A Little Something Extra

Do you like cooking, baking, crafting, home improvement, gardening, reading, movies and more!!!! Me too! This blog is an attempt for me to document all the things that I do and love doing. Hopefully there will be something here for everyone and anyone. I think I'll enjoy doing the blog, and I hope you all like it too.

[tuesda]

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Jeremy Brett was dying, and knew he was dying, in the last handful of episodes he filmed. According to his coworkers, near the end, he sank deeper and deeper into the character; being Sherlock Holmes seemed to be the only thing that gave him comfort. 

I read the books before I ever saw a film version, and you’d be hard-pressed to find an actor as Holmes I don’t like, but Jeremy Brett was my first, and he will always be my Holmes. 

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This is the Sherlock I grew up with. I think he would love Cumberbatch. 

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Family History Month

Well it's family history month according to ancestry.com. I absolutely LOVE doing genealogy research and coming across old family photos (which my mom keeps "safely" stored in a rubbermaid tote). One day I'll organize all the photos by year, person, etc. but for now I thought I would post a photo of my beautiful paternal grandmother Frances. I never got to meet her but based on what I've been told and this photo she seems to have been a sweet person. Go out and celebrate family history this month! Ask your elders some questions. Pour through your family albums! You may just learn something. 

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Across the Blue Ridge Mountains

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I want adventure

In the great, wide somewhere!

In 2.5 years I'll be 30. In March of that year, slightly before said birthday I have my heart set on the AT. That's the Appalachian Trail. I've started training for it this week and have a long way to go. But Hey....let's get something off of that bucket list while I'm young and fit enough to do it. 

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Girl on Fire

I love classic art with a twist. This will be going somewhere in my house. 

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The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby was far and away the best movie I have seen so far this Summer. Now I love the Marvel movies as much as the next geek, but honestly, I needed a little Baz Luhrman in my life; the man is a visual genius! Admittedly, "Australia" fell flat, but it was still a beautiful movie. As such, I had hope for Gatsby (even though I hated the Redford version). i was not disappointed and would like to thank the movie's costume designer for not putting fringe on everything (a fallback for most movies set in the 1920s).

Over the years, I've had a love/hate relationship with the novel; Loving the imagery and writing style but ultimately hating what happens. This is the mark of a great book. I hate Daisy, I hate what happens to Gatsby. In fact, I hate it so much I've been talking about it for 15 years since I first read the novel. I see what you did there F. Scott!

Fitzgerald's novel could not have been put in better hands than Luhrman's. Both men know that you need to feel like you're there in order to really get into the story. This bring's me to the soundtrack for the film. It seems like every period movie Baz Luhrman makes get's a lot of flack for the modern music he uses. However, people always love it and the soundtracks become best sellers. Jay-Z was appointed the executive producer of this movie and for this reason this is one of the best movie soundtracks I have heard in years. The modern artists cut in with classic tracks like "Let's Misbehave" gives you the 1920s feel while making an older story relatable to modern viewers who may never have read The Great Gatsby. If you haven't read it though seriously? Didn't you go to high school? Anyway, some of the best examples of modern tracks cut with the oldschool tunes are "A little party never killed nobody" Fergie et al. "Crazy in love" Emeli Sande and "Bang Bang" by Will.i.am.

I highly recommend you read or re-read the book then go see this movie. This way, you'll be able to immediately see how well Luhrman translated Fitzgerald's vision while merging it with his own distinct style. This movie will be added to my collection. 

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Tiny French Accordians

Good morning to all my darling readers. I've been an absentee blog parent for some time, but with good reason!! I have started a new job at a fabulous, fun company. Not wanting to say too much online, let me just tell you I'm working in the French Canadian market and as such, am getting a lot of paperwork written in French. So I have been trying to brush up on my language skills while immersing myself in french food, music and culture. Music doesn't strike me as "French" unless it features a tiny accordion which I always secretly hope is being played by a handsome gypsy. Anywho, here is a beautiful painting done by Nom Kinnear King featuring one of these fabulous instruments.

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I have to be alone very often. I’d be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That’s how I refuel.

