Sunday, April 21, 2013

Chicken Pho - or Pho Ga...AKA Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup

     Why hello there. I do apologize for not writing in such a long time, as I'm sure you've missed me. I'm currently sitting out on my balcony sipping coffee while soaking up some much needed rays. It's hard to not be outside when the weather is good, which usually keeps me from my computer. I've also recently come across employment this past month (!!!), and as you could imagine, the last thing I want to do after being on a computer all day is come home and sit on my laptop. However, I'll try to be better at posting, especially since there is so much going on these days.

    Before I begin talking about my mouthwatering soup recipe, I'd like to first send out my thoughts to those affected by the recent tragedy in Boston. As many of you know, MB was born and raised there, we also have many college friends residing in the Bean Town and this past week has been full of nerve racking texts, calls, and facebook updates. I am happy to report that everyone we know is safe and accounted for, but for those families who are less fortunate, my heart goes out to you. Stay Boston Strong.

     It has been a while since I've written, but it's been even longer since I've posted any recipes. The recipe I am about to post is great for several reasons. Number one, it falls under my favorite category of eats, South East Asian food. However, if you are nervous about this type of food, fear not, there aren't any crazy ingredients and it is super simple to make. Every culture has it's comfort food, and pho (usually has the little question mark above the '"o" but it's too early to figure out how to add that) is definitely a Vietnamese staple. Traditionally pho is made with an oxtail broth, but this version is made with chicken, making it more like a cold-busting chicken noodle soup we all know and love. I also love this recipe because it is simple, and therefore friendly to those picky eaters out there.

     An interesting pho fact: it's actually a breakfast food! Many pho joints are popping up all over the US and are typically open as lunch/dinner joints. I'll never forget waking up in Vietnam and heading out as the heat begins to rise. We would plop down at the busiest street side stall we could find and order a tasty bowl of pho. While slurping up all the goodness we'd watch people go about their daily commute, stopping on the motorbikes by the side of the road for a bowl. All of this amazing food is available for less than 25 cents a person (and we probably overpaid). Makes it tough to step foot into a restaurant serving the stuff in the US, which is why I made my own.

     One last thing before I begin, I've adapted this recipe from the Cook's Illustrated Cookbook book I keep on raving about pictured below. This recipe will easily feed four people. If you are cooking for one you can cut the recipe in half, or make the full recipe and freeze the soup for a rainy day! Recipe after the break!


Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Tips to Help You Eat Healthier and Save Money

     Yes I know it has been forever. This life is crazy as we all know, so I've been quite busy. However, I've gotten a mild cold, which has allowed me to slow down a bit and get a chance to write. It's been a while since I've written about one of my favorite subject, food. Mmmm...food...

     So many people claim to not have the time to cook and, by default, eat healthy. No, I'm sorry, Lean Cuisine definitely doesn't count. Some people think it costs more to eat healthy, while that is somewhat true, it really doesn't have to break the bank. Yes, I won't deny eating grass-fed beef is definitely not a cheaper option, but if you can't afford grassy cows doesn't mean you need to settle for Tyson's Anytizers either, chicken does not have nuggets.

Tips and Tricks after the break...

Thanks Google!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Re-vamping Wooden Shelves...(or anything else you can think of)

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting
Before and after!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

So Easy My Dog Could Do It Pt 2: Reusable Swiffer Pads

     This is one of my favorite tricks, because it works like a charm and it's so easy! If you have a Swiffer, or any equivalent sweeper/mop product you will never have to buy those expensive (and wasteful) pads again.

The great secret after the break!



Thursday, January 31, 2013

A is for Adrian

     I have tried to write this post several times this week, for some reason the words never sound right. So instead I will just tell the story, my story about a friend. Not just any friend, but someone who I hold close to my heart and I know I'm not the only one. For those of you who have been reading my blog from the beginning you know him too. He is an A in many of my stories. He was an avid reader of my blog, often commenting on my ridiculous stories and random musings.

     I awoke especially early Monday morning, groggy and half alive to a blaring alarm. I set the alarm the night before in hopes to catch A online before his Monday was over. As I rolled over to shut the alarm on my phone off I saw I had a message. Bleary eyed I squinted to make out the message. It was from C...it read: A is dead.


     A is for Adrian. Adrian, this is my letter to you...


Monday, January 21, 2013

So Easy My Dog Could Do It: Part I - Fixing Crumbled Makeup

     Hey there Internet world!

     I've decided to add a series onto my growing number of tutorials: So Easy My Dog Could Do It. Named this way because my dog (I love her dearly) is particularly intellectually challenged. This week I'm showing you a SUPER EASY tutorial on how to fix powder-based makeup that may have broken into tiny, unmanageable pieces. Many people just get tired of dealing with it and throw it out, or turn it into something else. While I encourage turning something old into something new, there is now no need to fret - you can still use that eyeshadow that has...err...seen better days.

     I'll even take it one step further and include an easy (hopefully reminder) to clean your brushes as well!

Tutorial after the break.

This happened while I was in Asia, and I continued to travel with it - making it particularly messy, but I'll show you how to get it back into tip-top shape!

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Cleaning and prepping glass jars

     Re-using glass jars is an effective and easy way to store things. Different sizes work better for different uses. Food storage, craft supplies, gifts, you name it, jars offer a great way to package things with no cost (you are going to buy whatever is in the glass jar anyway right?).

     However, there are a few annoying things about jars. First, how do you get those pesky labels off? Secondly, what about the smells of certain jars that held pickles or garlic?

   Tips, tricks, and how-to's after the break!