tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213058281319468272024-03-12T19:42:13.455-04:00The Audio ChickKnitting, spinning, sewing, cycling, baking, cooking, and (hopefully) lots of great pictures.theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.comBlogger434125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-73228087976137808162012-05-31T01:16:00.001-04:002012-05-31T01:16:02.911-04:00Trying to get back on the train<p>I’ve been in a bit of a blogging rut lately. </p> <p>Okay, for a good loooong while. But I’m trying to get better. </p> <p>I haven’t been knitting much lately, but what I have been doing lots of is sewing. Please excuse the word light post in exchange for some pretty pictures. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vOFu1hRpGJ4/T8b-R9R7QPI/AAAAAAAABdA/MODPJd3lIsU/s1600-h/Sewing-1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6olA65Y3rFU/T8b-SlA3fII/AAAAAAAABdI/ur_R9Ugkazw/Sewing-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a><em>Hip bag. Not hip as in hipster or cool, but as in it sits on your hip.</em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3_BLutn_eLU/T8b-UNv99-I/AAAAAAAABdQ/Ka_plLj8E4I/s1600-h/Sewing-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m7ueV9x7P6Y/T8b-UuE-KiI/AAAAAAAABdY/ph9vTH-rVEA/Sewing-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> <em>Two buttons and a clip make the closure. I’ve since changed the clip to a split ring. </em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ewGzZF35wb4/T8b-V5_qWnI/AAAAAAAABdg/i2iam8uH2LY/s1600-h/Sewing-3%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-llXY4nPYVCY/T8b-WZwAIHI/AAAAAAAABdo/m1wRwdaDY4c/Sewing-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> <em>It attaches around the waist. It could go through belt loops, but I’m too lazy for that.</em><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OlQCyrOAoJ4/T8b-XUN5U3I/AAAAAAAABdw/QoR_-5yBkrg/s1600-h/Sewing-4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MaKcGuawjBs/T8b-X4qKeDI/AAAAAAAABd4/eJP6WrfO1-c/Sewing-4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="335"></a> <em>A simple zebra cell phone pouch that slides onto my belt. I’ve also got a pink one.</em><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PVRrB54lUow/T8b-ZjIs5OI/AAAAAAAABeA/xQbz01B1474/s1600-h/Sewing-5%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FPAMXpoj1AU/T8b-aRncQ8I/AAAAAAAABeI/_YzbNKjXwmg/Sewing-5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> <em>I’m not afraid of zippers anymore!</em><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ogKookTDGr4/T8b-cOTiRRI/AAAAAAAABeQ/1e_k2yv9Zmc/s1600-h/Sewing-6%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mzU_ezPqBSw/T8b-cwcxzfI/AAAAAAAABeY/DZItekWMU-c/Sewing-6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> <em>And my passport has a place to live.</em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ujqcJnNVtI8/T8b-gSJ8moI/AAAAAAAABeg/_uPxY0GnGbk/s1600-h/Plants-1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kdmi74qET5k/T8b-hiFHToI/AAAAAAAABeo/kkoZt-B1xfc/Plants-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> <em>My herbs are doing well. My cactus… not so much.</em><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f3S7vU2ReFo/T8b-jXbJZPI/AAAAAAAABew/dE9WfJaCVlg/s1600-h/Plants-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-voDwdMW6pAU/T8b-kc7xZuI/AAAAAAAABe4/VzcTfmatHwI/Plants-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> <em>My tomato plants are looking strong.</em></p> <p align="left">I’ve also been cooking a bit. Nothing too exciting, but still some good stuff. In June I’m going to be taking part in Oh She Glow’s <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2012/05/28/the-june-salad-challenge-plus-6-scrumptious-salad-recipes-to-kick-it-off/">Salad A Day</a> challenge. If you follow me on twitter or just want some awesome salad ideas, keep your eyes peeled for #saladaday. </p> <p align="left">-Cheers folks! </p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-52484377982625859012012-03-25T15:02:00.001-04:002012-03-25T15:02:04.724-04:00Birthday Cupcake Trial<p>Vegan muffins? Yup. Vegan burgers? Yes. Vegan chocolate cake? Mmhmm. Vegan pancakes? Indeed. Vegan cupcakes? ……</p> <p align="justify">I had tried my hand Veganizing a few recipes before, but seeing as I didn’t really have much use of my old kitchen, and Mr’s kitchen being <em>tiny</em> (Even smaller than the <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/11/how-to-max-out-your-tiny-kitchen/">Smitten Kitchen kitchen</a>!), I didn’t do much baking. None really. We made pizza from a pizza crust we bought at the store, but I don’t count that. Now that I have a decent sized kitchen and all my baking stuff to go with it, I’m baking again! </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xyyvZD_ETao/T29rQdJ-gDI/AAAAAAAABcA/cX0pL39sHXk/s1600-h/March%25252015-1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lw2bCP4773A/T29rR5Fr2MI/AAAAAAAABcI/Gl16KZ5KNJw/March%25252015-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p align="justify">I spent a chunk of time on the 15th trying out my first vegan cupcakes. I based them off of <a href="http://www.lifeinlimbo.org/2011/11/30/black-white-marble-cupcakes/">these</a> from Life in Limbo. Mister wanted “a chocolate cake. No! A chocolate vanilla swirly cake thing. With cherry filling!” Changing from the original idea I mentioned a while ago about a roll cake, I omitted the cherries, and changed it into cupcake form, and this is what I came up with. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-duioBtMkFNU/T29rV_V7luI/AAAAAAAABcQ/XKkcqjK1Lrw/s1600-h/March%25252015-4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-14ONOcJBk50/T29rYBiG_3I/AAAAAAAABcY/SxtQ8teCTss/March%25252015-4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qwbg4rnB63Y/T29rfpB5l7I/AAAAAAAABcg/gD4aES3KLKA/s1600-h/March%25252015-5%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6HPHR9KXnKA/T29rh4i4r0I/AAAAAAAABco/hdXQtBN_EE4/March%25252015-5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p>Awesome cupcakes. I added a chocolate mint frosting to them once they cooled. Sooooo good. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Feud7Y7k7aw/T29rowOvRUI/AAAAAAAABcw/oEgE7eiHRq4/s1600-h/March%25252015-7%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PgaJwf2QuZY/T29rq0c0ciI/AAAAAAAABc4/n1dSr8C51f8/March%25252015-7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p align="justify">We devoured the entire batch (2 dozen minis) far quicker than I had imagined. I had hoped to be able to save at least a dozen for the party (which is tomorrow), but alas, we ate them all. So now I get to bake a batch of lime cupcakes today (they will have coconut milk frosting), and then tomorrow will be another batch of these (with chocolate mint frosting), and a batch of cherry cupcakes (with cherry frosting). </p> <p align="justify">Now I must go bake. </p> <p align="justify">-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-44432450354254819472012-03-22T13:47:00.001-04:002012-03-22T13:47:53.327-04:00Vegan Oat Bean Burgers<p>I made these just after the banana muffins, but haven’t posted yet. Oops.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eJdVY2OqCqc/T2tlvYgEceI/AAAAAAAABbg/vETy7srZjQM/s1600-h/March%25252011-1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CjKWygEAEa8/T2tlwDxFquI/AAAAAAAABbo/c6BZtCdEXNg/March%25252011-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p align="justify">I based them off of <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/07/13/our-perfect-veggie-burger/">Angela’s recipe from Oh She Glows</a>, but changed them up as to what I had in our fridge. No carrots? Leave them out. No bread? Means no breadcrumbs. No parsley, no almonds, no sunflower seeds. So basically these are black beans, carmelized onions, green peppers, oats, soy sauce, cumin, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic and flax eggs. </p> <p align="justify">They came together really nicely, but I think next time I’ll use a little less flax eggs as it seemed I had to add way too much flour and oats (even to make up for the lack of bread crumbs). It may also have been due to the fact that it was raining when I made them. (Me + humidity in the kitchen can be quite the crap shoot.) I got 12 patties out of the mix, and found out that the tiny storage containers I got from Ikea when I first moved to Ottawa fit a single patty really well. Makes it so easy to grab one out of the freezer, toss it in the microwave or onto a hot pan, and voila! burger. The Vegan Mister wholeheartedly approved, and wants more. We topped them with loads of pickles, huge slices of tomato, lettuce, relish, ketchup, mustard, and I added a bit of cheddar (I’m vegetarian, not vegan, but enjoy all these awesome vegan recipes). Also we couldn’t find any hamburger buns that were completely free of milk or eggs (Mister avoids anything that says “May contain…”) so we just had them on toast.