Anyway, here's a video to fill the rest of my post.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Winter is Coming
It's winter! Sort of. We had a few inches of snow yesterday, resulting in a Winter Wonderland type landscape, but today it's looking rather melty. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted. As this season progresses I'm more and more thankful that I started making Christmas gifts back in the summer. It's given me plenty of time to work on commissions, which in the past would've been a problem with my annual Christmas Gift Making Crunch. This year I might actually get to relax on Christmas Eve instead of crocheting and sewing until my fingers are numb. I might even get to crochet some things for myself. Whoa, that's like crazy.
Anyway, here's a video to fill the rest of my post.
Anyway, here's a video to fill the rest of my post.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Suddenly a wild Jen appeared!
Don't look at me that way, I've been busy! Busy doing stuff! So, as it happens today is my birthday. I can proudly say that I've gotten to age 26 without feeling like a grown-up, which I count to be a big accomplishment. Autumn has been treating us well so far. Plenty of chilly air, the smell and sound of falling leaves, fresh pressed cider, and hiking in Valley Forge.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y3mArZmN-UQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y3mArZmN-UQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Food for Thought: Pad Thai
My family loves to cook. Birthdays, holidays, and excuses to get together are potlucks laden with homemade offerings ranging from Coq a Vin and Boeuf Bourguignon to Vegetarian Chili and Orange Sherbet Dessert- even my wedding was potluck! Food is very important to us and for that very reason I've asked my Iowan cousin, Rachel to contribute some of her cooking escapades to Cats Are Dragons. So, I'll turn it over to her!
This meal is an excellent introduction to my signature cooking style, which you will find is largely local and freegan.
For example: Craig and I work at a local farm (Mustard Seed Community Farm) that does CSAs (community supported agriculture). However, rather than paying to receive a box of vegetables each week during the harvest season, as with a regular CSA, we go to the farm and help with harvest 3 hours a week, and get our box of vegetables in return! It is a great setup for poor youngsters like us, and it's a wonderful way to learn a bit about local farming and plants! So the green pepper, cabbage and onion in this recipe were from the farm. Additionally, instead of bean sprouts, we used some purslane from the farm. Purslane is actually an obnoxious weed, but it has lots of vitamins and a nice mild, spinach-y flavor. We get a lot of it in our boxes from the farm, and the best recommendation I've heard for it is to treat it like bean sprouts - add it to sandwiches, tacos or Asian food! It was quite tasty, plus local, freegan (sort of) and doesn't have any of the scary diseases associated with sprouts.
As for the true freegan part of the meal... Many of my friends have moved out of town recently, leaving me with outrageous amounts of nonperishable, half-used items including sauces, condiments, cleaning products, canned foods, baking ingredients, and grains. Used in this recipe from that category were: Asian noodles (the packaging was not in English - I don't think they were brown rice specifically but they were perfect for Pad Thai), canned green beans, apple cider vinegar, honey, and lime juice!
So, since Craig and I are on a tight budget right now, this recipe was a great way for us to make the most of what we had! We got it from the Mustard Seed newsletter that comes in the box each week, explaining what's in the box, what's new at the farm, and recommending a few recipes.
Pad Thai
8 oz brown rice noodles
1 c green beans
1 sweet green pepper, thinly sliced (bell pepper to us PA folk -j)
2 c cabbage, sliced
1 large carrot, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 c bean sprouts
4 T tomato paste
4 T apple cider vinegar
3 T honey
2 T Thai fish sauce
1 T lime juice
1 egg white, whisked
cayenne pepper to taste
lime wedges and peanuts for garnish
Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Whisk together tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, fish sauce, lime juice, and cayenne pepper (we used 1 t and it gave it a kick, but wasn't overly spicy).
Crush peanuts using a mortar and pestle or in a bag with a hammer.
Saute egg white in large skillet. Remove and dice.
Saute cabbage, carrot, onion, bean sprouts, green beans, and sweet green pepper for 4 minutes. Add egg and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in tomato paste sauce and cooked noodles. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and garnish with peanuts and lime wedges.
For example: Craig and I work at a local farm (Mustard Seed Community Farm) that does CSAs (community supported agriculture). However, rather than paying to receive a box of vegetables each week during the harvest season, as with a regular CSA, we go to the farm and help with harvest 3 hours a week, and get our box of vegetables in return! It is a great setup for poor youngsters like us, and it's a wonderful way to learn a bit about local farming and plants! So the green pepper, cabbage and onion in this recipe were from the farm. Additionally, instead of bean sprouts, we used some purslane from the farm. Purslane is actually an obnoxious weed, but it has lots of vitamins and a nice mild, spinach-y flavor. We get a lot of it in our boxes from the farm, and the best recommendation I've heard for it is to treat it like bean sprouts - add it to sandwiches, tacos or Asian food! It was quite tasty, plus local, freegan (sort of) and doesn't have any of the scary diseases associated with sprouts.
