November 27, 2012

Gift Guide: The Animal Lover

I'm sure everyone is smack-dab in the middle of their Holiday shopping!  I know I am.  I'm currently in the middle of reading this amazing non-fiction book about the history of the Ostrich, and it is fascinating!  This book gave me the idea of pulling together a few great gift ideas for the animal lover in your life.

 http://www.strandbooks.com/resources/strand/images/products/partitioned/5/7/6/0312245408.1.zoom.jpg

First, I'll start with the book I'm reading - Dreambirds by Rob Nixon.  This book was really popular back in the late nineties/early 2000s.  You can tell by how many cheap used copies you can find on Amazon : ). Dreambirds chronicles the effect ostriches have had on fashion and culture throughout the centuries, along with stories of the "Plume Boom" and "Feather Mansions" in South Africa. Nixon also uses the history of ostriches to share some of his autobiography about growing up with an immigrant family in South Africa. This really is one of the best books I've read in quite a while!


Also, I am loving these photographs from The Animal Print Shop!  I'm usually adoring the baby animal prints for the nursery of the kid we will probably have some day, but this buffalo print just blows me away.  I think it would look so stunning above a bed or couch.  Also, they have a nice little Holiday Sale going on!

http://delightmakers.com/admin/wp-content/uploads/ELEPHANT-WHISPERER-US-1-269x400.jpg

And next on the reading list, which I also think would make a great gift, is a book called The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild by Lawrence Anthony.  Lawrence Anthony rescued and rehabilitated elephants on his wildlife preserve in South Africa.  He and the animals were so in tune.  When he passed away this year, multiple herds of elephants could sense the loss and they traveled miles across the preserve to Anthony's home where they remained for days to mourn. Aren't animals amazing?

http://yellowbarnmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/heifer.gif

Another great gift would be a donation to Heifer International.  Buying a goat or heifer for a family in need helps a family be more self-reliant by providing food and milk for years. I wholeheartedly agree this company's view on sustainability and charity.  I'm sure any animal lover would appreciate this gift of giving!


November 21, 2012

Thankful for Love.

In honor of Thanksgiving (and everyday, really), I'd like to say how all thanks and joy boils down to love.  Simply, LOVE. This interview of a Brooklyn couple, which was later turned into an adorable video by Story Corps, is incredibly touching. 

It reminds me that all anyone ever wants is to love and be loved.  So, I hope this inspires you to spread the love this holiday season, and always.  But get ready... it's a tearjerker.


Danny & Annie
from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

November 19, 2012

Music Mondays | Sufjan Stevens + Christmas!



Ok, y'all... I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet.  But Sufjan Stevens recently came out with a new Christmas album called Silver & Gold, and it's full of classics!  But with a Sufjan twist, of course.

Here's a little sample:


November 15, 2012

Disney + Barney's New York

Disney and Barney's New York collaborated to create this ADORABLE video called Electric Holiday!  The intersection between fashion and cartoons makes me so very happy.  Hope you enjoy the cuteness as much as I did :).


November 09, 2012

November 08, 2012

Instagram on the Interwebs!



Ever want to peruse Instagram on your work computer?  Or download a photo from your Instagram account without having to email it to yourself?

Well, today is your lucky day!  Instagram profiles are live on the web right now.  Mine is basically a bunch of photos of food and my dog....naturally ; ).


October 22, 2012

Music Mondays | Local Natives New Album!


One of my fave bands from 2010 - Local Natives - is finally returning with a new album!  And the new single that's getting released tomorrow is so chill and ethereal, just like I like it.  Listen to the single "Breakers" streaming below.

And mark your calendars for the release of their new full length album Hummingbird on January 29th, 2013.  Can you believe 2013 is so close that people are already announcing release dates for it??


October 19, 2012

Happy Friday from Edward Monkton!

For as long as I can remember, I have loved greeting cards.  Any paper products, really!  When I was in London several years ago, I discovered Edward Monkton. His drawings and cards are so witty, yet simple. They make me happy.  So, what better thing to share on a Friday?!  Hope everyone has a great weekend!






October 16, 2012

Uncovet Sale Starts Today!

A few of the products from my Etsy shop are being featured over at Uncovet this week!  They are also 20% off, so get 'em before they sell out :). The sale lasts through Friday.

