Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thrillingly Thankful for Three-Hundred!

I'm so incredibly happy to say that I've reached over 300 Followers! I'm thrilled that over 3 people wanted to read my mumbo jumbo, let alone 300+! 

So, with that being said, Dexter and I would like to personally thank you.



If you're at work and can't watch, at least turn the volume off and watch it on mute so you can see Dexter act like a parrot on my shoulders. It's his new favorite thing to do, along with playing hairdresser. I'm the boring part of this video, by the way.

Again, thank you all! You're an inspiration and a wonderful audience!


One more thing! We're Passing Notes tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

1 Dress, 3 Different Ways (Thanks, Target!)

I brought back an old Easter tradition.  

Kids wearing matching Easter dresses. My mom used to match my sister and I all the time. You know your mother did this to you, too. As much as we hated it when we were kids, I have to admit it is kind of cute.

Sometimes we'd even color-coordinate with my brother. Like this:
Easter 1989. I was 6, my brother was 4, and sister was 2. Yes, we had a powder blue Cadillac DeVille. Be jealous. I know sis and I aren't exactly matching, but this was the cutest Easter picture I could find of the 3 of us. We're definitely color-coordinated!


So, this is where Target Tuesday comes into play.
Go visit Tara! She's adorbs and from Houston! Holla!!

I was at Target on Saturday and I noticed some new dresses in stock. Ooooooh! Dresses!! I picked one up for myself and then I thought, "Well, wouldn't this be a fun Easter present for mom and sis? We could ALL match!!!"

Now, what exactly is wrong about doing this in your twenties (and not-fifties in my mom's case)? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

Essentially, on Easter, we wore one dress 3 different ways. And it was adorable, if I don't say so myself.
Find it here, here, and here.



Here's our classy, updated version of matching Easter dresses.
Me, Mom, Sis
Mom styled hers with a periwinkle shrug cardi and nude heels. I styled mine with a chambray button-up and sandals. Sis styled hers with a brown short-sleeved cropped cardi and brown wedges (can't see them, sorry).
And just because this is funny. Yes, that is Dexter's butt hopping over my shoulder. And Greg was sucking at taking photos so the other one we just got silly.
Dexter didn't wear a dress (like that one time we shall not mention) for Easter but he deserves a spot in this post!

Which is your favorite dress? I won't be offended, I promise. I picked them all out and I'd wear all of them! You can't say Dexter - he is not a dress, although fabulously adorable.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Carrot Cake

I successfully made my first carrot cake. My first layer cake, at that. It was only appropriate for me to do so on Easter. How did I automatically became the next Betty Crocker when I got married? Pure amazingness, that's what.


Want the recipe? You know you do.

Meg O.'s Carrot Cake
adapted from AllRecipes.com


Ingredients

  • 6 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup no sugar added applesauce
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp All Spice
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine grated carrots and brown sugar. Set aside for 60 minutes. 
  2. Soak raisins in water for 60 minutes.
  3. Drain the carrots, saving 3 Tbsp of the liquid to add back in. Drain the raisins. Mix the two together and add the liquid.
  4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 10 inch cake pans.
  5. In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Gradually beat in the white sugar, oil and vanilla. Stir in the pineapple. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and spices, stir into the wet mixture until absorbed. Finally stir in the carrot mixture and the walnuts. Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until cake tests done with a toothpick. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan. When completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.
 
My Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
(forgot where I got this but it is so yummy)
2 sticks of unsalted butter, room temperature
16 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
6 cups (up to) confectioner’s sugar (add as much as you like)
2 tsp vanilla extract
- Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth (about 3 minutes)
- Mix in vanilla
- Add confectioner’s sugar 1 cup at a time, beating on medium speed after each addition, until desired sweetness.
 YUM, right?


My sister approves.

 
Oh, we also made our famous Truffle Mac & Cheese. Amazing, as always.
Did you make a successful dish for Easter?

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Christ is Risen!

I know we've all been sharing this blessed day with our families and loved ones, but I just wanted to take a moment and share with you an Eastern Orthodox Christian hymn that is sung around Easter.

