Happy Weekend!

Ahhh the weekend has arrived. I know I did not post too much this week but I had a new exhibit opening and have been pretty busy with it. I will try to post pics next week if anyone is interested.

Next week there will be some more fun craft links and projects to share. Until then have a great one everybody!

Thought I would leave you with (once again) some randomness for the weekend.

The Many Uses of Vodka
Fold your shirt in 2 seconds
Fun with Jello shots
Sorry - You lost sound effects

Image above courtesy of Edward Gorey. It is one of my favorites and hangs by my desk at work.

A recipe for you

I recently found out that an old friend of mine has become a chef!

Andrea and I went to college together in NYC - we both studied communications and went into fields much different than our degrees. I went into the museum business and she gets to cook yummy food all day. Lucky!

Andrea launched The Good Knife in 2007 after years in the advertising world. A catering and private chef business based in NYC with a focus on whole, real, organic cuisine. Just looking at some of the dishes on her website made me drool. When I asked her to put together an inexpensive and healthy recipe for the blog, she sent over this one for "Empty Your Fridge Stir Fry". It uses veggies that you may already have in your fridge and if you don't you can easily pick them up at your local market. Good stuff!

Empty Your Fridge Stir Fry
2 cloves garlic sliced
6 cups of veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms, green beans, eggplant, onions
2 tablespoons canola oil
¼ cup rice cooking wine (optional)
1 tablespoons brown rice vinegar (can sub apple cider or white wine vinegar)
2 tablespoons shoyu or soy sauce
1 tablespoon hot or toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

(optional, if using toast in skillet over medium heat before starting recipe)

Prepare veggies by chopping into bite‐sized pieces (make sure all are prepped in advance of starting recipe). Heat canola oil in sauté pan over high heat. When pan is hot (not smoking) sauté garlic for about one minute and then add onion for another
minute if using.

Add one group of vegetables at a time staring with those with longer cooking time –such as broccoli & cauliflower. Cook each group about 3 minutes before adding next to pan finishing with mushrooms and leaving greens such as cabbage/kale/collards for last. Once all vegetables are in the pan add cooking wine if using and allow to reduce –about 5 minutes. Add shoyu or soy sauce and vinegar and cook 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve alone or alongside short grain brown rice.

Oscar '09

Penelope Cruise, Jessica Biel, Evan Rachel Wood

Let me just say I watched the whole show. The entire thing from start to finish. I was super cranky today because of it. Sorry co-workers but you know I do this once a year.

What was with all the white / off white dresses? Along with the ladies above, white dresses were seen on Jennifer Aniston, Taraji P Henson (my favorite of the whites) and Anne Hathaway. I wish I had been invited just so I could have gotten more use out of my wedding dress.

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

My favorite was Natalie Portman. The color was beautiful - a nice break for the traditional red, black and, oh yeah - white. She looked elegant and young at the same time. As the pros would say, "It was age appropriate." Oy Beyonce! This was the worst. It looked like my grandmothers carpet walked onto another carpet and put a ring on it. Not flattering at all. May go down as one of the worst of all time.

Beyonce in House of Dereon

Hugh Jackman did a good job - perhaps it would have been better if hosted shirtless - just my opinion. The format of five previous winners grew on me throughout the night. The first time they did it I thought "Oh, crap - this is going to be along show", but as the messages got more heartfelt it seemed to work.

My favorite part of the show was the Seth Rogan and James Franco skit based on Pineapple Express - I thought it was hysterical that they were laughing at all the dramas. The second funniest was Tina Fey and Steve Martin handing out an award. I nominate them to host next year - shirts on.

What did you guys think? Does anyone know why most of the montages were set to Coldplay? Did the academy get a discount through Gwenyth? Who looked better -Jen or Angelina (I say Angie)? Is Adrien Brody always that greasy? And why oh why does Beyonce have to be in everything? Is she shows up at my cookout this summer I am going to be really annoyed. Hugh Jackman is always welcome....sans shirt.

Rocking chair for the little one

When my daughter was born my mother-in-law handed down my husbands old rocking chair. I love finding new ways to use old pieces of furniture - especially ones that are passed down through the family. It had been pretty beat up over the years but had a good base to work with.

