Archive for ‘Camberley’

September 8th, 2010

I Was Violated

 

Something happened last week that has changed my life.  Altered my entired existance.  Left me feeling empty inside.  I was violated. 

 

Date: Tuesday, August 31st

Time: 15:00 Hours

Place: L.A. Fitness (Locker Room)

 

It was a bright, bright, bright…. bright…. sunshiney day.

I had just arrived at the gym and decided to take a tinkle before hopping on the machines (SIDE NOTE: Dear Ice Queen, are you out there? Remember how we would take tinkle breaks together at “The-Large-Corporation-I-Previously-Worked-For-That-Will-Still-Not-Be-Named-Because-I’m-Irritating-Like-That”? Miss your face. Let’s do lunch. Friday?).  

Where was I?  Oh yeah, bathroom break.

I quickly scurried over to the Ladies’ Room.  Marched through the locker area.  Passed through the glass door to the bathroom (see locker room floor plan below).  Started turning the corner towards the bathroom stalls.  Then “it” happened. (Yes, I used “it” again and I will continue using “it” until I get sick of “it”.)

 

Please take a moment to review the below floor-plan before you continue.

 

 

A small, elderly, balding, woman of Asian descent started shuffling towards me.  She was wearing a pink tank top (similar to the tourist tank tops you purchase a Walgreens), khaki shorts AND she was sopping wet. 

 

SEBWofAD  (aka – small, elderly, balding, woman of Asian descent): “‘Es-cuse Me?”

Moi: “Yes?”

SEBWofAD: “You take shirt off?”

Moi: “Huh?”

SEBWofAD: “You take shirt off?” she repeated.  This time pointing to her sopping wet pink tourist tank.

Moi: “Ummmm.”  Oh Crap. Is this really happening?I glance back at the glass door leading towards the locker room and see several people standing on the other side (using the counter-tops/sinks).

SEBWofAD: “Shoulder bad” she indicated with a slight head nod.

Moi: “Ummmm. Okay.” I’ve gotta get blessings in heaven for this one, right?

  

I tugged her shirt upwards.  Then, I tugged again.  Obviously this is one wet tank top that wants to stay on.  After the next tug, I started to get concerned that I was damaging this poor elderly woman’s shoulder even more.  Deep breath. One more strong bodied tug, and it was off. I handed SEBWofAD her droopy, wet tank top and began to walk away.  When “It” happened. (I crack myself up sometimes)

 

SEBWofAD: “You take bra off?”

Moi: “Huh?”

SEBWofAD: “You take bra off?” she asked, as she started to turn around. 

 

Before I knew it, this woman was backing her thang up.  Bringing her under-wire bra clasps within inches from my hands.  Naturally, I reached for said clasps.  It was the good samaritan in me.   I fumbled with her rusty clasps (obviously it was her swimming bra).  And, I fumbled.  Great, everyone on the other side of the glass door can see me undressing this woman. Finally, the clasps unlatched.  Then, just like that (insert snapping fingers) small, elderly, balding woman of Asian decent shuffled back down the hallway towards the shower stalls.  Out of my life.

 

Leaving my hands chlorine drenched and moist.  Leaving me shaking.

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September 3rd, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “Sloan Photographers”

 

 

Meet the Sloans.  A Husband + Wife Photography Team!

 

Matt and Angie Sloan (Sloan Photographers)

 

This dynamic duo is full of talent.  It makes you sit back and ponder, “how did two such creative people end up together?”.  I know, it’s not fair.  I guess some people were just meant to be. 

We’ve been admirers of Sloan Photographers for quite some time now.  You see, we even hearted them SO much, we enlisted them to help out at Kiersten’s wedding.  (You may also watch Kiersten’s wedding video by East Valley Productions in our right nav bar —–> )  And we’ve even recommended them to some of our friends… cough…. cough… Kathy and John… cough…

 

Kiersten and Eric (Sloan Photographers)

 

Kiersten and Eric (Sloan Photographers)

 

Kiersten and Eric (Sloan Photographers)

 

Trey (Sloan Photographers)

 

When we were planning Kiersten’s Wedding last year we went bananas looking for the “perfect” photographer. Our obsession with REALLY good photography stemmed from the fact all of us other daughters (i.e. Ashley, Camberley, Keighley) kind of missed the ball on our own weddings. We all got really great portraits prior to our wedding but on THE day, everything kinda went kaput.  I blame the lack of great photography at my own wedding on the fact I was too busy trying to buy a NEW wedding dress a month before the big day which happened to involve getting English Lace to the US from England. Yes, I bought two wedding dresses and yes, I digress.  Anyvayz, we found Sloan Photographers one sunshiny day and blog stalking friends….we never looked back. This husband and wife tag-team met all of our criteria (do you like how I say all even though it was Kierstens wedding. Psh, she’d like to think it was all hers!).  Matt and Angie Sloan not only met our criteria but exceeded any and all expectations; reasons being threefold.

