on the search for a small dining table

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:

or

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

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:

or

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.

dope things: the sketchbook project

Ikea outdoor furniture #ftw

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

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

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:

1. 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)





2. 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.





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





4. 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)





5. 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.


6. 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

 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:

1. 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)

2. 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.

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

4. 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)

5. 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.
6.  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.