Just a leisurely Sunday over here, doopdadoo. Care for a cupcake?
Come say hi in the Open Thread. Just pull up a chair, and I’ll get you something sweet.
If you’re new to the open thread, here it is in a nutshell:
It’s a timed academic roundtable discussion where we debate the merits of…
Kidding! 🙂 It’s a chat fest where we get together in the comments at the bottom of this post to talk about whatever’s on our minds — makeup, pets, relationships, you name it. For instance, today I’m interested in easy vegan recipes. Got any good ones to share?
The Open Thread runs all day (and night), so stop by if/when you can, and as often as you’d like. Feel free to reach out to me or to anyone else, too. Everyone here is nice.
Of course, we do have sweets this time around…and these are very low-cal.
See you inside!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Nina says
I would lurve a cupcake!
We made some Carbonara from lunch … I just got the recipe off a People magazine and it turned out pretty well even if I didnt have any other cheese than Parmesan.
The Hubs just finished his 2nd bowl (he called it is post lunch lunch). 😀
We had a totally lazy weekend and I loved it. I feel rested!
Meghan says
ooo that sounds good! i love cooking and there are so many great recipies online. a website i use a lot for new recipies is called http://www.epicurious.com it’s really awesome!
Karen says
Thanks for the rec, Meghan! I hope they have a category for the supremely lazy cook without any skills, LOL! 🙂
irini says
I checked it out,and oh boy,will I be doing some pretty serious cooking tomorrow!
Nina says
I also love epicurious! 🙂
Karen says
That sounds really good. I’ve been craving pasta like crazy lately!
We had kind of a lazy weekend too. I re-watched a few movies I haven’t seen in a long time yesterday: The Missing (with Cate Blanchett… LOVE HER!), Donnie Darko and Lost in Translation.
Are you psyched for True Blood tonight? Last week’s we SO GOOD!
Kylie says
Whoa, Donnie Darko! Old school! Have you seen the sequel, S. Darko? Not as good, but still weird enough to watch. It’s full of B-list actors galore, but I’m into that so I liked it.
Karen says
I’ve heard about it! I have no desire to see it though… I rarely like sequels. The only ones I’ve ever enjoyed are Godfather II and Terminator 2.
Nina says
Cannot wait for TB. I like Russell Edgington — so edgy!
The pasta was easy – just 2 eggs, a cup of cheese, pancetta (I used bacon because thats what I had), pasta, lots and lots of pepper and some pasta water.
Love lazy weekends. The Hubs is napping now. I just finished reading the 2 latest Fables spinoff comic books. 😀
Terri says
I love Carbonara too. When I make it, I usually add some tomatoes, onions, and garlic, but the traditional recipe is a classic for a reason.
Nina says
I do that too – usually when I have bunch of produce that I need to use up!
This recipe was the recipe of the food stylist for the Eat, Pray, Love movie and only had 5 ingredients but was so good!
Karen says
Oh cool! How were the comics? That reminds me, I need to find my Buffy ones. I lost them somewhere in the move. 🙁
Russell is SO CRAZY! I did not expect last week’s ep to end the way it did. My jaw was literally hanging open.
Thanks for the pasta recipe, btw. Maybe I can try it with some veggie bacon…
Nina says
The comics were fun! One of them was the side story of Jack (of the Beanstalk fame) and the other one was Cinderella’s story where she is now a secret agent!
Oh thats an awesome idea – I actually told the Hubs id do it w/ either turkey bacon or just lean ham when I do it again!
Russell is cuckoo but in a totally awesome way … I mean if someone killed my consort id probly go insane too! Cannot wait for tonight!!! This season really picked up!
Karen says
Awesome! I love the idea of Cinderella being a super-spy.
As for veggie “bacon,” Morningstar makes some that’s pretty good. I hope it holds up in the sauce. 🙂
I am DYING to know what Sookie is!
Nina says
I think I know but … I wont tell! 😀
Ive had the Morningstar sausage — sneaked it in for breakfast and didnt tell the Hubs what it was til after. He wouldnt believe me.
Pretty good stuff that Monringstar!
Kylie says
Ooh, there are some really good vegan cookbooks. One is a college student vegan cookbook, so it has more budget friendly ideas. There is another that I just bought for a friend that is specifically a vegan cupcake cookbook, and I gotta say, some of the recipies are dank! Seriously. Red velvet….mmm.