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DUHfsidC5WI/T2tlxbVhrlI/AAAAAAAABbw/xTkncaKWt0w/s1600-h/March%25252011-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tjjBbOfkmd4/T2tlyB-dAJI/AAAAAAAABb4/83i-nDE1_Og/March%25252011-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p align="justify">Tonight I’ll be trying <a href="http://vegandad.blogspot.ca/2008/03/homemade-sausages.html">Vegan Dad’s Sausages</a>. My beans are simmering on the stove, and I’m soon to head to the local Blahblahs to see if I can find Vital Wheat Gluten and Nutritional Yeast. It might mean a trip up to the health food store if it’s not in the big chain. We shall see. </p> <p align="justify">Also keep your eyes peeled for Mister’s Birthday cupcake trial run. I had hoped to keep a dozen or so for the actual party, but we ate them all. Darn. </p> <p align="justify">-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-42159707365346699652012-03-10T17:03:00.001-05:002012-03-10T17:12:04.021-05:00Hello Friends<p>It’s been far, far too long. </p> <p align="justify">Since my last post, I have moved. Twice. Been given a sewing machine. Got lots new kitchen stuff. Knitted a plethora of things. Taken pretty much no pictures of anything. Been back to Halifax three times. Baked numerous yummy items. Gone vegetarian. Become attached to a vegan. Been given a Derby name (Gwen Stacy).</p> <p>So I’m just going to start from today. </p> <p>Banana muffins. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j1gKM1Gwr0A/T1vPJCk0OuI/AAAAAAAABaw/t3xXqCh90p8/s1600-h/March%25252010-2%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-om6w72GpDs8/T1vPMD0Q9EI/AAAAAAAABa0/aXxPuq4ZvzA/March%25252010-2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p align="justify">Vegan. Recipe from <a href="http://www.thecleaneatingmama.com/2010/03/vegan-banana-bread-muffins.html">The Clean Eating Mama</a>. I used pumpkin pie spice instead of all the individual spices because I still haven’t gone through all the spices I have since the move. Also, I have a paper bag labelled “Katie Spices” which I got at a going away party for a Derby friend where she told us to pretty much take her entire kitchen contents. The spices in said bag, are in individual bags though. Not just a mash of rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, etc.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eB6Slrn4O58/T1vPTLxgTyI/AAAAAAAABa4/DfcXUquDfMw/s1600-h/March%25252010-3.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y_7q3Ekb7ew/T1vPV0r9AzI/AAAAAAAABa8/fpBGvuoM1fM/March%25252010-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p>Speaking of kitchens. This is mine. It’s the first time that I’ve really been able to get my kitchen the way I want it. And the table is <em>awesome</em>. You can’t see the stove, or sink, but they are there behind me. Trust me.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IpXyXNtO20g/T1vPYj7I8FI/AAAAAAAABbA/3ZX8a_zIV90/s1600-h/March%25252010-4.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zBTNLa1AKhI/T1vPaONGU1I/AAAAAAAABbE/n_kIvasrKwk/March%25252010-4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="335"></a> </p> <p>Please excuse the mess of boxes. If you can believe it, we have already been through a garbage week and gotten rid of most of our moving boxes. What I really want to showcase is the cereal shelf. We tend to go through a whole mess of cereal. And not just the sugary crazy rot your teeth kind. There is a box of Raisin Bran, and some Almond Crunch. And there are containers of Special K and Shreddies in the actual cupboard too. It all goes well with Fruit Loops, Reece’s Peanut Butter Puffs, and Chocolate Cheerios (which I am still not 100% on). </p> <p>I also made a vegan chocolate cake from a <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/The-BEST-chococlate-cake-ever...that-happens-to-be/">recipe</a> I found on Instructables. Haven’t tried it yet, but we shall see. I just made an 8’ square cake, but this is supposed to be a birthday cake for the fella. He asked for a chocolate cake with cherry pie filling. I was thinking a Roll cake, but I don’t know if I can pull it off. If not, I could also do a round layer cake with cherry filling. Chocolate frosting or a glaze? Or a veganized ganache? </p> <p>I hadn’t heard the animals for a while, so I went investigating. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AXZLrBxbDao/T1vPcAIXslI/AAAAAAAABbI/-V6u_VyFAtc/s1600-h/March%25252010-5.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XcDSWSHyWuI/T1vPd0RRvPI/AAAAAAAABbM/FwQoK40dePo/March%25252010-5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Found this in the bedroom, then I looked up to my right.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pHr3uu8zdOo/T1vPgZEj1hI/AAAAAAAABbQ/k-9mQmo0S7Y/s1600-h/March%25252010-6.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uuGOqs7c2gM/T1vPhQ87pcI/AAAAAAAABbU/0YPVgyhyMiI/March%25252010-6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p>He apparently didn’t like my investigation. Either that, or he just wanted a little loving.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fx0I2OIx-Nw/T1vPjmGif7I/AAAAAAAABbY/AQmoTKR8iQA/s1600-h/March%25252010-7.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tAuPi9C7GY0/T1vPk4EXWjI/AAAAAAAABbc/FudT1HHIBSs/March%25252010-7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="335"></a> </p> <p>Let sleeping dogs lie. </p> <p> </p> <p>-Cheers!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-59155468282162929662010-11-16T23:29:00.001-05:002010-11-16T23:29:55.240-05:00Finishing and Forties<p>I’m a bad blogger. I know I am, but I’ve been a little busy, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. </p> <p>I finished my green cabled sweater though, and I’m in love. </p><a title="Cables & Cashmere-14 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/5172179861/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Cables & Cashmere-14" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5172179861_216cb9c770.jpg" width="335" height="500"></a> <p align="justify">My only issue is the length, I would have liked it to have been just a touch longer, as it is now it’s okay, but just another inch would have been wonderful. I used a very simple hook and eye clasp for the closure. Knowing that buttons would have been too heavy I had first attempted a snap sewn onto the button band, but it pulled too much and looked funky. So I sewed the clasp right to the edge of the band. Now it doesn’t pucker. It’s also so simply elegant that I love it. More pictures on my Flickr.</p> <p align="justify">In other news, I had the week off last week from OLT. Having just finished up Honeymoon at Graveside Manor (which was 5 weeks of insanity and fun), and knowing that Inspecting Carol was right around the corner, I specifically set out to not be involved with EODL. I needed some “me” time. But, now I’m back; two weeks of rehearsals on stage, then three weeks of the show. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, I really need to learn to say “I’ve had enough”.</p> <p align="justify">I’ve been trying out some new hairstyles the last couple days, yesterday I went with a 1940s down-do, pretty much the same as <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elegantmusings/5177852929/">this</a>. She actually has a bunch of tutorials on youtube about 1940/50 style. In fact, I used <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/elegantlyamused#p/u/13/xdibwcoofeg">this</a> video as a guide. I did use my new 1.5” curling iron to put some more curl in the hair that I left down, but I wish I had a smaller diameter curling iron… New purchase? Yea, like I need an excuse. I then had on a dress I bought a couple years ago, which is fairly flowey and almost 1940s-ish. Obviously, for shoes I had on my spectators. I don’t have a picture, but I was looking pretty good. </p> <p align="justify">That’s all for now, I say it all the time, but I am going to try to post more often. I promise.</p> <p align="justify">-Cheers folks</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-38125522729309578502010-10-21T15:27:00.001-04:002010-10-21T15:27:19.582-04:00Return of the Living Blogger<p>I’ve been absent for a while, I know. I’m sorry. </p> <p>I finished a beret. </p><a title="Laurel-7 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/5042205587/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Laurel-7" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5042205587_aa8973a7d4.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p>It’s Laurel from Jared Flood’s <em>Made in Brooklyn</em>. I love it so much. </p> <p>I’ve been knitting on other things, just not finishing them. So no other knitting news really. </p> <p>I did make potato and bacon soup today though. It was super easy, and fairly cheap to boot.</p><a title="Potato Bacon soup by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/5102411947/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Potato Bacon soup" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1045/5102411947_8750074045.