I took these new fancy pictures of my antler designs for the sale.  I feel like these photos showcase the many great ways these antlers can accent your home.

Hope you are all having a great week!  Mine is definitely on the crazy busy, but fun, side!

















October 11, 2012

New Gary Clark Jr. Album!



I can't contain my excitement about the new Gary Clark Jr. album Blak and Blu.  It's scheduled for release on October 22nd, so keep an eye out!

Here's the track listing:

01. Ain’t Messin ‘Round
02. When My Train Pulls In
03. Blak and Blu
04. Bright Lights
05. Travis County
06. The Life
07. Glitter Ain’t Gold (Jumpin’ For Nothin’)
08. Numb
09. Please Come Home
10. Things Are Changin’
11. Third Stone From The Sun / If You Love Me Like You Say
12. You Saved Me
13. Next Door Neighbor Blues

Here's the video of my favorite song off his most recent Bright Lights EP:

September 28, 2012

Light Stuffed Poblanos

I've made these a few times and I think I've perfected the lightest, yet heartiest, version of Stuffed Poblano Peppers!  It's a great low-carb, gluten-free meal for those of you with those diet restrictions.

Here are the ingredients you'll need:
5-6 Poblano Peppers
1 lb of ground meat of your choice (I prefer turkey, and that's what I use below)
1 can of whole kernel corn
1 can of black beans
1 block/bag of Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 onion, chopped (use other half for Guac below!)
Spices (all optional):
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- tsp of chili powder
- tsp of garlic salt
- tsp of chipotle
- tsp of cumin
- 1/2 tsp of Ancho chili powder
- tsp of cilantro (dried or fresh, chopped)
- salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:
Sour Cream
Chunky guacamole:
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tomato, diced
- 1/2 onion, chopped

First, turn your Broiler on high to preheat. 

Next, slice Poblanos in half lengthwise and place on a greased cookie sheet with the skin-side up.  Put in the oven for 10-15 mins until the skins are nice and bubbly and a little charred. They will end up looking something like this:


While the Poblanos are roasting, start browning the turkey meat (you can also use ground beef, chicken, or chorizo).  While the turkey meat is cooking, chop 1/2 an onion and add to the meat. Once the meat has started to brown and onions get soft, go ahead and add your preferred spices.  I have listed the ones I like above.  Also, feel free to add some salt and pepper for taste. Once the meat is all cooked and all pink is gone, it should look like this:



At about the same time your meat is done, your peppers are probably done roasting!  Go ahead and pull them out of the oven.  Then, you want to change your oven settings to bake at 400 degrees. Put the peppers in a Ziploc bag (I had to use several small ones since I was out of my big gallon bags).  This will help the peppers to steam and make the skins much easier to remove!  Let these sit on the counter for about 10 mins, until mostly cooled.







While the peppers are cooling, go ahead and rinse the corn and black beans and add to the turkey:



Mix that around and your filling is pretty much ready!  In the meantime, you can make some chunky guacamole for a topping. Just combine the avocado, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro!  Feel free to add a little salt, pepper, and lime juice for extra flavor.






Once your peppers are mostly cool, pull out of the bags and peel off the skin.  Then, line au gratin pans like below.  You can also put into a small casserole dish if you don't have any small baking dishes like this.  It's much easier than trying to actually stuff the peppers, close with a toothpick, etc.


Then fill with the turkey mixture and top with cheese!





Pop in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is all melted and little golden on top:






Then, top with sour cream and guacamole!  Enjoy!!


This has quickly become one of my favorite meals - it's actually really light, but very satisfying at the same time!

September 05, 2012

Currently Listening to... Ha Ha Tonka

So, Garrett and I are headed on a road trip to Austin soon.  I'm currently listening to Ha Ha Tonka, and I think this will make the perfect traveling music.  Check out 'Usual Suspects' from their album Death of Decade below...


I'm also excited to see these guys play at The Record Bar in November here in lovely KCMO! Who's coming with me?

August 30, 2012

Grain Eyewear





Grain Eyewear makes handmade sunglasses from wood in their Philadelphia workshop.  And I have to admit, these are some of the dopest shades I've seen in a while!  I want The Lola (pictured above) for myself - love that honey wood color (I'm guessing that's the Cuban Mahogany). 

