Sunday, February 27, 2011
Just a quick update--We found a house! However, we're building new so it won't be ready until October. Ugh. Sad. In the meantime, I've been collecting some pictures to plan our new home, and posting them on Pinterest.com. My Pinterest user name is 'hygienichippie', so follow me and check out my pin boards (http://pinterest.com/hygienichippie/)! Pinterest is a site that allows you to collect pictures from around the web centered around themes. You can share them, look at other people's boards, re-pin pictures you like, etc...really fun and handy. I'll be updating a lot there, so keep checking back for new boards and pics (also if you join, let me know so I can see your stuff too).
Friday, February 18, 2011
New home inspiration
House-hunting has been a difficult process for the hubby and I. First of all, it's our first house, and second of all, we're having a tough time balancing location and qualities we like for the house itself. In my mind, I picture an old farmhouse with a front porch, a stone fence, and a turret, with a couple of acres for some hens and goats...actually, that's not me being imaginative, that's me saying there's a house I've always loved (literally, since I was a kid) that is not for sale (and would probably be way too expensive anyway) and that I'll just have to salivate over for now...But in our area, almost all of the houses were built after 1990, with a couple of older neighborhoods that have some lovely split levels (*sarcasm). At this point in our lives, we just can't handle commuting 2 hours a day, so we're going to have to make do.
But wherever we end up, we'll be doing our best to give it some of that older, charismatic feel. Now, I previously have said I go for a lot of cloudy blues and grays, industrial stuff, mixed with the bright and glam Kelly Wearstler look...but lo and behold, I open up the most recent Architectural Digest and what do I see?
I mean, wow. The textures and shapes are what make it interesting, even though there's not a ton of color like I normally go for. It's low-key, monochromatic but with pops of colors and black/white contrast that make it really sing. Sing! That's a pun. Because it's Sheryl Crow's house. Get it?
I think the bathroom may be my faaaaaave part. I love bathrooms with tile from floor to ceiling. And I'm really into dramatically dark-colored bathrooms, ever since I saw this picture a couple of months ago (can't remember where I found it, sorry!).
In summary, industrial and quirky stuff, black and white contrast, and texture. Small pops of color. Ready!
Now if only we could find a house where we could USE these gorgeous ideas...
Ashley
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Stretching flower arrangements
I love fresh flowers. I love seeing them, I love smelling them, I love arranging them, I love re-arranging them...Yes, I said re-arranging. We'll get to that. But first, let's start from the very beginning (a very good place to start...excuse the 'Sound of Music' references, just assume that they will abound in this blog).
My in-laws came over to dinner at our apartment for the first time last week (we were married in December). Now, I'm normally a relatively confident cook and house-keeper, but you know how it is. They're not big talkers so I have to be extra conversational (I'm normally kinda quiet), plus I want them to like our place, be satisfied with my wifely skills...so I was a bit on edge about it. I'll skip all the extraneous details, but I wanted to get some fresh flowers for the table, to add some homey-ness. Now, we don't have a fancy fresh flower market here in Raleigh like they do in many big cities (that's something I reaaaaaaally want here), so I rely on the farmer's market and grocery stores. Around here, the farmer's market doesn't have a lot of flowers this time of year, so I headed to Earth Fare to do some recon. Trader Joe's has a great selection too, but Earth Fare is a lot closer to my apartment and since I was doing this arrangement after work (and right before my in-laws arrived), I didn't have time to make the trek. The good thing about Earth Fare is that they usually have a few smaller bunches that you can mix and match, allowing you to pick three types of flowers for $12-14. Each bunch includes around 4-6 stems, so it's a pretty good deal. Anyway, I was immediately attracted to some green chrysanthemums (don't hate on mums, they can be awesome) and purple snapdragons. To add some bulk and to continue the color scheme, I grabbed some purple/pink mums as well. Okay, back up--two kinds of mums??? Wait, don't judge, they look quite different:
See? Plus, the purple mums have several buds per stem, which add volume and a nice structure for the arrangement. (Tip: The multiple offshoots per stem allows you to build your arrangement using this flower as a backbone, without having to use floral foam, a floral frog, etc. This is soooo handy! Dendrobium orchids work well for this too.) And the snapdragons add height and a little variation. So here's the final product:
Nice, right? And for only $12. So here's another tip. The floral food that comes with the grocery store flowers is good, the flowers like it...However, bacteria and mold also like it. So what do you do? Sacrifice flower staying power to prevent bacteria? No. Add some bleach!