This version is in Byzantine chant, which I find so mysterious and poignant. It really reminds me of the great mystery and miracle of Christ's death and resurrection. I really like the Byzantine icon in this video, too.

Enjoy!




Christ is risen from the dead
trampling down death by death!
And upon those in the tombs
bestowing life!


Hope you all have had a wonderful day! I know I'm stuffed to the brim with Easter goodies and I'll probably won't eat again until Wednesday! 
...Kidding.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Passing Notes 4/22

It's Friday! You know what that means -- we're Passing Notes! 

Hand write a post, a list, a doodle, a sketch, or anything else of the like and link up at the bottom of this post! It's all the rage (and fun, too, I might add)! Grab a linkie button for your post, if you please!
Passing Notes at O. is Me!



Did you hand write a post today? Link up with me!




Be sure to visit everyone's notes! I'm so happy that this linkup is growing!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Calling All Houston Area Bloggers!

You need to go to this blog, stat, and join our fun little club!
All the cool ladies who roll from H-town are doing it!


And in the spirit of Houston rap, this is the way we ball...



Or you could call 281-330-8004.



Houston rap is beast.  Let us also not forget about Paul Wall and Slim Thug.


Hope y'all are having a great week! I'm off tomorrow! Yippee!

p.s. Don't forget, we're Passing Notes tomorrow!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Peony Blush = Yes Please

I recently purchased Bobbi Brown blush in Peony and haven't looked back to my Nars Orgasm. It's that good. Those that are devoted Orgasm wearers are unwavering, let me tell you (I wonder if it's because of the name? hehe). Peony is just as good, if not better. Besides, peonies are my favorite flowers! I think I have a new favorite blush.

It's this shocking hot pink. So shocking that kind of worried me when I looked at it.

But it is oh-so-beautiful on.

It's a nice cool tone that really complements any skin color. No shimmer whatsoever, which I think is nice and gives the cheeks a nice flushed look without the "Edward Cullen effect." I use a little bronzer for contouring and then add it to the apples of my cheeks like so:

Two weekends ago on the way to a gala, paired with a navy smoky eye and nude lip
Yesterday, after a full day of work (hence the tired eyes) paired with every day work makeup

Bottom line: 
Step out of your comfort zone and get this shockingly bright pink. You'd be surprised at how much you'll like it! The only downside is the price. I wish Bobbi Brown was more affordable! This brand is becoming an expensive habit!

And just because I can't get enough of PaulaDeenRidingThings.com (as evidenced by this post), I dub this blush Paula approved.



Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scampi with Orzo

Lookie what my hubby made for me last night!



I am so proud of him. He is becoming quite the domesticated diva.

It was so yummy and somewhat healthy (sans the butter, of course)! The best part? We got the shrimp from a local seafood market in Kemah - Rose's. These babies were probably swimming around in the gulf 48 hours ago. The local seafood restaurants even purchase their seafood from Rose's! It's nice living on the gulf for reasons like these!! If you have a seafood market near you, you must check it out!

Here's a view of our shrimp in Rose's.

Anyway, back to the scrumptious recipe. You ought to give it a try! I can't guarantee your shrimp will be as amazing as mine, but who can resist lemon-y, garlic-y goodness?

Mr. O.'s Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:
- I cup uncooked orzo
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 Tbsp for orzo, 2 Tbsp for garnishing
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 7 teaspoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- cracked black pepper (garnishing)

Directions:
1. Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Stir in parsley and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and keep warm.
2. While orzo cooks, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle shrimp with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add half of shrimp to pan; saute 2 minutes or until almost done. Transfer shrimp to a plate. Melt 1 teaspoon butter in pan. Add remaining shrimp to pan; saute 2 minutes or until almost done. Transfer to plate.
3. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in pan. Add garlic to pan; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Stir in shrimp, lemon juice, and pepper; cook 2 minute or until shrimp are done.
4. Remove pan from heat. Add orzo to pan, stir, and serve.

