Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Eat Your Veggies

After all of the over eating during the holidays, we decide to eliminate meat from our diet for all of January. It really was not that hard because we don't eat that much of it anyways.  There was a couple of week moments when we were around family (although they were all very supportive of our decision) and at a restaurant where I always get the blackened salmon salad (Yummmm), but we managed to get through it with out cheating.  The picture above is Miso Sesame Winter Squash, made and photographed by Heidi of 101 Cookbooks, one of my favorite vegetarian food blogs. I promise major drooling if you visit her blog.

Maybe you are wondering if I feel any different, I feel a bit more energetic, I don't get tired as much. Cooking is much faster when you are dealing with veggies, and beens are so easy. It has made me eat much cleaner if that makes sense. I was able to do a couple of 5K runs, which I had not done since I had Baby B. I know there are so many other factors when it comes to how I feel and how my body responds to what I ask of it, but I strongly believe that having a plant based diet plays a major part. It works for me.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Weekend
























HI Friend,
Hope you had an amazing weekend, every one in the Baftani household has a cold, so we did not do much. We made it to the park for some running around with Baby B's cousin, but other than that, just stayed home and relaxed and had lots of warm drinks with lime and honey to help sooth our throats. Oh and we watched Elmo videos a bi gillion times.

Friday, January 27, 2012

It's Friday Again






































Have a loverly weekend.

Here are some links I like if you are interested:

Tips on going Sugar Free.

Fall out of bed and look good.

Try this Mega Doily!!!

This made me laugh

This quiz says I am an introvert.

Get ready for valentine's day with this striped heart.

Photo via Modern Hepburn


Love Bottle
































These pretty bottles are my new find, and they are from Love Bottle.  They make pretty glass bottles that you can darw on. You can write an inspiring message to yourself, or a love note to someone whom you care about, wouldn't that just make your day!!
And to sweeten the deal even more, part of their proceeds go to Global Water, and Clean Water Action.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Mignon Kitchen Co.





























This little online store makes me so happy. Bravo Rachel!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Live in a Barn























Genius, is what I have to say about Corey Gash, the architect behind this beautiful space, in Costa Mesa.
He turned and old Barn in to a fantastic living space.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Friday!!!






















HI Friend,
My parents are coming to town tonight, and we are soooooooo excited.  Baby B has been practicing saying their names (like she needs to be any cuter). We have snow coming tonight also, which I am rather excited about. Maybe we can take Baby B for some play time in the snow tomorrow. I hope your weekend turns out to be just how you like it.

Here are some random links from around the web:

5 minute Chocolate Mousse

Chicest rice crispy bar I have ever seen

Funny read about portentous people

Love this photo display

Lucky Ant will help you help your local businesses

25 ideas to make life easier.

Photo via fliker

Organized Home Office

























































Mr. B and I have been trying to figure out our home office, I am a huge fan of everything off the floor. so the yellow room with all the open shelves appeal to me very much, lets see if Mr. B agrees.
Remember my desk? Now I want to sell it and build something like the yellow room.

Photos via google image

Thursday, January 19, 2012

In The Land of Blood and Honey






















HI Friend,
I am looking forward to seeing this movie, it is about the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, and directed by Angelina Jolie (I love her). The story is about the encounter between Danijel, a Serb policeman and Ajla a Muslim who wants to be a painter.
You can listen to Jolie's interview on NPR about the movie.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

H&M Spring Outfit



I have a love affair with H&M.  This is a great spring outfit, but that would not stop me from wearing it right now with leg warmers, small cardigan and a huge scarf. :)

Would you like to learn to make I-cord bracelets in all the colors that you want? Register for a class.

You can find the above here: Dress, Bag, Belt & Shoes


Neon Sheos























You can buy these fantastic shoes for $745 here, or buy some masking tape, this spray paint and this pair or any pair of shoes for that matter and make your own.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Serene /səˈrēn/

































Hi friend,
How was your weekend? Mine was amazing, thanks to those who love me. I have a great weekend of relaxing, eating good food and seeing a good show.
speaking of relaxing, i have been reading allot about knitting in a different magazines and books recently. It is the most relaxing activity, that you can do any where, that is if you pick a simple pattern. and in winter time, the soft yarn that runs through your finger makes you feel so warm and cozy. If you like to knit or like to learn to knit, come and join me and my friends on Feb. 4th for a very good time.

Picture via Quince & Co.