As for the true freegan part of the meal... Many of my friends have moved out of town recently, leaving me with outrageous amounts of nonperishable, half-used items including sauces, condiments, cleaning products, canned foods, baking ingredients, and grains. Used in this recipe from that category were: Asian noodles (the packaging was not in English - I don't think they were brown rice specifically but they were perfect for Pad Thai), canned green beans, apple cider vinegar, honey, and lime juice!
So, since Craig and I are on a tight budget right now, this recipe was a great way for us to make the most of what we had! We got it from the Mustard Seed newsletter that comes in the box each week, explaining what's in the box, what's new at the farm, and recommending a few recipes.
Pad Thai
8 oz brown rice noodles
1 c green beans
1 sweet green pepper, thinly sliced (bell pepper to us PA folk -j)
2 c cabbage, sliced
1 large carrot, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 c bean sprouts
4 T tomato paste
4 T apple cider vinegar
3 T honey
2 T Thai fish sauce
1 T lime juice
1 egg white, whisked
cayenne pepper to taste
lime wedges and peanuts for garnish
 |
| All of the ingredients together |
Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Whisk together tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, fish sauce, lime juice, and cayenne pepper (we used 1 t and it gave it a kick, but wasn't overly spicy).
 |
| Tomato paste sauce |
Crush peanuts using a mortar and pestle or in a bag with a hammer.
 |
| Crushed peanuts! |
Saute egg white in large skillet. Remove and dice.
 |
| Sliced veggies before they had to migrate to a larger pan |
Saute cabbage, carrot, onion, bean sprouts, green beans, and sweet green pepper for 4 minutes. Add egg and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in tomato paste sauce and cooked noodles. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
 |
| About to add tomato paste sauce and noodles |
Remove from heat and garnish with peanuts and lime wedges.
 |
| Bon appetit! |
Friday, July 27, 2012
Unpopular Marriage Advice
After my last post I got to thinking about marriage, you know, the bit after the wedding. I thought, "Self, what would be a great follow up post about marriage, something really fun and interesting to people, like me, who have many a wedding to go to?" Well, I came up with a great idea!
Unpopular marriage advice!
Or at least it's not as sentimental or cute as the advice people like to give to newlyweds. I didn't get any bad, syrupy advice from people I know, but I saw plenty of it floating around in movies, in books, and online. It's sort of infectious. In the pre-wedding fog it can affect your sense of self and your confidence. I would shrug it off as nothing, but I sometimes felt panicked. What is this marriage thing I've gotten myself into? I must be mad, am I going mad? Am I depressed? I don't feel like I married the bestest, sweetest, most kindest man in the world, but I love him, is that enough? AGHHHHH!
We're working on year three and I'm fine now. I realize the cutesy advice, even though I dismissed it, had gotten in my brain because I never saw an article titled, "How To Deal With The Crappy Parts Of Marriage As Well As Unrealistic Expectations Of Society". So, I came up with my own marriage advice that maybe doesn't make you say, "Awwww!", but later on down the line, after the wedding high descends, might make you feel stronger.
-Sometimes marriage sucks. It really does. You're individuals that have decided to always be together and at times it is really annoying that you are so different in some ways. Make sure you each have space to just be you and remember to hang out with other people. You are not an island.
-"Never go to bed angry". Bullshit. Two people who are tired and already upset are not going to make good decisions. They are going to be unreasonable, nonsensical, and cranky. Go to bed, wake up recharged, and figure it out like two well rested grown ups.
-You will change, your spouse will change. People change, it's sometimes scary, but you'll live and get used to it. Just because he/she decides to take up yoga/go vegan/become a cheese maker/become a power lifter doesn't mean they are some other person. They're evolving. Don't let it divide you, evolve together.
-"Two becoming one". No. You are not becoming one entity, you're not welded together, you're not one part of a ball and chain. You are two people who even on bad days choose to stay with that person, because even on the bad days you'd rather be there with them than with anyone else. You know that the bad will pass, you'll take it on as a team, and kick the bad's ass.
-Be aware. In my previous point I say you'll get through the bad, but don't become so totally infatuated that you ignore your own well being. We all have bad days where we yell too much or get a little crazy, yes, but don't become victim to domestic abuse. I'm not a professional trained to handle domestic violence, but I advise you to click the link and become familiar with it so that you are aware.
