Not Your Average Doormats!

My apartment building basically looks like a hotel. You ride up an escalator, walk through mazes of hallways, and you're lucky if you find the right door. A few days ago someone actually stuck their key in our door thinking it was theirs (I don't blame them... we once went to the wrong floor and did the same thing!)

All this to say, the only way to truly know you've come to the right apartment, is to have a really cool doormat. That way, you can tell people "I'm the apartment with the french bulldog doormat" and they would know exactly which door was yours.

I stumbled upon this great little Etsy shop called Damn Good Doormats, which I guess means they are pretty good. I found some great puppy doormats featuring both frenchies and bostons (our family has owned both!) and for the cat-lovers (of which I am proud to be) there is a cute stretched out lazy kitty to greet you as you come home. If pets aren't your thing, how about a funny hoot owl or a simple post-it note telling thieves where to find your house key? And for the ulta-modern, a simple colored mat with the phrase doormat shall suffice.

Find their offerings online at http://www.etsy.com/shop/damngooddoormats. All these images are from their site.

Love This Carpet Kit!

You Might Remember my post titled "FLORing," which introduced you to my obsession with the Flor brand of carpet tiles. I got a new catalog recently and loved this carpet pictured above, which is the Flora rug kit in Leaf ($159). I thought it would be great for a bright nursery, kids room, or even a modern living area. I love the Folk Art inspiration, and the way it includes a serpent and apple to portray a Biblical reference. Plus, I always love bird motifs.

I might have to change up my nursery room idea to incorporate this carpeting for "someday" (see the "thinking ahead here" post where I planned out what items I wanted for our future baby room! We'll just have to wait and see ;)

Image from Flor.com

Fun With Popcorn!

When I was younger, I briefly lived in a small town in Napa called St. Helena. During the Indian Summer, all the families in the neighborhood would take a stroll around the block after dinner time. It was a very tight-knight community where people trusted one another and times were simple. There was an older couple that lived at the end of the street. At Halloween, I would look forward to visiting their house because they handed out homemade popcorn balls.

Yesterday I was recollecting the memories of these times. I was also thinking about how these days parents cannot trust homemade treats from just any neighbors. It was with fondness that made me cherish the popcorn ball memories all the more. So, I pulled up the trusty internet and found a recipe to make popcorn balls for the first time. I wanted to celebrate fall, observe memories, and honor simple times.

These are very easy to make and I always have popcorn kernels in the house as a low-fat snacking alternative. For instructions on a basic recipe, check out: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Marshmallow-Popcorn-Balls/Detail.aspx. Search online for other great recipes and variations! Be creative with your popcorn balls... you can add vanilla, caramel, candy, honey, cinnamon, etc.

Here are some great recipes to do with kids...

"Dirty" Popcorn Balls

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/recipedetail.cfm?objectid=B2FA41ED-B35E-EB08-C3F807F7096FCA14

Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Balls

http://candy.about.com/od/halloweencandyrecipes/r/jackolanterns.htm

Silly Poppers

http://www.bakedecoratecelebrate.com/projects/sillypoppers.cfm

Please leave me a comment if you try any of these recipes or get inspired to create your own popcorn ball recipes!!!

Photos: Popcorn Balls with Pumpkin © Cute and Cozy for Two, Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Balls © Elizabeth LaBau, licensed to About.com, Inc., Silly Poppers © Wilton Industries, Inc., Dirty Popcorn Balls © Williams-Sonoma (Adapted from Kids Parties, by Lisa Atwood (Oxmoor House, 2008).

Happy Birthday to Cooked Shmooked Blog!!! Check Out This Giveaway...

As you all know, I just had my first giveaway on my blog! The lucky winner happened to be Heidi Jo of Crooked Shmooked. Well, she is celebrating 1 year of doing her blog. In honor of this accomplishment, she is hosting a giveaway of great items from some amazing Etsy artists in one big prize package!

Please follow the link to her blog and enter to win this amazing giveaway. You should also follow her blog, because Heidi features lots of cool and whimsical stuff that you're sure to love.

For more info, check out: http://crookedshmooked.blogspot.com/2009/09/happy-blogiversary-giveaway-to-you.html

In the Mood for Fall...