1.) Their tag-team approach creates the perfect energy. If you are lucky enough to have both Angie and Matt at your photo shoot you will notice almost immediately how their individual personalities play off each other. Personally I think they work together flawlessly. They will even go as far as having Angie climbing onto Matt’s shoulders so they can get that perfect shot!

2.) They let things just happen. The Sloans do not force perfect pictures to happen and I believe this makes all the difference. The mood at photo shoots are always relaxed, fun, and fluid.

3.) The Creativity! Oh, the creativity. They will constantly surprise you. You may think that you are having an ordinary photo shoot however when you get the prints back you will be BLOWN AWAY!  Every one of their photo sessions looks completely unique and different.  In other words, no two sessions are the same. 

*** I must also mention that their personal styles just rock!

Before I show you some amazing pictures by the talented Sloan’s, let me give you some important ABOUT THEM info:

Sloan Photographers: are Matt + Angie Sloan.

is happily married for 8 yrs.

is sometimes too funny and quirky.

is hopeless romantics.

is a radtastic duo.

is blessed with two perfect and cute kids: Maddux (4) & Paisley (2).

is also blessed with two perfect dogs: Rocko & Bella.

is in love with “Pop Culture” and even Twilight!

is so blessed.

is the bestest of friends.

is in love with the realness of photography.

is sometimes cooler than we think.

is always smiling.

is wanting to conquer the world with rad photos!

is happy!

 

Sloan Photographers

for more images of this shoot, click here

 

Sloan Photographers

for more images of this shoot, click here

 

Sloan Photographers

for more images of this shoot, click here

 

Sloan Photographers

for more images of this shoot, click here

 

Sloan Photographers

for more images of this shoot, click here

 

Sloan Photographers

for more images of this shoot, click here

 

Stop on by their blog where you will see photographs from their latest shoots, and the latest happenings with their little family.  Like their family  Adventure to Neverland.

  

Sloan Photographers

 

Sloan Photographers

 

Someday I too will take my little offspring on fun adventures to neverland.  So cute!

 

Sloan Photographers specialize in Wedding, Portrait, New Born, and Editorial photography. (To put it simply, everything.)

Sloan Photographers are available for domestic and international travel. (I believe they have traveled as far as Thailand for a wedding)

 

Follow Sloan Photography:

Website: www.sloanphotographers.com

Blog: http://sloanphotographers.info 

Twitter: @mattsloan @angiesloan

 

Above Images Courtesy of Sloan Photographers

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September 2nd, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “Archives Of Our Lives”

 

Camille from Archives of Our Lives

 

I’ve been stalking Camille since the inception of her blog, Archives of Our Lives.  It took me nearly two years to show my weasley little stalker face and admit (hands strumming together):

 

“I’ve been watching you. MUAHAHAHAHA!”

  

I kid. I kid. My email actually went something like this:

 

“I stummbled upon your blog a couple years ago and have silently stalked you ever since. OMG. I want to be friends with you so bad. Please say I’m cool, please say I’m cool, please say I’m cool!”

  

Okay.  First sentence = true story.  Last three sentences = never really happened but make this story, oh so much, better.

Then, it happened. Camille told me I was “cool”.

 

YOU GUYS ARE BELLA FINE????????????????????????????

 
Oh my gosh.  I’m not worthy.  Please stop reading my blog—I had no idea how intimidating you really were!  I mean, I knew you were amazing and had awesome taste, but…BELLA FINE???  Holy crap, my sister will be so excited to know that the Bella Fine people (or at least one person related to them {or do you work there, too?  If you do, I might have seen you at some point in my life!!!}) reads/has read my blog.
  
 
I’m both honoured and a little mortified.  I feel like Martha Stewart has been reading my blog and I never knew it.  I need to get cute or something.  AHHHH!
  
Anyway, if you couldn’t tell…I’m a huge fan.
 
—cpsf
 
 

So maybe I was “cool” by association (given the fact that I didn’t actually work down at Bella Fine). Before long, Camille and I were “virtual” BFFs.  “Come on let me tell you ’bout my beeeeeeeest friend”. Here’s why:

  • The prefix in our names is “Cam”(Camille – Camberley)
  • Our husbands drive trucks for a living (That’s right, we’re trucker wives)
  • Both grew up in Mesa, AZ.  Fortunately for Camille, she was able to escape.  She now lives in Canada. Doesn’t that sound so regal?
  • We share similar tastes in music(Or maybe Dallan and Camille share similar tastes in music. So I have similar taste by association.)

 

If that doesn’t say virtual BFFs, then I don’t know what does (Maybe someday we’ll meet in person?).  Enough about my infatuation with Camille.  Here are some of my favourite Archives of Our Lives posts:

 

I Dread the OB/GYN:  The title is pretty self explanatory.  Best two lines of this post are. #1) “I’ll be an honest-to-goodness crack whore.  A Yasmin™ whore.” #2) “I need at least a week to blog about this!”