.....
Have you stopped scrunching your face and looking at this post thinking I must be crazy? Okay. Trust me. While it is a somewhat corrosive chemical, in small doses it can do wonders for killing microbes (ahem, "bleach" aka hypochlorite aka chlorine is used in most drinking water supplies in the United States, so in small doses it can do a lot of good). I put a half-capful into the arrangement above; so just adjust depending on the size of the arrangement. I may not be a botanist, but I have done the floral arrangements for 2 weddings now (more on that later) so I know a little about dealing with flowers.
So about the rearranging part--unfortunately, the snapdragons began to wilt a lot faster than the mums. The mums still looked great tho, so I didn't want to waste them. I took out all the flowers, threw away the dead ones, and trimmed the stems of the ones that were still healthy (this gives them a fresh 'straw' with which to drink). Because I didn't have snapdragons any more to add some contrasting texture and height, I decided to separate the flowers and make two arrangements, one for the pink mums and one for the green.
What do you think? Sometimes arrangements composed of a single type of flower pack more of a punch, and allow you to appreciate the beauty of a particular flower type. Plus, I think the contrast of the green mum arrangement next to the pink one really sets one off of the other. I added the creamer with the thistle to the set-up because my mom the designer says odd numbers usually make the most interesting design. And who am I to argue?
Check back soon; I'll be sharing more about some new design inspiration, and soon I'll talk more about wedding flowers (and perhaps a guest post from my sister!).
Ashley
My in-laws came over to dinner at our apartment for the first time last week (we were married in December). Now, I'm normally a relatively confident cook and house-keeper, but you know how it is. They're not big talkers so I have to be extra conversational (I'm normally kinda quiet), plus I want them to like our place, be satisfied with my wifely skills...so I was a bit on edge about it. I'll skip all the extraneous details, but I wanted to get some fresh flowers for the table, to add some homey-ness. Now, we don't have a fancy fresh flower market here in Raleigh like they do in many big cities (that's something I reaaaaaaally want here), so I rely on the farmer's market and grocery stores. Around here, the farmer's market doesn't have a lot of flowers this time of year, so I headed to Earth Fare to do some recon. Trader Joe's has a great selection too, but Earth Fare is a lot closer to my apartment and since I was doing this arrangement after work (and right before my in-laws arrived), I didn't have time to make the trek. The good thing about Earth Fare is that they usually have a few smaller bunches that you can mix and match, allowing you to pick three types of flowers for $12-14. Each bunch includes around 4-6 stems, so it's a pretty good deal. Anyway, I was immediately attracted to some green chrysanthemums (don't hate on mums, they can be awesome) and purple snapdragons. To add some bulk and to continue the color scheme, I grabbed some purple/pink mums as well. Okay, back up--two kinds of mums??? Wait, don't judge, they look quite different:
See? Plus, the purple mums have several buds per stem, which add volume and a nice structure for the arrangement. (Tip: The multiple offshoots per stem allows you to build your arrangement using this flower as a backbone, without having to use floral foam, a floral frog, etc. This is soooo handy! Dendrobium orchids work well for this too.) And the snapdragons add height and a little variation. So here's the final product:
Nice, right? And for only $12. So here's another tip. The floral food that comes with the grocery store flowers is good, the flowers like it...However, bacteria and mold also like it. So what do you do? Sacrifice flower staying power to prevent bacteria? No. Add some bleach!
.....
