Just Say "Bon Voyage"

We leave for Paris tomorrow.
I have so much to do, I don't know
where to begin!

I'm completely nervous about using my
french on actual frenchies. Perhaps
if we just let them know that we are New Yorkers
they will embrace us as fellow city folks.

Despite my fears, I know that we will be fine.

In other news last weekend was my nephews
1st birthday party. Which, I promise you,
was like no 1st birthday you've ever seen.
As I looked through my photos I realized that I
didn't even have any pictures of Joelie.
Poor thing was being passed around from person
to person all day long.

I do have many pictures of me with purple teeth though,
as I apparently saw fit to drink an entire bottle of
Temperanillo. Why? The same reason I decide it's ok
to drink a bottle of Rose at work.
When it hits your lips, it tastes so good.

But it wasn't just me that was drunk.
Most of the guests were-that especially counts for
my immediate family. But it was all in fun.

Here are some photos from the party.
Feel free to laugh at the shade of my teeth and lips.


These are my younger sisters and I, the non redhead is
the mom of the birthday boy. NanMom.















I love this picture of Fink, Rick, Carly and I
















Pile ups always seem appropriate















My brother and I















Big Big Mees and Fink. Yes she sits on chairs.















My Mom, Aunt Ju-Ju and I















My mom has a super adorable picture of Joelie
in his birthday hat.
I'll post that asap.

Ok enough with the blog. Off to pack
or start something productive.

Stuffs

This Saturday is my nephews first birthday party.
Its hard to believe that it has been an entire year
since he decided to to pop out prematurely.

Joelie has been through more in this past year than most
have to deal with in their lifetimes. But I am
pleased to report that he is a healthy
and happy chub-a-lub.

For his birthday the bf and I got him the
Dr. Seuss birthday book




















and I made him this, it says
" l'explorateur du fond de la mer "
it means the explorer of the bottom of the sea
in french.
















I like the phrase so much that I might make one
for myself. But next time I will silkscreen it
because that stencil tested my patience.
and as some of you may know, my
level of patience for anything is very low.

We leave for New Jersey on 2 days, and then
for Paris in 7. Sooo excited for these trips!
Especially Paris!

Hey New Yorkers...

Did you know that you can bring your compostable items
to the greenmarket to donate to their compost pile?
fact.

Every day that the greenmarket is open, from 8am-5pm
you can drop off your scraps. Their table is usually right across
the street from Barnes and Noble on the North side of the park.

You can also purchase their potting soil mix and vermicompost.

This is the perfect way to put your compostable waste to good use,
without having to compost yourself!

check out their website here

Greenmarket Finds

Here is what I found at the Greenmarket today!















Milk from Milk Thistle Farms (a favorite of mine!)
Dozen Eggs
Rhubarb
Radishes
Multi Whole Grain Bread
Bacon
2 Gala Apples
and a small bouquet of lilacs

I also had purchased a rasberry danish...
but that was eaten en route.

Definitely making more french toast
with the bread/milk/eggs.
(it's so addictive!!)
and debating trying to make a
strawberry rhubarb jam...
eh I'll probably just make a dessert again.

As for the radishes I am thinking of pickling them.
Anyone have a good recipe for that?
I'm into pickling things lately.

Latest Harvest

It's that wonderful time of year when all of my
favorite fruits and veggies come back to the
greenmarket.

Each week is more exciting because there are
always new harvests. Seasonal cooking is the best.

The 2 new additions to the market today
were rhubarb and asparagus. So for breakfast
I made Hobo eggs with asparagus and parmesan.
The bread was a Whole grain from the Bread Alone
Bakery. I got the approval from the bf, and I thought
that they were pretty delicious too.

As soon as I saw the rhubarb I needed strawberries
and I had to make a pie. This is currently baking in my oven.
I really hope it turns out well.















I didn't have enough dough to make the pretty lattice
pattern on top. So I cut out circles from what I did have.