Notes:
- I'm thinking a splash of white wine when you add the lemon juice would be awesome, we just didn't have a bottle open.
- I was in charge of cooking the orzo (only thing I did). After cooking the orzo, I seasoned it with some garlic powder, a splash of lemon juice and a little cracked black pepper. You can never have too much garlic.
- You can substitute butter for a healther option like Smart Balance (my favorite butter substitute).
- Pairing this with a green veggie like broccoli or asparagus (and a glass of white wine for antioxidants) would make this a perfectly balanced meal!


Hope you try and enjoy! Greg was even sweet to make enough for leftovers for my lunch today! He even packed it for me. Hearts.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Mexican Food + Classical Music

My lovely in-laws are in town this weekend!

Mom, FIL, MIL, Sis, Greg, Me


We went to Chuy's last night. I now have Chuy's  remorse. Soooooo goooooood.

They're all going to my concert tonight. 
I'm singing in the Brahms' German Requiem
The director of the Houston Symphony Chorus hand-picked 40 singers to do this small ensemble work. I'm happy he selected me.

You might recognize this (it's the 4th movement):






A few shots from rehearsal:
My view from the spot where I sing

I know hearts aren't proper music markings, but it's my favorite phrase in the whole piece.

Excited about the concert tonight!
What are your Sunday plans?

Friday, April 15, 2011

Passing Notes 4/15

Hand write a post, a list, a doodle, a sketch, or anything else of the like and link up at the bottom of this post! It's all the rage (and fun, too, I might add)! Grab a linkie button for your post, if you please!
Passing Notes at O. is Me!



Did you hand write a post today? Link up with me!






Be sure to visit everyone's notes! We always have some adorable ones link up!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Paula Deen Riding (My) Things

My BFF, Katie, stumbled upon this, and posted it on my Facebook wall. She knows me too well-- that I appreciate intelligent humor. (ha)

Whomever came up with PaulaDeenRidingThings.com is a genius. It's brilliant. Why didn't I think of this???

Basically, it is what the title implies. Pictures of Paula Deen - riding things. Let's take a look at some of my favorites.





Yes, this website provides endless entertainment! The best part? You can create your own Paula-riding photo!

So, Paula Deen somehow ended up in a few of my photos...

It's a Paula-in-the-Sprinkles-Box!
Paula makes me really feel like a blushing bride
Birds of a feather stick together!
I never knew Dexter gave piggy back rides.
Am I the only person who thinks this is hilarious? Please tell me I'm not alone.

p.s. We're Passing Notes tomorrow! Get your hand-written posts ready to link up!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

O. So Amazing Tiramisu

This past weekend, I took Greg out for his birthday. We went to Trevisio, a gorgeous upscale modern Italian restaurant in the Medical Center. For dessert, they brought him out a tiramisu to celebrate his birthday. Greg said, "So, what exactly is in tiramisu?" I responded with.... "Lady fingers, mascarpone cheese, sugar, rum, espresso, and cocoa." I know all sorts of random information about food, so it was natural for me to respond this way. We came to the conclusion we could definitely make this.

So we did. And it turned out just as good, if not better, than any tiramisu we've ever had. Not to mention, this masterpiece was created in one try!

Here's the recipe!

O. So Amazing Tiramisu
via AllRecipes.com with our amazing modifications


Ingredients

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pound mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature
  •  5 tablespoons rum (we used 3 Tbsp coffee flavored and 2 Tbsp almond flavored)
  • 2 (3 ounce) packages ladyfinger cookies
  • unsweetened cocoa powder (to sprinkle over for garnishing)
  • Bar of dark chocolate (to shave over for garnishing)

