...boo...

!! Happy Halloween !!

Watch out for those literate spiders...

Bento 10.30.08

Fall Potluck 10.29.08

...Geek Moment...

Having a phone with a camera can be dangerous when you're having a bored moment at work.
I think I look a lot like my mom and my maternal grandmother.

Whew, I look a little tired this morning too. Probably has something to with getting up around 5:30AM to be at a breakfast we were hosting about our company at ODU's Ted Constant Center.

It turned out lovely and I hope it raised us a lot of monies!! :)

Aida

A board member gave me tickets to Aida for today. I'm excited! It's been a nice relaxing weekend here - what have you been up to? :)

...CousCous...

I like to buy bulk couscous and flavor it myself because it's less expensive and I can have creative control. I've been meaning to post this recipe for Amanda and while I was cleaning the kitchen (okay, fine - so Tiste was cleaning the kitchen and I was cooking lunch) I found it.

CousCous, Plain and Simple

1 Cup Water
1 Tblspn Olive Oil
2 Tblspns Lemon Juice
1 bullion cube (or half a cube)
3/4 Cup CousCous

Bring it all to a boil, stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes.

For flavoring, add 2 Tablespoons of your favorite spices like...
Ms. Dash Table Seasoning
Garlic, Onion, Oregano & Parsley
Madras Curry Powder

Yum!

I am no artist.

I am, however, creative.

There are many times when I thought that things might change for me and I might be able to pick up the pencil and draw or the paint brush and paint... It never worked well for me no matter how much I tried, practiced or prayed. It's surprising considering how bloody talented my parents are...

Here's the funny really - I can really only conceptualize art, I can't get it out of my head. My hands can't recreate the images I see; the line never comes out right and it's always the wrong color. I have the same problem with words. I've heard that this is a form of autism; I'm not really sure and I've never researched it.

I am pretty keen on what I can do when it comes to pottery. And, oh god do I regret never having a studio. I feel very confident with clay and I wish I had more opportunity to actual build or throw pieces.

I've been in my new office since December 2007, there's no art on the walls and it's killing me. I've devised a plan that I hope will help me survive another winter in my chilly office.

Ah-ha! Art Idea
1. Look at different canvas options.
2. Devise how many I will need to have art or multiple art on EACH WALL of my office.
3. Enlist girlfriends that are creative, artistic and love wine.
a. Lisa, Amanda, Catie, Rain - asked
b. Bea, Magen - need to ask
4. Decide on formula... Would I prefer:
a. 16"x16" gallery wrapped canvas X awesome girlfriends = 6 large pieces
b. 4"x4"canvas with a metal baroque handle X awesome girlfriends + ME = 7 smaller pieces which might not cover all the wall space but maybe if everyone does 2 then that WOULD cover it.
5. Enlist Lisa to assist me in picking out colors of acrylic pants, cheap brushes and what-not.
6. Find a date that works for local girl friends for an afternoon or evening art and wine night.
7. Buy a few bottles of wine, have the girls bring some wine - maybe do a potluck too - have supplies available. Then just enjoy, have fun, be sociable and artistic!

*Oh, wait wait!! I'm just now thinking that it might be cool to get my aunts and my mother to do something too! Hmm, actually, I already have a tile from my mom. So, now I just need to touch base with my Aunt Les and Aunt Lee. Wait, what about something from the grandmothers? Too much?

Now, this is an idea. A concept. Something I REALLY want to do... So, I hope it works. I don't even care what the final end result is -- whatever it is, I'm going to hang them up!

...i'll never tell...

..Amanda's Birthday Celebration..

We had a posh dinner for Amanda to celebrate her thir-*cough* birthday. Lots of people were taking pictures but this is all I've got on me at the moment.

Big Mike was rockin' the best metro sexual shirt of all times and Ted was keeping us in a good mood with his antics! Tiste looked awesome but sadly, because he's a poo-poo head, there aren't any pictures in MY posession to verify this...

Lisa and Amanda all look super lovely in their dresses - I think I looked nice too (go me!). Catie and Rain are always super awesome company and Joe kept us snickering as well. All-in-all, a super fabulous event deemed a successful celebration!

For AMW

AMW is in a bowling league... This made me think of her! LOL

http://teecycle.org/

Bentos 10.23.08

I love making bentos but I was done, totally done, with the idea of having a quickie bento again today. So, I got up and pan seared some turkey cutlets and made couscous. Some of the 'snack' stuff is the same but at least the main meal is different.

I decided to under-cook the turkey for Tiste's bento just a little bit since he microwaves his before he eats. Mine is cooked all the way through because I just eat it room temperature. I know mine looks like there's only one little piece of turkey but the rest of it is hiding under the couscous.