On a sidenote, I remember a post where you said you liked Drake. I heard this Drake song on the radio called “Fancy” and they mention NARS Orgasm blush in it, so I immediately thought of MBB, lol.
Karen says
Okay, you’re officially the bomb! I noticed that too about the song and was like, “HAAAAY! Why you gotta make me love you more with your NARS references, Drake?!?”
Do you remember the name of the vegan cupcake book? I lurves me a good red velvet cupcake.
Kylie says
The book is called Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World. They have lots of funky and creative flavors, and some normal ones too 😉
Karen says
I’ll look it up on Amazon. 🙂
What are you up to today? Doing anything fun?
Kylie says
I’m working, so…. I’ll have fun later! But I read beauty blogs in my downtime, so I can’t really complain, haha.
Karen says
Any job where you can chill on your downtime ain’t half bad. I’m sorry if I’ve asked you before, but what kind of job do you do?
Kylie says
I work at an immunizations clinic, I’m a clerk. So if we don’t have any patients I tend to surf the net. I should probably do some homework, but I get lazy. Today I read Bubblegarm’s entire blog. We had a slow day! As I type this, people have walked in. Uh oh, gotta go!
Meghan says
hey karen!
how are you doing??? I start full time nursing school tomorrow at night and will be working full time so i am freakin out (it sounded like a good idea at the time haha)! I am 25 and after already getting my bachelors degree i had what i like to call a “quarter life crisis” and decided to switch career paths completely and become a nurse, i feel really content for the first time in awhile, even though it is a little scary, but in a good way! I will be taking classes at night and still keeping my day job in social work, so it should be an interesting combination!
anyway, i wanted to share this link with you..it’s about brazilian blow outs and a cheaper version of it thats coming out, i actually found it on perez hilton..here is the link! let me know what you think!
http://cocoperez.com/category/beauty-buzz/
Karen says
Hi Meghan,
Congrats on your new career adventure! The great thing about nursing is 1.) you’ll always be able to get a job and 2.) you can do it anywhere. I thought about it a while back but I’m not good at all with blood (hence another reason why I could never hack it as a vampire).
What made you decide to go with nursing?
Oh, and thanks for the link! I’m not a Brazilian Blowout girl but have heard it can really work wonders.
Rhoda says
I am from Canada and I took a trip to buffalo yesterday and found some stupid crazy deals on shoes! I went to the Nike factory and got 2 kicks for $20 each, then I went to AJ Wright and got 3 heels and one pair of flats for $14 each! And I loved it, going back soon!
Karen says
Rhoda, you’re a rockstar! Please let me live through your awesome shoe purchases, because I haven’t bought any shoes since June (boo).
Which pair is your fave?
irini says
hello everybody!wow my first time writing here,i feel exciteeed!wow this whole food talk mademe hungry-but I have to watch what Im eating cause this summer I ate waaaaay too much!anywho,whats been disturbing me the past days is how uncomfortable I feel talking to new people,I just dont know what to say,and considering that Im starting Uni in mid October I need a plan pronto…gah i just dont know what to do… 🙁
Meghan says
hey! just be yourself 🙂 and remember, a lot of hte people that you will be in classes with are probobaly feeling the same way you are. a great way to come across as warm and friendly, and have people feel comfortable coming up and talking to you, is to just smile at people when they look at you, i know it sounds silly but it really works!
irini says
thats what everybody tells me!well,I guess is just some crisis that comes and goes,like I had this huge confidence crisis last year and it just went away on its own…but thanks so much for your advice 😀
Kylie says
If you find yourself experiencing social anxiety that interferes with your life, you can always go to an anxiety group and meet some relatable folks. However, I suspect it has something to do with pre-college jitters. I think there is a lot to be said for extra-curricular activities. Meeting like-minded people always puts me at ease. I joined an a capella group at college to make friends, and it was really fun 🙂 Good luck!
Karen says
Hi Irini,
It can be hard, especially if it’s not something you’d do naturally, but like any other skill it can be learned. I think one that might help is to just keep forcing yourself to practice! Or maybe consider taking a drama class at uni. I used to be very shy but drama and public speaking classes popped me out of my shell. 🙂
I looked up a few articles for you that you also might find helpful:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/Careers/03/03/small.talk/index.html
http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/small-talk_wh.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_10812_make-small-talk.html
Nina says
Just be yourself. And relax. For all you know they might be as nervous talking to you as you are talking to them.
