5 Things: Valentine's Day Edition

My funny Valentine.

5 Things

1. My little sister graduated from Navy boot camp last week. She wasn't home for the holidays this year and we really missed her. I finally got to Facebook chat with her a little the other day now that she's in Pensacola, FL for "A" school and she seemed so grown up  (we're 8 years apart). I'm proud of you, Nellie!

My sister Chanel

2. I've been ramping up on my other blog and seeing a ton of shows lately. I saw "War Horse" at The Paramount last night and I think it might be the coolest play I've ever seen! I'll be writing a review of it shortly so you can look for it here. I also got to visit the newly opened Museum of Hisotry and Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle and Chihuly Garden and Glass due to work events recently. I recommend both!

Looking totally natural on the set of  the 90s TV hit "Frasier" at MOHAI

At Chihuly Garden and Glass with my coworker Sarah

3. I gave up meat and alcohol for Lent, which began yesterday. I don't practice a religion that traditionally observes it, but I like a good challenge. A couple years ago I gave up meat for Greek Orthodox Lent in solidarity with a friend and I didn't miss it; I think giving up alcohol will definitely be harder. Lent lasts for forty days, ending on Easter Sunday. I wanted a glass of wine just typing that.

4. I'm headed down to Cannon Beach, OR with a friend this weekend to see the Pacific Ocean; that was actually the stated reason for going.  Just to see it. I mean, look at it.

 5. I have a Valentine and I am happy about it. A hint about what we're doing tonight:

Weekend

Sam Avedon chair rehab - before and after.
I used Rust-Oleum spray paint for plastic in black.

I made that white console table in front of my bed.
Ikea hairpin style legs, Home Depot wood, and
Crisp Linnen White paint by Glidden.

New 'do from Kellianne at Vain.
Asymmetrical bob.

Weekend

It seems I'm living for the weekends these days. What did you guys do?

Friday was SAM Remix for Nick Cave's exhibition - Meet Me at the Center of the Earth.

Gorgeous. A must see.

Today my friend Karen had the brilliant idea to head to Bainbridge Island for delicious poutine at Harbour Public House. 15 of us went. I was amazed that many people were able to make the 12:20 ferry on daylight savings Sunday!

Some poutine goodness.
(it's hard to make food look appetizing in pics, but I assure you it was delish)

Lions and tigers and pumpkins, oh my!

I was a bit frazzled this past week and weekend to say the least. Add a side of annoyed to that as well. Loose plans to attend a local music festival on Saturday night were vetoed in lieu of an impromptu pumpkin carving party at my friend Dan's house. Unfortunately come fiesta time my annoyance had turned into full on upset (oh, boys) and a bad attitude followed me to the party. A friend noticing my bummed outttedness offered up her extra pumpkin for me to carve (I didn't have my own because originally I was going to the music festival, but I digress) but I was not feeling very inspired, until....

wait for it (Tom's concerned)

...this little gem came to mind! Angry much? haha

Well, I'm happy to say by the end of the weekend, misunderstandings became understandings, F-ck Yous were no more, and I made this delicious baby, mmmm mmmm good.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup organic turbinado sugar (or white sugar)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup pumpkin purée
1/2 cup olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/8 tsp ginger

1 Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Sift together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.

2 Mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, 1/4 cup of water, and spices together, then combine with the dry ingredients, but do not mix too thoroughly.

3 Pour into a well-buttered 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until a thin skewer poked in the very center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out of the pan and let cool on a rack.

Makes one loaf. Can easily double the recipe.

Hope everyone had a good weekend! It's already Tuesday.