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p>What you need: Potatoes, onions, garlic, bacon, milk, butter, chicken stock mix. </p> <p align="justify">Boil about 5 large potatoes that have been diced to about a half inch in just enough water to cover, add about 2tbsp chicken stock mix (don’t add salt to the water, the stock mix is salty enough). Fry up about a half pound of bacon to extra crispy (try not to eat it all), set bacon aside. Mince about 4 cloves of garlic and two small onions. Drain off about half the bacon fat, sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon pan. Add about 2 cups milk to the potato/chicken stock mix. </p> <p align="justify">This is where preference comes in, I mashed about a quarter of the potatoes just to thicken up the soup a bit. You could add flour or corn starch, but I opted for mashing. </p> <p align="justify">Chop up the bacon as fine or coarse as you like, add to the soup. Once the onions have become translucent add them to the soup. Bring up to a simmer, adding more milk if it’s too thick. Add about 2tbsp of butter. Continue to simmer until you get the consistency you’d like. </p> <p align="justify">I didn’t really have a recipe when I made this, I just winged it, and I must say it came out really well. It’s such a great base for adding to. Like it spicy? Try adding some chilli powder. Want it cheesey? Add cheese. </p> <p align="justify">As to the cost, well… I bought 10lbs of potatoes (2.99), 2L of milk (3.89), bacon (4.49), 2lbs of onions (1.50), and garlic (0.26), and some things I had in my cupboard, like the chicken stock mix. What I actually used though I’d estimate at:</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="200"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Potatoes</td> <td valign="top" width="100">0.50</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Milk</td> <td valign="top" width="100">1.00</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Bacon</td> <td valign="top" width="100">2.25</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Onions</td> <td valign="top" width="100">0.20</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Garlic</td> <td valign="top" width="100">0.05</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Chicken Stock</td> <td valign="top" width="100">0.20</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100"><strong>Total</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="100"><strong>4.20</strong></td></tr></tbody></table> <p align="justify">Break that down into the 7 portions I got out of it, and it means that each bowl of soup costs about $0.60. Insane right? I think I need to make more soup like this. </p> <p>-Cheers folks.</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-32157559570319173702010-08-31T17:10:00.001-04:002010-08-31T17:10:06.399-04:00Doors<p>Apparently I have a thing for doors. Last week I repainted the door to our balcony. </p><a title="Back Door by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4935766319/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Back Door" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4935766319_53fc170a8e.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p align="justify">It had been a gray-blue that I wasn’t a fan of, and to top it off I’m pretty sure an indoor paint had been used on it, because it was chipped and peeling like nobody’s business. It took me two days to strip the paint, fill in the cracks, sand, fill in again, sand once again, and then put on three coats. It still didn’t turn out as good as I’d have liked, but I used an entire quart of paint. I wasn’t buying another.</p><a title="Door by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4936355452/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Door" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4936355452_98eb2bf029.jpg" width="334" height="500"></a> <p align="justify">I’ve also decided to do something to the door to my bedroom. I’m sorry about the horrible picture quality, but it was late, and there was very little light. It’s a Swedish Proverb. “Fear less, hope more. Eat less, chew more. Whine less, breathe more. Talk less, say more. Love more, and all good things will be yours.” Now I just need to find some paint, which is proving harder than I’d like. Just means a trip to WalMart is in order. Alas, today is far to hot for that bike ride. </p> <p align="justify">-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-28917729618103307162010-08-25T23:06:00.001-04:002010-08-25T23:06:10.636-04:00Halloween in August<p align="justify">I apparently had a fit of planning ahead this week. I decided on Sunday that I wanted to be a Star Fleet officer from Star Trek. The original series none the less. That meant finding a short red dress, buying a Star Trek costume, or making one. Buying a red dress seemed to be way too much hassle, and would end up being more expensive than I would like. Buying a Star Trek costume was practically impossible last year (even though I did leave it fairly late… October 30th anyone?), not to mention expensive. No way I would spent nearly $70 on a costume. So that left me with making one. I’ve made clothing and costumes before, there was no sweat there. The only problem is that I don’t have a sewing machine. Still, no huge problem, I’m a decent hand sewer, it just takes so long to do it. I set about searching to find a pattern. In doing so, I stumbled upon <a href="http://www.thegreengirls.com/blog/post/2009/10/Create-Your-Own-Costume-The-Star-Trek-Mini-Dress.aspx">this awesome idea</a>. I was sold. </p> <p align="justify">Monday I went to WalMart to find a 2XL men’s shirt. I didn’t really care whether I was Command gold, Sciences/Medical blue, or Engineering red. I just wanted a colour that looked like the Star Trek colour. I ended up with a red shirt. I know, I know, say it with me, “Expendable”. But there were no good blues, and no yellows to be seen. </p> <p align="justify">Step 1, get the outline right. </p><a title="Halloween Costume by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4924633284/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Halloween Costume" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4924633284_8fb466526f.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p>Unlike the girl in the video, I have hips. So I had to make sure to leave room for them. I also didn’t want it to hug my behind like hers did. But that’s the great thing about making your own clothes, you can make them how YOU want them. This step would have been much easier if I had had a friend to help me, but alas, I was all alone and impatient. </p> <p>Step 2, Cut, sew.</p><a title="Halloween Costume-2 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4924042347/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Halloween Costume-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4924042347_ac62cb5037.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p>Magically a 2XL tshirt has turned into a cute little dress. I found using safety pins rather than straight pins made it easier to try on the dress as I went. </p> <p>Step 3, try it on. Prance around like a fool. Smile for days.</p><a title="Halloween Costume-7 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4924652830/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Halloween Costume-7" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4924652830_754cfdbcc3.jpg" width="334" height="500"></a> <p>I was insanely giggly when I got it this far. </p> <p>Step 4, Sew on rank bands.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>(No picture, I was too excited)</em></p></blockquote> <p align="justify">I researched a fair bit to make sure I got the rank bands right. Not sure if I could do two bands, or just still with one. In the end I went with just one band, signifying that I am a Lieutenant. <a href="http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Starfleet_ranks">This site</a> was really helpful. </p> <p align="justify">Step 5, cut off centre V neck, sew in black band.</p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><em>(No picture, really way too excited at this point)</em></p></blockquote> <p align="justify">Instead of going out to buy black fabric, I decided to sacrifice one of my man black shirts. An old work shirt did the trick. I sewed it in fairly easily, basically just making a large funnel neck, but it stood up too much, so I sewed down the V so it laid a fair bit flatter in the front. </p> <p align="justify">Step 6, try it on for the umpteenth time, do a little dance, take quick picture in the mirror.</p><a title="Halloween Costume-10 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4927601934/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Halloween Costume-10" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4927601934_2defbf868a.jpg" width="334" height="500"></a> <p align="justify">I had first thought I’d wear it bare legs. I do have a pair of bike shorts (as seen in Step 3), but they were too long. Getting a shorter pair would be no problem. There was just no way I’d go sans shorts. Then I watched a bit of TOS (The Original Series), and noticed that a number of the girls wore tights. I have tights! Not only do I have tights, I have two weights of tights so I can either be really warm, or just covered. I brought the boots back from Halifax after my last trip there. I’ve had them since… probably grade 9 or so. </p> <p align="justify">I still need the insignia. I’m going to try to see if any of the comic book shops have any patches (I want a patch, but I’d take a pin too). If not I know I can get them online. </p> <p align="justify">All in all, this cost me under $10 for the things I needed to buy. Plus, I now have a spool of gold ribbon, who knows how that will come in handy. </p> <p align="justify">-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-74204904994476890212010-08-22T00:21:00.001-04:002010-08-22T00:21:51.511-04:00Chicken Fajitas<p align="justify">I decided yesterday that I wanted something spicy. Now considering that when I was growing up the most commonly used spices in my house were pepper and salt, I don’t do your typical Mexican or Indian spicy. Fajitas sounded good to me. Not only are they easy, but you can make them as spicy or as not spicy as you want.</p> <p align="justify">First off, the chicken. I bought two small chicken breasts, and sliced them up. I then let them marinade in the juice of one lime and about a tablespoon of chili powder. Only for about 30 minutes, but if I had had more time (and patience) I would have let them go for longer.