23

momofuku milk bar cookbook//bagel bombs + cereal milk

2012-02-19T16:40:00.000-08:00

This past Christmas I received Christina Tosi's Milk Bar cookbook as a gift from my dear sister. This book is amazing. So far, I haven't made too many treats out of it yet, mainly because I don't know where to buy glucose in the Montreal area. So far I have made:

cereal milk (definitely more than twice)
cereal milk panna cotta
cornflake crunch
bagel bombs

Bagel bombs, are a glorious thing. They combine more than enough flavored cream cheese with a wonderful bagel dough so that on the occasion that you don't seal the dough around the cream cheese well enough, you may get "bomb" of cream cheese exploding in your oven - but it's still delicious.

The great thing about the Milk Bar book, is that quite a bit of it is available for preview on Google Books. So if you're the type of person you likes to try out recipes from a cookbook before buying it (always a wise thing to do) I suggest you head on over to this link and try out as many recipes for free as you can. But if you're willing to follow my person recommendation only, then by all means, by the book.

Bagel Bombs
recipe in Amazon's "Look Inside"

Our alterations:
We wanted our bagel bombs to have vegetarian fillings. So for one batch we made:
1. Cream cheese + dill + shallots
2. Cream cheese + roasted garlic + rosemary and herbs

What's great about cereal milk is that you can use it for so many things! I haven't tried it in my coffee yet (but I'm totally going to do it) but something I did try was CEREAL MILK DOUGHNUTS. Yeah that's right. I used my favorite doughnut recipe, but replaced the milk in the doughnuts with cereal milk. I also replaced the milk for the glaze with cereal milk, and topped in the cornflake crunch! While the doughnuts themselves didn't have much of the "cereal" taste, the glaze sure added a wonderful flavor. I cannot wait to make more from this book!

three months and counting

2012-02-18T23:11:00.000-08:00

Well folks, it's been quite a while since I've blogged on here - over three months to be slightly more precise. It's unfortunate too - it's not like my life's been boring or anything, but full time schooling (how does a literature major handle reading when she's watching tv all the time?) and photography - and I haven't really had the energy to want to blog. BUT! This week is my university's "reading week"/spring break and I am determined to blog to my heart's content and possibly redesign the blog. It definite needs a fixing - doesn't it? As for news, this is what's happend to me lately.

1. I dyed my hair in that 2010 trendsetting "ombre" jumping onto the bandwagon while everyone else jumped off.

2. We got a new foster kitten - a mini Weasley, and we named her Flannery (like O'Conner).

3. I've gotten on quite the beauty/makeup kick (posts to follow)

Well that's it for now. But I promise a new post is coming QUITE SOON.

improvisation quilts

2011-11-14T01:08:00.000-08:00

Sewing quilts has always been a daunting idea to me. The precision of cutting out perfect geometric shapes and stitching them altogether was never appealing, however I looked the patterns and colors of the quilts and wished I could produce my own. Then, I stumbled upon Susana Allen Hunter and her improvisational quilts. In the early 1900s, Hunter sewed beautiful quilts mixed in geometric shapes and colors. She clearly had an eye for color and pattern and her quilts are amazing. She brings inspiration to those of us not willing to conform to the perfectly squared quilts.

{source images found here}

morning calm

2011-11-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the beautiful soaps from Etsy seller, Morning Calm? Not only are her soaps beautifully crafted, but Hwasoon Kim's photography is also lovely, crisp and clean. I ordered my first batch of soaps and received them in the mail yesterday. I LOVE THEM. They make your face feel soft and clean and they smell beautiful. I bought a "happy endings" sample set, and the Korean Hwangto Clay soap. I can't wait to order more of these! These are definitely a perfect addition to a Christmas gift... just saying...

{images by hwasoon kim, morning calm}

morning calm: etsy, blog.

an instagram doughnut adventure

2011-11-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I decided as a goal in life, to become a doughnut connoisseur. I wanted to "master" the doughnut and open up my own doughnut shop. Original? No... but fresh, natural doughnuts does sound good, doesn't it? At first I wanted to call this doughnut shop "O'Henry's" mainly because I wanted to tagline to be a reference from Gilmore Girls when Rory says "More twists than O'Henry!" That line satisfies the English major in me and both the television geek in me. I would stick with it, except for the fact that O'Henry is a famous candy bar.... but I digress. After a couple failed attempts at some doughnuts recipes, fried, baked and all that - I stopped making doughnuts. The inside was either undercooked, or the outside too brown, the texture wasn't soft and airy... I could go on. Finally on a whim, I bought Seattle's Lara Ferroni's doughnut book. You may have remembered the sour cream doughnuts I blogged about here. Those were okay. These basic raised doughnuts, however, are AMAZING. Unfortunately the lighting was particularly bad when I photographed these, so, you'll have to bare with the instagram look.

BASIC RAISED DOUGHNUTS

with

VANILLA BEAN PASTRY CREAM

+ the recipe +

fall french toast

2011-10-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Since the beginning of October I have been searching out canned pumpkin puree in the Montreal markets - I have yet to be successful. So far I've come across canned pumpkin pie mix, but I will never (NEVER) resort to that, hopefully. I have an assortment of pumpkin recipes on my Pinterest board that I have yet to use this year and it really makes me sad. Breakfast recipes such as pumpkin french toast or pumpkin pancakes always sounds like the perfect weekend morning, but so far, no luck. So, rather than sulk and deprive myself of breakfast, I decided to make french toast, 100% from scratch.

To start, I made a light, brioche-styled loaf called Sally Lunn bread. This can be found on Smitten Kitchen. I do not normally make bread, as I have a husband that has managed to become quite an expert in bread baking. However, this recipe seemed easy enough and I prayed that the rising would come through. It did! The bread baked beautifully and it made FANTASTIC french toast. Hopefully soon I will make the accompanying honeyed brown butter spread. If you want some lightly sweet bread for either toast or bread pudding, I highly recommend this bread.

P.S. Do you like my maple syrup pot? You should. It's made by Montreal artist Marianne Chenard. Normally her maple syrup pots have really beautiful illustrations on the ceramics, but this past Puce Pop Craft Fair she had made limited run white ceramic pots with woodgrain like grooves which I couldn't resist. I love it! Plus it holds exactly 1 can of Quebec maple syrup, so storage is made easy.