Have you stopped scrunching your face and looking at this post thinking I must be crazy? Okay. Trust me. While it is a somewhat corrosive chemical, in small doses it can do wonders for killing microbes (ahem, "bleach" aka hypochlorite aka chlorine is used in most drinking water supplies in the United States, so in small doses it can do a lot of good). I put a half-capful into the arrangement above; so just adjust depending on the size of the arrangement. I may not be a botanist, but I have done the floral arrangements for 2 weddings now (more on that later) so I know a little about dealing with flowers.
So about the rearranging part--unfortunately, the snapdragons began to wilt a lot faster than the mums. The mums still looked great tho, so I didn't want to waste them. I took out all the flowers, threw away the dead ones, and trimmed the stems of the ones that were still healthy (this gives them a fresh 'straw' with which to drink). Because I didn't have snapdragons any more to add some contrasting texture and height, I decided to separate the flowers and make two arrangements, one for the pink mums and one for the green.
What do you think? Sometimes arrangements composed of a single type of flower pack more of a punch, and allow you to appreciate the beauty of a particular flower type. Plus, I think the contrast of the green mum arrangement next to the pink one really sets one off of the other. I added the creamer with the thistle to the set-up because my mom the designer says odd numbers usually make the most interesting design. And who am I to argue?
Check back soon; I'll be sharing more about some new design inspiration, and soon I'll talk more about wedding flowers (and perhaps a guest post from my sister!).
Ashley
Saturday Browsing!
Last weekend my sissy (Stephanie) and I did a little browsing at the flea market and one of our favorite antique shops. (By the way, isn't my sister fabulous with her red beanie and plaid and stripes all mixed together?). We're both newlyweds on tight budgets, so we're always on the hunt for deals (because usually, that's the only way we can afford it). Sam (my husband) and I will be buying a house soon, so while I don't want to buy anything just yet (our apartment is already packed to the gills!), I'm trying to collect ideas for an overall design scheme.
I tend towards shades of gray and blue, with a Kelly Wearstler -meets-Restoration Hardware-meets-glam farmhouse vibe, but I'm also trying to go a little out of my comfort zone.
Inspiration #1:
This is the most incredible teacup and saucer. For whatever reason, I've always gravitated towards silver tones in the past, but lately I've realized gold and brass can be awesome. Does anyone else shy away from brass out of fear of being old-fashioned or stuffy looking? I dunno, but my eyes have been opened! And this teacup is the perfect example.
Inspiration #2:
Steph and I both loved these salt and pepper shakers (the holes on top are in the shape of an 'S' and 'P'). The color is awesome, and the retro, all-American vibe is just what both of us love. Of course, the question is, how to mesh the glam-ness of Inspiration #1 and the down-home retro of Inspiration #2?
Inspiration #3:
Hardware! This booth is always at the Raleigh Flea Market, and the guy has a great collection of stuff. The bin is full of iron hooks, placards, figurines, etc. that are just a lot of fun (and have the farmhouse-ish feel I like). And I love the display too.
At our next stop after the flea market, we went to Susanna's Antiques on Durant Rd in Raleigh. We didn't find much there, but there were some great vintage clothes.
This picture proves that even though Steph tries to pretend she's cooler than me, she's really not. :) And as a side note, did anyone see that 'Put A Bird On It' video?
Well, we saw this sign at Susanna's that made us think of this and laugh (yes, that is Steph 'flying' in the background). This bird thing in design can definitely get out of hand.
I'll put together an inspiration board at some point, so we can have a solid game plan for decor, but that'll have to wait till we've actually picked a house. Which is way harder than it seems, by the way! Arrrgh! Frustration. But also exciting. Anyway, we'll be posting more about this as we go along, plus some tips for home flower arrangements...
<3 Ashley
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Re-start
Hellooooooooo out there. I decided that since I have recently realized I love reading a good blog, I should probably get back to my long-lost blog.