-"Kiss your husband/wife everyday". Not if they're sick with the flu or a nasty cold, my friend. There was a time when I thought, "but you HAVE to give me a kiss!" Nuh uh, keep those lips sealed unless it's to swallow zinc and vitamin C supplements. More fluids, chop chop.
-Lastly, people are going to ask you, "How's being married?" or "How is married life?" for at least a year after the wedding. It's a nice question, but what does it even mean? I used to answer that it was like life before marriage, but now I live with this guy and we have a piece of paper that looks very official with our names on it. Fluent in sarcasm, y'all. My point is that my new answer, if I were asked, is that marriage is like making a better way to do something that's been done a million times before. We are Eli Whitney, Thomas Edison, and Benny Franklin.
Unpopular marriage advice!
Or at least it's not as sentimental or cute as the advice people like to give to newlyweds. I didn't get any bad, syrupy advice from people I know, but I saw plenty of it floating around in movies, in books, and online. It's sort of infectious. In the pre-wedding fog it can affect your sense of self and your confidence. I would shrug it off as nothing, but I sometimes felt panicked. What is this marriage thing I've gotten myself into? I must be mad, am I going mad? Am I depressed? I don't feel like I married the bestest, sweetest, most kindest man in the world, but I love him, is that enough? AGHHHHH!
We're working on year three and I'm fine now. I realize the cutesy advice, even though I dismissed it, had gotten in my brain because I never saw an article titled, "How To Deal With The Crappy Parts Of Marriage As Well As Unrealistic Expectations Of Society". So, I came up with my own marriage advice that maybe doesn't make you say, "Awwww!", but later on down the line, after the wedding high descends, might make you feel stronger.
-Sometimes marriage sucks. It really does. You're individuals that have decided to always be together and at times it is really annoying that you are so different in some ways. Make sure you each have space to just be you and remember to hang out with other people. You are not an island.
-"Never go to bed angry". Bullshit. Two people who are tired and already upset are not going to make good decisions. They are going to be unreasonable, nonsensical, and cranky. Go to bed, wake up recharged, and figure it out like two well rested grown ups.
-You will change, your spouse will change. People change, it's sometimes scary, but you'll live and get used to it. Just because he/she decides to take up yoga/go vegan/become a cheese maker/become a power lifter doesn't mean they are some other person. They're evolving. Don't let it divide you, evolve together.
-"Two becoming one". No. You are not becoming one entity, you're not welded together, you're not one part of a ball and chain. You are two people who even on bad days choose to stay with that person, because even on the bad days you'd rather be there with them than with anyone else. You know that the bad will pass, you'll take it on as a team, and kick the bad's ass.
-Be aware. In my previous point I say you'll get through the bad, but don't become so totally infatuated that you ignore your own well being. We all have bad days where we yell too much or get a little crazy, yes, but don't become victim to domestic abuse. I'm not a professional trained to handle domestic violence, but I advise you to click the link and become familiar with it so that you are aware.
-"Kiss your husband/wife everyday". Not if they're sick with the flu or a nasty cold, my friend. There was a time when I thought, "but you HAVE to give me a kiss!" Nuh uh, keep those lips sealed unless it's to swallow zinc and vitamin C supplements. More fluids, chop chop.
-Lastly, people are going to ask you, "How's being married?" or "How is married life?" for at least a year after the wedding. It's a nice question, but what does it even mean? I used to answer that it was like life before marriage, but now I live with this guy and we have a piece of paper that looks very official with our names on it. Fluent in sarcasm, y'all. My point is that my new answer, if I were asked, is that marriage is like making a better way to do something that's been done a million times before. We are Eli Whitney, Thomas Edison, and Benny Franklin.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Getting Dressed As a Wedding Guest
I am, as they say, at that age where everyone I know is getting married. I've been to about two weddings a year for the last four or five years, including my own. My routine for getting dressed for a wedding in the past was simple: go shopping, get frustrated at the selection, buy whatever is plain and the least awful, wear it to wedding, donate to Goodwill. Currently, I own one dress and it's my wedding dress, which I hear is not cool to wear to another person's wedding, so I'm S.O.L. for the three weddings coming up.
I did make an effort earlier this month to find one outfit that I could wear to several events. I spent a few weeks looking around and finally ordered one online from eShakti. It was then delivered incorrectly by DHL, remained in limbo for a couple days until my mailman found it, then I tried it on and it was the wrong dress. The dress I ordered is "temporarily out of stock" now, so I guess they just sent me another one in the same color hoping it would be okay. So, I sent it back the same day. USPS fo' life by the way.