The granola crunches are for my yogurt from yesterday's lunch that I didn't eat.

So, anyway, here you go...

Tiste's Bento





















My Bento

Bento 10.22.08

Boring Bento #unknown

Almost the same as before... but it was better than no lunch at all. :(

I didn't even eat the yogurt.

I need new lunch ideas.

...pretty pretty princess...

This is my artistic director being a little silly today.

Random Survey #45,6985

...Ganked from AMW...

1. What time did you get up this morning?
7AM

2. Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Eagle Eye

4. What is your favorite TV show?
Heroes or Naruto

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Cereal & Milk, Coffee

6. What is your middle name?
Louise

7. What food do you dislike?
Sardines, and even they have their uses...

8. What is your favorite CD at moment?
Kerli

9. What kind of car do you drive?
Toyota Camry

10. Favorite sandwich?
One that's made for me. :)

11. What characteristic do you despise?
Dishonesty

12. Favorite item of clothing?
Do flip-flops count??????? (good answer from AMW, didn't have to change it)

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Spain, Italy... Canada

14. Favorite brand of clothing?
Venezia

15. Where would you retire to?
Dunno yet.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday?
30

17. Favorite sport to watch?
In person... baseball or hockey. On TV... basketball or football.

18. Farthermost place you are sending this?
The ENTIRE INTERWEBS! Muuhahaha

19. Person you expect to send it back first?
Dunno

20. When is your birthday?
Sheesh, you are sooo nosy!

21. Are you a morning person or a night person?
With naps... All things are possible.

22. What is your shoe size?
7.5

23. Pets?
Nadine!

24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us?
Not at the moment.

25. What did you want to be when you were little?
President

26. How are you today?
Darn good actually.

27. What is your favorite candy?
Hmm... Lindt truffles (in moderation)

28. What is your favorite flower?
Tulips are close enough

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
MANY

30. What is your full name?
What was that about you being nosy?

31. What are you listening to right now?
The phone ring (not my extension)

32. What was the last thing you ate?
Special K bar

33. Do you wish on stars?
Just sometimes

34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
A shade of green

35. How is the weather right now?
Sunny yet chilly

36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today?
Tiste. That sweet thang calls me every morning at 7:30am to talk to me before work when he leaves the house before I'm up ;p

37. Favorite soft drink?
Diet Dr. Pepper

38. Favorite restaurant?
!! Momo's Sushi !! -- go ahead, ask me why!!

39. Real hair color?
Who says that chocolate cherry mousse ISN'T my real hair color?

40. What was your favorite toy as a child?
A big black barrel... LOL

41. Summer or winter?
Spring and fall

42. Hugs or kisses?
YES

43. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Yes

44. Coffee or tea?
Coffee

45. Do you want your friends to email you back?
Whatever, comment if you care to

46. When was the last time you cried?
Weeks ago

47. What is under your bed?
Don't you mean who?

48. What did you do last night?
Dinner with Tiste and a few friends.

49. What are you afraid of?
Heights

50. Salty or sweet?
Both!

51. How many keys on your key ring?
12... and most of them don't belong to me

52. How many years at your current job?
5 years in January!

53. Favorite day of the week?
Saturday night

54. How many towns have you lived in?
5

55. Do you make friends easily?
I can.

56. How many people will you send this to?
The whole interwebs, I already told you this...

57. How many will respond?
Who cares? I just managed to waste some time before I'm heading out the door.

..destiny..

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
-- Frank Outlaw

Bento 10.20.08

Simple bento again today...
1 Tblspn hummus, 4 chocolate chip cookies, 1 tblspn crasins, 1 tblspn mixed nuts, 1 wedge garlic & herb laughing cow cheese, 2 pieces of pocky, 1 8-ounce diet coke, 2 tortilla roll-ups w/ turkey and a sugar free applesauce.

Yum.

Sunday Recovery

I had an awesome weekend. Friday night with Amanda and Tiste was a lot of fun, then staying up chatting with The Dixie until midnight! Brunch at Amanda's on Saturday, the art show and then the Halloween Party...



WHEW, by the time Sunday came around I was exhausted but very happy and relaxed.

Tiste and I chilled out at the house after The Dixie left then got some lunch at ran to the store for some groceries. We came back to the house for about an hour before heading back out to help the parents breakdown their booth at the art show. (Tiste was *really* cold!)










But, that was totally worth it because then we got to have dinner with them at San Antonio Sam's in Ghent where I got to share a drink with my cousin Robert who just moved here 2 months ago.