And smile! 🙂
irini says
wow!thank you all so much!you are gems!
Helen says
I (unintentionally) made dinner vegan last night! I made a variation on Aloo Gobi. I sauteed ginger, garlic, red pepper and garam masala in a pan with some olive oil, and added in chunks of potato, cauliflower and green beans and a pinch of salt. That dry sauteed for a minute, added 1/4 c of water, covered it and waited 7 or 8 minutes. Served on top of rice!
I’m finding it’s super easy to start adapting meals to be a little healthier.
Karen says
That sounds really yum. Do you think I could make it without the ginger (I’m not a big ginger fan)?
Nina says
Im not a big ginger fan too. The Hubs doesnt mind it so when I have a recipe that calls for ginger, ill slice it into fine-ish strips, wrap it in cheesecloth and drop it in the sautee pan. When the aroma and taste of it has infused into whatever it is im cooking, I fish out the cheesecloth.
That technique lets me infuse ginger flavor and aroma without having the actual ginger in the dish! 🙂
Karen says
This is a great idea. Thanks, Nina!
Funny, I don’t mind ginger when it’s in gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies… there’s just something about it when it’s in dishes that I find really overwhelming.
Nina says
Agree – I love gingersnaps w/ coffee!
But on food its just too strong and overpowering!
Helen says
Of course it can be without! I didn’t really notice it in the end, either. I used a microplane to get my 1 cm^3 chunk really really fine (like a fine paste) and sauteed it to reduce the flavor.
Have fun cooking!
Steph B says
Hit the farmers market this morning, chilled out on the balcony with a book, and am now watching sappy good-bad movie (The Lake House) while painting my toenails (Zoya Drew). Mostly, just happy not to be working after going since August 1st without a single day off and several 12 hour days. But we got our draft report in on time!
Karen says
I quite enjoyed that movie. It’s good for painting the toenails too. Other faves: Legally Blonde and old SATC episodes.
Holy crap you’ve been working a ton! Will things slow down for you now that your stuff has been turned in?
Steph B says
Work should definitely slow down a bit. And they’ve picked me up for another project so I don’t have to face the crazy job market just yet.
Legally Blonde is definitely a good one. For Love of the Game and Pump Up the Volume are my other of my guilty pleasure have on in the background movies.
Karen says
That’s great! Is your new project interesting?
You know, I’ve never seen either of those movies. I’m a Sam Raimi fan so I’ll def. check out For the Love of the Game.
I just thought of more toenail painting flicks: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Love and Basketball and Devil Wears Prada.
Steph B says
Love and Basketball is definitely another fav. I love Sanaa Lathan. Brown Sugar is another good one. You definitely have to check out For Love of the Game. A double header with Bull Durham and I’m happy. I went to Duke and went to a lot of Durham Bulls games — so much fun to be brought back to that time.
The project is going to be very interesting. A good public interest project that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy for helping. A completely different topic and different project approach than the last one so it’ll be a good change of pace. I get along with the project director and we both don’t love one of the other staffers assigned to it so we’ve already bonded over that.
Karen says
Brown Sugar! That’s another fave. 🙂 Did you see her in Something New? She and that dude from The Mentalist are great in that.
I’m glad to hear your current work is engaging *and* also makes you feel good. Not lots of people can say their jobs offer those two things, you know?
Steph B says
Oh – I’d forgotten about Something New. I really liked the two of them together.
There are a lot of tradeoffs working in the public sector, but at least you know the work always matters. Whatever I do, I want to know that I reach people on some level. Many ways to do that (like this blog) and they all make us a little more connected, a little more responsive.
Nina says
If you dont mind subtitles, the Korean movie that The Lake House was based upon called Il Mare is pretty good! 🙂
Steph B says
Someone else just mentioned that to me. I’ll have to track it down. I like that they used that as the name of the fancy restaurant in the American version.
Nina says
I watch Asian movies and tv series in a site called aznv.tv or mysoju.com.
I loved Il Mare and actually liked The Lakehouse just because I had seen Il Mare before I watched The Lakehouse. It helped.
Steph B says
I’ve just added it to my netflix queue. Should have it by Tuesday.
Karen says
I’ll have to track that one down too! I always get a kick out of seeing how the original versions of the movies differ from the American remakes.
