domesticated e

ok i'm back here

2011-11-18T12:27:00.000-05:00

so to conserve server space, i'm moving what was formerly evacherie.com (but really always domesticated e) back to blogger. moving SASSY from it's own server to evahaldane.com's server. and that will be that.

i've been sewing and crocheting and cooking so i'm sure to have new posts coming soon. hooray!

new uses: placemats

2011-07-10T18:15:00.000-04:00

So I was in Target today, losing my mind as usual, and I came across these placemats and thought they would look so cute as art above my stove. Plus, since they're plastic, I can easily wipe them down if some spills or splatters. Art for $8, beat that!

What do you think?

e.

the book of mormon

2011-07-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

Dear God, why has it taken me so long to finally listen to the soundtrack? It is hilarious, so now I have to see it. I don't even know what to say about this that hasn't been said. I mean, they clearly love Mormons and understand and appreciate them, but at the same time, these are the same guys that make South Park, so it's not surprising that they would have a song like "Hasa Diga Eebowa."

Also Mo was right (as usual) and they do have a lottery for tickets (for $32) so I am there. Gonna try to see if I can win next week, that would be awesome.

oh snap: my drunk kitchen

2011-07-07T20:10:00.000-04:00

So today I was introduced to My Drunk Kitchen and this chick has inspired me to start taping shit I do too. Basically, she gets drunk and then tries to cook. Comedy ensues.

I don't think I need to be drunk to be hilarious, but we'll see what happens. Until I can get my life together enough to make my video, watch my fav of hers.

peace,
e.

well that didn't quite work out

2011-07-07T19:57:00.000-04:00

now I can't figure out where I went wrong but this:

doesn't look like this:

#womp. Well at least it's a case that zips, but this shape? I guess I can put my knitting needles in there. Lord knows I still haven't actually figured out how to knit yet. I should watch some youtube videos on it to get me going.

have a great day loves,
e.

I've been sewing

2011-06-16T08:39:00.000-04:00

Oh yes, I am improving. I made best friend a jewelry roll she's been eyeing on etsy. It's not exactly the same but close enough. Thanks to angharad handmde for the tutorial.

I've also been on a pillowcase spree! (Ignore the clutter.) Tutorial for most of them found here, the ruffle pillowcase tutorial came from etsy.

Oh yeah, and I made an apron. Got the template from Martha (oh how I love her) but tweaked it a little.

peace,
e.

more dia please

2011-06-07T19:21:00.000-04:00

omg. Dia Frampton, I am in love with you.

I love her so much I will drop the $1.29 to buy the mp3 of this, although I wish it were the live version... and free.

peace,
e.

i fell in love with despicable me

2011-05-08T12:42:00.000-04:00

ok so we all know i'm a sucker for anything involving fathers and children, but Despicable Me has had smiling for about three days now. #latepass

and the music. oh pharrell. i love it.

my favs:

not surprising huh?

you like?

e.

Brooklyn's in bloom

2011-04-29T17:08:00.000-04:00

I was running errands around Brooklyn the other day and I kept seeing these flowers everywhere.

Pretty dope, huh?

e.

i've been gone, but i've been busy

2011-04-03T19:16:00.000-04:00

so i haven't posted at all last month (super weak i know) but that doesn't mean i haven't been crafting. i finished my class at the sew studio (i love that place).

i finished my pouch.

i finished my skirt.

i made myself a wallet (using this tutorial).

i made some other bags too for fun.

i made a pillow case a little too large for my pillow (using this tutorial).

i realized that my sewing machine is actually in fact broken and it's not that i fiddled with the tension too much. so tomorrow i'm taking to city sewing. G picked up hers from there yesterday and shenanigans ensued, but the machine was fixed and for a very reasonable price. hopefully they can fix mine before next weekend. i already miss sewing.

e.

i love frank ocean

2011-04-03T16:21:00.000-04:00

i know i'm a few weeks late, but this frank ocean album is incredible.

my favorite song: american wedding.

do you have it too? what's your favorite song?

e.

all of the lights

2011-02-23T05:21:00.000-05:00

I was so excited when I heard Kanye made a video for all the of the lights, but I must say I'm very meh on the actual video.

The song itself has about 11 different (big) artists on it and the video only feature Rihanna and Kid Cudi. I mean, i love them both, but they are hardly the whole song. And the video itself, I mean, it's ok but I was expecting Kanye to go bigger.

Welp, still love the song.

e.

i made a bag!

2011-02-23T05:10:00.000-05:00

whoot whoot! In sewing class last week we made a drawstring bag.

