tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10668576650610832602024-02-20T11:53:12.461-08:00Westfall VintageAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426749900941185328noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-29740377356719386132013-04-26T07:00:00.002-07:002013-04-26T07:00:56.448-07:00Hair Today, Gone TomorrowI just realized I haven't posted in almost a month. The weather in Chicago has been dreary. It's been cold, grey and even snowed last week. It has me wondering where spring is and if I'll ever get to put my tights away for the season.<br />
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Part of my spring fever every year is a desire to do something drastic to my hair. Usually I think about it and then dye it a different color. This year I decide I wanted long, blonde locks. I didn't trust myself to do it, so I went to a professional who has been doing some of my friends' hair for a really long time. And, she fried it, like coming out of my scalp in clumps fried it. So, it looks like I'll be rocking a pixie cut for a while.<br />
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Here are a few before and after pictures<br />
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<b>Before</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKxBkqVPcQ3gQa6J3a_qoo4yyf8z6xSvnuIxaUSiLiGLA8aC2wWuduAJbJgZnrHfpBswJ-BYp7pkekwqRHXuGl_3pRi2RPOpeh-MH5TtovQV7UwISan5XYsJJjAEST6jU60sc7LywlY4/s1600/before2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKxBkqVPcQ3gQa6J3a_qoo4yyf8z6xSvnuIxaUSiLiGLA8aC2wWuduAJbJgZnrHfpBswJ-BYp7pkekwqRHXuGl_3pRi2RPOpeh-MH5TtovQV7UwISan5XYsJJjAEST6jU60sc7LywlY4/s640/before2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IJ527iQa2f2Y3TgE1ThFGTWX6OC6K-MLiTAYWvIuUZmNakTB0nJdasgjhEj2gbb7kMg91wcwnexbRRBQD2D06WG06D0q2xCc1ouMSerd-VW5DoHOAwaNpp_fKda_iXAOJEHMBxuoNEo/s1600/before1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IJ527iQa2f2Y3TgE1ThFGTWX6OC6K-MLiTAYWvIuUZmNakTB0nJdasgjhEj2gbb7kMg91wcwnexbRRBQD2D06WG06D0q2xCc1ouMSerd-VW5DoHOAwaNpp_fKda_iXAOJEHMBxuoNEo/s640/before1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Dress: Thrifted. Bracelets: Express (I think)<br />
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<b>After</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBncQL2RD6yOnZQkOzpSj5aA2glbz2ln-9hZmiER7SG6XTi0MYcioB6TO_3eBmSLSEZaOi_VaiZ9DcC-z8J6nnkOgHBiAWw8KTkKxQ6HXUMLjRp-TlwFp_naaPpOeBdvqMEwNituqZiCI/s1600/After1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBncQL2RD6yOnZQkOzpSj5aA2glbz2ln-9hZmiER7SG6XTi0MYcioB6TO_3eBmSLSEZaOi_VaiZ9DcC-z8J6nnkOgHBiAWw8KTkKxQ6HXUMLjRp-TlwFp_naaPpOeBdvqMEwNituqZiCI/s640/After1.jpg" width="430" /></a><br />
Dress (worn with another thrifted skirt under it) & Belt - Thrifted<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqwK0hwSnlzMbfXxrYNchd-sO89_jqqK5JYKXSonyeWwPbHb0HbJN8_OcItdNuLFQs6iFHz0QM-KZ18IS4uprt3HsqAqNjzz3pL71LgYIFvtzCvTIGUhPgfRiOcVZppVjEdxgamn87sc/s1600/after2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqwK0hwSnlzMbfXxrYNchd-sO89_jqqK5JYKXSonyeWwPbHb0HbJN8_OcItdNuLFQs6iFHz0QM-KZ18IS4uprt3HsqAqNjzz3pL71LgYIFvtzCvTIGUhPgfRiOcVZppVjEdxgamn87sc/s640/after2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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If you have any styling tips, I'd love to hear them.<br />
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- ShellyShelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-22979486569716766712013-04-03T10:16:00.001-07:002013-04-03T10:31:03.953-07:00Shelly's Wish List: I have the Fashion Tastes of a 16-year-old!Confession time: I love trashy TV. One of the shows I've been loving lately is The Carrie Diaries. No, it's not as good as Sex in the City. Yes, there are lots of inconsistencies with the original show. Still, I love how Carrie dresses. This week she had a few outfits I really loved:<br />
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This skirt is so cute. I would totally style it similarly, minus the blazer:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLfjU96-SEmSU4GJOmc9y-p9l0-gYFLwxJuXLOV4X1b77HMISl67D0ZH_q4jMgnB82xrRi2wMntb7PBngy7C7ZlvL4ytDuxKcguO-2cTN8t56ZCEnnJESsNBSiHMtkhnVv7foEOdQHsw/s1600/carrierainbowstripedskirt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLfjU96-SEmSU4GJOmc9y-p9l0-gYFLwxJuXLOV4X1b77HMISl67D0ZH_q4jMgnB82xrRi2wMntb7PBngy7C7ZlvL4ytDuxKcguO-2cTN8t56ZCEnnJESsNBSiHMtkhnVv7foEOdQHsw/s640/carrierainbowstripedskirt.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also loved this, the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=43745&userID=738396&productID=505302656" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" target="_blank">Up in the Tee Tops from ModCloth</a><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">:</span></span><br />
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You can watch the full episode <a href="http://www.cwtv.com/cw-video/the-carrie-diaries/a-first-time-for-everything/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Do you watch The Carrie Diaries? What's your favorite outfit from it?<br />
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-Shelly<br />
<br />Shelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-88116308354471290462013-03-12T05:43:00.004-07:002013-03-12T05:43:37.059-07:00VACATION!!Sorry I haven't been posting much lately. I've been super busy getting everything ready for vacation. I'm leaving today for SXSW. Hopefully, I come back with great stories, new music and a few vintage treasures. Pari and I are also making a stop in Little Rock to visit the Bill Clinton Presidential Museum. If he's there and I don't come back, don't judge.<br />
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Have fun for the next week!<br />
- ShellyShelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-46390122886205651312013-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:002013-03-06T06:00:00.336-08:00Shelly's Wish List: Ice Cream DreamsLast weekend a friend surprised me with a peanut butter cookie dough milk shake from the Chicago Diner. If you haven't had one. Get. There. Now. Seriously, you will thank me. I think the only thing I love more than junk food is junk food prints on clothes. Here are a few things I'd like to add to my closet:<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/i-m-all-cheers-dress-in-sundae-best" target="_blank">Bernie Dexter Dress from ModCloth:</a></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/i-m-all-cheers-dress-in-sundae-best" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://productshots0.modcloth.com/productshots/0123/5062/b8e7dd49a710f455f8908cddcc710df8.jpg?1355844498" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/pullovers-sweaters/sundae-dressed-sweater" target="_blank">Sugarhill Boutique Sweater</a></b>
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<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/pullovers-sweaters/sundae-dressed-sweater" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://productshots0.modcloth.com/productshots/0123/3828/47b680334eea18bf9354bc3f27084364.jpg?1355437842" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76877378/ice-cream-headband-turquoise-with-red?ref=sr_gallery_33&ga_search_query=ice+cream&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade" target="_blank">Janine Basil Headband</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76877378/ice-cream-headband-turquoise-with-red?ref=sr_gallery_33&ga_search_query=ice+cream&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/004/0/5723179/il_570xN.354068147_qai1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you like novelty prints? What's your favorite?</div>