Joe c. 1975 with his rocking chair

Lillyana examining the details

I am lucky to live near one of the few Walmart stores that still sells fabric. I found this adorable bumble bee print - my daughter's room colors are green, yellow, black and white and there are little bees on the walls - so it worked perfectly.

Lillyana enjoying her "new" chair

It took me about 2 days to finish with a staple gun, fiberfill, and many hours on my sewing machine. I made the buttons from some left over black and white polka dot fabric I had and the ribbon was left over from our wedding. The total cost of the chair redo was only $15. I also had enough fabric left over to make some pillows for her bedroom! Most importantly she loves it and will sit there for hours and read her books.

And the Oscar goes to...

Me at the Oscars c. 1987

The Oscars are on Sunday. I already have my duck dress ready. Now - I used to look forward to the Oscars but for the past few years I have just been like , "ehh." I don't really care. I think it stems from when Shakespeare in Love beat out Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture - I never really got over it. It was my hatred for Gwenyth Paltrow that pushed it over the edge. I mean really - Best Actress over Cate Blanchett - I don't think so.

Anyway I have not seen any of this years nominated films - I am totally slacking. I really only watch at this point to A) see what everyone is wearing, B) see what hilarity Will Ferrell will contribute and C) understand what everyone will be discussing on Monday.

Jessica over at How About Orange is hosting an Oscar party and made up a hysterical card for Oscar Bingo. I may print one out just see how many squares I can actually fill in.

So, do you have any bets on who will take it all on Oscar night? Will Slumdog Millionaire sweep it? Will Mikey Rourke bring his dogs? Will Brad Pitt announce his love for me in is acceptance speech? Will Jen and Angelina go at it on the red carpet? Will Hugh Jackman bring it as host?

We'll be back to discuss on Monday! Be sure to post your favorite moments and who you thought was the best and worst dressed here!

I'm feeling artsy

So - don't feel like doing any work today huh? In an artsy mood? Just not motivated to get the job done? Sick of working for "the man"? Well I'm not! But If I were I would be playing on these sites. I'm just saying.

Build a Picasso
Express Yourself
Be Pollock

McQueen for Target

Target is continuing their partnership with the fashion world with the launch of a new line by bad boy Alexander McQueen. The line hits stores in March and was inspired by Leila Moss, the lead singer to the Duke Spirit, and her band mates. Lots of studs, skinny jeans and rock-n-roll attitude.

The official title of the line is McQ Alexander McQueen and you can plan on picking up a black trench for $79.99 and a swimsuit for $39.99. High fashion at Target prices. Love it! This one is going to sell out fast! I already have my eye on the high-waist Gore skirt in black.

To take a look at the collection click here.

Image courtesy of Target

Want it!

I am definitely better at baking than cooking - it is a proven fact. So I was super psyched when I found these 2 baking items online.

Found this adorable cookie cutter online. It is sold by Cox & Cox which is based in England. I think it is so fun - really encourages you to play with your food.

This is my other must have baking item. I bake brownies pretty much every week and they would be so cute if they came out like little chocolate bars. I love it! This is available at Williams and Sonoma.

Are there any cooking items you are dying to get - Pots? Pans? Mixers? Or is there a gadget or utensil you have that you cannot imagine living without? Share in the comment section.

Image courtesy of Cox & Cox

Free + Art = Awesome!

I love FREE and I love ART so I am loving this.

Image courtesy of IndieFixx

If your not going to finish eating that I'll plant it...

My love of the local library continues! I just got this book of my request list. I read about this book in Better Homes and Gardens when I was waiting at my doctors office. Yes -I'm the person who rips pages out of the office magazines - go ahead call the cops!

Anyway, I can't grow plants to save my life. My mother is a garden fanatic when I was younger yard work was a weekend activity. I did not do it then so I took responsibility for making lunch and checking that everyone was properly hydrated. So - now I have a yard of my own and I have been thinking what to plant in it. I have to tell you - I don't like spending too much money on plants because, well, I usually wind up killing them. That's why I thought I would give this book a try.