My Day at the MVD: Don’t we all dread going to the MVD?  Well, at least Camille has the ability to find humor in her visit (unlike Moi).  I love her comparison of the MVD to Hell.  Hilarious!

Crowning Glory: Camille takes a moment to brag about one of her “clever and witty moments”  (which just happened to take place at a family get together).

Premature Menopause: Once again, the title speaks for itself and (I promise) it is H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!

 

Dear Camille – I don’t know why most of the posts I’ve chosen to share with our readers center on your lady bits.  I had such a hard time whittling down everything into four posts and that’s just the way it worked out.  Sorry!

Follow Archives of Our Lives on her:

Blog- www.archiveslives.com

Twitter- http://twitter.com/archiveslives

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September 2nd, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “My Little Corner Of The World”

My Little Corner of the World is delightful little blog written, designed and inspired by Angela Hardison.  Angela Hardison is a “lover, designer, dreamer” who documents her life, her work (seesaw designs), her letterpress and her vintage shop.

Take a step inside Angela’s Little Corner Of The World…

 

 

 Today, we will be going on a tour of Angela’s: home, letterpress shop, and vintage etsy store.  (Please note: all of the images we’re about to see where photographed by Angela. Talk about talent!)

 

HOME

 

Being a danish mid-century modern furniture collector myself, it wasn’t hard for me to fall in love with the furniture and art pieces in Angela’s house.  One of my favorite pieces, is her bedroom set.  I love the color and lines of her headboard and endtables.  Additionally, I love how she’s used two different styles/colors of lamps to bring shape, height and color into her bedroom.

 

Angela Hardison (Master Bedroom)

 

Here are some things I love about this next space: paint color, vintage oil painting above piano, danish stacking tables in corner, Milk Glass bookends, Penguin books and, of course, the piano!

 

Angela Hardison (Piano)

 

I love all of the little details Angela puts into her design.  For example, in the following picture, she has a vase filled with colored pencils on top of a pedestal.  Or, note the small blue car on top of her letterpress tray. She’s even placed a small red oval mirror behind the wooden mannequin (next to the typewriter). Want me to keep going? I love the numbered glasses on the top shelf of her bookcase.  The clear glasses doesn’t detract from the decor; however, the yellow and blue numbers bring in some subtle colors.  Do you notice other details?

 

Angela Hardison (Office)

For a bigger tour of Angela’s house, visit her blog or visit the feature Design*Sponge did on her.

 

LETTERPRESS SHOP (SEESAW LETTERPRESS)

 

Here are a few of Angela’s letterpress pieces (SeeSaw Letterpress) that I simply adore: Modern Wall Calendar, i think you’re neat., Ice Cream, On A String.  Angela, are you working on a 2011 calendar? Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes!

 

Seesaw Letterpress - Wall Calendar

 

SeeSaw Letter Press (I think you're neat)

 

SeeSaw Letterpress (Icecream)

 

SeeSaw Letterpress (On a String)

 

 

VINTAGE STORE (SEESAW VINTAGE)

 

Over here on The Bella Life –  we love ourselves some etsy, we love ourselves some vintage, and we love ourselves some thrift finds.  Take all of the things us Galslove.  Add them together.  You get SeeSaw Vintage.  Swoon!

Take a peek at some of the items in their shop~~~

pssstt… they’re having a huge sale in the vintage shop for labor day weekend, starting tomorrow (friday). 30% off everything!

 

SeeSaw Vintage store on etsy

 

SeeSaw Vintage on etsy

 

SeeSaw Vintage on etsy

 

SeeSaw Vintage on etsy

 

SeeSaw Vintage on etsy

 

Follow Angela Hardison over on My Little Corner of the World, SeeSaw Designs, SeeSaw Letterpress and SeeSaw Vintage.

My Little Corner of the World: http://angelahardison.blogspot.com

SeeSaw Designs: http://seesawdesigns.com/

SeeSaw Letterpress: http://seesaw.bigcartel.com/

SeeSaw Vintage: http://www.etsy.com/shop/seesawvintage

 

The above images are courtesy of Angela Hardison.

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September 1st, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with Cafe Lynnylu

 

Cafe Lynnylu is another delicious blog filled to the brim with yummy recipe ideas.  The photos Lynne takes of her food are so beautiful, one can practically feel and smell the steam coming through ones computer screen.  Someday, I wish to have half of the photography skills Lynne and Helen (Tartelette) have.  Okay. Fine, I’ll settle for a quarter of the skill they have.

Here are a few recipes from Lynne (the Georgia based writer, foodie and photographer behind Cafe Lynnylu).

 

Grilled Summer Vegetable Focaccia

 

Cafe Lynnylu (Grilled Vegetable Focaccia)

For the Bread Machine Dough

2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
3 teaspoons sugar
1 1/3 cups warm water (105°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt

Place yeast, sugar, warm water, flour, olive oil, dried oregano and salt in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by manufacturer and process on the dough cycle. When cycle is complete, remove dough from pan. Let rest covered for a few minutes before preparing the focaccia. Can be made ahead-remove to container and refrigerate for several hours or until ready to assemble focaccia.