Isn't it pretty? It's kinda small, would fit my chucks. But it's way too pretty to just hold shoes. I'll figure out something else cool to put in there.

This week in sewing class we're making a zippered pouch. I can't wait.

peace,
e.

adventures in fabric shopping

2011-02-17T13:14:00.000-05:00

Our homework assignment for sewing class was to buy fabric for a skirt, a drawstring bag and a small zippered pouch. In our manual, they listed 4 fabric shops, which was a godsent since there are approximately a zillion fabric stores in the city.

My friend, G, agreed to join me on this adventure for moral support - also because she likes crafting as much as I do. We decided to start at PS Fabrics but were met with this:

#weak

Luckily for us, there another fabric store next door, so we started our adventure there.

Inside it was a mad house. Most of the fabric stores turned out to be like this too. Then we went downstairs and checked out the reupholstery fabrics.

#drools. And this was way more organized than upstairs.

Then we walked over to Purl. Just as pretty in real life as their website.

Just so pretty and peaceful, but expensive. The fabric was soo pretty and the staff was really helpful. As complete fabric noobs, the saleswoman was really helpful in teaching us what kind of fabric we should use for a skirt. Wish I remembered her name.

It was at this point, that we realized that we'd need fabric with a large pattern for the skirt. Although I am totally drawn to fabrics with itty bitty patterns. They will be awesome for the bag I hope to make some day.

Next we took a pit stop because G needed some fabric for a quilt that she's working on.

This is where G began loosing her mind with all the fabric hunting. I, too, got briefly distracted and almost bought fabric just to have it. (I can see the beginning of a really bad habit forming right now. Yikes).

Then I found the polka dot section and it was all over for me.

Then we went to the big daddy of fabric store, Mood.

I was afraid to go here (and quite frankly I thought it would be crazy expensive). It was big and it was overwhelming, but it was also affordable.

crazy town dude.

I picked one of these four fabrics! But even though we liked it. We kept on searching.

We went downstairs and saw the upholstery section. Again, heaven on earth.

Next we went down the street to Rosen and Chadick.

Compared to all the other stores we saw, this was by far the most organized. Or rather, everything I was interested was easy to find.

Look how orderly this is. This helped to calm me down.

But we still weren't done. Next stop: B&J Fabrics. *giggles* Yes, I'm 12.

I also appreciated this organizational style.

Finally we ended up at M&J Trimming.

All this stuff and all I got was a yard and a half of ribbon, which I didn't take a picture of. #womp

So even though it took all day, we finally found some fabric. I'll show it later. :)

peace,
e.

i love the sewing studio

2011-02-04T22:32:00.000-05:00

So today I had my first class at The Sewing Studio and I loved it. This week I got my ass handed to me academically, so I was feeling pretty down, but then I went to class and everything was rosy again.

The space is soo cute. Today we learned about the machine, notions and three different seams. My classmates all seem dope and my instrutor was the best. I want to be friends with her in real life (I know, I need to calm down).

Their site is pretty amazing too. They have a Style Lab where they post videos of easy to do projects and they even have a magazine.

So thanks Celeste and the Sewing Studio.

xoxo,
e.

*image via Gertie's blog

Everyone loves Kanye

2011-01-27T09:56:00.000-05:00

...especially me. Was pleasantly surprised to see this in my facebook feed. It's the Portland Cello Project covering Kanye's All of Lights. #sweet

Enjoy,
e.

2011

2011-01-26T09:32:00.000-05:00

New year, time to get back to it.

Pretty soon I'm going to officially open my Etsy Shop and I will finally begin to sell The Lemu (aka the Hey Boo t-shirt).

I must say, it's a lot more work than I anticipated actually opening the shop. I'm spending a lot of time thinking about my policies and how much I could actually do during the week as this semester is academically handing my ass to my every day. It is pretty painful. Anyway, I'm excited about the shop and concerned about being a responsible and efficient shop owner. My experience with the Cooper's Takeover tee's still haunts me (never again!).

Aside from that, it looks like we'll be bring SASSY back from the dead. I've missed my little baby, but as you can tell from the huge gap in postings on this site and my other, I'm still having a lot of writer's anxiety. I need to get over it quick. I'm trying to determine the focus, looks like the writers are really into mental health, which I can dig.

This year I'm trying to do new craft each month and SASSY forces me to find at least 2 new meatless dishes a month. This month's craft was/is the hey boo shirts. As for food, last year I got a slow cooker and I still haven't used it once, so my goal is to find a few recipes that require it. Any suggestions?