Here are the rest of the current designs that are equally as cool.  I can't wait to see what other eyewear and accessories they come up with!

 



August 29, 2012

What a Wonderful World

My mom sends me lots of random forwards, usually with cute pictures of puppies.  This video of a BBC commercial made me smile this morning, so I thought I'd share. Definitely puts me in awe of nature and this amazing world we live in.


August 20, 2012

Music Mondays | Butch Walker and The Black Widows

I know nothing about this band, but the video for their song "Synthesizers" is awesome - it includes Matthew McConaughey in his famous Dazed & Confused attire. There's also a faux-Snookie and wannabe-LMFAO. Needless to say, this music video made my morning. Hope it cures your case of the Mondays!

August 17, 2012

Chevronapalooza!

I can't get enough of Chevron right now!  And it's been a thing for a while now, so I figured it was time for a product round up.  It's a great way to spice up your home and personal style. Several of these items I have purchased, so I can vouch for them personally :).

Just got these chevron rings from ASOS. Great to mix & match! $17
These mixed metal chevron rings are new from ASOS.  Also $17!

Slanted Zig Zag dress from Tobi.  Love this site! Great sales! $51

Chevron rug from Urban Outfitters, $44 - $199

Chevron necklace from Scarlett Garnet.  I had the chain lengthened, and I wear this piece all the time! $68


Chevron iPhone case from Crafic, $19.99

Neutral chevron pillow from Nestables, $20

August 16, 2012

Featured on Planned Spontaneity!

Big THANKS to Tara at Planned Spontaneity for featuring my store in her round up of Kansas City Etsy talent!

There are some other great shops included, and I'm so honored to be among such great company!  Check the post out here.

August 06, 2012

Music Mondays | The Milk Carton Kids



I decided to check out The Milk Carton Kids when I noticed them as the opener for Old Crow Medicine Show and The Lumineers at Summer Stage in Central Park.  I found their 2011 album entitled Prologue and have thoroughly enjoyed it!  The Milk Carton Kids include members Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, and their harmonies are so soothing and heart-warming.


Here's a Tiny Desk Concert the guys did for NPR recently...


July 30, 2012

Grand Opening!

Last night, I opened my first Etsy shop - White Buffalo Trading Co.!  Here's the story behind the name.



Currently, the shop is filled with naturally shed antlers that I've painted in an 'ombre' style.  I'm hoping to get some vintage goodies in here soon, as well!  Here's a preview of what is currently up for sale - I will be adding new styles regularly.  Please let me know if you are interested in special ordering a specific color combo!

July 27, 2012

I believe I can fly.

While this song title is near and dear to my heart, this movie trailer is giving it a run for its money!   

I Believe I Can Fly (Flight of the Frenchies) is an upcoming documentary showcasing a new fad that combines tight rope walking and base jumping!  This trailer is insane, y'all...absolutely awesome and terrifying at the same time.  I was definitely short of breath by the end of it.

Happy Friday!  Hope this gives you an adventurous attitude for the weekend ahead :).


I Believe I can Fly ( flight of the frenchies). Trailer from sebastien montaz-rosset on Vimeo.




July 18, 2012

Linsanity leaves NYC.

I don't comment on sports much here, but this is just too good.

July 17, 2012

Coming Soon | White Buffalo Trading Co.


I've decided to begin a little side project and open up an Etsy store! The store will be called White Buffalo Trading Co., and I will be selling ombre antlers hand-painted by yours truly.  I chose the name White Buffalo because the antlers come from the Gunnison Valley, where my family has vacationed for years.  In this valley, there used to be a White Buffalo that roamed a local ranch.  I used to look for this buffalo on every drive between Crested Butte and Gunnison. So, it seemed only fitting to make a little tribute to this iconic figure of my youth.

Hope you enjoy the teasers you see above!  I'm hoping to have the store open by the beginning of next week.  And trust me, y'all will be the first to know!  Feel free to comment if there are any special colors you would like to see.


July 12, 2012

Wedding Hair Round-up

Wedding season is in full effect!  And whether you are a bride or a bridesmaid, you need to have some seriously great hair.  I used to have a go-to blog bookmarked, but now it's gone!  So, I figured that was a sign to do my own collection of inspiration...

First, classy up-dos for those windy outdoor weddings!








And then, some romantic long looks.