If anybody’s interested — the Catherine Zeta-Jones flick called No Reservations was based on the German film Mostly Martha. I like the orignal version much better!
Nina says
I want to watch Mostly Martha! I kinda liked No Reservations (LOL!) … I like chef movies!
Karen says
I quite enjoy food-related movies! Or actually any movie where they do long cooking sequences, ha!
Nina says
Theres this Japanese tv series that I watched called Bambino! – that was pretty cute. Its about a cocky young chef from a rural area trying to make it in the big city.
I ate quite a bit of Italian food during the time I was watching that series! 😀
Karen says
It doesn’t hurt that the colors of Italian food look GREAT on camera! I love all the bright reds and greens.
Now I’m really hungry, LOL!
Nina says
Im hungry too … I think I ate dinner too early…. 😀
Steph B says
I agree – Mostly Martha was much, much better.
Karen says
Yeah! It felt like the interesting complexities in the original movie were oversimplified in the American version.
Steph B says
You’ve just hit on what I often find lacking in American remakes. American cinema style just doesn’t translate well for some of these more nuanced dramas. I *loved* the Swedish version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and am pretty sure the American version won’t live up to it.
yiota says
Hey Karen!
How has your summer been? I sadly go back to school tomorrow :[ and I can’t believe summer is already over for me! I miss Greece so badlyy!
I wanted to tell you that I’ve been obsessed with this breakfast idea for 2 weeks now: I put nutella between 2 toasts, butter on the top toast, then put it in the sandwhich maker and voila!! It’s so delicious..and the nutella is all nice and hot inside! I love it!
I need to come visit the states soon for some shopping ( I live in Canada). It seems like only you guys have the good stuff! I mean..we don’t even have Urban Decay at my sephora because they haven’t translated their products in french -_-
Anyways, have a good week!
Karen says
Hi Yiota,
I wonder how your kitty in Greece is doing. I hope she’s okay!
Speaking of sandwich maker concoctions, my favorite one is kinda weird, but I swear it’s delicious: whip up a batch of mac & cheese, pop it between two slices of bread and throw it into the sandwich maker. YUM!
yiota says
I haven’t shown you a picture of her! Here she is:
http://i36.tinypic.com/23it6j7.jpg
And here is a picture of my aunt’s newborn kittens..they’re a day old here: http://i37.tinypic.com/14wr82h.jpg
My aunt had gone to the house in Greece and told us that my cat was sitting on our stairs.. good to know she hasn’t left!
Wow I’ve never heard of mac & cheese in a sandwhich! haha. Maybe i should try that?
Karen says
KITTENS! They are so cute. I have kitten fever right now and that pic is certainly fueling the fire.
I bet your kitty misses you, aww.
Nina says
Oh my – now I want a mac & cheese sammich!
There’s going to be a mac & cheese place that will open kinda close to our house … ive been anticipating that as thats one of my fave comfort foods!
Karen says
It sounds weird, but it’s really good (especially with Velveeta MAC & Cheese).
In case anybody’s interested, I found a vegan mac & cheese recipe:
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2007/10/easy-macaroni-and-cheeze.html
Nina says
Im lactose intolerant so that recipe will totally make my tummy happy – thanks! 🙂
Karen says
There’s lots of yummy stuff on that site. I just printed out several soup recipes. Will let you know if I find anything good!
Amber says
Jus’ Mac? You must be in the Heights! I am just across I-10.
Nina says
Yepyep we are!
Youre closer to Montrose?
Amber says
Not quite Montrose — near the Taylor St. Target.
Nina says
Oh my goodness. I am at that Target very, very often!
😀
DancerWendy says
Hey Karen, I am also Asian with long straight hair. A makeup artist recommended to me the Hot Tools curling iron. I’ve never really used one on my own, and was wondering if you have any tips, techniques, and product recommendations for using a curling iron. I read an older article of yours about the hot rollers and it looked interesting, which do you think is more user friendly? I’m open to experimenting with different looks, but mostly I’d like to do romantic waves:)
Karen says
Well, how much are you looking to spend? I just started using the T3 twirl. It’s expensive at $119 (yikes), but it works FAST, which is a huge advantage if you plan on curling your hair with a curling iron. Here’s a review I did of it from a while back:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/t3-twirl-1-25-inch-curling-iron-curl-and-twirl-in-record-time-girl/
It’s great for big, bouncy curls.