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- Shelly</div>
Shelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-41955039855170626002013-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:002013-03-04T06:00:05.270-08:00Po' Boy, Oh Boy!I think I've mentioned this before, but my dad grew up in New Orleans. One of my strongest memories of my grandparents is going to the gas station (seriously), getting po' boy sandwiches and spending the day at the beach. There is a wonderful thing happening in Chicago right now. It seems like vegan po' boys are taking over. This couldn't make me happier. Here are my thoughts on the ones I've had recently:<br />
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<b><a href="http://groundcontrolchicago.com/" target="_blank">Portabella Mushroom Po' Boy @ Ground Control:</a></b><br />
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Like everything else at this newly opened spot, the po boy is out of this world. It has a great vegan sauce and the mushrooms are fried to perfection. It comes with your choice of sides. I've had collard greens both times I've ordered this.<br />
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GRADE: Solid A<br />
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<b><a href="http://scofflawchicago.com/" target="_blank">Eggplant Po' Boy @ Scofflaw</a></b><br />
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I don't know what to say. Maybe it was the two gin cocktails I had before eating this, but it was seriously one of the best things I've ever had. It had the advantage of house made vegan remoulade and pickled onions. OK, maybe it was the pickled onions and the gin that made me fall in love. It didn't come with a side, but I shared some brussel sprouts with my sister that were also to die for.<br />
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GRADE: A+<br />
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<a href="http://www.veggiediner.com/wp/wp-images/11-2010/ChicagoDiner-PoBoy-500x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://www.veggiediner.com/wp/wp-images/11-2010/ChicagoDiner-PoBoy-500x350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.veggiediner.com/" target="_blank">Tofu Po' Boy @ Chicago Diner</a></b><br />
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I think this was a special and am not sure if it's still available. It was good, but it came on a hamburger bun and the tofu tasted like veggie chicken nuggets. It came with your choice of sides. I think I had soup. It was good, but I think I'll stick to the Dagwood at The Chicago Diner.<br />
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GRADE: B<br />
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Have you seen a veggie po' boy on the menu anywhere? If so, let me know. It's my mission to eat all the po' boys in the world.<br />
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- ShellyShelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-22852476726698284922013-03-02T11:45:00.000-08:002013-03-02T11:49:11.603-08:00200 Cookies<br />
My friends <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/River-Rising/190623537639734?fref=ts" target="_blank">River Rising</a><span id="goog_327494777"></span><span id="goog_327494778"></span> are playing at <a href="http://www.quenchers.com/" target="_blank">Quenchers Saloon</a> tonight. For the show, the bands that are playing wanted a Texas theme, since the show is meant to be a SXSW send-off show for the headlining band. I was asked to help make the show more "Austin-y" and since it falls, coincidentally, on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Independence_Day" target="_blank">Texas Independence Day</a>, I couldn't say no. One of the things I was asked to do for the show was to make cookies. 100 Pecan Sandies (pecans are the state nut) and 100 Texas shaped sugar cookies. For the sugar cookies, I purchased these cookie cutters on Amazon. They are too adorable for words! <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027CTZN2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0027CTZN2&linkCode=as2&tag=westfvinta-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0027CTZN2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=westfvinta-20" width="200" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=westfvinta-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0027CTZN2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Because this week was super busy at work, I only had about 24 hours to make all 200 cookies. (Good one, Pari!) Much of the battle was won before a single cookie was baked. I figured it was all about planning ahead. I mean, how long could baking ~17 dozen cookies take? <br />
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I started by narrowing down my cookie recipes. Baking on such a large scale, I decided simple, tried and true recipes were the way to go. For the Pecan Sandies, I went with <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/342386/pecan-sandies" target="_blank">this</a> Martha Stewart recipe, and for the sugar cookies I used a recipe that my friend gave me. For the Sandies, I substituted Earth Balance for butter to make them vegan. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtyMqG5atqH-FO_Uogd2b6pP3Haf64qUs2WA2CgzGYhsYviTePM29ZAbHA91RYAa2JlL0NvaBVDX_2hMUxIO-NyMmEKwgRaH9D075oBKXTB6Y-gyAlnhdg0ipBbjdI0CKkosd6mMVvvw/s1600/IMG_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtyMqG5atqH-FO_Uogd2b6pP3Haf64qUs2WA2CgzGYhsYviTePM29ZAbHA91RYAa2JlL0NvaBVDX_2hMUxIO-NyMmEKwgRaH9D075oBKXTB6Y-gyAlnhdg0ipBbjdI0CKkosd6mMVvvw/s320/IMG_0869.JPG" width="320" /></a>Once I had my recipes it was time to calculate how much of each ingredient I would need to make 4x the recipe. From there it was off to the trusty Trader Joe's! What a great place to shop on the cheap! <br />
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My strategy was this: Since the Sandies could be baked after the dough was mixed, I decided to make the Sugar Cookie dough first, which had to be refrigerated before rolling. I've been told that you should never more than double a recipe. If you need more than twice the dough, make it in several batches. That's what I did. I estimated I would need 4x the dough, so I did two batches of double. Each batch was wrapped in Saran wrap and put in the fridge to chill. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i0298GXRCIWJxsqv8x7ZT4fTORUR1Fxw-3kkcOy6byUu5KoSf2pEQDU5_YhpakV8-3hyphenhyphen4M9eZvxJwd_gzwGZe_5a6mvRiMzYxvmAkOKe7d2qwtAsSG3EpLk1mAnMrnxbPfUNMxkT2S4/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i0298GXRCIWJxsqv8x7ZT4fTORUR1Fxw-3kkcOy6byUu5KoSf2pEQDU5_YhpakV8-3hyphenhyphen4M9eZvxJwd_gzwGZe_5a6mvRiMzYxvmAkOKe7d2qwtAsSG3EpLk1mAnMrnxbPfUNMxkT2S4/s320/IMG_0871.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHqXyf0r6Cy9MhjJu8AoEbAYJ1XzLhFDxnccAxWU_KXnz-X0OZkX_OuTyvt113mswbgu75XtJvMbuUeKfI1sg5Ne4tk5sejaXiJyupTWZXIfykquHABba79ywQdocFpFn_9de5luMlPQ/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHqXyf0r6Cy9MhjJu8AoEbAYJ1XzLhFDxnccAxWU_KXnz-X0OZkX_OuTyvt113mswbgu75XtJvMbuUeKfI1sg5Ne4tk5sejaXiJyupTWZXIfykquHABba79ywQdocFpFn_9de5luMlPQ/s320/IMG_0872.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Next it was Sandies time. I doubled the recipe and made a batch of dough. Then into the oven with the cookies. While those were baking, I made two more batches of dough and wrapped them in Saran wrap - into the fridge with those, too! The idea was to have plenty of dough that was made to bake, so that my oven did not have any empty time. 12 dozen cookies takes a long time to bake, as you can imagine. Can't waste any time! When reusing cookie sheets, it's important to use parchment paper to line them and to have an extra set to rotate in when one batch is done. Lucky for me, Shelly loaned me some cookie sheets!<br />
