Vampires

This cheers me up. Have a good one!

Happy Friday!

(photos courtesy of flickr)

I'm tired of work.

(photos courtesy of flickr)

Saving Water. Saving the World?

Last year I signed up for SoCal Edison's energy saving Summer Discount Program for the summer. Naturally (right after signing up) what followed was the hottest, most blistering summer I have ever experienced, all survived without one minute of air conditioning (because well, I had no choice, they turn it off for your discount).
I'm not saying you should sacrifice your sanity this summer (I mean, who knows, with global warming getting worse and what not) but there are all sorts of programs and rebates to sign up for on the SCE website to save both money and energy, one or both of which are probably important to you.

Anyhow, in relation to that, I received a package in the mail from SCE. It was a water saving kit that came with a sparkling new showerhead (one of those cool ones that has different settings like 'waterfall', 'rain', 'massage') and two faucet aerators that you put onto your faucet to save water. On their website you can get the same gift by taking a quick online energy survey. It's totally worth it for a free gift that will help you save water (and moola).
The only thing that concerns me is why they don't just make it a requirement for everyone to use water saving shower heads, faucets, appliances, etc. If I were Mayor/Senator/President I would make it the law. I mean really, who out there would refuse to save water? I'd have them exiled.

Yesterday and todays

I've been working overtime this whole week.
I missed the Lakers game, actually seeing it live, last night.
My coworkers are having a bitch-out session about how awful it's been here lately.
Our pet turtle peed on the modem last night so we don't have internet at the apartment.

I guess blogs are for saying some things like this.

And that's that.

It's a beautiful day outside and I'll be playing tennis after work.
So,
sigh!

Bjork's WANDERLUST

IImages from Björk's new video, Wanderlust. It's a 3D film that took a year to create and screenings have been going on around town. The 2D version is already available online...




For the 3D glasses...according to the website:

One might ask how is to enjoy if it were not for the glasses. We have the solution-s! There are six ways to enjoy the special 3D version of Bjork’s Wanderlust, here we go:

#ONE: Go to a Video Kiosk at participating record store chains April 1 – May 31 -
and watch the video instore

#TWO: 318 record stores will be giving away free 3D glasses on Saturday, April 19th.
Pick up a pair and watch the video at a secret online location:
STORES GIVING AWAY GLASSES ON APRIL 19TH.

#THREE: Free 3D Glasses from RainbowSymphony, Inc Rainbow Symphony
You’ll want Red & Cyan glasses.

#FOUR: Make your own! Here's a link to making your own pair -
http://terraweb.wr.usgs.gov/kids/glasses.html

#FIVE: Send a self addressed envelope to One Little Indian’s offices to get your free glasses!

#SIX: And last but not least, pick up a copy of Bjork’s Wanderlust Special Collectors Package – with all sorts of wonderful goodies including:

1 audio cd in Surround Sound of all the Wanderlust remixes
2 heavyweight vinyl 12” discs of the remixes
1 DVD of the 2D and 3D versions of the Wanderlust video plus special stickers from the video!

Many thanks!

Thanks to Agathe from stylebytes for featuring me as a contestant in her Alex and Chloe contest. If you haven't checked it out before, Agathe has an amazing fashion blog full of beautiful images and vintage finds. Great job to everyone who participated and congrats to the winner!

A peek at my entry:

Thrifting

on this sunny saturday...

I'm going to put my trader joe's orchid in this thing. I feel bad for the plant because I keep it in the bathroom. I figured theres a skylight and steam from the shower, maybe that simulates it's natural environment somewhat? I think I just make these things up.


I like the soap dish with the owl face (the white one).


Embroidery that needs a new frame.


Thought this might be cool for something. Maybe a converted coffee table.


I can't figure out how to turn this around.

Today's inspiration

Links to the artists...
Jennifer Fisher
Blancucha
Jongerius

ROSEMARY

I was going to put a really cheesy title like, "IT'S ROSEMARY THYME!" but, well, I didn't. But I said it anyway. Nevermind.
Moving along, the next vegetable, or I guess I should say herb, that I have cooked with from my CSA basket is rosemary.
I saw this recipe online for rosemary shortbread and I was inspired to make my own version, which didn't include pine nuts (didn't have any on hand).
I got a little confused by how to chop up the rosemary because the 'pine needle-y' leaves are attached to a thick stem, and I ended up chopping up the stem as well. Sticks in your shortbread is probably not that appetizing, but I'm sure it's alright for those of us that like a little more fiber in our diet. So as a tip, and I don't even know if this matters, but before you start chopping up your rosemary you should probably rip the pine needles off the stem first. You should also probably use a strong knife because the needles are quite tough and are pretty hard to chop up finely.
I forgot to use whole wheat flour but I did have unbleached all purpose, which of course is fine, just not as healthy (especially considering the amount of butter that went into it). And here's how they turned out!

Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:
-1 1/2 cups butter
-2/3 cups sugar
-2 tablespoons rosemary
-2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
-1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Stir in the flour, salt, and rosemary until just combined. You don't want to handle and mix it too much or your shortbread will be tough. Cover and refrigerate until dough is easier to handle, around 15 minutes or as long as your patience can run. I think I only waited 5 minutes which is why it was impossible to shape and cut my shortbread into nice even squares, but I don't mind the lumpy shapes I got.
2. On a lightly floured surface roll out your refrigerated dough and cut into shapes of your liking. You can use cookie cutters or whatever you want.
3. Place cookies 1 in apart on cookie sheet covered in parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are hard/soft to your liking.
4. Enjoy the buttery softness of your rosemary studded shortbread!