For the Grilled Vegetables

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
1 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
thinly sliced fresh basil, optional

Preheat gas grill on high with grill basket on grate. Combine oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Brush oil over the zucchini, bell pepper and onion. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. When ready to grill, place vegetables in grill basket and grill for 4-6 minutes. Use a hot pad to remove basket from grill.  Cut bell pepper quarters into 1/4-inch strips. Set aside until ready to assemble focaccia.

To Assemble and Bake Focaccia

Place PizzaQue Stone in a cold oven and preheat to 450°F. Generously sprinkle a wooden peel with cornmeal. Hand stretch dough or roll out on oiled waxed paper until desired size. Invert dough onto peel.  Arrange grilled vegetables evenly over surface. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Slide dough carefully onto stone in oven. Reduce heat to 425°F. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven. Transfer to a wooden board. Cool for a few minutes. Cut into desired pieces. Serves 6 generously.

For more information on Lynne’s Focaccia Recipe and to view more of her focaccia recipes, click here.

 

 

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

 

Cafe Lynnylu (Blueberry Banana Smoothie)

 

1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
3/4 cup 0% Greek yogurt
1 cup apple juice
1 medium banana, sliced in the 1-1-1/2 inch pieces
2 tablespoons wheat germ
1-2 tsp honey

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Alternatively, use a hand blender to puree ingredients. Makes about 2-1/2-3 cups. Serves 2-4.

For more information about the Blueberry Banana Smoothie, click here.

 

Lynne – thanks for letting us spotlight you!

-C

 

Follow Cafe Lynnylu at http://blog.photographybylulu.com/

 

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September 1st, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “Marriage Confessions”

 

Different time, different place, different story.

  

Meet the family behind Marriage Confessions: Katie, Chris and Bean.

 

 

 

 

 This family’s outlook on life centers on the following motto:

“Laugh. Fight. Stay Married.”

Their family motto is way better than “Poulsen Promise” (Debs, I always thought you were creative. Until now… tsk… tsk)

  

Now, I know how much you readers enjoy some of our own wedded fun & drama (cough… cough… Keighley & Michael’s food war… cough).  Well, take our awesome “marriage” posts, times them by 10, carry the x, take the square root, then raise it to the 20th power AND you get Confessions of a Young Married Couple (AKA Marriage Confessions). 

About a year and a half ago, I was visiting my friend Camille (over at Archives of our Lives) when I started going “click crazy”.  I was a clickin’ all up and down that pretty little blog roll of hers. When. I. Found. It.

It may be defined as: refugee, a break from work/life, belly laughs, humor, an instant ”one-sided” friendship (she didn’t know I existed; therefore, this longing to be friends was “one-sided”), tips/tricks on dealing with my husband, a 20-something-year-old Oprah… basically “It” is whatever you want “It” to be.

I can’t remember the first story I read (Sorry Katie!).  All I remember is being sucked into a virtual sarlacc pit (minus Jabba the Hutt).  Here are a few of my favorite “Confessions“:

 

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES (which is also a favorite of many of Katie’s readers):  In this post, Katie takes the advice of her friend Oprah’s sex therapist to heart.  She tries to implement these teachings into her own marriage.  Unfortunately, Mars and Venus’s perspectives don’t match up…

THE LAST SUPPER (also a favorite of MC’s readers):  It is Katie and Chris’s last supper before the arrival of the Bean.  As they sit their trying to enjoy some of their last minutes as a family of two, Chris starts to have a one-sided conversation with himself about Katie’s impending C-Section. (Classic foot-in-mouth moment!)

HELLO, MATERNITY INSTINCTS:  This is a little story about Katie’s stay in the hospital right after she had the Bean.  I love this post because it is something I could see myself doing.  After reading this post I thought, Katie and I were meant to be friends.  However, it was still a one-sided stalker-ish like friendship.  I’m kind of creepy.  

THE BABY WHISPERER: One day, the Gals and I sat around the computer reading this Marriage Confessions post out loud.  We. Were. Rolling.  I think this is in my top five favorite MC’s posts.  In this post, Katie has an internal struggle over her son’s (Michael, AKA Bean) infatuation with his father (Chris).  READ IT!

 

Stop by Confessions of a Young Married Couple (Marriage Confessions), I promise you’ll be hooked!

 

Dear Katie,

Thanks for letting us spotlight you.  I hope the blog post lived up to your expectations.  Oh, the pressure! You’re Katie from Marriage Confessions, who also happens to be an English Major (and who is a witty writer).  Please don’t grade my grammer.

Thanks again,

C

 

Follow Marriage Confessions:

Blog – www.marriageconfessions.com

Twitter – @marriageconfess

                 @MrConfessions

Facebook – Confessions of a Young Married Couple

 

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August 31st, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “Duchess of Fork”

 

For our International Blog Day Celebrations, we are trying to feature a new foodie blog for you every day this week.  Let’s face it, the easiest way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach.  Oh wait, maybe that’s the easiest way to a man’s heart.  Regardless, I loves me some food. (Maybe a little too much at times.)