Audrey Hepburn (via thatkindofwoman)

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Believe in Boston

They bombed my city yesterday...I don't know who they are, but the act shocked me to my core. Having spent my late teens through mid twenties in Boston, I never though of it as a target. Terrorism, though prevalent in our news cycle for the past twelve years, was always someone elses problem. I suppose now, we Bostonians have a better understanding and respect for the phrase "hitting too close to home."

With the misinformation and lack of suspects, I feel almost too numb to form an opinion of what should happen to the perpetrators; though many people have offered me suggestions over the last 20 hours.

In the wake of all this, I suppose I simply want to say that Boston will heal. It's citizens have braved many winters, both literal and figural, always emerging with enthusiasm and hope for better, sunnier times ahead. In closing, whether you live in, have lived, studied, support the sports teams, or simply respect Boston and it's people, we embrace you....and we'll see you next Spring.

[thehoneyelf]

We enter a little coffeehouse with a friend of mine and give our order. While we’re aproaching our table two people come in and they go to the counter: ‘Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended’ They pay for their order, take the two and leave. I ask my friend: “What are those ‘suspended’ coffees?” My friend: “Wait for it and you will see.” Some more people enter. Two girls ask for one coffee each, pay and go. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers - three for them and four ‘suspended’. While I still wonder what’s the deal with those ‘suspended’ coffees I enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square infront of the café. Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looks like a beggar comes in throught the door and kindly asks ‘Do you have a suspended coffee ?’ It’s simple - people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who can not afford a warm bevarage. The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwitch or a whole meal. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have such cafés or even grocery stores in every town where the less fortunate will find hope and support ? If you own a business why don’t you offer it to your clients… I am sure many of them will like it.

  Source : [x]

[thehoneyelf]

I just saw this and thought it would be incredible to share this so maybe it  could catch on whereever you may live

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reblog if you want your followers to tell you one thing they secretly think about you.

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Office Art

Good Afternoon to all! It's been a slow start to my day here as I've been enjoying Hob Nobs and coffee in bed reading all morning. After a particularly unproductive week, I'm in the mood to decorate my office. Tamara De Lempicka is my favorite artists and I was going to hang this picture up:

This image is so wintery and I love love love the art deco style. I think this may be the one or I may do a gallery wall and have this as the largest print. Decisions; anywho, I'm off for a day in my city. I think this will be a week for book reviews and more recipes.  

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Spicy Carrot Soup

Well, I said my camera took horrible photos and as such, you get a picture of carrots instead of the carrot soup. This recipe was absolutely delicious! The soup was far better than I dared to hope and the recipe yielded just the right amount for two slightly overweight people like me and DBF (we'll work on it when food stops being awesome). This recipe can be adapted to be completely organic, or vegan friendly and has a lovely farm to table feel. I'll be making this as the first course for my Easter menu. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 tbsp EVOO  - or thereabouts 1 medium leek, white and pale-green parts only, half lengthwise then chop  6 medium carrots 2 tsp harissa sea salt 3 cups chicken stock (veggie stock if you want to go full vegan friendly)

*garnish with cilantro

  Directions: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook leek until just soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in carrots and harissa and season with salt. Cook until carrots are just soft, 5 minutes or so. Add chicken stock, and bring to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are tender, 10 minutes or so.

Using a stick/immersion blender, puree half the soup until smooth. Stir the puree into remaining soup and divide it among 2 or 3 bowls. Garnish with cilantro.

Invest in a stick blender! This kitchen tool has changed my life. Putting soup in a regular blender is a recipe for disaster.

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Harissa

My local William's Sonoma recently closed and as such I had to go and buy everything there on the cheap. While loading a basket up with seasonal hot chocolate and bakeware, I stumbled into the spice section looking for some lavender (for ice cream) and came across a spice I had never seen before. 

I have never used or heard of Harissa spice and bought it just for that reason. I have been scouring the internet and found some interesting recipes utilizing this spicy substance and am going to attempt a carrot soup tonight. However, I wanted to reach out to my handful of readers for recipe suggestions!! Let 'em rip! I'll let you know how the soup turns out and will attempt to take pictures as well, though the lighting in my house makes for ghastly photographs. 