I flung off my flip flops the other days and dug out my boots. I'm ready for the heat wave to be over here in Northern California so we can enjoy Fall. The San Francisco fog cooled off the bay area last night and hinted at what is to come. Fall makes Sonoma County so beautiful, it really is my favorite time of year!

In honor of my mood... I've selected a grouping of Fall inspired pieces from Etsy to inspire you. Harvest and the Holidays await, and I am anticipating pulling out my seasonal decor from storage soon. I'm not one of those women who have kitschy Halloween stuff, but I do believe a few tasteful candle holders and other pieces can usher in the transition from Summer to Fall.

Let me know what you like to do during this time of year. Also, if you have found any great seasonal items on Etsy or in catalogs/stores... do tell!!!!

Vintage FALL Signage Letters by oldcrowfarm ($32)

Wire Junkin Pumpkin No. 3 by oldcrowfarm ($26)

Four Seasons Branches Hand Engraved Drinking Glasses by daydreemdesigns ($68)

Candy Corn Loofah Soap by sunbasilgarden ($5.50)

Harvest Time, ACEO Print by Shelleyroze ($4)

Crow Kitchen Towel-Black by ooladesigns ($9)

And the Winner Is...

Thanks to Everyone Who Participated in My First Giveaway! An extra special thanks to allmodern.com, who offered to be my first giveaway sponsor.

Drumroll, please! The winner of the All Modern decorative pillow giveaway is...

Heidi Jo of Crooked Shmooked bloggining fame!!! I really appreciate the extra publicity that Heidi gave this giveaway and she got extra entries for blogging and tweeting about this contest. Heidi mentioned that her favorite pillows might be the Inhabit Balance Studio Pillow, due to it's simplicity, or the Inhabit Medera Throw Pillow in White because she loved the design on it.

So, Heidi, once you have a chance to pick out a decorative pillow up to $50 in value, please email me at cuteandcozyfortwo (at) gmail . com with the following info:

• Email
• Phone (To Ensure Delivery)
• Shipping Address
• Choice of Decorative Pillow (Up to $50 Value)

Thanks again to everyone who participated! If you represent a business or Etsy storefront, please contact me if you would like to do a giveaway on this blog.

How to Decorate with Accent Pillows

I've noticed, dear readers, that you are being a little gun shy about entering my decorative pillow giveaway. Is it because you are not a fan of accent pillows, or maybe you are not sure how to go about selecting them?

In any case, do not fear! Here are some valuable links that helped me understand how to use decorative pillows in a space. Once you have a chance to understand these tips better, don't forget to pick out your favorite decorative pillow from AllModern.com for your chance to win! Odds are good at this point!!!

• Apartment Therapy Explains How to Pick Out Throw Pillows
• Real Simple's Take on Decorating with Throw Pillows

(Pictured above: Thomas Paul Chrysanthemums Pillows in Brown, Grey, & Green from allmodern.com)

All Modern Giveaway!

AllModernPillows by cuteandcozyfortwo on Polyvore.com

All Modern has graciously offered to be my first giveaway sponsor on this blog. All Modern has a fantastic selection of modern furniture and home accessories from many leading designers. Part of CSN Stores, All Modern is just one of over 200 retail sites that offer a diverse array of products from office furniture by Herman Miller to wall sconces by Murray Feiss. For more information about All Modern, visit their website at www.allmodern.com.

I chose to focus this giveaway on decorative pillows, because it's a great home decor accessory that can make or break a room. AllModern.com will be offering one reader one decorative pillow valued up to $50. Choose from some of my favorite home decor designers including DwellStudio, Inhabit, Blissliving Home, and many more!

Here's what you need to do to win:

• You must first enter the contest by telling me about your favorite decorative pillow on the AllModern.com website and why it appeals to you. You can write about any pillow that you want, but you are only eligible to win one decorative pillow valued up to $50. Make sure to include a link to the pillow you are writing about.
  
• You can also tweet about this giveaway to your followers on Twitter and tell me about it in a comment below (1 extra entry)
• You can also write a blog entry and tell me about it in a comment below, including the link to your blog (1 extra entry)

Therefore, each person can be eligible for up to 3 entries! Please note that my family members are not eligible to participate in this giveaway. This contest is open to residents of the US and Canada. The deadline for entries is Friday, August 21st at 12:00 noon, and I will post a winner by Monday, August 24th.