Today’s Foodie blogger is Molly from Duchess of Fork!

 

Molly from Duchess of Fork

 

Molly lives in a tiny beach town in Northwest Florida (sounds dreamy Molly!).  She lives there with her husband (The Duke of Pork) and her little fur babies.  Between a new house, and a new job (Molly is becoming a teacher) the Duchess stays rather busy.  However, amongst all the chaos, this little lady has found joy in cooking.

(Since y’all  are probably getting sick of my vegetarian recipes, I thought I would feature one of the Duchess’s meaty dishes {which only has 4 ingredients = super easy!})

 

INSIDE OUT CHICKEN PARMESAN

 

Duchess of Fork (Inside Out Chicken Parmesan)

 

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 2 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 4 leaves fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. While waiting for skillet to get hot, butterfly each of the chicken breasts, careful not to cut all the way through. Open up chicken breast and cover with wax paper. Using a rolling pin, mallet or pan, lightly beat chicken until the meat becomes thinner, about ½ inch thick.
  3. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Spray skillet with cooking spray, then add chicken. Cook for about 3 minutes per side. Chicken should be lightly browned, but not cooked all the way.
  4. Remove chicken from pan and spread 1-2 tbsp. of marinara sauce over each breast, then top each with one slice of cheese and a few pieces of torn fresh basil.
  5. Fold breasts over and secure with a toothpick.
  6. Place chicken pieces on prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
  7. Top with remaining marinara sauce and serve with crusty bread and whole wheat pasta.

    8. Serves 2

Click here for step by step pictures of this recipe.

 

And, since we all love a little sweet something after dinner.  Why don’t we venture on over to the dessert section on Duchess of Fork.  The following cookie recipe is perfect for the holidays.  I know it’s still HOT here, but September starts tomorrow!

 

PEANUT BUTTER SNICKERDOODLE SANDWICHES WITH SNOWY CENTER

 

Duchess of Fork (peanut butter snickerdoodle cookies)

 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter
  • 1 ½ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp. soda
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 2 tbsp. sugar
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 12 oz. white chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp. milk

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl combine flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
  4. In a small bowl combine sugar and cinnamon.
  5. Roll cookie dough into one-inch balls, and then roll balls in cinnamon sugar.
  6. Place balls on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on cookie sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  7. While cookies cool, combine softened butter and melted white chocolate. Beat in powdered sugar until all ingredients are combined. Filling will be thick at this point, so add milk to thin.
  8. Pipe filling onto 25 cookies, then top with remaining 25 cookies.

Makes 25 sandwich cookies

Click here for the recipe on Duchess of Fork.

 

Dear Molly,

Keep doing what you’re doing.  We think you are simply amazing!

-C

 

Follow Duchess of Fork on her:

Blog: www.duchessoffork.com

Twitter: @duchessoffork

 

Recipes and Images courtesy of Duchess of Fork

 

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August 31st, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “Young House Love”

 

WARNING: We may sound a little stalker-ish

 

This little story stars the Petersik family from Richmond, Virgina. Meet John, Sherry, Burger and Clara (Burger’s the dog, not the cute little baby).

 

 

Faces behind Young House Love Blog 

Faces behind Young House Love Blog 

Faces behind Young House Love Blog 

  

A few years ago, this little young family fell in love with one little old house.  Along the way, they started a blog and documented their personal experiences with DIY Home Renovations.  Meet the said “house” behind “Young House Love“. 

  

exterior of young house love house 

 

I happened upon Young House Love over a year and a half ago.  On my first visit to their website, I took a gander at their personal house tour.  Immediately, I was in love with the house and the characters behind this blog.  Why? Because their blog is R-E-L-A-T-A-B-L-E (something a lot of blogs lack).  John and Sherry made me feel like we were DIY soul mates and I wanted to be part of their virtual community.  The pictures speak for themselves.

 

Young House Love DIY House Tour

 Young House Love DIY Living/Dining Room (After)

  

Young House Love DIY Kitchen (Before and After)

 

Young House Love DIY Master Bedroom (Before & After)

 

The day I found Young House Love, I immediately took it back to the other Gals.  “What are you doing? What?!? What?!? What a-r-e you doing?” Okay. Maybe the conversation didn’t start out exactly like this. “Hop on your computer and check out http://www.younghouselove.com/.  Let me know when you’re there.  Are you there?  Click on their house tour and then check out their back yard wedding.”

We. Were. All. Immediately. Infatuated.

Then, last October something of magnificent proportion happened.  Sherry, from Young House Love, commented on a comment Keighley left on their blog.  Keighley was so thrilled she immediately sent me a text while I was at work.

Yes, it was that important. Yes, Keighley managed to sound rather creepy. (Oy Vey!) 