Introduction:
I'm an engaged, 25 year old environmental scientist living in good ole' Raleigh, North Carolina. Though a nerdy scientist by trade, I also enjoy the creative side of life; this mainly manifests in my love of cooking, though I'm an avid fashion/home-design appreciator who wishes she was as creative as her artist/designer mother, sister, and best friend, and frequently fakes her way through design-y conversations. (Also through political conversations...) My fiance is a clever and sexy man who frequently makes me laugh, and of whom I am in awe, since he is actually way smarter and cooler than I am. He gets mad when I don't thoroughly read the random news articles he sends me, and I get mad when he gets mad. Circle of life. We're in love. Rounding out my every day experience are my dogs, Rufus and Bear. They are miniature poodle mixes, so they bark a lot and like to sleep. But we love them and they are excellent napping buddies. I'll try and be funny (my mom thinks I'm hilarious...) or at least interesting.
Introduction:
I'm an engaged, 25 year old environmental scientist living in good ole' Raleigh, North Carolina. Though a nerdy scientist by trade, I also enjoy the creative side of life; this mainly manifests in my love of cooking, though I'm an avid fashion/home-design appreciator who wishes she was as creative as her artist/designer mother, sister, and best friend, and frequently fakes her way through design-y conversations. (Also through political conversations...) My fiance is a clever and sexy man who frequently makes me laugh, and of whom I am in awe, since he is actually way smarter and cooler than I am. He gets mad when I don't thoroughly read the random news articles he sends me, and I get mad when he gets mad. Circle of life. We're in love. Rounding out my every day experience are my dogs, Rufus and Bear. They are miniature poodle mixes, so they bark a lot and like to sleep. But we love them and they are excellent napping buddies. I'll try and be funny (my mom thinks I'm hilarious...) or at least interesting.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Cookies and updates
So just to update everyone, I'm not in Cambodia, nor will I be in the forseeable future. Suffice it to say that our bad economy has managed to penetrate even graduate school, long thought to be a safe haven in uncertain financial times. Anyway, I'm trying to move on and enjoy things as they come.
Cookies. I know they make me feel better. I have a boyfriend who loves oatmeal raisin cookies...and I do not. Mostly I resent the raisins--something about their taste is just off-putting in a cookie. I don't like them in anything but the occasional bowl of oatmeal. I do like oatmeal cookies though, or oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, or oatmeal walnut cookies....so I decided to make half with raisins and half with (drumroll please) cranberries and white chocolate chips. Why drumroll? because it was a ridiculously delicious combination that I have now added to my list of all time best recipes. I got the basic oatmeal raisin recipe from the Martha Stewart website, then added some different spices and of course the cran-chocolate. The recipe is as follows:
The sweetness and tang of the cranberries with the chewiness of the oatmeal and the creaminess of the white chocolate combine to make a wonderfully delectable cookie. So good. Mmmm.
Cookies. I know they make me feel better. I have a boyfriend who loves oatmeal raisin cookies...and I do not. Mostly I resent the raisins--something about their taste is just off-putting in a cookie. I don't like them in anything but the occasional bowl of oatmeal. I do like oatmeal cookies though, or oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, or oatmeal walnut cookies....so I decided to make half with raisins and half with (drumroll please) cranberries and white chocolate chips. Why drumroll? because it was a ridiculously delicious combination that I have now added to my list of all time best recipes. I got the basic oatmeal raisin recipe from the Martha Stewart website, then added some different spices and of course the cran-chocolate. The recipe is as follows:
- 2 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed dark-brown sugar
- 3/8 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (two for slighly cakier cookies)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- + 3/8 cup raisins
- + 3/8 cup dried cranberries
- + 3/8 cup white chocolate chips
The sweetness and tang of the cranberries with the chewiness of the oatmeal and the creaminess of the white chocolate combine to make a wonderfully delectable cookie. So good. Mmmm.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Smashing cranberries
Just to wrap up my last post, I did try the roasted sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar and pecans...it was awesome. Try it.