This book teaches you how to use kitchen scraps and seeds to plant your own garden. Last year when mom came to visit she put together a beautiful pot of potato vines and other plants for our front porch. It was very pretty and vines are one of my favorite plants. This book says that I can take a sweet potato, start it in some water, and get some vines from it. Low and behold would you believe I have sweet potatoes at my house! What are the chances....

My only question is if I kill the vine is it a double murder because I killed the potato too?

I will keep you posted.

Image courtesy of Amazon

Orla Kiely for Target

This week Target launches a limited-edition home collection with graphic designer Orla Kiely. The London-based designer, who is also a professor at the Royal College of Art, is known for bright colors and graphic patterns.

The color palette includes bright greens, clear light blues, chocolate browns and reds. Items featured in the collection: plates, cups, tablecloths, closet organizers, a laundry bag, kitchen canisters, serving trays and pitchers. Prices range from $2.49 to $21.99.

How I wish that apron was a dress! It would be adorable for the summer. I can already picture these cups and dishes at a backyard BBQ - fun stuff! Get it while you can - it is sure to go fast!

Orla Kiely Website

Orla Kiely for Target

Images courtesy of Target

Spring!

I know I said today would be a day off but I am too excited - spring is in the air! Can you feel it? We have birds visiting us on a regular basis on our new feeder and there is a little patch of grass showing in our yard. Grass! Green! Spring!

Okay - there is still 300 feet of snow covering the rest of the lawn not to mention the trees and sticks from the ice storm of two months ago - but I really am excited for spring.

I just got this book out of the local library. I had reserved it 2 months ago and it finally came in. Anna Maria's fabrics are beautiful and they sure do increase the feeling of spring for me. I love the big, bold prints and her use of color is amazing. I saw her on Martha a few months ago doing a canvas / fabric project that seems super easy. I am hoping to do something for the little one's room with it.

Anna Maria also has a blog. She offers free patterns and gives previews of her fabric line as well. Worth checking out! You can even buy her fabric through the site!

BTW - just heard we might be getting snow on Wednesday and Thursday. Blerg.

Images courtesy on Anna Maria Horner

Three day weekend!

Well after a busy week here at MaxxSilly we are closing up shop for the long weekend. If anything really exciting comes up you will see us on Monday. If not we will be sitting back with our feet up thanking George and Abe for the day off and all the sales we plan on hitting.

Be sure to leave a comment in the previous post if you go check out "Confessions of a Shopaholic" this weekend. Of course don't forget you are always welcome to comment and share your ideas with us.

Next week we will talk fashion and home decor with a previews of Alexander McQueen and Orla Kiely's new lines for Tarjay! Exciting stuff!

Until then check this out.

Have a great Valentine's Day everyone!

My life on film...

I have been waiting for Confessions of a Shopaholic to come out as a movie ever since I read the first two books almost 3 years ago. I feel such a kinship with Rebecca Bloomwood - my soon to be husband saw me reading the book and asked if it was my autobiography.

The movie opens this weekend and if you can drag your significant other to see it than props to you. I think I am more excited to see the clothes that are featured in the movie more than anything else. It was styled by Patricia Field who styled Sex and the City - the television series and the movie. If you visit the film's official site you can preview some of Rebecca's looks and buy similar items via Bluefly.com

Image courtesy of Touchstone Pictures

Mom & dad meet my new boyfriend...

I know I said earlier that we were taking a break from Valentine's Day today to celebrate Honest Abe's 200th, but that was before I came across this site. OMG - it is hysterical. So I justify this because it is A) Valentine's related, B) president related and C) it's my blog and I can do what I want.

So you know have you have lots of photos of yourself with ex-boyfriends but you can't bear to part with them because your hair looks really good in the photos (oh, umm, is that only me?). Well the folks at Scan Cafe are willing to help you out. For zero dollars you can email an image and they will replace your ex with your new significant other - Barack Obama. It's pretty cool. Any entries put on the site by February 13 are eligible for a $100 prize.

Click here to find out more and see the gallery. BTW - this is a great way to get your parents to think that you do not always date losers.

Disclaimer: If Michelle shows up at your house and beats you up for taking her man we take no responsibility.