SuperDixie Comes to Virginia

The Super Dixie Kitten visited this weekend! We had brunch with the Amanda and Lisa on Saturday morning where The Dixie curled up for a nap shortly after finishing her plate and mimosa. Lisa, Amanda and I were really nice and let her nap. Until, of course, it was time to go to the art show so I pounced on her to wake her up.

After the art show I took The Dixie to Peter's Ten Top in Ghent.







Where it was Dan's Birthday...


We didn't sing to him, but we thought about it!







But, the Dixie did have a enlightening moment! I call this photo...
"Is that you God, It's me - Magen".






We then went home for naps before getting dressed and heading out to a ROCKIN' Halloween Party. (Sorry, no pics from the party! LOL) We got to the party around 8pm and stayed until at least 2am. I'm sorry The Dixie had to get on the road so soon after we got up Sunday (approx. 11:30am) but she made it home safe so she can come visits us again!!!

Whynot Pottery @ Stockley Gardens

Me, Dad and Mom keeping warm at the art show...

Bentos 10.18.08

I made bentos for my parents today! Go me; I'm awesome.
Magen helped by making decorative apples!

Whynot #1

My parents are Whynot Pottery. They're talented and amazing people. I would be friends with my parents... even if they weren't my parents.

Come visit them this weekend at the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival; wear your walkin' shoes and bring your checkbook!


Meredith Heywood
aka Ma, Mom, Ma Kettle



















Mark Heywood
aka Pop, Dad, Hey would you bring me a beer?











They're mine and I loves them!!

Bento 10.16.08

Simple bento lunch and snacks today. Ann might recognize the lunchbox she gave me about... four years ago? It was perfect to carry today's lunch! In the container in the upper right are my spoon and fork, which also happen to belong to my god-daughter Jordan... (from when she was 2 y/o. Her mom and dad left them at my house when they came to visit with her 8 years ago).















Snacks:
Sugar Free Jell-O Carmel Pudding, Mott's No Sugar Added Blueberry Applesauce and Yoplait Light Boston Creme Pie.
















Main Bento:
2 6-inch tortilla Rolls Ups w/ Butterball Turkey Lunchmeats and no condiments, 2 Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies, 2 Tablespoons Hummus, 1 Laughing Cow Light Garlic & Onion wedge, 1 Tblspn Mixed Nuts and 1 Tblspn dried craisins.

The applesauce and the pudding will be eaten around 3pm/4pm respectively since dinner won't be until 7:30pm tonight.

Here, Hold my bento...

So, this all started in 2007 when I said to my friend Corax -- I'd like to make a bento lunch. He was like, huh? And then I was like, yeah! And he said, whatever. Then Amanda said, KEEN! Amanda then became my lunch-partner-in-crime... and thus we were dubbed the 'Bento Babes' by our boss.

Well, fast forward a year and I'm still preaching the "cool" factor to some friends. Magen has recently ordered some from an inexpensive online store and I *sniff* gave away two bentos to my friend Megan. By the way, you read that correct. One is MAGen and the other is MEGan and, yes, I pronounce them differently. Megan sent me these pics last night of her lunch box she was so excited.

Anyway, so I'm celebrating a year of bentos at the end of this month... more numerous than I care to even count... 2 a day for Tiste and I... not quite but almost every work day for a year. It's change my perception on buying lunches and keeping lunch fun.

I'm thinking I need a new bag to carry my bento lunches in (hence the name of the blog) so if you have any thougts - POST 'EM!

Oh, and I think I'm going to try to remember to take pictures of the lunches again.

PS. More info about the Art of Japanese Lunchboxe: An Introduction to Bento

Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
7 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons half-and-half
1 large egg

1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

2) Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Using a pastry knife, fork, or food processor, cut butter into the dry ingredients until mixture is crumbly and no chunks of butter are obvious. Set aside.

3) In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, half and half, and egg. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Form the dough into a ball.

4) Pat out dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a 1-inch thick rectangle (about 9 inches long and 3 inches wide). Use a large knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough twice through the width, making three equal portions. Cut those three slices diagonally so that you have 6 triangular slices of dough. Place on prepared baking sheet.

5) Bake for 14–16 minutes. Scones should begin to turn light brown. Place on wire rack to cool.

PLEASE NOTE:
I refuse to post the icing recipes for these scones 'cause I don't think they are necessary. Besides, adding the icing ups these puppies to over 500 calories each.

...Cultural Enrichment...

SCHEDULED!

70 Programs at 35 Schools with 70 Contacts and 3 Artists.
And, that's only one School System Contract...
1 down, several more to go!

I just wish my desk was as clean as the one in the picture above!