To make French toast a little more "fall festive" I like to add cinnamon and nutmeg to the egg/milk mixture. Enjoy! And make sure to take advantage of all the pumpkin cuisine out there while you still can!

preparation for halloween

2011-10-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've blogged again - no thanks to work and school, but during this time away from Blogger, I've been thinking about halloween costumes. After watching Fantastic Mr. Fox again, I decided an easy, comfortable and most importantly warm costume for me this year would be Ash. It'd be a relatively cheap costume, too. All you need are some white sweatpants, a white cardigan, a makeshift cape, an "A" felt patch and possible 2 sets of tube socks (2 cut to fit your face). If you really go the distance, buy this amazing felted fox hat on Etsy. Here are some findings I've discovered for my costume (as long as I have a party to go to). What are your costumes going to be this year?
'

Ash costume by hollin featuring elastic pants

American Apparel stripe socks, $8
Forever21 elastic pants, $14
CARDIGAN WITH BUTTONS - Collection - Knitwear - Collection - Woman -..., 46 CAD

Ash costume

2011-10-25T10:06:00.001-07:00

Ash costume by hollin featuring stripe socks

Forever21 elastic pants
$14 - forever21.com

American Apparel stripe socks
$8 - americanapparel.net

CARDIGAN WITH BUTTONS - Collection - Knitwear - Collection - Woman -...
46 CAD - zara.com

ricotta drop doughnuts

2011-10-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to manage my time efficiently. It's not that I'm just lazing off - I'm doing things. However when all of your time is being pulled in different directions all at once - working on homework for 10 minutes then working on photos for 10 minutes... it doesn't seem like anything will get done!

So what do I do? I go to Jean Talon Marche, buy some ingredients and then I make ricotta drop doughnuts. I used Lara Ferroni's Doughnut book and I have to say I was quite pleased with the results.

RICOTTA DROP DOUGHNUTS

Vegetable oil for frying
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup superfine sugar
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (I didn't have any so I used orange zest)
3 eggs
8 ounces ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make the doughnuts: Sift the flour and baking powder into a medium bowl. Stir in the sugar, lemon zest, eggs, ricotta and vanilla, mixing just enough to combine. Do not over mix.
The batter can be used immediately or stored up to 1 day covered in the refrigerator.

To fry, heat at least 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-fat thermometer registers 360 degrees F.

Drop tablespoon-size dollops directly into the oil and fry for about 45 seconds per side, or until golden brown. (I had some issues with dough in the middle of my doughnuts. I ended up frying these drops for about 1 minute - 1 minutes and 30 seconds each side).

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining batter. Let cool slightly. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar
Recipe Page

it's autumn times!

2011-09-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Autumn!

Source: tumblr.com via Cathy on Pinterest

I know I'm a few days late, but with the busyness that has plagued my days, I haven't gotten a chance to truly enjoy what wonderful crisp weather and food we're about to experience.

First of all, a reason for my lack of blogging: I've been blogging, just not on this blog. Take a look at the photoblog. If you haven't seen it in awhile, you can find A LOT of new sessions I had this summer. I'd love to hear your feedback!

"And secondably," school has begun. You would think, being an English major I would enjoy reading the vast amounts of literature that is being assigned to me. But as of late I have found myself more interested in beautiful book covers, than I am with the contents of the book. A good example of this, is the amazing illustrator, Lizzy Stewart.

So that is where my time as gone. I have more projects and photography sessions for October so hopefully I'll be able to blog more about all of that.

Stay tuned for Stumptown Coffee Ice Cream and more! But for now, I leave you with images and recipes for Fall.

Source: marthastewart.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: smittenkitchen.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: ideasandinspiration.tumblr.com via Hollin on Pinterest

BUTTERBEER RECIPE. yeah. i'm totally making this.

Source: thepastryaffair.com via Hollin on Pinterest

painting pretty

2011-09-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

I really wish I could paint. I suppose it would help to just buy some paint and practice? For now, I'll just look at these pretties, and wish they were hanging up in the bedroom.

Source: bonbiforest.blogspot.com via Hollin on Pinterest

jeni's ice cream

2011-09-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

So I broke down and bought Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream at Home. I have bought a few people various ice cream books, but have failed to buy myself one. I randomly heard about Jeni's ice cream from a friend and decided to look into it. While I like the idea that every single ice cream require the same 4 steps, I've never heard of an ice cream with cornstarch and cream cheese. So my curiosity got the best of me and when I read all the high praises of the book, I went for it. Haven't tried any recipes yet, but hoping to this weekend!!!

source


I especially want to buy this ice cream paddle!

Also check out this video made for Jeni's ice cream. Very pretty and fun to see!

Good Time from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams on Vimeo.

If you want to try some recipes before buying the book, take a look at a couple of these!

Source: ezrapoundcake.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: thekitchn.com via Hollin on Pinterest

popcorn tea

2011-09-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had popcorn tea? Me neither! Till now! Popcorn tea, or Movie Night tea is delicious! I don't usually think of drinking tea while watching movies, but it's a nice feeling. And with fall coming up, popcorn tea just sounds right. The tea is from David's Tea , a Canadian tea company that sells lots of delicious blends of teas. It may not be as good as Lupicia, but it's pretty good and close by!

beauty diy: wake up scrub

2011-09-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been looking into DIY beauty recipes and soaps. There haven't been too many I've been super impressed with yet, mainly because I don't have all the ingredients and am usually too lazy to go out looking for them. But! One recipe that I absolutely love is this body/face scrub. You will most likely have ALL of these ingredients on hand, and if you don't, well, it's stuff you should always have on hand.

First let's talk about the ingredients: what I love most about this recipe is it gets rid of your used coffee grounds! Normally I hate just tossing the grounds into the trash, since I don't have a garden I can throw them in, so this is a great recycling tool. Second, if you don't have peppermint essential oil I couldn't recommend it more. It is a great soother especially for headaches! I always put it on for headaches or neck-aches. Hopefully the rest of the ingredients you have on hand!