If you’re looking for more of a wavy look, then you might want to think about a wave iron like this one from Conair:
http://wize.com/hair-styling-tools/p319835-conair-infiniti-s5-tourmaline-ceramic-2-1
DancerWendy says
Thanks Karen! I do remember your blog entry on the T3. I already bought the Hot Tools one so I think I will start experimenting with it first. Do you use any products for the curling before and or after the iron? How long exactly do I keep the hair curled up in the iron before releasing for a conventional iron vs. T3? I think I may just have to splurge on the T3 curler and dryer when the holidays come around:)
Teresa says
Hi all
I’m in the Britain and am coming to NYC in two weeks. I’m so excited and just wondered if anyone had some ideas of what I shouldn’t miss out on seeing/doing/eating when I’m there? Would really like some non “typical tourist” suggestions so I can experience it properly. Thanks all if you can help x
DancerWendy says
Hi there! I live in NYC:) You should check out Pier 66, on West 26th Street and the Hudson River. It’s a barge on the river that’s a restaurant and bar, at night there’s music and dancing. If the weather is nice, you shouldn’t miss it, it’s beautiful! Definitely hit all the major museums like the Met and MOMA, there’s currently a nice american women’s wear exibit at the costume institute at the Met.
Teresa says
Hi
Thanks so much will definitely check it out. What’s the dress code like for nights out in NYC? In London you can pretty much get away with smart jeans, funky top and heels for most places
DancerWendy says
I’d say what you described would definitely work! Anything goes, especially for an outdoors venue. Hope you like it! It is also close to the Chelsea Market, which is home of Food Network studios, and has lots of cool food places inside. In the nearby Meatpacking District there are some of the best dining and shopping places in town.
Nina says
I love the Chelsea Market – they have little stores and awesome restaurants.
I did NYC w/ my best friend who works there and lives in NJ. We caught a show (Les Miserables), went to the Met, did Central Park the first day.
The 2nd day she had to go to work so I basically walked and walked and just browsed. Thats how I found The Strand. I did MOMA by myself because she was at work and was spellbound.
We also went to Chinatown (awesome pork buns!) and Little Italy (cannoli!).
Shopping wise, I went to Uniqlo, H&M and that huge Disney store. We also browsed at Tiffany (my homage to Audrey Hepburn) but didnt buy anything.
During the day, its pretty much casual. Wear comfortable shoes!
Terri says
I second the suggestions for the Met! I could spend days there.
I also love the Strand bookstore (http://www.strandbooks.com/).
ace says
i used to live there- go to tribeca, in manhattan!! theres this UNBELIEVABLY good diner called gee whiz, and be sure to have milkshakes! i live in the uk now and you wont believe how incredible ny milkshakes are!! and the BEST fdeli ever- look for KATZ deli. also look for the tenement museum, which is on the lower east side (as well as katz)!! have fun!!
DancerWendy says
These are all great suggestions! You could do a whole day of downtown and hit Tribeca, Chinatown, SoHo, East and West Village! And yes, do wear comfy shoes, we NY’ers are used to wearing sneakers or flip flops for walking around and carrying our heels in the bag. Why not also go out to Brooklyn for a bit while you are here;) There are some seriously awesome restaurants in Park Slope! I love my city!
Mai-Huong says
Hey there! I’ve got to go back to school in about two weeks, but I’m definitely not ready to give up summer yet, haha. Though before the rest of the holiday is over, I really want to get my skin in shape and taking it easy on the number of products that I’m using. I always feel so overwhelmed whenever I’m trying to find what works for my skin, especially as skincare is something that can be so different for everyone. And also because I am frightened to death that any new products that I try will cause my skin to erupt, lol.
Karen says
Hmm, it’s gonna sound totally boring, but the quickest way I know to get my skin in better shape is to drink lots of water, get extra sleep, exercise consistently and cut out the junk food. A good at-home mask can work wonders, too. I like to put hot water in a bowl, hold my face over it (with a big towel my head to trap the steam) to open up my pores first, and then slather on a clarifying mask like the Queen Helene Mint Julep mask.
Mai-Huong says
Thanks so much for the advice! I love pampering my skin with at-home masks; I always feel so luxurious lounging around waiting for one to soak in. Unfortunately, I’m terrified of what the new school year is going to do to my skin. Lack of sleep + loads of stress = grumpy and not-so-glowy skin (sob!).
