Coloring Books Aren't Just for Kids, Right!?

Oh dear...

Here comes another addiction.

Watch out.

In my futile attempt to unplug, I dug out a coloring book I purchased a few years ago, along with my son's Crayolas and went to town.

Then, due to the fact that I am obsessive and detail oriented, I went out and bought a fancy-dancy set of fine tip markers and a few advanced coloring books.

What a great fetch!

It sounds cheesy, but this is really relaxing and therapeutic. 

You can tell that I obviously didn't unplug 100%...hence the numerous photos and Instagram posts documenting my new found obsession.

But, at least I didn't max out my data...

I even relinquished control and gave Elias a chance!

This boy.
You can tell he means business when the tongue comes out!

...I had to include this one...

So, in all seriousness, this is officially my new hobby, and I can't recommend it enough. 

Now you all know what you will be getting for Christmas....

And if you can't wait for the holidays, 

you can purchase these coloring books on Amazon or at any Barnes & Nobles, and it is definitely in your best interest to pick up a high quality set of fine tip markers at any arts and crafts store (AC Moore, Michael's)...and don't ever pay full price! 

They always have sale coupons in their flyers or online. Most times you can get at least 40% off. 

Regardless, if you invest in a good set they will give you the most control over details, better results, and will last forever.

Enjoy!

Local Flair + Art a la Carte

I never win anything, so I feel the need to shout this from the roof-tops.

A gallery in our town had a foodie-photo contest named 'Art a la Carte;' 

intrigued by the name, and my inherent competitive nature, 

I entered a number of photos just to see if any might be of notice.

Much to my delight I was selected as a winner!

Yay me!

Pick up the most recent edition of 'Local Flair' magazine to see not only my photo, but the images of the other winning photos as well.

Or better yet, drop by 'Soho in the Burg' on Main Street to see the images in person!

"Bounty"
Taken + filtered on my iPhone 5s using Instagram
2013

Celebrating with my man at Quench

The Harvest Issue of Local Flair Magazine;
Pick it up and turn to page 16:)

The owner of Soho in the Burg took the cover shot!
It matches my super yummy green juice!

Thank you Local Flair Magazine and Soho in the Burg for such a fun contest! 

Veggetti Craze

Alright, I know this is old news, 

but the 'Veggetti' is an absolutely amazing kitchen tool. 

I just have to give it a shout-out.

I know it sounds like some sort of disease or dirty condition, but it isn't;

 It is this crazy little handheld device that cuts vegetables into noodles.

Twist, and walla!

You can take almost any vegetable and make it into a pasta-like vehicle for any type of sauce. 

Truly, I believe this is going to transform my life the day that I decide to diet.

Here I twisted zucchini into ribbons and topped with homemade tomato-basil sauce. 

We tried the zucchini both raw and steamed and they were both delicious.

I know it isn't world shaking, but it was darn delicious.

Enjoy!

Clamtastic

This recipe is one for the books. 

If the book is about not going outside for days because your breath, skin and hair smell of garlic.

Yummy, stinky, glorious garlic.

They say that it is the #1 liver detoxifier, so in these summer months filled with BBQs, happy hours, and foo-foo drinks, think of this recipe as balance.

You're welcome.

Oh, and not to mention, it is really delicious.

I put crusty bread as the first ingredient because it is absolutely necessary for sopping up all of the delicious, garlicy, lemony, buttery goodness at the bottom of the bowl.

Don't forget it! 

Also, this recipe is not strict. 

You can easily adapt it to your liking. 

A little more of this, a little less of that. 

You catch my drift.

In fact, I really wanted squid in the recipe, but our local fish market was sold out; 

I'm sure any bivalve, fish or seafood would suffice.

And you don't need the prosciutto, but it is pretty darn good. 

Recipe:

Feeds 4-6 appetizer style; I served it just like the picture shows with forks, spoons and an additional bowl for shells, and a lot of napkins. 

Ingredients:

*A big loaf of crusty bread, warmed and toasty (or made into garlic bread for the brave)*

2-4 dozen little neck clams, scrubbed and rinsed clean

12-18 large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 

2 oz. pancetta, sliced or diced

1 bulb of garlic, sliced thick or coarsely chopped

6 green onions, diced 

1 large shallot, diced

1/2 cup of olive oil

4 tablespoons of butter

juice of one lemon

1/2 cup of dry white wine

2 cups of whole San Marzano tomatoes, cut into segments

1 tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs (I used a mix of thyme and rosemary)
1 + tsp. of crushed red pepper

s/p

Optional: Toss with a box of cooked spaghetti.

Method:

Saute the pancetta in a few tablespoons of olive oil until browned.

Add garlic, onions, shallot and saute until fragrant, being careful to not burn the garlic. 