Wake.Up Scrub

{Read more at Wholeliving.com: Wake-Up Scrub }

1/4 cup olive oil or oil of choice (vitamin e, jojoba oil, etc.)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup pure turbinado sugar (I used my lavender raw sugar, because that's all I had)
15 drops peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita)
1/2 cup used coffee grounds from a freshly brewed pot

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; using a fork, thoroughly blend. Transfer the scrub to a wide mouthed jar, and store in a cool place until ready to use. The scrub will keep for one to two weeks, longer if refrigerated.

GET ALL YOUR INGREDIENTS TOGETHER

ADD COFFEE BEANS TO SUGAR MIXTURE

COMBINE THE TWO TOGETHER

ADD PEPPERMINT EXTRACT

ADD OLIVE OIL

ADD VANILLA EXTRACT

STIR EVERYTHING UP TOGETHER!

STORE IN A COOL PLACE UNTIL READY TO USE

2. While showering, apply handfuls of the coffee scrub to wet skin in circular motions, starting at the feet and working up. The scrub contains oil, so it's best to do this over a rubber mat to avoid slipping. Pay particular attention to rough spots such as heels, ankles, knees, and elbows.
3. After scrubbing, cleanse skin as usual using a mild natural soap or body wash. Pat skin dry with a fluffy towel, and follow with lotion to seal in the moisture.

lockets: coming soon

2011-09-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

Been working on some solid perfume lockets! I had to take a break, because I couldn't stop smelling the perfume everywhere. More pictures when I'm done!

the return of weekly wishlists

2011-08-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

So usually when I get in the mood to buy things, I have to create these wishlists to tell my brain that I'm "doing something" about the stuff that I want. So rather than buying, I come up with weekly wish lists. I did this for awhile, but then I actually started school and jobs so I had my mind occupied. Well I've got a few more weeks without occupation meaning a few more wishlists coming this way!

weekly wishlist 1 by hollin featuring jeans

Amazon.com: Broadcast News (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]:..., $24.00
Jeans by Madewell $79.95
kitchen goods / Chemex
gifts pour moi / Women's new arrivals - accessories - DODOcase™ for... $79.95
beauty things to try / Women's new arrivals - accessories - Poppy King... $18.00

I've been wanting a Chemex coffee maker for a long time now, and I'm hoping one of these days I'll just go for it and buy one.
J.Crew started carrying The Dodo Case for the iPad 2. I wish they were cheaper than $60-80 but I might just have to save up and invest.
Madewell is pretty awesome sometimes. At first it didn't seem like there was a whole lot they offered, but after finding a pair of high-waisted wideleg pants that I've been searching for a long time now, I'm pretty excited.
J.Crew coral lipstick. It's the same lipstick color you see on all those J.Crew ads. I'll take it!
And finally, Broadcast News. Have you seen this movie? I love it! Holly Hunter is incredible in it, and if they make a reference of it in Gilmore Girls you know it's probably pretty good.

the vegan/gluten free cleanse business..

2011-08-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Last week the husband and I went to Aux Vivres, a great vegetarian and sometimes vegan restaurant here in Montreal. Usually, because of our strict budget, we stick to a entree, no drinks or desserts or sides. But... what Aux Vivres features prominently in their cafe is their smoothie menu. The husband and I have been on our cleanse for, what, two weeks now? Or is it a week? (Hopefully two weeks). And since I have been craving sugar mostly, and he's craved chocolate mostly, we decided to splurge and split the curious "chocolate smoothie." Luckily for us, they list all the ingredients on their menu which includes: cocoa powder, coconut/soy milk, dates, and flax seed protein. Since we didn't really want to pay the $4.50 all the time to get a quick non-sugar fix, I decided to experiment on the smoothie at home, and I believe we've hit something relatively close to home! Why dates you ask? Well, in order to stay within the perimeters of the cleanse, one must stay away from using sugar. So by blending up dates, you are naturally sweetening the smoothie without cheating. I suppose, if you don't want to buy dates, you could try using agave nectar or some other natural sweetener, but I haven't tried it that way. I bought the dates. This recipe is slightly different, mainly because I ran out of coconut milk and I have no idea what flax seed protein is. So here is our rendition!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

{adapted from here}

1 cup // soy milk or coconut milk (or you can do a mixture of both)
4 dates // seeded and sliced
1 banana // slightly frozen or just cold
2 tablespoons // cocoa powder
1 tablespoon // peanut butter, or almond butter
1 teaspoon // vanilla extract (you can add up to 1 tablespoon if you'd like)
5 // ice cubes

serving, totally optional:
1 dollop // thickened coconut milk (an easy fix is to open a can of coconut milk and leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight. then, the next day, give it a whip!)

First blend the milk, dates, cocoa powder, peanut butter and vanilla until completely smooth and there are no date pieces left. This may take awhile as the dates tend to stay beneath the blade, so make sure to stop and swirl the blender every once in awhile, making sure the dates are getting cut. Then add the banana and ice and blend just until your shake is smooth. Serve and enjoy. If this weren't vegan/gluten free, I would say to add a dollop of whip cream. So instead, add a dollop of coconut cream!

Hope you guys like it! Don't worry. Just give me a few weeks and I'll be posting the usual unhealthy recipes you're used to finding on here =)

waiting for my hair to grow out.

2011-08-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

So I can do something like this! Also, I probably need a hairbrush. Any good recommendations for teasing out the hair, so I can do something like that first picture?

ballerina bun by hollin on Polyvore.com

beauty things to try / {this is glamorous}
beauty things to try / LUELLA LOVES
jkhjk

fabric series

2011-08-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

I got the opportunity to buy lots of fabric while I was in the LA fabric district. I thought I'd take pictures of some before I make fun and crafts out of them!