Pillows Featured Above:

1. notNeutral Green Apples Pillow ($45)
2. DwellStudio - Blossom Elephant Stuffed Animal Pillow ($32)
3. Unison - Juniper Square Pillow in Aqua ($36)
4. Fauna - Terrier Pico Pillow ($24)
5. DwellStudio - Robin Motif Boudoir Pillow ($34)
6. Unison - Larch Organic Small Rectangle Pillow in Charcoal ($40)
7. DwellStudio - Chocolate Dots Boudoir Pillow ($34)
8. DwellStudio - Transportation Boudoir Pillow ($34)
9. Blissliving Home - Shadow Purple Pillow ($50)
10. Blissliving Home - Callum Pink 18x18 Pillow ($50)
11. Thomas Paul - Nest Pillow in Green ($38)
12. Sitcom Furniture - Keiko Nature Cattail Pillow in Brown ($49.99)

Man-Caves: Where Men Go to Do Whatever Men Do...

Rainn Wilson's Office "Man Cave"

Snoop Dogg's Detached Shed "Man Cave"

Man Caves are as diverse as the men whom inhabit them. Take for example, the caves of Rain Wilson and Snoop Dogg pictured above. One is bright and cheery while the other is a dark and cool cave. These were created by DIY Network's Jason Cameron and Tony Siragusa for the show Man Caves. For more information, visit www.diynetwork.com.

(Photos from www.diynetwork.com)

Encouragement, Baking, & a Handy-Man

I wanted to let my readers know that I am healing from surgery nicely. I am thankful for such wonderful friends & family stopping by to keep my company during my recovery this week!!!

I'm enjoying a beautiful orchid from my mom, which is my favorite plant.

Thanks also to CrynFiction for today's tasty homemade Toasted Oat Cookies! They came in a bag decorated by one of my favorite Sunday School students.

I'm also enjoying my new shower-head that my hubby-turned-handyman installed for me so that he could wash my hair while my shoulder is bandaged up for the month. He got me one of those hand-held massager shower-heads with multiple settings and a pause switch... it's awesome! It's an upgrade every renter should invest in, because it can be switched out so easily when you move. If you decide to do it, make sure you have all the right plumbing tape, wrenches etc.

I am so blessed to have such caring people in my life! So now, I'm going to sign off, and go enjoy the fruit of their labor... ;)

It's Smelling Good In My Kitchen!

So, here are the things my tummy was craving for after tomorrow's surgery! I'm trying to make it easy on my hubby by having lots of foods already prepared (even though he is an ex-catering chef, he works full-time and needs some R&R himself).

• Lamb & Lentil Stew - One of my favorite "healthy" meals, because lentils are packed with good slow-burning carbs that keep you feeling full for hours and help you stay slim. Which is good, because after surgery, I tend to put on a little weight. For this recipe, I like to sauté the onions and the meat before adding it to the crock-pot for flavor!

• Corned Beef - This was my first attempt ever at making corned beef, which has been going all night in the crock pot. It's smelling yummy in here! I just added the cabbage this morning to finish it up.

• Spanish Rice - I'm not giving you the secret family recipe, sorry. Let's just say it's been in high demand around these parts! There's a company called TortillaLand that makes uncooked tortillas (I got them at Costco for under $8 a pack), so you can cook them fresh the first time yourself. They are the best treat ever. So in combo with my spanish rice, some beans, and some shredded cheese, and whatever else we have on hand... it sounds mighty good to me.

• The Best Pasta Salad - When I was at the Farmer's Market this weekend, I spotted some yummy looking lemon cucumbers, so at the last minute I decided that I must also make a twist on Jamie Oliver's Best Pasta Salad (which it really is!)

I've basically represented many cultures while cooking this weekend. It will payoff after surgery when I'm not sure what kind of food I will be craving. If none of this sounds appetizing, I've always got Saltines and ginger ale in the cupboards!

(Image from www.foodsubs.com/Squcuke.html)

Getting Ready for Surgery! 6 Days Left...

So, I'm getting ready for surgery next week. I'm thinking of all the creature comforts one must have when you go under the knife.

