Makeup bag view 2

 

Full of lotions and such.

Makeup bag

 

I have shamelessly been carrying lotions and makeup in a ziploc bag in my purse. I decided that with my excess of fabrics there was no good excuse for not having my very own homemade makeup bag.

Finished product for in laws...or for me to sip on in secret. I kid I kid.

Avery labels make the world go round

Made labels for my homemade vanilla...fancypants I know :)

Sky high meat

Let me start off by saying that I can't stand buying meat from a grocery store any more.  But alas, I'm terrible at planning ahead....when it comes to groceries at least.  I was at the store yesterday and I was craving a certain filipino dish that requires oxtail.  As I make my way to the odd cuts section of beef I'm astounded that the lesser cut I was thinking of purchasing is almost $6/lb!  Really...I mean this is not organic grass fed beef.  Right next to is was some beef shanks at half the price.  You know beef shanks...osso bucco?  Both cuts are best braised or slow cooked.  Sounds like a winner to me!  Best of all...hubby can eat it since he is not a fan of oxtail.
Kare-kare was made today for lunch.  It's like a peanut butter based stew with beef and veggies.  There is no replacement for oxtail in this dish, but the beef shanks served their purpose.

Microwave brownies

I'm a huge fan of microwave desserts, because there are times when I want something sweet and don't want to bother with baking or doing the dishes involved. Here's a link to one I just made and can vouch for as far as flavor.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Mug-Brownie/step1/Mixing/?f=m
I did add vanilla powder to mine but everything else was followed to a tee. It's also vegan friendly :)

Hard life of dogs

Herbs and such

This past weekend I was finally able to plant the yummy herbs I've been purchasing. Dill, sweet basil, Thai basil, tarragon, thyme, and lavender above.

Spring

I haven't sewn anything in what seems like ages, but I did just finish an oven mitt.  I used some pretty green paisley fabric I've had for probably at least six months.  I will be working on the pot holder to go with it and get some pictures up after the set is done!

Oh Noes!!!

So three years later we are out of all Marie Sharp's hot sauce. This stuff is fantastic, nothing like the vinegar based hot sauces you usually find in the states. This calls for a trip back to Belize?!

Fried Branzino

My whole fried fish was somewhat of a fail technically since my pan was not large enough to accommodate the entire fish! I made a spicy Thai sauce for my fish and served with jasmine rice.

New year new post

Well after this I can at least say I've updated my blog for the year.  Went to farmer's market last Saturday and nabbed some fresh bacon, beef shoulder roast, prawns, carrots, bok choy, and cranberry french loaf.  Dinner tonight was fresh chinese chow mein noodle stir fry.  I used the carrots and bok choy from the market as well as some asian veggie balls.  This was my ode to Meatless Monday.  Was tasty but not pretty hence the lack of picture.  I've been in a slight cooking hiatus since the holidays.  Last Christmas was the first time I didn't make anything for the in-laws gathering.  I'm hoping I'll get some motivation from the farmer's markets soon.
Most of my time for the last week has been occupied by dogs!  On our third and there's never a dull moment!

Our newest!