THE LINEN SERIES

VINTAGE FLORAL PILLOW CASES

DOGS IN A ROW

CATS LINED UP

LINEN FLOWERS 1

LINEN FLOWERS 2

LINEN FLOWERS 3

mango coconut sherbet

2011-08-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

I am officially back in Montreal, people. Actually I've been in Montreal for a couple weeks now and it's been a nice return to our apartment and to the city. One thing that I've officially decided to change this summer is, after eating way too much In'n'Out and mexican food, I gained a lot more weight than I was hoping to. So, after hearing about a cleanse diet from a friend, the husband and I decided to try this 21 day cleanse. It's simple. You don't eat a lot of things which helps with the 'diet' part. But you do feel much healthier. Here is the NO list:

SUGAR
CAFFEINE
ALCOHOL
ANIMAL PRODUCTS
(meat, dairy, honey, gelatin)
GLUTEN

So basically on this diet, it's a lot of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains. We've been eating a lot of chickpea dishes, and quinoa salads, that have actually been quite wonderful. Also, the great thing about this diet, is you get to drink a lot of smoothies. The hardest part about this diet, which surprised me, is how much I miss or use sugar. So, in order to get a sugar fix and stop my ice cream cravings, I made this: Mango Coconut Sherbet. It turned out so good! From the original recipe, I made some changes and I think it's something worth making every summer.

MANGO COCONUT SHERBET

adapted from The Novice Chef

Tips:
*Use ripe, sweet mangoes, otherwise the sherbert will not be very sweet or tasty.
*Try to limit the amount of fresh lime juice, add to taste, so that the lime does not overcome the mango flavor.
*If you have time, refrigerate the sherbet mixture overnight, it thickens more and ultimately makes a smoother sherbet.
*If you want a completely smooth sherbet, blend until complete smooth, than strain the mixture into a bowl. This will get rid of any leftover mango shreds or strings. However, I didn't strain it and it turned out fine.

Ingredients:

2 cups cubed peeled ripe mango, about 3 medium mangoes
1/4-1/2 cup agave nectar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (add to taste)
Zest of 1 lime
1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut, toasted

Combine cubed mango, sugar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, lime zest and coconut milk in food processor or blender. Process until mixture is smooth, scraping sides as necessary. If you have the extra time, refrigerate this mixture until chilled, or overnight.
Pour mixture into the freezer can of an ice-cream freezer, and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions to soft-serve consistency.
Spoon sherbet into a freezer-safe container; cover and freeze until firm.
Sprinkle each serving with coconut and enjoy!

it's been a month??

2011-08-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

Yikes. My summer intentions were to blog more, about cool things I've been up to or seen. But what a disappointment. Summer has been busy. Not just with photography and general summerness, but with school, and traveling... summer has been more exhausting then the school year! I apologize for being too lazy to update the blog. I thought I'd kick off August with my travels. The first: San Francisco! I'll be doing a few posts on San Francisco, as it's sectioned either by day, or by an awesome place we visited.

Pot and Pantry is a super awesome buy+trade kitchen shop. The owner is a friend of a friend, and she sure does have really great kitchen stuff in this tiny shop. I bought some wooden measuring spoons and a ridiculously amazing chopstick set with cat shaped chopstick rests! That's right.

Pot + Pantry

the new thing in cooking videos

2011-07-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

My husband decided he wanted to do a cooking video series of vegetarian recipes for his food blog, Eating for the Rest of Us. Soon he'll have a pretty amazing pizza video up (hopefully by the end of July). However, upon browsing videos, he stumbled upon the most AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL video recipe I have ever seen. It's imperative that you watch it.

olivia & brianna

2011-06-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

New on the photoblog. A super fashionable and cute sister session at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Check it!

BOUCHON

2011-06-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

If you want an amazing, and expensive anniversary dinner. Go to Bouchon. Get the roast chicken. Get a dessert, or four. And.. specifically ask for FREE water.

two years and counting!

2011-06-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

JUNE 28, 2011

Happy Anniversary, ME. Well, to the husband and myself. It's been a good two years since we got married up in Issaquah, Washington at Treehouse Point. Since then, we've lived in Portland, OR and Montreal, QC. Who knows - by the next two years we could be living in California and Texas... let's hope not for the sake of my heat tempers and pale skin. It seems like whenever bloggers' anniversaries come up, they post pictures from their wedding. And since I like our wedding, I thought I'd do the same!!!! It's been tough moving to Montreal away from everyone we know. But I've been super thankful for having the opportunity to come back down to the "best coast" and seeing a lot of these people who were at our wedding. If you know us and you live in the area, LET'S HANG OUT.

photos by Vanja Horonic and Ben Blood

new on the photoblog: laura & dustin

2011-06-18T01:36:00.000-07:00

There are two new posts on the photoblog: portraits of Laura and Dustin PLUS an awesome animated GIF! You can check out both entries of the photos here.

coming soon to the photoblog

2011-06-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

It's kind of funny how life works. If you've looked at my photoblog you can see that it's been practically inactive since February. There's several reasons for that, some being that we took a 5 day road trip cross continent, and I've been busy planning wedding crafts and preparing for photo jobs. So what was once inactivity is now too much activity! Hopefully within the next few weeks you'll find a plethora of new photo entries in my photoblog of awesome sisters, engagements, and weddings. If you're interested in my services, feel free to send me an email on my contact page. I'm currently in southern California until the first week of August and will be in the Northwest from July 26-31. Now here is a preview of a post that will hopefully be up on the photoblog soon!

Two Awesome Sisters

Los Angeles, CA

i love david ryle photography

2011-05-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

Looking at David Ryle Photography is like looking at the best version of the world you wish you could see. Just look at those landscapes!

Photos by David Ryle

snipits from keiko's apartment

2011-05-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

I stayed with my sister and her husband in South Pasadena this week and I must say, we sure know how to eat! They just moved into a new apartment so it was so much fun to see how she displayed all of her trinkets and what she still had out in opened boxes. Her place isn't completely set up so I was only allowed to take close up photos. Nonetheless I hope for those of you looking for color/home/art inspiration, that you'll find it here. Check out Keiko and Malachi's blogs and related etsy stores!

cat lady problems

2011-05-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

I should be clear. I am not a cat lady. I was never one who loved cats at an early age. In fact, I have been a dog person my entire life, up until 2008 when I received Weasley. Still, I am not 100% fond of cats, or even find all cats all that adorable. Nevertheless, I have managed to foster 3 kittens, and am currently being handed cats who need care. So, when I stumbled upon a cute little cat figurine while perusing Olvera Street with my sister, the life-altering decision loomed over me. Do I buy a cat figurine, knowing that I'll want a vintage cat figurine collection similar to those people with all the deer? Do I fight the cat lady tendencies or do I embrace them by purchasing a cat that isn't so reminiscent to Weasley, but is reminiscent enough to defend the purchase to my husband, "doesn't it look like her?" Do I buy the cat figurine?

maybe I'll buy a little shelf to put it on.