Needless to say, I will not be photographing the pie
as a whole. So here is a slice.
It tastes delicious. FYI
















I also got a lovely item in the mail today!
A few days ago I had entered a contest for a
new wine book on twitter via SterlingBooks.
and I actually won! I never win anything!

















It arrived today, and I am excited to read it,
definitely need to improve my knowledge of french
wines before the trip...though I'm just going to ask for
Beaujolais anyway...kidding. Its funnier at work.


Oh! and before I go, check out the new banner at my etsy shop!
It was made by my very dear friends Carly and Rick.
I love it as much as I love them

Whew!

The Spring Fling Market was today,
and it went really well!

I had 11 sales, which is more than I
could have hoped for, and I had
so many friends come out to support.

I even had my Friday night bar regulars
Tom and Eleanor come out to Queens,
it really felt good to get support from
so many people. (big thanks!)

I fell absolutely delirious right now,
from lack of sleep ,and waking up early.
So I am just going to post some photos
from today. and Then pass out on my couch.
After my nap I need to clean up the hurricane
style mess that I have created in the living room.


My Table!















The bf doing his best Esperanza impression.
(Esperanza=the owner of our laundromat.
He likes to sleep with his pants unbuttoned.)




















Little Bunny Banner
















The real little bunny.





















More tomorrow...

3 Whole days

This is my 3rd consecutive day off.
And I am really enjoying it!

Sunday and Monday were my usual days but
today means business. I will be drawing and
making watercolor cards all day.
If my gocco supplies arrives it will be a printing day too.
(which I hope that it is)

I am living in constant fear that I won't have enough
items for this craft show. and that it will looks like
a cluster of random things.
If you know me, that's kind of how my life is normally
so I am not suprise by the collection of whatevers, but I don't
know if people will be put off by the non-uniformity of it all.
sorry. I'm a worrier - I won't be as neurotic next time.

Goodness enough about that.

Yesterday was awesome.
The bf and I ventured back to Spa Castle
in Flushing. It is definitely the most relaxing place
in the entire city.














I know that I had posted about it the last time
I was there but I figured that I'd gush about it again.












We spent time in the gender specific locker areas
(where you have to be naked and it feels good to be),
the rooftop pool, the may different saunas, and of course
had a cheeseburger and smoothie.
There was even a point where we laid in these
huge comfy recliners and I passed out cold.















So relaxing. We could barely do anything else
for the rest of the day!
It was definitely a treat, and who would ever
know that this is just 45 minutes away??

If you have a day off and $35 to spare.
definitely check it out.

Pancake Connoisseur

I consider myself to be one.
I've eaten lots of them.
Tried many different recipes.















and I will say that they have vastly
improved since I gave up the Bisquik mix
and went to making them from scratch.

I always use butter, never use oil,
use the least amount of sugar possible,
and when I do use it it is always turbinado
or cane....none of that white stuff.

You'd be surprised at how different pancakes turn out
with tiny changes.















I'm rambling.
ANYWAY!
My point is that I am currently making
my latest favorite recipe.
So I figured that I'd share both of my favs
with you, my lovely readers. : ]

This is for Banana/PB Whole Wheat Pancakes
2/3 c. unbleached flour
1/3 c. whole wheat flour
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg, beaten
2/3 c. milk
2 tbsp. butter, melted (optional)
1 banana
a crapload of peanut butter

Mix together dry ingredients, add egg,
milk and butter. whisk til perfect batter consistency forms.

Add in either mashed or chopped bananas
(or any fruit of your choice)
and of course the PB is optional.

Toss small amount onto a heavily buttered skillet
and fry to your hearts content.


Seriously they are awesome.
Next is what I am making now.

Buttermilk Pancakes.

1 cup of Unbleached All Purpose flour
1 cup Whole Wheat flour
1/4 cup of turbinado or cane sugar
2 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
2 cups Buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. and additonal for frying.