 

Young House Love Comment to Bella Life

 

Here is the Spook-tacular Post that prompted this comment AND here are a few pictures from this post.  (Be sure to visit their site to get tips and tricks on this DIY decor)

 

Young House Love DIY Halloween Decor

 

Moral of this story. We heart Young House Love.  We’re sure you will too.

 

Dear Sherry,

Thanks for the kind email response. We appreciate it!

-C

 

Follow Young House Love!

Blog: http://www.younghouselove.com/

Twitter: @younghouselove

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YoungHouseLove

Amazon: http://astore.amazon.com/younghouselove-20

 

All of the above images courtesy of Young House Love

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August 27th, 2010

My Tooth-less Adventures

 

I was going through some of my old photos on the computer this morning, and I found some classic “tooth-less” pictures of me.  Since we’ve been celebrating National Tooth Fairy Day, I thought it was only appropriate that I share.

Here’s me and Debcakes.  Not sure how old I am here, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have any teeth.  Therefore, this picture qualifies as a “tooth-less” adventure.  Please note Deb’s hot nightgown {this is the real reason I threw this picture in here…. shhhhh…. don’t tell).

Baby Camberley with her mom

 

The following picture was taken of me before I had any teeth.  Why did I throw this picture in here? Because it is flipping cute! Who doesn’t love looking at a baby surrounded by cabbage patch kids. 

child surrounded by cabbage patch dolls

 

This next picture of me was taken when I was 8-years old. My mouth is riddled with empty Chiclets.  Plus, I love the crimp with the fluffy bangs {Debs lived vicariously through our bangs.  She was so proud.}.

camberley missing teeth at 8 years old

 

It appears that I lost a bunch of teeth around 6-10 years old and, then, IT STOPPED.  Unfortunately, I didn’t start loosing teeth again until my teenage years.  What the “H”!  Here I am in junior high with gapping holes in my mouth (Late bloomer?).  Back in the day, I thought I looked so cute in this picture.

Camberley in Junior High

 