So here it is, my introduction to catladydom. I'm kidding... I'm not a cat lady. I just like stuff. It's not like I'm going to go around searching high and low for these little vintage cat treasures. If I happen to be in a thrift store, I'll peruse. Or better yet, I'll buy a figurine reminiscent to every cat I've fostered/owned, etc. But I definitely WILL NOT search for cat figurines.

Results from my search:

Source: etsy.com via Hollin on Pinterest

So if by chance you see any of these cat figurines displayed on a small shelf in my house, that means that I said yes to catladydom, my husband has probably left me, and you should bring me lots of ice cream.

terrain at styers

2011-05-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since Urban Outfitters Inc. announced their opening of Terrain, I knew I had to go there one day. How would I get to Pennsylvania when I was across the country in Portland? It would take years. Turns out, it only takes 1 year. Moving to Montreal put me 8 hours away from Philadelphia. So when the husband and I decided to drive down to California we made a stop at Terrain. Both he and I took hundreds of photos. We got there in the early evening and tried to look at the expansive collection of gardening goods, outdoor furniture, home goods, and sooooo much more. I really wanted to eat at their cafe but unfortunately it was their 3 course dinner menu, meaning a little too pricey considering we were eating McDonalds and Taco Bell for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If anyone is in the vicinity of the Northeast, I highly suggest taking whatever amount of hours out of your trip to head to Terrain - especially if you have a garden... or better yet, a home.

I think I'll apologize now for the huge expanse of photos.....

the parthenon//nashville, tn

2011-05-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

One of the first stops my best friend took me to was the famous Parthenon in Nashville, TN. I had only seen it in the Robert Altman film, Nashville. If you haven't seen that movie, well, it's a fun one. The ending takes place at this famous Nashville staple. And there is quite the musical number which, once you hear it, will get stuck in your head FOREVER. I suggest you have a look:

You may have also noticed our fascination with the baby geese....

king arthur flour

2011-05-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

If you've been to any grocery store, it's evident that King Arthur's Flour is probably the most expensive, but also the best. The husband has been wanting to visit the King Arthur baker's school, store, and bakery since he found out it was located in Vermont, not too far from Montreal. So when we started out on our roadtrip from Montreal to California, we chose the southern route and made some very necessary stops. The first being King Arthur Flour.

shelves of different and awesome flours

notes from around the house

2011-04-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

it's definitely sewing week. images coming soon! hopefully....

golden ponies flats.

our shelves started bending from the weight of our dishes, so we had to do some rearranging, transferring over light dvds.

tea tins on the kitchen shelf.

weasley on her brand new rug from ecuador.

pastel whoopie pies

2011-04-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

So mine of course isn't as pretty as the whoopie pies from Project Wedding, but I thought I'd give it a try. I loved the colors that they chose and tried to get the same rich, but subtle hues. Unfortunately it didn't quite work. I made whoopie pies in yellow, coral, and grey. The grey for some reason was fairly splotchy - probably not mixed well enough. As for the cake batter, I'm not sure how I feel about this particular batter, the cake itself wasn't fantastic but then again I've never had a true whoopie pie before. If you want to try a different whoopie pie recipe, try some of these free listed recipes from the Whoopie Pies book.

Recipe!

the best easter treat

2011-04-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

So technically these little cakes are supposed to be baked in an egg mold, but, I don't have one and it's not like the egg shape makes the cake taste better. These "golden eggs" are superior to all treats, in my opinion. If I'm ever in a bad mood I make these and all troubles melt away. I suggest you make them for this weekend for Easter! RECIPE HERE.

it's the butter and cinnamon-sugar topping that does the trick....

the real summer experience

2011-04-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Catalina Island for the very first time in May. I've heard a lot of good things and am excited to finally experience the island of golf carts and pretty theaters. I think there are other things in Catalina as well, I just haven't heard about them. I hadn't ever posted a polyvore set before so I thought I'd try it. Basically I set up the essentials I will be bringing to the island. I have most of the items, or some sort of variant. I wish I got that topshop boater hat, but I found an H&M version for $14, so I couldn't resist. Anyone have any trips planned for the summer?

catalina weekend by hollin featuring cream sandals

Clarks Originals cream sandal, $90
Traditional Navy Banded Straw Boater Hat - Hats - Accessories -...
Nylon Tricot High-Waist Swim Brief | Swimwear | Shop American Apparel
WIDE STRIPE BIKINI - Swimwear - Collection - Woman - ZARA Canada
benetint mini
vintage swim photograph
Cat Eye Sunglasses at Free People Clothing Boutique

wilderness queens

2011-04-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Awesome editorial in Small Magazine. This shoot seems most appropriate when one wakes up in Montreal to find that Winter has in fact returned where Spring used to be. Check out the rest of the awesomeness.

swimming things

2011-04-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Bathing suits are rough. I really hate most of what's out there, and what is decent enough to buy is usually a $300 piece. Why? I don't know. I still don't understand how small triangles of stretch fabric can cost $100. But enough of that, I suppose. These days I've been shopping for a two-piece bathing suit, and it has seemed almost impossible. But as of late, more options have been coming up that I have been grateful for. Unfortunately, a lot of the swimwear I do like, is still fairly pricey. But! I have found some good solutions.

For example:

This bathing suit from Anthropologie is $98.00 PER PIECE. Meaning, to buy both, it'd cost you $200. I'm not a fan of this. The best selling point of this bathing suit is the bottom anyhow, the sash in the back is what makes it. By pairing this suit, with a cheaper top, like from Victoria Secret... only $24... it at least saves you about $75.

Source: anthropologie.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: victoriassecret.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Another good option is to buy simple black swim bottom that you love, and buy a top that has black in it, that way you can mix and match as much as you like!

American Apparel's high waisted bottom is only $25.

Source: store.americanapparel.ca via Hollin on Pinterest

This way, you can mix and match with cheap or expensive bathing suit tops.

Source: shop.hm.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: iamagreedygirl.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Hollin on Pinterest

That's it for now! I'm hoping one of these days I'll be able to find myself some cheap bathing suits I like. Any suggestions?