</p> <p><a title="Fajitas-1 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4912011736/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Fajitas-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4912011736_1ffd05cab1.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> </p> <p align="justify">Next I had to slice/chop up all the veggies. My quick knife skills aren’t really the greatest (I haven’t sliced a finger yet, so that’s a good sign right?), but what I lack in speed, I think I make up for with precision. But then again, even that’s not the greatest. I had a red pepper, a green pepper, two garlic cloves, a jalapeno pepper, and a red onion. Funny thing is, One year ago the only thing on this cutting board I would have eaten was the garlic. </p> <p><a title="Fajitas-7 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4912013200/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Fajitas-7" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4912013200_c4b496bd2d.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> </p> <p align="justify">Once everything was all chopped up (remember the speed thing, I knew I had to chop everything up before I even started cooking), I tossed the chicken in a hot pan with a bit of oil. Cook until… cooked. </p> <p><a title="Fajitas-8 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4911411049/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Fajitas-8" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4911411049_2c59dbc7d2.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> </p> <p align="justify">Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, and add the red onions, red and green peppers into the pan. I added a touch of butter just to help things caramelize a bit. I don’t like my veggies to be crispy, I like them cooked to a beautiful tenderness.</p><a title="Fajitas-11 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4911412383/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Fajitas-11" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4911412383_4e1f5521ec.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p>Add the garlic, the jalapeno pepper, and the chicken. Heat through.</p><a title="Fajitas-13 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4911413757/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Fajitas-13" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4911413757_624fe35fdf.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p>Enjoy on pitas with cheese. If I had sour cream I probably would have added that in the mix too, but I didn’t have any. </p><a title="Fajitas-14 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4911415157/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Fajitas-14" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4911415157_be1e8cc981.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p>The best part of this meal was the price. Here’s the breakdown: </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="200"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Chicken</td> <td valign="top" width="100">3.56</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Tortillas</td> <td valign="top" width="100">2.50</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Green Pepper</td> <td valign="top" width="100">0.86</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Red Pepper</td> <td valign="top" width="100">1.35</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Jalapeno</td> <td valign="top" width="100">0.18</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100">Red Onion</td> <td valign="top" width="100">1.27</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100"><strong>Total</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="100"><strong>$9.27</strong></td></tr></tbody></table> <p align="justify">So not bad. I omitted the price of the garlic (really, what’s 1/10th of a $0.45 clove of garlic?), as well as the price of the cheese (I have no idea how much of the block I used, but it was $3.99 and I used very little). It made me the one meal right away, as well as three containers of fixings for future meals. Just over $2 a serving? I think I did quite well. </p> <p>-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-5345978446278907972010-08-17T23:43:00.001-04:002010-08-17T23:48:20.864-04:00Fall at OLT<iframe src="http://www.google.com/calendar/b/0/embed?title=OLT&showTz=0&height=600&wkst=2&bgcolor=%23FFFFFF&src=evmcs9oj94o28pk5vfljaheu9k%40group.calendar.google.com&color=%23060D5E&src=slh2kr466bne20dmn55uo23oss%40group.calendar.google.com&color=%23853104&src=f3p02c8bp54mgc3knfb08lerak%40group.calendar.google.com&color=%232F6213&ctz=America%2FToronto" style=" border-width:0 " width="500" height="600" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>I'm gonna be busy. theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-77056134172811928142010-08-02T22:41:00.001-04:002010-08-02T22:41:35.165-04:00Chili and Rice<p align="justify">Around 7:30 tonight I began to wonder how long ago it was that I had bought a can of red kidney beans and put them in the back of my cupboard. I figured it was time to do something with it. A quick trip to the grocers and I was about the embark on an effort of making chili, but not just any chili, chili and rice. </p><a title="Chili-1 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4855057203/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Chili-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4855057203_e23cbfaa0a.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p align="justify">Not pictured is garlic, oil, and rice. Chop up some garlic, the onion, and the peppers. Add to a hot thick bottomed pot with a bit of oil (and scare the bejeppers out of your housemate who thinks something is on fire when the steam is kind of crazy… my fault).</p> <p><a title="Chili-2 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4855061237/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Chili-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4855061237_d991aeec64.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> </p> <p>Saute until tender. Add the beef and the can of tomatoes. Cook through. Add 2 cups of rice. Stir really well to coat all the rice. Chop up as many (or a few) mushrooms as you want, add to the pot. Also add a the can of beans. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Chili-3" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4855685444_012191fcdd.jpg" width="500" height="334"></p> <p>Add 2 or so cups of water, if it still seems sort of thick, add more (add more than you think you’ll need, the rice soaks it all up, you’ll probably end up having to add more during the next little while).</p><a title="Chili-4 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4855690430/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Chili-4" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4855690430_99c7027c8f.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p>Cover and lower the heat. Stirring, until the rice is cooked and most of the water has been soaked up. </p><a title="Chili-6 by gkdavie, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4855078563/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Chili-6" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4855078563_d8679acc59.jpg" width="500" height="334"></a> <p>Dish into bowls, top with cheese, enjoy with beer. So good. My foray today gave me 9 portions, and those are fairly good sized portions too. </p> <p>What have you been cooking lately?</p> <p>-Cheers! gkd</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-85977101238592400102010-07-20T22:40:00.001-04:002010-07-20T22:40:57.765-04:00Shoes and Juice<p align="justify">It’s been fairly nice here in Ottawa. Not too hot, and not even cool at all. *shrug* That means that I’ve actually been knitting, but me being me, I have no photos of anything because I haven’t finished anything, nor do I really like progress pictures right now for some reason. I have been doing other things that did get photographed though.</p> <p>I bought new shoes. </p> <a title="1930s Shoes-3 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4810059519/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="1930s Shoes-3" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4810059519_c0478d82bf.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> <p>On sale at Sears. Now I need somewhere to wear them. Perhaps the theatre on Friday.</p> <p>I have also been making Limeade Slushies.</p> <a title="Limeade-1 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4812466553/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Limeade-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4812466553_83a8eacdd4.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> <p>Really easy to make, extremely tasty, and very easy to add something like vodka to. </p> <p>-Cheers folks!</p> <a title="Limeade-4 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4812469203/"><img style="margin: 0px 20px 0px 0px; display: inline" alt="Limeade-4" align="left" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4812469203_81e86603e5_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" /></a> <p> </p> <p align="justify">PS. Do you guys have a favourite juicing method? I just squeeze the limes with my hands, but a lot of juice gets on my hands and not in the glass. </p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-49793660437732025962010-07-17T00:26:00.001-04:002010-07-17T00:26:28.423-04:00Never-ending<p>So here’s my list of knitted objects I’m currently working on:</p> <p>1. Bridgewater. I just turned the first corner with the edging… only took two weeks to get there. Lots to do on it yet, but very excited to finally finish the big black monstrosity.