Final Fridays

Can't believe it's already Monday! This weekend flew by....had a great time! Weekend was filled with Mad Potter studio time, Final Fridays, Baby Shower, yummy eats <Bakersfield, Senate and Taste of Belgium>, the best jazz in town (check out Terry's Turf club) and warm enough weather to take a few nice walks. Looking forward to spring!

We're waiting for you Adelaide!

Mama Love

Hello ma' Dear!

drops of spring

Baked Caulifower, Cod & Chitranna

When I'm at home cooking healthy is a must! I'm reinventing my restaurant favorites to be healthy at best.... Tonight I wanted to finish up the cauliflower and I was reminded of a favorite dish, Gobi Manchuri. This indo-Chinese dish is typically fried and isn't the best for your tummy! I've baked califlower before and it turned out great so this time I did the same but lightly drizzled the florets with Maggie's spicy ketchup. This amazingly did the trick!

D wanted to whip up one of his favorite dish's, Lemon Rice ( Chitranna ). This has to be another favorite South Indian dish of mine as well...crunchy dals, fresh lemon, peanuts, cilantro, curry leaves, chilies, mustard seeds, and cumin all play nice in this dish.

I sauteed Cod in a fish curry and steamed broccoli.....also wanted to use what was left of my quinoa. I tossed in a few diced peppers and onions and this meal came together perfectly!

I didn't have the chance to snap any photos during the process but here is a collage of found images.

Thrifty Finds

Cincinnati may be the cream of the crop when it comes to Thrift store and vintage finds. Here are some recent items. I've also been eyeing these chili pepper lights for a while...perfect addition to the kitchen.

Quality Indian Tapestry for couch

handmade clutch purse

Okay...I'm a coffee nerd.

I just heard there is a new coffee " Lab" that opened in Cincinnati today, 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab. I don't believe they have a website pinned down but you can google them. I was reading they will have a backroom theater where they will "ohhh" and "awww" the coffee connoisseur using methods such as vacuum style brewing. I'm overly excited for this new spot to hit downtown. I found a video short detailing the vacuum process.... yay for coffee!

Weekend

Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend and stayed warm! Dinners ,dancing, listening to the soothing sounds of Antonio Carlos, making our own music and hanging out with friends made me smile. Here are a few highlights... (I have to include the giant baby painting. That was the highlight of the entire weekend. Thanks Jeff! ;)

I can pretend we're in NY, right?

we love our Jeff!

we love Jeff's records! (this is only a preview!)

RIP.......Whitney Houston

Winter

I suppose old man winter still has some white up his sleeve....I thought we made it through the Ohio winter but apparently not. This blast of cold and snow coming this weekend has me intrigued by dreamy winter images via pinterest. I plan on staying warm and cozy. Cooking and catching up on some winter reads sounds just about right...

Source: thegirlwhokeepsdreaming.tumblr.com via Misty on Pinterest

Source: 5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com via Natasha on Pinterest

Source: favim.com via Consuelo on Pinterest

Oh, I forgot to mention...V-day is next week. I'm trying to not get wrapped up in the consumerism vibe it employs....but plan to focus on LOVE as a common theme for everyday....not just Feb 14th... ya hear me folks?

Source: justbesplendid.tumblr.com via Emma on Pinterest

International Game Day

It's been quite a few years since I've ventured to Jungle Jim's International Market. For those of you not hip to Jungle Jim's it's a Foodie's paradise. Think of Las Vegas style International grocery store...animatronic Elvis animals paired with sushi gumi bears. Not your typical day at Krogers. 

We usually get our International goods at Findlay but since the man-man mentioned he has never been I immediately took it upon myself to play tour guide for the afternoon. It probably wasn't the best idea to go there on “Game day" aka Super bowl Sunday...the place was literally a jungle of football fanatics scrambling to purchase something savory with only two hours to spare before kickoff. We on the other hand we had something else in mind...I still can't believe we couldn't find the bi bim bap sauce! Oh well...next time.... 

 Yay for Taco plates!

Sake, yes please...

 Rickshaw ride anyone? D wasn't impressed ;) 

Free Run

I recently purchased a pair of new running shoes, Nike's " Free Run". I've always been a little skeptical about Nike products but I thought I'd give them a shot.  I didn't get the opportunity to test them out until last night at the gym. Bloody Fantastic! I am thoroughly impressed with the barefoot design and the flexibility it provides. You really do feel as if you are running solo style. They are very light weight which is a plus for me. My last pair of Asics felt overall too bulky and slowed me down. I definitely recommend these for anyone that has felt disappoint recently with their jogging/running performance. You won't be disappointed. Btw- the purple and grey combo was too hot to let get away...