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Once all the Pecan Sandies dough was made, it was about time to start rolling sugar cookies. I really wanted to get these baked the night before, because it was important to me that they were cool to be Iced Saturday. I rolled out about two dozen cookies and prepared them to go into the oven when the Sandies were done. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxADwWBf6UgjYRpi4-DQ6QclGzU7TmdZH2ikxv1qGL1dExRraC8fDr5BHTwH-fatmdQ-5NIjHCDTBjF0dq2xpyDy2OUT8ZJVYbldGci7DAVu2k2Y5UC1WBAsBxR6j_gEUxhUyqdcCb_g/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rIKibY3fuK75mjxsf_SzoKmdfWDMKNlTDUFjX5PNasib7yP0fFslaV0WwkoJ8Ln7WZPDjM2MW8rXeTEZWvpP2uas9svDJ6-SMPEKANUSiVBaqKkcM8k6E2-SU3F7yLew0fAMI4937Fk/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rIKibY3fuK75mjxsf_SzoKmdfWDMKNlTDUFjX5PNasib7yP0fFslaV0WwkoJ8Ln7WZPDjM2MW8rXeTEZWvpP2uas9svDJ6-SMPEKANUSiVBaqKkcM8k6E2-SU3F7yLew0fAMI4937Fk/s320/IMG_0874.JPG" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxADwWBf6UgjYRpi4-DQ6QclGzU7TmdZH2ikxv1qGL1dExRraC8fDr5BHTwH-fatmdQ-5NIjHCDTBjF0dq2xpyDy2OUT8ZJVYbldGci7DAVu2k2Y5UC1WBAsBxR6j_gEUxhUyqdcCb_g/s320/IMG_0873.JPG" width="240" /> </div>
The Icing was done by eye, mixing powdered sugar with almond milk until the right consistency was reached. For the coloring, I again did it by eye, but you could use this handy <a href="http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/diy-frosting-color-chart/" target="_blank">frosting guide</a>. For the Burnt Orange color, I just made a plain old orange color and then added one drop of blue and one drop of green. If your resulting Burnt Orange is too brown, add more yellow and red to get it more vibrant.<br />
So there you have it, 200 cookies. Hopefully everyone enjoys them at the show tonight!<br />
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w/ <3<br />
PariAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426749900941185328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-27779686992444551402013-02-28T17:34:00.001-08:002013-02-28T17:45:24.236-08:00A Book a Month: Gone Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/030758836X/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=030758836X&linkCode=as2&tag=westfvinta-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=030758836X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=westfvinta-20" width="210" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=westfvinta-20&l=as2&o=1&a=030758836X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Those of you who spend time reading blogs are probably pretty familiar with the idea of making lists of things to accomplish before your next birthday. This year, I made a "29 before 30" list. One of the things on the list was to read one book per month. The first book that I read was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/030758836X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=030758836X&linkCode=as2&tag=westfvinta-20">Gone Girl: A Novel</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=westfvinta-20&l=as2&o=1&a=030758836X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
by Gillian Flynn. It was recommended to me by my boss, who said it just reminded her of me. After reading the book, I'm not sure if it's a compliment or not, being that it's about a relationship that has fallen apart and the diverging tales of where things went wrong. <br />
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One of my favorite characteristics of any novel is multiple narrators. Gone Girl is told from both the husband and the wife's perspective, each chapter alternating between voices. The husband's voice comes at the present, in the middle of a murder investigation that, throughout the novel, seems to be closing in on him. The wife's voice mainly comes from the past - journal entries detailing her marriage. <br />
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In many ways, the novel is brilliant and unexpected. You start to realize that all of the characters are not the kind of people you first thought and that good and evil might not be mutually exclusive. No one in this novel can be defined as good OR evil, but are rather different gray shades of each. The two main characters are both hateable, which makes them loveable in a way.<br />
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I have to say, the one disappointment for me was the ending. While I think Flynn wanted to create a "and they lived happily ever after... fucked up entirely, but happily" kind of ending, the last part of the novel kind of petered out. The rhythm was gone and the ending seemed rushed and not quite as well-thought-out as the rest of the book. <br />
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Out of 5 stars, this would fall somewhere between 3 and 4. I definitely liked it and possibly really liked it, but I didn't love it and it didn't fall into the favorite book of the moment category for me. Regardless, it's definitely worth a read!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426749900941185328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-38635186249856306232013-02-27T06:04:00.001-08:002013-02-28T16:55:33.643-08:00Shelly's MakeoverA few weeks ago I went on a tax-return fueled shopping spree. Part of it was revamping my makeup bag. I went into Benefit and had them suggest what I needed. About a month later, here's what I think of what I bought:<br />
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<b>Fake-Up Under Eye Moisturizer/Concealer:</b> LOVE. I wear this every. single. day. And will continue to for as long as they make it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RN0J9W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000RN0J9W&linkCode=as2&tag=westfvinta-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000RN0J9W&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=westfvinta-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=westfvinta-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000RN0J9W" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>That Gal Face Primer/Brightener: </b>I also like how this makes my skin look, but it caused me to break out a little. I think I will save it for special occasions and probably won't buy again.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WDXCX0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002WDXCX0&linkCode=as2&tag=westfvinta-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002WDXCX0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=westfvinta-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=westfvinta-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002WDXCX0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>Stay Don't Stray Eye Primer: </b>Also love and will continue to buy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AZZ0QK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004AZZ0QK&linkCode=as2&tag=westfvinta-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004AZZ0QK&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=westfvinta-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=westfvinta-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004AZZ0QK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>They're Real Mascara: </b>On the fence on this one. I like it about 40% of the time. The rest my lashed look a little clumpy. I doubt I will buy it again.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019W7NPS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0019W7NPS&linkCode=as2&tag=westfvinta-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0019W7NPS&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=westfvinta-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=westfvinta-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0019W7NPS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>Flirt Alert Lipstick:</b> Like the color and it lasts a decent amount of time. I'll probably buy it again.<br />