It's a good day

2011-04-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Although it's been a very stressful week (only a week before finals now!) I had some good news peppered throughout that helped my sanity.

First, our dear foster, Ferrell, got adopted! He'll be picked up this Sunday. I'm going to miss him a lot but I know he's going to a permanent home which is what he deserves. This morning I woke up to find him snuggling with me, first time ever! He is not a lap kitten - UNTIL now. Well, at least he's working on it... Which means I want to keep him now, ha!

And finally, to put a wonderful end to my week, today I received my oxfords from Golden Ponies!

I do not have good feet. Basically, I am a sucker for cheap shoes, like Target, Urban Outfitter's, etc... BUT, after wearing tons of cheap shoes, either it took a toll on my feet, or I just had bad feet to begin with because now, I cannot walk an hour without having serious foot pain. It's caused an issue, because now I have to research comfortable shoes that aren't disgusting in looks, and now I can't buy those cheap deal shoes...

I, however, couldn't resist Golden Ponies. The shoes are "cheap," in price, but they are great! The leather is so soft and comfy, and the craftsmanship is definitely apparent, I honestly do not know how she makes these awesome shoes. I've been walking around my apartment and so far, they are extremely comfortable. Maybe later on I'll put in an insole for safety, but for now, awesome sauce!

I went for a neutral look, with light brown and beige for my two colors. If I am ever in need of another pair (which I will make myself be..), I'm definitely trying lavender or the bright blue! The price is a steal for what you get, and I'm so happy with my new shoes, they came in perfect time, because my favorite oxfords basically disintegrated from overuse.

I recommend everyone buying a pair!

{Another blessing was that a final paper that I had stressed about and well, thought I had failed, I actually got a surprisingly good grade, but I don't expect that to happen often...}

korean weddings

2011-03-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

I've always loved the honbok (traditional Korean wedding dress). I loved the empire waist and the tie at the neck, and the colors are always so bright and beautiful. And then I came across these gowns by Hanbok Lynn. They are incredible! Both modern and traditional.... just.. beautiful. Her choice of color combination and fabrics are really well done. I kind of wish I had a dress fashioned like one of these dresses.... I do insist you look at the designer's website, the photography and outfits are outstanding.

sugar baby, baby, baby...

2011-03-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's one of the most beautiful new cookbooks (if you can call it that) out there, a part from Baked Explorations, of course. Sugar Baby is a new book solely based on the "cooking of sugar." It's awesome! Typically, most dessert books are full of cake recipes, with a recipe for marshmallows thrown in there, but this book, includes any book where you must cook sugar, and each section is categorized by the sugar stage, i.e., soft ball stage, hard crack, etc...

I had to buy the husband a gift from Amazon.ca, but wanted the "free super saver shipping," I was only half way there, so upon discovering Sugar Baby, I thought, perfect! The name, Gesine Bullock-Prado sounded so familiar when I browsed the cookbook online, and then it hit me - GOLDEN EGGS! This woman (actually the sister of Sandra Bullock) makes THE BEST little cakes in the world. I made them because the simpleness of the cake inspired me, and if you follow the directions exactly, they will explode your mind... or something close. If you live in Austin, TX you can go to Bullock's cafe, Walton's Fancy and Staple, to try the little cake yourself, but really, just make them, please.

Back to Sugar Baby:
If you don't like buying cookbooks, or if you like to try a few recipes first, look at her blog, for some example recipes you can try now! Also, the author's personality is hilarious and just so evident in the instructions and writing. But it'd probably be worth it to buy, it is just chock full of gift ideas and easy ways to get diabetes.

Gesine Makes Parisian Macarons from Raymond Prado on Vimeo.

home inspiration

2011-03-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

I've got a lot coming up these next couple of weeks. Finals are in position to attack and I've already got papers lined up at my door. I'm not good with deadlines. It's not that I don't make them, I do make deadlines, it's just the execution of the final work may be questionable in quality. I tend to procrastinate, a lot. This weekend I tidied up the apartment, a lot. And the week before I managed to rearrange the living room. So here I am again. I've got a nice little 3-5 page poetry assignment staring at me blankly, and I am searching around Pinterest.

I found a lot of good home inspiration ideas for that "one day" home I may have. Although some of these inspirations I could use now..

Source: sycamorestreetpress.com via Hollin on Pinterest

We have terrible track lighting, or something, in our living room. If you look up at the ceiling you're blinded. Very bad direct light. I think this scattered lightbulb design may do the trick.

Source: designspongeonline.com via Hollin on Pinterest

We have a couple long hallways.... this seems to use the space perfectly. Of course they don't have a bright red brick wall to contend with...

Source: designspongeonline.com via Hollin on Pinterest

What do you think of diagonal furniture? I wonder what our bed would look like in this position...

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Hollin on Pinterest

This is a good example of a small kitchen to aspire to. Small but still manageable and organized...

Source: flickr.com via Hollin on Pinterest

My workspace is a nightmare right now. This is just perfect. But it doesn't make sense for a sewing machine and TONS of supplies. Oh storage...

Bedroom inspiration will come shortly. My least favorite room in our apartment is our bedroom. Mainly because it's part bedroom - part laundry room - part storage - AND NO CLOSETS. We have shelves on walls with folded clothes, and TWO clothing racks that do not fit anywhere inconspicuously. It's all out in the open, and it's ugly. Still racking my brain on how to fix such an ugly space...

For now: pretty in its simplicity.

Source: color-collective.blogspot.com via Hollin on Pinterest

snow in spring means tomato basil soup

2011-03-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

I was pretty excited last week. The weather was warming up to the high 30s, even low 40s, and I was finally able to wear a different coat outside (rather than my lame black down jacket). Well... that didn't last long, because yesterday and today we saw flurries and even snow storms. Fantastic. When there's snow, there's soup. And for tonight: tomato basil soup. When I lived in Seattle, I fell in love with Metropolitan Market's tomato basil soup. This is a close variant of that soup. I have no idea what their recipe is, but this pretty close to the original. It pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese panini and tonight ours was a chevre panini with carmelized onions and basil. I hope everyone's spring season, is actually... warming up.