I hope you enjoyed this adventure down memory lane as much as I did.

~~~Camberley~~~

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August 26th, 2010

WARNING: Be offended at your own risk!

 

Readers? Are you out there? 

Wait. Yes… Yes, you are. 

How do I know this? Google Analytics my friends.  You better believe that us “Bella Girls” stay up until 12:01 am, just so we can sneak a peek at the prior day’s website traffic.  We’re kind of OCD like that (Thanks Debs!). 

With that said, this leads me to the following question…

 

Why do we never get comments?

 

98% of the time.  We {Keighley, Kiersten, Jamie and I} have to comment on each other’s blog posts just so we can reassure one another that:

 

{Queue teeny bopper talk} “OMG! Your post was hilar! Where do you come up with this stuff.”

or

{Queue Southern twang} “Girl, I am seriously having thrift store envy right now. You snag them ‘finds’.”

and

“You are my inspiration, truly. You’re my reason for living, for being. {Now, this is where you come in with a strong KC and JOJO singing voice} You are close to me like my mother, close to my like my father, close to me like my sister, close to me like my brother. You are the only one my everything and for you this song I sing.  All my life, I pray for someone like you….”

 

Are you catching my drift yet? Would you like more examples, or shall I go on?

Let’s proceed.

Today, we sat around pondering the lack of comments we receive.

 

 

And… we pondered. {Please note the packaging still on the legs of our office chair.  We’re kind of classy like that.}

 

 

Here’s what we came up with:

  1. We aren’t personable enough.
  2. It’s because the majority of us haven’t been with child.
  3. You’ve heard about our disdain for cap sleeve shade shirts.
  4. Maybe we’re overbearing?
  5. Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! (I threw that one in there to make sure you are listening)
  6. You don’t know how to comment? (At the bottom of the post, click on the “Comments” link)

 

Please. Help us. Help you. 

What could we do to get you to comment?

 

—Camberley—

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August 19th, 2010

More DIY Cakestands

 

I made some more DIY cakestands for a church thing today (click here for instructions).  These two ended up being my favorite stands.  They would work great at a bridal shower or baby shower.  Heck, they could even double as a a decor item in my home (i.e. display jewelry on a dresser/vanity). 

I heart them.

Vintage Floral DIY Cakestand

 

Vintage Floral DIY Cakestand

 

Vintage Floral DIY Cakestand

 

Do you heart them?

~~Camberley~~

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August 18th, 2010

We were meant to be…

 

I ran all around town today searching for materials for my DIY Fall Decor projects.  At one of my Thrift Store stops, I found a hidden treasure among the book section and immediately snatched it up before the lady next to me realized what it was. Ha! 

My dear friends, meet “Soups and Stews {insert booming voice} the World Over”.  This vintage recipe book and I were meant to be friends. 

Don’t you just love the color of this book? I heart mustard yellow.

Soups and Stews the World Over

 

Soups and Stews the World Over

 

Soups and Stews the World Over

 

Soups and Stews the World Over

 

Soups and Stews the World Over

 

I can’t wait to make some fall soups from this book.  

~~Camberley~~ 

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August 17th, 2010

Chickpea Salad

 

I have been following 101 Cookbooks blog for the past 5 years.  I love the rustic look of Heidi’s photographs and the healthy spin she puts on a majority of her recipes.  Plus, I love that she is vegetarian and blogs about vegetarian recipes.  This helps me keep my menu selections creative (it’s so easy to get stuck in a menu rut). 

Today, I decided to put my own twist on Heidi’s Pan-fried Chickpea Salad.  This recipe was rather delicious.  Even Dallan stuffed his pretty little face.  Next time I try this recipe, I would like to incorporate more vegetables. Mmmmmmmmm.

*Note: Heidi’s picture is 100x better than mine.

 

Chickpea Salad

CHICKPEA SALAD

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans), pat them completely dry with clean dish towel (You can use canned chickpeas if you’d like)
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onion
    1 medium clove of garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1/3 cup tzatziki or greek yogurt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Indian-style curry powder (or to taste)
    scant
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
  • 1 or 2 tablespoons warm water
  • 1/2 cup of loosely packed fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion or red spring onions, chopped

 

  DIRECTIONS

Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet and add the chickpeas. Saute over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they start getting a bit golden in color. Stir in the green onion and cook until the chickpeas are more golden and the green onions have browned a bit as well, roughly 7 – 10 minutes total. At the last minute stir in the garlic and the lemon zest. Remove from heat, and set aside.

While the chickpeas cool make the yogurt dressing by combining the yogurt (or tzatziki), curry powder, and salt in a small bowl. Thin dressing out a little bit by whisking in warm water a tablespoon at a time. Taste, adjust, and set aside.

When you are ready to serve the salad, toss the chickpea mixture with most of the cilantro and most of the chopped red onion. Add about 1/2 of the yogurt dressing and toss again. If you like more dressing, keep adding until you are pleased. Serve at room temperature, on a platter, sprinkled with the remaining onions and cilantro.

Serves 4 People (side portion)

~~Camberley~~

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August 17th, 2010

A Flagstaff kind of weekend

 

This past weekend was marvelous.  I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday up at my Dad’s cabin (which is more of a cottage) - surrounded by some of our best friends (We missed those who couldn’t make it!).  Our days were spent eating, watching movies, playing skip-bo, laughing a babies and taking trips into town.

On Friday, we stopped by my favorite store in Flagstaff – Winter Sun Trading Co.  The skin care line that I use is from Winter Sun and… I LOVE IT.  The ingredients in their products are aromatic and natural.  For example, my face cream is made of: purified mountain rain water, jojoba oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, orange water, et cetera.  Mmmmmmm.  Smells good enough to eat.

 

 

 

 

At Winter Sun, I snuck away and purchased Chris and Monabeth’s little lady (Magdalene)  some natural skin care products as well.  Her new lotion is scented with lavendar and camomile.  As soon as you open the bottle, lavendar feels the room.  I may have to buy some for myself. 

 

 

 

On Saturday, we visited the Ruins at Walnut Canyon National Monument.  Luckily for us, it ended up being a “no fee” day (chaaaa-ching)!  These ruins are jaw dropping.  The homes these people made are built on the sides of cliffs.  It baffles me that children walked and played on the sides of these mountains.  Those mothers were brave.

 

 

 

 

 

After our morning stroll through Walnut Canyon, we drove back in to town for lunch.  As we walked up and down the streets of Flagstaff, we took time to stop and look at flowers, sit in the shade on cool blades of grass and snap pictures of smiling babies (the one pictured below is Sam and Amy’s little girl, Miamoa).

 

 

 

 

I heart Flagstaff,

Camberley

 

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August 16th, 2010

Flagstaff Thrifting Find #1

 

Last weekend, Dallan and I headed up north with some of our closest friends.  It was relaxing and refreshing (update to come).  While up in Flagstaff, we decided to swing by one of the local thrift stores.  Unfortunately for most, the thrift store was a royal flop.  However, this little girl was able to score a couple of inexpensive treasures.  

Brace yourself for today’s treasure reveal {insert drum-roll}… one $5.00 Dessert Stand! (These puppies are usually $15-25 at the antique store)

 

Vintage Dessert Stand

 

I know! You’re probably shaking your head thinking “Doesn’t she already have one of those?”.  The answer is “NO”.  All of my other dessert stand/cake stand finds have been given away… sniff…. sniff…. I’m a good friend like that. 

 

Have you scored any recent treasures?

~~Camberley~~

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August 11th, 2010

Healthy Falafel

 

Now that I’m back to eating NO meat, I’m constantly looking for recipes that suit Dallan and Moi.  Recently, I’ve found a passion for falafel.  I love the consistency of falafel.  I love the spices in falafel.  Falafel, falafel, falafel! 

Since I’ve been craving falafel ALL – THE – TIME, I decided it was time for me to find a recipe (rather than break the piggy bank).  Instantly, I noticed that most falafel is fried (Grrrreat – I’ve been eating fried falafel all this time. FOILED!) so I was on a mission to find healthy falafel.  I stumbled on a recipe that axes the deep fryer, Thank You Allrecipes.com.  Here is my version of Bette’s recipe.

Healthy Falafel Recipe

HEALTHY FALAFEL

 

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • Pita (I used Wheat Flatout Flatbread)

Directions

  1. Get out a large oven-safe skillet. Add 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil and turn heat to medium.  Once oil is hot, add onion.  Saute until the start to turn translucent.  Remove onions from skillet and set aside.
  2. Place garbanzo beans, parsley, garlic, cumin, turmeric, salt, pepper, and baking soda in a food processor. Process until the mixture is coarsely pureed. Mix garbanzo bean mixture and onion together in a bowl. Stir in the flour and egg. Shape mixture into four large patties and let stand for 15 minutes.
  3. Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  4. Heat remaining 1/2 Tablespoon of olive oil in the oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the skillet; cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side.
  5. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake until heated through, about 10 minutes.
  6. Place falafel on warm pita with: tzataziki, romaine, tomato, pickle, et cetera.

Serves 2-3 people

 