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Thanks to all the nice ladies at the Benefit store in Bucktown for helping me out. I will definitely be back.<br />
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What's in your makeup bag that you can't live without?<br />
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-ShellyShelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-20472869128290841562013-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:002013-02-22T05:00:04.780-08:00Road-Trip: St. Louis FunA few weeks ago, I met some friends for a quick stay in St. Louis. We went to a Burlesque Bingo that was tons of fun. It's a monthly event at the <a href="http://fountainonlocust.com/fountainonlocust.com/Fountain_On_Locust.html" target="_blank">Fountain on Locust</a>. I highly recommend going if you have the chance. I even won! My prize was a cute grow your own strawberry kit that I'm totally going to try to grow. I've never had much luck growing plants from seeds, but hopefully the bingo mojo will make this the exception.<br />
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We also did a lot of thrifting. I stopped on my way up there to check out this awesome space ship:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBslkyK7kJsXTZ1F_Uw9_f7E6TPt8qtEYzqIgz38L6JDC6phya9HceFa6-qFqqyK8eQ-DMcbFCd7q0nKiBqBW06RP4_AIfGZdw1P8ljyuoO3P7yYvkDCDfvBOpQ0vPKPXd6oPx-qD_oY/s1600/space+ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBslkyK7kJsXTZ1F_Uw9_f7E6TPt8qtEYzqIgz38L6JDC6phya9HceFa6-qFqqyK8eQ-DMcbFCd7q0nKiBqBW06RP4_AIfGZdw1P8ljyuoO3P7yYvkDCDfvBOpQ0vPKPXd6oPx-qD_oY/s320/space+ship.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also went in and saw a record cabinet that fits my decor perfectly, so I picked it up on my way home. I also got a bunch of new records, some dresses (including one for Pari) and some vintage fabric that turned out to be an almost finished dress.</div>
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I'm bad at taking pictures, but you can see more from the trip on Rebecca's blog, <a href="http://www.midnightmaniac.com/6296/" target="_blank">MidnightManiac</a>.</div>
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This summer, I really hope to take some more weekend road trips and explore the midwest. Have you visited anywhere that I should go?</div>
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- Shelly </div>
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<br />Shelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-22493657822530472742013-02-20T13:02:00.000-08:002013-02-21T16:02:48.953-08:00Shelly's Wish List: Spring Dreamin'I am so sick of winter. I've been dreaming of spring and Pari and my annual trip to Austin for SXSW. Here are a few things I'd love to buy for the trip if I had infinite funds:<br />
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<b><a href="http://shop.bookofdeer.com/product/kindling-dress" target="_blank">Glow in the Dark Dress:</a></b><br />
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<a href="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/91404110/Book_of_Deer-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/91404110/Book_of_Deer-10.JPG" width="256" /></a><a href="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/91150490/glow_in_the_dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/91150490/glow_in_the_dark.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://hello-holiday.com/collections/accessories/products/dionne-sunglasses" target="_blank">Adorable Embellished Sunglasses</a>:</b></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0161/1530/products/IMG_0341_grande.jpg?2385" width="256" /></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-heels/modest-heel" target="_blank">Cute & Colorful Shoes</a>:</b></div>
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<a href="http://productshots1.modcloth.com/productshots/0102/5085/85fdb02c1d3cf1847653f10d00bf55aa.jpg?1331660925" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://productshots1.modcloth.com/productshots/0102/5085/85fdb02c1d3cf1847653f10d00bf55aa.jpg?1331660925" /></a></div>
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What are you doing to cope with the February chill?</div>
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- Shelly</div>
Shelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-76099150365447652522013-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-13T06:00:06.298-08:00Paczki DayChicago has a unique tradition for Fat Tuesday - everyone goes crazy for Paczkis.<br />
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Paczkis (pronounced pewnch-KEYZ) are essentially jelly donuts. This isn't a tradition I grew up with. Even though I'm from the Chicago area, my Dad was born in New Orleans, so we celebrated Fat Tuesday with King Cake and Jambalaya. Once I was older, I became hooked on these delicious fried treats. It's one of the only things I haven't found a good vegan substitute for (Hey Chicago bakeries, vegans want Paczkis too). Until Now.<br />
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Yesterday, I made homemade vegan paczkis using <a href="http://irishbelle318.blogspot.com/2011/10/vegan-mofo-day-5.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a> and they were uh-mazing. I did make two small changes: I added 1/4 tsp of nutmeg to the apple mixture and 1/4 tsp of almond extract to the custard. I find both of those ingredients add a little extra punch to recipes.<br />
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Here are pictures of my Paczkis frying, cooling off and then the final product:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhFe5yCpu-cRsqpnu75U6eoBWBBWvyUbBajmtGTiLJF5fb6NPNsn_KU1Iv37Cbg9JKJoSvMJ31Hks79HvQel-If9gcFWitvB1PK0jYSIC7vNAo76f8HJbPu1ycYnreCElMwZOQuql138/s1600/Frying.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhFe5yCpu-cRsqpnu75U6eoBWBBWvyUbBajmtGTiLJF5fb6NPNsn_KU1Iv37Cbg9JKJoSvMJ31Hks79HvQel-If9gcFWitvB1PK0jYSIC7vNAo76f8HJbPu1ycYnreCElMwZOQuql138/s320/Frying.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRobucFN4Xm7D08_5HqlVfnVHRiwXbUBPvIqgRChCxLP2_jLjx_ZqfJgSTPTb2GYJiwfjJGnZSYWfkU-NYBapyM8Cd0Qj2HBBLxqZFvGHoCRnXNXjTzr_dVs4dBhjA8rNHO3c__BkozZ8/s1600/Drying.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRobucFN4Xm7D08_5HqlVfnVHRiwXbUBPvIqgRChCxLP2_jLjx_ZqfJgSTPTb2GYJiwfjJGnZSYWfkU-NYBapyM8Cd0Qj2HBBLxqZFvGHoCRnXNXjTzr_dVs4dBhjA8rNHO3c__BkozZ8/s320/Drying.JPG" width="320" /></a>
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Do you have any Fat Tuesday traditions?<br />
-ShellyShelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-53838051799432786212013-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:002013-02-11T07:00:11.263-08:00A is for Awesome Art ProjectsI enjoy doing art projects. I'm not great at them, but I really have fun with them. I've participated in several projects with <a href="http://www.sketchbookproject.com/projects" target="_blank">The Art House</a> in Brooklyn.<br />
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Last year, I did their self-portrait project. Hundreds of artists from all over the world sent in 4x4 self portraits. In August, all of them were displayed at the Brooklyn Art Library.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKZef5k6ZxnNwmrsD7XjKNWIhk47gqS6B0DY_tQU4Tdb5qlduVaqpQVfWymu_YZvtI4f7AhzjPGfXRirExCEveBqs-Pgs5Ka6PX2SKyRhknZKIWLuYqB1oDLxN2iLLOtHpOoe8sNRWp4/s1600/self_portrait_project.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKZef5k6ZxnNwmrsD7XjKNWIhk47gqS6B0DY_tQU4Tdb5qlduVaqpQVfWymu_YZvtI4f7AhzjPGfXRirExCEveBqs-Pgs5Ka6PX2SKyRhknZKIWLuYqB1oDLxN2iLLOtHpOoe8sNRWp4/s320/self_portrait_project.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last week, they sent out an email asking people to send in pictures of everyday objects that look like the letter A. It's amazing how much you can find when you start paying attention to your surroundings. I found both of these within a few blocks of my apartment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyxH-DzmhQSKkU2igq-glGzEyBg0sBliZ1Bi56xb8htpkQiwB15mqiSP5YQrDLqpBxZ9EVYcw1HICHdri9ZWkIAepnExZfkHi6LIEb3LlV9CzBidFG0d_zsGRJZ6hp8ygN9cDaIMTFLA/s1600/Letter+A+-+Table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyxH-DzmhQSKkU2igq-glGzEyBg0sBliZ1Bi56xb8htpkQiwB15mqiSP5YQrDLqpBxZ9EVYcw1HICHdri9ZWkIAepnExZfkHi6LIEb3LlV9CzBidFG0d_zsGRJZ6hp8ygN9cDaIMTFLA/s320/Letter+A+-+Table.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the end, I submitted this photo. This is in the lobby of the hotel I stayed at during a mini-vacation I took this week with friends, including Rebecca of <a href="http://www.midnightmaniac.com/" target="_blank">midnightmaniac</a>. I'll post more on that trip in a few days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIP9qieAz7ueFwxLq5Gk3j2zgKbGr6Vu2owd0KQfWA1NNhKg5V5mZgdli6Gp_dUKwgB5visPuM0_yOo80erKofeB_gXyZcwf_0Q6kJCVHIRmn13B-gZZgA_Eq1PwsYWXr3e1s-xf1GaE/s1600/Letter+A+-+arch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIP9qieAz7ueFwxLq5Gk3j2zgKbGr6Vu2owd0KQfWA1NNhKg5V5mZgdli6Gp_dUKwgB5visPuM0_yOo80erKofeB_gXyZcwf_0Q6kJCVHIRmn13B-gZZgA_Eq1PwsYWXr3e1s-xf1GaE/s320/Letter+A+-+arch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you do art projects? Where do you get inspiration from?</div>
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- Shelly</div>
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<br />Shelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-88071991415257152652013-02-06T09:15:00.003-08:002013-02-06T09:16:50.292-08:00Mushroom MadnessOne of my part-time jobs is selling mushrooms at farmers markets in the chicago area. Normally, this means I get up really, really early and talk with really interesting people about how to cook and store mushrooms. Today, was something different. I had to deliver mushrooms to several restaurants. This meant getting up really early, boxing up mushrooms at the storage facility and driving a big van around to the different restaurants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RFs5BhWsMw0dHW5r7jtvfkIc6iSDdZBKff1tUt2AAV2Xn9BM_RM5eqKWIszlx9ZJsIYIYYlqZfrS3v8mo7p_wP5-xWNOZvQsN-IKRvND-DfydaK7Y3qgH0Y-IBAsW3-S8DeRcAt1jCE/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RFs5BhWsMw0dHW5r7jtvfkIc6iSDdZBKff1tUt2AAV2Xn9BM_RM5eqKWIszlx9ZJsIYIYYlqZfrS3v8mo7p_wP5-xWNOZvQsN-IKRvND-DfydaK7Y3qgH0Y-IBAsW3-S8DeRcAt1jCE/s320/photo+(15).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also thought this would be a good time to share with y'all how to store mushrooms: in a paper bag, with the bag open, on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. You should never put them in plastic or in the crisper bin. The plastic traps moisture and causes them to go bad more quickly. That means most grocery stores are storing them incorrectly. If you buy mushrooms from a grocery store you should take the plastic off of them as soon as you get home from the store. </div>
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Happy 'Shrooming</div>
ShellyShelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-22084076480607956562013-02-05T05:33:00.000-08:002013-02-05T05:33:00.305-08:00Shelly's Wishlist: Valentine's DayI've never really celebrated Valentine's Day. I've always sort of preferred getting flowers and candy when it's unexpected and not because someone feels obligated to get it for me. That said, I'm a sucker for a theme and totally wouldn't mind if any of these things showed up anytime soon:<br />
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Awesome Sunglasses from <a href="http://www.fredflare.com/VALENTINE-S-DAY/Dorothy-Picnic-Sunglasses" target="_blank">FredFlare.com</a></h3>
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<a href="http://www.fredflare.com/VALENTINE-S-DAY/Dorothy-Picnic-Sunglasses" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDADfsTATXypcREv2qXYRBLcmLCERm15PduwrA2t7nmkLfAGFUGUHxzKhwCgWZb72waD8OG3Bv_hYBPWOiigOvrb8SA-qhCh1IqxORpDwKiCqJSDPxyinMNuqfuOWWonRF93L0bLfRh4/s320/valentines_sunglasses.jpeg" width="279" /></a></div>
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Square Dance Dress <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102952572/vtg-red-white-country-western-square" target="_blank">HouseOfRenata</a> on Etsy:</h3>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102952572/vtg-red-white-country-western-square" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ7ku8PzWkWoyH6s8UvsSMR-tRNTvSP3N301TfH1Z2wtB6A_WtPIUU1X9jOzV5e-IeNIGBizFLtyt3SheOlVYFN2mLMzLW1izhvY8oj2Zq2zhn1CxJsffF0a9HQ5pdIo1Fh1u4eSh7mE/s320/valentines_square_dance_dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Vintage Bar Cart from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/112177563/sold-to-melyssa-but-let-us-know-the-bar?ref=usr_faveitems" target="_blank">GregBuzby</a><span id="goog_1076059062"></span><span id="goog_1076059063"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> on Etsy:</h3>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/112177563/sold-to-melyssa-but-let-us-know-the-bar?ref=usr_faveitems" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheME5by3cmdJu6EofQ4ZAGCuAplJB5yp5jJaeXSo_Kl738WJ-VrXiCLk8tizii09TI2xCHiks2NhcY49002yBue0MDRAg6xSttQDLjMUZ1ICAA5yvTQB-Kkcrgp8Fwz_TVBZ4DEOShiew/s400/valentines_bar_cart.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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Sparkly Butterfly Hair Clips from <a href="http://www.janinebasil.com/collections/glitter-headbands/products/butterfly-hair-adornments-hair-accessory-glitter" target="_blank">Jeanine Basil</a></h3>
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<a href="http://www.janinebasil.com/collections/glitter-headbands/products/butterfly-hair-adornments-hair-accessory-glitter" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTHX49ksmIS97O2yPRovQes2clLuGOwLIW0Ii8cnPK-Yv3J51hhUJdkqWswqeHVwJuevJ7dvfH4xvEkJwWU8008-0vcaJR1neNcnebMl8va7GmbjbRbIwP3CZXI4tgWc2W_KtjFZtXaY/s320/valentines_hair_clip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hello Kitty iPhone Case from <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/wallets/purr-sonal-assistant-iphone-4-case" target="_blank">ModCloth</a>:</h3>