Tomato Basil Soup

by Hollin

INGREDIENTS:

2-3 large cans of whole plum tomatoes
1 large bunch of basil leaves, reserve a few for the end
1 large carrot, chopped
1 large onion, sliced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 celery, chopped
2-3 cups of vegetable broth (2 cups for a thicker soup)
1/4-1/2 heavy cream (whatever you prefer)
1-2 Tablespoons cornstarch* (optional, if your soup is too liquidy)
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 Tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
pinch of red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS:

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot.
Sautee chopped onions until cooked and translucent.
Add garlic and cook for a minute or two.
Add carrot, zucchini, celery, and basil and cook for a few minutes.
Add tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth.
Bring soup to a boil, then reduce and simmer approximately 25-30 minutes.
Once vegetables are thoroughly cooked, remove from heat.
Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender) blend the soup till it's nice and smooth. (If using a regular blender, you'll probably have to blend the soup in batches until it's completely smooth)
If your soup is too liquidy, mix cornstarch in a small amount of cold water, and add into the soup.
Add heavy cream into the soup.
Put the soup back on low heat and add salt and pepper to taste, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Once the soup looks good, eat it! You can top with some basil leaves, OR, make chevre grilled cheese sandwiches with fried basil.

the folio society and too many birthday wishes

2011-03-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am terribly "wish-list obsessed" when it comes to birthdays, Christmas gifts, anything where I may get a present. I usually find one gift I absolutely have to have, but then, find dozens of other gifts I "have to have" as well.... it's awful... This year, I knew I had to have the iPad 2, and that is still #1 on my list, but after going through The Folio Society's catalog, I can't help but want a membership for their beautiful books as well. If you haven't seen them, look! If you aren't a member, but love to read, you should join. Here are just some of the books I am wanting to buy for myself!

{images from The Folio Society}

popcorn ice cream

2011-03-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

This is by far the best ice cream I've made so far with my ice cream maker. Popcorn infused ice cream! So amazing! One of the best things about this ice cream is it requires only 1 egg yet it is still custardy good! I'll admit that I was so excited to eat this that I never got a good chance to really photograph the end result. I found the recipe here, and those photos are far superior to mine.

My recommendation: Once your ready to eat your ice cream, top with Crackerjacks, both crumbs and nuts. The best combination!

i wish i had long hair...

2011-03-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

I know it's silly of me to say. I had extremely long hair this past summer, but starting a new life in a new country some how had me forcing scissors to my locks and chopping them off. So now my hair is reaching for my shoulders, and I'm hoping by the summer I can gain some length. Lately I've been into all that beauty stuff. Nail polish, makeup, hairstyles... probably because it's too cold and too snowy to ponder wearing a skirt with some tights, or sacrificing leather boots on the salted sidewalks. Being stylish vs. being warm. (my daughter, my sister, my daughter, my sister..)

I wish my hair wasn't so thick. Some girls can really pull off creative bobby pinning. Me - I can barely work the things..

my favorite look of all time

Source: glamour.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: hairromance.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: glamour.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: hairromance.com via Jacinda on Pinterest

a kitchen must have

2011-03-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

Are there any good carpenters out there? I need this particular kitchen island, maybe smaller, but just as awesome in its use of storage. Look at those awesome bread bins concealed in the island! Look at that pull out storage! The next place I move, I'm going to find someone to make this for me (because the original is way out of my budget). For more information, click here.

a modern place for your cat

2011-03-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

These cat beds from Likekittysville, are amazing, and I would say totally worth it for someone who has $80 lying around. I think this would make a great piece to your home, and it's a great bed for your cat! I hope one of these days I can get this bed for my cat, especially since she tends to find some weird places to sleep. Like a fruit basket. And no.. she doesn't fit in it to well. Poor Weasley, if only I could afford this bed for you!

Weasley doesn't quite fit the basket.

my dream spring wardrobe

2011-02-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

Steven Alan Spring 2011. If I could wear one designer the entire spring/summer, it'd definitely be this.

memory inducing madeleines

2011-02-26T19:24:00.000-08:00

"And suddenly the memory returns. The taste was that of the little crumb of madeleine which on Sunday mornings at Combray (because on those mornings I did not go out before church-time), when I went to say good day to her in her bedroom, my aunt Léonie used to give me, dipping it first in her own cup of real or of lime-flower tea. The sight of the little madeleine had recalled nothing to my mind before I tasted it; perhaps because I had so often seen such things in the interval, without tasting them, on the trays in pastry-cooks’ windows, that their image had dissociated itself from those Combray days to take its place among others more recent; perhaps because of those memories, so long abandoned and put out of mind, nothing now survived, everything was scattered; the forms of things, including that of the little scallop-shell of pastry, so richly sensual under its severe, religious folds, were either obliterated or had been so long dormant as to have lost the power of expansion which would have allowed them to resume their place in my consciousness."

- Swann's Way by Marcel Proust

Source: google.ca via Hollin on Pinterest

If you're not familiar with Marcel Proust or madeleine cookies, it's time for you to get acquainted (I'd say the cookies first). Madeleine cookies have always been a favorite of mine, and after a failed attempt with a bad recipe, I took a break from madeleines. However, my interest returned. Living in Montreal, every tiny market on every street corner has packaged pastries, including madeleine cookies. I've never tried them, as I'm always scared of wasting pennies on pre-packaged pastries, but decided to make my own. I used the recipe from 101 Cookbooks, cut it and half, and I think it worked wonderfully. A side note, these cookies to not create that "bump" on the back of the cookies, but none the less, I found them delicious, and with this recipe, there's no chilling for several hours, which means more cookies right away!