~~~Camberley~~~

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August 10th, 2010

Affordable Vintage Furniture

We’ve recently added some affordable vintage furniture to our home decor.  Someday we’ll be done. Sigh.  

Mid Century Modern Entry Table:  I found this table at a garage sale a few months ago and purchased it for $20.  All it needed was a little sanding, some spot staining and teak oil.  Good as new!  Please note: Dallan is the one who arranged the photos and knick-knacks.  I still need to swap some things out. 

 

Mid Century Modern Entry Table

 

Framed J. Cheng Art Prints: A couple of months ago, I was visiting my Grandparent’s house, when my Grandma mentioned she had a pile of things waiting to go to the the thrift store.  Immediately, I jumped out of my seat and rushed to said pile of things.  Within moments of spotting this artwork, I knew it would work perfectly in my bedroom.  At first, I thought I would refinish the frames…. now I’m not sure.  Thoughts?

J. Cheng Artwork

J. Cheng Artwork

 

While I had the camera out, I started snapping pictures of my living room.  Here’s just a snippet.

 

Camberley's living room

Camberley's living room

 

Big Hug, Little Kiss,

Camberley

 

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August 9th, 2010

Taking Timeout Through Music – Horse Feathers {Curs in the Weeds}

 

Dallan never reads the blog.  I like to tease him and say “it’s because you don’t support me.”  When, in all actuality, he’s not a big computer person {just six months ago I taught him about the “insert” button -- saved 1 week of his life}.   Although he never reads the blog, you can bet your bottom dollar that ever Monday morning he magically texts me a name of a band I should highlight.   

“Look up the band Horse Feathers”

About 75% of the time I take his “music” texts and run with them.  Today, was one of these days.

 

 

For more information on Horse Feathers visit: their facebook, myspace, twitter or website.

 

Big Hug and Little Kiss,

Camberley

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August 6th, 2010

Weekend Wishes

 

If I had money to spend (For those of you who are new readers to the blog, I recently started my own company.  Starting my own company = I won’t see money coming in for 45 days or so. You may read about it here & here & here & here) I would do the following things this weekend:

 

To start, I would paint my guest bedroom and my office.  Here are the colors I’m considering…

A form of sea-foam green for the guest room.

 

 

 

A pale pink on the ceiling in the office.  Similar to the Martha Stewart paint color below. (my walls are golden/brown/tan color)

 

 

 

After painting, I would swing by my favorite local antique stores and peruse their loot.  I’m in dire need of decor.  In all actuality, my house if pretty bare. {sigh}

 

Moral of this post, money should grow on trees.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Camberley

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August 5th, 2010

Modern Kids’ Furniture {The Little Kidz Closet}

 

After this morning’s modern nursery post, my friend {Liz T} sent me a link to the most amazing site {at least it’s amazing to me… it’s right up my “decor” alley}.  Please note: this is not an announcement that I’m prego.  I know my Mom would love it if I was; however, I can hardly handle “life” right now. I feel like I should walk around with an IV drip of Valerian Root… I’m that crazy inside my head.

Here it is…{insert drum roll}…. The Little Kidz Closet.

 

Please take  a moment to ogle these magnificent pieces of furniture…

 

The Fold-away Cariboo Basinet (Genius! You can easily pack this baby away between babies.) 

 

 

ooMoo Kids Indy High Chair {it’s easy to wipe down AND it converts into a barstool}

 

Ubabub Junior Bed (My only thought = does this come in my size?)

 

 

Ubabub Nifty Timber (I swear, my future offspring will have a unique crib)

 

 

Giimo Sparky Schnauzer (Keighley’s offspring will have this…)

 

The cutest “night-light award” goes to — Zzzoolight Giraffe

 

 

Thanks Lizzard!

Camberley

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