In a large bowl sift together dry ingredients
Combine wet ingredients and slowly combine
with the dry.
Do not over mix!
Throw some butter into the skillet and
fry to your hearts content!

Easy as Pie.

Otter friends.

I finally gocco'd a card set
that I have been planning forever.

Meet my otter friends.

















I think I will be creating many series'
of same and different species friends.
I like this theme. It makes me happy.


My 1st craft show is in less than 2 weeks
so I've been trying to make as much as possible.
I'm kind of winging this whole thing so we
shall see how it all pans out

xo

Ramps. Glorious Ramps.

Apparently Tom Colicchio started
this ramp bandwagon..so says the bf..
But I got my tip off for ramp season
from Bon Appetit magazine
(where I get most of my culinary info)
















I had never heard of ramps before, but
being a fan of leeks I figured they were worth
looking into.

Ramps, or wild leeks are from the same
family as onions, garlic, and scallions.
These Alliums are good sources of iron,
and vitamins A and C.
Their season last from late March
until June, so grab them at the farmers market
when you see them!

(sidenote: these are an item that you will
NOT find at your local supermarket.
You'll have to check with the local farmers)

Anyhow, I was at the market yesterday and I grabbed
up a few bunches of ramps.
Last night I made a spicy sausage and ramp risotto.
Which was ridiculously delicious!
And once I get my coriander in from
MySpiceSage I will be making
Ramp and Buttermilk Biscuits with
cracked coriander. yum.

Here is the recipe for the risotto.
I also purchased the sausage from the market
Spicy Turkey sausage from DiPaola's Turkey farm.

• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
• 1/2 pound hot Italian sausages, casings removed
• 12 ramps, trimmed; bulbs and slender stems sliced, green tops thinly sliced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry vermouth
• 3 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for passing

Preparation

• Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add sausage.
  
• Cook until no longer pink, breaking up with spoon, about 5 minutes.
  
• Add sliced ramp bulbs and stems. Sauté until almost tender, about 2 minutes.
  
• Add rice and stir 1 minute. Add vermouth.
  
• Simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute.
  
• Add 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup at a time,
  
• simmering until almost absorbed before next addition and stirring often.
  
• Continue cooking until rice is just tender and risotto is creamy,
  
• adding more broth if dry and stirring often, about 18 minutes.
  
• Mix in green tops and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  
• Season risotto to taste with salt and pepper.
  

This is such a rich and amazing dish-its definitely worth making
at least once.

A Lovely Getaway.

My friend Drew and I took the 10am
train from NY to NJ on Sunday morning.

We spent Easter with my family
and it was lovely. I had a few glasses
of champagne, loads of food,
and a fair amount of reese's eggs.

I had planned on taking lots of photos
but they all ended up being of Joelie.
He is just too cute!












































He will be celebrating his 1st birthday next month,
and I cannot wait. I'm going to buy him so many gifts!

This was just a mini blog.
I have to work on some squids,
so I can't stay long.

I Said Good Day!

Its good friday.
Which used to mean
visiting church at noon,
and then for the next 3 hours
electronics were off limits.

These days I'm blasting MGMT,
and blogging.
I also don't even think that my
mom observes her old rules anymore.
The times they are a changin',
and that is just fine with me.

I'm in the process of a nutritional overhaul.
I've been reading Real Food (what to eat and why)
by Nina Planck. And I gotta say,
it's the most comprehensive food book
I have ever read. It answers all of my food
questions and provides loads of interesting tidbits.

I've started to include fish in my diet,
which if you know me-is a HUGE step.
I have realized that not all fish taste like the bottom
of the ocean- and the nutritional benefits
are just ridiculous, it even helps with depression!

I'm making other changes, but I am going to spare you
all the details because I'll feel like I am standing on my own
personal soapbox shouting about the new information I've
read in this book. And I really don't want to do that.


