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Oscar Fashion 2013

It took me a whole week of looking at Red Carpet photos to really narrow down my top three. Why? Well, if I'm being honest, this year's Oscar fashions were a bit boring. If you look at last year's post you'll see a lot of vibrant color, old Hollywood glamour, and even a daring cape! This year however, was all lavender, blush, white, and blah. Luckily, I was able to pull out a few looks from this year and have posted them in order below. I'd love to hear other people's top picks.

1) Naomi Watts - Nominated for: The Impossible

This dress is out of this world amazing and stood out more than anything else on the red carpet. The asymmetrical neckline really works with Naomi's updo and understated jewelry. Had Naomi won the Oscar, the silver and gold would have offset each other perfectly. Although Naomi's movies are always underrated, she never disappoints when it comes to Oscar fashion.

2) Zoe Saldana - Presenter

Some fashion critics have been saying this dress had too much going on , which is probably what I love about it. Firstly, I love when a dress has an interesting cut at the bottom; particularly if it shows off shoes! Secondly, the detailing at the top was very pretty and not too overstated. Finally, the belt: yeah yeah, the dress may have still been okay without it, but I feel like the belt really added something to this look. This dress has a defined beginning, middle, and end...just like a great movie!

3) Sandra Bullock - Presenter

Is it just me,  or does this dress scream Dowton Abbey? At first glimpse this dress seems kind of dowdy, lacy, and nothing special. However, that was when I saw it on E! After switching to ABC's coverage of the show, I saw that this dress actually has some nice color in it. Also, there is a lot of sparkle in the lace overlay that is hard to pick up on in photographs. The fact that this dress is sheer up to the knee also adds an element of fun to an otherwise understated gown. Why is this in third place? Well, I feel Sandra could have done more with her hair to make this look a bit more dramatic. Maybe a better hairpin? Perhaps she can ask Michelle Dockery for some Downton Hair advice next awards season. Also her bag is a little clashy so third place for Sandy!

Honorable Mention: Innocente: Documentary Subject

It was extremely hard to find a good, full length picture of Innocente's dress on the red carpet but it needed to be done. When Innocente won for best documentary, the film's namesake had me in tears due to her outpouring of emotion. This girl went from being homeless 1 year ago to looking stunning on the red carpet in an innocent  white dress with flower embellishment. Innocente's tattoo pops out just enough to show us a bit of her personality while her hair and makeup are flawless/glamorous. I'm sure this dress wouldn't be too hard to come by but I loved it on her and thought she was one of THE most beautiful women at the Oscars this year. 

That concludes this year's posts about the Oscars. Here's to next year's movies!

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My Superbowl

It's finally here! Time to make drinks, food, and watch the event of the season! That's right my darling readers, the Oscars are Sunday night!!!! Can you feel the excitement in the air? Are you planning your very own Oscar party or going to one?? Let me know!! I still need cocktail ideas!

The Movies:

Typically, I go see all the movies in theaters over months, but I was unable to do that this year. As such, today I'm indulging myself in some Oscar movies so I know who to root for. Beasts of the Southern Wild, Lincoln, and Silver Linings Playbook are all in my queue for today's viewing. I'll also be going to see Django unchained in the theater tomorrow. As I don't watch sporting events, the Oscars are my big thing. I have a feeling I'll be rooting for "Beasts" because I love the South as a backdrop for a great story. What movie are you rooting for?

The Fashion:

Let's face it, fashion is a huge part of Oscar night. I'm predicting we're going to see a lot of Zuhair Murad and Marchesa on the red carpet this year. One designer is bold while the other is more whimsical. It ought to be an interesting mix. Here's hoping Jennifer Lawrence wears something a bit bolder than a strapless fit and flare again. I'm looking for pops of color! As per usual I'll have my top three pics and an honorable mention post show. 

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Finds & Fun

This weekend Adrian and I went for a spur of the moment antiquing  trip to Vinnies in Seekonk MA. I bought a vintage hat for $3 as the netting was torn (let's hope I can fix it). but I also had another amazing find!

Yes Yes it's a vintage cookbook! I've been wanting to start a collection but this is not even the best part. 

The book is signed by Ruth Graves Wakefield, author and inventor of the toll house chocolate chip cookie. I couldn't be happier to have found this "Sweet Pick" at $12. Ruth was adorable, as evidenced by the picture below, and business savvy. I'm excited to try out one of the recipes ASAP.