{Classic Madeleines}

makes 15-20 regular sized cookies

3 ounces unsalted butter

1/4 cup + 2 tbs. all purpose flour

2 large eggs

a pinch of fine grain sea salt

1/3 cup sugar

zest of 1 lemon

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Melt butter in a skillet until it browns and gives off a nutty aroma. Strain the butter, discarding the white solids, and set aside and cool. Meanwhile, butter and flour your madeleine pan, shaking off any excess flour. Using an electric mixer, mix eggs and salt on high until it thickens and lightens in color, approximately 3 minutes. Slowly add sugar in a small stream. Whip for 2 minutes or until thickened and ribbony in texture. With a rubber spatula, fold in lemon zest and vanilla extract just until combined. Sprinkle flour on top of the batter and gently fold in. Next, fold in the cooled, melted butter, just until combined. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown and springs up when touched. Remove back rapping the pan against the counter, loosening the cookies, or use a fork to carefully lift cookies out of the molds. Cool on a rack, dust with powdered sugar.

les amour imaginaires

2011-02-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

The Montreal film, by young (as in, 1989 born) director, Xavier Dolan, was released this week to the general public. Living in Montreal, I saw posters of this movie in metro tunnels across the city. The imagery of the film is beautiful and it is evident that Dolan was inspired by In the Mood for Love. I still haven't seen the film, but I'm hoping I'll get the chance to soon! The English title of the film is Heartbeats.

{images from Heartbeats}

{images from In the Mood for Love}

cold outside

2011-02-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

I really wish it were warm enough to wear this outfit. But I'm not risking it out here in Montreal.

Happy Saturday!

Source: audreyhepburncomplex.tumblr.com via Hollin on Pinterest

gallery walls

2011-02-24T16:21:00.000-08:00

I've been craving a decoration change in our apartment. Unfortunately our place is an extremely odd layout and doesn't give a lot of options. We do have a lot of hallway/wall space and I was thinking how nice it would be to have a gallery wall, or just an excuse to buy lots of artwork and display them in fun frames.

some wall examples:

Source: niceroom.tumblr.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: designspongeonline.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: designismymuse.tumblr.com via Hollin on Pinterest

some artwork examples:

Source: waynepate.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: waynepate.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: waynepate.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: malachiward.blogspot.com via Hollin on Pinterest

it's always nice getting packages in the mail

2011-02-21T22:23:00.000-08:00

I love getting packages in the mail. In fact, I love it so much, that usually, I end up ordering things online, just so I can anticipate its arrival. Well, this past week I received a package from my mom. Most of its contents were for the husband, since his birthday is in a couple of days - but there were a few goodies in there for the both of us. The best being the handmade afghan my mother made us. The love is evident, in every beautiful square.

Also, yes that is The Atonement I'm reading. It's for class. Anyone read it? Unfortunately I keep seeing Kiera Knightly pouting through the pages, but other than that, it is quite a good read.

getting kinda girly

2011-02-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

There's something about the transformation from winter to spring that gets me kinda girly. I always thought that normally, I am able to balance between florals and plaids, herringbone and lace... but lately, it's all pinks, and floral plates, lilac nail polish and crazy eyeliner. I'm getting the itch for spring fashion, but being 10 degrees outside today, I think my black down coat will be with me till May.

{a mixture of girly things}

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wildwood

2011-02-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

If only August 30, 2011 would come sooner. Colin Meloy (of The Decemberists) and wife, illustrator, Carson Ellis are releasing a fairytale book called Wildwood. There's not a whole lot of information about the book out there, besides a couple images of Ellis' illustrations and a couple of reviews by acclaimed writers.

the cover image

This is what my favorite author, Michael Chabon (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay) had to say:

“Dark and whimsical, with a true and uncanny sense of otherworldliness, WILDWOOD is the heir to a great tradition of stories of wild childhood adventure. It snatched me up and carried me off into a world I didn’t want to leave.” (Michael Chabon)

Click here to look at the lack of information on Amazon!

Special thanks to Husband for finding this information and after much debate divulged it to me.

the day in pictures.

2011-02-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

Oh, what a wonderful day. Woke up to a brand new Zara skirt (way better than flowers) and then proceeded to skip my first class in order to surprise the husband with a delightful dessert, which ended up taking longer than planned, therefore missing my second class, but all is well in the end when the apartment is cleaned up and there's dinner made on the table. The second half of my valentine's day present from the husband was a little photo shoot with my wonderful cat and foster (we think of him more like a visiting cousin). I now have some pictures of both me and Weasley, not just thousands of her sleeping.

Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil

Lychee Cake with Rose Yogurt Mousse and Lychee Panna Cotta with Rosewater Roasted Strawberries

the dessert table

canned lychee from montreal

roasted cherry tomato pasta with fresh basil

lychee panna cotta with rosewater roasted strawberries

lychee cake with rose yogurt mousse

yes, it was stupid of me, but for some reason I thought we needed one each....

digging into the desserts

the valentine's day outfit, showing off the new skirt

This will be the last big "food" post in a while probably. I say this because after making 3 doughnuts batches in one week, and this dessert insanity, I think it's time to take a break from the largeness of our meals, at least for a week: stay tuned for the husband's birthday bash!

happy valentine's day

2011-02-13T22:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I personally, don't have a lot planned this year, except for maybe a nice dinner out and a little surprise here and there. If you plan on making your special someone a treat, here are some of my recommendations! As you may have noticed, none of these desserts have any chocolate in them. That wasn't on purpose - although it may have been subconscious as I've been eating nutella and pretzel sticks for the last week straight.... I may be all chocolate-out. Regardless, here are the non-chocolate desserts that you could make for anyone in your life. Be festive, people, dress up!

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be my husband

2011-02-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

A little Valentine's music for everyone.

the curve of forgotten things

2011-02-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

A short film featuring the new Rodarte line, starring Elle Fanning. It's not so much a "film" as it is a pretty girl walking around Southern California while her clothes change. But, still fun.

Elle Fanning: Rodarte's Muse on Nowness.com.

etsy: golden ponies

2011-02-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

I've been a huge fan of Golden Ponies for a while now, ever since I harassed a customer shopping in Anthropologie about her shoes, in which she replied, they were handmade Golden Ponies. I wrote the information on my hand, and immediately rushed home after work to look up these shoes. That was over a year ago, and I've still yet to own a pair myself. They're incredible, handmade, leather, oxfords, and now including heels and ankle boots. She has a large amount of leather colors and you can pretty much customize anything. I've got a long list of oxford ideas, ranging in all sorts of neutral and bright colors. And the ankle boots seem to be a must as well. I have a feeling, I will be a long-time customer of Golden Ponies.

See her full list of products here.

I want these, in the bright blue color!

I'm getting myself something similar to these, can't wait to show you when I get them!

these are on my list next.

really looking forward to owning some lilac or yellow oxfords with beige laces!