Just know that the book is awesome,
and if you are obsessed with the farmers market
as I am-then you might want to pick it up.
It's less abrasive than death by supermarket and more
informative than In defense of food.
So there ya go.

Trial and Error.

I wanted to avoid using plastic bags
at the upcoming craft fair.
So I am sitting here trying to create
an up-cycled carry case out of
whole foods paper bags.















The latest model seems to be the winner,
















I just need to clean it up a little more and
we will be set.
















My goal is to not buy any kind of packaging.
Even if they don't want to keep these covers
at least they can be composted or recycled.
















Once I figure this down to a science
I will post a tutorial.

Critiques are encouraged and appreciated.

quel dommage.

it means what a shame, but i think that
it's my favorite french saying so far.
I use it in and out of context.

Anyhow, the man is back to his normal self,
I've gocco-d another set of cards,















completed some more bookmark squids,
















and our new chair has taken its place in our living room.



















This has prompted us to do some rearranging
and slowly attempt to, design-ly speaking,
complete the room.
Slowly but surely.



















The bookcase is now on the other side, and
we are on the hunt for some art to hang in here.
I imagine that by the time October rolls around again
and we've been here for a full year- it will really look like a home.
Not just a hodge podge of crap.

Sidenote: when did it get to be April???
-totally not complaining because I want warm weather
and Paris trip is almost here but geez. Time flies by now.

Overload

So much has been happening lately,
it's hard to keep up.

On the plus side, I will be selling
my cards and prints at the
Astoria Spring Fling Market on May 3.
I've actually been working on new cards
and drawings. And am really excited
for my first craft fair.

Spring is definitely here, everything in
Sunnyside is beginning to bloom
and I cannot wait until the temp.
is a steady 60.

Last night I had an awesome girls night-
dinner at Mara's, and then Cool Hand Luke on
the big screen at BAM. First time at BAM
and seeing the movie so it was a lovely
evening all around.

On the down side, Serg is still all weird.
Though he is finally pooping again...
I can't afford to keep running tests on him.
I just don't have the money and he is apparently
12 years old- so I wonder if it would even be worth putting
him through all the trauma.
















I also feel that he is past the point of any preventative methods,
and removing any teeth seems silly at this point because most
of his teeth are already rotted. Basically I want to change his life
the least amount possible, he doesn't need to adjust to something new.
Or have to deal with test upon test. I just want him to be happy
and home with us.

My parents dog (Big Mees) is also under the weather.
She recently had surgery to remove a baseball sized
abscess from her intestines. She is on the road to
recovery now, but goodness gracious. Poor Mees.

All these pet issues, I just can't handle it!

But anyhow-positive thinking.


Here is the new grimpoteuthis and
euphysa flammea cards,
and some finished bookmarks.

stuff

The little muffelatta has been sick
so I've been neglecting the blog.

But I've been a busy little bee,
I sent out an application for
the Astoria Spring Fling Market.
Which, if I get accepted it will be
my very first craft fair!
woo!

I've been trying to get some stock together
so that I actually have things to sell.
Just ordered more gocco supplies, and
finished 12 cupcake bday cards yesterday.

I've joined the NewNew group on etsy,
which is a group of etsy artists from the tri-state area.
Through them I hope to get a little bit more involved
in the crafter community.

This Saturday I will be attending a Sock Monkey workshop
which benefits artists with special needs. I'm pretty excited.















My mind is all over the place but I just wanted to update briefly
on all the things that are going on.
The next post will be on our amazing dinner that we
had at Blue Hill on Monday.
Believe me, it deserves its own post.

Chee-ee-ee-eese

It's no secret that I love cheese.
I'll take it on just about anything,
but my favorite cheese combo
is chocolate/cheese items.

Living magazine featured a recipe for
"Black and White Cheesecake Squares"
and I made them today.
They were everything I dreamed of and more.