</p> <p>2. Green Cabled Sweater. Just picked it up after a long hiatus. Forgot how lovely the yarn is and how much I love cables. Just started the increases on the second sleeve.</p> <p>3. Heelix socks. Basic stockinette with a heelix stripe. Plain knitting for when my brain can’t take anything else.</p> <p>4. Boobholder for Jess. Malabrigo, instant win. Too hot to work on in this weather.</p> <p>5. Log cabin blanket. Using up scraps of worsted weight yarn that I have kicking around in my stash. Too hot to work on.</p> <p>6. Thrummed mittens. Because I’m a glutton for punishment apparently. </p> <p>Someone save me from the heat. I’ll also take donations of beer.</p> <p>-Cheers folks.</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-67110379077890552792010-07-09T23:36:00.001-04:002010-07-09T23:36:01.013-04:00Randomly on a Friday<p align="justify">I think I just stole that title from the Yarn Harlot, but I’m okay with that, because not only is she brilliant, but she’s a Torontonian. Not that I’m condoning being from Toronto, instead I’m insinuating that she knows the heat we’re going through. Today it rained here in Ottawa. Thunder, lightening, the whole shbang! It’s nice. I’m actually wearing, get this, <em>long pants</em>. I know! Amazing. And, I <em>cooked</em>. On the <em>stove</em>. With the burner <em>on.</em> </p> <p align="justify">Okay, I’m done with italics. </p> <p align="justify">In any case, not only did I go to Ikea today (beer mugs, tea cup and saucer where the cup holds 17oz, plates, a shelf, and two hot dogs), but I also made my way down to the Ottawa Folklore Centre. In the rain. On my bike. It was pretty spiffy. I finally got around to getting a shoulder rest (my posture and wrist are thanking me already), and some music. Me being brilliant, when I asked my parents to bring me up my trumpet and my violin, I forgot to ask for music as well. Durrrrr. </p> <p align="justify">Then not to be out-done, my culinary side went “<em>Hey Gwen, it’s not sweltering, I mean look at you, you’re wearing pants. Maybe that means we can cook. I mean, come on, a girl can only live on salad fruit and bread alone for a little while… you’re overdue for some food. Real food. Cooked food</em>.”</p> <a title="Crepes-2 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4779068886/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Crepes-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4779068886_6f9535b320.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> <p align="justify">Of course this didn’t mean beans or soup, or even meat and potatoes. No. This meant I needed something I hadn’t had in a while, something sweet and tasty, and not hard to make really. Crepes. One of my housemates used to look at me like I had three heads and an extra arm when I asked her if she’d help me eat crepes if I made a batch. “<em>Seriously, do you need to ask?”</em></p> <a title="Crepes-1 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4778432539/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Crepes-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4778432539_0c4017356d.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> <p align="justify">Who can say no to their awesome-ness? Not me. I made a batch of eight. One didn’t make it past the fourth time batter went into the pan. “<em>I have to make sure that they’re alright.”</em> Four are currently in the fridge waiting for tomorrow’s breakfast, and three are in my belly, with a messy plate sitting on my table. Wildberry jam, chocolate sauce, and syrup. There would have been bananas too had I actually been thinking before hand. And I just remembered that I have strawberries and blueberries in my freezer. Drat! That would have been tasty too.</p> <p align="justify">In other news, I’ve got two tomatoes growing on my patio. </p> <a title="Tomato plant-1 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4774790803/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Tomato plant-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4774790803_b002f69a34.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> <p>Just the two right now, but I’m happy. Can’t wait for fresh tomatoes for sandwiches, bruschetta, and eating like apples because I do love tomatoes.</p> <p>-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-61644875255623532902010-06-30T00:31:00.001-04:002010-06-30T00:32:01.999-04:00Ottawa<p align="justify">My Mom and Nanny were here visiting me a little while ago… err… the beginning of the month. I’m just now getting around to going through the pictures. Oops. Not many of them turned out well, plus I didn’t do much in the way of picture snapping (only a few over 100). In any case, here’s a quick recap!</p> <p align="center"><a title="Ottawa-1 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4747496135/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Ottawa-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4747496135_11d5b33dae.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">Mom on the bus!</p> <p align="center"><a title="Ottawa-5 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4747505449/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Ottawa-5" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4747505449_204fb71b43.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a> </p> <p>At the locks, with Chateau Laurier in the background.</p> <a title="Ottawa-6 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4748149018/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Ottawa-6" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4748149018_d60121f362.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> <p>Mom and Nanny at the base of the locks.</p> <p align="justify">I also haven't been blogging too much (okay, at all) because I've been so busy at the Theatre. I did two designs back to back, and then helped out on a third, so I've spent nearly every day there. But, I did get inducted in Hogan's Heroes, which is a group of people with shirts that have "crew" embroidered on the sleeve. They are a group of volunteers who are amazing and have gone above and beyond the call of duty. I feel very honoured to be part of their ranks.</p> <a title="Closing Night-03 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4743797337/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Closing Night-03" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4743797337_5d1f51d031.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> <p>All of Hogan's Heroes that were at closing night of thee last show of the 2009/2010 season. Our SM is a Hogan, hence Hogan's Heroes. He's the one in the Hawaiian shirt, which also has the OLT emblem on it. Oh, and I <em>am</em> wearing shorts, they’re just black and short, so they kind of disappeared. </p> <p><a title="Fringe-6 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4743795197/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Fringe-6" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4743795197_539201de54.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> </p> <p>I also spent a fair bit of time volunteering with the Ottawa Fringe Festival. Lot's of fun, no pictures from me. If you want to see what shennanigans went on, check out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/ottawafringefestival2010/">here</a>. </p> <p>-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-73402354321955941522010-06-15T20:23:00.001-04:002010-06-15T20:23:59.599-04:00Hi Yatis.<p align="justify">I know I haven’t blogged much recently, but there really hasn’t been much to blog about, either that or I have had no photos. A brief recap though:</p> <p align="justify">My green cabled sweater is coming along well. One sleeve done, about 8 inches on the second.</p> <p align="justify">I have finally finished the horseshoe lace section of Bridgewater and I’m onto the lace edge.</p> <p align="justify">I have baked a fair bit. Bread, cookies, muffins, cinnamon buns, and more cookies.</p> <p align="justify">I have also been biking a fair bit, even if it’s just a half hour ride to go sit on a bench and read for an hour, it’s great. </p> <p align="justify">In other news, I had a mishap today involving a squirrel and two geese. It left me with this: </p> <a title="0615001537a by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4703616515/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="375" alt="0615001537a" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4703616515_6d8f283ac4.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>And this: </p> <a title="0615001537 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4703616799/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="375" alt="0615001537" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4703616799_a188fd111c.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>Yea, it hurts, and it’s going to leave a very nice scar, but that’s okay, I’ve had worse. </p> <p>-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-89640150907486967562010-05-06T23:14:00.001-04:002010-05-06T23:14:33.411-04:00Research, Design, Knit, Curse, Frog, Reknit<p>That’s pretty much all I’ve been doing over the last week. </p> <p align="justify">I bought some gorgeous sport weight yarn summer 2009, and it’s just been sitting in my stash pretty much ever since. I did knit <a href="http://theaudiochick.blogspot.com/2009/09/273-my-finished-objects.html" target="_blank">a toque</a> out of it, and I used a bit of it in my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4474904558/" target="_blank">Doctor Who Socks,</a> but for the most part it sat languishing in my stash, wishing to be used. I just needed to find that particular pattern that would work. </p> <p align="justify">Long story short, I have decided on a base <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=97&d_id=18&lang=en" target="_blank">design</a>, and a little <a href="http://www.knotions.com/patterns/magknits/durrow/charts_and_schematics.aspx" target="_blank">embellishment.