Now I'm back to square one. Actually, I'm back to square "negative 40 some dollars" until my return goes through. However, this hasn't kept me from combing 12-15 different stores for something to wear. I've pretty much given up on finding a dress that is the right length, because apparently dresses are made for people who are 5' 5", thus leaving me with 5" too many.
My new quest is, or should be, simple. Pants (possibly of the skinny variety) with a short dress and high top converse. I insist on comfort and I insist on still feeling and looking like myself. Pants mean I don't have to waste energy on remembering to keep my knees together, thereby ensuring more comfort and fun. There's a reason I don't own any dresses I suppose. A short dress will look snazzy, trust me. Also ensuring comfort and style are my converse. I wore converse at my wedding, and I'm wearing them to yours.
Let us pray that the Shopping Gods are on my side, for tomorrow I lead another attack.
I did make an effort earlier this month to find one outfit that I could wear to several events. I spent a few weeks looking around and finally ordered one online from eShakti. It was then delivered incorrectly by DHL, remained in limbo for a couple days until my mailman found it, then I tried it on and it was the wrong dress. The dress I ordered is "temporarily out of stock" now, so I guess they just sent me another one in the same color hoping it would be okay. So, I sent it back the same day. USPS fo' life by the way.
Now I'm back to square one. Actually, I'm back to square "negative 40 some dollars" until my return goes through. However, this hasn't kept me from combing 12-15 different stores for something to wear. I've pretty much given up on finding a dress that is the right length, because apparently dresses are made for people who are 5' 5", thus leaving me with 5" too many.
My new quest is, or should be, simple. Pants (possibly of the skinny variety) with a short dress and high top converse. I insist on comfort and I insist on still feeling and looking like myself. Pants mean I don't have to waste energy on remembering to keep my knees together, thereby ensuring more comfort and fun. There's a reason I don't own any dresses I suppose. A short dress will look snazzy, trust me. Also ensuring comfort and style are my converse. I wore converse at my wedding, and I'm wearing them to yours.
Let us pray that the Shopping Gods are on my side, for tomorrow I lead another attack.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Gratuitous Cat Photo Dump
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| Dragon Cats require naps |
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| They also like to sit on freshly reupholstered chairs |
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| It's the best place to contemplate important things |
 | |
| Tiny paws! |
 | |
| On hot days it is best to find a bit of concrete to sleep on |
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| Know that you're always being watched |
Thanks for joining me for this installment of Gratuitous Cat Photo Dump.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Goal Update
Keep a sketchbook
Weed out old clothes
Hang art
Hang up my art
Grow hair out to mid-back
Get art/craft closet organized
Move out-of-season housewares to storage space
Donate surplus dishes and glasses
Modify existing clothes
Get to size 12 pants
Watch New Movies/ TV Shows
Complete 6 Week Challenge at Nerd Fitness
Try new recipes
Start Etsy shop back up
More completed goals! All of our Christmas and Halloween gear is packed in boxes, and safely tucked into a closet. I've hung up some art on the walls, including a painting that Mike's Mom made. We've given my brother a box full of our surplus glasses as well. I successfully completed a 6 Week Challenge and I'm doing another one not so successfully do to the humidity and the heat.
I've tried out a few new recipes including oatmeal raisin cookies (use extra flour and baking soda as a commenter suggested) and zucchini fritters.
I'm still working through new movies and shows. I've watched the first three seasons of Inspector Lewis and tonight I'm watching the new episode. I also ran through a couple Gary Oldman movies: Chattahoochee and Basquiat. Now I'm working my way through Season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Hang up my art
Grow hair out to mid-back
Get art/craft closet organized
Modify existing clothes
Get to size 12 pants
Watch New Movies/ TV Shows
Try new recipes
Start Etsy shop back up
More completed goals! All of our Christmas and Halloween gear is packed in boxes, and safely tucked into a closet. I've hung up some art on the walls, including a painting that Mike's Mom made. We've given my brother a box full of our surplus glasses as well. I successfully completed a 6 Week Challenge and I'm doing another one not so successfully do to the humidity and the heat.
I've tried out a few new recipes including oatmeal raisin cookies (use extra flour and baking soda as a commenter suggested) and zucchini fritters.
I'm still working through new movies and shows. I've watched the first three seasons of Inspector Lewis and tonight I'm watching the new episode. I also ran through a couple Gary Oldman movies: Chattahoochee and Basquiat. Now I'm working my way through Season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
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