Image courtesy of ScanCafe

Happy 200th Abe!

Whatever you are, be a good one.

-Abraham Lincoln

We are taking a break from this weeks love fest because it is Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. Lincoln is one of my favorite presidents (coming in close to Millard Fillmore - first president with indoor plumbing). So I did some research and found some interesting facts about our 16th president. Just an FYI - it is also my sister's birthday but when I googled her name it was stuff that could get people arrested, so I thought it was best to stick with Abe.

Abraham Lincoln shares a birthday with Charles Darwin.

Lincoln was the first president to have a beard while in office.

Abe Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died when the family dairy cow ate poisonous mushrooms and she drank the milk.

A plot was developed to steal Lincoln's body, so a secret society to guard his tomb was formed.

Lincoln was the tallest president. He was 6 feet and four inches tall.

Lincoln had a cat named "Bob," a turkey named "Jack," and a dog named "Jib."

He was the first president to be photographed at his inauguration. John Wilkes Booth (his assassin) can be seen standing close to Lincoln in the picture.

Lincoln's favorite sport was wrestling.

Abraham Lincoln grew his beard out of the suggestion of an 11 year old girl.

Abe Lincoln is the U.S. president most frequently portrayed in films.

Lincoln and his wife held seances in the White House. They had great interest in psychic phenomena.

Lincoln loved the works of Edgar Allan Poe (who was born the same year).

Abraham Lincoln was the first president to be born outside of the original thirteen colonies. He was born in Kentucky.

Since this is a crafting blog we are required by crafting law to put some type of project in this post. Here is a link to making your own top hat and rocking it Lincoln style!

Part 1

Part 2

Happy Birthday Abe! You too sis - I love ya!

Valentine Crafts

The clock is ticking away people...the 14th is almost here. I'm already sick of it but I brought this on myself so you don't need to hear me complain.

Here are some fun crafts that you may want to try as last minute gifts - although if you can crochet a hat like the one posted here in a matter of days I want to meet you....and I want a hat.

Valentine Hat from The Hook and I
Heart Shaped Paper Clips from How About Orange
Fabric Window Cards from The Purl Bee
Heart Shaped Tea Bags from Martha
Candy Boxes from Inchmark

Photo courtesy of How About Orange

Surprise

Jordan over at Oh Happy Day posted an adorable story on a gift she gave her husband for Valentine's day. It involves a red balloon and a big gift box. Kisses surely followed. I think it is a super sweet idea and there is no way I could ever pull it off.....

Read it here.

Free Valentine Card

So times are tough and Valentines is on the way. So in order to help out I am offering a free downloadable card for you to give to your special something something this Saturday.

Just email me at maxxsillydesigns@gmail.com. I will email you the PDF file and then you can print it and cut it out at home. The inside is blank so you can be as mushy or graphic as you want. We here at Maxx Silly take no responsibility if you get slapped in the face for what you write. We will however take credit for all of the kisses that you are sure to receive....

Yay hugs....Yay kisses...Yay FREE!!

Valentine Yum Yums

So as promised this week is all about Valentine's Day.

I know Valentine's Day is not until next Saturday but it is always important to make things ahead of time. Your going to want to test them out by eating the entire dish and then make them again for your sweetie pies. Just a suggestion!

No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bites from Nick Jr

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Hearts from Martha

Pear-Raspberry Heart Pie from Martha

Chocolate Hearts from Joy of Baking

Molten Lava Cake from Paula Deen

Indulgent Brownie Torte from Betty Crocker

and one healthy recipe

Raspberry Swirl Frozen Dessert from Taste of Home

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Shake it!

Back from Florida! We had a great time and very long trip getting back. Just a heads up for you - a two hour flight delay with a teething 18 month old does not equal a good time.

I got lots of great craft and design ideas while in the warm weather and I will be sharing them with you in the next few weeks. Next week will be the Valentine spectacular. Lots of great ideas on gifts, projects and other fun stuff for Hallmark's favorite holiday!

Until then I leave you with this cool site I read about in the airplane magazine (yes - I read it). You can create your own Etch-A-Sketch drawing via your computer! Just don't pick up your monitor and shake it!