</a> </p> <p align="justify">I even swatched. </p> <a title="Cables & Cashmere by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4561356671/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Cables & Cashmere" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/4561356671_4cca8e60d6.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>Of course, about 14 inches into the first sleeve I realized I made a huge mistake (like planning on an additional 20 increases that didn’t need to be there, as well as starting the increased way too early). I had to rip the entire thing. I’m back on track now, about 11 inches into the sleeve and things are going well.</p> <p>Knock on wood.</p> <p>Salt over the shoulder.</p> <p>Spin around three times.</p> <p>-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-25615020820093703122010-04-21T17:39:00.001-04:002010-04-21T17:39:11.526-04:00Presenting…<a title="Alonso New-8 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4541750030/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso New-8" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4541750030_ab0ce12084.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to present, the new Alonso. </p> <a title="Alonso New-12 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4541121493/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso New-12" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4541121493_1272f973ca.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">It’s really difficult to get a good picture of his true colour, which is much more green than these are letting on. In any case, he is done. Repainted, and put back together. I haven’t taken him out for a spin yet, but I’m happy. Aside from having to remove the rear wheel and put it back on three times (my own damn stupidity), the reassembly went quite well. </p> <a title="Alonso New-1 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4541742804/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="500" alt="Alonso New-1" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4541742804_c12710a9da.jpg" width="335" /></a> <p align="justify">I did decide on what to do for the head badge. I painted all the relief black. With nail polish. I then gave it a couple good clear coats, so hopefully it will stand the test of time. </p> <a title="Alonso New-4 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4541745046/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso New-4" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4541745046_18f70ddd52.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">I had a little bit of funky stuff go on with the paint job in one place, hopefully that doesn’t cause problems down the line. I made sure it got a good coast of clear coat (can’t you fix the world with Duck Tape and clear coat?). It’s not paper-y like it’s about to flake off, it’s just crackled. Weird.</p> <p><a title="Alonso New-6 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4541113933/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso New-6" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4541113933_823e98911a.jpg" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The difference between sanded and un-sanded.</p> <p><a title="Alonso New-7 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4541748670/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso New-7" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4541748670_2b3df949f9.jpg" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I also gave my fenders a one (twice, and in some cases thrice) over with some sandpaper to get rid of corrosion. They too got clear coated.</p> <p>After a night and part of the day to dry, I put him all back together to find that while I had thought he was turning into a she, he is indeed still a he. Alonso is here to stay. </p> <a title="Alonso New-10 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4541752650/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="500" alt="Alonso New-10" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4541752650_062852f278.jpg" width="334" /></a> <p align="justify">I also changed out the old rear reflector which was faded, and probably not the best quality anymore with one I had bought a while back when I needed to put a white one on the front. I figured that I already had one on the back, why replace it. I kept it though (why throw it away, it’s a perfectly good reflector). </p> <p align="justify">Now I just need some really nice weather so I can go for a long ride. Happy times.</p> <p align="justify">-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-28746744897413092172010-04-20T02:08:00.001-04:002010-04-20T02:08:33.744-04:00Revamp: Day 1 & 2<p align="justify">Things have been going well in Bike Revamp World. I had an issue or two (not being able to get the stem off, which meant that the fork was going nowhere), but I rallied. </p> <a title="Alonso repaint-1 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4537305676/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso repaint-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4537305676_33d1507421.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">I was very impressed with myself on Sunday when I got the chain off (first time ever taking a chain off, totally not scary). I did loose one of the nuts that keeps the crank on the axel, but I’ll just go over to homeharware to get a new one. Also, I had to cut the bottom of my rear fender to get it off. The fastener (a screw and nut) was completely jammed and would not budge. I’m now trying to decide whether I want to get new fenders, or if I’ll try to clean up the ones I have. </p> <p align="justify">After cleaning, sanding, cleaning, sanding, and cleaning again, I was ready to prime. Apparently I still need to remember that spraypaint <em>sprays.</em></p> <a title="Alonso repaint-7 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4537310130/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso repaint-7" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4537310130_85d8af25a8.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>Primer looked good. A little splotchy in a couple places, but I was overall happy. After another very fine sand, I was game to paint. </p> <a title="Alonso repaint-9 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4536677947/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso repaint-9" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4536677947_719e871985.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>It’s a fair bit more yellow than I had expected, but I like it. </p> <p>Tomorrow will be a clear coat. I’m excited. Very excited. I’m also a little sore. Far too long spent on the deck. I’m a touch burnt. Ow.</p> <p>-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-56287594254511004882010-04-17T16:55:00.001-04:002010-04-17T16:55:59.008-04:00Brrrrrring Brrrrriiing<a title="Alonso-2 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4521124945/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso-2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4521124945_8fc8444080.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>Hello spring, where have you been? I missed you. </p> <p align="justify">The weather is getting decent here in Ottawa, which can only mean one thing: It’s time for Alonso to finally make an appearance. The end of the riding season last year found my with a punctured tube, which lead to me realizing that the tire was nearly bare in a few places and desperately needed replacing. After getting a tire from MEC that I thought would fit, struggling, realizing it didn’t fit, and giving up because it snowed, I put Alonso out on the back deck, and he sat there rear tire-less for the entire season. Once the snow started melting I went to one of the Local Bike Shops, where I was told that my bike was old, hence needed a certain type of 26” tire. I got one, it fit, it’s on. Yay!</p> <p align="justify">I’m sad to say good bye to the old white walled tire (added a touch of class, eh?), but it’s nice to have a new tire on and not worry about popping tires. The front tire will need replacing by the end of this riding season, maybe sooner, but for now it’s okay.</p> <p align="justify">Up next was handle grips. I didn’t notice it when I bought the bike, but there were two very different grips on him. </p> <a title="Alonso-11 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4522490350/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso-11" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4522490350_17b5e3d3ed.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">The slice in the left grip wasn’t there while it was on my bike… that was me and my jack knife after struggling with it for about 15 minutes and not getting it to budge. Needless to say, it succumbed to my will. I’ve now got some nice black and blue “ladies ergonomic” <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V5ZR5Q/ref=asc_df_B001V5ZR5Q994834?tag=stylefeeder-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B001V5ZR5Q&linkCode=asn" target="_blank">grips</a> on the bars. They’re nice and the right one doesn’t slide around like the old one did. Feels much more secure.