Add the rest of the olive oil and butter. 

Cook until melted, stirring the onion/garlic mixture. 

Add lemon juice, wine, tomatoes and crushed red pepper. 

Taste and adjust with s/p if necessary. 

Add shrimp and clams and cover. Cook until the clams open and the shrimp is pink. Sprinkle with herbs. 

Meanwhile, toast or warm up your bread (and cook pasta).

Toss all of the ingredients together to coat the shrimp and clams and throw into a large bowl (or if you are doing the pasta route, toss cooked pasta into sauce and serve in individual bowls). 

Serve with the crusty bread and lots of napkins.

Like I said, this recipe is totally open to interpretation and adjustment.

Add more/less meat if you like, more/less tomatoes if you like...etc., etc.

It is summer, have fun!!

Enjoy!

Teacher Appreciation

Can you imagine being a Pre-School teacher?!

I know that I can't.

Yikes.

I think I've had nightmares of such things.

So, here is a little end of the year thank-you-for-putting-up-with-a-hundred-little person personalities-all-year-long gift of our appreciation.

You do an amazing job!

Our measuring cup runneth over!

Cherry, Walnut, Dark Chocolate and Coconut Granola

Sugary, Spicy Walnuts, Pecans and Hazelnuts

Take Home Bags for Muffins and Breads

Coffee Cake and Dark Chocolate Chunk Muffins 

Organic White and Whole Wheat White Bread

Thank you Children's Academic for all you do!

We love you and will miss you next year!

Crunchy Munchy

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted something new! 

Jeepers, I'm such a slacker...

Well, this one is well worth the return.

GORP;

A snack reminiscent of my high school hiking, biking, climbing and camping days. 

Usually a vehicle for the m&m's, but a hippy dippy delicious snack nonetheless. 

Here, we've updated it with some of my favorite solo acts, but mixed them up in snack-mix form.

No longer 'good old raisins and peanuts' here.

I'm going to name this one "Not Your Mama's GORP." 

My mother never made GORP, but it sounds good.

"Not Your Mama's GORP"

- Sugared & Spiced Mixed Nuts

- Dried Cherries

- Milk Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

- Golden Raisins

- Dark Chocolate with Pop - Rocks, Salt and Cayenne Pepper

- Maple Coconut Granola Clusters

The beauty of this is that you can basically mix anything together, throw it in a bag, pack it for a hike, and walla. You've got GORP. 

What combination shall we make next!?!

I feel that candied bacon has to make the list in some capacity....

Easter Bliss

So, this took me a few weeks to publish, but we had a really great time this Easter!

So many of the hunts around town are over-crowded and impersonal so we decided to take matters into our own hands and have our very own, first annual, Snydersville hunt!

I mean, seriously, where else can you drink mimosas while your kids get hopped up on candy!?

I love Target!

As if your children won't get enough candy.
Here are 600 jellybeans to really rot their teeth!
I guess it is a good thing that an adult won this year!

For the little bunnies...

and for the bigger bunnies...

Easter Burlap Banner

Gluten Free Chocolate Cakes with Chocolate and Vanilla Butter cream Frosting

The necessities...
Thank you again Target!

Pistachio and Carrot Muffin Tower

The Goody Table
Muffins, Cakes, Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate Cherry Granola

Carrot Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

La Colombe Pure Black Coffee, Regular Coffee, Chai, & Assorted Teas
(with honey spoons)

Of course!

Let the hunt begin!

Max found the golden egg!
...much to the dismay of the other kids.
Yes, there were tears!
I guess the golden egg wasn't such a great idea after all...

The kiddos!!
(If you look close, you can see a few of those tears I was talking about...)

There we go!
A little happier!
So cute.

Thank you everyone who came out to celebrate on that very cold and windy day!
I hope you all had a great time and hopefully we can do it again next year!

Happy Easter!

AOAC!

Mark your calendars!

2.22.15

AOAC @ Sarah Street Grill!

Aaaaaa!

Love is in the Air!

I know Valentine's Day is a bunch of crap, 

but there is something to be said for taking full advantage of showing those we love that we appreciate them, right!?

This year, my son helped me make gift bags for his teachers, as well as set up the table, decorate and cook for our family.

We had a wonderful, simple, delicious meal around the dinner table; 

Family-tines Day!

 

I like this redefinition of this otherwise sappy, Halmark holiday.

Token Bookmarks for Teachers
(I shaped them, Elias stamped and threaded them:)

"Family-tine's" Dinner Menus

The Menu

Table Setting,
Complete with Elias' Captain America Valentine's 

This may have to become a cheesy annual tradition.

I hope you all had a day filled with love; 
whether with your family, partner, pet or friends.

xxoo, k