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<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/wallets/purr-sonal-assistant-iphone-4-case" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://productshots2.modcloth.com/productshots/0123/8962/ff03e9ae07006738c1b4e966535f0fc7.jpg?1356823196" width="224" /></a></div>
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Vegan Candy Bars from <a href="http://www.gomaxgofoods.com/" target="_blank">GoMaxGo Foods</a>:</h3>
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<a href="http://www.gomaxgofoods.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb25Fur4c4-WwFCrRoKP1GnYAgdO94G1s5bUa6TT7jJpU9zAP1Tk-PCWU1XdxHgX8dIFGWaCJTMkxD5lT0lX6pEU9Lms26ozFz4WosyctYJSyVwZo0EwPtXLvK4woCpRYVww7R4uvD-10/s320/vegan-candybars-home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What are your valentine's day traditions?</div>
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- Shelly</div>
<br />Shelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-63788640913018521752013-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:002013-01-31T09:28:30.247-08:00"New" Sewing MachineI've been on a two-week long shopping spree in anticipation of my income tax refund. First, it was the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=431514&u=738396&m=43745&urllink=&afftrack=">ModCloth Cabin Fever Sale</a>. Since then, I've been visiting thrift stores like I'm Macklemore or something. Yesterday, I found this 1961 Kenmore sewing machine with a vintage cabinet - for just $30.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4Yyu2QAG4_HEvRcF9L8jC_YMdAoURIPySN11AbZvT1hmbpeaup8gzm9zpjHHD_Hn7CqKAHvUFmgz-DNjdvu5kWL-FJBW1t94eR4hGuDNFQFpnfYAoU8aSDa65j4DfmiUWpH7Uubo3Sk/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4Yyu2QAG4_HEvRcF9L8jC_YMdAoURIPySN11AbZvT1hmbpeaup8gzm9zpjHHD_Hn7CqKAHvUFmgz-DNjdvu5kWL-FJBW1t94eR4hGuDNFQFpnfYAoU8aSDa65j4DfmiUWpH7Uubo3Sk/s400/photo+(11).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHpXBulcHW6oD3olACPAS59QvgWggC-1M-IvzMqnxOnGrmYFOXDR4-XZWXa3BhjRGpicopJ09HcERv_VF-0j3b4crFxumQ1flmfBPSijH2Jgz_LMimbBppJewsSp0ew2QueA3I5dp36E/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHpXBulcHW6oD3olACPAS59QvgWggC-1M-IvzMqnxOnGrmYFOXDR4-XZWXa3BhjRGpicopJ09HcERv_VF-0j3b4crFxumQ1flmfBPSijH2Jgz_LMimbBppJewsSp0ew2QueA3I5dp36E/s400/photo+(12).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It even came with the original owner's manual and a vintage button hole maker. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglI6sQY9LJMfE_sLCb8Zeztqvqe0syjtSkIGcd_3WXk-0NI_lY5orGiR70-BXlm_QiDgj5yRM7w6tUvUgCeOqUH0b-StsktM6uuj8mEg1BU1bL-sG1JZDwykY-AlG1WUcR_lUst0ZVi8/s1600/photo+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglI6sQY9LJMfE_sLCb8Zeztqvqe0syjtSkIGcd_3WXk-0NI_lY5orGiR70-BXlm_QiDgj5yRM7w6tUvUgCeOqUH0b-StsktM6uuj8mEg1BU1bL-sG1JZDwykY-AlG1WUcR_lUst0ZVi8/s1600/photo+%252810%2529.JPG" /></a></div>
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I can't wait until I can get an extension cord (I live in an old apartment with hardly any outlets) and try it out. Check back later this week to see my first project using it. In the meantime, get a little thrift shop inspiration from Macklemore:</div>
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What's the best thing you've found at the thrift store?<br />
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- ShellyShelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-88064599540891477132013-01-26T15:50:00.003-08:002013-01-27T08:16:54.295-08:00I want candy (bars)!I love sweets! Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are one of the things I miss most now that I am vegan. That's why I was super excited when I learned that <a href="http://www.gomaxgofoods.com/" target="_blank">Go Max Go! Foods</a> makes a vegan peanut butter cup with rice milk chocolate. I'm going through a break-up and feeling a little mopey, so I decided to cheer myself up with a little vegan candy bar taste test. here's what I tried:<br />
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Go Max Go Foods - Cleo's Peanut Butter Cups </h3>
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<b>Price:</b> $3.99</div>
<b>Calories/Fat:</b> 240/18<br />
<b>Taste:</b> Really good. The chocolate didn't have the same thin, peely quality as Reese's, but the peanut butter was spot on<br />
<b>Grade:</b> A-<br />
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Go Max Go Foods - Twilight (similar to a milky way) </h3>
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<b>Price:</b> $3.99</div>
<b>Calories/Fat:</b> 250/9<br />
<b>Taste: </b>OK. The chocolate and caramel were good. The nougat was dense and not at all like I remember milky ways being<br />
<b>Grade:</b> C<br />
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Go Max Go Foods - Mahalo (similar to an Almond Joy) </h3>
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<b>Price:</b> $3.99</div>
<b>Calories/Fat:</b> 280/19<br />
<b>Taste: </b>Amazing! Tasted exactly how I remember an Almond Joy<br />
<b>Grade:</b> A<br />
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Enjoy Life - Boom Choco Boom Ricemilk Crunch (similar to a Nestle Crunch) </h3>
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<b>Price:</b> $1.99</div>
<b>Calories/Fat:</b> 170/10<br />
<b>Taste: </b>Solid. Tasted a lot like those cheap chocolates I remember being in stockings at christmas time.<br />
<b>Grade:</b> C-<br />
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Crispy Cat Mint Coconut</h3>
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<b>Price:</b> $2.69</div>
<b>Calories/Fat:</b> 210/8<br />
<b>Taste: </b>Awful. Overpowering mint flavor. Tasted like an energy bar. Way too healthy tasting to qualify as a candy bar in my book.<br />
<b>Grade:</b> D<br />
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What are your favorite vegan candies?<br />
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- Shelly<br />
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P.S. I'm totally listening to this song as I write this post. I don't think I've ever loved anyone more than ice cream. I guess that's why I'm single. :(<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8K0qCCfeMAE" width="560"></iframe>Shelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-7579445634310397212013-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:002013-01-24T08:00:04.098-08:00On Not Being a Vegan JerkI maintain a vegan lifestyle and have done so for the better part of the last 9 years. More often than not, when I tell someone that I'm vegan, I am greeted with some trepidation. Usually I'll get a "good" argument about why I should eat meat: it's unnatural to be vegetarian; bacon is delicious; your body needs protein. Typically I try not to engage people I have just met in a conversation about why they should become vegan. It's a conversation that I'm willing to have, but it's the conversation that most people are expecting. "Oh, you're a vegan. Here's the part where you tell me my lifestyle is cruel and unhealthy and unsustainable. Whatever, I'm still eating meat." Or the pre-emptive surrender, "I really would <em>love </em>to be vegan, but it's just SO hard!" These are the conversations I try to avoid.<br />