Cupcake #2




































Vanilla cake with maple pecan frosting, from Butter Lane, so so good. Thanks Diana for taking me.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Friday, January 13, 2012

Happy Friday!!!!












































This weekend I am planning on eating one cupcake a day, I am so excited.
While I am stuffing my face, here are some fun links for you:

tnx tnx tnx
Kitten Origami
Simple Breakfast Calendar
Just got Bust DIY for my bday, and I heart it.
Watch top youtube videos with out the clutter on Tubalr
I swear by this calendar app
A pretty dress

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Basic Knitting Class: I-Cord (Sign up)



 













Hi Friend,
Come and learn the I-Cord with me on Feb 4th, 2012. Just in time for Valentine's day!!!! You can make a necklace, bracelet, belt, shoelace, and so much more using this technique. There will be healthy, wholesome food from Center Your Health, and Lauren will guide us in a few relaxing yoga stretches.  Diana from Opmay will have the room decorated just for the occasion. and we will have a non traditional photo booth for you and your friends to get silly in!!! How fun does that sound.
When: Feb 4th, 2012.  2pm-5pm
Where: The Lore
Price: $60 plus tax
Class Includes: 3 hours of instructions, and one on one assistance on the i-cord technique, yarn, double pointed needles, food, tea, simple yoga stretches, photobooth, props, and a goodie bag to take home.

NOTE: There is no refund once you sign up, we really want you to come.


Remember Knit & Eat, Part 1 and Part 2?


In this class depending on how fast you are, you can finish a necklace length i-cord. Enough to make one of the loops above.  If you prefer a specific color, yarn or needle please bring it with you.  You do not need to have any prior knitting experience for this class.
Click the button bellow to sign up. See you on Feb. 4th



Photo via Purl Soho

Over Size























Isn't this jacket fantastic?  I feel warm just by looking at it. I saw it on Pinterest, then went searching for it. It can be yours for $270 on No .6 Daily, which is really not that much considering all the yarn and work that has gone into it.
LOVE IT.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Posted 100

































HI Friend,
So this is my 100th post!!!! and I want to dedicate it to Mr. B. Thank you for being so supportive, calm, and forgiving. Thank you for all the effort you put into making our life more comfortable, in the limited time you have.  Thank you for all the yummy food you make, so I don't have to. Thank you for teaching me that we are equal partners in our shared life, and that no matter what you will always be there for me. Thank you for keeping calm when I am .. not so calm. Thank you for making me run on the weekends even though I don't want to, Thank you for all the last minute hugs and kisses before we part, even if you are just going to the corner to get milk.  I love you immensely.
<3

This photo is from our wedding in 2008, and here he is on our honeymoon

Nick Universe
























Happy Monday friend,
Wile we were in MN, we went to Mall of America (largest mall in the U.S.) to spend some time with friends and have the kids enjoy the rides at Nickelodeon Universe, and indoor park in the middle of the mall.  Baby B loved the kiddie rides she went on with my sister, and I had some time to spend with my old friends Elham and Rebecca. Miss you ladies.

Photo by Trevre Andrews

Friday, January 6, 2012

Have A Great Weekend





































Photo above is via Museum of City of NY, 1976, Second Avenue and 95th St. NYC

Photo remakes of old paintings on Booooooom
Bad hair day? check this out for some ideas.
Top 10 apps for when you are stuck at an airport.
Make your own fur ear muffs

Knit Accessories





























How fancy are these? the knit over metal cuffs are by Jensen-Conroy and they sell for $250 each. Yup you heard right, $250 just yarn over metal. They also did the helmet over fashion week for the swanky new york bicyclists.

Also Check out these knit trends and remember these?

Photos via Style and Inclinedtocreate

Owl have some coffee






















In Minnesota Caribou Coffee is a lot more popular than Starbucks. When Mr. B and I started dating, every morning we would meet at a Caribou for a cup before going to work, so this coffee shop has a special place in our hearts. if you have not been to one, the ambiance is like a comfy cabin, most have a fire place that you can sit next to in winter and get comfy. So the first thing we did on our trip to MN was to get Caribou Coffee and that is where I spotted the extremely cute owl mug cozy.

Speaking of cozy, remember these cozy knit trends?

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Personalized Paper Bag






















HI Friend,
If you ever wanted to make a few personalized paper bags, here is how you can do it, very easy and cheap.
Print out your word in a bold font.
Glue it on a thick card stock paper
Cut the letters out with an X-Acto knife
You have a stencil!!!!!
Place the stencil on your paper bag
Color it in with your favorite color pencil

P.S. Remember this 3D Sign?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Reading Nook
























Hi Friend,
Happy New Year!!!!!
We just got back from MN and we had a great time with our families. I had time to look at some Home Decor magazines on our trip, and I am in love with the idea of having a reading nook. You know, a special corner in your home where you can spend your whole day, if you could.