Welp, time to finish a shirt and then head to school. I really wish it was a snow day.

peace,
e.

zomg i want!

2010-11-04T23:24:00.001-04:00

So I was reading Design*Sponge and she featured some bags by BAGGU and I am totally in love. I actually think this is a sewing project I can actually handle. But these bags are too cute and affordable!

peace,
e.

zomg i want!

2010-11-04T23:24:00.000-04:00

peace,
e.

late to the party: 20 x 200

2010-09-24T13:47:00.002-04:00

Uhm how am I just finding out about this site now? Art for $20? Sign me up.

I'm sad I wasn't able to get this:

So I just made a makeshift one. My roomie and I need this message in our lives right now. School and real life are giving our emotions the ill smack down. Womp.

But I'm thinking about getting this:

Too cute!

e.

late to the party: 20 x 200

2010-09-24T13:47:00.001-04:00

Uhm how am I just finding out about this site now? Art for $20? Sign me up.

I'm sad I wasn't able to get this:

So I just made a makeshift one. My roomie and I need this message in our lives right now. School and real life are giving our emotions the ill smack down. Womp.

But I'm thinking about getting this:

Too cute!

e.

BK murals

2010-09-23T12:21:00.001-04:00

might as well get used to this because i'm sure i'm gonna post every one that i see.
enjoy!

BK murals

2010-09-23T12:21:00.000-04:00

might as well get used to this because i'm sure i'm gonna post every one that i see.
enjoy!

oh snap, i got a yudu

2010-09-20T12:41:00.002-04:00

I spent about a day reading up on the yudu and in spite of

first things first, this thing is huge

peace,
e.

on the search for a small dining table

2010-07-01T11:57:00.001-04:00

on the cheap... as usual.

as usual, ikea did not disappoint:

laver (table with 4 chairs) - $79.99 | muddus table - $59.99 | melltorp/herman table and chairs - $79.97

and then in a surprising move, I looked at walmart:

OSP Designs Westbrook Pub Table in Espresso - $155.99 | 5 Piece Shell Bentwood Dining Set Natural (or Espresso) $179.99

so which should I get? i'm leaning towards all white or all dark so I can go bold with the colors when I finally paint.

e.

on the search for a small dining table

2010-07-01T11:57:00.000-04:00

on the cheap... as usual.

as usual, ikea did not disappoint:

laver (table with 4 chairs) - $79.99 | muddus table - $59.99 | melltorp/herman table and chairs - $79.97

and then in a surprising move, I looked at walmart:

dope things: the sketchbook project

2010-06-24T11:28:00.002-04:00

Ikea outdoor furniture #ftw

2010-05-13T12:09:00.001-04:00

uhm i am so bummed i saw this after I got my outdoor set from Target. oh well, maybe I can accessorize with it.

i'm diggin:

ammero one seat section with cushion - $129 | ammero chair - $49.99 | ammero lounge chair with cushion - $169.00 | dyning hammock - $29.99 | applaro rocking chair - $69.99

but i'll prob just end up with these to keep my deck bright (and stay within my budget):

blanko stool - $9.99 | styrso nesting tables (set of 3) - $39.99 | lacko shelving unit - $39.99 | lacko chair - $29.99

what do you like?

peace,
e.

Ikea outdoor furniture #ftw

2010-05-13T12:09:00.000-04:00

uhm i am so bummed i saw this after I got my outdoor set from Target. oh well, maybe I can accessorize with it.

i'm diggin:

ammero one seat section with cushion - $129 | ammero chair - $49.99 | ammero lounge chair with cushion - $169.00 | dyning hammock - $29.99 | applaro rocking chair - $69.99

but i'll prob just end up with these to keep my deck bright (and stay within my budget):

blanko stool - $9.99 | styrso nesting tables (set of 3) - $39.99 | lacko shelving unit - $39.99 | lacko chair - $29.99

what do you like?

peace,
e.

Giada's penne with shrimp and herbed cream sauce

2010-05-13T11:49:00.001-04:00

omg, the first time i made this, i killed it, and then my roommate had some and then our two friends came over and ate the rest. it really tastes like it could be from a restaurant.

RECIPE
ingredients:

1 pound penne pasta

1/4 cup olive oil

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic minced (I loooove garlic, so I used 6)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning

1 (15 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained, roughly chopped (I used 28 ounces, more tomato!)