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<a href="http://www.someecards.com/independence-day-cards/vegeterian-meat-barbecue-nuts-independence-day-funny-ecard"><img src="http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/filestorage/barbecue-vegan-diet-july-fourth-indpependence-day-ecards-someecards.png" alt="someecards.com - I promise to respect your special dietary needs at my barbecue if you promise not to talk about them." /></a>
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Don't get me wrong! I totally believe in veganism. I've watched the slaughterhouse and farm videos. I've seen the documentaries (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1567233/" target="_blank">Forks over Knives</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1814930/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Vegucated</a>) that talk about how much healthier of a lifestyle it is to be vegan. I've read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fast-Food-Nation-Dark-All-American/dp/0547750331" target="_blank">Fast Food Nation</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eating-Animals-Jonathan-Safran-Foer/dp/0316069884/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358960941&sr=1-1&keywords=eating+animals+by+jonathan+safran+foer" target="_blank">Eating Animals</a> and cannot reconcile that information with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_pattern_diet#Standard_American_Diet" target="_blank">Standard American Diet</a>. I've even shed a tear once or twice to this song... <br />
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But, I digress. At work today, a co-worker said to me, "Thanks for not being an a****** vegan." And it got me thinking. Why is it that so many have that impression of vegans? Why do people automatically get defensive? When I spend time with my vegan friends, I see them as some of the coolest, most compassionate and generally awesome people I've ever met. Why can't we "mainstream" with general success? <br />
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Now, I want to make it totally clear, I have great respect for vegan activists. It takes guts to get out and protest anything, especially when the issue isn't generally agreed upon as being "important". I do think there are many ways vegans who want to mix and mingle with meat eaters can perform everyday activism without being THAT guy. Here are three things you can do to fit in socially while still being an activist in your day-to-day life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Cook Vegan Food and Feed People</span><br />
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This could mean hosting a dinner party or attending a potluck and bringing a tasty vegan dish to share. At my office, people are always bringing in treats like cupcakes and cookies. I try to bring in a vegan dessert item every few months. My office always gets excited to try new things and are usually amazed at how much a vegan cupcake tastes like a regular cupcake.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Support Vegan Businesses</span><br />
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Vegan-friendly businesses are everywhere. From coffee shops to restaurants to bakeries, vegans can partake in the deliciousness of life in super convenient ways. An establishment doesn't have to be all vegan, but when they offer options for vegans, it's something we should support. A great example is a local pizza place here in Chicago. They make vegan pizzas to order every day of the week. On Tuesdays, they offer a vegan slice. Better yet, you can order the vegan slice as part of their "PB&J" Special. One low price gets you a slice of pizza, a beer (PBR) and a shot of Jameson. My friends and I try to go here on Tuesdays at least once a month. This encourages business to "Keep up the good work!"<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Start a Vegan Brunch Club</span><br />
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Or Supper Club, or Lunch Club or whatever meal you'd like to celebrate. Last year I started a Brunch Club with 5 of my friends. Every month, a someone hosts the brunch at their house. They pick the theme and they do the cooking. The rest of us bring beverages and sometimes a dish to add to the mix. While it didn't start off as a Vegan Brunch Club (only 2 of us are Vegan, the rest are omnivores), it quickly became an all Vegan Brunch. This has been a great opportunity for our friends to try new vegan food and recipes out. Think being vegan is hard? You should come to one of our brunches! They are amazing! One day a month we eat cruelty free and enjoy an afternoon of mimosas and brunch foods. Everyone has branched out to learn new recipes and get creative in the kitchen. It's a tradition I hope we keep up for a long while. <br />
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I'd love to hear some ideas on how you've used cooking as a form of advocacy!<br />
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Pari</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426749900941185328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-85994482250973803782013-01-23T05:30:00.000-08:002013-01-24T05:33:04.605-08:00Peer PressureAbout a week ago, a friend of mine posted a picture of a giant stuffed baked potato from Jason's Deli on Facebook. It was the largest potato I had ever seen. Seriously, Google "Jason's Deli Baked Potato". There are all sorts of images of the potatoes with dollar bills, iPhones and other items so you can tell how big it is.<br />
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Ever since then, several more friends have enjoyed potatoes from Jason's Deli and posted the pictures on Facebook. According to the Jason's Deli website, their potato is it topped with "Natural buttery blend, cheddar, sour cream, bacon, green onions". It has 2320 calories and 150 grams of fat (WHOA!).<br />
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I've had this potato on my mind for a week now. I'm vegan and "natural buttery blend" scares me. So, I decided to make my own (healthier) version for dinner last night. I used a diet app (Lose It!) and information on the Daiya Foods website to determine the nutritional information for my potato: 463 calories and 21g of fat (darn avocado).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYGbfaKa31TiLYt-zM7nR_zAwHueYxMyu39N2ottd_bgXvzuEoG8-_KmGPgdk37b2gzyxW00C9qN-dKtXLKWGDWun2hjNNV21uZbp1n4BgWu-lRwdGtHWFEFWDqtKbF7KUssvMAdt_yA/s1600/Baked_Potato_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYGbfaKa31TiLYt-zM7nR_zAwHueYxMyu39N2ottd_bgXvzuEoG8-_KmGPgdk37b2gzyxW00C9qN-dKtXLKWGDWun2hjNNV21uZbp1n4BgWu-lRwdGtHWFEFWDqtKbF7KUssvMAdt_yA/s320/Baked_Potato_2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's how I made mine:<br />
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1 medium russet potato<br />
1/2 red onion</div>
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1/2 cup coarsely chopped mushrooms (I had chanterelles from the farmers' market, but any will do)<br />
about 1TBSP chopped jalapeno (optional)<br />
about 1TBSP roasted red peppers<br />
1 TBSP olive oil<br />
Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 tsp each)<br />
1 TBSP Earth Balance buttery spread (optional)<br />
1/4 cup Daiya cheese (I had mozzarella shreds, but any will do)<br />
1/2 avocado, sliced<br />
1 TBSP hot sauce (optional)<br />
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<li>preheat oven to 450</li>
<li>wash and wrap potato in aluminum foil</li>