Jessie says
Havina a rough day at work ugh. Ev eryone sucks today. Coworkers and my bf are being irritating and rude. I’m also pmsing and just started geneen roths book women food and god. This has caused me to stop eating food for comfort so that makes today even harder. Any suggestions to help get me through the day?
Karen says
Hi Jessie,
I’m sorry to hear you’re having a bad day. Just keep holding on… tomorrow is a new day.
Amber says
Hey Karen! Those cupcakes look goooood.
Got a question for you. I got a sample of Shiseido’s legendary face & body sunblock from Sephora and tried it out. It had separated a little in the foil packet, but even when I mixed it the consistency was extremely thin. Is that normal or did I get a dud?
Karen says
Hi Amber,
Yup, that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. What did you pick up at Sephora?
Amber says
Bummer, I like my sunblock a little less runny.
I think I got that sample when I ordered my Naked palette and reordered Poetry in Lotion.
Karen says
Oh the upside — it absorbs really fast!
Terri says
Hi Karen! You totally have me craving cupcakes now 🙂
I hope that everyone has had a great weekend. I’m looking for some tinted moisturizer suggestions. I’ve been using Benefit, but it doesn’t play nice with my skin, which is oily but can also be alarmingly sensitive.
Karen says
Hi Terri,
I like Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free, Becca’s and Tarte’s. My skin breaks out easily, too, and non of these have given me any trubs.
Terri says
Thanks Karen! I will definitely check those out this week.
I hope that you and Tabs had a better night last night. Did you have to get a new air mattress
Karen says
No… we tried to patch it up with some duct tape but it didn’t go to well. Good thing we didn’t spend to much money on it! Damn Tabs and his evil plots!
Terri says
I wonder if you could use the same patches they use for tires? My brother used to repair my tires with these patches, and they worked surprisingly well. I don’t know how it would translate to an air mattress though…
Did you ever figure out what was on top of the hutch?
Karen says
El Hub’s fish, Sushi, lives on the top of the hutch. Tabs is kinda obsessed with his “brother.”
Good call with the tire stuff!
Nina says
Ive used Laura Mercier and this one is pure <3. Boscia is also okay.
On the drugstore side of things, I liked Physicians Formula – their darkest color is just right for me. Their color selection leans on the light side.
Sonia Kashuk's tinted moisturizer is also nice. Gives a kinda glowy finish!
Terri says
Thanks Nina! I’ve been itching to try Laura Mercier, so it is good to hear that you’ve had a good experience with it.
Terri says
I love this maple roasted yam salad recipe, and it is so easy to make it vegan. Just substitute oil for butter: http://crepesofwrath.net/2009/11/25/maple-roasted-yam-salad-with-cranberries-and-pecans/#more-1501
During the summer, I make pasta salad a lot. While I usually add Parmesan to it, the pasta is still tasty without the cheese. I cook half a pound of rotini, and combine it with roasted veggies (usually zucchini and tomatoes, which I toss with olive oil, minced garlic, and salt and roast at 350 for around 30-40 minutes). I then add some Italian dressing to the pasta and veggies (for this amount, I would use around half a bottle). The salad is best if you let the flavors meld overnight.
Karen says
That looks like a lovely dish! I dig sweet potatoes so I can easily see myself gobbling it all up with a quickness. I bet it would tasty with some roasted corn soup.
Regarding the pasta dish, is there a specific type of Italian dressing you like to use?
Terri says
I really like Newman’s Own Family Recipe Italian Dressing. That said, I made the pasta salad last week with Kraft Italian (I couldn’t find the other brand) for a potluck, and my friends really liked it.
Karen says
I just checked our fridge and found a bottle of Newman’s Own Tuscan Italian dressing! I’ll have to try it with that. 🙂
Terri says
I’m sure it will be great – the recipe is more of a suggestion than anything else! You can also add whatever veggies you have on hand. I had some bell peppers from my farm share, so I roasted those in the oven and tossed them in the salad, and it was good.
Karen says
I’ve been craving pattypan squash lately, so maybe I’ll throw that in as well.
Summer veggies (and fruits) are the best!