Moving on. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I was reminded how much I love having an excuse to buy copious amounts of food and make a feast...I had a herd of little girl cousins around that spent most of their time chasing my timid little dog Bear (the white one) around the house (Rufus, Bear's brother, wasn't as acquiescent to their awkward attempts at cuddling) and playing my mom's Wii, but my middle cousin Lizzie was really into helping cook. For some reason, she was into smashing cranberries...which was not necessary for any planned recipe, but since we didn't want to waste them, we made some cranberry muffins. (Full disclosure--it was really a cake recipe we used and just added cranberries, which may explain why they were extra delicious.) Cranberries just seem to improve upon most any holiday recipe. Or drink as it were--Lizzie's family is from Maine, and they brought some local Maine cranberry champagne to the party, which was good without adding too much sweetness to the champagne. Anyway, good holiday. I look forward to decorating the tree tonight...
Moving on. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I was reminded how much I love having an excuse to buy copious amounts of food and make a feast...I had a herd of little girl cousins around that spent most of their time chasing my timid little dog Bear (the white one) around the house (Rufus, Bear's brother, wasn't as acquiescent to their awkward attempts at cuddling) and playing my mom's Wii, but my middle cousin Lizzie was really into helping cook. For some reason, she was into smashing cranberries...which was not necessary for any planned recipe, but since we didn't want to waste them, we made some cranberry muffins. (Full disclosure--it was really a cake recipe we used and just added cranberries, which may explain why they were extra delicious.) Cranberries just seem to improve upon most any holiday recipe. Or drink as it were--Lizzie's family is from Maine, and they brought some local Maine cranberry champagne to the party, which was good without adding too much sweetness to the champagne. Anyway, good holiday. I look forward to decorating the tree tonight...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Snow and turnips.
Did anyone see the brief snow flurry we had in Chapel Hill on Tuesday? I happened to be walking from Franklin Street to my lab at the time, so I actually got to watch it float in the breeze and land in Sam's (my boyfriend) hair. The snow didn't stick and it didn't last, but it was a glorious 5 minutes for me, and it really boosted my spirits on a day I happened to have a lot of work stress.
I'm one of those people that happen to find snow quite magical. After all, the Piedmont of North Carolina requires a bit of magic to have snow at all in the winter, much less in November. I know there are those of you who detest the cold and live in the South for precisely that reason, but for someone whose doctor tells her to wear long sleeves in the summer to protect her pasty white skin from the sun, the winter is a welcome respite. Somehow, I feel that I become a little more alive when I get to don a scarf and take a brisk walk on a chilly day. It's refreshing. Plus, in January I am moving to Cambodia for a year for work, and I find myself relishing the early start of winter more than the average allergic-to-cold Southerner.
As I jump enthusiastically into the winter season, I'm starting to cook winter-y as well. Anything roasted, stewed, or baked with cinnamon hold a nostalgic and Americana-style appeal for me...so I'm once again looking for new ways to deliciously manipulate the plethora of root vegetables and greens available at the farmers market. Last week, I roasted turnips and red potatoes with a little rosemary and olive oil, which turned out pretty tasty (plus I had the turnip greens to saute on the side, which added some extra vitamins to the meal). Tonight, baked sweet potato slices with brown sugar and pecans...I'll post a recipe if it turns out to be as tasty as I hope.
Okay, I have slowly realized that this is beginning to sound like an Oprah/Martha Stewart blog--I apologize, and will cut myself off. I guess I'm just in a warm and fuzzy mood this morning. Thanks for reading...
Saturday, October 18, 2008
In the beginning...
In preparation for my travels and anticipation of many requests for updates about my life in Cambodia, I have decided to start a blog. It will NOT be just a travel blog--I'll cover other topics related to water, asia, food, public health, etc., whatever inspires me. Anyway, the title of the blog was inspired by my indispensible Aida, who self-identifies as a "theoretical" hippie--just one who showers regularly and does more than just rant about her beliefs. In this spirit, and in an effort to convey my interests in water and sanitation, the hygienic hippie was born. Check back soon for updates...
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