Les Triplettes de Belleville

I won't say that I loved this movie. I won't say that I hated this movie.
I will say that the music was awesome. It popped into my head today and I had to share!
Thanks for being here for my moment. LOL



For those of you that haven't seen or heard about this movie...

Madame Souza raises her grandson Champion and tries to make him happier with a baby dog, Bruno. However, the boy remains sad, and the grandmother gives a tricycle for him. The boy gets excited with the gift, and trained by Madame Souza along the years, he finally competes the Tour de France. When Champion is kidnapped by two MIBs from the French mafia, Madame Souza and Bruno travel to Belleville to rescue him, with the support of the elder singers, the Belleville Sisters. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

SAMPLE:

Gettin' Mah Har Did!

Saturday I stopped into a Regis to get my haircut before Lisa came over to help me colour it. The stylist was top notch and gave me a great cut! Hey, and she was super nice to boot. Can't beat that!

After Cut but before the color...















And, Lisa did a bang up job on my colour! *squeeeee*

Here's the color this morning. It's still a little dark in my office to make it out. It's called Cherry Chocolate Mousse :)

...*sigh*...

http://nataliedee.com/

Hard At Work

Happy Friday!

I'm excited it's Friday... the parents will be here next weekend for the Stockley Garden Art Festival and Magen is coming into town to visit too! Next weekend is going to be fun...

Friday
The Capital Steps at the Ferguson Center for the Arts with my co-workers.

Saturday
Lisa, Magen, Amanda and I (maybe a Tiste too) are all having brunch on Saturday before we head over to the art show. Then Magen and I are fulling taking a nap before we head off to a Halloween Party at a friends where we get to chill w/ Lisa, Tiste and some of our swanky friends!

Sunday
Shopping for a bento for Magen and brunch before sending her on her way. Then relaxin'... maybe a nap and, I hope, seeing the parents later that evening.

Yankee Cook, Southern Kitchen

Country Captain a Lowcountry Chicken Curry Dish

'Manda for Prez

Vote for Amanda!

Haircut and Colour

You have to spell colour with a 'u' when you wanna be swanky.
Lisa's going to help me with the colour part but I'm thinking the cut I'll get done somewhere ;p

What do you guys think about this one... ??

Geek, I am.

I scored a 26 out of 30 on a Marvel Comic book character quiz and 100% on a Super Hero Logo quiz. I'll admit it. I'm a geek. I hide it well though!

Speaking of geeks... Tiste and I have been hosting a RPG Night for a game called... Mutants and Masterminds! (muuhahahah)

Lisa, Corax, Drew and I make up a motley crew of superheros while Tiste throws down the gauntlet week after week with an unending deluge of super villains. We usually play for 3 hours on Wednesday nights and it's way funnier than watching TV.

"William" the Tank (Drew - the bald guy) and "Bloodhound" (Corax) are pictured here.















And, on of my favorite ladies, Lisa as "Puff"! Yes, she turns into a dragon!
















Here's Tiste and Drew after the big bad did some bad ass damage!




Tiste looks more than a little pleased with himself and Drew... well, let's face it - "William" almost died last night! ;p

Tamari-Roasted Chickpeas

This was totally ganked from another blog.

Tamari-Roasted Chickpeas
MAKES 4–6 SERVINGS (ABOUT 1¾ CUPS) WHEAT-FREE

1 can (14-oz/398-ml) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained (about 1 3/4 cups)
1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil (see note)
2 – 2 1/2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 – 2 1/2 tsp tamari
1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp fresh thyme
or oregano) (optional, can omit if making for children)
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/8 - 1/4 tsp agave nectar

Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On the baking sheet, add all ingredients and toss to combine. (If using coconut oil, warm it first to melt it, or stir it through after first few minutes of baking.) Bake for about 25 minutes, tossing chickpeas once or twice during baking, until tamari and lemon juice are absorbed. Serve warm for appetizers or at room temperature for snacks.

Notes:

1) To lower fat content in this recipe, use 1–2 tsp oil.

2) These chickpeas make a sensational topper for salads, pasta dishes, soups, and stir-fries. Also, leftovers can be lightly mashed with condiments for a sandwich spread, or whizzed in a mini-food processor with a touch of oil, lemon juice, and tahini for a chunkier hummus!

The Professional

Amanda was looking all professional yesterday so I just HAD to take a picture. I should have changed the brightness setting but... well, here she is in her hawtness anyway! :)

Me, again

This is a picture of me sometime last year; I had to get it off of the old phone along with some others.

Random, Cause I can be...

My new phone takes a really good quality picture! This is me at the office yesterday... Not the best angle but it works. ;p

And...

Here's one of Tiste from Sunday when we had brunch in Ghent. He never really likes having his picture taken! LOL