• Favorite sweats/PJs? check. The ones above are my favorite cropped version from Gap Body ($24.50)
• Renewing our Netflix subscription and filling up the que? check.
• Getting the apartment deep-cleaning completed? nope. (waiting for that until the last minute, ahhh procrastination)
• Washing as much laundry as humanly possible! check.
• Last but not least... researching meals that can be frozen and easily reheated with one arm in a sling. I stumbled upon a recipe term called "OAMC" (short for Once a Month Cooking) that also works well for people who are having surgery or having a baby. I figure on Saturday I will plan to go shopping and prepare a few things that will work well in the freezer for the course of the month.

Although I have had a lot of surgeries recently, I could use all the help and suggestions I can get. Please leave comments below if you have tips or tricks that have worked well in the past! And, if this is my last post until the surgery, I hope to be back to you again soon :)

A New Favorite Appliance & Recipe

My hubby and I celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary this week. I can't believe it's been so long already! We couldn't afford to go out on the town, so I decided to pull out my new favorite cooking appliance to make one of my current "splurge" recipes. Well, it's not exactly a splurge to the average person... but since we're currently on a tight budget it was a treat compared to the lentils and beans we've been living on.

I made this Classic Roast from Cooking Light in our crock pot. Remember in this old blog post, when I claimed that the KitchenAid was my favorite appliance? I think it now has some competition. I love the fact that I can throw food in a crock pot and 8 hours later a meal is ready to eat! That's such an amazing concept to me. It's even safe enough to leave on if I go out for a while. I was able to prepare our anniversary dinner while taking care of everything else I had to do for the day! How awesome is that?

Here's the recipe in case you want to try it. You can also adapt it to the Crock Pot like I did...

Classic Beef Pot Roast

Cuts of beef that perform well for pot roasting go by many different names: Blade roast, cross-rib roast (or shoulder clod), seven-bone pot roast, arm pot roast, and boneless chuck roast are all acceptable cuts for this traditional recipe.

Yield
10 servings (serving size: 3 ounces roast, about 3/4 cup vegetables, and about 3 tablespoons cooking liquid)

Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 (3-pound) boneless chuck roast, trimmed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups coarsely chopped onion
1 cup dry red wine
4 thyme sprigs
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium beef broth
1 bay leaf
4 large carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350º.

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chuck roast with salt and pepper. Add roast to pan; cook 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove roast from pan. Add onion to pan; sauté 8 minutes or until tender.

Return browned roast to pan. Add the red wine, thyme sprigs, chopped garlic, beef broth, and bay leaf to pan; bring to a simmer. Cover pan and bake at 350° for 1 1/2 hours or until the roast is almost tender.

Add carrots and potatoes to pan. Cover and bake an additional 1 hour or until vegetables are tender. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf from pan; discard. Shred meat with 2 forks. Serve roast with vegetable mixture and cooking liquid. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Jeanne Thiel Kelley, Cooking Light, OCTOBER 2006

Studio Easel for Sale - $350 or Best Offer

Hey Readers,

If you live locally and are interested in painting, check out this craiglist ad for an easel. It's a really nice once, better than you can find in any local art stores anymore! Contact me for more info if you are interested in seeing it...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/art/1253116322.html

Thanks,

Jess

My All-Time Favorite Coffee Table Books

You probably already know that I frequent Japantown. You can read about some of my favorite finds in this old blog post. On one of my first trip to the Kinokuniya Bookstore, I found this great book called "Reset" that I fell in love with by an artist named Kunie Kanbara.It's filled with graphic images of geishas, trapeze artists, fashionistas, indie kids, toddlers, and whatever else inspires her. The images are bright and cheery. It was published back in 2004 and I was so happy that I scored on this amazing book.

Recently, I discovered that this artist published a second book called "Echo," published in 2008. Kinokuniya imports it and sells it for $38.75 (a much better deal than on Amazon.com)

You know how when a band has 10 years to collect songs and put out their freshman album, and then their sophomore album is put out not too long after? Technically it's still as good, but the material just isn't as "deep"? That's how I would compare the first and second books. I still highly recommend that you check them both out to cover your naked coffee tables!!! They are sure to give your guests some eye candy while you are prepping hors d'oeuvres.