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until well blended. Whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Boil gently for 1 minute, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Cover tightly and chill in refrigerator 1 hour.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form. Whisk mascarpone into yolk mixture until smooth.
  3. In a small bowl, combine coffee and rum. Split ladyfingers in half lengthwise and drizzle with coffee mixture.
  4. Arrange half of soaked ladyfingers in bottom of a 7x11 inch dish. Spread half of mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers, then half of whipped cream over that. Repeat layers.
  5. Cover and let set in the refrigerator, for about 24 hours.
  6. Prior to serving, shave chocolate and sprinkle cocoa over the top per piece (this prevents the cocoa and chocolate from becoming soggy in the fridge).
Some notes:
- Can't find mascarpone cheese? Use regular cream cheese.
- We found the lady fingers at World Market.
- If you can't find lady fingers, some say pound cake or angel food cake works well. Google it.
- Our "rum" was actually flavored tequila-liqueur that we got on our honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta. Sounds weird, but it is amazing. Coffee flavored and almond flavored, to boot.
- I actually think we could get away with one more tablespoon of rum/liqueur/tequila. You can never have too much liquor.

How about some photos of our tiramisu adventure?

I love my Kitchen Aid pink hand mixer. I want the stand mixer, though!
Our "tequila" from Puerto Vallarta. Shots must be consumed while preparing this.
Dexter likes lady fingers. And mascarpone cheese. And whipped cream. So, basically, tiramisu is his favorite dessert. I have never in my life seen a cat beg for cookies, but this creature did. We won't mention the time he got into my Sprinkles cupcake...

You guys have to try this recipe. You will not regret it!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Gel Eyeliner Tutorial + Giveaway Winner!

First things first - let's see who won the MAC Fluidline Giveaway!

Congratulations to...

Jen!
from Freckle on the Nose of Life's Complexion
(hope you don't mind I steal your cute face for my blog post)

E-mail me at oismeblog {at} gmail {dot} com so I can get this to you!
YAY!!

I wish I could send one to all of you, but... my "secret anonymous donor" would be out a lot of cash. My secret anonymous donor is freaking amazing and thoughtful nonetheless. I've got a few more beauty-related giveaways up my sleeve, so be on the look out!

Now that we're on the subject of gel eyeliner, how about a little video tutorial?
I'm going to give a little shout out to Heather for this fabulous idea!

I've had a few people ask how I apply my eyeliner and some of you have had reservations on using it. Hopefully this will give you more confidence and get you pumped to use it! Just a few notes before you watch - you don't need MAC brushes to do this. In fact, I love EcoTools, and they can be found at any drug store. I recommend getting a few different small brushes and a smudge brush/ q-tips (for smoky eye looks). Enjoy! You know you wanna watch 10 minutes of gel eyeliner amazingness. And just so you know, I am very thorough. That's why it's 10 minutes.



Makeup I'm wearing:
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW20
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light-Medium
Smashbox Soft Lights Fusion in Dusk (bronzer)
Bobbi Brown Peony Blush also seen here
Naked Palette colors on eyelids also seen here
MAC Haute & Naughty Mascara
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack (obviously)

Hope this gave you a little more knowledge for your makeup arsenal!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

EVOO: My Preferred Makeup Remover

With so many different makeup removers to choose from, things can get a little frustrating at the drugstore and the makeup counter. We ask ourselves, "Will it break me out?" "Will it really remove that stubborn waterproof mascara?" The list goes on and on.


 I used to swear by Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads, and it really is a great product. They are fantastic at removing eye makeup with ease. I, however, found myself wanting to remove more than just my eye makeup. Also, I went through these babies so quickly, as I was using them to remove more than just my eye makeup.

I tried bottles of eye makeup remover with cotton pads, and that worked... eh, alright, but nothing special. I couldn't justify spending money on some weird substance that supposedly was "oil free" to put on my face to remove my makeup.

Long story short (how I researched this is boring), I simplified things a bit. 

 I use plain ol' EVOO as a makeup remover.


I know you all have Extra Virgin Olive Oil in your kitchen. I mean, who doesn't? I use it all the time in my cooking. But this little versatile oil is a lot more versatile than you think.

It pretty much is the best makeup remover ever.

I take the big ol' bottle from my pantry and pour some into a little travel bottle (can be found near the travel-sized toiletries in the grocery/drug store). I leave it in my bathroom at all times!

To remove my makeup, I pour a quarter-sized amount into my palm and rub it over my entire face, including my eyes (gently). I do this for up to 30 seconds. I follow up with some warm water, and then I cleanse with my regular cleanser (I use Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Clarifying Gel Cleanser) with my Clarisonic.