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (i probably added 1/2 teaspoon, it gives it some kick)

1 cup white wine

1/3 cup clam juice (you can find near the tuna fish in the grocery store)

3/4 cup whipping cream

1/2 cup grated parmesan (i shredded some, but it's still parmesan)

(i also add a pack of mushrooms, just cause :) )

directions:

bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally for 8 - 10 mins. drain pasta (i left a little water in the pot) and put to the side (i just put it back in the pot and covered it)

in a large skillet (trust me, really large), heat the oil over medium-high heat. add the shrimp, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper (this is where you add the mushrooms if you have some). cook, stirring frequently until the shrimp turn pink. remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

add the tomatoes, 1/4 cup basil, 1/4 cup of parsley and the red pepper flakes. cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

add the wine, clam juice and heavy cream. bring the mixture to a boil. reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens. (this actually never really gets "thick" so i left it simmer for maybe 15)

add 1/4 cup of parmesan, the cooked shrimp, the pasta and remaining herbs. (note the cheese will clump together, so maybe you should just add it right before you eat it) toss together until all ingredients are coated. season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve immediately.

have you made this? what did you think?

peace,
e.

Giada's penne with shrimp and herbed cream sause

2010-05-13T11:49:00.000-04:00

1 pound penne pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic minced (I loooove garlic, so I used 6)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
1 (15 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained, roughly chopped (I used 28 ounces, more tomato!)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (i probably added 1/2 teaspoon, it gives it some kick)
1 cup white wine
1/3 cup clam juice (you can find near the tuna fish in the grocery store)
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan (i shredded some, but it's still parmesan)
(i also add a pack of mushrooms, just cause :) )

directions:

bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally for 8 - 10 mins. drain pasta (i left a little water in the pot) and put to the side (i just put it back in the pot and covered it)

in a large skillet (trust me, really large), heat the oil over medium-high heat. add the shrimp, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper (this is where you add the mushrooms if you have some). cook, stirring frequently until the shrimp turn pink. remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

add the tomatoes, 1/4 cup basil, 1/4 cup of parsley and the red pepper flakes. cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

add the wine, clam juice and heavy cream. bring the mixture to a boil. reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens. (this actually never really gets "thick" so i left it simmer for maybe 15)

add 1/4 cup of parmesan, the cooked shrimp, the pasta and remaining herbs. (note the cheese will clump together, so maybe you should just add it right before you eat it) toss together until all ingredients are coated. season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve immediately.

have you made this? what did you think?

peace,
e.

well that didn't work... twice

2010-05-13T11:10:00.000-04:00

so i was trying to mimic this project, which ended up looking like this:

instead mine came out looking like this:

womp womp. clearly i didn't stick the stickers on hard enough nor follow the instructions that said to cut around the sticker to pull it.

so i tried it again, this time painting it with a paintbrush instead of spray painting it. that didn't work either. i ~~was so annoyed that I didn't even take a picture~~ forgot to take a picture.

so i just painted over the white spots, and was left with this.

still cute. and i do love pink, so it'll do.

I'll prob give this one more shot, although I have run out of pots... and plants for now. no new sprouts. planting from seeds takes forever!

peace,
e.

quite possibly my new favorite show

2010-05-06T20:42:00.000-04:00

so i sometimes randomly catch this show on hgtv and i adore it. so sarah buys a house and renovates it top to bottom and each episode is the renovation of a room or two. i love it!

so imagine how happy i was to find the hgtv.com is streaming an entire season. i'm guessing it's season 2 and season 3 is on tv right now? jeez, how many houses is she buying?

i would love, love, love to buy a house and guy renovate it. it's in my 10 year plan. :)

have you seen sarah's house? do you love it?

peace,
e.

Welcome

2010-04-30T12:25:00.001-04:00

I'm e. and it seems the older I get, the more domesticated I become. So I created the blog to follow my cooking and creativity projects throughout the year. Today's my birthday, it kind of feels like new years, and one of my birthday resolutions is to have more fun and be more creative in general.

I'm currently in my first year of a PhD program so I spend a lot of time thinking analytically. I love what I do, I adore my research but I used to do a lot of crafts and I haven't been doing them as much. My program does take a lot of my time, but I also spend a fair amount of time just slacking. Therefore, I resolve to spend more time creating, drawing, painting, planting, cooking and sewing.

So what have I done so far? I've started redesigning my room and trying to make my patio pretty. I've recently started a garden, but as you can see, this is taking a little longer than I anticipated.

My next two projects are making pillows and making curtains.

Thanks for checking out the blog and joining me on my creativity adventure.

peace,
e.