Generally I'm not a huge brownie person
-mainly because the boxed kind just sits in my stomach
as a huge mass of chocolate flavored dough,
eventually causing nausea and belly ache.
(technical term)

With homemade brownies this is never the case.
thankfully.
So a big thank you to the folks at Living mag,
for sharing this awesome recipe
which I will now pass on to you.

*sorry dad. I'll do a non chocolate recipe soon.



Best Brownies Ever

• Vegetable oil cooking spray
• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 10 ounces (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 21/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
   
2. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
   
3. Line dish with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang
4. on both long sides, then spray parchment.
5. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl.
   
6. Cream butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until smooth.
   
7. Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla, and beat until smooth,
   
8. scraping down sides of bowl. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture.
   
9. Increase speed to medium; beat until incorporated.
10. Reserve 1 cup of dough; cover, and refrigerate.
    
11. Press remaining dough into bottom of prepared dish.
    
12. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Bake until base is set and
13. edges are puffed, about 25 minutes. Let cool in dish on a wire rack.
14. Mix cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and remaining egg
    
15. and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl. Spread over cooled base;
    
16. crumble reserved dough on top. Bake until filling is set, 25 to 30 minutes.
    
17. Let cool in dish on wire rack, then lift out using overhang.
    
18. Cut into 24 squares. Squares will keep,
    
19. covered and refrigerated, for up to 3 days.

I tried to do the copy and paste thing and the numbers got way out of hand.
So just ignore them. Oh and the dough will be very gooey
once it is finished being mixed, put the whole bowl into the fridge
for a few minutes and then spread into pan. It will be much less sticky
and more malleable.

Gah, I tried to find the chee-ee-ee-eese scene from
Old School on youtube to no avail. lame.
So here is a video of bunnies eating carrots instead.

Old, yet new, and improved.

That, my friends, is my new walkman.
A very out of date piece of technology
that is helping me learn french.
But now much, much more attractive-
and gaudy.


I don't know if it was from 16 years of wearing
dance costumes covered in sequins, but I love them.
Wearing, gluing, throwing I will pretty much be happy
doing anything with sequins.
However, I am aware that most people do not share this
love for the shiny mini discs, but that is OK.

To each their own.


For now I must get back to my easter cards.
pictures to follow.

The Cover Up.

Like most New Yorkers I own a good amount
of American Apparel clothing.
One of my favorite 50/50 long sleeve shirts
was attacked by olive oil, which left a large
stain in the center. Not cool.

I was thinking that I'd make an applique
for it, but then switched to stencil work.
golden stencil work.

This was a surprisingly easy project.

First I drew out my design on a fancier
version of contact paper















squid. because I can't get enough.

Then I cut out the design with my trusty x-acto knife
and laid the stencil on the shirt.
















I painted it using fabric paint, and a stencil brush
and just dabbing away.















This is my final product.















I think it's pretty sweet.
I can't wait to wear it!!
Hello golden squid goodbye oil stain!

New Stuff

I made two new squid drawings recently.
Similar to the recently posted
rock of love squid.

We now have "Too Much?"















and here is "robots."
















the robots one isn't completed yet,
still need to pick up some more prismacolors.

I like these. lots.
they'll be on etsy soon.


short and sweet post. xo

Cheryl.

"the dance party that will ruin your life"
yes please.

I will FINALLY be attending CHERYL this month.

For non- new yorkers or people not familiar
with this dance party, Cheryl is describes as this
on their facebook page:
"CHERYL is a monthly dance party that explores the
themes of mortality, mania, the feline-human connection,
the limits of shoulders, the flammability of dollar-store hair extensions,
and the staining power of fake blood"

in other words, jackpot.
Every party has a theme and
an accompanying video.

This months theme is
The Great Depression, Take Two: Electric Boogaloo.
So basically I will be making a trash bag into a dress
and perhaps some plastic bags into puffy sleeves.
and gold tights....naturally...