You're probably thinking, "but doesn't oil break you out?"

Well, yeah, it probably will if you just slob it all over your face and leave it there. All I know is that I do have acne-prone skin and this has never broken me out. Be your own detective and know what works and what doesn't work for your skin. Since this oil is on my skin for maybe a minute tops, I wouldn't expect it to break me out. EVOO has actually helped my skin stay clear! No traces of makeup on my face at night = no clogged pores!

So, give this a try and let me know what you think about it! Sometimes turning to natural ingredients and our own pantries can actually provide something better than any cosmetic company can produce!

Look ma, no clogged pores!
And let me tell you, that gorgeous (hello, pink blush!) makeup comes of with ease before bed!



Today's the last day to enter my giveaway! It ends at 9 p.m. CST!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Passing Notes 4/8

Hand write a post, a list, a doodle, a sketch, or anything else of the like and link up at the bottom of this post! It's all the rage (and fun, too, I might add)! Grab a linkie button for your post, if you please! 
Passing Notes at O. is Me!



By the way, this is Syrian Bread:
(not to be confused with pita bread)
It puffs up like little balloons when you bake!

Also, here's the typed version of the Syrian Bread Recipe, in case you want to copy-paste it and print. 

O. Family Syrian Bread
- 1 cake yeast
- Approx. 3 cups of water
- Approx. 4 cups of flour
- 1/4 cup salad oil
- 1 tsp. salt
Dissolve the yeast in a large bowl using just a little water.  Add flour, oil, salt and more water to begin the mix, adding the remainder of the water as the dough is kneaded.  Knead until somooth.  Cover with warm, damp cloth and set in a warm place to allow the dough to rise.  This takes about an hour.   Once dough has risen, make into 3-4 inch balls, place on a tray and cover with a dry cloth for another 30 - 45 minutes.  Bake at 450 degrees for 10 or so minutes.

Here's another good alternative if you can't find fresh yeast.







Did you hand write a post today? Link up with me!



Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway, which ends Sunday night!


Thursday, April 7, 2011

90 down, 275 to go

I finished my third full month of my 365 Project! Yay!

I know this "show off" post is a little belated, but I had other things to attend to first, like not advancing at District One-Act Play Competition, a bloggy meetup, my hubby's birthday, and my first giveaway!

Anyway, here's my March photos!


Fun Facts about this Month:
  • 9 photos of Dexter
  • 7 photos of Me 
  • 7 photos of work-related activities
  • 4 photos of food
  • 3 photos of Greg
  • 2 photos of my new DSLR
  • 1 photo of cupcakes...  THIS IS SAD! I guess I didn't have enough time for cupcakes in March!
Basically, my priorities in life are still spot on.

March is also the month in which I purchased my first DSLR camera. I have used it quite a bit, but my iPhone still reigns supreme as the mostly-used method of 365-in'. My reflections on this month? I have been thinking more about the artistic value of my photos, instead of just photojournaling. I've been inspired to learn more about photography and editing. I still very much like Instagram, and I'm getting more use of my Photoshop CS4! I still enjoy this project very much. There definitely (still) have been days where I have almost forgotten to take my photo, but I have managed yet to completely miss a day! I rock, yo!

Here's a few close-ups of my favorite photos from this month.
Some I might have shown off on the blog already, but a little repeat won't hurt anyone!
How could you say no to Greek yogurt with a face like that???
One of my BFFs visited from New York! 3 BFFs reunited!!!
I can't believe I took this with my iPhone and edited in Instagram. Dexter looks like a painting! He's sitting in a shelf!



Dexter LOVED visiting his uncle Trot!!
This photo almost makes me seem like a legit photographer. I love everything about it!

I can't wait to get another month of photos under my belt!


Before you go, I have two reminders!
  1. Don't forget to enter my giveaway, which ends Sunday night! Everyone loves MAC Cosmetics!
  2. We're also Passing Notes tomorrow again (after a 1 week hiatus) so get your handwritten posts ready!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...