<li>bake potato for about an hour (or until easily cut with a butter knife)</li>
<li>While potato is cooking, put oil in a skillet and heat. </li>
<li>Add onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes)</li>
<li>Add jalapenos, salt and peper and cook for another minute or so</li>
<li>Add mushrooms and cook until they are done (about 8 minutes)</li>
<li>Mix in red pepper and set aside until potato is done.</li>
<li>When potato is done, remove from oven and cut in half. For a true "Jason's" taste add 1 TBSP Earth Balance (I skipped this). </li>
<li>Top with Daiya, vegetable mixture, sliced avocado and sriracha or other hot sauce, if desired. I used Cherry Bomb Sauce from <a href="https://www.rivervalleykitchens.com/" target="_blank">River Valley Kitchens</a>. I absolutely love its great roasted tomato flavor.</li>
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Tell me in the comments what "junk food" you like to make at home?</div>
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- Shelly</div>
Shelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-52461838282448496162013-01-22T12:05:00.000-08:002013-01-24T05:33:31.247-08:00Ugly Coat WeatherIt's cold in Chicago. Super cold. Colder than it's been in about two years. It was 0<sup>o</sup> when I took my dog, Iggy, out this morning, with a windchill of -11<sup>o</sup>.<br />
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Yesterday, I heard a former co-worker call it "ugly coat weather", and that's exactly what it is. It's nearly impossible to look cute when it's this cold.<br />
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This is what Iggy and I looked like today on our morning walk. Even the dog has her ugly coat on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-D2eKekEgX7HRUQpwAxouyRSrqPidBs7-t5bVfQw6Q0YOS8bXiTiA2o89a6vqKEwOHSnwRB_3_e9cnZjFszLtZhjWbbTsGgHIlEE7HRkWIE-L4o8ojGlvNrPqHyB4XytFSTUn1VppFA/s1600/shelly_ugly_coat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-D2eKekEgX7HRUQpwAxouyRSrqPidBs7-t5bVfQw6Q0YOS8bXiTiA2o89a6vqKEwOHSnwRB_3_e9cnZjFszLtZhjWbbTsGgHIlEE7HRkWIE-L4o8ojGlvNrPqHyB4XytFSTUn1VppFA/s320/shelly_ugly_coat.png" width="204" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JOhWDYM_IaRcufcFIuWlWpXKRPkGB33ssY85FLhYzbk8Dhi7Bb6G5uFFoLdhaLUIS6OXpJCwuvuUTj5JajEywbQzKfSMAoWL8WHoVHbmAIgiajW2f9PWfMmL84TxEjQ3hW3bka0dKYw/s1600/iggy_ugly_coat.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JOhWDYM_IaRcufcFIuWlWpXKRPkGB33ssY85FLhYzbk8Dhi7Bb6G5uFFoLdhaLUIS6OXpJCwuvuUTj5JajEywbQzKfSMAoWL8WHoVHbmAIgiajW2f9PWfMmL84TxEjQ3hW3bka0dKYw/s320/iggy_ugly_coat.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shelly's wearing: Coat//Jones New York</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">, Scarf//New York City Street Vendor, Gloves//Target, Hat//Vintage</span></div>
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But, the worst part of "ugly coat weather" is all the cute clothes hidden underneath. You would never know it by the picture above, but I am actually wearing one of my favorite summer dresses made winter-appropriate with tights, legwarmers and a long sleeved T-shirt:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shelly's wearing: Dress//<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/coach-tour-dress-in-rouge" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">ModCloth</a>, Shirt//Express, Tights (2pairs)//</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Target, Legwarmers//<a href="http://store.americanapparel.net/product/index.jsp?productId=rsalwl" target="_blank">American Apparel</a>, Shoes//<a href="http://www.wantedshoes.com/shop/Search=maggie/maggie/Navy/" target="_blank">Wanted</a></span></div>
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Once I had the idea for this post, I had Pari take a picture in her "ugly coat" and another showing off what she was wearing underneath:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfrwYa2KjfbTpGcn4nXYBjY3LUeK-PISTUvD0bbQapOt3LQtS76npKANOFt-npMrSlW_MsAsZOlP0s2V04nIdo4B3GYwddXIMJx2D633OenMFrO0TrqAw8GOtKcdbJ-DlHdXLYNo6YJA/s1600/pari_ugly_coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfrwYa2KjfbTpGcn4nXYBjY3LUeK-PISTUvD0bbQapOt3LQtS76npKANOFt-npMrSlW_MsAsZOlP0s2V04nIdo4B3GYwddXIMJx2D633OenMFrO0TrqAw8GOtKcdbJ-DlHdXLYNo6YJA/s400/pari_ugly_coat.jpg" width="281" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVPoqeUaywrReQLKATjp4-7ctPFdvrzha_SvwuClIGI5fPeF6EIWoW6XbRu39BSEHjeDIHcnKpQlff0Slc5j5XhFm0dSthBvAZ5eHCoe-4QNzl-CwNX3EElDYHjVBs5VXHLFEigVNVM4/s1600/pari_01_22_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVPoqeUaywrReQLKATjp4-7ctPFdvrzha_SvwuClIGI5fPeF6EIWoW6XbRu39BSEHjeDIHcnKpQlff0Slc5j5XhFm0dSthBvAZ5eHCoe-4QNzl-CwNX3EElDYHjVBs5VXHLFEigVNVM4/s400/pari_01_22_13.jpg" width="241" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pari's wearing: Coat//LL Bean, Scarf// Sarong from Costa Rica</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dress and Cardigan//Forever 21, Tights//Target, Boots//<a href="http://cloudflare.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-boots/all-day-every-way-boot" target="_blank">ModCloth</a>, Belt//vintage</span></div>
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Hope you're staying warm,<br />
ShellyShelly Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00221913620317369250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1066857665061083260.post-15322130981478233662013-01-21T20:06:00.002-08:002013-01-22T18:03:22.557-08:00Babe-raham Lincoln<br />
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In October, Shelly and I went to Springfield, Illinois. Capitol of the great state of Illinois, Springfield boasts many sites dedicated to our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. <br />
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We limited our trip to two main stops: the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Oak Ridge Cemetery, where the President is buried. </div>
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Shelly and I both agree, the museum was much creepier than the cemetery. So creepy, in fact, we thought we met an actual ghost from the 1860's. There was a room set up to look like the conference room where Lincoln and his cabinet were editing the Emancipation Proclamation. Out of nowhere a man dressed in period garb appeared. He pulled out his pocket watch and, with a perplexed look, asked if anyone had the time. No one spoke, and finally I looked at my phone and told him the time. He nodded, turned to leave the room, then asked if anyone had any questions. When no one said anything, he left. We tried to follow him into the next room, but he was nowhere to be found. We sort of expected him to be in one of the theater presentations, but it turned out the presentation was a video and not a live show. GHOST!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shelly's Wearing: Dress//vintage; Tights// Hue; Sweater//<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/cardigans/dia-de-los-muertos-cardigan" target="_blank">ModCloth</a>; Scarf//Urban Outfitters; Shoes//<a href="http://www.goldenponies.net/" target="_blank">Golden Ponies</a></span></div>
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Regardless of how creepy the museum was, we LOVED our Lincoln day! Here, you can see that the feeling was mutual! As always, Shelly and I thrifted our way back to Chicago, scoring some great vintage blouses and some pyrex casserole dishes.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426749900941185328noreply@blogger.com0