Kate & Zena says
I made a very important decision yesterday. It’s out with the new skin routine, in with the old one. Why? I’m really, really, really sick of the acne. It’s actually looking better since I switched back. Behold the power of salicylic acid! Ha ha ha ha ha!!!
The hell hole known as school starts tomorrow. Yay….not. I really don’t like school. It’s stressful.
On another note, I have looked in every grocery store near my residence for my beloved Tillamook cheese. It’s NOWHERE to be found. I’m not about to spend $33.45 on shipping alone for a 2 lb baby cake of my cheese from the Tillamook site. I’ll only do that if I’m absolutely dying from Tillamook withdrawal. I’ve tried just about every other company’s cheese too and have come to the decision that Kraft makes good shredded cheese, but nothing–not even Sargento–beats my Tillamook cheese. It’s driving me NUTS. I’m super picky about my block cheese.
Nina says
None at Costco, too?
I saw it at my local Target yesterday when i got some staples.
Kate & Zena says
Nope. It could be you live in a different area.
I can’t get into a Costco anyway. No membership card. Membership cards don’t go down well in my family. We’re guaranteed to lose them. We live for Jewel Osco for our food. Or the Commissary.
Nina says
Aww. I hope you find it again soon. if not, let me know if you want a CP! 🙂
Kate & Zena says
This is going to sound so stupid, but what’s a CP? The only CP I’m familiar with is Cerebral Palsy (which I have), but I don’t think you’re referring to that.
Nina says
Oh sorry … CP is custom purchase – ill buy it for you and send it over and you can paypal me the cost. No added cost – just shipping, the cost of the cheese and taxes (if any)…
Nina says
No offense meant, I didnt know. 🙁
Kate & Zena says
No offense was taken. I was just curious. Some abbreviations have more than one meaning.
It’s so expensive for shipping because it has to be 2-day airmailed or the cheese will spoil. The cheese is basically frozen when it’s shipped. It would cost about the same if you mailed it to me. I’ll have to check out Target tomorrow. I forgot that it typically has a grocery section too.
Karen says
I bet it’s a temporary glitch; maybe they had some shipping issues.
You can’t keep a girl away from her cheese, LOL!
Phyrra says
Hi there! Hope you had a fabulous weekend 🙂 I’d love a cupcake!
Currently I’m sitting here with some Jerome Russel Punky color in my hair.
Karen says
Hi Phyrra,
Sure, take two! 🙂
What color are you doing?
Dee says
Hi Karen
Did you by any chance see or sample the Nars Pure Matte Lipsticks…omg I can’t wait for them to hit the stores…I hope they are very pigmented!!!!!!!!!
On a another note…
The comment about career change really inspired me…I got my Masters Degree 2 years ago and shortly after got very ill…I’ve been battling endometriosis ever since and even had to stop working(I’m 27 now)…I just found out that my last surgery was successful(thank god) so I am planning to go back to work asap..However I definitely wanna change my career…and hearing about career change success stories really makes me feel better!!!
Apologies for such a long comment :)))
Dee
Karen says
Hi Dee,
I’m so glad to hear your last surgery was a success. 🙂 What careers are you looking into?
As for the NARS lipsticks, yes, I’ll hopefully be reviewing them soon.
Dee says
Thanks Karen,
I have a degree in Political Science but want to get into Advertising:)))
I can’t wait for your post on Nars Lippies:)))!!!!!
Dee
makeup morsels says
Hey Karen! Those cupcakes looks so delicious and pretty *tries to reach through the screen and fails*
mmm sorry I don’t have any good vegan recipes. Hopefully, if it doesn’t rain too hard today, I’m going to walk out to my favorite pasta restaurant for lunch.
mkdallas says
Karen, I thought of you last night as I dug into a jumbo jar of Nutella with a spoon, lol. I am so good about not buying it for months, then I just fall off the wagon with a thud, lol. Totally random thought of the night…I feel happy about Stephen Moyer & Anna Paquin getting married yesterday. I lurve True Blood in a big way and I think it’s awesome that Beehl & Sookeh are together in real life. That is all.
Tania says
Karen,
I like True Blood alot but I only watch it on DVD as I don’t have anything but Extended Basic Cable. I watched the First Season and while I like Sookie and Bill I LOVE TARA & SAM! Oh and the vampire dude that was Lady Gaga’s boyfriend in Bad Romance and Paparazzi. Alexander S…..yeah he’s hot.