</p> <a title="Alonso-10 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4521857713/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="500" alt="Alonso-10" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4521857713_ec4f6b47cf.jpg" width="334" /></a> <p align="justify">I need to find some way of cleaning up the paint job on the badge on the front post. I was thinking nail polish and then spraying it with a clear coat. I know that model paint would probably be the best way to go, but I don’t have any model paint just lying around like I have nail polish. I’d probably change the colour scheme though. Would it be wrong to give Alonso a red and pink badge. Or I could continue with the black and do all the relief’s in black. Good idea Gwen, I like it. </p> <p align="justify">Next: Saddle.</p> <a title="Alonso-9 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4522488918/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Alonso-9" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4522488918_ab215a16e5.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a title="Alonso-8 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4521856239/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="alonso-8" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4521856239_b50c070bf4.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">I love the saddle. It’s an old <a href="http://www.brookssaddles.com/" target="_blank">Brooks Saddle</a> which retail for ridiculous amounts of money. Basically from what i can tell, this saddle alone is worth more than what I paid for the bike. The only thing is that it’s ripped in a couple places. I don’t know if it’s worth repairing, or if I should just get a <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/BikesAccessories/SeatsSeatcovers/PRD~0733903P/Everyday%252BWomen%252527s%252BBicycle%252BCruiser%252BSaddle.jsp?locale=en" target="_blank">brand new</a> (non-Brooks) one for $30. It’s got the styling that I like, plus it’s also got a built in red LED light strip. Decisions, decisions.</p> <p align="justify">I also went out and got a <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/BikesAccessories/CarriersBags/PRDOVR~0730931P/Super%252BCycle%252BFront%252BWire%252BBasket.jsp?locale=en" target="_blank">detachable basket</a>. I wasn’t sure if I’d like a basket, but I got talked into it, and now I’m very happy that I have it. I can’t wait for the rain to stop so I can bike over to the bigger grocery store on the other side of the Rideau River, grab the basket and do a bit of grocery shopping. Or once the market really opens up, I can go there and load up with great food, go for a ride along the river and stop for a picnic. </p> <p align="justify">I’ve got sandpaper, a chain tool, two cans of <a href="http://www.krylon.com/ca/eng/products/indooroutdoor_paint/" target="_blank">spray paint</a> (Ivy Leaf and White Gloss), as well as a can of clear coat. I think I’m ready to repaint Mr.Alonso. All I need now is a couple days of good weather… Monday and Tuesday maybe… hopefully. </p> <p align="justify">-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-64541958406775032862010-03-28T21:47:00.001-04:002010-03-28T21:47:40.558-04:00Affirmative!<p align="justify">I for some reason haven’t finished a knitted object in a while. I did finish a pair of socks, but I don’t really count them. Well I suppose I do, I just haven’t taken any pictures of them. In any case, Everything else on my needles is big (Bridgewater shawl, log cabin blanket, Whisper cardi), I’ve even been working on my <a href="http://theaudiochick.blogspot.com/2009/03/88-hobby-that-keeps-you-warm.html" target="_blank">quilt</a>. You remember my <a href="http://theaudiochick.blogspot.com/2009/02/57-look-ma.html" target="_blank">quilt</a>? Apparently I like to start big projects and then either be all insane and finish them right away, or set them aside, and finish them a year or so in the future. Like I did with my Lizard Ridge blanket. Today was not the day for big huge projects though, today I actually finished something. </p> <a title="K-9-1 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4470701391/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="335" alt="K-9-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4470701391_65931b82fb.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">Say hello to K-9. He's Doctor Who's robot dog (and later on he became Sarah Jane's). He's adorable, says things like "affirmative" and "yes, master", and is brilliant to boot. Well, at about 3 inches high, my little stuffed K-9 fits the adorable part of those qualities.</p> <a title="K-9-2 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4471481238/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="K-9-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4471481238_f7b3a39275.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">I really am proud of how he turned out. I even put a bit of weight in the body of him so he'd stay upright. I think I'd like to make the big one from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-Pattern-Book-Gammon/dp/0491034032" target="_blank">Doctor Who Pattern Book</a>, but first I think I should finish up some other projects.</p> <p align="justify">Did I also mention that I've been working. In my intended career field. It's great because I love it, it doesn't feel like work, and yet I'm getting paid for it. That's the best type of job.</p> <p>Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-76416075804106942092010-03-26T17:44:00.001-04:002010-03-26T17:44:53.493-04:00Baking up a storm<p align="justify">I’ve been baking and cooking a whole lot the last week or so, Yesterday was insane, but it started last week. St. Patrick’s day found me with green cupcakes. </p> <a title="St Pats Cupcakes-2 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4440797207/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="St Pats Cupcakes-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4440797207_0879906a40.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>The batter was green. Not quite as green as I would have liked, but the amount of food colouring I had already used was a little insane.</p> <a title="St Pats Cupcakes-5 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4441576920/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="500" alt="St Pats Cupcakes-5" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4441576920_cb87f7ddaf.jpg" width="335" /></a> <p>Green icing to top them, and add in a few sprinkles and voila! Cupcakes that make everyone happy are born.</p> <p align="justify">Yesterday though, was as I already said, insane. First off, the back story and reasoning behind it. The 26th (today) is Friday at the theatre, so party night. We’ve even got a theme, English Pub Night. So of course I had to think of something to make. My thoughts instantly went to Fish & Chips, but that would be really quite expensive, so I vetoed it. Next, Bangers and Mash… once again, too expensive. I then really drew a blank, so I did some research. Pork scraps seemed too difficult to make, I wasn’t really keen on just getting a bag of crisps, and then I stumbled upon <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ploughman's_lunch" target="_blank">Ploughman's Lunch</a>. It then sent me after <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bread_roll" target="_blank">Baps</a>, but deciding against making bread, I took a break and really had to eat something, all the research had me famished. On the docket: Cottage Pie. </p> <p>What do you need? </p> <a title="Cottage Pie-1 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4463817098/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Cottage Pie-1" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/4463817098_39ab6bc1f5.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>Onion and garlic.</p> <a title="Cottage Pie-2 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4463817412/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Cottage Pie-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4463817412_38ebf3ce7d.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>Corn.</p> <a title="Cottage Pie-3 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4463818200/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Cottage Pie-3" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4463818200_1d991c94ab.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>Minced (ground) beef.</p> <a title="Cottage Pie-5 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4463040835/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Cottage Pie-5" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4463040835_49d3537eff.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>& Mashed potatoes.</p> <p align="justify">Put it all together, and what do you get? A glorious meal, with 6 portions in the freezer.