Here is the video for this party



for those unfamiliar with this, just remember
to not think too hard on this. just enjoy it
for what it is....awesome.

you can watch the rest of their videos here

and you can attend this party next thursday night
at ROYALE in park slope. it starts at 10. be there at 10.

Sicky-poo

Ugh, Ive been sick for about a week!

But since it's all rainy today I'm
napping long and frequently.

I took the man to get his haircut today,
he looks absolutely handsome
and has the silkiest fur ever!

In crafty news I finally finished my
Bret Michaels squid that I had been working on.
I just need to get a frame for it
and then put it on etsy.

















I know that I definitely have to send a copy
to my sisters, since we all are obsessed with
the Rock of Love Bus, and it's trashy glory.


I got some new prismacolors, which
though insanely expensive,
make coloring things in
a whole lot easier.

I'm thinking of making some more later
perhaps the famed cheetahbunny,
and the bf suggested that I draw the
"octo-mom" as an octopus.
So we shall see how that turns out.

Perhaps another post later,
for now I am off to the land of naps
once again.
xo

My Latest Obsession

I don't remember the last time
that I was absolutely blown away
by a restaurant.

But that changed last night with
Dirt Candy.
I'm completely obsessed, and want
to shout it from the rooftops.

The name is summed up in this
statement that is off of their
website/blog

"What is dirt candy? Vegetables, of course.
When you eat a vegetable you’re eating little more
than dirt that’s been transformed by plenty of
sunshine and rain into something that’s full of flavor
– candy from the dirt. Dirt Candy. It’s also
the name of my restaurant, which opened about three months ago,
after a long, long battle with the forces of evil."

I'm not vegetarian, but I LOVE veggies.
I also love anyone that creates a restaurant
around such a sweet and natural idea.
AND! they can make any of the dishes
vegan, which I think is amazing.
It's hard to find good vegetarian fare
but it is even more challenging to find
an amazing vegan place.

I had the pleasure of dining with my Cioci Karen
and cousin Rachel.
We started off with the jalapeno hush puppies
with maple butter.

(I used the pictures from their website because
though I want to add my own, I always feel awkward
taking pictures of my food.)
**but let it be noted that the food looks exactly
like it does in the photos.


















They were perfect.
Just like the South Carolina
hush puppies that we love.
and the maple butter...ohh the maple butter
I definitely did not let any of that go to waste!!

Next up, was a salad for all of us.
Mixed greens with grilled cheese croutons,
and grapefruit pops.















Basically the best croutons ever and grapefruit
pieces that were covered like candied apples.
Fantastic!!


For the main I had the crispy tofu with
green ragout,















and Rachel had the carrot risotto.













I cant say enough about either,
they had amazing flavors, perfect
portions and kind of blew my mind.
Especially the carrot dumplings.



For three of us the bill was $101
for 6 plates and 2 glasses of wine.
Definitely affordable.
The dessert looked good, but I really wanted
to take them to Chikalicious,
because it's just a different kind of dessert experience.

Needless to say, I will definitely be returning,
and with the exception of shouting it from my blog
I may just keep this gem to myself.

It's Official!

The bf and I are going to PARIS!
We bought the tickets, booked the hotel
and are ready to go!
Too bad we have to wait until May.
But it's ok because this gives us the chance to save money
so that we- well, I, can do some serious
flea market shopping.

I was reading on tripadvisor.com
and there is apparently an old books market,
which I will definitely be meandering around at.
Just think of all the treasures there!!!


I'm also looking forward to doing some
touristy things as well.





















This time I want to visit the Sacre-Coeur,
the catacombs, and actually sit outside a cafe.

Like Fred Astaire I am going to dance
my way through the streets.






and stuff my face with deliciousness
in pastry form.
yessss.
and the cheese! oh the cheese.
and wine! oh my goodness.
this trip is going to be amazing.
fact.