</p> <p><a title="Cottage Pie-8 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4463819824/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Cottage Pie-8" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4463819824_cdffff6429.jpg" width="500" /></a> Then later that evening, as I was doing more research, I stumbled upon <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_roast" target="_blank">Sunday Roast</a>. It's not new to me, not new at all, I had just forgotten about it. With that came the memory of wonderful roast beef, lots of gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, carrots, and Yorkshire Pudding. I had it, my idea of what to bring to the theatre. Unfortunately I wouldn't have the bucket of gravy to go with it, but I'm okay with that. </p> <p><a title="Yorkshire Pudding-2 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4463043039/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Yorkshire Pudding-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4463043039_1392d9c984.jpg" width="500" /></a></p> <p align="justify">They’re light, fluffy, and absolutely wonderful. Even later that night I looked at the two apples I had in my crisper, and decided to make apple crisp. No pictures of that though, it got eaten too quickly, and then put in containers for leftovers even quicker. </p> <p align="justify">Like I said, I kind of went insane with the cooking. Oops. Good thing I have a good sized freezer and housemates who like to eat. </p> <p align="justify">-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-1856726419173792622010-03-13T22:54:00.001-05:002010-03-13T22:54:58.096-05:00What’s for Desert?<p align="justify">I said that I cook a fair bit, but did I also mention that I like to bake too? Well, I do, unfortunately our oven has not been working (broiler element snapped in half), for a while and it took our landlord for ever to get it fixed. In any case, it’s back to working condition now. After I scrubbed it clean (that’s about 45 minutes of my life I’m never getting back), I decided it was time to bake something. </p> <p align="justify">Looking at what I had on hand, I figured that Oatmeal Raisin cookies were in order. I had made Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies <a href="http://theaudiochick.blogspot.com/2009/11/313-my-cookies.html" target="_blank">last year</a>, and remembered how cake-like they were, so I added less flour this time. </p> <a title="Oatmeal Raisin Cookies-1 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4429733110/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Oatmeal Raisin Cookies-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4429733110_a85914b9c3.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">They turned out much better this time. Considering I took them to the theatre and they were all gone by the end of the night, I guess it wasn’t just me thinking they were good. </p> <a title="Oatmeal Raisin Cookies-2 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4429733748/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Oatmeal Raisin Cookies-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4429733748_6aaa1989bb.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">I also made banana bread today, but I didn’t take photos of it. It’s good, but the outside it a little over done, and the inside is a little under done. I think our oven runs a bit hot, mental note noted. </p> <p align="justify">-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-83272654275723949792010-03-10T13:36:00.001-05:002010-03-10T13:36:14.786-05:00What’s for Dinner?<p align="justify">I cook a fair bit. Usually nothing too extravagant, but still, I rarely take things out of boxes and pop them in microwaves and call that dinner. Except when popcorn is involved. And even then I often melt some sugar and make caramel popcorn. </p> <p align="justify">Two days ago I went out and bought some steak, I had planned on just frying it up with some steak spice, but when I came home, the kitchen was a mess, and I didn’t feel like cleaning up the mess to cook for myself, only to make more mess. So the steak sat in the fridge for a day. I also got broccoli, for some reason it took that extra day for me to think of the obvious. Beef and Broccoli. </p> <p align="justify">A trip to the fruit & veggie market for ginger and green onions and voila, supper was underway. </p> <a title="Beef & Broccoli-1 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4421023813/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Beef & Broccoli-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4421023813_2745a23c2a.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">Two cloves of garlic, diced. A thumb sized (about a tsp I’d say) piece of ginger, diced. And a bunch of green onions, chopped. If you want more garlic, add more, if you want less ginger, add less. Vice versa works too, basically make it how you want it, just don’t add salt, the soya sauce will take care of the salty taste. Break up the broccoli into small flowerets. Heat up a big pan to medium with some oil. Add your veggies. </p> <a title="Beef & Broccoli-2 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4421790276/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Beef & Broccoli-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4421790276_702bec1607.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">While the veggies are cooking, slice up your beef (I used a cheap cut of pan fry beef, no need to break the bank on steak). Put it in a bowl with some soya sauce (4 or 5 tbsp) and pepper, mix it around so that it’s all covered. Once your veggies are cooked but still a little firm, remove them from the pan. </p> <a title="Beef & Broccoli-3 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4421024651/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Beef & Broccoli-3" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4421024651_82d99c5f73.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">Set them aside, add a bit more oil to the pan, and then the beef. Cook for a few minutes until the beef is browned on the outside, use your judgement. Add the veggies back to the pan, mix the veggies around with the beef and sauce, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan.</p> <a title="Beef & Broccoli-4 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4421791074/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Beef & Broccoli-4" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4421791074_4e6eb1ee8a.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p align="justify">Let the sauce thicken a bit while you cook up some rice. I used plain white rice because that’s all I had, but if you prefer something else, use something else. If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit of corn starch of flour until it’s the consistency you like. </p> <a title="Beef & Broccoli-5 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4421025493/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Beef & Broccoli-5" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4421025493_20971d9f26.jpg" width="500" /></a> <p>Serve the dish over rice. It was wonderful, really easy to make, and made enough for three meals for me. I’ve made it before, and I’ll make it again. </p> <p>-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221305828131946827.post-39872641587703549772010-03-01T18:54:00.001-05:002010-03-01T18:58:42.222-05:00Heck Yea, I Got Pictures<p align="justify">I finally took some photos of Stilwell. The day was super bright, but not sunny, so the light coming in through my window was absolutely brilliant. I also realized that if I closed my closet door I could have a decent background to take some pictures in front of. I ended up having way too much fun with my tripod and my remote. There are (lots) more pictures on my <a href="http://flickr.com/theaudiochick">flickr</a>. </p> <a title="Stilwell-12 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4385726436/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Stilwell-12" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4385726436_bfa291aec5.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a title="Stilwell-11 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4385725962/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Stilwell-11" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4385725962_f7c55af07c.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a title="Stilwell-8 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4385728396/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="334" alt="Stilwell-8" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4385728396_2aa8564da2.jpg" width="500" /> </a> <p align="justify"></p> I also took a couple pictures of my newest Quincy hat, and I have since fallen head over heels in love with this picture. I did a bit of photoshopping, but really not too much. <a title="Quincy-4 by theaudiochick, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theaudiochick/4384961725/"></a><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="500" alt="Quincy-4" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4384961725_807f0a4c93.jpg" width="334" /></a> <p align="justify">And in response to my Aunt who said I was looking thin and asked if I was eating enough: I eat better here, and probably more than I ever did at home. I’m thinner because I walk everywhere, I swim, and I really really eat well. Lunch today was rice, kidney beans, green beans and a honey garlic sausage. No idea what I’ll do for supper though. And it is nearly 7pm. My hours and days are all messed up. </p> <p align="justify">In Knitting Olympics/Ravelympics news, I didn’t finish my shawl. I did finish off the center portion as well as the picking up of the 612 stitches around it, and I even was able to get about 8 rows of the horseshoe lace done too. I consider myself a winner because of that, so yaaaaay.</p> <p align="justify">-Cheers folks!</p> theaudiochickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564403995866598937noreply@blogger.com0